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GLORY DAYS Ben Schmidt, 16, is youngest ever Brabazon champion MARVEL MEG TAKES THIRD COUNTY TITLE
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June 2019 Yorkshire Golfer is published by League Weekly Ltd, 31 Branch Road, Batley, W. Yorks WF17 5SB Tel 01924 470296 for subscriptions & deliveries Contents are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced wholly or in part without permission of the publishers
IN THIS ISSUE
CHAMPIONS Howley Hall quartet lift Yorkshire Am-Am title with great comeback p8
EDITORIAL:
Sandra Kirton 07771 885757 sandra@yorkshire-golfer.com mike@yorkshire-golfer.com @yorkshiregolfer
find us online: www.yorkshiregolfer.net
HERO WORSHIP Bradford GC member Jas Athwal with his ‘pal’ – the legendary Tom Watson! p4
ON CLOUD 9 The Yorkshire Union of Golf Clubs is running its inaugural 9-hole competition – and we focus on two such clubs, Rawdon and Ben Rhydding p6/7
ADVERTISING:
DIAMOND GAL Skipton’s Lucy Eaton played a major part in her USA college lifting a major title p9
IN FOCUS We look at some excellent neighbouring courses on the ‘wrong’ side of the Pennines! p20/21
ONE OF THE VERY BEST... Notts GC Hollinwell reviewed 14/15
DEWSBURY DOMINATE The Halifax, Hudds & District Alliance Page Trophy belonged to the Heavy Woollen District club p23
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Yorkshire Union celebrates its 125th year with festivities at its ancestral ‘home’ Huddersfield Golf Club p12
TOUCH AND GO Flying all over the world can literally be a golf ‘hazard’ as our columnist Chris Hanson discovered on his way to play a tournament in Turkey p24
Spread your club's good news... email your results, open events, photographs and news items to us on: mike@yorkshire-golfer.com and follow us on Twitter @yorkshiregolfer THE NEXT ISSUE OF YORKSHIRE GOLFER WILL BE DELIVERED TO CLUBS ON TUESDAY, JULY 2nd, 2019
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June 2019
BRABAZON TROPHY Alwoodley crowds treated to some fantastic displays of golf
Ben has nerves of steel Mike Smith reports from Alwoodley GC YORKSHIRE teenager Ben Schmidt came of age when he became the youngest ever winner of the Brabazon Trophy. The 16-year-old from Rotherham beat an international field by five shots at Alwoodley, Leeds, pipping future major winners Sandy Lyle and Charl Schwartzel who were respectively 17 and 18 when they won the English Men’s Open Amateur Stroke Play – one of the most sought-after titles in men’s amateur golf worldwide. “Being the youngest makes it even more special,” said Schmidt, who was under par in all four rounds of the championship, scoring rounds of 69, 64, 69, 69. “I’m just so pleased I got over the line, it takes a very long time to play the back nine when you’re in the lead!” He is the second successive Yorkshire player to win the Brabazon, following Nick Poppleton’s success in 2018 – and the third in the last four years. Schmidt, who was cheered by the large partisan crowd, was embraced by tearful family members as he sealed victory with a par on the 18th, said: “This means so much. It’s nice to keep it in Yorkshire and it was awesome to see so many supporters, friends and family. “I’m just so glad I managed to keep the lead from day two, that’s probably been the toughest part, but I got it done and it’s just amazing!” Whilst the scoreline might look emphatic Schmidt was locked in a duel with Harry Hall from West Cornwall who had set a new course record of 63 in the third round. That left Hall at 10-under and one behind Schmidt, leaving them to fight out what effectively became a matchplay contest because they were so far clear of the chasing pack. This was a real David versus Goliath affair between the Will-o’-thewisp walking one-iron Schmidt, and Hall, an imposing figure at 6’3” and built like a Truro second rower. Hall only arrived back in England two days before the Barabazon started after graduating from the University of
PHOTO: Courtesy Leaderboard Photography
Schmidt had already played his second to the 13th when Hall was still ambling up to his ball – still 30 yards away from where his drive had finished. Schmidt then putted out of turn after Hall had offered a ‘go if you are ready’ invitation. Both made pars as they did on the 14th where Hall’s short game once again came to the rescue, but Schmidt then absolutely smoked his drive on the hardest hole on the course giving him an 80 yard advantage over Hall’s safety play iron. The big Cornishman missed left and couldn’t save par and when he followed it with an errant drive on 16 which led to a bogey, Schmidt had a three shot lead with two to play with after another superb tee shot. Former Yorkshire secretary Keith Dowswell was following the game and had little doubt that Schmidt would get the job done over the closing holes. “Ben has ice in his veins, always has had. “And he’s a very smart player. Even when he was younger coming through the ranks, he always knew where to put the ball, never short siding himself.” He played the difficult back nine in two-under par, while Hall dropped three shots over the closing holes and that was the difference.
Las Vegas where his scoring average over four years was an impressive 71.98, the sixth best in the programme’s history. Hall, 21, made a blistering start, with two birdies in the first three holes to overtake Schmidt. But the teenager took the lead again when he holed a 25-footer for birdie on the fifth, while his rival bogeyed the hole. The players were back on level terms after Schmidt bogeyed the short ninth with an uncharacteristic threeputt, after waiting an age for Hall to
“I played the back nine really well,” said Schmidt, who was making his first appearance in the Brabazon. “Those last five or six holes are really tough and I didn’t do any damage, I hit the centre of the greens and gave myself chances with the putts.” Ben Firth from Wike Ridge also enjoyed the best performance of his career by finishing fourth on 280 after a closing 69 while Fulford’s Charlie Thornton finished seventh two shots further back. Schmidt, a member of the England boys’ squad, also won the George Henriques Salver awarded to the leading GB&I player aged under 20 to cap a tremendous performance. The day belonged to Schmidt but don’t forget the name Wilco Neinaber – Alwoodley’s opening holes won’t after the 19-year-old South African brought the uphill 305 yard par 4 with a semi-blind tee shot to its knees with a 2-iron to 12’ and then reduced the 514 yard third and 479 yard fourth to a drive and a wedge. This kid is a superstar in the making and is set to be one of the longest hitters in professional golf when he joins the paid ranks later this year. Beaten in a play-off in this event last year by Yorkshire’s Nick Poppleton, he generates a ball speed of 198 mph and during this year’s Qatar Masters blasted one drive an incredible 436 yards – more than 50 yards past the next best. He finished down the field tied 28th at Alwoodley but is set for the brightest of futures.
get it up and down with his impressive short game. Throughout the round Hall did little to promote England Golf’s initiative of ‘Play Ready Golf’ which was emblazoned on every tee sign, and on the front nine regularly exceeded the guideline of 60 seconds for hitting a shot. It looked like he was trying to slow down the laconic Schmidt, who plays at an encouragingly quick pace, but the lad from Tankersley was having none of it. With only a shot separating them
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June 2019
MARVELLOUS MEGAN Selby star excels at Malton & Norton to lay claim to ladies’ crown for the third time
Yorkshire title once again in Garland’s grip
Selby’s Megan Garland beams as he holds the Yorkshire ladies’ championship trophy at Malton & Norton where she defeated Debs Henery of Hickleton in the final
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SELBY’S Megan Garland captured her third Yorkshire Ladies’ county championship when she defeated Debs Henery from Hickleton in the final at Malton & Norton Golf Club. It was Garland’s third win in the event in the last four years and she said: “I’m over the moon to have won the Yorkshire championship again. “Thank you to Malton & Norton and also to Selby members for their support including Lady Captain Sue Porter, Jenny Knights, Julie Rae and Mark Rae.” It was Henery’s first final and she has been rewarded with a place in the Yorkshire squad for the Northern Counties Match Week at Seaton Carew from June 24-28. The other squad members are: Evie Cooke (Rudding Park), Mia Eales Smith and Nicola Slater (both Lindrick), Jodie Himsworth (Fulford), Lily Hirst, Melissa Wood (both Woodsome Hall), Hannah Holden (Lightcliffe), Jess Hoskings (Huddersfield), Beth Norton (The Oaks), Katie Stephens (Middlesbrough) and Adel Watt (Cookridge). Congratulations are also due to Angela Morris of Brough GC who won the inaugural Yorkshire Ladies’ County Golf Association Senior Championship with rounds of 77 and 82 gross. The runner-up was Carol Simpson of Malton & Norton with rounds of 82 and 82. Huddersfield’s Charlotte Heath finished fourth in the Welsh women’s open stroke play championship at Royal St David’s. England’s Lily May
Athwal is in his element as he meets hero Watson BRADFORD Golf Club member Jas Athwal met his golfing idol Tom Watson, above, on a recent trip to Royal Portrush, which will host the Open Championship next month. Athwal is one of the founder members of the Asian Golf Society and was the first Asian to be named captain of an English golf club when he took office at Waterton Park in 2000. He is also a Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire and a board member at Welcome to Yorkshire. He was a guest of Doosan CEO David Clarkson at a Patron’s
Day ahead of the Open Championship. Five- time champion Watson was at Royal Porthcawl in his role of global ambassador for The Open and played a hole with each of the groups. Athwal says his favourite shot is a punched driver from the fairway, a shot he tried to describe to Watson, who is one of the finest exponents of links golf in the world. “He struggled with it, but it does take a certain level of skill to pull it off,” quipped Athwal, who plays off nine at his Hawksworth-based home club.
Humphreys added another top title to her collection with a four-shot victory. The 17-year-old internation-
al was 10 under for the 54-hole event, with Heath eight shots further back after carding rounds of 77, 72 and 68.
Evening with Alliss’. The Robert Trent Jones Snr 27-hole layout will play host to another famous face later this month when John Daly captains Yorkshire against the Red Rose county in the second ‘War of the Roses’.
Teams are sold out, but there are limited places available for the evening event that will include a Q&A with the twotime Major champion. Contact Simon Hurd on 07930 369433 for ticket availability.
