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The County
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South East Edition
ISSUE 9 www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
POULTER THE MASTER Ryder Cup star to host the British Masters at Woburn
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News
Kaymer’s game in shape for Augusta
M
artin Kaymer’s track record at Augusta National is far from what he would like, but he now feels much more at home at the U.S. Masters venue and dreams of donning the Green Jacket this year. The German failed to qualify for the weekend on his first four visits to the year’s opening major championship. Next month, however, the world number 12 goes into the event with fresh optimism having played all four rounds in 2012, 2013 and 2014 to finish in the middle of the pack. “It was tough to score worse than I did in my first four years at Augusta,” Kaymer said. “I just didn’t feel comfortable playing the course and I couldn’t play it the way it was supposed to be played.
“I used to have too much respect for the place, it almost got to the point where I didn’t play freely enough. I always held back a little, that is never good in golf. It is something that has a lot to do with confidence, knowing how to play the course better, playing with more feel and aggression,” added twice major champion Kaymer. You still have to respect the place of course but that is definitely something I’ve gained in the last couple of years.” The winner of the 2014 U.S. Open and 2010 U.S. PGA Championship has learned to draw the ball from right to left in recent seasons and that is a valuable asset to own at Augusta. “I have become a better player after getting to know there is a different shape of shot needed there.”
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News
British Masters returns to Woburn
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he British Masters supported by Sky Sports will return to The European Tour International Schedule for the first time in seven years in 2015, with a quartet of Britain’s leading golfers rotating as the tournament host over the next four seasons. As a presenting sponsor of a European Tour event for the 4
first time, Sky Sports will work with The European Tour and its leading players to engage and excite new and existing golf fans through its on-air coverage, promotion and staging of the event.
the venue each year. First to assume the role will be 12time European Tour winner Poulter, who will take the British Masters back to Woburn Golf Club – the club with which he has a long-term association.
Ryder Cup players Luke Donald, Ian Poulter, Justin Rose and Lee Westwood will each take it in turn to host the prestigious tournament, last played in 2008, and will help to select
It will be the 17th time that Woburn Golf Club has hosted the British Masters and the first occasion since 2002, the year that Poulter and his close friend Rose memorably battled
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LUXURY GOLF VILLA FOR SALE
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it out for the title, with Rose prevailing by a single stroke following a closing round of 65. That enthralling contest took place over the Marquess Course, one of Woburn Golf Club’s three layouts, which will again host the tournament in October. Poulter said: “It is fantastic news that the British Masters is back on The European Tour schedule and I am proud and delighted to be bringing the tournament to Woburn Golf Club, which is obviously a place that means a great deal to me. “British golf has been in a good place for a number of years now with the success we have ISSUE 9
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Amazing views across golf course
had internationally, and as players we have all been keen to get more tournaments on British soil, and in England in particular.
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Royal St George’s votes to
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pen Championship venue Royal St George's has voted to allow women members for the first time in its history. A statement from the Sandwich club read: "The Royal St George's Golf Club is pleased to announce that, following an extraordinary general meeting held on 14th February 2015 and a subsequent ballot of the full members of the club, a resolution to alter the club's rules to make ladies eligible for membership has been duly passed. "Under the club's rules, the resolution
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allow women members It's such a great course that it deserves to hold prestigious golf events and I'm sure that this will ensure its long future in doing so Dame Laura Davis would only be passed if it obtained the support of three-quarters of the votes cast on the ballot. More than 81 per cent of the full members took part in the ballot and a decisive 90 per cent voted in favour of ladies being eligible for membership. "The alteration of the club's rules has immediate effect and the club looks forward to welcoming ladies as junior and full members." Dame Laura Davies, one of Britain's most successful golfers, said it was "great to see" the club following in the footsteps of the R&A in allowing female members. ISSUE 9
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She said: "It would seem to be the correct thing for a club that hosts a big sporting event such as the Open. "It's such a great course that it deserves to hold prestigious golf events and I'm sure that this will ensure its long future in doing so." Royal St George's had been one of three clubs on the Open rota with a male-only membership policy, the others being Muirfield and Royal Troon. The Sandwich club last hosted the Open in 2011 when it was won by European Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke. www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
