Yorkshire Golfer – March 2019 by Yorkshire Golfer

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TGI Ry’s Day Howley Hall pro’s shop is voted the best

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March 2019

Daly to wear White Rose Shadoff targets Solheim Cup spot

March 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 FIXBY EVENT HAS LIFT-OFF Leeds Bradford International Airport’s backing will help Asian Golf Society celebrate its 20th anniversary in style in Huddersfield p4 LANDMARK HONOUR Chesterfield member Terry Kirby has become the first wheelchair golfer to become captain of a club in England – and probably the world p6 SOME NEW RULES ARE CRAZY Experienced Tour caddie Rod Wooler gives his assessment of the new rules put into place by the R&A and USGA this year – and it’s fair to say that he is not a big fan of them all p8 and 9

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find us online: www.yorkshiregolfer.net DALY’S A YORKSHIREMAN Well, he will be for a day when he competes for Yorkshire in the War of the Roses battle against Lancashire at Moor Allerton in June p10

GLORIOUS GANTON Revelling in the county’s No 1 course 12/13 AMBASSADOR MONTY Former Ryder Cup player and captain Colin Montgomerie, a member at Ilkley Golf Club, has become an ambassador for RSM UK for the 2019 season p16

NORTHERN LIGHTS If you are planning a trip to enjoy the golfing delights of North Yorkshire here is a threepage guide to point you in the right direction p17, 18 and p19 WORKING OFF THE WINTER’S RUST Our columnist Chris Hanson has got his 2019 tournament campaign underway by competing in events in Spain and South Africa p20 THREE STEPS TO HEAVEN Looking to get your swing in tune for the new season? Then follow the three steps outlined by this month’s Swing Maestro Richard Crawshaw of Wortley Golf Club in Sheffield p22

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, APRIL 9th, 2019

March 2019

EQUIPPED TO SUCCEED Howley Hall professional scoops top TGI award at ceremony at Trump Turnberry

Rastall recognised as having best shop HOWLEY HALL professional Ryan Rastall is celebrating after picking up the ‘Pro Shop of the Year’ award at the TGI Golf Awards at Trump Turnberry in Scotland. Rastall was one of four nominees for the award, which was presented by golf buying group TGI, and beat off competition from Scotland, Wales and the South of England. He learned the game at Sleaford Golf Club in his native Lincolnshire and represented the county at junior and senior level before moving to Prestbury after his father Tim, who represented GB & Ireland against the USA in the 1990 PGA Cup, was appointed head professional at the Cheshire club. After studying sports technology at Central Lancashire University, he spent five years at Oulton Hall, in Leeds, where he moved through the ranks to become Golf Operations Manager before turning professional to join James Whitaker at Moor Allerton. A rightfully proud Rastall said: “There were three other very good nominees so to win came as a bit of shock, but it’s a huge accolade and I’m very proud of what we have achieved here in such a short space of time.” A key part of his retail offering is club fitting, which is carried out in his teaching, performance and custom fit centre where golfers can try out the lat-

est gear from a wide range of manufacturers and see their results using Trackman 4, which captures every detail of the club and ball at impact. Rastall said: “As an individual pro shop we probably have more demo clubs than anybody else in Yorkshire, but I always try to be honest with customers and if I can’t find them something which gives them more distance or accuracy or will not improve their game then I recommend they stay with what they are currently using.” The 33-year-old added: “I joined the group two and a half years ago when I took over from James Whitaker as head professional here at Howley and called in Chris Taylor, who is the TGI retail consultant for my area. Following his review I changed what wasn’t working and kept what was. “I have always been really interested in the equipment side of golf and custom fitting and it is that part of the business that has really taken off for me, and as well as the members we also get a lot of people from further afield.” As an equipment geek, Rastall made a beeline for guest speaker Mike Schy, who coaches Bryson De Chambeau. As well as developing the one plane swing used by his star pupil, Schy has also played the role of club fixer too. He helped grind down the shafts for

Bryson to create his one-length irons and is also believed to have been the brains behind Bryson using larger grips than usual because it allowed him to hold the club with his palms and not his fingers. “Mike Schy was unbelievably interesting. He spoke at the partners’ conference at Trump Turnberry for an hour and a half, but could have gone on for five hours for me,” Rastall added. Rastall had the chance to chat to Schy before he went on stage and as a result of the chat is now experimenting with his own set of one-length irons. “He had with him the first set of irons he made for Bryson. Not only were they the same length, but he had taken weight out of some of the clubs to make sure the heads were the same weight, as were the grips, so all the clubs had the same swingweight and dead weight.” When Whitaker was appointed head professional at Howley Hall in 2015, Rastalll moved over as his assistant to run the shop and teaching operation and took over as head professional in June 2016. Brother Tom, who travelled to Trump Turnberry with Ryan, and England amateur international Ben Hutchinson made up the rest of the award-winning team, although the lure of a return to Lincolnshire proved too hard to resist for Tom, who left last month to join the staff at Belton Woods. He will be replaced by PGA Professional Paul Burns, who will be re-united with Rastall after spending the last 13 years at Oulton Hall where they first met. Website Golfshake.com have appointed Rastall as their equipment expert, and he now conducts testing on their behalf.

Howley Hall professional Ryan Rastall, left, with Ryder Cup player and PGA Tour winner Bryson De Chambeau’s coach Mike Schy

March 2019

AIRPORT GIVES LIFT Asian Golf Society has new sponsor for event that will act as memorial for Tommy Athwal

LBIA backing society’s big day Airport Chief Executive David THE 20th anniversary of the Laws said: “We are delighted to Asian Golf Society will be a sponsor this year’s Asian Open special year in more ways than and to lend our support for such one. a worthwhile cause. Their annual golf day at “As Yorkshire’s internaHuddersfield Golf Club on June tional gateway, we are proud to 2 will be supported by Leeds serve such a diverse community Bradford Airport, who become and take our role very seriously title sponsor of the event, and it in working with communities will also serve as a memorial to right across the region.” one of the founder members Over the past 20 years the Tommy Athwal, who passed AGS has raised more than away suddenly in February of £100,000 and made donations this year. to Macmillan, Candlelighters, The society was started by Marie Curie, the NSPP and the Tommy, his brother Jas, AGS schools’ project Indian Marilyn Smith, Billy Singh, orphanage, along with various Ray Singh and Dr Aneel Sohal other Yorkshire charities. with the aim of taking golf into Promising Fixby junior the community through various Louie Walsh has also received schools in Bradford – including support in his children who quest to make are less able or it to the very have special top of the needs and learngame. ing difficulties – Jas and to make Athwal is contributions to various charinews@yorkshire-golfer.com well-known in local busities. ness and Golfers from @yorkshiregolfer sporting ciraround the councles. try travel every He was the first Sikh to be year to Fixby, which is now the named as captain of a golf club permanent home of the event, in the UK when he drove into and a record field is expected. office at Waterton Park in 2000, The winner will become the and 2014 he was appointed as a first recipient of The Tommy Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Athwal Memorial Cup. Leeds Bradford International Yorkshire. Last year he was

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also appointed to the Board at Welcome To Yorkshire He is now a member at Bradford Golf Club and his network of contacts spreads far and wide, meaning the day has been supported in the past by the likes of rugby dual code international Henry Paul, his brother Robbie – who is a member of the BBC’s rugby league commentary team – and Indian Test batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, who played for Yorkshire last year. This year guests will also be entertained by David Edwards, who will perform his increasingly popular trick shot show. Jas said: “We are delighted to welcome Leeds Bradford Airport as our headline sponsor and hope it will be the start of a long lasting and fruitful relationship. “Without their support and the help we have received from many companies over the last 20 years we wouldn’t be able to stage the event and generate the money we give to the charities. “It’s hard enough to stay friends for 20 years never mind run a golf tournament for that length of time and it’s testament to the great people who travel from all over the UK to support the day as well as the team of people involved in the AGS.”

Leeds Bradford International Airport Chief Executive David Laws, left, with Jas Athwal, one of the Asian Golf Society’s co-founders.

