Yorkshire Golfer - June

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GOLFER Celebrating the best in club and county

MacKenzie in focus A look back at ‘the good doctor’ and some of his work

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Marcus storms to European Open title

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June 2021 ADVERTISING: Sandra Kirton 07771 885757 sandra@yorkshire-golfer.com

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IN THIS ISSUE

www.yorkshiregolfer.net

SHAW THING Fixby’s Dylan Shaw-Radford is a young man on a mission after lifting both the Yorkshire Boys Under 18 and Under 16 titles at The Bradford Golf Club p4

ALL ABOARD! England Golf will offer a £40 annual membership to non-club members allowing them to obtain a WHS handicap and receive golf insurance p5 SWINGING WILD Yorkshire Golfer publisher Danny Lockwood comes over all nostalgic and teary-eyed as he witnesses Marcus Armitage overcome his demons and take his place among the European Tour champions p6

BEHIND THE SCENE Looking at the many and various tasks undertaken by the hardworking staff and volunteers of the YUGC – the Yorkshire Union of Golf Clubs p7

MACKENZIE MAGIC Special Feature on the design guru and some of his creations 9-16 WHS WISDOM England Golf’s resident expert Gemma Hunter talks to YG about how the new handicap system is settling in p8

GOLF IS GOOD! Yes we know that, but The R&A has commissioned reports showing that numbers flocking to our clubs and courses is through the roof – and confirming what we all know. It’s good for your health! p17 ALL TO PLAY FOR There have been some new names in the winner’s circle at the 2020protour, including amateur Oliver Caton who showed the pros the way home at Crosland Heath p18 SWING MAESTRO Let our man Tony Howarth explain to you just how important the swing plane is – and how you can work on improving yours p22

Send your stories and photos to news@yorkshire-golfer.com

June 2021

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EUROPEAN OPEN Armitage stuns German field with closing 7-under blast to take maiden Tour win

The golf gods got it right...

I

t’s a wonder that Marcus Armitage couldn’t hear the roars of approval echoing from Yorkshire’s Broad Acres across northern Europe, as realisation dawned that he was finally rubbing shoulders with the continent’s champion golfers.

The man they call Bullet had finally hit the bullseye, his target The Porsche European Open in Hamburg, Germany. In fact his sniper’s aim didn’t just take out the trophy, it riddled it. The Bullet had ammo to spare.

The Howley Hall man produced the round of his life to storm through the field from lying four shots back, to actually lead by four at one stage, before settling for a 2-shot victory over fellow Englishman Matthew Southgate. In winning, Marcus bagged a place in the looming US Open at Torrey Pines.

In the moments as victory dawned he struggled to hold back the tears – and brought grown men to tears – in recalling the long, often terribly hard years his life journey had travelled. Since losing his mum as a young teenager, the road had been rocky at best with golf ultimately providing a lost young man’s salvation.

A couple of weeks before crowning his career in Germany, Marcus had been supporting his fellow county professionals in Chris

Yorkshire Golfer publisher DANNY LOCKWOOD joins the throngs moved to tears by a magical win for one of golf’s good guys...

Hanson and Adam Walker’s 2020protour event at Wheatley Golf Club. Indeed, the 33-yearold’s golfing journey had travelled far and wide, from EuroPro and Challenge tours to a main European Tour card, only to lose it and begin the quest for vindication again.

He’s been in good and improving form of late, but in his 71st tour outing he put everything together. The US Open spot was one reward, as was the move to inside the top 30 on the Race to Dubai – not to mention the much deserved £150,000 winner’s cheque.

In the moments after Southgate’s late charge back at him came up short, and the news came through as he tried to stay loose on the driving range, he told Sky: “I’m an emotional guy, I’m struggling to keep a lid on it here. I was just trying to breathe and be calm, not touch my phone because that will be going berserk,” he said.

“Twenty years ago I lost my mum and I’ve dreamt about this since that day, being a winner, and you have days where you think it might not happen but I just stuck at it.

“Today is a great day and I’m sure she would be proud …. I’m thinking about everybody at home – my fiancée and my dad. Everybody in my team that’s helped me.

But this one’s for me.

“All those days on my own dealing with life and I’m sure a lot of people do, all those lonely days on my own working on my dream and I think I’ve got to take a lot of credit for it myself.”

He was in the news recently for his novelty Guinness Book of World Records long-distance drive into a moving car. But it was

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back to business at the Green Eagle course – and what a way he found to make more headlines.

The tournament had been cut to 54holes and delayed a day because of Germany’s Covid restrictions. The pack in front of him included Southgate, Thomas Detry, Darius van Driel and Edoardo Molinari.

Defending champion Paul Casey was breathing down Armitage’s neck, a shot behind. But everything changed barely before the leaders got into the swing of things as Marcus took the course apart and stormed to -9 inside 14 holes to open up a four-shot lead at one point. It included a holeout eagle two at the 7th.

It looked like the nerves might be understandably tightening when a six at the 16th, one of the Green Eagle’s two closing par-5s in the last three holes, stopped his charge.

Southgate himself had dropped an earlier shot, but when he closed the gap to a single shot with Marcus already sitting nervously outside the clubhouse, and two par-5s to come, it started to look like the clubhouse leader might need a play-off at best.

On the 16th, Southgate’s birdie putt stayed agonisingly above ground. A par followed at the short 17th – but just as Marcus headed to the range, Southgate produced his worst drive of the week and pulled his tee shot into water on the left.

He was left with a 121-yard 4th shot to try matching Armitage and he hit a brave effort but never threatened the cup. A further shot back, van Driel needed an eagle to tie but surprisingly chose to lay up despite the green

being in range. When he couldn’t hole out from the fairway, the result was confirmed.

As congratulations poured in on social media from around the world, it was the cue for the tv cameras to capture a heartwarming, tear-jerking moment of sporting history being made.

Moving quickly onto a Zoom call with his girlfriend Luci, Marcus had viewers possibly shedding tears of laughter as he baby-talked to his slobbering pet dog. In closing, he delivered more of the laughs and smiles he’s given his many friends and fans during this tumultuous life journey.

He’d already made the cameras wait as he told the watching world “I’m dying for the loo … got to go.”

And then, at the official presentation, he couldn’t resist the observation: “It’s a big trophy that…!”

It was Marcus – and it’s all yours.

Somehow, there’s a joyous sense that things might never be quite the same again for this charming young man.

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June 2021

YORKSHIRE BOYS Huddersfield junior pays tribute to YUGC coaching programme

Dylan joins a list of golfing greats

By Chris Stratford

Dylan Shaw-Radford – three-time Boys’ Champion Photo courtesy YUGC

H

UDDERSFIELD’S Dylan Shaw-Radford completed a hat-trick of junior county titles when he won both the Yorkshire Boys’ Under-18s and Under16s events with victory at The Bradford Golf Club.

Shaw-Radford, who only recently turned 16, shot 69, 70 for a three-shot triumph overall, his success coming two years after he was crowned the White Rose’s Under-14s’ championship winner.

There was also the welcome surprise for the Fixby player that his name will be engraved underneath that of 2016 Masters winner Danny Willett as well as other European Tour victors such as Ryder Cup duo Howard Clark and Matt Fitzpatrick, plus Simon Dyson and John Parry.

He also noted the 2012 success of Huddersfield club-

mate Nick Marsh, who went on to become English men’s amateur champion in 2014.

Shaw-Radford will seek national glory of his own with both the Carris Trophy and McGregor Trophy events (English Boys’ Under-18s’ and Under-16s’ championships respectively) on the plus-one handicapper’s summer itinerary.

Birdies on three of his last eight holes at Hawksworth saw him overhaul first-round leader Thomas Pyman (The Oaks), who had led by three shots at that stage. Michael Robson from Oakdale came through to take second place, with Pyman fading to third.

Shaw-Radford revealed he had been ignorant of how he stood having chosen not to make use of the available live scores system, a protocol he

is likely to continue in future competitions.

“I will try to not look at the live scores because it might distract me,” he reasoned. “If I know that someone is doing something it might make me choose a different decision than I would ordinarily. I think it’s better that I just try to do what I had already planned to do.”

Dylan began playing golf at the age of 10, his first handicap being 24 at Crow Nest, with the last couple of years seeing an acceleration in progress from playing off four to his current plus-one standing.

It is an improvement which he acknowledges has been greatly facilitated by being part of the Yorkshire Union of Golf Clubs’ hugely successful coaching programme.

He is coached by twice England Golf Coach of the Year Graham Walker, of The

Oaks, and admits to being a prodigious practiser. He says his time on the range has proved so beneficial because of how he has been taught to structure it.

“My practice definitely got better (after joining the YUGC coaching programme),” he said.

“I learned how to do it more productively. I try to have a plan of what I’m going to do in each session. It is kind of dictated a little bit by my previous round and my upcoming event.”

Frank Greaves, team manager of Halifax, Huddersfield and District Union of Golf Clubs’ senior and junior sides – both of which feature Dylan after his debut in May in the former – is a huge admirer and commented: “Seven of Dylan’s last eight rounds (before his county win) have counted towards his WHS handicap index. Now that is consistency, isn’t it?”

Sheffield firm buys Styrrup Hall The family-owned Styrrup Hall Golf & Country Club has been sold to a Sheffield-based company for an undisclosed amount.

Styrrup Hall, which is located just off the A1M halfway between Doncaster and Worksop, opened in 2000 and had been on the market since 2017 at a guide price of £1.7m.

The new owners are transport and property company BHI Group who are said to be planning to continue its current usage.

The freehold property com-

prises an 18-hole, 6,745-yard course, 15-bay floodlit driving range, practice facilities and a two-storey clubhouse, which is set in 150 acres.

Phil Ramsey, who developed the club with his late son, said: “Selling the club after so many years of ownership was always going to be difficult for our family.

“Finding the right buyer was a key priority for us and, after much searching, we are confident that we have sold to a buyer that not only has the club’s best interests at heart,

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but also the financial backing to take the club into the future.

“I wish David Simpson and his team every success, and I am confident that they will deliver on our expectations for the benefit of all.”

David Simpson of BHI Group said: “It is my intention to continue to build upon that success and keep members, as well as the local community, at the heart of anything we do.

“Our plan is to develop and enhance the facilities to make it a sustainable business for the future, whilst ensuring it is the

destination of choice for many.”

In financial figures from before the pandemic and lockdowns, the business’s annual earnings was stated at £113,000, from a turnover of

£885,000.

This came from a mix of 38% turnover from memberships, daily fees and range, with 52% food and beverage and 10% miscellaneous sales.

Wetherby weather the storm The Leeds & District Union’s first post-Covid event was the 2nd Division Championship, staged at a wet and windy Wike Ridge.