Alliss is in wonderland over £1m fund A CHARITY set up by former Moor Allerton professional Peter Alliss has now raised £1.15 million and paid for more than 300 wheelchairs and walking aids. The Alliss Invitational was established by the ‘voice of golf’ in 1987 and its latest fundraiser was at Ferndown Golf Club in Dorset, attended by Peter and his wife, Jackie. “We’re now in our 33rd year. Who would have thought we’d still be here today?” Alliss, pictured, told guests. He served as the head professional at Moor Allerton during the 70s and made a nostalgic return last year for ‘An
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June 2019
SHORT ROUTE TO GLORY Entry remains open for Yorkshire Union of Golf Clubs’ inaugural nine-hole competition
Your chance for first coronation THERE is still time to enter a new team scratch event introduced by the Yorkshire Union of Golf Clubs for clubs with fewer than 18 holes. The inaugural men’s event will be played at Crow Nest Park Golf Club, near Brighouse, on Wednesday, July 31 where the team with the lowest aggregate score – with all three scores to count – will be declared the winner. The player with the lowest individual score will receive a voucher. YUGC affiliated clubs eligible are Ben Rhydding, Bradford Moor, Castlefields, Clayton, Crow Nest Park, East Bierley, Elland, Fulneck, Ghyll,
Headley, Hanging Heaton, Hebden Bridge, Heworth, Lightcliffe, Longley Park, Marsden Masham, Rawdon, Roundhay, Ryburn, South Bradford, Queensbury, Todmorden, Whitwood, Withernsea and Waterfront. YUGC secretary Jonathan Plaxton said: “We kept analysing the fixture list and realised that we engage with a lot of clubs a lot of the time, but not all the clubs all of the time. “So we looked at ways of embracing and reaching more clubs in the county and their players and involving them at county level since they are all stakeholders in the Yorkshire
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Union of Golf Clubs. “We looked at the number of nine-hole facilities across the county and decided to introduce an event just for them and hopefully we can get a good enough response to justify the decision. “During my time as President I got to know John Turner from Crow Nest, which is a great facility, so it was natural to approach them first about hosting the event and I’m pleased to say they were only too delighted to accept.” Situated in Hove Edge, Brighouse, in 63 acres of picturesque parkland, Crow Nest Park Golf Club at its highest point is just 450 feet above sea level and is easily accessible given its proximity to the motorway networks of West Yorkshire. The mansion house on the former Crow Nest Estate was owned and occupied in the 19th century by the industrialist Sir Titus Salt. Crow Nest Park opened on the June 1 1995. In its short history it has become renowned for its quality layout with its greens held in particularly high regard. Alternate tees add to its attraction. In 2009 the National Club Golfer magazine listed Crow Nest Park in the top 10 nine-
Ganstead Park head for Paris GANSTEAD PARK Golf Club clinched victory in the DE Events Race to Paris Grand Final. They pipped Brough on a countback over the Pines 9 after scoring 113 points through 27 holes at Forest Pines. The winning team will head off to Ryder Cup venue Le Golf National in Paris. Organised by leading trick shot artist and former Catterick Golf Club professional David Edwards, this year’s series was played at leading courses including Woodhall Spa, Lindrick, Moortown and Ganton. holes golf clubs in Great Britain. Further recognition followed in March 2010 when Golf World Magazine identified it as one of the best ninehole golf courses in the world. Crow Nest Park began its
Plans are already underway for the 2019-20 Race to Paris Series, with sponsorship from LeGolf National, Ping and The Insurance Partnership secured. life as a proprietary golf club, but has been a members’ club since 2011 and club captain Tony Smith said that Crow Nest Park was delighted, proud and honoured to have been asked by the Yorkshire Union of Golf Clubs to host its inaugural
Pictured above are the winning team from Ganstead Park, l-r, Lee Nicholson, Ady Rosindale, organiser David Edwards, Billy Hewitt and Phil Lucas. championship for clubs with nine holes. The closing date for entries is July 1 2019. The cost is £75 per team and entry forms can be downloaded from the Yorkshire Union of Golf Clubs website: www.yugc.co.uk.
Hague victorious in superb Seaton Salver
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SEATON CAREW Golf Club could not have wished for a more fitting climax to the 50th anniversary of their annual open scratch competition for the Seaton Salver. Slightly overcast skies and the gentlest of breezes greeted the early starters in the 58-man field and with such benign conditions the expectation was for low scores. Within four hours those expectations were being realised with home players dominating the leaderboard. Scott Phillips and Cameron Wallace were tied for first place with opening rounds of 68, two shots clear of David Hague from Malton & Norton, closely followed by three more Seaton players, Chris Gilbraith, Ian Hendry and Phil Nicholson. However, as is often the case on Seaton’s links, when the afternoon round got underway the easterly breeze turned through 180 degrees, increased in strength and brought with it a light but continuous drizzle. A scrambling 73 saw Phillips’ chances slowly dissolve, but another steady round of 68 by Cameron Wallace left only a handful of players in with a chance of catching him. As the scores came in it became ever more apparent that it would take a stunning round to lift the title, and it all came
David Hague, right, with Mike Henson, playing partner at Seaton down to the very last group and just one man, Hague. He required a five-under 66 to take the crown and that is exactly what he produced with a birdie, birdie, par finish on Seaton’s difficult closing stretch. So, after an epic 36 holes of golf, the 2019 Seaton Salver winner was Hague, who has battled illnesses for much of this year. Twelve events have been announced in this year’s Leeds & District Junior Order of
Merit, which is once again being sponsored by The Copier Company Ltd. Dates and venues are: July 14: Wetherby; August 1: Selby; August 2: Sand Moor; August 6: Moor Allerton; August 9: Darrington; August 13: Garforth; August 19: Leeds; August 27: Scarcroft; August 30: Cookridge Hall; September 1: Horsforth; September 8: Wike Ridge.
The best five scores will count for the gross trophy and the best seven for the nett award. More information can be found on the LDUGC website.
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June 2019
ADVERTORIAL Nine-hole golf is catching on fast in the county
Ben Rhydding and Rawdon await you THE benefits of nine-hole golf are there for all to enjoy. It takes less time, can be social or competitive, can count for handicapping purposes, is still real golf and is fast, fun and flexible. Longer days mean we are now at the perfect time of year to enjoy a quick nine holes and this month we throw the spotlight on two of the most appealing short form courses in West Yorkshire. Ben Rhydding is a heady mix in more ways the one as it enjoys a spectacular lofty setting in the lee of the famous Cow and Calf rocks with wonderful views over the Wharfe Valley. It also has an interesting history having been built between 1885 and 1890 as part of a colossal Victorian hotel, founded on the craze for spa water treatment, or hydrotherapy, which was regarded as a cure for all ailments. It followed the establishment of the White Wells Bath House on Ilkley Moor in 1793. As the boom in spa tourism died down towards the end of the 19th century, the owners built a 6-hole golf course as an alternative attraction, and by 1900 the hotel’s name had been changed to the Ben Rhydding Golf Hotel. But the hotel did no reopen after World War II war and the building was demolished in 1955 but happily the golf course remained. The club was formed in 1947 and the course extended to 9 holes with some of the back 9 tees being located differently to those on the front side. Despite being relatively short by modern day standard the course is no pushover with small tricky greens and a number of interesting blind shots to contend with – notably at the Khyber, where a drive over a large mound into a gully is the prelude to a difficult wedge shot to a blind green. A good touch and an imaginative short game are great assets around here. There’s a great incentive for youngsters to join the growing junior section at Ben Rhydding with new members receiving four free golf lessons from a PGA professional and regular Saturday morning coaching sessions. Those new to the club can also take advantage of a couple of special offers currently available. The first is a deal where new full members pay just £660 for 18 months’ membership, with £220 payable on application and the balance four months later. Intermediate, student and country members can also enjoy 15 months for the price of 12 which also extends to
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For more information call: 01924 830069 or visit www.midgleylodgemotel.co.uk Midgley Golf Course, Bar Lane, Midgley, Wakefield, WF4 4JJ
Ben Rhydding has a spectacular lofty setting on Ilkley Moor nights, quizzes and disco, leading to unique camaraderie at Ben Rhydding with everyone soon getting to know to one another. Ben Rhydding is a small club with a thriving membership and with great offers for members and visitors alike - a real hidden gem. RAWDON Golf & Lawn Tennis Club is a private members club located approximately six miles north-west of Leeds city centre, in the popular residential village of Rawdon. Originally established around the mid 1870s, the club prides itself on its friendly and relaxed atmosphere and exceptionally well maintained golf course and tennis courts. The par 72 layout measures 5,886 yards off the white tees, but the scorecard does not reveal what is about to Rawdon is a club that prides itself on its friendly unfold. Mature tree-lined narrow fairways fiercely protect and relaxed atmosphere par on many of the holes. ladies, and if you fancy a trial run Slightly off line tee shots are readily before taking the plunge there are great punished by overhanging branches leavrates on offer for visitors with 9 holes ing golfers to conjure up shots to greens that are quick and undulating. for £10 and £15 for 18. Furthermore, The majority of tee shots on the groups of four pay just £30 for 9 holes back nine are from alternative tee boxes and £45 for 18 thereby making a saving resulting in different angles that make of 25% on the day. Holders of a County players really think again the second Card also enjoy special rates on green time around. Away from the course, the fees. club is constantly developing with plenApart from the golf which features ty going on in the social side and also weekend and weekday competitions, recently held its inaugural Am-Am the club hosts a good number of social Open where a £15,000 car was on activities to which members and their offer for an ace on the day. guests are welcome. These include race Rawdon is also the home club of Mark Rhodes, a young man who recently returned from Abu Dhabi with a bronze medal after competing in the Special Olympics World Games. He is coached by Andy Watmuff, secretary and golf coach at the club, who is involved in coaching various individuals with complex health needs. He has also developed a golf fit programme supported by Sport England, which through coaching and exercise is designed to get players to return to golf who had given up because of age related illnesses. The club offers a number of membership packages, details of which are available by emailing: andywatmuff@msn.com.