March 2019

ON THE RIGHT TRACK Yorkshire star begins quest for claiming place in European team in impressive fashion

Shadoff targets Solheim Cup NORTH Yorkshire’s Jodi Ewart Shadoff says her number one goal for this season is to make the Solheim Cup team. She was a member of the victorious 2013 side and made an encouraging start to lining up against the Americans at Gleneagles, Scotland, in September by finishing joint third behind Charley Hull in the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open. The Middleham native shot rounds of 70,70 and 73 at the Saadiyat Beach Golf club in the United Arab Emirates in the opening tournament on the 2019 Ladies European Tour. Now based in Florida, Shadoff plays mainly on the LPGA Tour in the States, but will combine her schedule over there with some European Tour events in a bid to play in her second Solheim Cup. She said: “Being on Team Europe for the Solheim Cup is my number one goal. I haven’t won yet, on the LPGA or LET, but I feel ready. “Obviously I played in the 2013 Solheim Cup when we

won in Denver and that whole week was an amazing memory, but when I played with Charley (Hull), we played against Lexi (Thompson) and Paula (Creamer) and we took them down the last. “I had a 9-iron in my hand, and I had to hit the green and make par to win the hole and win the match and I did. I also remember Karine (Koch) holing that putt on the second afternoon when we swept them.” Her family still live in Middleham where Dad Harvey, a former jockey, is now a groom-rider for one of the country’s leading trainers Mark Johnston. Horse racing is very much a part of the family life as mum Zoe is a former yard manager for the Scot, who broke the record for the number of British winners in August of last year. But Shadoff was never interested in horses. “We put her on a pony when she was about five and, when it started to walk, she started crying. I don’t think she ever went near a horse after

that,” recalled mum Zoe. As a child, the Leeds United fan played football for her school in Leyburn before her grandfather Desmond Warren introduced her to golf aged eight at Catterick Golf Club. That would prove to be the start of a glittering amateur career. Ewart was on the Great Britain & Ireland Curtis Cup team in 2008, which was defeated by the United States, and won back-to-back English Amateur Championships, taking the title in 2008 and again in 2009. But the Yorkshire Dales can be a bleak spot in winter and not the best place to finetune a golf game, so Jodi went in search of the sunshine and sent her impressive résumé and a video of her swing to the top-20 golf universities in the United States. One trip to the University of New Mexico was all she needed and she packed her bags and headed to Albuquerque. She graduated with a degree in psychology in 2010 and while a member of the Lady

Jodi Shadoff Ewart, right, celebrates with three-time European team member Charley Hull after victory over the United States in the 2013 Solheim Cup in Denver, Colorado Lobos team had five collegiate wins and was a two-time NCAA All-American in 2009 and 2010. With the success enjoyed in college it seemed right to turn professional after graduation and she contended on the Symetra Tour for the next two years, recording nine top-10

finishes. She qualified for the LPGA Tour in 2011 and was named Rookie of the Year. Despite not having won on the LPGA Tour so far she has amassed over $2.7m, fuelled by 16 career top-10s. One of the longest hitters in women’s golf, Shadoff tied for

fourth in the 2013 U.S. Women’s Open and was runnerup in the 2017 Ricoh Women’s British Open . Jodi married Adam Shadoff, a sports anchor and reporter at Fox 35, in January 2013 and now lives in Orlando, but still makes trips back to North Yorkshire.

March 2019

Landmark accolade for 63-year-old

KIRBY LEADS WAY WITH CAPTAINCY want it.” CHESTERFIELD’S Terry He added: “I rock up and Kirby has made history as the have a laugh and a joke and get first wheelchair golfer to the mickey taken out of me, become a club captain, certainjust like anyone else.” ly in England and probably But his story is both inspiraworldwide. tional and highlights the work Kirby took office at Tapton of the charity for wheelchair Park Golf Club in February, golfers, the Handigolf almost exactly 25 years after a Foundation, which he chairs. tumour in his spinal cord cost Handigolf, which is supporthim the use of his legs. ed by England Golf, not only “Then I was thinking, ‘that’s organises competitions, but it, I’ll never play golf again’ hires buggies to wheelchair and it was a total change in my users who want to get back on life. But 25 years later I’m capthe fairway, or take up golf for tain of a golf club,” said the 63the first time. year-old. Kirby came He is across Handigolf taking on when his physiotherthe role as apist spotted a flyer a golfer. for a taster day. He “I have went along and four never been treated any news@yorkshire-golfer.com weeks later was playing in his first different from any@yorkshiregolfer disability competition. He returned the one else next year and won it. within the club,” he said. Kirby enjoys all aspects of “When I first started some the game, but particularly the people thought they had to give competition. He has held a concessions, but I soon put a handful of national disability stop to that. I’m just treated as titles and has been a European any other golfer. That’s how I

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Terry Kirby, who lost the use of his legs 25 years ago, plays off a handicap of 26 – ‘not bad for one arm and sitting down!’ title runner-up. “There are other wheelchair sports,” says Kirby. “But I always say golf is a sport for life – once you are into it, that’s it. “To be perfectly honest, golf has really kept me going. It’s been the mainstay of my life over the last 25 years.” He plays off a handicap of 26, saying: “Not bad for one arm and sitting down!” Jamie Blair, England Golf Disability Manager, comment-

ed: “Congratulations to Terry and best wishes for a fantastic year as captain. “It has been great to work with Terry over the past five years and see his passion for the game. “His captaincy will raise awareness of disability golf and the opportunities for people who previously played, but might have stopped due to injury or illness. Terry is proof that there is a way to adapt to make the game for all.”

Atherton’s ace SCARCROFT’S Roy Atherton is feeling ace after making his first hole in one, which came at the par-3 15th hole of his home course. Atherton, who plays off a handicap of 22, has been a member of the Leeds course for six years and hopes it is the first of many.

March 2019

Some new rules are crazy, says Yorkshire’s Rod Wooler, 40 years a caddie, is not a fan of all the R&A and USGA’s change changes YORKSHIRE bagman Rod Wooler believes the penalties handed out to two players for getting help from their caddies was unjustly harsh. Selby-based Wooler has been a professional caddie since 1980 and described the two shot penalties issued to China’s Haotong Li at the Dubai Desert Classic and Denny McCarthy at the Phoenix Open as “harsh to say the least”. As a result of the controversial incidents golf’s ruling bodies have issued a clarification on where and when a caddie can stand behind a player who is lining up a shot. The R&A and the USGA issued a joint statement attempting to clarify rule 10.2, which was designed to limit the advice and help a player can receive during a round. Li was penalised when his caddie, who had been standing behind him, moved to the side after he had started to take his stance for a putt. His two-shot penalty was upheld by the R&A and meant the defending champion dropped from a tie from third to a tie for 12th, costing him more than $80,000.

McCarthy’s penalty was rescinded a day later after consultations with officials determined there had been similar incidents involving other players that were not penalised. Clarifying the rule, the USGA and R&A said in a statement: “If a player backs away from a stance, the player is not considered to have begun a ‘stance for the stroke’. Therefore, a player can now back away from his or her stance anywhere on the course and avoid a breach of Rule 10.2b (4) if the caddie had been standing in a location behind the ball.” Wooler added: “I find some of these new rules a bit crazy, especially the one about the caddie standing behind his player. Fanny Sunesson lined up Faldo on every putt when she was working for him and you could argue that it is part of the caddie’s role to do that.” ‘Mucker’, as he is more commonly known on Tour, is, however, in favour of some of the rules changes that help speed up play. “The one that makes the most sense to me is leaving the

Yorkshire caddie Rod Wooler discusses yardage with Tour pro Gary Orr ahead of an approach shot flag in as that really does help the caddies. Previously you had to lay down the bag at the side of the green, then if your player had a long putt you would need to clean the ball before going to attend the pin.