The 4-man team medal event is played from scratch with all four scores counting.

The green staff worked wonders after a storm of biblical proportions the day before played havoc with the bunkers, but 80 competitors from 20 clubs braved the cold and wind and whilst the rain held off until midday, some good scores were posted by the opening groups.

First out Wike Ridge were long time leaders with a score of 371, 11 ahead of Moor Allerton and Cookridge Hall. However, the Wetherby quartet of Mark Bleanch, Stuart King, Anthony Sitek and

Michael Thompson came in with a fantastic score of 369 to win by two and so claim the JH Robinson Trophy. Oulton Hall scored a fine 373 to finish third.

Dean Jones (Whitwood) recorded the best individual score of 81 and received the Bill Darby Trophy from President Geoff Mortimer (above).

Got a story to share? Send your news and photos - news@yorkshire-golfer.com

June 2021

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Non-members to get England Golf handicaps England Golf will be launching a scheme in July that will allow golfers to get an official WHS handicap without being a club member.

Since January, a working group has consulted with clubs, counties and other stakeholders on plans to develop the platform for independent golfers with the ultimate aim of driving golf club membership.

It will be based upon a new digital community of golfers aligned to England Golf. For an annual subscription of £40, golfers will receive a World Handicap System handicap index, personal liability insurance and access to the ‘My England Golf’ app to post scores, track progress and engage with friends.

The scheme will be open to all golfers regardless of age with a home address in England. However any golfer who has left a golf club within the last six months will not be eligible to subscribe.

Registration will take place online for a 12-month rolling subscription and subscribers will sit outside of the current affiliation framework (including county membership).

County and national events will remain open to golf club members only. If clubs wish to create an independent golfer-only competition or, alternatively, integrate them into some or all of the existing club competitions, this would be at their discretion. England Golf will carry out all administration duties with no burden of work on clubs or counties.

Golfers can obtain a handicap index by submitting scores from 54 holes of golf played in accordance with the Rules of Handicapping.

Scores counting towards the 54-hole total can come from any combination of nine and 18-hole scores. All rounds must be pre-registered on the ‘My EG’ app and, on completion, digitally verified by a playing partner who is either a golf club member or subscriber to the new platform.

Lapsed golf club members may be allocated a handicap index based on scores in the system dating back to January 2018.

England Golf said the system will be maintained through a robust system of checks and balances including setting up a national independent golfer handicap committee; educating on rules of handicapping; rules of golf and etiquette.

The provisional launch date and opening for registration is early July.

A simple process will be put in place for clubs to notify England Golf of opportunities they wish to promote to this audience, for such as green fee promotions, competition and event entry and club membership offers.

England Golf say they will communicate directly with golfers interested in exploring these offers and provide a platform to share details.

Further guidance will follow around what this could mean for clubs, points to consider and how the programme will work.

SOUTH BRADFORD’S team of Andrew Busfield, Mark Scott, Richard Manks and Ben Rhodes lifted the Bradford Union’s 9-Hole Clubs Team Championship at Rawdon Golf Club on May 25.

Their winning score of 222 (best 3 to count) was three better than the host club’s team of Peter Davies, Matt Marston, Cameron Dale and Dave Myers. Ben Rhodes won the best Individual gross prize with a 67 and best nett was Ben Barker from Bradford Moor with 68.

Waterfront’s Dave Sanby, with home golfer Tom Sadowski and Wath’s Tom Stanley a further shot back. In the Junior event Josh Morley of Hallowes returned an excellent 72 to take the title, a round that would have earned him second place in the senior event.

ROTHERHAM’S Charlie Daughtry led from the front to post a score of 70 and win Sheffield Union’s 2021 Champion of Champions event at Hallamshire on Sunday May 30. The +3 golfer shot a gross 70 to finish four shots ahead of

MALTON & NORTON will host the prestigious English Girls’ Open Amateur Strokeplay Championship next month, from Monday July 19 to Thursday 22nd. Club chairman Mike Parkin said in an email to members that the club was working with England Golf to source as many courtesy rounds as possible for members at other clubs. In addition Malton and Norton is part of the Snainton Golf reciprocal arrangement with various other Yorkshire clubs.

Abbeydale ladies’ pro-am Abbeydale Golf Club members are looking forward to a highly anticipated Ladies Pro-Am tournament on Monday 28th June.

Teams can register online by accessing the Golfing Days website at www.golfingdays.co.uk. The entry fee for a team of three lady amateur golfers plus their professional is £190 and includes food on the day. Already signed up for this competition is Alex Keighley (pictured), Head Professional at Huddersfield Golf Club, who back in 2014 established a new women’s course record of 71 at Abbeydale.

Despite its 125th year anniversary celebration being cancelled due to the pandemic, the Sheffield club had much to be proud of last year, including

becoming a registered signatory to the R&A’s Women In Golf charter.

The aim of the Charter, which is being led by the R&A, is to increase the number of women and girls playing and working in golf, covering all aspects of the golf club including club governance, recruitment and retention.

Abbeydale already has an enthusiastic membership of women golfers and the club is keen to inspire other golf clubs in the area to develop a more inclusive culture for women and girls.

Abbeydale’s Tim Jackson said: “We’d like lady golfers to come along and join some of our members on the 28th June and enjoy a golfing experience on one of the best courses in the area.”

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June 2021

Life lessons are all around us in sporting world I OFTEN wonder if I should have ‘pushed’ my son harder as a boy.

He was a golf club member aged four, had his first par-4 off the men’s tees aged 5, and at 10 had halved a match with me round Royal Westmoreland GC in Barbados.

That was thanks to a stunning par on the 419-yard 18th, complete with dogleg and deep gully to navigate (he’d already outdriven me that summer – a 235-yarder on the 3rd at Hanging Heaton Golf Club).

However, in between times he’d ‘retired’ from golf to take up rugby league – then soccer – and was back in golf in transition to cricket, with which, now aged 25, he has stuck.

Sure, when we go out he can still drive it 300 and hit a pitching wedge 150-yards – but there’s no saying we’ll ever find the ball.

It’s ok hitting it a country mile, but less so if you don’t know which country it was heading for.

I was struck by the thought while watching, teary-eyed, as Marcus Armitage hoisted aloft his maiden European Tour trophy in Germany a few days ago.

It would have required a heart of arctic ice not to be melted by the

SWINGING WILD...

scenes around the 18th at the Green Eagle in Hamburg, Germany. When the genius Sky producer – and I mean it – then got him to Zoom his fiancee Luci and slobbering dog, the sight of Marcus “coochy-cooing” had more than me laughing through their dewy eyes, I suspect.

At the age of 33, Marcus still had plenty years left in the bag to break

Golf

Danny Lockwood

Up and down from 100 yards for par on the tough 18th at Royal Westmoreland? Easy-peasy dad... his duck on a senior tour ... heck, we only have to revert back to Richard Bland’s magnificent crowning at the Betfred British Masters, aged 48 and in his 478th tour start, after battling back several times from losing his card.

Bland couldn’t possibly have dreamed of the long journey ahead when he narrowly lost in a play-off in the Irish Open in his first season, 1998. It was as good as things were going to get for another 23 years.

As ever in sport as in life, however, it’s the back-story that fleshes out, adds colour and shade, to the sights we see. In Marcus Armitage’s case, it’s a compelling story of heartbreak, desperation, personal redemption and ultimately the laying to rest of each and every demon.

I followed Marcus round the 2018 Belgian Knockout at Rinkven in Antwerp. He cut a somewhat forlorn figure as things just weren’t happening for him, out of sorts with his game and his self.

And I think that’s why the golf

world has roundly warmed to the young man – because he wears his heart on his sleeve. A true WhatYou-See-Is-What-You-Get character, happy to laugh or cry at whatever the world, and life, throws at him.

And boy, has life thrown some things at him over the years, losing his mum, walking away from education as a young teen, then picking up a golf club and determining to plot his own course through an oft-troubled life.

Marcus didn’t make the cut at Antwerp, but he wasn’t alone because missing out by a single shot was Richard Bland. In the money that weekend were Matthew Southgate, whom Marcus saw off in Berlin, and Thomas Detry, who also finished two strokes behind winner Marcus – just as he did in Belgium.

Detry has a 2018 World Team title along with countryman Thomas Pieters, but has yet to win a Tour event per se. His journey has been via national junior squads and the US collegiate system. At 28, a ‘big one’ ought to be only a matter of time.

There was nothing so conventional for the Howley Hall member.

The Oaks

Just a boy and his golf clubs and a desire to make sense of the upsidedown world he was struggling through. The many downs in his life just ingrained ever deeper a determination to fathom things out his way, whether on or off the course; to share laughs and high jinks, to not take whatever good fortune he had too much to heart, or for granted.

There are thousands of brighteyed, immensely talented young golfers, toiling every bit as diligently and passionately as Marcus, but the vast majority of whom have only the minutest chance of ‘making it’.

If there is a magic wand in life, I’ve never seen it. And that’s why, on reflection, I don’t regret not trying to channel my son into a singleminded focus on golf, whatever his innate young abilities were. As parents our job is to open doors for our children, not push them through it. I fear at times not all starry-eyed parents buy into that ethos.

And when one day a lad comes along and just decides to kick and kick until he forces the door open himself, then we should all raise a glass to the power of the human spirit. Bravo, Bullet!

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June 2021

The Yorkshire Union of Golf Clubs

Behind the scenes...

T

he Yorkshire Union of Golf Clubs (YUGC) is a non-profit making organisation established in 1894 and is managed by an Executive Committee comprising elected representatives, Past Presidents and Vice Presidents.

The ‘Council’ (the governing body) comprises of Officers and male voting members from clubs (183 as of May 2021) who are invited to attend a meeting annually in March.

The principal objective of the Union is the promotion and welfare of Amateur golf within the County. We rely on the cooperation of golf clubs in Yorkshire to do so.

YUGC work closely with The Yorkshire Inter-District Union of Golf Clubs (YIDU) which is a separate golfing organisation in Yorkshire and also with The Yorkshire Ladies County Golf Association (YLCGA) to promote golf and social interaction in the county.

The members of the Executive receive only travelling expenses when on duty at Championships and other golf events.

In addition, the Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer each receive an appropriate honorarium (the Secretary is full time and Treasurer part time) in respect of their many duties and responsibilities.

The benefits to affiliated clubs and to their members are numerous, from the mostly obvious like County fixtures and Championships, to the mostly invisible but complex work involved in ensuring all clubs are compliant with the new World Handicapping System – which in Yorkshire’s case has been a huge and ongoing task.

ty championships. You can ‘follow’ us on Twitter @YUGCUK where all the latest news and photos are published.

he officers and volunteers who are at the heart of the Yorkshire Union of Golf Clubs are fundamental to our thriving sport in the White Rose county.