Rawdon Golf & Lawn Tennis Club
Membership Packages Available Visitors Welcome More details call: 07782 195007 or email andywatmuff@msn.com Buckstone Drive, Rawdon, Leeds LS19 6BB or visit our website at: www.rgltc.com
“A fine golf course with plenty of challenges to test every shot in your bag”
NEW MEMBERS OFFERS Ladies £200 first year Juniors FREE first year All others categories 50% OFF first year OPEN TO NON MEMBERS • EXCELLENT FUNCTION ROOM
Maple Street, Huddersfield, HD5 9AX Tel: 01484 431885 Email: longleyparkgc@gmail.com www.longleyparkgc.co.uk
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High Wood, Ben Rhydding, Ilkley, LS29 8SB www.benrhyddinggolfclub.com Telephone: 01943 608759 • Mobile: 07709 973455
Interested in having your club featured? Email: lucy@yorkshire-golfer.com
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June 2019
STORMING FINISH Quartet claim honour of being first Yorkshire Am-Am Series champions over three top courses
Howley Hall battle back to triumph THEY’RE calling Howley Hall the comeback kids after they clawed back a five-point deficit going into the final round of the inaugural Yorkshire Am-Am Series to triumph. Miles Foster, Bob Carr, Jimmy Appleyard and Paul Blackshaw amassed a superb 14-under-par tally of 86 points in the final round at Alwoodley to go from five behind to winning by a clear six points. Appleyard was in fine form throughout the event, which saw the first two rounds played at Fulford and Moortown in this exciting addition to the Yorkshire golf scene. Now 48, but a scratch player for more than 20 years, he made 13 birdies over the three days, crucially making gross birdies at both of his shot holes at Alwoodley. Carr got the team off to a fast start with a birdie at the opening hole, but was then something of a bystander as his team-mates got into top gear. Foster added a birdie on the third, but the wheels threatened to come off when only
Appleyard could salvage a solitary point on the fifth in the two from four to count format. “We thought we had blown the tournament on the fifth with only one point from all four of us, but we vowed not to give in as it’s a very tough course and you never know what can happen in this game,” said fivehandicapper Foster. Blackshaw, who also plays off five, then hit back with a gross eagle and when he and Appleyard both birdied the 12th for nett eagles the eight points that went down on the scorecard brought a momentum they rode for more birdies through to the challenging last hole where Foster and Appleyard both made solid pars. An interested spectator was Howley Hall club mate Ben Hutchinson, who had played in an England squad day at the course a few weeks earlier and walked the final round with the winners as part of his final preparations for the Brabazon Trophy. They might sound like a 30s music hall act, but Appleyard
Howley Hall’s successful Yorkshire Am-Am Series line-up, l-r, Paul Blackshaw, Bob Carr, Jimmy Appleyard and Miles Foster and Foster are making a name for themselves in the big Yorkshire events, having won the Yorkshire Challenge over Ganton, Lindrick and Moortown in 2017. They will be hot favourites to make it a hat-trick when they
tee it up in the Heathland Classic later this month. Close House and its Tour professional Lee Westwood have announced that the 2019 Lookers Junior Masters Final will take place on Monday, October 28 on the champi-
onship Colt course. There are a number of qualifying events still to be played at the following venues: Middlesbrough GC (Friday, July 26; Durham City (Monday July 29); Worksop (Monday, July 29; Carlisle GC (Monday,
August 12) and Bradford GC (Monday, August 26). There are three age sections for qualification to the final: 12 and under, 15 and under and 18 and under, with two boys and one girl going through from each qualifying event.
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June 2019
BOWING OUT IN STYLE Skipton ace helps Panthers claw way to stunning college victory
Lucy proves a diamond SKIPTON’S Lucy Eaton played a key role in Florida Tech’s first-ever victory in the NCAA Division II Women’s Golf Championship. After three days of play at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida Tech’s Panthers defeated Cal State San Marcos to become Division II champions. Sadly it was also the last time that the team would compete after being told in February that the side would be dissolved next year. Eaton, now a senior at the university, was a key in the Panthers’ success at PGA National Champion Course, scoring a 75 in the final round and finishing in third place after three days. Coming off a second-round 70, Eaton went two over with two birdies, an eagle on No. 10, two bogeys and two double bogeys on the last day. Florida Tech Athletics Director Bill Jurgens said in February that the programme cuts, which also included women’s tennis, would allow the university to focus better its finite athletic resources across the remaining 18 varsity sports. Jurgens and head coach Chris Saltmarsh gathered the team in between classes so they could deliver the news before a
press release went out that afternoon. “I remember him saying, ‘Do you have any questions?’ ” Eaton told Golfweek USA. “We all just had our mouths open in shock. No one could say anything. We were just all heartbroken.” Later that day on the team’s group chat Eaton wrote: “New target acquired. Let’s go win nationals.” Inspired by Eaton’s words the Florida Tech team channelled their anger and frustration into the kind of storybook run that transcends sports, winning the programme’s first NCAA Division II title on its last day of existence. The team gathered the following week at The Woods in Jupiter for a ‘last supper’ of sorts. “It seemed fitting,” said Saltmarsh of dining at Tiger’s place.
Kath knows best but do you know Kath?
Lucy Eaton, second left front row, with Florida Tech Panthers team-mates and the NCAA trophy
West proves best in Bradford battle WEST BRADFORD won the Yorkshire Union 7th Division Championship, which was played at Otley Golf Club. Their team of Dane Bairstow, Dale Brook and Chris Musgrove took the title with a combined score of 457 to win by three shots from South Bradford. Doncaster Town Moor’s Michael
Sowerby had the 36-hole best score with rounds of 74 and 67. Tom Broadley from Birley Wood had the best first round (72), a score matched in the afternoon by Ben Ratcliffe of the KP Club. Pictured are Dane Bairstow, left, and Dale Brook.
LEEDS & District Union secretary John Grimbleby played the ball shown above twice on the 11th at Wakefield Golf Club during a 4BBB event before realising it was not his. He claims he was distracted by the wind. It was later on display on his desk, but no one claimed it. Because of the message on the ball John wishes to apologise to Kath since “she knows best” and return the ball to the rightful owner at the next Associate Members meeting at Selby on June 6. The ball is currently in the safe keeping of the LDUGC President Mike Gallagher, who has promised not to use it in the interim.
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June 2019
ICONIC Cobble Hall will once again stage an event that has been won by some of the game’s greatest players
Leeds Cup’s rich history to be envied tournament attracted most of IT’S DIFFICULT to imagine the big names of that era. It is that the great Harry Vardon, in recorded that in the 1911 tourhis last year as Ganton profesnament the Leeds Club had sional in 1902, was the first winner of the iconic Leeds Cup, generously given £18 to provide £2 each for the first 14 which will once again be players who would qualify for a played for at its spiritual home foursomes competition at of Leeds Golf Club, in August. Walton Heath. Since then many other The PGA had provided £20 famous names have been inscribed on the what is the old- in prize money from which £4 was voted as assistants’ prizes, est trophy in professional golf divided into including forfour prizes of mer Open £2, £1, 10s, champions, and 10s. Ryder Cup William players and Penrosenotable club Green, the club professionals from both sides news@yorkshire-golfer.com president, also put up a prize of the of five guineas Pennines. @yorkshiregolfer to any player A report in breaking the Golf Illustrated course record of 72. magazine of the opening tourThe 1911 tournament was nament recognised the generoswon by Ted Ray for the second ity and enterprising spirit of the year in succession. When he committee. Vardon’s winning score was 149 followed by Alex arrived at Leeds he brought the trophy, which had been kept at Herd and J.H. Taylor, both on Ganton Golf Club, and it was 153 over 36 holes. found to be already engraved Prize money in the early with his name and the date for days was derisive and yet the
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Gary Player delivered a knockout blow in the Leeds Cup – to himself
being the champion in 1910 and 1911. The cup was still to be played for! The Ganton secretary apologised for what he claimed to be a mistake by the engraver. Penrose-Green, who had donated the trophy and would go on to become Lord Mayor of Leeds, presented the cup to Ray amid much laughter. The tournament has continued to this day, although from the early 1930s it was decided by the PGA North Region to restrict entry to their members,
except when overseas professionals were playing in the Northern qualifying section of the PGA Match Play Championship. On one such occasion at Huddersfield Golf Club, in 1955, Gary Player, then only 19 years old, narrowly failed to win on his first visit to Britain. And he sent his memories of that occasion to mark the tournament’s return to Cobble Hall in 2006. “As I came to the last hole, I needed five to win the tourna-
ment. There was a stone wall on the 18th and I thought that I could bank my shot off the wall on to the green. I went for it... and the ball hit me in the jaw and knocked me down! “They gave me some smelling salts. Dazed, I then chipped the ball on to the green. “I thought, great... four shots. I then holed the putt for five and thought I’d won the tournament, only to find out I was given a two- shot penalty for hitting myself!”
The event was interrupted by both World Wars and at the outbreak of WW2 the 1939 winner, Bill Davies of Wallasey, buried the Leeds Cup along with other silverware from his club in an ice box and sacks in the sand dunes along the coast until the end of hostilities in1945. Some of the greatest names in golf have their names on the famous old trophy and winners and also Open Champions between 1902-1930 were Harry Vardon, Ray, Sandy Herd, George Duncan. Other notable winners around that time included Huddersfield’s Ryder Cup star Johnny Fallon, in 1937, and one of Australia’s great all round sportsmen Bill Shankland, who was the Temple Newsam professional at the time of his win in 1948. Fellow Ryder Cuppers Alex Caygill, Howard Clark and Gordon J Brand all went on to the lift the trophy, as did PGA Cup captain Mike Ingham, and in 2013 Nick Ludwell followed in the footsteps of another Selby professional David Jagger who tasted victory in 1980. Ben Mason was the last Yorkshire born winner in 2014 . This year’s contestants and pro-am participants will be treated to a course in fantastic condition thanks to the work of head greenkeeper Ian Pullan and his team. The Leeds Cup will be played at Leeds Golf Club on August 7-8 with a pro-am on August 6.
The 104th Leeds Cup Championship Pro-Am Leeds Golf Club Tuesday 6th August 2019
• 18 Hole Pro-Am Tournament • 4 Person team event, 1 Professional, 3 Amateurs • Coffee & Breakfast for all upon arrival • Two course meal upon completion of play • •
for all competitors Fantastic amateur prizes Professional Prize fund
Please contact the following: For Pro-Am standard entry forms & corporate package details Professional - Ady Newboult 0113 265 9203 or email: secretary@leedsgolfclub.co.uk For Pro-Am tee time availability: Steve Clarkson 07587 055 007 SUMMER PACKAGE 1 Tea, Coffee and Bacon Roll 18 Holes Golf £32.00pp
SUMMER PACKAGE 3 Tea, Coffee & Bacon Roll 18 Holes Golf 2 Course Meal £43.00pp
SUMMER PACKAGE 2 Tea, Coffee & Bacon Roll 18 Holes Golf One Course Meal £40.00pp
SUMMER PACKAGE 4 Tea, Coffee & Bacon Roll 18 Holes Golf 3 Course Meal £45.00pp
£5.00 extra per person for Weekends and Bank Holidays Bespoke Packages Available Available April to October
June 2019
11
COUNTY’S BEST Yorkshire’s Seniors battle to tie with Lancashire at Wakefield GC
Caton remains calm to hoist Boys’ crown CROSLAND HEATH’S Oliver Caton is the new Yorkshire Boys champion. The two-handicapper shot rounds of 71 and 70 at Selby Golf Club to pip Hornsea’s Jack Maxey by a shot. Caton, 16, went out in 38 in both rounds, but recovered well by coming home in 33 and 34 shots respectively. The highlight of his final round came when he drove the green on the 313-yard par-4 13th hole and made the putt for an eagle. In trouble off the tee at 16 after a wild drive, he showed great maturity by getting the ball back in play and almost made par when he was in danger of running up a big number and losing his lead. He will now represent Yorkshire in the England Golf Champion of Champions Tournament at Woodhall Spa in September. Fulford members George Robson and Harry Bramley finished tied for third on 143. Clashes between Yorkshire and Lancashire are traditionally tight affairs and this year’s game involving the seniors from the white and red rose counties lived up to expectations with a halved match at Wakefield Golf Club. Lancashire needed the last putt
New Yorkshire Boys champion Oliver Caton and the Yorkshire Seniors side who tied with Lancashire on the last green to secure the narrowest of wins in last year’s match at Southport & Ainsdale, but this year the Tykes turned the tables. After a halved morning session where both teams took three points from the greensomes the tie had ebbed the way of Lancashire in the afternoon foursomes, and Yorkshire were down in the both of the crucial last two games going down the par4 17th. But Lindrick’s Ian Clarke and his partner Chris Ingham from Halifax West End won the last two holes
against Rob Parry and David Hannis to clinch a timely win. Halifax Bradley Hall team-mates Andrew Whitworth and Jim Fairhurst also won the 17th, but could only halve the last hole of the day against Karl Bowker and Martin Brooks, leaving the match tied at 9-9. Both sides fielded strong teams with Beverley’s Richard Norton and his partner Alan King from Hessle winning both matches for Yorkshire, who will play their next Northern Counties match against Cumbria at Penrith later this month.