“So, the new rule really does help the pace of play when it comes to one of the main roles of a caddie, and on the balance of it it’s probably an advantage to keep the pin in.” He has won 15 tournaments

worldwide with six different players, but feels the role of the caddie is changing with the use of green reading books. “I have used one and it was very detailed, but the governing bodies have now introduced restric-

tions. They definitely take some skill out of the game in terms of reading greens for both the player and the caddie.” From January 1 golfers have been allowed to use a putting-

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March 2019

Tour bagman Wooler Continued from facing page

green map or other puttinggreen information, but any image of a putting green must be limited to a scale of 3/8 inch to five yards (1:480) or smaller – the “scale limit”. He is also pleased to see a change in a rule that he fell foul of and which earned him a less than endearing nickname when he stood on the golf ball of his boss Hugh Baiocchi in a tournament at Hillside. Again, common sense appears to have prevailed in this case where the new rule states that if you are in the act of searching for a ball (now limited to three minutes) and accidentally stand on it there is no penalty. And you get to place it rather than drop it. “That’s also a positive change. Back then if the player or his caddie stood on the ball it was a shot penalty. But if one of the other caddies stood on it there was no penalty. I couldn’t understand that one. “If I hadn’t trodden on his ball by mistake we would never have found it. Hugh asked me if I had stood on this ball and I told him I had. I thought that was the end of me. “But Hugh was a real gentleman and just turned to me and told me he admired my honesty and took the shot penalty on the chin. “But one of his best mates was fellow South African John

the game, ‘Jaggs’ would have Bland who had a great sense of his amateur partners looking humour and he insisted on callaround in disbelief when the ing me Bigfoot for the rest of ball had to be dropped over the the year, and yes, guess what, left shoulder, which was the that stuck for a while.” rule back in the 1970s. He is definitely against the He would catch it before it new guidelines when it comes hit the ground and hide it in his to dropping a ball. A ball must pocket, leaving the hapless now be dropped straight down golfer searching for his ball and from knee height, which means checking everywhere from his the height of a player’s knee turn-ups to the back of his shirt. when in a standing position. Mucker has come across But the player does not have to some characters in his time be in a standing position when including David Feherty and the ball is dropped. the two enjoyed a seven-year “You see them getting in all partnership. He was proud to be kinds of strange positions to get on the Northern closer to the Irishman’s bag ground and I in the so-called think that is a ‘War on the negative Shore’ at change. There Kaiwah Island was nothing – the 1991 wrong with Ryder Cup. dropping it “We were from shoulder one up stood on height and the par-3 17th, accepting the mike@yorkshire-golfer.com playing over place where the 200 yards, and ball came to everybody was rest. The closer you are to the @yorkshiregolfer dumping it in the water. It was a ground the better the lie should be. They might as two-club wind and Feherty had an old 1 --iron that he drilled well let them place it. They onto the green. That might have have got that one wrong in my been the best shot I have ever view.” seen under pressure. “ The move to change may He has also tasted success have brought a wry smile to the with a few Yorkshire players, face of his first boss David winning the inaugural PGA Jagger, then pro at Wooler’s Championship at Wentworth in home club of Selby. Known as 1984 with Howard Clark – one of the greatest pranksters in

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which carried a first prize of £25,000 compared to the $995,394 pocketed by Francisco Molinari last year – and helping another Leeds-born player Stuart Cage to his sole European Tour win at Cannes in 1997. France was also good to Mucker in 2002 when Sheffield’s Malcolm Mackenzie proved fairytales can come true as he finally came of age with his first win in 21 years on the European Tour, in the Novotel Perrier French Open at Le National, near Versailles. The 40-year-old made it 509th time lucky with a courageous birdie four into the wind over the water at the 18th, where he hit a two-iron 200 yards to within 15 feet of the flag coming off the back of three successive bogeys. Mackenzie admitted: “I felt I was losing it altogether, but found some reserves and pulled off the shot of my life after my caddie, Rod Wooler, urged me to have a go.” Wooler’s fortieth year traipsing the fairways will probably be with Gary Orr, for whom he worked on the main Tour for 13 years. They finally tasted success in Orr’s native Scotland last year with victory in the Scottish Senior Open at Craigielaw and Mucker is looking to add another title to his impressive CV and to a golfing life well lived.

YUGC goes out of its way to offer advice to clubs on the new rules THE Yorkshire Union of Golf Clubs has focused its efforts during the winter months on assisting golf clubs with the new Rules of Golf 2019, and has already delivered 37 seminars since the initiative began last November. YUGC secretary Jonathan Plaxton, above, said: “Almost 1,700 delegates have attended to date and by the time we finish almost 2,000 men, women, boys and girls will have seen our qualified referees present on the subject. “In addition to the above we have so far helped 35 clubs re-write their ‘Local Rules’ with several ‘site visits’ to view areas causing angst with regards to the appropriate relief options etc. “This has all been done without cost to our affiliated clubs – neither a charge or expenses –

thanks to the dedication of our volunteers who give of their time freely. “ The YUGC has also issued a ‘What We Do’ document that was produced in response to several requests from club secretaries seeking assistance when responding to queries from club members in relation to affiliation fees. The principal objective of the Union is the promotion and welfare of amateur golf within the county. The document outlines all of the various activities, which include arranging county championships at all levels, coaching to an elite level, helping clubs with course ratings and handicap queries, providing grants and administering the county card, which gives members the opportunity to play 1,300 clubs in England at reduced green fees.

March 2019

UP FOR THE BATTLE Former US PGA and Open champion to represent White Rose against Lancashire in June

Daly will be Yorkshireman for one day ing towards an aggregate score for each county. The winning team will receive £2,000 towards a charity chosen by their captain, with £1,000 going to the losers. Other celebrities expected to feature include former footballers Lee Sharpe for the Tykes, and Paul Scholes and David May for the Lancastrians. Daly grew up in Arkansas and played college golf before turning pro in 1987. Nobody had heard of him when, in 1991, he got into the PGA Championship as the ninth alternate, driving through the

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TWO-TIME Major winner John Daly will become an honorary Yorkshireman for a day when he lines up for the White Rose county in the War of the Roses match. Daly, one of golf’s most colourful characters who has 18 worldwide victories to his name, will join Yorkshire captain Ryan Sidebottom at Moor Allerton Golf Club, on Friday June 28, to take on a Red Rose side skippered by Robbie Fowler. Thirteen teams from each side will compete with the best two stableford points scores from each team of four count-

night to make his tee time at Crooked Stick in Carmel, Indiana. Without even the benefit of a practice round, Daly – with his mullet haircut and grip-itand-rip-it approach – started booming prodigious drives with a swing that went way past parallel on the way back. He played fantastically, with a long game that would always overshadow what was often a masterful short game. Daly won that tournament, and his legend as a good ol’ boy, cigarette dangling from his lips, was born. Beloved by fans he was the antithesis of the khaki-clad clones that populate the PGA Tour, a beer-bellied, workingclass guy upsetting a country club world. His many struggles with addiction – which he hid from no one – earned him tremendous support from fans and more than a few passes for conduct unbecoming. He beat Italy’s Costantino Rocca in a play-off at the Open Championship at St Andrews in 1995 to capture his second major, but Daly wouldn’t win

John Daly burst onto the golfing scene when, as ninth alternate, he won the 1991 US PGA Championship at Crooked Stick, Indiana

again until 2004. During the intervening years he battled drinking problems, weight problems, marriage problems, and problems with his game, but he never lost his fans and remains one of the biggest draws in golf. In his 2006 autobiography, Daly claimed to have lost $50m-$60m on gambling. He continued drinking, although claimed he only drank beer, no longer hard liquor.

“I learned you can’t drink whiskey and play golf” he said at the time. Entry for teams of four cost £800 plus VAT, which includes a bespoke team shirt and belt plus dinner and on-course drinks and food supplied by Langtons Gin and Leeds based Really Indian. A Q&A with Daly will be hosted by Willie Thorne. A hole in one prize of £10,000 has been sponsored by

Redline Specialist Cars of Knaresborough. Tickets for the evening event only are priced at £45 for a two-course meal and the Q&A and are available through SGH Sporting Events on 0800 1707077. The organisers are also looking for a headline sponsor who, along with two guests, will make up Daly’s team. Details from Simon Hurd at SGH on 07930 369433.

March 2019

All set for Ripon good time in USA RIPON CITY members are gearing up for a trip to the USA next month to contest the Ripon Cup. Every two years the club locks horns with Spring Creek Golf & Country Club based in the city of Ripon, California, in a Ryder Cup style format. The Ripon Cup has been going for 40 years with each team fielding 12 players who play foursomes, fourballs and then singles. Ripon, California, is known as the almond capital of the world and is on the site previously known as Stanislaus City, but in 1876 it was renamed for

Ripon, Wisconsin, which took its name from the North Yorkshire city. Paul Spence Walpole, office manager at Ripon City, said: “Ripon Cup week involves lots of golf, socialising and interesting trips out. “It is a fantastic cup with a great history and I can’t wait to go to California in April.” The picture shows when Ripon hosted the Americans in July 2017. Part of the week includes an away day where the two clubs partner up with a player from each club to play for a shield, and two years ago the away day was at Bradford GC.