From developing young grass-root talent, to the elite athletes who represent Yorkshire, England and many of whom make ‘Yorkshire’ famous in the professional golfing ranks around the globe, the YUGC has provided the platform from which many have launched their careers.

Here, YUGC Honorary Secretary JONATHAN PLAXTON (pictured with the 2019 England Golf Seniors County Champions Trophy won by Yorkshire) explains exactly what each affiliated golfer’s fees – currently a Covid-discounted £3.20 per annum, down from £3.95 – is invested in.

T

ENGLAND GOLF – as a voting member we attend EG General meetings annually and act as a conduit between the County and EG. In addition the County Secretary acts as an intermediary between clubs, England Golf and the R&A. He can assist clubs and golfers on a variety of issues and attends meetings of The Northern Counties Golf Union.

YUGC co-ordinates such clubs in bulk at disGRANTS – we provide financoaching up to elite counted rates. In 2021 up cial grants to assist clubs in level with world-class to 50 cards are available relation to the retention and coaches supporting our free of charge to particirecruitment of members. players and teams. This has pating clubs. Card hold£5k annually since 2016 resulted in our teams being ers play at over 1,300 and £18k to date. For more successful and players clubs in England at a information email us at gaining national and reduced green fee. secretary@yugc.co.uk international honours on a regular GIVING BACK – facility CLUB SUPPORT – we work basis fees totalling almost £25k are with England Golf staff (Rob paid to clubs in Yorkshire annualMoore, Helen Searle, Neil Burke and ly for hosting YUGC championships and Jason Budd) to assist clubs in Yorkshire with County Members’ meetings. matters relating to membership, safeguarding and best practices.

ON MESSAGE – via our website at www.yugc.co.uk and social media, we deliver COUNTY CARD – this is available for indifixtures and results plus live on-course scorvidual purchase by members of those clubs ing for inter-county matches and major counwho participate in the scheme, and also by

ON THE COURSE... els. This saw seventeen events taking place in 2019 before Covid disrupted the tournaments in 2020.

The YUGC arranges the County Championships for Boys, Men and Seniors. In the 2020 season this featured more than 500 competitors. The County Championship and Matchplay events carry World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points.

The County Members’ Association sees ten meetings take place annually at venues across the county.

These are for members who join the association which currently has more than 2,500 members. The format is fourball better-ball handicap event.

The Yorkshire Team Championship allows for club teams to compete in a county-wide team event.

There are 6 divisions each featuring 18 clubs and a 7th Division with a preliminary qualifying round in operation.

There is also a team event specifically for members of clubs with fewer than 18 holes. Waterfront won the inaugural event in 2019 and will host the 2021 edition.

Inter-Club Foursomes Tournament – the County Secretary manages a countywide inter-club event where each club may enter one pair who play match-play knockout games over 18 holes on neutral venues identified for the convenience of both sides.

County matches involve staging inter-County fixtures for Boys, Men and Senior lev-

This leads to a 36-hole final at which a referee is on duty and the finalists receive hospitality.

2020 County Men’s Champion, Rotherham’s Charlie Daughtrey

ANNUAL DINNER – A black-tie dinner is open to all clubs and their members with invited guests including The President of England Golf, the Captain of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews plus other County Presidents of the year. The YUGC President and Past Presidents regularly speak at Inter-District and club events.

HELP AT HAND – YUGC officials are experienced in all aspects of golf and are available to support clubs and club volunteers at local level either with a visit, by telephone or a ‘Zoom’ meeting.

CLOTHING – ‘Yorkshire’ County clothing items are available to buy – members of The County Members’ Association and The County Team proudly wear the white rose logo.

CONTACT: Hon. Secretary: Jonathan L Plaxton, Sandburn Hall, Flaxton, York, YO60 7RB e-mail: secretary@yugc.co.uk Tel.: 01904 468442 Mob: 07484 730349

RULES & REGULATIONS In partnership with the Yorkshire Ladies County Golf Association (YLCGA) we assess the 183 affiliated golf courses in Yorkshire to comply with the new World Handicap System/Slope-rating requirements.

In respect of the WHS Handicapping system, the YUGC is the men’s regional authority and supports clubs with ongoing matters and annual reviews for all categories of handicaps. This involves delivering support to volunteers involved with WHS matters in partnership with YLCGA. Our qualified referees and rules officials regularly assist clubs with rulings and also, on request, can provide an interactive evening of rules education. We delivered 35 seminars in 2018/19 attended by 2,100 golfers.

In 2019/20 an R&A ‘Level 2’ qualification programme was delivered to aspiring rules officials

by YUGC and YLCGA. As a result of this twenty people achieved R&A level 2 accreditation.

Local Rules – we have assisted 70 clubs with re-writing their local rules given the implications of the changes in The Rules of Golf 2019. This is an ongoing initiative so please contact us if you require help.

Keep up with what’s happening on the county scene by visiting www.yugc.co.uk

8

June 2021

England Golf’s expert says ‘trust the system!’

Pike Hills win 4th Division in style

Yorkshire Golfer catches up with GEMMA HUNTER, England Golf’s Head of Handicapping and Course Rating for some feedback on how the new WHS is settling in as we all get back into golf...

Everyone in golf has been on-off since the WHS system was introduced in November.

What’s the initial feedback England Golf is getting from clubs, unions and indeed golfers?

We understand it has been difficult for golfers to properly utilise the new World Handicap System given the delays that have been experienced at golf courses due to the regulations implemented during the lockdowns. However, despite this we have received lots of positive feedback from golf clubs, unions and golfers since the new system was first launched back in November last year.

The majority of the comments we have received, mainly positive, have been around handicap allowances and the PCC calculation. Both of these points have since been raised with the R&A. With the sport once again only re-opening in March this year, the system will take some time to settle and for players to get used to the changes that have been implemented.

Have there been any specific teething problems? If so, what are they, and how have they been resolved?

In the very early days of the new World Handicap System, we had some issues matching scores to the correct tees, but these were quickly resolved before Christmas. The majority of the other issues have been minor and were quickly fixed once we were made aware of the issues occurring.

There are a lot of members who don’t enter many competitions so only put a few cards in per year and are completely puzzled. If they don’t have 20 cards in, what formula is applied?

If players have at least 3 scores but less than 20, their handicap index is calculated using the table in 5.2. However, if players have previously held a CONGU handicap, but don’t have 3 scores in their record,

our Pro that we get 95% of our handicap in medals, or 85% in fourball betterballs, many players are just stumped. Is there a magic formula for working this out, or do we just enter gross scores and leave it to the software?

My advice would be to always record your gross score and then submit it in order to allow the system to work it out automatically.

Gemma Hunter they will have been allocated a handicap with 3 artificial scores equal to their last known CONGU handicap. This will then be adjusted once they start to enter scores.

Are there specific rules regarding putting social golf cards in, or is that down to individual clubs?

General Play score must be pre-registered. This can either be done at your home club following their process, or directly on the MyEG app. The easier way to submit general play scores is through the MyEG App. Through the app, golfers have the ability to submit general play scores for handicap purposes for either 9-hole or 18 hole social rounds.

All players irrespective of handicap index can return general play scores and this is something we actively encourage.

This is because by submitting scores from a general play round at any rated venue, it will build a better and more comprehensive record of a golfer’s actual playing ability.

Clubs should only restrict general play scores if the course is not set up to allow acceptable scores, due to course conditions or length changes.

Faced with instructions from

From July social golfers will be able to get a handicap via England Golf. What are your expectations of that initiative?

We want to be able to help independent golfers have the opportunity to gain an official handicap index in order to progress and track their overall ability. Independent golfers can pay an annual subscription that will allow them to receive a WHS handicap index, as well as access to the MyEG app to post scores, track progress and engage with other golfers.

Golfers of all age will have access to the initiative, and it is open to any golfer who has a home address in England.

Golfers will still have to submit scores from 54 holes of golf played in accordance with the Rules of Handicapping to obtain a handicap index and all rounds must be pre-registered either with a player’s home club or through the MyEG app. Each round will also have to be verified by a playing partner who is either a golf club member or a subscriber to the new initiative.

Does England Golf have any words of wisdom, or other advice to impart, as we all tip-toe forward with the WHS system?

Education, Education, Education. Make sure as a club you provide as much information as possible to members.

England Golf has previously supplied toolkits to golf clubs and players to support with this education process. Also, trust the system, the WHS system will do most of the work for you, but you have to trust it.

Don’t be shy! Send your stories and photos to news@yorkshire-golfer.com

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Pike Hills strolled to victory in the YUDC 4th Division championship with solid rounds of 216 and 219 giving them a seven stroke margin of victory at Middlesbrough.

The York side’s 435 gross total was +15 with Horsforth edging Cleveland – both on 442 – by virtue of the better second round.

Selby were a stroke back and Beverley and East Riding another stroke behind, six ahead of 6th place Waterton Park, who rounded out the qualifiers for the Third Division Championship on June 23 at Knaresborough.

William Adamson shot the best gross in round 1 and Alastair Smith round 2, but

Cameron Wallace had the best overall gross score.

And there was more for Pike Hills to celebrate in the CM Seniors County Members meeting they hosted.

The home club pairing of John Masiak and Martin Robinson returning an impressive 49 stableford points, three better than Adrian Wallace (Fleetwood) and Steve Hitchenor (Crosland Heath).

The winning team of William Adamson, Chris Lone and Alastair Smith are pictured with YUGC President Cameron Thomson and Middlesbrough GC Captain Anirvan Banerjee.

Ben is Northern Schools’ champ

Ben Brown of Bedale High School (pictured) was in storming form at Sleaford Golf Club in winning the North Regional Schools’ Boys’ Championship.

Ben, a +1 golfer at Masham Golf Club, shot a gross 66 to lift the title by four strokes from Northumberland pair Angus Buchanan and Junior Dobson.

Two shots further back in 6th place was Harry Bramley of Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, who plays at Fulford.

Both Ben and Harry are in the North Boys’ team to contest the England Schools Championships at Belton Woods on June 28.

Luke Thornton of Wolfreton School and Hull GC finished in 7th with a 74 and earned a reserve spot for the North squad.

Also finishing in the top 10 with 74s were

Kyle Johnson-Rolfe of Ash Hill Academy and William Storr of Hull Collegiate.

In the North of England Regional Schools’ Girls’ Championship, also staged at Sleaford, Headingley Golf Club’s Abigail Taylor (above) landed an excellent second place.

The competition was won by +1 Durham golfer Faye Wheatley with a gross score of 72, two shots ahead of Abigail, who plays off 3 and attends Prince Henry’s Grammar School.