Team captain John Grimbleby admitted that the annual ‘War of the Roses’ was their hardest fixture of the campaign and that victory would have gone a long way to winning back the English Men’s Senior County Championship, which they captured back in 2017. He said: “A draw wasn’t the result we were all looking for, but there’s still all to play for. I deliberately put out strong partnerships in the final groups as I knew they had some good pairings, and thankfully we finished strongly.”
Ripon yarn to tell about Pebble Beach THREE golfers from Ripon fulfilled what is just a dream for many when they played the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links on a recent trip to America. Club professional Craig Helliwell and members Clive Swiers and Tony Magrs were in the USA as part of the Ripon City team to play a team from Ripon, California, in the bi-annual Ripon Cup. Helliwell said: “One of the members from Ripon, California, has a house on 17 Mile Drive and he managed to get a couple of fourballs. I played with Clive and Tony played with three Americans in the game behind. It was very special.” Winds of over 40 mph meant that the course record of 61, set by college golfer Hurley Long in 2017, was never going to be threatened and Helliwell struggled with the slopes and pace of the greens to shoot 81. An individual green fee to play the course over which the US Open will take place later this month (June 1316) is a cool $645. Pictured, l-r, are Kevin Hawes from Ripon California, Clive Swiers, Craig Helliwell, Jim Aartman also from Ripon, California, on the iconic 7th hole.
12
June 2019
FIXBY FESTIVITIES County Union celebrates its 125th anniversary with special competition at Huddersfield
YUGC ‘at home’ for birthday THE Yorkshire Union of Golf Clubs celebrated its 125th anniversary with a day of golf at Huddersfield Golf Club where the alliance was founded on May 4, 1894. Golfers travelled from various parts to represent other Unions and guests also included past players such as former Walker Cup player and current Cleckheaton & District captain Cecil Bloice, county stalwart Iain Mackenzie – who represented the county 135 times – as well as Matthew and Alex Fitzpatrick’s parents Russell and Sue. The Bradford Union came out on top represented by Graeme Anderson, Simon Doswell, Colin Edwards, Chris Foster, Richard Jagger, Ian Pantry and Ben Rhodes. YUGC secretary Jonathan Plaxton said: “The purpose of the event was to highlight the anniversary date, to launch the new book and host guests from other counties with whom we have (and have had) relations. “We also wanted to involve golfers from across Yorkshire hence the YIDU (Yorkshire Inter District Union) aspect whereby each Union was invited to nominate four officials and run a competition whereby four golfers from their Union would qualify to play.”
Competitors, guests and officials at the YUGC 125th anniversary golf day at Huddersfield In 1894 Dr F.L. Mackenzie, Captain of the Huddersfield Golf Club, had brought together a number of Yorkshire golf clubs with the specific intent of forming a county union. At a meeting, held at the Queen’s Hotel, Leeds, representatives from 12 clubs met to consider the desirability of a Yorkshire County Union. The proposal for such a Union met with unanimous approval; it was agreed that Huddersfield Golf Club, the unofficially designated ‘home’ of Yorkshire golf, would provide the first president of the new County Union, and that rules would be drawn up by a
sub-committee to inform and direct the Union’s activities. On May 4, 1894, the Rules were submitted and approved, and the Yorkshire Union of Golf Clubs became a reality. For many years the main business of the Executive was to oversee the Annual Golf Meeting. Initially the Championship was held at Fixby, Scarborough at Ganton, Cleveland at Redcar and Sheffield & District at Lindrick. To these clubs were added Bradford and Ilkley, and in 1904 Ravenscliffe. Others followed in quick succession – Leeds in 1905, Hallowes in 1906, Beverley in 1907, then
York, Doncaster, Barnsley, Abbeydale and Brough. Surprisingly, perhaps, the organisation of the Championship remained the responsibility of the host club. It wasn’t until 1899 that it was considered that other matters might come under the responsibility of the Yorkshire Executive Committee. In 1901, it was decided that 12 clubs would constitute a First Division to compete for a Team Challenge Bowl. As the popularity of the game increased, more divisions were added: a Third Division in 1976, a Fourth Division in 1980, a Fifth Division in 1994,
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and, in due course, a Sixth, Seventh and Preliminary North and South Divisions. Similarly, as the game expanded, the duties of the Executive broadened in scope; it became responsible for organising not only the Amateur Championship and the Team Championship, but the Match Play Championship, the MidAmateur Championship, the Boys’ Championship, the Under-16, Under-14 and Seniors’ Championships, as well as encouraging the golfing performance of boys aged under 13 with their own competition. County matches against other county teams have long been a main feature of the Yorkshire calendar and White Rose teams have been particularly successful in the Daily Telegraph Northern Counties’ League, introduced in 1984, and, most importantly, in the Qualifying Rounds and Finals of the English County Championships. It would be remiss not to recognise the importance to the Union of the introduction of the County Card Scheme and the
County Members’ Scheme, each in its own way providing Yorkshire golfers with the opportunity to play their golf at reduced cost. In its long and illustrious history, the Yorkshire Union has been fortunate to have had the services of many talented and experienced administrators. Honorary Secretaries, such as George Walker, Reg Alvin, and Alan Cowman, skilfully guided the path of Union affairs two or three generations ago. In more recent times, the wisdom and sheer professionalism of Keith Dowswell, who retired after 27 years of service in 2018, has ensured a lasting legacy of excellence for the County. Following on from Bob Calvert’s excellent history of the Yorkshire Union from 18941994, a book celebrating Yorkshire amateur golf over the past 25 years has just been published. Written by two Past Presidents of the Yorkshire Union, Peter Finnegan and Jay Whittam, it is available to purchase through the YUGC website (yugc.co.uk), and from the Yorkshire Secretary, Jonathan Plaxton. He can be contacted on 07484 730349, or at Sandburn Hall (01904 468442). The book is priced £15.
June 2019
13
ADVERTORIAL £1million re-design has elevated already splendid Nottinghamshire course to even higher level
Oakmere growing stronger TOP international golf architects Mackenzie & Ebert have completed a re-design of Oakmere Golf Club. From the outside Oakmere seemed to have it all. A splendid countryside location with a heathland landscape and sandy base delivering year-round golf. Originally designed by Frank Pennink in 1974 with 27 holes and 36 tees, 800 members enjoyed a driving range, excellent practice facilities and FootGolf too, all complemented by a modern style and extensive 19th hole full of charm. This clearly wasn’t enough and the staff, owners and members alike had aspirations to raise the bar much higher. After investing a cool £1million they have done just that and open the doors of the finished project on June 25 when they will host the Notts PGA Pro-Am.
Mackenzie & Ebert’s repertoire includes work with Trump Turnberry, Troon, Royal Lytham, Carnoustie and this year’s Open venue Royal Portrush, and they have redesigned both of Oakmere’s courses. The Commanders course has had three new greens built and the layout changed creating a slightly shorter nine-hole course of 5,304 yards with wider fairways and kinder greens. The championship Admirals course has undergone a full renovation over the last five years. All bunkers have been moved or re-built, all 18 greens’ surrounds have been scraped away and re-landscaped and four brand new holes have been created – the 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th. The 14th, constructed last September under the ever-
A view of the sixth hole at Oakmere showcases the wonderful scenery to be enjoyed while playing the Nottinghamshire course watchful eye of Tom Mackenzie, will be in play for the first time on June 25, a date which will also showcase the new 15th par-3, which completes the revised layout. During this construction process Oakmere also employed top agronomist David Stansfield, who works with 60 of the top 100 courses in the
UK, and also invested a further £330,000 on a new Toro irrigation system that includes a weather station. Under David’s new maintenance program, the staff spent the winter preparing the course where the two main objectives were to improve the greens and fairways. The brief included thickening the grass on the fair-
ways to create a lush sward to help the ball sit up better. The master plan for the greens included producing faster and more consistent surfaces all year round that are at least comparable to the best greens in county during the summer months. In his initial report Tom Mackenzie pointed out that Oakmere was well established in the Nottinghamshire golf market with a solid membership base, but recognized it had the potential to be among the top courses in the county and compete against the likes of Notts (Hollinwell), Sherwood Forest
and Coxmoor He highlighted the sandy base as a huge asset, as freedraining was such an important characteristic for the business and a feature it shares with the big three clubs with which they aspire to compete. The challenge was to make the very most of this sandy character.
The presence of heather, albeit quite limited, was also really important to the club’s ambitions to compete with the best in Nottinghamshire. A number of greens had been reduced in size, resulting in the shelves for pin positions becoming really small. There were a number of examples such as the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 14th and 15th. He explained that reduction in the size of greens occurs for a number of reasons often related to irrigation. If there are problems with coverage then they always show up most around the edges, the turf becomes stressed and to ease the pressure the green edge is brought in. Sandy soil as enjoyed by Oakmere is the perfect foundation for outstanding surfaces, but the correct tools need to be in place to produce them with irrigation being the main one. Mackenzie and Ebert felt The Commanders course should be made significantly easier to play, becoming the intermediate course and a friendlier examination of Oakmere Park. The extra space created by the changes will be used for the starter course, a brand new par3 layout, sitting in close proximity to the clubhouse. This will allow Oakmere to provide a complete pathway into the game, from range and putting green to the Par 3, to the development of a full game on The Commanders and then on to The Admirals.