March 2019

HERE’S nothing ‘hurried’ about Ganton Golf Club, the home of Yorkshire’s longacknowledged premier course, said by many to be the finest inland track in the country. A catalogue of impressive rankings amongst the Who’s Who of the world’s golfing jewels bears testament to that. Ganton’s unique geology makes it special anyway – and that took long enough to emerge from the surrounding landscape, this part of the Vale of Pickering having been a North Sea inlet many, many millennia past. The original wonders of a course which was first crafted on the sandy subsoil of Sir Charles Legard’s Ganton estate in 1891, have been sculpted both in its early days and over the decades by many of the greatest minds in golfing architecture. It gave Ganton an early preeminence that has stood the test of time. When something is naturally so good, why would you rush to change it – even 120-odd years on? But change is coming if only ever so gradually and, more importantly, ever so thoughtfully. Ganton’s intrinsic qualities were sufficient to entice the great Harry Vardon to take up the club’s professional position as early as 1896, through until 1903, a period during which he won the Open Championship no fewer than three times, plus the US Open. He was succeeded by no less than another Open Champion in Ted Ray, who had the foresight to invite the

YG Publisher DANNY LOCKWOOD revels in the delights of the county’s no.1

GLORIOUS GANTON

masterful Harry Colt to add distinction to the layout, and a few years later the great doctor himself, Alister MacKenzie, to create the new 15th green and improve the 3rd, 4th, 7th and 14th holes. James Braid and JH Taylor, Tom Simpson and CK Cotton have all added their golfing imaginations to Ganton’s character, something the R&A’s go-to course architect Martin Ebert is doing today. Ganton Golf Club, for all of its unique qualities and achievements – the only UK inland course to host the Ryder Cup, Curtis Cup, Walker Cup and the Amateur Championship – remains an enigma. Its members like to consider

it an ‘inland links’ such as one exists, rather than an out-and-out heathland course which less nuanced eyes might consider it. The gorse has become abundant over the generations, although it is carefully managed and indeed is actively being reduced, as will be witnessed by subtle changes that will alter the way the 9th hole plays, the par 5 at the top of the course, running parallel to the A64. But the sandy base that was the receding North Sea’s gift to the original course creators, leaves today’s golfers in no doubt that this is typical links terrain, with all of the qualities that bestows on fabulous fairways and world class greens.

Main picture – the 18th green Left – the 10th green sandwiched between some of the course’s pristine bunkers

The landscape sports some heather and indeed a sizeable copse of trees dividing the 11th and 12th holes, while other trees form a barrier between the 16th hole and the impressive approach to Ganton’s very traditional clubhouse. And indeed, tradition is what sets Ganton apart from many of its contemporaries, certainly in the north of England. Not a week passes when a US PGA tour professional doesn’t make some bold, colourful or collarless fashion statement, which the retailers rush to market. Just don’t expect to see them being sold in Gary Brown’s well stocked professional shop, or indeed worn on the course at this club, 10 miles inland from Scarborough. Tailored shorts are permitted, gents, but you will still need to wear long, over the calf socks. And while the Vardon Room with its magisterial collection of memorabilia is worth a visit to the club alone, you will have to wear a jacket and tie. Yes, even at 9am, before going out to play. You would be surprised how many members do just that, before changing in locker rooms that have seen some of the golfing greats hang up their jackets and pull on their plus fours, before changing again after playing to enjoy full access to a clubhouse steeped in stories and history. But if you’re going to visit a sporting shrine, why wouldn’t you embrace the aspects and elements that make it special? There are plenty of lesser alternatives. But who wouldn’t want to see the photographs and read the story of the Ganton member who played golf for Gt Britain in the 1936 Olympics and won – wait for it – the Hitler Cup! Quality does come at a premium, obviously, and with only around 330 members plus a healthy waiting list, Ganton prizes its exclusivity. That said, there are openings for country members – anyone living outside a 55-mile radius of the club, which means golfers in the Leeds or Sheffield catchment areas have the opportunity to indulge themselves. The Managing Secretary, who joined the club in mid-2018, is long-serving former Fulford Golf Club official Gary Pearce. Gary had many happy years at the prestigious York club and admits that only the opportunity to Continued on facing page

March 2019

From previous page move to a club of Ganton’s standing could have prised him away. He’s not the only A-team recruit either – Yorkshire ladies golf legend Emma Brown was also lured away from Sandburn Hall to join Gary in the new-look management team. They are carefully honing Ganton’s engagement with the golfing public and the opening over the winter of the new Dormy House (see below) makes the club a bona fide destination for golfers who want to fully immerse themselves in the experience. Over the winter restoration work has been taking place on some of the course’s ‘famous’ bunkers (you will also hear them called infamous/notorious/magnificent – the adjective depends how good your sand iron play is). There are around 120 traps and finding any of them will generally cost a shot, especially some of the lethal fairway bunkers. I confess, on finding the achingly long hazard on the 15th, I picked up after nine attempts. Was I being greedy? Perhaps. The shot was there to get out, but Ganton will at some point invite you to take your punishment. Listen to it. A feature of the course that has been lost over the decades is the ‘Pandy’ that doglegs the iconic 18th. You need to study the closing hole before playing it, a blind dogleg left that requires precision for any chance of getting to the green. It’s not a long closing hole but it doesn’t have to be, because of all courses you’ll ever play, at Ganton what’s between your ears is every bit as important as what’s in your hands. The Pandy area had become essentially dead ground, but is being transformed into a large, sandy waste area – as it originally was. By reclaiming a piece of the landscape’s history, Ganton Golf Club is adding just one more must-see feature, to Yorkshire’s premier must-play course.

Right – the Ganton clubhouse, centre page a view of the 14th, and at bottom, the great Harry Vardon

GANTON GC - COURSE REVIEW Ganton is one course where trying to give a single paragraph description of each hole is either a masterclass in brevity or an exercise in futility. Some holes are deserving of an entire chapter. More useful is to understand what the overall challenge is, and where your round can be made – or murdered. Be assured however that you will, at some point, find one of the 120 impeccably kept bunkers that permeate the course – that, or the golfing gods really have smiled on you. A word of advice – if your recovery shot looks like a tall order, then it really is. Take your punishment, find a way either sideways or backwards if necessary onto Ganton’s fantastic fairways. Your 3 and 5 woods will rarely meet a more welcoming surface to play from. Also, when considering whether to take the bunkers on from the tee, don’t just look at your electronic device’s measurement to the front of the trap. Some, like the devilish left-sided monster on the 15th, can extend for what might only be 40 yards, but can feel like 400 after your umpteenth attempt to get out. I was hanging on in the game and went for glory. I conceded the hole after eight swings in the sand. Your biggest attribute might be the ability to put such disasters aside. The first three holes are benign

Ganton Golf Club Ganton, Nr Scarborough, North Yorks YO12 4PA Tel: 01904 710329 www.gantongolfclub.com Hole Champ Medal Club Par Index Red Par Index 1 369 369 359 4 13 350 4 9 2 445 416 395 4 7 368 4 5 3 349 339 288 4 15 269 4 15 4 407 407 365 4 3 349 4 3 5 158 158 148 3 17 144 3 17 6 467 444 438 4/5 11 433 5 7 7 432 432 414 4 1 401 5 13 8 411 388 368 4 9 355 4 1 9 501 501 499 5 5 427 5 11 10 168 168 165 3 18 132 3 18 11 424 414 398 4 6 382 5 6 12 399 366 357 4 14 320 4 10 13 563 533 497 5 4 462 5 2 14 280 280 278 4 16 277 4 12 15 493 436 427 4 2 420 5 8 16 446 446 427 4 8 391 4 4 17 251 247 235 3/4/3 10 168 3 16 18 435 395 387 4 12 366 5 14 Out 3096 Out 3274 Out 3454 Out 3539 In 2918 In 3171 In 3285 In 3459 6014 6445 6739 6998 Par 76 Par 72 Par 73 Par 71

enough as you wend away from the clubhouse and the watchful eyes of your starter, providing you are sensible off the tee and stay away from the trouble, often gorse one side, sand on the other – or sometimes both. Your main challenge, especially in summer when the always fast and true greens are playing like lightning, is to judge your approach. This is where the true links element of Ganton is at its most transparent, because you will at times have to run balls into and onto these delightfully undulating surfaces. Don’t be embarrassed to use your putter from 30 or 40 yards short of the green if required. I took note of a number of greens which could host a dozen and more pin positions. Birdie chances may