The result earned Abigail a spot in the North Girls’ team to contest the England Schools Championships at Belton Woods on June 28. A fourth place finish in the Sleaford championship earned Zara Ali, of Horsforth School and Cookridge Hall GC, a squad place as a reserve.

June 2021

9

A Yorkshire Golfer Spotlight on proud MacKenzie layouts: Garforth, Darlington, Seaton Carew, South Shields and Cavendish

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ORN Alexander MacKenzie on 30 August 1870 in Normanton, Yorkshire, he was known from birth as Alister – the Gaelic for Alexander.

His parents were of proud Scottish extraction and his connection with nature began early, with family summers spent near Lochinver, on what had been traditional Clan MacKenzie lands from 1670 to the failed Jacobite uprising of 1745.

Following in his father William’s footsteps as a doctor, MacKenzie served as a surgeon with the Somerset Regiment in South Africa during the Second Boer War. It was during this time another influence on his later course designing took root. MacKenzie became interested in camouflage, which was effectively used by the Boers. In a lecture he gave on the subject, he said that “the brilliant successes of the Boers ... were due to great extent to their making the best use of natural cover and the construction of artificial cover indistinguishable from nature.”

A desire to work with whatever nature placed in front of him became a touchstone feature of MacKenzie design, exemplified nowhere better today than Cavendish Golf Club, home to The MacKenzie Society and still hailed as the blueprint for Augusta National, which he produced seven years later.

The good doctor had been a member of several golf clubs near Leeds, dating back as far as Ilkley between 1890 and 1900 and Leeds Golf Club from 1900 to 1910.

Meanwhile he had assisted in designs of a couple of courses before in 1907, he was one of the founding members of The Alwoodley Golf Club.

He would serve as both honorary secretary (1907-1909) and club captain (1912-1913), and on its green committee until 1930, by which time he was living in California.

Alwoodley wasn’t without its doubters though – to the extent that the committee brought in the

Revered and admired by generations of golfers and course architects alike, Yorkshire-born Alister MacKenzie’s career was forged modestly in Yorkshire, before he became a global watchword for design excellence. We look at some MacKenzie layouts within and adjacent to our Yorkshire borders...

he great Bobby Jones surveys the fruit plantation from which Dr Alister MacKenzie would create the marvel that is Augusta National, home to the US Masters.

The men are believed to have met some years earlier in the mid1920s when Jones was winning Major championships at will and MacKenzie watched him play at the Old Course, St Andrews.

But it was when MacKenzie set up home in California and created both Cypress Point on the Pebble Beach peninsula, plus the Pasatiempo course where he made his home with his second wife, that Jones became smitten with his design work.

The relationship was doomed to a tragic ending however. Jones was virtually bankrupt in 1933 as he fought to get Augusta ready to stage the first Masters. The club owed MacKenzie $10,000 and he was reduced to halving his bill, then begging the club to send him at least $500 to save him from abject destitution.

MacKenzie had a heart attack at home following Hogmanay celebrations that welcomed in 1934, and died a few days later aged just 63. His family never received all the money Bobby Jones and Augusta National owed him.

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renowned Harry Colt, secretary of Sunningdale, to cast an eye over the plans.

Colt visited on two occasions and his validation of MacKenzie’s ideas were complemented by admiration of his bunkering theories. His belief in undulating greens, often angled to the fairway, additional contouring,

all remained part of his “signature style” from then on.

He won Country Life’s 1914 golf architecture competition and went on to join the R&A and both chart and map the Old Course.

Returning to military service with the outbreak of war in 1914, rather than medicine, he became a ‘camou-

Dr Alister MacKenzie’s map of Augusta National fleur’. Indeed in his 1920 book Golf Architecture, he wrote “there is an extraordinary resemblance between what is now known as the camouflage of military earthworks and golf-course construction” and “there are many other attributes in common between the successful golf architect and the camoufleur. Both, if not actually artists, must have an artistic temperament, and have had an education in science.”

After the war MacKenzie followed his passion for golf course design in association with Harry Colt and Charles Alison in 1919, with whom he formed the London firm of Colt, MacKenzie & Alison, before going his own way four years later.

Much of MacKenzie’s work, as with all the great architects, involved updating longstanding layouts, hence a great many of his affiliated courses

having other influences.

The Old Course may have evolved from little more than Old Tom Morris’s spade and imagination, but down through the eras of James Braid, Donald Ross, MacKenzie and Colt, to Robert Trent Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Doak, Pete Dye and Tom Fazio – indeed to England’s own Jonathan Gaunt, a MacKenzie aficionado – the evolution of course design continues.

MacKenzie’s renown soon became global. He travelled the world and Royal Melbourne and Cypress Point, plus Augusta towards the end of his career, have stood the test of time to the point of still featuring regularly in the world’s 10 best courses.

Clubs with the name ‘MacKenzie’ in their heritage bear it proudly, and with good reason.

GARFORTH Modern ideas, proud history

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ith over 100 years of golfing heritage, Garforth has grown into one of the most complete clubs in Yorkshire and built an unrivalled team able to provide everything a member or visitor might need to get the most out of their time here at Garforth.

The course is situated in picturesque, mature parkland, originally designed by Alister MacKenzie and refined over the years to provide a challenging and enjoyable course for golfers of all abilities – a key foundation stone of what the good doctor believed important in course design.

Garforth also offers a comprehensive practice area for warming up before your round, as well as a state of the art Trackman indoor simulator and swing studio, where the club’s PGA Pros use the latest monitoring and video technol-

ogy to help you drill down into the fine detail of your swing and how to improve it.

Garforth is proud of its history and heritage and the part it has played in the development of this great game in the North of England.

Its history dates back to 1912, when a group of local golfing enthusiasts came together to establish the course.

A year later, Alister MacKenzie came on the scene and the 18 holes that members and guests love so much today came into being. The completion of the modified course was celebrated with an exhibition match involving Abe Mitchell and Tom Williamson, two of the greatest golfers of their day.

Like today’s players they had to overcome the water hazards that are the Cock and Carr Becks, which meander

across the course – Cock Beck particularly having its own gruesome history. During the bloodiest battle ever seen on British soil, the Battle of Towton in 1461 saw the Yorkists rout a Lancastrian army, with countless numbers of fleeing men drowning in Cock Beck.

Garforth’s visitors today can expect a rather more civilised welcome! The

course and facilities have benefitted from significant investment over recent years, with all the bunkers having been redesigned and rebuilt under the guidance of acclaimed modern course architects David and Bruce Weller.

Magic of MacKenzie continues from page 9 to 16

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June 2021

CAVENDISH GOLF CLUB

Yorkshire Golfer publisher DANNY LOCKWOOD samples the renowned delights of a true MacKenzie masterpiece

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e can send as many letters as we like to Santa, draw up a dozen bucket lists, and even pray nightly to the patron saint of golf (do we have one?) but the odds on we mere mortals getting to play Augusta National will remain forever slim. Slimmer than the slimmest Slimmer of the Year after an extra 12month crash diet.

In terms of preserving our golfing dignity, it’s probably for the best. We’d be hugely out of our depth. And besides, the great Alister MacKenzie himself might struggle to recognise much of his work at Augusta, given the demands of keeping Championship courses a challenge for the modern generation of bombers.

Far better then, to pop down the road to the wonderful spa town of Buxton, close by Derbyshire’s Peak District, and the golfing haven that is Cavendish. It is not just accepted as the inspiration for the Augusta National that was to be created seven years later, but to this day holds fast to the genius of its creator.

Not without reason is Cavendish Golf Club home to the Alister MacKenzie Society. It is fitting in every possible way, and good reason why the course is a veritable shrine for MacKenzie aficionados.

Playing Cavendish Golf Club for the first time, on a rare May day when the sun actually shone, I encountered a problem: How do you find something new and complimentary to say about a golf course that hasn’t already been said by so many people, all of them far better qualified than me to shower compliments?

The expert eyes of the most lauded golf critics and acclaimed course designers have bestowed their blessings on Cavendish.

I haven’t played the Old Course or Royal County Down or the golfing heaven that is the Monterey to recommend to fellow golf enthusiasts.

Peninsula, home to Spyglass Hill, Pebble Hollinwell is one such, a heathland masterBeach and MacKenzie’s Cypress Point, let piece, but Cavendish Golf Club is an absolute alone Augusta National. must, especially for anyone who is not just But I have been round enough classic proud of our greatest golf architect in Dr tracks like Royal Birkdale, Kingsbarns, a few Alister MacKenzie, but intrigued enough to Open Championship venues and, closer to seek out what made him a golfing visionary. home, Yorkshire’s top quality courses, to know Such as Cavendish is met by a hint of critia cracker when I walk round one. Sufficient to say that besides our own plethora of exemplary cal observation, it is in being a short course, just under 5,800 yards. But don’t let that fool courses, there are plenty not far from our you. As MacKenzie himself said, length alone White Rose doorsteps that it is impossible not

doesn’t make a golf hole.

In these days of Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson and their big-hitting friends, today’s Augusta has stretched its back tees so far the good Doctor might need binoculars to inspect some of his original designs.

That will never be the case at Cavendish, which actually nestles within the borders of Buxton, a town that is all too easy to overlook, being quite distant from our criss-crossing motorway network.

Leading golf architect Jonathan Gaunt has been a playing member at Cavendish Golf Club since 2010 and has been on the Greens Committee since 2011.

A course masterplan is aiming at completion in time for the club’s centenary in 2025.

The construction and remodelling work is mostly done in-house by the greenkeeping staff and volunteers.

The only significant reconstruction work undertaken at Cavendish before these later improvements was done

by Jonathan’s previous company, involving the redesign and reconstruction of the 9th green.

It doesn’t actually lie within the Peak District National Park, but it is most definitely an area of outstanding natural beauty, and the fact this meandering, undulating landscape is hidden from the town itself adds to its mystique.

One of MacKenzie’s underlying doctrines was to respect the geography he was presented with. He let his eye and what nature presented him dictate the countless intriguing golfing challenges he would craft and mould.

In Cavendish’s case, the commission to create this gem came from no less than the Duke of Devonshire, from his Chatsworth House home, a few miles to the east. Cavendish is the ancestral family name, hence the course’s title.

The DeChambeaus of the world could theoretically devour a course that many consider the best in the world under 6,000 yards – I’d love to see them try. And my money would be on MacKenzie’s enduring genius resisting their attempts to batter it into submission.

The course throws challenges at golfers that don’t just deserve their respect, but demand it.

You walk off virtually every hole thinking “I want to play that again” – not just because you might expect to play it better, but because you will have discovered something in its playing, that changes your regard of how to play it.