June 2019
14
Where only the very best is good enough
N
OTTS Golf Club will be staging Final Open Qualifying on its Hollinwell course on July 2nd. This will be the third year in succession the R&A have bestowed the honour on the club – one of only four chosen each year – and it’s not difficult to understand why. In the highly unlikely event that golf’s original Open Championship abandons its links-only tradition, what is undoubtedly one of the finest – if not the finest – inland course in the UK would be a compelling candidate. Many experts consider the exquisite and challenging heathland track in the heart of old Robin Hood country amongst the very best anyway. I would rate it alongside Kingsbarns in Scotland at the top of my personal rankings – although that’s the thing about rankings, they are highly subjective. Whatever, Hollinwell can rest
easy in the knowledge that its top 20s or top 50s rating in whichever latest list is announced, is not going nowhere soon – unless it’s climbing the ladder, because the entire ethos at a members’ club (which welcomes visitors with wide open arms) is about the constant search for improvement. From the moment you descend off the main road apparently into the middle of nowhere and turn into one of golf’s great vistas, and then enter the imposing clubhouse and see your name on a doorway list welcoming you to Hollinwell, nothing is left to chance. And when you relax in the bar to reflect on a sumptuous day (however well or poorly you’ve played) you will probably have the smartly-attired veteran member Graham Tilson stop by to inquire after your visit and impart his personal gems of Hollinwell wisdom. On a late afternoon with the
expanses of heather in full bloom, the swales and hollows and mounds and winding gullies a mosaic of shadows, as you feel the spring in the turf beneath your feet and consider another breathtaking approach shot before you, this is as close as many of us get to golfing heaven. The Notts Golf Club is the organisation, Hollinwell’s the course, named after the natural spring you can still drink from, the Holy Well by the 8th tee (it used to provide for the monks of nearby Newstead Priory – Robin Hood reputedly sat on the rock above what is now the 2nd green). The Nottingham club was founded in 1887 on the city’s Bulwell Common but moved north, became the Notts Golf Club, and was laid out on its current site by the great Willie Park Jr in 1901, the same year he gave the world Sunningdale’s Old Course. Originally a modest 5,500 yards the
Welcome to the Hollinwell course and (above) the 2nd green at the foot of rocks upon which, legend has it, Robin Hood enjoyed the views imminent arrival of the rubber-cored Haskell ball rendered it too short and in October 1902 five-time open winner JH Taylor joined with long-serving club professional Tom Williamson to recommend modifications sympathetic to the Willie Park vision. It’s a philosophy which endures to this day and although a very playable 6,619 yards off the visitors’ yellow tees, it can stretch itself out to a full 7,250 off the Championship pegs. Thanks, but I know my limits – which are far, far short of the astonishing 100-plus Category A golfers who are members here, including around 40 on scratch or better. When I heard that I didn’t know whether to drop my jaw or break down in tears. The club’s ethos is very simple, as Manager and former army Lt Colonel Martyn Bonner MBE explains. “We’re a very proud members’ club but we very much welcome visitors too, and quite simply we want them to have the very best experience possible. We want everyone to take great memories of their visit away with them. “I like to compare our attitude to that of cycling’s Team Sky – we want to find the one per cent, the half a per cent, in everything we do, that can make us better, can maintain or improve our high standing amongst the golfing fraternity.” Many clubs will only allow visitors to play off yellow tees, but that isn’t the case at Notts. “We want golfers to play off a tee that’s commensurate with their ability,” Martyn added. “It’s not a great idea to go off whites if you can’t enjoy your round.” And there’s plenty to enjoy. Whether you visit today or a fortnight after Final Open Qualifying, you will play the very same course, in the very same condition as the professionals trying to earn a place at Royal Portrush for the 148th Open Championship. There’s no contrived effort to narrow fairways, or let rough lengthen; there’s no need, because the The heather in full bloom around the 16th green
natural terrain and the splendid heathland layout provide all the challenges any golfer requires. “Our greens run at 9 or 10 (on the stimpmeter) and that’s how the R&A like them,” said Martyn. “They might get an extra cut and a roll on the day, but that’s all.” Based on deep-lying, well draining sandy terrain, Hollinwell is a reliable year-round track and only the harshest conditions will see temporary greens or tees used. The club continually works on maintaining its heathland characteristics – indeed, the highly respected Martin Ebert of Mackenzie & Ebert (who was instrumental in Royal Portrush getting the Open Championship) is in the process of drawing up a plan for Hollinwell. Apart from the imposing clubhouse there are world class practice facilities with a 300-yard driving range, dedicated short game area that was opened in 2014, a pitching area, split level putting green and finally a warm up net by the first tee … just in case. The club is one of only 27 golf courses in England with Golf Environment Organisation Certification for high standards of nature conservation and environmental sustainability. No wonder that Golf Club Atlas founder Ran Morrissett ranked it 32nd of 147 worldwide courses “that embrace the simple virtues of the game” on his inaugural list of Custodians of The Game. The main qualifying criteria is “When you walk off the 18th green, you should feel invigorated rather than exhausted, and the allure of returning to the 1st tee is strong”. The club has staged European Tour events, the Brabazon Trophy a recordequalling five times, and a range of other sought-after national titles including the 2012 England Boys Championship won by Yorkshire’s own Matthew Fitzpatrick. He, like golfing greats Sir Nick Faldo and Peter Alliss has nothing but praise for NottsHollinwell, but there isn’t room here to include all those plaudits. You’ll just have to come and find out for yourself.
June 2019
15
A warm and personal welcome to a delight tucked away in the North Notts countryside, where all possible courtesies are extended to members and guests alike
Hollinwell - Yellow Tees 1st - 351yds, par 4 All in front of you straight on, but into the prevailing wind – left and right fairway bunkers, one 60 yards short, a green bunkered to both sides. 2nd - 413yds, par 4 A simply fabulous hole, a rising dogleg left with a trio of tricky bunkers on the elbow. You’re going into an angled green but favour the left side as sand protects the right. A beauty. 3rd - 482yds, par 5 Favour the left on a hole that swoops down and to the right. Avoid the fairway bunkers and you’re going into a big back-tofront sloping green with the road and clubhouse beyond. 4th - 429yds, par 4 Stroke 1 and a three shotter for most mere mortals. Long, straight
and uphill, with bunkers in the eyeline, before a mid-fairway bunker waiting for the extra-long hitters. Bunkers front left and right protect another big, undulating putting surface.
of heather off the tee. A large bunker 60 yards short shouldn’t come into play, and the greenside traps are both on the left.
8th - 357yds, par 4 Another rising par 4, with trees to potentially block you out on both sides, but find the short grass and you’re 5th - 165yds, par 3 Not a long par 3, but favour the approaching a slightly raised green with right, because you have four steep- bunkers left and right, and steep run-offs. faced bunkers on the left (and one on the right to keep you honest). If 9th - 149yds, par 3 A short hole to finish the front nine, you get a kick off the steep bankwith the elevated tee alongside the ing a rear pond could catch you halfway house, across a mass of heather out. and a huge front bunker, to an even bigger green. Take plenty of club. 6th - 516yds, par 5 A tree-lined, up-and-over par 5, but stay left to avoid the three fairway bunkers. If you carry the ridge you’ll kick well on. The green is protected by four traps. 7th - 388yds, par 4 Although stroke 3, this midlength par 4 has no hidden dangers once you carry the large expanse
NOTTS GOLF CLUB HOLLINWELL Derby Road, Kirkby in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire NG17 7QR Tel: 01623 753225 www.nottsgolfclub.co.uk
10th - 350yds, par 4 A shortish par 4, just avoid the nest of left-side bunkers, although you need to favour the left side. It’s a slight dogleg right with your approach up a gradient to a green with a banking left, four front traps, a false front and run-offs to the back and right. A par is decent on index 14. 11th - 353yds, par 4 A gorgeous hole, through a gully with bankings on both sides, then you head
uphill to the smallest green you’ve yet seen but which helpfully slopes back to front. 12th - 423yds, par 4 A long roller-coaster par 4, stroke 2 with a ridge in your eyeline, beyond which is a deep swale. Favouring the high ground on the right side is safest and you come in to another green well protected by sand and run-offs. 13th - 179yds, par 3 Good luck clubbing this delightful short hole, from any one of a range of very elevated tees. It’s a receptive green but there’s a ton of trouble short, plus a back right bunker and rear run-off. I missed a 6-footer for birdie. Darn. 14th - 368yds, par 4 A sweeping downhill dogleg left to right, with a bunker on the right elbow and lots of sand in front of a flattish green with the expected run-offs. 15th - 421yds, par 4 Long, tight off the tee, tight on approach, trouble galore before you reach the elevated green, but pretty as a picture.
16th – 349yds, par 4 From an elevated tee, an even more exaggerated left-to-righter, with a fairway camber taking everything left. The cavernous front bunker is a distraction, protecting a two-tiered MacKenzie style green. 17th - 486yds, par 5 An intimidating drive for stroke 18, but there’s plenty of room out right, then the fairway broadens for your second before a particularly handsome-looking short iron in. 18th - 440yds, par 4 A great, great finishing hole, as simple as. Long, straight, with the welcoming clubhouse in the distance. There are fairway traps to catch all lengths of hitters and a classy, undulating green awaiting.
Home sweet home ... the 18th green in front of the imposing Notts Golf Club clubhouse
16
June 2019
GROWING IN STRENGTH Lindrick youngster putting his injury concerns firmly behind him
Fairhaven win is lift for Macfie Gillian and David Nunn of Shipley Golf Club
Nunns enjoy Shipley habit for 100 years CENTURIONS Gillian and David Nunn are celebrating a combined membership of 100 years at Northcliffe Golf Club. Gillian joined the Shipleybased club in 1963, aged 11, and served as lady captain in 1976-77 and Lady President in 1989-90, playing of a handicap of six for many years. David joined Northcliffe in 1975 and was captain in 1981-82, and the pair remain active playing members.
LINDRICK’S Callum Macfie birdied the last two holes to win the Fairhaven Trophy Boys’ title with a fine score of seven under par for the 72 holes. His victory signalled a welcome return from injury and he took the title by two shots at his third and final attempt before leaving the junior ranks with rounds of 74, 68, 70 and 69. It is the biggest win to date for Macfie, 18, who had to take six weeks out last season after injuring his left side, making this triumph particularly sweet. He said: “My injury set me back and my confidence was a little bit low. But with my coach and my training (in the gym) I’ve got to a place where I’m injury free and swinging pain free and that’s made the difference. And I played my heart out.” Macfie opened with twoover 74, but after his second
round 68 he was in third place at the halfway stage and four shots off the lead, set by his Yorkshire team-mate Ben Schmidt. “I didn’t try and push too hard, I just gave myself chances and didn’t put myself under too much pressure,” said Macfie. “It was really exciting coming down the stretch, Ben was playing well, and Tiger (Christensen from Germany) was doing well a couple of groups ahead. It was a pressure situation, but I came out on top.” Christensen was runner-up on five under, followed by Schmidt (Rotherham) on four under. Rosie Belsham (Whitley Bay) made it a great weekend for England as she powered to 23 under par and a 20-shot win in the girls’ event. Belsham shot 70 68 69 70.