GANTON’S new Dormy House is now open and can accommodate up to eight golfers at a time. In a nostalgic nod to the past, the new accommodation carries the name of the club’s former professional Harry Vardon, who won the Open Championship three times during his tenure there, plus the US Open. He won six Open Championships in total. Situated next to the clubhouse, Vardon House has 5 en-suite bedrooms and is also adjacent to the practice ground. The house has three twin-bedroomed and two single rooms. Born in Jersey, Vardon’s first taste of Yorkshire was at Studley Royal Golf Club near Ripon in 1890 where he worked as a greenkeeper. One factor he worked hard on was the golf club grip – resulting in the overlapping Vardon grip, still widely used today. In 1893 he and his brother Tom entered the Open Championship at Prestwick, coming 23rd equal and 28th equal respectively. Six years later Vardon heard that a club near Scarborough required a professional/greenkeeper. Ganton had only been founded in 1891 but he accepted the position and set up home with his wife in a rented cottage in the village. Later that year a match between professionals from Yorkshire and Hampshire was staged with Harry Vardon representing Ganton, versus

depend on the head greenkeeper’s mood. The par 5s are not the longest on the outward 9 and provide scoring opportunities if you avoid trouble. The greenside bunkers are (thankfully) generally less punishing than their fairway cousins and the sand is impeccably receptive to the quality – or not – of your stroke. The previous time I played Ganton with Fixby’s Nick Marsh he aced the 10th, a picturesque short par 3 from an elevated tee, to a concave green. Enjoy it, because the test of both your swing and nerve picks up straight away with a delightful mix of long and short par 4s – I wouldn’t recommend taking on the 280 yard 14th – plus a par 5 that demands being straight,

before one of Yorkshire golf’s iconic finishing stretches. The 16th is renowned for its cavernous cross bunker that you can’t take your eyes off from the tee. Depending on the wind direction (prevailing from the west, but liable to swirl according to locals) the long par 3 17th will require everything many golfers have got, in order to reach. And finally the newly restored ‘Pandy’ area on the blind dogleg of the 18th, will make an already distinctive hole even moreso. You actually have more room to aim your drive at than seems apparent on the tee. And if, when you hole out, you’re still playing the same ball you started the round with, you deserve all the comforts of the fabulous clubhouse.

John Henry Taylor from the Royal Winchester Golf Club, which Vardon won handsomely. Taylor subsequently wrote: “Little did I guess when playing Harry at Ganton that I was playing a man who was to make golfing history and develop into – what is my solemn and considered judgement – the finest and most finished golfer the game has ever produced.” A month later he went on to win the Open at Muirfield after a play-off against Taylor, and captured two more Claret Jugs whilst at Ganton, at Prestwick in 1898 and Royal St George’s in 1899. In 1900 after a successful tour of the United States he won the US Open at Wheaton, Chicago, Illinois, beating his old rival JH Taylor again. This made him the first player in the history of golf to win both Open Championships. Ganton’s website sums up this champion golfer: ‘Vardon was a kindly and considerate man of great courage. His name will live in golf annals. Not only was he the supreme player of his time but he was a catalyst to the development of golf in America and his methods are a link between the style of the early players and the modern approach.’ Now Vardon House will ensure that his name is synonymous with Ganton for many years to come.

March 2019

Fitzpatrick impresses in Georgia SIX birdies in a second round of 69 hauled Hallamshire’s Alex Fitzpatrick into a tie for third position in the prestigious Jones Cup tournament in Sea Island, Georgia. Fitzpatrick, who is a freshman at Wake Forest University in North Carolina, added the 69 to an opening 75 before rain washed out the final day at Ocean Forest Golf Club. Top-ranked junior Akshay Bhatia won the event after beating Davis Thompson in a hastily arranged sudden-death playoff after the pair were tied at two under after 36 holes. For Bhatia, major junior victories over the past year have come at the Rolex Tournament of Champions, Junior PGA Championship, Polo Golf Junior Classic and Junior Invitational at Sage Valley. He was also runner-up at the Youth Olympic Games, Junior Players’ Championship and U.S. Junior. Bhatia is No 1 in Golfweek’s Junior Rankings and No 12 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking. He is tipped to join the pro ranks when he turns 18 in 2020. Even though Bhatia has entered a handful of amateur events with older fields – like the Jones Cup – this is his first victory. It will bode well for him in terms of earning a potential Walker Cup spot for the 2019 match at Royal

Liverpool where he and Fitzpatrick could lock horns again. Fitzpatrick, 19, made it through to the quarter-finals of the U.S. Amateur at Pebble Beach last August and it would be a major surprise if he did not make the GB&I team for the match from September 7-8. He and Lindrick’s Bailey Gill are in a GB&I squad from which ten players will be selected to try to win back the historic trophy after a 19-7 defeat to the USA at the Los Angeles Country Club in 2017. The Jones Cup was born from a deep commitment to amateur golf by the A.W. Jones family, who founded the Cloister and Sea Island Golf Club in 1928. It has played host to seven USGA championships. The Jones Cup is yet another extension of the family’s strong involvement in amateur golf. This 54-hole individual stroke play event, inaugurated in 2001, is played at Ocean Forest Golf Club. The Rees Jones design opened in 1995 and has hosted the 1998 Georgia State Amateur Championship, the 1999 Southern Amateur Championship and the 2001 Walker Cup Match. The Jones Cup brings together many of the finest amateurs from the United States and abroad for a three-day competition.

Hornsea’s Jack Maxey watches a drive intently

YUGC appoint experienced Maxey as their Boys’ captain HORNSEA’S Jack Maxey will captain Yorkshire Boys throughout their 2019 campaign. Last year Maxey won the South of England Boys Championship and was tied 10th in the Scottish Boys Open Championship. He has considerable match play experience and was a member of the Yorkshire Boys team that won the English Boys county title at Rockliffe Hall.

A strong team player with an unbeaten record when leading Yorkshire in the singles games at Rockliffe, he has impressed both his team-mates and county officials. He was also a member of the victorious East Riding Union team that secured the 2018 Yorkshire Inter District Union six-man team title, having won the Junior Yorkshire IDU six-man team event in 2017. In 2018 Maxey successfully

defended both the East Riding Union Boys match play and stroke play titles. Yorkshire Union of Golf Clubs’ secretary Jonathan Plaxton said: “A member of the 2019 England Golf Boys regional squad, Jack Maxey is a respected golfer with an impressive golf CV. “We look forward to seeing Jack lead the Yorkshire Boys team in 2019 and wish him every success.”

March 2019

ILKLEY’S FINEST Ex-Ryder Cup player and captain joins illustrious line-up for season

RSM UK backing Monty in 2019 ILKLEY member Colin Montgomerie will have the backing of RSM UK during his assault this year on the European and Senior Tours and the Champions Tour in the USA. Monty is the audit, tax and consulting firm’s latest brand ambassador, joining fellow golf professionals such as European Tour players Andy Sullivan and Paul Waring, PGA Tour players Zach Johnson and Chris Kirk and fellow former Ryder Cup captain Davis Love III. The Ryder Cup warrior learned the game at Ilkley after joining the club at the age of eight, which is the number of Ryder Cup matches in which he went on to play. He was unbeaten in his eight singles matches, and in October 2010 he captained the victorious European Ryder Cup team at Celtic Manor. Montgomerie turned pro in 1987, becoming Europe’s No.1 in 1993, a position he retained for an unprecedented run of seven years, winning eight European Tour Order of Merit