Going round with club chairman Terry Hayward was definitely a great help, because like experienced Cavendish players, he saw shots, positions to target, and green behaviours that a complete novice to the course simply couldn’t.

Under 6,000 yards it might be, but with a par 68, five par 3s and just the single par 5, it means plenty of the par 4s can stretch their legs when they want. Disrespect at your peril.

June 2021

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MacKenzie Society

From elevated tees to plateau greens, MacKenzie worked wonders with the natural landscape presented to him with his commission from the Duke of Devonshire. It sees Cavendish habitually reside in Top 100 course rankings, and be considered one of the best under par-70 courses in the world

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difficult pre-pandemic times when they t is fitting that the MacKenzie Society is shared many of the difficulties others have based out of Cavendish Golf Club and faced, from managing to the clubhouse is in part recruit new and especially a shrine to the great man.

“There are two types of golfers young members, to coming Indeed, on the day my col- – those that have played up with fresh business league Chris Stratford and Cavendish and those who ideas.

I rolled up, a touring party wished they had” Chairman Terry from the Top 100 Golf – Eddie Birchenough has an Hayward is a long-time Course organisation was in in depth knowledge of Cavendish member, but town.

Cavendish where he worked also a businessman steeped By the time MacKenzie as a caddy before his in marketing and developsigned off Cavendish, his successful career as a club ment who took over the global reputation was well- professional, retiring in 2013 role with a mostly new established and you can after 27 years as Head imagine the fun he had Professional at Royal Lytham board of directors just over a year ago – when the panmanipulating his way and St Annes GC, where he demic hit. around the Derbyshire oversaw four Open Rather than focus strictswales and run-offs, holChampionships and is now ly on belt-tightening, he lows and hillsides, streams an Honorary Member and his colleagues have and ponds. focussed on improving the The course is a surprisclub and course’s natural advantages, makingly easy walk, given the numerous ing sure it stays not just relevant but changes in elevations the golfer encounters, increasingly attractive to members and visiwith elevated tees, plateau greens and tors alike. sweeping vistas.

With the much-anticipated Centenary It’s often remarked upon by Augusta being on the horizon in 2025, the club is devotees that watching the annual golfing rolling out the plans it approved at its 2019 pilgrimage on our television sets, we don’t annual meeting, drawn up and presented by fully appreciate the geographical challenges acclaimed course designer and Cavendish the Masters contestants face. Play member Jonathan Gaunt. True to the club’s Cavendish and you ‘get’ it. heritage, Gaunt wants to enhance the ideals There is a renewed spring in the step of of MacKenzie – to further set in stone those the golf club itself these days, after some

Traditionally in club and course reviews, Yorkshire Golfer provides a hole-by-hole synopsis – however it would be foolish to try to compete with the expert tip-sheet provided by former Royal Lytham professional Eddie Birchenough on the Cavendish Golf Club website. So when – not if – you go to play the course, give yourselves a few minutes to peruse Eddie’s words of wisdom. It will be worth it.

CAVENDISH GOLF CLUB Watford Rd, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 6XF Tel: 01298 79708 www.cavendishgolfclub.com

design principles.

One challenge a club in a location like Cavendish faces is the lack of ‘chimney pots’ to draw new members from. What it means is that attracting visitors is a major part of the club’s business strategy.

And that is great news for all we golf fans who want to experience something of Augusta National’s magic without the thousands of air miles and phenomenal expense involved. I can’t wait to get back to Cavendish for a second look.

“The stretch of holes from the 8th through 11th, when a rushing brook comes into play, elevates the course to another class” – top architect Tom Doak who also rated Cavendish in the Top 10 courses in the world with a par under 70; he also cited Cavendish 10th in his best 18 holes from courses that aren’t on anyone’s Top 100 list and the 10th as one of the best 18 holes designed

by Alister MacKenzie.

Every now and again you encounter a hidden gem that doesn’t just tick all of your personal boxes, it adds new boxes and then ticks them for you” ... “if you get the impression I liked Cavendish, you’re wrong. I loved it.” – Golf Monthly

he MacKenzie Society was founded in 1999 to celebrate the work of Dr Alister Mackenzie as a golf course architect in Great Britain and Ireland through the fellowship of golf. The Society now has a membership of 62 clubs and, as more clubs delve into their archives, the hand of MacKenzie continues to be detected.

There is an annual inter-club match for the MacKenzie Medallion, first played at Alwoodley in 1999 but subsequently on a different MacKenzie course each year.

To commemorate the partnership of MacKenzie and Harry Colt from 1919-1923, the club winning the Medallion is invited to Stoke Park Club (a Harry Colt design) to play for the Challenge Cup against the club winning the Colt Cup. In 2008 the Committee decided to introduce an Individual Membership, open to all adult members of Society clubs, and to arrange up to six events each year for members and their guests.

An annual match against the British Golf Collectors’ Society is held. Numbers are limited to ensure that match entries can be accepted from individuals belonging to a broad range of member clubs. There are now over 80 individual members and 30 member clubs.

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SOUTH SHIELDS GOLF CLUB

Bacon Bap, Coffee and Round of Golf £29.50 – Midweek £34.50 – Weekend PM*

SPECIAL OFFER BOOK 24 AND PAY FOR ONLY 20** *Sorry – only PM bookings available on a Saturday or Sunday between April and October ** Excludes SSGC member, courtesy & county cards. Deposit required on booking, 4 free only relates to golf element of visit

Cleadon Hills, South Shields, Tyne and Wear NE34 8EG Tel: 0191 456 8942 website: www.ssgc.co.uk email: manager.southshieldsgolf@gmail.com

June 2021

13

A Yorkshire Golfer Spotlight on proud MacKenzie layouts: Garforth, Darlington, Seaton Carew, South Shields and Cavendish

SOUTH SHIELDS MacKenzie/Braid classic

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outh Shields Golf Club was formed at a public meeting on 6th June 1893 and was initially a 9-hole layout out on Cleadon Hills with a modest total yardage of 2,540, opening on 28th October 1893.

It was extended in 1903/1904 to eighteen holes, taking in land around the Mill on Cleadon Hills. It is on coastal heathland, in the shadow of the landmark Cleadon water tower.

In 1912 the club engaged Dr Alister MacKenzie to produce a course redesign, a credit he shares with another of the great architects of his age, James Braid. In the years from 1922 to 1928, course alterations produced the current layout that proves such an enduring and popular test of golf.

Inside the club foyer South Shields’ history is highlighted by a photograph of the 1893 members and another photograph taken in 1912 with members and professionals James Taylor and Harry Vardon after an exhibition match.

More recent history saw the club employing a certain Christy O’Connor Jnr in his professional role as assistant, while the club was also the home club for 70s professional Doug McClelland who was an active amateur member before turning pro.

THE DARLINGTON Augusta similarities

At 6,277 yards, the MacKenzie/Braiddesigned course provides a fair test of golf for players of all abilities.

The course is noted for its fine greens, easy walking and magnificent views all round, particularly over the Tyne estuary, north to the Cheviot hills and south over Wearside to the Cleveland Hills.

The course seldom closes due to excellent drainage through the limestone base on which it is built, ensuring good conditions underfoot throughout the year. Visitors are assured of a warm welcome and high quality catering in the clubhouse.

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ike many, the club started life with a nine-hole course on land at Skerningham Close, by the 8th hole of the present course, being founded in 1908.

Play on today’s layout began in 1915 after Dr MacKenzie was recruited to maximise its potential on a parkland setting.

It is a setting, with its wonderful abundance of wildlife – which delights visitors and members alike – that shares many similarities to the present Augusta National classic. Huge rolling greens are a characteristic of the course, accompanied by lush, tree lined fairways and unforgiving semi-rough. Together they provide a true

challenge to golfers of all abilities While The Darlington Golf Club is steeped in tradition, it is also a modern club.

The PGA Pro James Cousins stocks the club shop, which is brimming with all the latest equipment from Ping, Titleist and other brands.

Members or guests can book to custom fit their golfing equipment with James using the Foresight GC2 laser smart camera.

And after a great day’s golf, members and guests can relax in the clubhouse where full bar and catering facilities are available or – weather permitting – sit on the patio and enjoy watching fellow golfers on the 10th green.

The Darlington Golf Club

The Darlington Golf Club is ideally suited to 18/28/36 hole packages as our 10th hole finishes right outside the clubhouse – ideal for day packages such as 10 holes in the morning followed by 18 holes in the afternoon Homecooked food of the highest quality and a very well stocked PGA Pro Shop

THINKING OF BOOKING A VISIT? Please call 01325 355324 option 1 for availability and to discuss your requirements. Or send your details to the email address below and one of our team will get back to you within 24 hours

Darlington Golf Club, Haughton Grange, Darlington, Co Durham, DL1 3JD Tel: 01325 355324 website: www.darlington-gc.co.uk email: office@darlington-gc.co.uk

June 2021

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Getting back to Doctor’s basics Exciting times at venerable links club

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Seaton Carew uniquely features 22-holes which allow it to play in different course configurations - Old Course, Brabazon, Micklem and Bishop

eaton Carew Golf Club is well on its way to making sure its 150th birthday arrives in style by successfully reverting aspects of the Dr Alister MacKenzie-designed course to its original state.

Under the course management of Tom Coulson, who was appointed last May, the links layout on the North Sea coast has hugely improved over the last 11 months.

Seaton Carew’s rapidly rising reputation has already seen membership numbers soar and the reintroduction of a waiting list for the first time in 25 years.

There are new corporate membership packages available and the committee at Seaton Carew wants the enhancements to continue ahead of its milestone birthday in 2024.

Twenty-one bunkers have been rebuilt and refurbished, prioritising the Doctor and Dunes holes for modifications. Bunkers on Sandhills, the Chapel and Beach holes have all been rebuilt and one reintroduced

on the Long Trail and Sahara.

Coulson, who moved from Royal St George’s last year, where he was deputy head greenkeeper, said: “MacKenzie had a set of rules when he designed courses and one stated ‘the features of a course should be so natural so that they are indistinguishable from nature itself’.

“That is the motivation as we try to establish this place as a stern test of golf, a true championship links.

“It is still very early in the journey but things are going in the right direction. My stance is that the course should be easy to play, but hard to score on.

“Course design is interpretation. We are interpreting the best evidence of what we have and like and we are going back to the original ideas and style from when MacKenzie designed it.

“Over the years Seaton Carew has lost some original features like elaborate bunkering – up to 40 have been lost since the Second World War. “I got some aerial photographs from the 40s and it

June 2021

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Head greenkeeper Tom Coulson, left, has a clear vision of Seaton Carew’s future showed the MacKenzie style in evidence and a lot of that has deteriorated. The course kind of lost its teeth and we are bringing those back.”