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Fairhaven Trophy winners Callum Macfie and Rosie Belsham
This junior event was played at the same time as the Lytham Trophy where Macfie’s club mate Bailey Gill enhanced his chances of a Walker Cup pick by finishing sixth. He was leading after 54 holes following rounds of 70, 75 and 70, but a closing 76 saw him drop to 11 over par. However, he fared significantly better than many of the players also in the 26-man squad to face the USA at Royal Liverpool in September. It was also a good week for fellow England squad member Ben Hutchinson from Howley Hall, who was a shot further back from Gill in a tie for eighth, and a run of good form continued for Fulford’s Charlie Thornton, who finished 20th.
ALTHOUGH beset by some unfavourable weather, the Tour de Yorkshire was another resounding success and Bedale Golf Club was quick to get in on the act. Members donated old clubs, old bags and 8,000 balls for a land art project – pictured above – in conjunction with the primary school. Their work was seen by a TV audience of millions around the world thanks to the aerial shots of the closing stages of the first stage, which finished in the centre of Bedale.
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June 2019
Devine delivers a dressing down OULTON HALL’S junior golf coach Thomas Devine has hit out at golf club officials he feels are “stuck in the 19th century” after being criticised on social media for allowing his students to play in tracksuit bottoms and hoodies. Devine, the director of Oulton Hall’s FUEL golf (FUture ELite) programme, proudly posted a picture on Twitter of some of his young students practising their putting, with the words “You let children play in hoodies and tracksuit bottoms?” “Yeah, we do, It’s the playing that’s important.”| The coach was amazed by the response it received, with nearly 400,000 views and many comments – but not all in favour. He did, however, gain support on the social media site from former Ladies European Tour star-turned-TV presenter Henni Zuel, who retweeted the picture and added: ‘This! I fully support this and am a firm believer in getting rid of dress codes. Fullstop. Not an amendment or softening, just no dress code.’ Devine came under fire from some traditionalists for ignoring the sport’s dress code, but he maintains there is a need to make young children feel at ease when teaching them the rudiments of the game. He said: “It’s important when these youngsters are six, seven, eight that any barriers to them feeling interested in or enthused about golf are removed – and that involves the way they dress. If they feel comfortable in trainers and a hoodie then that’s the way we should allow them to dress. “We still teach them manners, respect and the etiquette of the game –
Hall’s Hird edges out Berry The picture that caused a great debate on social media. that doesn’t come out of a glossy apparel catalogue. At that age they just want to play. “What’s more, I believe we should remove the barrier of cost by allowing children to wear their everyday clothing. We are coaching 21st-century children – we are not stuck in the 19th century and only accepting the offspring of the privileged classes. “As they get older they inevitably want to dress as their idols, so they end up buying what McIlroy or Fowler wears. But when they start out the priority is enjoyment, not conformity. We teach them the things they want to be taught.”
Devine regularly teaches more than 170 juniors, aged between five and 16, at the Leeds facility each week, and has never had any complaints about the relaxed dress code. He added: “The irony of these people using a 21st-century technology to criticise those of us who are moving with the times and embracing change appears lost on them.” He concluded: “We will continue to allow the youngsters to wear what they’re comfortable in, whether it’s trackie bottoms and a T-shirt or tailored golf trousers and a £60 branded polo.”
HOME club member Bailey Hird continued his good run of form to capture the Leeds & District Junior Stroke Play Championship at Cookridge Hall. Hird took home the WH Fenton Trophy by virtue of a better back nine of 33 after his level-par 72 was matched by Selby’s Josh Berry, who recently made his England debut against Spain in the mixed Under-16 international held at Woodhall Spa Golf Club. Hird stole a march on the rest of the 49 competitors by earning 100 Order of Merit points for the best gross score and a best nett of 67, which
also saw him receive the Headingley Trophy. He pipped Wike Ridge’s Tom Tindell in the nett division, but Tindell did win the Judy Raynor Trophy for the best nett score from a competitor under 15. Also in the prizes were Cookridge Hall’s Josh Frontal, who had the best nett score for players up to 15 handicap, with a 68, and Rory Cobb from Wike Ridge who took the prize for the best nett over 16 handicap with a 69. Pictured above are Bailey, centre, with Union President Elect Geoff Mortimer, left, and Cookridge Hall captain Andrew Furness.
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Tel: 0113 230 0641 or visit www.cookridgehall.co.uk Cookridge Hall Golf Club, Cookridge Lane, Leeds, LS16 7NL
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June 2019
JUNE QUIZ 1. Golf architect William Herbert Fowler designed which Sheffield golf course founded in 1895? 2. Gibraltar is the 10th hole at which Yorkshire golf course? 3. Designed by Dr Alistair McKenzie, which Yorkshire golf club has courses known as ‘The Lord Irwin’ and ‘The Lady Dorothy’? 4. Which Hawtree designed North Yorkshire golf course will celebrate its centenary in 2020? 5. At which golf course would you tee off 120 yards parallel to the runway at Leeds Bradford Airport? 6. Knavesmire was the original home of which two Yorkshire golf clubs? 7. Leeds golfing twins Stephen and Mark Pullan are honorary life members at which Yorkshire golf club? 8. Which James Braid designed 18-hole moorland golf course, on the outskirts of Bradford, has relocated to a new clubhouse this year? 9. Lindrick Golf Club, Ryder Cup host in 1957, is the home club to which Augusta green jacket winning Yorkshireman? 10. North Cliff and South Cliff are two Yorkshire golf clubs located in which coastal town? Answers on Page 24 Compiled by Andrew Hamilton
FIRST AT FOXHILLS Lindrick pro’s mantle is donned by South Africa-based Yorkshireman
Cheetham reigning after King LINDRICK’S John King put up a spirited defence of the Senior PGA Professional Championship at Foxhills, but the spoils went to Sheffieldborn Neil Cheetham. Long-serving Lindrick professional King finished third behind winner Cheetham, who made the journey from his base in Johannesburg to win by three shots from former Walker Cup player Darren Prosser (Kingswinford Golf Centre). King carded rounds of 70, 72 and 74 and his top-15 finish also qualified him to play in the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship at the London Club in August. Cheetham will also be there, but has some pressing business in South Africa to attend to first. “I’ve got some teaching to do and I own the pro shop at the Wanderers Golf Club,” he
said, “and I’ve got a Sunshine Tour senior event just before I come back in July to try and qualify for the Senior British Open. “It’s being staged at Royal Lytham and St Anne’s this year – I played in the Open there in 2001 so I’ve got fond memories of that place. It would be nice to do the double and play in that event as well.” “My main goal was to try and get in the top 15 and qualify for the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship later in the year,” said Cheetham, who picked up a cheque for £6,000. Given that the 51-year-old went into the last round leading the tournament, nine shots clear of 15th place, the key element of his mission was effectively guaranteed. His prospects of claiming the trophy and first prize were less certain as he began the
Sheffield-born Neil Cheetham with the Senior PGA Professionals Championship trophy Picture: Getty Images final negotiation of the Bernard Hunt course at the Surrey resort with Prosser just a shot behind. However, Prosser had endured a nightmare first five holes that cost him four shots
and Cheetham had two birdies, increasing the gap to seven. Cheetham appeared home and hosed until he wobbled at the 16th and 17th and, with Prosser remaining bogey-free
from five onwards and posting three birdies the advantage was down to three. Cheetham admitted: “I had some anxious moments coming down the stretch. “Apart from making a silly error on the ninth when I threeputted for a bogey, I played beautifully until I got to 16.” Both players made par at the last, Cheetham posting a oneunder-par 72 to finish eight under for the tournament, three shots clear of Prosser and six ahead of King. A promising right-back, who had signed schoolboy forms with his childhood team Sheffield Wednesday, Cheetham’s football career ended at the age of 14 after a bad tackle caused knee damage. However, he admits that ‘proved to be a blessing in disguise’ as it nudged him towards playing golf seriously and he turned pro at 17 in 1985 with a handicap of plus two. King beat South Moor’s Mark Ridley in a sudden death play-off to claim the title last year and just got the better of him again with the Durham professional finishing a shot behind King in fourth. Ganton’s Gary Brown and John Harrison (Matfen Hall) also booked their places at the London Club by finishing tied 11th and 13th respectively. Another to make the long trip to Foxhills was Leeds-born Richard Muscroft, who travelled from his base in Germany but missed the 36-hole cut after rounds of 81 and 78.
BACUP GOLF CLUB Bacup Golf Club is situated at over 1000 ft, above the Rossendale Valley and from the beautiful, well-kept course you have far-reaching views of the picturesque, rolling East Lancashire Pennine Hills. Bacup Golf Club has a thriving playing section that is always pleased to welcome visitors and new members. After golf you can relax in the well-appointed clubhouse with a drink or during the open season, a snack or meal.
MEMBERSHIP AND PLAYING OFFERS Green Fees £10 All year round, every day 3 Month Trial Membership £75 for 5 days (Mon-Fri) and £100 for 6 Days (Sun-Fri) Membership. We can offer you a good deal if you then want to become a full playing member
NEW MEMBERSHIP OFFERS FOR 2019
£350 for 7 Days and £300 for 6 Days Membership For new golfers and those returning after 2 years or more, with a reduction in the second year also.