Colin Montgomerie, centre, with fellow RSM UK ambassadors Paul Waring, left, and Andy Sullivan titles. In 1998 he was honoured with an MBE, and in 2005 he collected an OBE. Montgomerie’s time at Ilkley was under the watchful eye of renowned coach Bill Ferguson, but when he had finished his education and turned professional at the age of 22, Montgomerie’s home was Troon, on the Ayrshire coast in Scotland, after his father James had taken the post of secretary of Royal Troon in 1984. When not undergoing his academic education at Ghyll Royd Preparatory School in Ilkley and then Leeds Grammar, he was with Ferguson,

developing that distinctively effortless swing that has already earned him 40 worldwide titles, or playing the course with his brother Douglas. His name can be seen in gold leaf on several honours boards that adorn the walls of the Ilkley clubhouse. Like fellow Ryder Cup captain Mark James, Monty is an Honorary Life Member and still holds the professional course record of 64, which was set when he returned to Yorkshire in 2000 for an exhibition match to mark Ilkley’s centenary. Nestled in the beautiful Wharfe Valley with the famous Moor as a backdrop, Ilkley is on the bucket list

of many a golfer, One the most picturesque courses in the county, players must not be fooled by its beauty, as the River Wharfe is an ever-present threat for the first seven holes of this tree-lined course. Although a proud Scot, his Yorkshire upbringing remains a key part of his life and he once said of the course where he discovered the game: “Although I have played on the finest courses in the world, Ilkley Golf Club will always have a special place in my heart. The course combines a challenging test of golf with breathtaking scenery and it is always a pleasure to play there.”

Knaresborough is building towards its centenary year KNARESBOROUGH Golf Club has completed the first phase of a fiveyear remodelling programme under the direction of golf course architect David Hemstock. Later this month the club will also open a new grass driving range, which features more targets and improved hitting areas. Hemstock Design developed a long-term plan in 2018 to complete upgrades to the parkland course, working alongside Knaresborough’s project team of Tom Halliday, club manager Ivor Roy and club professional Andy Turner. The current phase of work at the Harrogate-based venue includes new bunkering and tree management. Eight new bunkers have been added over the winter, to improve visual interest and add decisionmaking challenges to tee shots, and are currently growing in. During January Knaresborough staff completed turf stripping, path construction and tree works, as well as creating new bunkers on the 6th and 7th holes. A month later bunkers were also added on Knaresborough’s 14th and 17th holes. “The club celebrates its centenary in 2020, with this initial work – combined with greens turf quality improvements, path, drainage and irrigation upgrades in previous years – all being part of the build-up,” said Hemstock.

March 2019

ADVERTORIAL Come with us to a part of Yorkshire that offers golfers a rich panoply of courses to test their skills

Head north to enjoy a feast of golf N

ORTH YORKSHIRE is rich in history and luxuriant in beauty and the region is now one of the most sought after destinations for a golf break or society day away. The jewel in the crown is the ancient city of York, where Romans, Angles and Vikings have been replaced by tourists from all over the world, including golfers who travel from far afield to enjoy the array of courses within easy reach of the walls that still surround the old fort and city of Eboracum. A short trip out of the city and adjacent to the convenient A64 is Pike Hills Golf Club, which was formed in 1904 as the Knavesmire Golf Club and moved to Hob Moor in 1922. They moved again to the current site in 1946 and during the past 60 years Pike Hills has developed into one of the finest

parkland courses in the York area. The delightful 18-hole course featuring tree-lined fairways is built around Askham Nature Reserve, an area which has been designated a site of special scientific interest (SSSI). As you make the short walk from the 6th green to the 7th tee you will suddenly find yourself immersed in a little wilderness, and it is not uncommon to see deer roaming across the course with many squirrels, rabbits and a large variety of birds - Mother Nature at her best! The course measures 6,199 yards, with an SSS of 70 and par of 71, and has a challenging variety of holes, from neatly designed par-4s to challenging par-5s. It has a blend of long and

short holes that require good course management and where careful shot making decisions have to be made. A couple of ponds come into play and you are never far away from a dyke that runs from Askham Bog. When the fairways have been negotiated some of the trickiest greens in the north of England await to test even the best of putting strokes. Visitors and members always receive a warm welcome at Pike Hills and leave with long lasting memories of a great day out. For the perfect blend of traditional features, classic accommodation and unbeatable service, the Aldwark Manor Golf and Spa Hotel is the ideal setting for a golf break in North Yorkshire. Situated between Harrogate and York, the 19th century manor boasts 53 luxurious bed-

Malton & Norton offers some of the most fantastic facilities in the North of England.

rooms, each offering its own unique charm. As well as this, the beautiful 120 acres of surrounding parklands mean you can enjoy peaceful views directly from your room. Whether you choose to explore Yorkshire’s culinary delights or simply wish to enjoy everything the hotel has to offer, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to food. What’s more, as well as having a pool and conference facilities, Aldwark Manor is the ideal location for a number of events and is naturally a popular wedding location. The course measures 6,187 yards and is a good test of skill and accuracy. It’s an easy walking parkland layout split by the meandering River Ure, which is crossed by a footbridge. There are many interesting features including mature trees, water

hazards and of course the River Ure which serve to provide some unique and challenging holes. The course is suitable for all abilities and it’s essential you keep to the fairways to get around this tight course, but save something back for the closing hole which is a stunning par-3 over water to a target green. par deserves a wellearned drink in the superbly appointed 19th hole bar where golfers can catch up with their other sporting passions before rejuvenating in the leisure club and spa. Aldwark Manor’s golf breaks with 36 holes of golf and dinner, bed & breakfast from £105 per person personifies good old Yorkshire value. Scarborough has been a favourite destination with

golfers for many a year .The town is rich in history, and is thought to have been the world’s first seaside resort back in the 1600s when the healthgiving properties of the spa waters were discovered. With a great choice of courses in and around Scarborough – and a little further afield in to the North Yorkshire Moors – along with a variety of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, the area continues to be popular with golfing nomads. Although Scarborough North Cliff dates back to 1909, the present course was designed by James Braid and established in 1928. The course starts on the cliff top and then moves inland threading its way between trees and spinneys, with lovely views

Continued on Page 18

March 2019

ADVERTORIAL If you’re planning to pay a visit to play courses in North Yorkshire – and you should be – then let

Northern lights burn so bright Continued from Page 17

of the North Yorkshire Moors, the Castle and North Bay before returning to the cliff top for the final three holes. The topography is sufficiently undulating to be interesting without being excessively hilly and is a tough but fair test for all abilities. With the prevailing wind from the west the first five holes provide a stiff test of golf and par on these holes is a good start. The homeward run has glorious sea views across the North Bay towards the castle before arriving back at the clubhouse where a welcome drink awaits along with excellent fare and Yorkshire hospitality. The trio of par-3 short holes – the 7th, 11th and the 15th – may well be unrivalled any-

where in the county and will live long in the memory. As a seaside golf setting Flamborough Head takes some beating as our publisher Danny Lockwood can testify, as he makes an annual pilgrimage to play the course. Bed and breakfast accommodation is available in the clubhouse, but advance booking is advised especially during the very popular open events that have become stuff of golfing legend in these parts. ounded in 1931, Flamborough Head is rightfully proud of its motto as ‘The Friendliest Club on the Coast’. The 18-hole cliff top links course has been carefully crafted around the contours of the famous headland from which the club takes its name.

New members are always welcome at Ripon and for anybody joining this spring the club is offering free lessons The course and clubhouse are surrounded by magnificent panoramic views of the North Sea, including two lighthouses, the original of which, known as the Old Beacon, was built circa 1674, and is the only known example in England and can be found on the course next to the 5th tee. The golf course provides both a good test of golfing skills and an enjoyable experience for members and visitors

of all abilities throughout the year. Societies are expertly handled and full details can be found on the club’s website. And if the golf didn’t go as you planned on the day and you are looking for a new driver, wedge, putter or new outfit to change your luck, you have one of the best retail golf outlets in the country at close hand in Snainton Golf Centre, just off the A170 and only 10 miles from the centre of Scarborough.