Almost every change to the 146-year-old course requires consent because, like any links, the habitat is unique; most of the land is part of the Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast Site of Special Scientific Interest.’

The recent bunker and green changes are the first stage of the regeneration. Even further widescale modifications are pencilled in for the autumn when Sea Buckthorn bushes will be erased to open up the sand dunes and sea views.

Coulson said: “This place has the industry to the right, the bushes to the left so without

those suddenly you get gorgeous sand dunes and sea as you play golf. It has been strangled by the bushes for nearly 100 years.

“We have also got big works planned for the Road, Jimmy Kay and Tees holes this autumn – all with the aim of reinstating some of the original bunker styles you can see on those old photographs.”

Coulson and his small five-man team have had to deal with severe flooding over the recent winter, with the worst rainfall recorded in ten years.

Yet the greenstaff are extremely pleased with the outcome and the feedback from members has been exceptional.

Seaton Carew has a long and proud history,

making it one of the oldest golf courses in the world.

It was re-designed and extended from 14 to 18 holes in 1926 by the man famed for creating such masterpieces as Augusta National and Cypress Point and Royal Melbourne, Dr MacKenzie.

Coulson, a plus-two handicapper with an 18-year career working on the greens behind him, has big ambitions for Seaton Carew – and he is working constantly to achieve his goals.

The 35-year-old said: “The improving course conditions have created a more desirable venue.

“It’s the best links golf course between

Norfolk and Scotland on the east coast, the tenth oldest in England and its famous golf designer all contributes to the rise in demand for golf here.

“Course conditioning has not been at its best in recent years, but you’d still want to play here because the land offers authentic links golf. This means you play golf amongst sandy hillocks off firm, tight lies and to firm, fast greens.

“It’s a mixture of pristine turf that routes between ragged sand dune vegetation and a variety of bunker styles and shapes.

“We are working to promote those characteristics through our management of the turf and the modification to the golf course.”

Seaton Carew Golf Club has corporate packages available Platinum £15,000 Gold £7,500 Silver £3,000 Bronze £500 (all prices exc VAT)

Seaton Carew is the 10th oldest golf club in England and among the oldest 50 in the world Voted 12th best course for under £60 in GB & I by Today’s Golfer

Midweek fourball for visitors £220

Tees Road, Seaton Carew, Hartlepool, TS25 1DE secretary.seatoncarewgolfclub@gmail.com Tel: 01429 266249

We welcome all visitors.

Memberships available in certain categories.

June 2021

17

Brilliant effort for children’s hospice

Golf ‘good for you’ – as millions agree New research commissioned by The R&A has found that the number of people in Great Britain who have played golf on a full-length course in the last year has surged to 5.2 million.

The extraordinary rise is by more than two million people since the pandemic began, and the figure of 5.2 million is the highest recorded this century.

Its ‘2020 Great Britain Golf Participation Report’ finds that 36 percent of these 5.2 million golfers were returning or new players – with 16 percent saying they were trying golf for the first time because of the pandemic.

That figure rises to 25 percent for female golfers only.

The average age of golfers fell by five years to 41, with the majority of new golfers aged under 55.

Driving range use also surged – with an increase from 2.3 million to 4.3 million players, and golfers who only used par three courses more than doubled, while those who only played on pitch and putt courses more than tripled.

Meanwhile in Ireland fulllength course participation more than doubled – from 219,000 to 540,000 people.

The R&A has also released details of its ‘Post Covid Opportunity Research’ in Great Britain and Ireland, which, along with findings from Bayfirth Research, details experiences of golfers during the pandemic, their motivations for playing and their long-term plans for the future.

Among new golfers, 98 percent said they are enjoying playing golf and 95 percent see themselves playing golf for many years to come.

The impact of Covid-19 restrictions on mental and physical health and loneliness has been considerable, added The R&A, with many interviewees stating that the game has had a positive impact on both.

Phil Anderton, chief development officer at The R&A, said, “We have seen a real surge in the number of golfers in Great Britain and Ireland playing the sport and this is reflected by the high demand for tee times and clubs reporting a strong interest in membership last year.

“Golf has shown that it can provide significant health benefits and this has been important for many golfers during these very challenging times.

“It is vital that golf seizes the opportunity to maintain this heightened interest by offering new and returning golfers compelling reasons to stay within the sport and enjoy it with friends and family.”

The research also outlined recommendations that clubs can take to retain new players, including feeling welcome and valued; a friendly culture and relaxed atmosphere; participation options based on ability and experience; good customer service; having an efficient booking system; and the quality and maintenance of the course.

Anderton added, “The mental and physical health benefits of golf have helped boost participation in 2020 and that is hugely encouraging given the sport offers a wonderful form of exercise out in the fresh air for all ages and abilities.

“With more female players also coming into the sport, it presents an opportunity for golf clubs to harness interest from this key demographic and to engage in our #FOREeveryone campaign. The campaign encourages clubs to consider how they can attract more women and girls into the sport.”

Top marks, Marcus Marcus Brigham of Malton & Norton was the winner of the York Union of Golf Clubs’ 2021 staging of the Thompson Trophy, the first event in the Order of Merit schedule.

He is pictured with Union President Mike Ward of Forest Park Golf Club.

The 2019 OoM champion, Brigham is leading a pack of hopefuls chasing the new Union junior champion Tom Pyman.

Open honour for Hollinwell Hollinwell, the home of Notts Golf Club, has been announced as one of just four Regional and Final qualifying courses for next month’s Open Champsionship being staged at Royal St George.

The home of Notts Golf Club is in one of the sport’s most majestic settings in the rolling hills of north Nottinghamshire, the heart of Robin Hood country, just 10 minutes from the M1 J27. Hollinwell is one of the UK’s very finest examples of traditional heathland golf.

Consistently ranked in the UK’s Top 40 best courses, the club continues with the widely acclaimed course and environmental improvements accomplished over recent years. It has held many prestigious professional and amateur tournaments and from

June 25-29 it will stage qualifying for the 149th Open. Unfortunately due to Covid no spectators are allowed this year. The only other clubs so nominated by the R&A are Prince’s, St Anne’s Old Links and West Lancs.

Hollinwell has fascinating connections not only to ancient monks, Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest, the Ryder Cup and The Open but also to Charles Darwin, Sir Nick Faldo, Sir Peter Alliss, Matt Fitzpatrick and two unique world records.

View Robin Hood’s seat behind the second green, drink from the Hollin Well by the 8th tee, soak up the atmosphere from a course with a wonderful history and one which is genuinely a great test of golf – and where everyone is warmly welcomed.

Despite the cancellation of their 125th Anniversary celebrations last year, Sheffield’s Abbeydale Golf Club had much to be proud of during 2020.

Their club captains, Jane Morris and Stuart Hitchman, with the help of fellow members, raised the magnificent sum of £8,100.67 in aid of the Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice at North Anston and a cheque for that amount was recently handed over to the hospice’s Regional Fundraiser for Sheffield, Shannon Gossage.

Despite disruption to the club’s golfing activity due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Captains worked tirelessly both on and off the course, and raised funds by several different methods, including a Bridge Competition and a “Captain’s Golf Challenge” against fellow members.

Bluebell Wood cares for children and young adults whose lives are sadly just too short, by supporting them both in their own homes and at the hospice’s premises in North Anston.

They need to raise almost £14,000 each day in order to keep their doors open, so the cheque that was recently presented to them, is a valuable contribution towards their day-to-day operating costs.

Photo shows Shannon Gossage from Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice (right) receiving a cheque from Stuart Hitchman and Jane Morris, Abbeydale GC Captains 2020.

NO HANDICAP TO WILLOW The Halifax, Huddersfield & District Union Handicap Team Championship at Halifax Bradley Hall was won by Willow Valley golf club with an aggregate gross score of 346.

Runners up were Crow Nest Park with an aggregate gross score of 352.

In 3rd place was Bradley Park golf club with an aggregate gross score of 353 while the best individual net winner was Daniel Stott of Hanging Heaton, with 67.

STOCKSBRIDGE & DISTRICT GOLF CLUB

30 Royd Lane, Deepcar, Sheffield S36 2RZ

Special Membership Offers for 2021 Introductory Offer

Social Membership

GENTS £650 – LADIES £570

£90 FOR SIX ROUNDS* OF GOLF AND HOUSE MEMBERSHIP

Full membership to March ‘22

Includes house membership Unlimited golf Eligible to obtain an official handicap & enter club competitions

Play 6x18 or 12x9 holes or a mixture Play any time Perfect for anyone new to playing golf

Contact Treasurer/Secretary John on 0114 288 2003 or email: stocksbridgegolf@hotmail.co.uk Please call the Pro Shop on 0114 288 2779 to book a tee time or more information

www.stocksbridgegolfclub.co.uk Facebook @stocksbridgeanddistrictgolfclub

Clubhouse/Office 0114 288 2003 stocksbridgegolf@hotmail.co.uk

18

June 2021

GIRL POWER 2021 running is bigger and better after a ‘lost’ 2020 campaign

Girls rocking golf again Girls Golf Rocks is back for 2021 and the sign-up process for beginner girls is now live.

The participation programme, run by England Golf and the Golf Foundation and led by PGA-qualified coaches, is specifically designed to promote the game as a fun and friendly experience for young girls new to the sport.

Although primarily aimed at participants in the 7-14 age bracket, Girls Golf Rocks is open to all girls aged 5-18.

With nearly 200 clubs spread over 35 counties taking part in 2021, there is a wide range of Girls Golf Rocks venues to choose from – and sign-up couldn’t be easier.

To join the fun, visit the Girls Golf Rocks website and follow the simple registration instructions.

Coaching will take place in two six-week blocks at various times between June and October at a cost of £35 per block. Some clubs are also running free taster sessions in advance of the main programme.

After Covid-19 restrictions forced the cancellation of the 2020 programme, the initiative is back with renewed energy for 2021.

Lauren Spray, England Golf’s women and girls in golf manager (pictured), said: “We’ve had amazing success with Girls Golf Rocks in the past and we’re looking to make up for lost time in 2020 by having double the fun in 2021. This is a great way for girls to come along and try golf, make new friends and have fun in a totally safe environment.

“We’re asking everyone to spread the word to family and friends and help introduce the wonderful game of golf to as many young girls as possible.”

Martin Crowder, head of development for the Golf Foundation, said: “We are all well aware of how inspiring

this can be for young girls who want to try a new, very healthy and social activity in the beautiful natural setting of a golf course. I am sure many new families to the game will be similarly excited.