To find out more about the club visit: www.bacupgolfclub.co.uk or contact the Secretary on: secretary_bgc@btconnect.com
June 2019
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June 2019
20
ADVERTORIAL Are you thinking of crossing the great divide and heading over the Pennines to seek out some
Red Rose’s bloomin’ good golf T
HERE are now more nomadic golfers taking to the open road, searching out different courses and taking advantage of some great offers for visitors, societies and new members alike. The motorway network has played a large part in attracting golfers from the ‘wrong’ side of the Pennines to Lancashire, a county which offers a wonderful array of golf ranging from links-style championship courses to testing nine-hole layouts. The Georgian splendour of Shaw Hill Golf Resort & Spa is easily reached via both junction 28 on the M6 or the M61 where you can leave at junction 8 and head towards Buckshaw Village With 30 on-site bedrooms it is the ideal venue for a golf break or a corporate day and has become a firm favourite with golf societies, with tai-
lored packages available all year round. The mature parkland course is 6,283 yards in length from the white tees, 5,965 from the yellow and 5,417 from the ladies’ tees, and opened for play in 1925 after being designed by Laurence Allamby, a young golf professional who studied course architecture under Dr. Alister MacKenzie. The course’s scenic charm belies a stern test for every level of golfer. Several strategically-placed ponds, a meandering brook, internal out of bounds and hundreds of trees await any errant shots. Add heavily bunkered greens, frequent dog-legs and long par-3s and good course management is a must. Yet the curious nature of the course rewards long hitting on the par-5s in particular and
Shaw Hill Golf Resort & Spa has 30 on-site bedrooms for those seeking a golf break or a corporate day accuracy on the shorter par-4s and par-3s. Marsden Park enjoys one of the most scenic locations imaginable and is very much at the forefront of growing the game through owner Neil Reeves, a golf professional for over 25 years, and his wife Trudi. Set in the beautiful lee of Pendle Hill nestled up to the Lancashire town of Nelson, the hillside 18-hole layout began life as a municipal course in 1968, but was on the brink of
collapse when they stepped in early in 2017. The ‘Reevolution’ is now well under way, and getting more people to play golf is what it’s all about. This allinclusive friendly clubs treats everybody on the same basis and they all play together in the competitions…men, ladies and juniors alike. The course is made up of two loops that make it an ideal spot for nine, 18 or 27 holes in a day and attractive offers for
visitors and parties have made Marsden Park something of a magnet for casual and transient golfers. Membership is also extremely affordable as Reeves explains: “I think like this – is golf club membership worth the price of about the same as a monthly mobile phone contract? We have to be affordable and fun and approach things a bit differently from traditional clubs.” The course itself is univer-
sally pleasing on the eye with some interesting elevation changes and some lovely looking short holes. Risk and reward also comes into play on a number of challenging dog legs and the hole-by-hole flyover on the club’s website does them the justice they deserve. Marsden’s Park facilities are enhanced by excellent practice facilities plus an indoor swing studio with state of the art launch monitor. Head chef Mark
Continued on facing page
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June 2019
new golfing challenges and delights? Then Y o r k s h i r e G o l f e r can help you with a look at three top destinations
Marsden Park enjoys one of the most scenic locations imaginable Continued from facing page Entwistle takes immense pride in ensuring that members and visitors are treated to great food using locallysourced produce to create a menu that caters for all. Spectacular views also abound at Bacup Golf Club thanks to its lofty position of over 1,000 feet above the Rossendale Valley Far reaching views span the pic-
turesque and rolling East Lancashire Pennine hills from what is one of the oldest courses in the area having moved to the current location in 1916. The tree-lined nine-hole moorland layout has 18 tees with pars of 70/72 (5,968/5,287 yards), and thanks to its position even the most mundane of holes is brought to life with some jaw-dropping backdrops. The first fairway is a 70 foot
Spectacular views abound at Bacup which overlooks the Rossendale Valley
climb within a 190 yards, but the course is then level the rest of the way. The ninth tee is elevated 45 feet above the green while the ladies’ 18th tee is higher, with a blind shot to the green. The fourth green is 1,250 ft above sea-level with a challenging, raised green, and after drinking in the views there is a very friendly and wellappointed clubhouse where you can
sit back and relax over a drink or recharge the batteries with a snack or meal. Bacup hosts a number of popular open competitions for men, ladies and mixed couples throughout the summer and visitor green fees are just £10 every day of the week including public holidays. An innovative menu of membership options includes a special trial offer for three months.
Got a story for us? Send your club’s news to mike@yorkshire-golfer.com
@yorkshiregolfer
MARSDEN PARK GOLF COURSE
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PLUS 18 HOLES Groups & Societies (min 8 players) Find us on
With stunning views across East Lancashire, Marsden Park Golf Course is a jewel in the crown of the Pendle area. The 18-hole course is set within a scenic location on the leafy edge of Nelson providing an inspirational escape, while its elevated position makes for a challenging course stretching 5,989 yards. All our guests are offered a warm welcome in our friendly clubhouse where a range of hot and cold food is served along with drinks from the bar, tea or coffee which can be enjoyed indoors or on the balcony from where you can take in the panoramic views of the course and across to Pendle Hill.
PLATINUM PACKAGE
ONLY £30.00p p Inc Coffee/Bacon Roll + Soup/Sandwich Lunch + 2 Course Evening Meal
PLUS 27 HOLES Groups & Societies (min 8 players)
For further details and booking contact: 01282 661912
Marsden Park Golf Course | Townhouse Road | Nelson | Lancashire | BB9 8DG www.marsdenparkgolfclub.com • Email: admin@reevolutiongolf.co.uk
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June 2019
ADVERTORIAL Summer will see a new and exciting chapter in member-run Belvedere Hotel and Golf’s growth
Bridlington gets new hotel and state-of-the-art training facility BRIDLINGTON Belvedere Golf Club will open the doors of its new on-site hotel and state of the art indoor training facility this summer. The Belvedere Hotel and Golf venture follows the successful purchase of the freehold of the land by the 114-year-old member-run club. With golfing packages starting from as little as £89 in summer (£59 in winter), for an overnight stay plus two rounds of golf, it should prove extremely popular. The hotel will feature 19 bedrooms on two floors and will be open to golfers and non-golfers. All rooms are en suite, with free Wi-Fi, large screen televisions, tea and coffee making facilities and car parking. Meals and full bar facilities will be available in the adjoining clubhouse.
Following an investment of £45,000 there will also be a topof-the-range indoor golf training studio, allowing golfers the opportunity to ‘play’ the world’s greatest courses. Lessons by PGA qualified professionals, providing the ultimate in coaching and analysis, will also be available using the golf simulation studio, which is also perfect for relaxing, entertaining and enjoying the ultimate gaming experience. Club Chairman Dave Morley said: “We have been extremely successful over recent years selling golfing holidays via the Golf Coast Passport, and the development of the hotel and state-ofthe-art indoor training facility is a natural progression. “The Belvedere Hotel allows us to offer modern on-site accommodation throughout the year and entertain our guests as
only we can. We have also negotiated special golfing deals with eight other local courses, so whether you prefer to play your golf in Bridlington or venture further afield to experience the wonderful courses along the Yorkshire coast, we have the deal for you and a perfect place to stay, which is just a short stroll away from our beautiful South Beach. “Special deals will also be available allowing guests the opportunity to enter our ‘open’ competitions and, of course, stay over for the presentations and occasional evening entertainment.” Further information about the new hotel and indoor training facility is available at www.belvederehotelandgolf.co.uk
or via the link from the club website: www.bridlingtongolfclub.co.uk.
Ramsden triumphs A BIRDIE at the final hole ensured Michael Ramsden emerged from a congested pack to win the PGA North regional qualifier for the English PGA Championship at Hesketh Golf Club, Southport. It also meant the PGA pro from Renishaw Park Golf Club was the only member of the 63-strong field to break par in the quest to qualify for the final at Bowood Golf and Country Club, Wiltshire, in July. Ramsden ended his round the way he had begun it – with a birdie. Another had followed at the par-4 fifth, but his fine start was ruined by a double bogey at the par-5 seventh.
He made amends for a bogey at the par-3 11th with a birdie two at the par-5 13th before signing off in style to post a one-under-par round of 70. He finished a shot clear of the quartet tied for second : Graham Roberts of Eaton Golf Club, Cheshire; Gareth Davies from Abbeydale Golf Club, Sheffield; Craig Smith from Pike Hills Golf Club; and Simon Lucas. All four, plus 11 others from the qualifier, will join Ramsden, seen in a picture provided by Adrian Milledge, PGA, in the final.
East Coast Golf Passport Bridlington and the surrounding coastline proudly boasts six of Yorkshire’s finest golf courses all located within a short distance of each other offering golfers of all abilities an excellent test of golf on six very different and contrasting courses
“ Working together the six participating Golf Clubs continue to offer the hugely popular East Coast Golf Passport scheme which offers visitors to the area the opportunity to play at the courses and enjoy savings on the normal Green Fees of up to 50%.”
How to apply for this great deal? Simple, just contact the office at Bridlington Belvedere Golf Club. Tel: 01262 606367 seven days a week or email:enquiries@bridlingtongolfclub.co.uk and let us take care of the arrangments for you.**
The Special reduced cost of your passport is;
£63* for 3 rounds of golf! £80* for 4 rounds of golf! £95* for 5 rounds of golf! ENJOY EXCELLENT SAVINGS! Passport prices include weekends & bank holidays.
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June 2019
Dewsbury dominate and write new Page of success DEWSBURY Golf Club cleaned up at the Halifax, Huddersfield and District Golf Alliance Page Trophy played at Halifax Bradley Hall. Ashley Johnson took the main prize, the Page Trophy, following rounds of 68 and 69 playing off a handicap of six. Fellow Dewsbury District member Fergus Barron (3) finished runner up with a total of 141 before assistant professional James Ward stepped up to collect the Colin H Swain Trophy for the best scores by a professional following rounds of 74 and 70. Their results also helped Dewsbury claim the overall club championship from 22 other clubs where the best scores from the 10 events throughout the winter count towards an order of merit. The icing on the cake came when Dewsbury head professional Nigel Hirst secured the professional order of merit. He has played in every Page Trophy since 1971, winning the Swain Trophy five times, and had to finish in the top three to claim the title. Canny Hirst, who is set to retire at the end of the year marking 44 successive years at the club, took the team for a practice round the week before the event so they knew exactIy what to expect. He said: “To get a clean sweep at the Page Trophy, which marks
the week after the Open Championship, at Royal Portrush, on July 26. In addition to the opportunity to win one of the 10 weekly prizes all entrants have a chance to win tickets to the 148th Open Championship, at Royal Portrush, and the 149th Open Championship, at Royal St George’s, in one of several prize-draws to be carried out during the series. Once registered, a player’s score is automatically collated by HowDidiDo from every qualifying competition held in a relevant stroke play series week. Golfers must have registered for the series and record a score in a qualifying competition in the relevant week to be eligible for that week’s prize draw. All qualifying scores posted to HowDidiDo by their golf club in the qualifying period will be eligible for the competition. Entrants may play more than one round in Dewsbury and District Golf Club’s, l-r, Jonathon Binns, Asley Johnson, Nigel Hirst, the qualifying period, but only the James Ward and Fergus Barron participant’s best score will count toward a prize. The competition is open to all the end of the winter alliance, is More than 3,000 golfers have HowDidiDo members over the age of 18 a fantastic achievement for the signed up for HowDidiDo’s 2019 and is free to enter. club. Loch Lomond Whiskies Stroke Play HowDidiDo is Europe’s largest online “I like to think of the lads who Series. golf community, with more than half-arepresented the club as my version The competition, launched to celemillion club golfers from 1,800-plus regisof ‘the Busby Babes’ as I have brate World Whisky Day, offers tered clubs using the website or mobile app taught all of them from being weekly prizes of Loch Lomond regularly across the UK and Ireland. youngsters.” Whiskies 12-Year-Old Malt until
Masters set for Leeds GOLF fans in Yorkshire will once again have the chance to see some of Europe’s top senior professional golfers in action when the Leeds Senior Masters takes place later this month. European Senior Tour winners Paul Streeter, David Shacklady and Andrew Oldcorn are some of the marquee names and they will be joined by the likes of former Walker Cup player Gary Wolstenholme. who famously defeated Tiger Woods at Royal Porthcawl in the 1995 Walker Cup. They will be vying for a first prize of £5,000 in the 36-hole tournament, which will be played over the Wike Ridge course on June 26 and 27, with Leedsbased Broadley Construction as headline sponsors. This is the third consecutive year of the Leeds Masters and organiser Nigel Sweet is hoping to take his place if he can overcome a bout of polymyalgia in his shoulder, which has kept him off the course for three months This year’s event will be preceded by a Pro-Am on June 25 featuring celebrities including former footballers Lee Sharpe and Danny Mills and Yorkshire cricket captain Steven Patterson. Teams of three cost £200 including food and prizes and it is still possible to enter by calling Leeds Golf Centre on 01132 886000.