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News
Surrey Ace Dimmock takes pro route
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NNABEL Dimmock, the number one ranked female amateur golfer in Great Britain and Ireland, has embarked on a new career after turning professional and joining the Ladies European Tour. The 18-year-old scholar of Wentworth Club reached number ten in the World Amateur Golf Ranking and won the GB&I Order of Merit in 2014. Dimmock produced a string of excellent results including sinking a 30ft putt to win the Sunningdale Foursomes and also clinched the Helen Holm Scottish Open trophy after her stateside win at the Jones Doherty Cup. She was also runner-up at the Welsh Open Stroke Play, Spanish Amateur and South Atlantic Ladies’ Amateur (SALLY). The youngest member of the Great Britain & Ireland Curtis Cup Team at St Louis in the USA, the teenager represented Europe in the Junior Ryder Cup in Scotland. She was selected to represent ISSUE 9
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“I’ve felt ready since playing in my first LET event” Team GB at the Summer Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China. As an amateur, she also finished tied for 27th place in the ISPS HANDA Ladies European Masters on the Ladies European Tour. Having attended the LET’s Lalla Aicha Tour School in December, Dimmock made her professional debut via a sponsor exemption at last month’s RACV Ladies Masters at Royal Pines, Gold Coast, Australia, the first tournament on the 2015 Ladies European Tour schedule, before competing a fortnight later in the ISPS HANDA Ladies New Zealand at Clearwater Golf Club in Christchurch, against a high-quality field including world number number one and eventual winner Lydia Ko. Dimmock said: “I am very excited to be turning professional. “I’ve felt ready since playing in my first LET event, the ISPS HANDA Ladies
European Masters at The Buckinghamshire last July. I played the Curtis Cup and stayed amateur for the Junior Ryder Cup, Youth Olympics in Nanjing and finished my amateur career winning the LGU order of Merit, as the No.1 amateur in GB&I. “I’m disappointed I’ve had to give my place up in the Ricoh Women’s British Open but I still hope to qualify. My first year is all about learning and trying to gain my full card. It has been great to see Charley Hull and Amy Boulden both winning the LET’s Rookie of the Year awards and this has really inspired me.” On her ambitions for her first season as a professional, she added: “I like to set myself regular small goals and work hard at it. I’m lucky to have a great coach in Lawrence Farmer and personal trainer in Mark Alcock who are both passionate about their jobs.”
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Single Figure Golf Tour set to reward leading amateurs
The stunning Machynys Links in South Wales
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he Single Figure Golfer Tour returns for 2015 giving the UK’s leading amateur golfers a chance to tee off against their peers in high-calibre competition, vie for fantastic prizes and experience some of the country’s finest courses. A packed schedule of 19 events played over an established two-day format starts at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Machynys Links in South Wales on 27th-28th April. ISSUE 9
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From there the SFG Tour visits the home counties and stretches north to the Midlands before climaxing at Calcot Park in Berkshire on 5th-6th October. Order of Merit prizes for the leading gross and net scores include entry and expenses to the Algarve Pro Tour in January 2016 and a golf and coaching week at the Pestana Vila Sol in Vilamoura, Portugal. New for 2015, the SFG Tour will also be rewarding successful golfers with daily prizes at each event from a
prize pool including £500 off annual golf club memberships and an array of free equipment. The two-day events cost £125 to enter (there is also a practice day the Sunday before each event), or a free place can be secured through one of 50 supporting Club Open competitions that are being held concurrently. Place are expected to fill fast. For the full schedule, more information and to secure your spot visit www.singlefiguregolfer. co.uk
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• Play the exclusive Waterfall course, a members only course ranked in the Top 100 Golf Courses in England • Bacon roll, tea and coffee on arrival • Three course presentation dinner • Auction and Raffle • WIN a car and a holiday, sponsored by Audi, Five Oaks • Raise money for The Dame Vera Lynn Trust Enter a team of four for £500 or register as an individual for £125 Contact Catherine Bristow on 01403 780444 or email catherine.bristow@dvltrust.org.uk
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COUNTYNEWS The latest regional news from around the South East
Race for PGA South Winter title hotting up
W
ith just two tournaments to go the race for the 2014-15 PGA South Winter Series, supported by Titleist & Footjoy, is hotting up nicely, writes Charles de Haan. Current leader Scott Stevens (Staplehurst) is being closely pursued by Craig Ainsley (Wexham Park), with Max Brackley (Manston) and Robert Gowers (South Winchester) right on their heels. Winning the next event at Swinley Forest could power any of the top ten into pole position.