As well as an 18-bay covered range featuring TopGolf, power tees and high grade Srixon balls, there’s a premier custom fitting studio, eatery and bar and, of course, the huge shop stocked with the latest brands at the best prices. You can try the latest gear on the par-3 course with USGA standard greens where the course record stands at threeunder-par 24 and is held by Snainton Golf Centre founder

and professional John Hinchcliffe. Jump back on the A170 and head west and you can soon take up the challenge of moorland golf at Kirkbymoorside. Or travel less than 10 miles and you have the choice of 27 great holes at Malton & Norton. Decisions, decisions! At Kirkbymooride golfers will see strong evidence of the club’s wish to promote the great Yorkshire down-to-earth

March 2019

Y o r k s h i r e G o l f e r map out your possible route to take in venues that are able to meet all of your demands

Aldwark Manor Golf and Spa Hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s course measures 6,187 yards and is a good test of skill and accuracy traditions of good value and great hospitality. The modern clubhouse was built in 1998 and opened by former Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallagher and delivers a great first impression. he first hole is unusual, teeing off from right outside the clubhouse; it is a short par-3 over the road, a hole to focus the thoughts from the outset. Not a long course at just

over 6,200 yards, it is certainly picturesque, with super views from the 13th tee, past the village of Gillamoor and over the moors and the Hambleton Hills. The drive from the elevated 7th tee is the toughest on the front nine and the hole is rightly index two. The tenth, with a stroll down a leafy bowered path, is very tight, and not for nothing is it christened the Widow Maker . There are eight par-4s over

400 yards, so the driver had better be working well if you hope to finish with a good card, especially as there is only one par-5 and just three short holes. A SSS of 70 can be a tall order at the first time of asking. All in all, a delightful golfing treat in manicured condition that is a credit to the greens staff and all concerned with this real moorland gem. Malton & Norton offers some of the most fantastic facil-

ities in the North of England. Boasting 27 holes of parkland golf, driving range and a superb short game area, it really is one of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest golf clubs. The hospitality team is on hand in the newly refurbished clubhouse to look after your needs off the course, with a selection of hand-pulled ales and fine wines to quench your thirst after a round, and the catering team will prepare everything from light bites to

three-course meals. The easy walking parkland layout offers the ultimate in flexibility with three superbly presented loops of nine all leading back yo the clubhouse. While some would commend the forgiving nature of the layout, Malton & Norton nevertheless asks all the right questions to test even the most demanding golfer. Many visitors opt to play nine holes in the morning, usually starting on the Derwent. This is a unique challenge, short in distance but tight fairways, plenty of water and tricky greens make it great fun for golfers of all abilities. After a quick bite to eat the fantastic Welham/Park treelined parkland course awaits, with some of the best greens in the area. This course is a firm favourite with both members and visitors alike, who enjoy the wide fairways and undulating greens, particularly on the front nine. While visitor income is vitally important to any club, Malton & Norton Golf Club prides itself on being a members club, with a wide ranging menu of benefits along with a friendly and homely atmosphere. History lovers will also love Ripon where the golf club more than matches the aura of the city. Three things are a given here: the friendliest of welcomes, wonderfully challenging holes with challenging greens, and an excellently prepared golf

course that is in great condition all year round. The spectacular setting provides a fabulous golfing experience, with panoramic views of the nearby Yorkshire hills, Ripon Cathedral, and the surrounding countryside and the newly redesigned 1st and 18th will be fully in play for the coming season. New members are always welcome, and for anybody joining this spring the club is offering free lessons. There are weekend and midweek qualifying competitions throughout the year, and very active ladies, seniors and rabbits sections, which along with a strong roll-up culture make it easy for new members to integrate. And reciprocal arrangements with three other fine Yorkshire clubs, and regular free exchange days, deliver additional value for members. Ripon is a popular destination for visiting parties, who can take advantage of great value packages that can be tailored to your own special requirements. The modern clubhouse offers a wonderful panorama of four greens, and the new balcony is now open, providing the perfect place to relax for post-golf refreshments. Ripon is increasingly becoming the golf club of choice in the area and offers visitors and new members of all ages and standards a great golfing experience.

March 2019

CHRIS HANSON THE EUROPEAN CHALLENGE TOUR BLOG

Shaking off the effects of that winter rust A

FTER two months away from competitive golf I was itching to get started again. I’ve not had that kind of break for over three years and, even though it was needed, it made coming back to playing a little bit trickier. But I have had plenty of time to practice and have spent a lot of time trying to make some technical changes. How is my schedule looking? Well, I played a four-day pro-am in Spain before travelling to the DiData tournament in South Africa, which is a great event on their Sunshine Tour. After SA my schedule is a little empty prior to the Challenge Tour kicking off in Turkey on April 25, but I’m hopeful of getting a start in the European Tour event in Kenya, which starts on March 14. The way the schedule falls I can’t see many higher-ranking players wanting to play as there’s a relatively low prize fund on offer. It used to be a great event on the CT schedule, which has been moved up to a main Tour event. I’ve played three times so it would be great to play, but I’m guessing that I won’t find out until the last minute. Then there is also a Tri-sanctioned

With my team in the Mike Wilby pro-am in Spain event with the ladies and senior Tour in Jordan that starts on April 4 which, if my category on the CT gets me into, I will play even though it doesn’t count for the Order of Merit. As I mentioned earlier my return to competitive golf was in the Mike Wilby pro-am go in Spain. It’s fair to say I was rusty. Don’t get me wrong, I have been playing golf with friends

and other professionals – and had some great cash games – but it was the first time this year I’ve had to try to keep a score and also have some emotion and expectation attached to the performance. It was a great way to ease myselfback into competition mode though, relaxed but still highly competitive. I really wanted to perform well. I

had been practising hard and seeing some progress, but what it did flag up was my focus and lack of concentration, especially over some tee shots, which were extremely poor! The courses were tough; Finca Cortesin is brutal and off the back tees Valle Romano is a good test too. I finished in fifth place shooting +5, +7, +3, +1, which were scores I’m certainly not proud of, but I gave it 100% and it was great to test certain areas of my game. I certainly needed to play, and I can’t thank Mike Wilby enough for the invite. He has run his pro-am for numerous years and always for the love of the game. He prides himself on everyone else having a good time and getting value for money from an overseas trip, and the proof of the pudding is the number of repeat teams he has on the trip each year. Rumours suggested it might be his last, but if he does run another and if you fancy some good golf and weather in February next year, I can recommend it. So, a huge thanks to Mike again, but also to my team of Andy and Dan (Mike’s sons) and also Ian ‘Miguel’ Dawson for some incredible par runs.

Going up against the South African guys in their own back yard in the height of their season and on their turf is always a big ask. You’ve only got to look at the leader boards over the years to see that. Going there with no competitive golf for two months made it even harder! I had to expect rust and plenty of bad golf, but as ever your expectations take over and you’re probably not realistic enough. I wanted to do well, especially after playing rubbish in the Spanish pro-am the week before. The pro cut fell at -3 and I’m pretty sure the amateur cut fell at -17. For three days I played okay, sandwiching a good score (-7) between two okay scores (+1), and straight away I could see where my errors were coming from.But a cut made early in the year, maintaining my 100% record in South Africa, was pleasing and we also cruised through in the team event on 21 and gelled really nicely. On the last day my poor score of 77 (+5) dropped me down the leader board and we ended the team event 19th.Disappointing, yes, but on reflection it was not a time to be too harsh on myself.

March 2019

Advertorial Feature

The very best of everything at The Oaks

Master PGA Professional Graham Walker’s guide to playing The Oaks...

Welcome to ‘The Oaks’ experience – the modern club with a rapidly growing history...

HE moment you approach the outstanding entrance, from the imposing gates to the flags billowing out a warm welcome, you are transported into an oasis where friendliness, quality and professionalism are the key to the success of ‘The Oaks’. Built in pure harmony with natural woodland, the lush green fairways blend and bend within the gentle countryside towards the substantially mounded and contoured USGA greens. Visitors are made most welcome to come along and enjoy playing The Oaks Monday through to Friday and there are many packages to suit all types of visiting parties and corporate days. A chat with Pippa or Rebecca will soon sort out the package you are looking for; but the weekends belong to members and their guests unless the club is hosting a Yorkshire or York Union event or welcoming England Golf. A most rewarding highlight for us is when members choose to marry here at The Oaks. This year welcomes the Yorkshire IDU Team Championships on Sunday 8th September and 2021 brings the Brabazon Northern Qualifier – both these events will involve all the best amateurs Yorkshire and beyond have to offer. The superb practice facilities have been home for the past 15 years to England and Yorkshire Coach, PGA Master Professional Graham Walker at The Walker’s Golf Academy, teaching alongside England and Yorkshire Girls’ coach Lysa Jones and exEuropean Tour player John Mellor, who are available to book lessons with

and to share their vast knowledge of our much loved game with you. When Graham is home from his Tour travels we see European or PGA tour players or a World Number 1 amateur enjoying the facilities or listening intently as Graham imparts his wisdom. It is a joy to watch Graham as he demonstrates all the shots and skills he is asking his multi-talented pupils to perform. It’s always good to see members shaking hands and congratulating Tour and Amateur winners and even Ryder Cup superstars such as Tommy Fleetwood and 2016 US Masters champion Danny Willett, coached here by Graham as a very young and talented amateur through to his first European Tour win in Germany.