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June 2019
CHRIS HANSON THE EUROPEAN CHALLENGE TOUR BLOG
Unwelcome reminder of hazards of job L
OOKING back on how many flights I’ve taken since turning professional back in 2006 is a pretty scary thought, and just thinking back to last year alone it must have been somewhere in the region of 70. An attempted landing into Samsun, Turkey, from a Heathrow-Istanbul connection was the first time I’d had that strange sinking feeling after the plane nearly touched down, but then pulled full throttle and hit the sky once more. I immediately feared the worst and my thoughts went straight to my family. Planes amaze me and to this day seeing how even the small planes get airborne and stay airborne is simply incredible. And the fact a plane can now fly direct from London to Australia blows my mind. So, we experienced an extra quick fly over Samsun at midnight before finally landing ten minutes late. To say I was relieved to arrive at the hotel was an understatement and I was soon in bed ahead of an
were very cool early start for my during the mornfirst look at ings and nights Samsun Golf yet around midClub, the venue day it warmed up for the Turkish to nice golf t-shirt Airlines weather. But I Challenge. knew I would I really didn’t have to get the know what to warm gear out for expect; it’s any early starts. Turkey so most I’m now on people think the road for three about sun, good weeks, which will golf courses, allbe a shock to my inclusive great system and hotels, and holiLaura’s, but even daymakers like more so for the you find in Belek. kids. Bar a few After seeing a weeks, we’ve few photos from spent the last four the players who months together, made the trip out had loads of fun, earlier than me it had some looked pretty extremely intergrey, the town esting and chaldidn’t look like it lenging weeks, had ever seen a All set for putting practice in the hotel room but had some real tourist, which quality time. meant I had plenty of a rugged heathland track I will pretty much spend the of time to work on my putting than a lush holiday resort next four months away and the on the hotel room carpet at course, and because we were on Challenge Tour schedule is cernight the Black Sea temperatures tainly not family friendly, but The course resembled more
as it says on the tin ‘it’s a challenge’. I felt my prep had gone well for the week at Samsun. I’ve made some positive changes and some bold changes so you’re always a little apprehensive. But in round one I played nicely, stayed patient and got to three under with two holes to play. A bogey, bogey finish wasn’t great and certainly dropped me well back down the leader board, as the scoring was crazy low and meant I now needed to go out and shoot a low one on Friday. After looking at my scores over the two days, I certainly didn’t make any easy birdies. Some holes out there were nearly ‘gimme’ birdies, but I couldn’t capitalise as I seemed to be slightly out of position on all of them. For example, on the driveable par-4s I was just in the rough, not the fairway, or had a few awkward bunker shots around the green. I just never had that easy chip or two-putt
birdie. But that was my fault and those first shots just needed to be that little bit better. A missed cut in the first event of the year is never nice, but if you use it as motivation for the next week and not get negative, then it’s not a bad thing. The learning curve continues with another weekend of practice while half the field continued to shoot some crazy low scores. There can’t be many weeks where four guys shoot -10 and one shoots -11 – and that’s just in one round! Next up Jacob Campbell commences his stint on the bag with Team Hanson in Bilbao so I will let you know how he got on next month.
JUNE QUIZ Answers to quiz on Page 18 1. Abbeydale, 2. Moortown, 3. Temple Newsam, 4. Knaresborough, 5. Horsforth, 6. York (Strensall) (1890-1904) and Pike Hills (1904-1922), 7. Sand Moor, 8. Baildon, 9. Danny Willett, 10. Scarborough.
KIRKBY LONSDALE GOLF CLUB FESTIVAL WEEK 17th-20th JUNE
Monday 17th June Mixed 4BBB (Pairs) Tuesday 18th June Gents Seniors 4BBB (Pairs) Wednesday 19th June Texas Scramble 4 Person team - Gents / Ladies or mixed
Thursday 20th June Gents 4 Person Team All players £15 per entry
Also Underley Salver - Sunday 16th June (36 hole scratch/nett) gents single stroke play £16 entry Senior Mixed Team Open Thursday 4th July (4 person team) 2 Ladies / 2 Gents £60 per team
ENTER ONLINE OR RING PRO SHOP
www.kirkbylonsdalegolfclub.com • info@kirkbylonsdalegolfclub.com Scaleber Lane, Barbon, Kirkby Lonsdale. LA6 2LJ • T: 01524 276 366
June 2019
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AGE IS NO BARRIER Swillington lad makes hole-in-one while experienced duo savour glimpse into their past
First ace for Eddie, at seven SEVEN-YEAR-OLD Eddie Claughton is feeling just ace after scoring his first hole-inone. The Swillington Primary School pupil holed his tee shot on the 123-yard third on the 12hole Oaks course at Leeds Golf Centre. Dad Peter explained: “On the Oaks he hit driver and it bounced and rolled on up into the hole. He was delighted. “He doesn’t have an official handicap yet, but plays off 12 in the Tiger Cubs at Wike. He’s a big fan of European Tour pro Eddie Pepperell and just really enjoys playing golf. “We play together occasionally now, which is great, really good father-and-son time.” Eddie has been playing golf at Oulton Hall for three years and this year started playing with his father, a three-handicapper, and has completed his
first two 18-hole rounds. He is one of around 170 juniors taught weekly at Oulton Hall by coach Thomas Devine, who added: “It really is quite an achievement to get a hole in one at seven-years-old. Congratulations to him. “He’s got a bubbly character and always plays with a smile on his face. For me, that’s so important at a young age if we want to keep children in the game for life.” Two players at the other end of the career spectrum who figure among Yorkshire’s bestknown golfers took a trip down memory lane recently when they made the trip to Blairgowrie Golf Club in Perthshire. Former Yorkshire county team-mates Paul Carrigill and Dave McCarthy competed in the 1973 British Boys’ Championship, which was held
B a
Eddie Claughton displays the ball with which he aced the third holeon the Oaks course at Leeds Golf Centre and, l-r, Paul Carrigill, Peter Barber, Charles Dernie and Dave McCarthy pictured on their recent return to Blairgowrie Golf Club at the Scottish course, and were joined on their nostalgic return by Didsbury head professional Peter Barber. Barber and McCarthy both played for England Boys that
year in the annual match against Scotland on the eve of the championship, and making up the fourball was Blairgowrie Director of Golf Charles Dernie.
Former Yorkshire Amateur champion Carrigill, from Howley Hall, went on to compete on the European Tour and now works for the organisation as a tournament referee.
Moortown’s McCarthy, who like Carrigill gained 43 caps representing Yorkshire, is a past winner of the Leeds Open and father of Challenge Tour player Nick.
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June 2019
Bedale juniors enjoy day out A GROUP of 11 juniors and four adults enjoyed a day out at Hillside to watch the British Masters, which this year was hosted by 2017 Race to DUbai winner and 2018 Ryder Cup star Tommy Fleetwood. Some of the juniors managed to get autographs and golf balls from their idols during a memorable day blessed with great weather and organised by Leigh Hay, Linda Mableson and Derek Driscoll who arranged the transport and did the driving. The tournament itself was won by surprise package Marcus Kinhult from Sweden on -16, a shot ahead of Scot Robert MacIntyre. Host Fleetwood finished in a creditable 8th position on -10. Pictured left – the Bedlae juniors at Hillside
TONY HOWARTH, Academy Director at Scarthingwell Golf Academy
1
2
Recipe for a tasty takeaway MANY amateur golfers do not have a solid start to their takeaway. They will often use too much forearm rotation or wrist hinge making the take away far more complex than is necessary. In making such complex motions, they get the club out of position very early in their swing and from then on, their swing is compensating and trying to get the club back to the ball. Looking at photographs 1 and 2: Starting the club away from the ball in a manner that is easy to consistently reproduce is critical to good, solid, consistent ball striking. The takeaway should involve as few moving parts as possible thus producing a motion that is smooth and easy to repeat. And now photopgraphs 3 and 4: When the club shaft is parallel to the ground, the direction the clubface is facing is of real importance. For your shots to be strong and penetrative, the leading edge of the club should be pointing slightly towards the ground. An incorrect position is when the clubface is pointing towards the sky, (clubface too open) or towards the ground (too closed).
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TONY HOWARTH, 2004 Sinclair Award Winner, Academy Director and Golf and Marketing Manager at Scarthingwell Golf Course, has over 25 years PGA experience and has taught all levels of golfers. This experience ranges from European Tour, Ladies European Tour and County players through to club golfers and complete beginners. Tony has appeared as guest speaker at many events including the Junior Golf Partnership seminar held at the Belfry, as Key Note Speaker at the inaugural Golf Careers Convention at the University of Northumbria,
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guest speaker at the UK Golf Show, the Turkish Golf Federation 1st Annual Coaching Conference and most recently at the GolfEurope Show in Augsburg, Germany. In his role as SNAG Master Trainer, Tony works with International Golf Development implementing first touch coaching and development programmes across the world including Europe, Africa and Asia. Tony’s simplistic style of coaching has been his road to success and he has become known as an expert not just on the golf swing but especially on the short game and putting.
June 2019
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