“The PGA-qualified coaches taking part will ensure new girls are given the best possible start in the game, as part of a fun learning group where they can make good friends, gaining the playing skills of golf and also valuable life skills that can be used in their wider lives.”

The programme is now in its fifth staging and has helped introduce over 5,000 girls to the sport.

All golf clubs and facilities taking part this year have achieved the England Golf SafeGolf accreditation, giving

parents and guardians added peace of mind and allowing new recruits to enjoy themselves in a fun and secure environment.

In 2019, 112 facilities across England signed up to make Girls Golf Rocks a runaway success.

This year a record number of venues across England will be involved in the biggest girls’ coaching programme in the country.

As always, England Golf and the Golf Foundation have teamed up to provide marketing tools, resources and coach-funding for clubs taking part. The emphasis on the lessons is for the girls to learn the fundamentals of the game, have fun with their friends in a comfortable and relaxed setting without too much focus on the coaching and competi-

2020protour – all still to play for in OoM race

tive elements of the game.

The lessons will take the girls through all the basics of golf, culminating in a final session on the course where they can put into practice all they have learned from their PGA coach.

While qualified PGA professionals will lead the sessions, Girls Golf Rocks will also encourage current girl golf club members to act as peer role-models and assist in the delivery at each club by becoming programme ambassadors. In 2019, 166 girl ambassadors helped support the sessions and ensured it was the most successful campaign to date.

For more details please visit www.girlsgolfrocks.org or send any questions to: girlsgolfrocks@englandgolf .org

Tom doubles up in York

There was everything to play for in the 2020protour’s 2021 running as the players went into the second Major of the campaign at Rockliffe Hall on Monday June 14, with victories being shared out.

Marcus Mohr lifted the first Major at Moortown in May, as tour organisers Chris Hanson and Adam Walker found more and more ‘visiting’ pros from outside Yorkshire flocking to their new venture.

Perhaps the performance of the year so far came from amateur golfer Oliver Caton, who showed the pros the way home on his home course of Crosland Heath ahead of the trip north to Rockliffe.

Monday June 7 – Crosland Heath Home amateur golfer Oliver Caton showed the pros the way home to land the Swimnation Cup at his home club.

The leading pro, a shot behind Caton, was Tom Rowland from Hexham. He was followed closely home by Delamere Forest lady golfer Gemma Clews, a shot ahead of 2020protour founder Hanson, Cave Castle’s Dan Swales, Nick McCarthy of Moortown and Longridge GC’s Mark Young.

Yorkshire golfers filling out the top 10 included Woodsome Hall’s Rochelle Morris, Fixby’s Nick Marsh and Branshaw pro Daryl Ley.

Thurs June 7 – Cleckheaton Pairs There was a different 2020protour look to the event at Cleckheaton on Thursday June 2, with the golfers pairing up for a betterball in The Metal Store Masters.

The combination of pro-pro, pro-am or am-am was novel, but the pairing of seasoned Harrogate pro John Parry and Moortown’s Order of Merit champion from last year, Nick McCarthy, proved the winning one. They carded a terrific 59 to land the £2,000 first prize.

John Parry and partner Nick McCarthy consider their options in the Cleckheaton Pairs – they clearly made the right call. They won with -11!

PHOTO: ANDY CROOK They were given a run for their money though, with Chris Hanson and Blackwell Grange’s Aaron Cox signing for a 60, the same as Romanby’s Will Whiteoak and Dan Brown, plus Malton’s David Hague and Gian Petrozzi.

Monday May 24 – Worsley Park The trip from Blankney Park in Lincolnshire proved fruitful for Rob Harris as his -6 round of 65 gave him a 2-shot margin over Romanby’s Dan Brown in the Manchester Masters. Brown was a shot ahead of unattached John Singleton, himself one in front of Brogan Townend (Pleasington) and Sophie Lamb (Clitheroe), plus David Houlding (Moortown) and Whitefield’s Robert Batchelor.

Monday May 17 – Wheatley A 36-hole shoot out in Doncaster saw new European Tour star Marcus Armitage lead the field after round 1 with a 7-under

total of 64 in The Golf Travel People Masters.

The Howley Hall man fell away in the afternoon however and it was the 66/67 of Formby Hall’s Harry Proos that took the honours on a cumulative -9.

He was a shot in front of Will Whiteoak and Paul Kinnear (Formby) on -8, a total that was matched by leading amateur golfer Sam Bairstow (Hallowes) who followed up a solid 70 with an impressive closing round of 64.

Monday May 10 – Moortown The first Major of the 2020protour went ‘abroad’ – just – when Padeswood & Buckley golfer Marcus Mohr took the £2,500 purse home. The club is inside North Wales by about a drive and a threewood.

Mohr prevailed over Jack Clarkson (Lancaster) and Wheatley’s Kealan McAleer who matched his -2 round of 69 in tough conditions.

Tom Pyman of The Oaks made it double delight in the York Union Championships, lifting both the Junior and the Amateur titles in the space of a week.

Competing at Scarthingwell in some atrocious weather, Tom’s rounds of 71, 72 for a -1 total of 143 was enough for a comfortable 10-stroke victory over second placed Matt Dolling and Sam Norman on 154 in third.

Six days later at Heworth, Fulford’s Matt Roberts led after the first round with a solid -1 of 68 but with a chasing pack right behind him.

In a thrilling afternoon Fulford’s Jamie Miller had a run of three birdies to get into contention, but it was The Oaks pair of Pyman and his +4 colleague Harry Lee battling it out at the top.

Lee had a one shot advantage going into the afternoon, but an excellent -3 round of 66 was enough for Tom Pyman to edge matters by a single stroke and complete the ‘double’.

Hopes were high for the Yorkshire Boys Championship a few days later at The Bradford GC, but Tom had to settle for a highly commendable third place as Dylan Shaw-Bradford prevailed.

We are taking bookings for...

SELBY GOLF CLUB

Your Society Day!

Welcome back golfers – We’re looking forward to seeing you again!

call 01757 228622 and book today – great rates and great food options available

5-DAY MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE • Great value for money as the course is playable ALL year round!

Weekday 4-ball specials for only £120

PLAY ONE OF OUR 2021 OPENS Thursday July 15 – Over 55s Mixed AM-AM Mixed pairs competition, £80 per team Sunday August 8 – Team Mixed Open Stableford Four-persons, £68 per team Tuesday September 7 – Ladies Open Four-persons, £68 per team Friday September 10 – Autumn Team AM-AM £120 per team, any combination

For other enquiries contact the Club Manager

Tel: 01757 228622

or email: office@selbygolfclub.co.uk

Visit www.selbygolfclub.co.uk Selby Golf Club, Brayton Barff, Mill Lane, Brayton, Selby, North Yorkshire, YO8 9LD

20

June 2021

A Yorkshire Golfer Advertorial Feature

Ancient and modern is a winner for Normanton G

olf in Yorkshire doesn’t get much better than Normanton Golf Club at Hatfeild Hall. Set within 145 acres of glorious Yorkshire countryside, with streams and lakes to add a little spice, each hole presents its own challenge to both high and low handicappers.

A superb clubhouse, practice ground and golf shop with everything you need make it the perfect place to enjoy golf in Yorkshire.

Designed by Patrick Dawson, the architect of some of the holes on the famous Augusta National course in America, it offers a true test of golfing ability and with the ninth hole returning to the clubhouse it makes the Normanton course appealing to societies and visiting parties alike, particularly those wanting to play 27 holes.

This year Normanton Golf Club is celebrating 23 years being based at Hatfeild Hall, Stanley, located just on the outskirts of Wakefield city centre.

The approach to the magnificent clubhouse is via a long winding driveway with mature trees and the course on either side with views of the impressive fountain on the 18th lake as you make your way up the driveway until suddenly the view opens up to reveal the majestic hall with flags flying.

Hatfeild Hall sits impressively overlooking the course with direct views from either the patio or balcony down the 1st and 18th holes.

The Hatfeild Hall of today has been tastefully restored, incorporating many of the original designs.

This magnificent £1million pound clubhouse, with conferencing facilities and ability to comfortably cater for over 100 guests, has retained much of its Gothic charm, whilst ensuring the needs of the 21st centu-

ry are more than adequately met.

During its time at Stanley, the golf club has seen the course mature and develop impressively into one which has become a firm favourite with the society golfer and visitor for their away day.

It had over 10,000 young sapling trees planted in 2000 which have matured to create tree lined fairways which can punish wayward shots.

These, combined with water hazards on eight of the holes and large bunkers, make the course a formidable challenge but not one that is too difficult.

Large USPGA spec greens demand that you need to have your putting game with you when you play Normanton, particularly as many of the greens are MacKenzie tiered greens.

Although the club is far too young to have the input of the Normanton-born master golf course architect, many of his design philosophies have been incorporated into the layout.

The par-4 18th is our signature hole, where you have a decision on the tee whether to take the large lake on and try and drive over it, or ‘play safe’, hitting down the fairway.

Make the conservative choice and you are virtually making the hole a par-5 with fairway bunkers to encounter with your 2nd shot, leading to a green defended on all sides by greenside bunkers.

On reaching the green you’ll find it to be a three-tiered MacKenzie green (there are several on the course) and so 3-4 putting isn’t out of the ordinary here.

It is a hole that has destroyed many a Flying the flag ... an overhead look down the course scorecard but one which is very pleasant on the eye and offers a great challenge to daunting shot with a stream running diagonally away from 2nd place as a local favourite by the 6th golfers old and new. the tee. It’s a question of how much of the dogleg can you However, this hole is closely followed in hole, where on the tee you are facing a take on and if you do manage to get over with your driver there’s a nice welcoming bunker waiting for you at the other side.

A sloping fairway following the stream to a green defended by a bunker is awaiting your second (or third?) shot. On any other course this hole would automatically be the signature hole.

the 18th is the club’s signature hole with a risk or reward choice to make off the tee

O

The challenging 18th features a triple-tiered MacKenzie-style green, one of several on the course

ver the years Normanton has built up a solid reputation for being a friendly club where the staff and its members ensure visitors and guests are made to feel welcome and at ease, which is how it should be.

The course has a reputation across the region for being an attractive and popular design and layout, not repetitive, always interesting and with 10 buggies available for hire for those who find walking 18 holes nowadays a bit much.

Once back in the clubhouse you can relax and spend your time reviewing just where you went wrong on your round in either the cosy 19th bar or members’ lounge or if the weather permits relax out on the balcony with panoramic views down the 1st and 18th holes. It is a real suntrap to enjoy a drink, snack or maybe a bar meal cooked by our experienced chef.

Normanton also has a well stocked Pro Shop managed by its popular professional Gary Pritchard and his assistant Callum Gaughan. The shop can cater for just about every golfer’s needs from new clubs, balls and shoes, to golf clothing. Gary is always keen to strike a deal and offers great value for money on all his merchandise.