How we loved congratulating last year’s Danish Open winner Paul Waring –who travels regularly to The Oaks – on his first victory on the European Tour. Soaking up the buzz, watching them compete on the Sky Sports screens in the clubhouse ... especially when one of the field of stars we know starts climbing the leader board. The three teaching Professionals now work alongside Yorkshire PGA Professional Cobie Atkin who runs the shop and Golf Operations. Cobie has brought his retail skills as well as his playing skills to The Oaks team; he has taught and trained in Abu Dhabi and is extremely approachable to members and guests alike. His knowledge of equipment and

An abundance of bird and wildlife can be encountered when sampling the delights of the quiet and rural golf course at The Oaks

golf attire help him with the running of the smartgolfgear.co.uk online website alongside the in-house shop. We are most fortunate to have four golf professionals on hand to listen to your requirements, arrange a club fitting service for Callaway or Ping with Lysa and John on site, and generally ensuring that you get the correct equipment for your game. A stylish half way house and an old fashioned red telephone box to place your clubhouse orders await on the 10th and 18th tees respectively to provide hard earned refreshments after 18 holes. The five star Health Spa with its beautiful stainless steel swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, aroma room, mood showers and the amazing heated water beds are there along with a fully equipped gymnasium to improve fitness, relieve tensions in your neck, shoulders, back ... and if all else fails we have four Treatment Rooms staffed by qualified therapists who offer a full range of treatments, from sports massage to luxury Temple Spa treatments. There is also a stunning relaxation room where you can retreat before departing through the gates. The course is 6,879 yards long from the white tees with a par of 72 and SSS of 74. Eight lakes, all rich in flora and fauna come into play. It isn’t unknown for the pair of Bewick Swans who seem to have adopted us to tap on the windows, gazing at their reflections while the many varieties of ducks and water hens chatter away in the 10th lake. Come along and see just how enjoyable the all round experience that is The Oaks Golf Club and Spa is.

HOLE 1: Hitting the fairway is the key to playing this hole well, aim well away from the practice area to the right. Your second shot should lay up to your favourite yardage to start with an easy par or birdie. Long hitters should enjoy the challenge of going over the ditch for the green in 2 shots but not everyone is able to do this, so if in doubt play safe. HOLE 2: Aim your tee shot to the left hand side of the fairway taking care to avoid the bunkers. Take enough club for your second as it often plays longer than it looks. HOLE 3: Driver or 3 wood off the tee making sure you hit the fairway. Don’t forget the woods on the right! When leaving the green, look across to the 4th to check the pin position! HOLE 4: Look for wind direction before choosing your club. Strike a crisp iron to the correct zone of the green. HOLE 5: Even long hitters will think twice before taking on the pond in front of the green! Take care with your second shot, often into the wind! HOLE 6: Risk and reward hole! With a helping wind, long hitters can carry the water hazard, setting up for a wedge shot to the green. Shorter hitters beware of the ditch to the left! HOLE 7: Try to leave your tee shot beneath the hole for an uphill putt. HOLE 8: Short hitters must go the fairway route, longer hitters can take on the bunker. 2nd shot should take a club longer to get all the way up to the flag! HOLE 9: An interesting par 5 tee shot. It must be long enough to carry the stream with your second shot to leave your favourite wedge to the pin. Beware of the out of bounds to the left and beyond the green. HOLE 10: A testing par 4 tee shot. Aim 20 yds left of fairway bunkers to leave a long iron 2nd shot. Play to the left half of the green. HOLE 11: Play your tee shot to the front half of the green and take a two putt par, to avoid the ditch left and behind and the bunker right. HOLE 12: Following a good tee shot, your second must avoid the water hazard and fairway bunker if you are to set up a wedge into the green. HOLE 13: An interesting tee shot, most players playing to the right of the fairway bunker leaving a short iron approach. Longer hitters may try to carry the fairway bunker to enable a short pitch to the green. HOLE 14: Play up the fairway; however it leaves a long second shot to the green. To take on the corner is risky with water hazard and tall trees ready and waiting to take a shot off your game. Particularly risky with the out of bounds between the 14th and 15th. HOLE 15: A deceptively long par 3. The bunker short of the green makes the hole look shorter than it is. HOLE 16: A precise tee shot up the fairway is required here, leaving a short iron to the green. HOLE 17: A long par 4 requires a solid tee shot followed by a precise long to medium iron struck into the left half of the green. HOLE 18: The line off the tee is the farthest right chimney on the clubhouse/spa building. Second shot must be hit into the fairway avoiding the fairway bunker and mounds, leaving a wedge approach shot.

March 2019

Three steps to heaven

RICHARD CRAWSHAW PGA Club Professional at Wortley Golf Club

Step 1

T’S that time of year again: March, the season is close, but we still have the mud, the wet, the waterproofs to deal with and we are desperately searching for the form that will make 2019 our best golfing season yet.

Get your golf clubs checked out, MOT’d so to speak. I have offered this free service the last few months as, I am sure, have many of your own professionals. If not I am sure they will happily do this for you at very little if any cost. Get your lofts and lies checked, your grips and shafts checked and get anything altered that needs fixing, just like your car. If tweaks are needed get them done now before the season gets underway: replace grips, sort out any gapping issues and start 2019 knowing that your equipment is spot on.

Of course we have tried all the new drivers and irons on offer, even a cheeky little hybrid that does everything except poach eggs – yet still we search for that missing ingredient. Well, look no further than your local PGA Professional. He has the answers to get your season off to a flyer and it will be far easier than you think if you follow this three-step plan.

Step 2 Have a golf lesson. Now some amateur golfers are afraid of lessons and fear that we will alter your swing the first chance we get. This really isn’t true and it’s especially not true if you request a lesson on the golf course first. Just have a six-hole playing lesson and chat about your shot selections and what goes through your mind

when playing shots.Tell us your hopes for the season and your fears on the golf course. The more you share the more we can give back. I say playing lessons, but I usually don’t play myself in these lessons as I tend to take notes and video swings, which allows me to focus on the golfer and really work out a plan

to best improve their golf game. This doesn’t always have to involve swing changes and often the advice is more practical or strategic. Allow your professional to get to know your golf game. Small percentage improvements can make big differences to your game, your confidence and your scores.

Step 3

X So there you are, three simple steps that will have you ready for the start of the season knowing that your equipment is ready, your fundamentals are sound and you have a clear mind set on the golf course.

X Follow these steps and you will give yourself the best chance possible of starting 2019 in style. X Good luck – and I hope that you all have a fabulous season in 2019.

Richard Crawshaw is the PGA Club Professional at Wortley Golf Club in Sheffield. He qualified as a professional at the Belfry in 1997 and spent the early part of his career playing mini tours and Pro-Ams trying to fulfil his dreams as a player. He has worked at several golf clubs in Sheffield and Chesterfield and three years

Have another golf lesson, this time to work on the fundamentals of your set-up and swing, basic bread and butter shots that you trust. Over the winter we can all, me included, become very sloppy with our fundamentals and although often seen as the ‘dull’ part of the swing these really are the key to good, consistent golf. So get them checked out and perfected well before that first medal. Work with your PGA Professional on ‘your’ game and shot shapes, make sure your set up is correct for how you swing not how Justin Thomas swings. PGA Professionals in the main, unless instructed otherwise will work on ‘your’ game in ways to get the best out it.

ago took over as head professional at Wortley GC. Richard has over 20 years’ experience teaching all levels of golfers; he is also in a partnership with three other PGA Professionals who own Sandhill Golf Range in Barnsley. Wortley Golf Club is celebrating its 125-year anniversary in 2019.