June 2021

21 A sweeping driveway brings guests and golfers to the impressive Hatfeild Hall and Normanton Golf Club

H

atfeild Hall, manages to combine subtly being a clubhouse as well as being the ideal venue for hosting special events.

Hatfeild Hall hosts weddings, conferences, ceremonies and celebrations of all types. An attractive 18th century historic building, located in a beautiful setting and approached from a long, sweeping, tree-lined driveway, you realise that you are approaching a hidden gem, so convenient, yet so remote.

Its tranquillity is breathtaking and will certainly leave an impression on your guests. This is all before you have even set foot inside the building itself.

The hall has much history to it, including the fabled Mulberry Bush opposite its entrance, where folklore has it that a cutting from it was replanted in Wakefield Prison and is where the rhyme “Here we go round the Mulberry Bush” originated.

The venue is central to creating the atmosphere on your special day. That is why Hatfeild Hall is the perfect setting to host your dream wedding with its stunning surroundings, the way it is steeped in history and the amazing backdrop it offers for your wedding photos: with features such as the mulberry bush, the fountain and the intricate architectural designs that can be found within the hall.

Your wedding day will be made all the more special through our personal approach as we provide for all your needs to ensure that you and your guests have a truly memorable day. We only host one wedding party at a time to ensure the day is truly special ... just for you!

Fine food is an important ingredient at any wedding celebration; we offer a wide selection of menus created by our awardwinning chef using the freshest ingredients and, wherever possible, locally sourced suppliers. To complement the food we offer a specially selected wine list featuring wines sourced from around the world.

The hall has different rooms of varying sizes, so can accommodate parties and groups of all sizes. With excellent on-site catering facilities, we can offer either standard menus or food tailored to your specific needs. All events are organised and managed by one of our experienced hospitality coordinators who will also be with you on the day.

Hatfeild Hall – the perfect venue for your perfect wedding day

So if you’re looking for a special day, whether it be a round of golf on a special course relaxing afterwards in a special clubhouse, or need an ideal venue in a fabulous picturesque setting, located away from the hustle and bustle of city life for that special event/occasion, look no further. Just give Normanton Golf Club/Hatfeild Hall a try. We promise you won’t be disappointed and will surely want to return.

Hatfeild Hall is within easy reach of Wakefield and the surrounding towns, and is also easily accessible from all the major road networks nearby (M1, A1, M62).

A large car park is available to cater for all of your guests.

To find out more please contact either by phone 01924 200900 (golf) or 377943 (Hhospitality).

You can also email us on office@normantongolf.co.uk or visit our web site where there is also a video you can watch.

That’s all found at www.normantongolf.co.uk to give you a further insight into the fabulous facilities and setting.

We look forward to seeing you, whether for a great round of golf, or to create unforgettable memories at your special event.

www.normantongolf.co.uk

Tel: 01924 377943

email office@normantongolf.co.uk

Extremely popular with societies – see our calculator on the website) AN IDEAL LOCATION FOR CORPORATE GOLF DAYS – (ring the pro shop for details) MANY VISITOR OFFERS – Fourball & two buggies, tee-time offers, twilight deals etc £400 ladies, 1st year including two lessons with professional. Discounted rates for 21-30-year-olds

MEMBERSHIP OFFERS AVAILABLE – FREE JUNIORS UP TO 14-YEARS-OLD Normanton Golf Club, Hatfeild Hall, Aberford Rd, Wakefield, West Yorks WF3 4JP (accessed by Jnc 30 of M62 & Jnc 41 of M1)

22

June 2021

TONY HOWARTH,

1

Academy Director at Scarthingwell Golf Academy

Swing plane made simple Tony looks at the swing plane, a concept that many golfers can struggle to come to terms with understanding...

2

3

I think the swing plane is one of the most important concepts in golf. Swing plane directly relates to how straight, high and far a golfer can hit the ball.

At the same time, swing plane is one of the most intimidating terms for beginners and high-handicappers, simply because they do not understand the principles and concept of the swing plane.

Simply, the swing plane is the angle of your swing arc in relation to the ground.

If you could stand directly above the ball and make a perfectly upright swing, the club would travel on an arc perpendicular to the ground, just like a big wheel. If your swing plane were perfectly flat, the club would swing around your body horizontal to the ground like a roundabout.

Your individual swing plane is influenced by your height, build, posture and how you swing your arms and turn your body. The swing plane also differs from club to club, because of the lie angle of the club. This means that the shorter the club, the more upright your swing plane will be. Also, if the ball is on a sidehill lie where the ball is above your feet, your swing plane will naturally be flatter.

For an image of an ideal swing plane, imagine a line drawn from the ball, along the clubshaft and up past the grip. (Image 1) This is your personal swing plane line.

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TONY HOWARTH, 2004 Sinclair Award Winner, Academy Director and Golf and Marketing Manager at Scarthingwell Golf Course, has over 25 years PGA experience and has taught all levels of golfers. This experience ranges from European Tour, Ladies European Tour and County players through to club golfers and complete beginners.

Tony has appeared as guest speaker at many events including the Junior Golf Partnership seminar held at the Belfry, as Key Note Speaker at the inaugural Golf Careers Convention at the University of Northumbria, guest speaker at the UK Golf Show, the

As you execute your takeaway, the club should remain on the same plane angle as your imaginary dotted line until your forearm is parallel to the ground, a position that is about half way through the backswing (Image 2).

At this point the shaft should still be travelling along your swing plane line.

The direction of your downswing should allow the club to travel back down parallel to the line so the clubhead approaches the ball on the same plane as it was at address. (image 3) As you reach impact, the shaft will again be parallel to your line, (image 4) with the natural rotation of your arms keeping the club on the line well into the finish. A consistent swing plane will help you not just to maintain your balance throughout your swing, but will also allow you to swing confidently through the ball (image 5)

Common Swing Plane Errors Many golfers begin their swings by using their hands incorrectly and this produces a rolling motion of the clubhead on the takeaway.

This immediately puts the club under the player’s swing plane. Very often from this position, the player will then lift the club to the top of the backswing and then loop the club over the top.

This then brings the club above the swing plane on the downswing, causing the player to hit the ball from an outside path, a major cause of slices and pulls.

Practice Drill Start by establishing a fixed position where the ball will sit, perhaps on a tee, a mark on the ground, or both.

It’s important that the ball’s position does not move once we’ve set up this drill. I personally suggest teeing the ball up. It is possible to hit full shots using this drill, but I would recommend starting with very small swings and progressing to larger swings very slowly.

Establish a target line by laying a club or alignment stick in front of the ball and behind the ball pointing in the same direction. Set up a parallel toe line as well, ensuring your setup is square and aligned.

My suggestion would be to use a 7 iron for this drill. From the ball, move along the target line 1 club length away from the target. From there, move 6 to 8 inches at a right angle away from your stance side of the target line.

At this point, push an alignment stick into the ground at an angle parallel to your seven iron in the address position. If you imagine the plane of your golf swing, we have now set up an aid which is parallel to your intended swing plane, but safely above the plane.

If your golf swing remains on plane, the alignment stick should not affect anything, but if you come over the top, you will hit the alignment stick on the downswing, thus giving immediate feedback that the swing plane was incorrect. These swings should be taken slowly to enable you to control the movements.

5

Turkish Golf Federation 1st Annual Coaching Conference and most recently at the GolfEurope Show in Augsburg, Germany.

In his role as SNAG Master Trainer, Tony works with International Golf Development implementing first touch coaching and development programmes across the world including Europe, Africa and Asia. Tony’s simplistic style of coaching has been his road to success and he has become known as an expert not just on the golf swing but especially on the

Scarthingwell Golf Course

GREEN FEE OFFER £20 PER PERSON Monday-Friday

£25 PER PERSON

Saturday-Sunday To book telephone reception

01937 557878

For details on our 2021 MEMBERSHIP OFFERS contact TONY HOWARTH

01937 557878

Scarthingwell Lane, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, LS24 9PF T: 01937 557878 tony.howarth@scarthingwellgolfcourse.co.uk www.scarthingwellgolfcourse.co.uk @GolfPick

ScarthingwellGolfCourse

One of Yorkshire's Friendliest Golfing Venues

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS HAVE TO SAY...

“I was excited about playing a course with a reputation for a friendly atmosphere. It did not disappoint – I was met with a very professional and cheerful welcome.”

“York is blessed with some really good courses and you can put this one right up near the top!”

“Thanks again for another great day’s golfing, yet again the course was in immaculate condition.”

GOLFING AT WATERFRONT

2021 AT WATERFRONT GOLF

Waterfront Golf has gone through some huge changes in recent years, and our membership numbers continues to rise to the point that we have very limited spaces for 7 day members but still have spaces available for 5 day members. Annual subscriptions of £470 for 5 day and £560 for 7 day offer fantastic value for our 12 month full tees and greens course. We do not have any temporary tees or greens .... ever!

Our nine hole course has eighteen different tees and our members have the option of 9 or 18 hole comps throughout the season. Our comps are open to all members gents and ladies alike. We have a thriving senior and mixed section at the club who play every week socially and in competitions.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ANY OF OUR MEMBERSHIP PACKAGES PLEASE CALL FRANK ON: 01709 877616 Our floodlit driving range has had a brand new makeover and our new putting and indoor studio which features a Capto putting lab and our Trackman driving range is now open and ready for use.

Andrew Stocks will soon join our three coaches Frank, Danny and Chris who all have private studios for you to learn comfortably in.

Frank and Danny both use TrackMan radar and video on all lessons and Chris uses Capto putting lab so you can learn everything you need at Waterfront Golf.

The brand new Trackman 4 golf simulator is available to rent and is amazing when the weather is bad!

Our fitting centre has Callaway, Ping, Taylor Made and Cobra available to try and we will match any genuine quote.

WE WILL NOT BE BEATEN ON PRICE!

SPECIAL OFFERS - LESSON PACKAGES A great introductory offer from our new coach Andrew Stocks – 1st hour half-price Danny – 10x 1-hour sessions £350 Chris – 3x 1-hour sessions £200 Call: 01709 877616 or visit www.waterfrontgolf.co.uk FOR INFO ON ANY OFFERS OR MEMBERSHIP. AND REMEMBER YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A MEMBER TO USE ANY OF OUR FACILITIES – OUR CLUBHOUSE IS A MODERN, RELAXED PLACE WITH NO DRESS CODE SO COME ALONG AND ENJOY A VIBRANT ATMOSPHERE!

STATION ROAD, WATH-ON-DEARNE, ROTHERHAM S63 7BU

Food available daily