At The Berkshire, Tom Fleming (Newbury & Crookham) trotted around the Red Course in a fourunder-par 68 to head a field of 77 players on a crisp spring day to win by two shots. Taking home a cool £500, Fleming’s score outclassed the trio of Ainsley, James McGilvray (Birchwood Park) and Adam Clough who each carded a two-under-par 70 to earn cheques for £323. Clough, however, added to his “booty” by taking home the much prized Titleist & FootJoy ball, glove and shoe contract as the Leading Assistant. After birdying the third, Fleming’s round nearly unravelled a few holes later with a bogey followed by a double bogey on the seventh and eighth. But he Continued on page 16
On target Benn Barham Issue ISSUE 9
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News
Kent Golf Union Chairman: Simon Naylor (Langley Park) Secretary: Paul Loman (Littlestone) Treasurer: Mark Ward (Rochester & Cobham) Presidents: Jim Pocknell (Royal Blackheath) Vice Presidents: Chris Reynolds (Littlestone) Wally Rodgers (Sundridge Park) Past Presidents: Richard Young (Canterbury) Ray Saunders (Mid Kent) Ian Burton (Mid Kent) Captain: Danny Curtis (Knole Park) Board: Paul Cannons (Walmer & Kingsdown) Mike Chaston (Etchinghill) Mark Ward (Rochester & Cobham) Danny Curtis (Knole Park) Simon Naylor (Langley Park) Mark Singfield (Littlestone) Henry Phillips (Rochester & Cobham)
www.kentgolf.org Littlestone Golf Club, St Andrews Road, Littlestone, New Romney TN28 8RB
Lydd GC to host new Kent Closed event
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he PGA in Kent and Kent Golf Union have announced that a new 18 hole event - The PGA in Kent Closed Championship - for Kent’s elite amateurs and PGA Professionals, is going to be held at Lydd GC in New Romney on Wednesday, April 22. Lydd GC has also agreed to host the new event for the first three years, with the club being promoted as the ‘Host Venue to The PGA in Kent Closed Championship’. It is widely expected to raise both the club’s profile and the expectations of golfers throughout Kent.
Lydd GC will benefit in a number of ways according to the club’s chief executive, Charles Buchanan, who is also chief executive of Lydd London Ashford Airport. He said: “I am very excited about this decision and its potential for Lydd Golf Club. A tournament of this kind run by The PGA is a terrific way to raise the club’s profile, showcase the course to Kent’s premier golfers, and let them see its true strengths for themselves.
KGU secretary Paul Loman expressed his delight, saying: “This will provide an opportunity for the county’s top amateurs to compete directly against their professional peers, and hopefully they will relish the prospect of comparing their own game to those of the PGA Pro.”
“To the delight of our many guests and visitors, Lydd is proving itself to be a fine modern golfing challenge designed in the links tradition. In keeping with that, the excellent work of our team over recent years has developed a course that is nicely exposed to winds that can change the challenge in minutes, combined with exceptionally fine greens that will test the very best players. And it is open and playable all year round without the need for temporary tees or greens.”
The event will be run between the pro and amateur bodies, with an anticipated £3,000 pro prize fund and an excellent prize table for the amateurs, with a new trophy to mark the inaugural overall winner.
County PGA secretary Sam Smith added: “The PGA in Kent Closed Championship is really going to extend the ways in which we can make the relationship between both professional and amateur organisations and golfers.”
Telephone: 01797 367725 14 Fax: 01797 367726
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ne of the highlights of the PGA in England (South) season is back on the schedule for 2015 with Royal St George’s and Prince’s hosting the PGA Sandwich Links Championship Pro-Am on October 12-13. Four-time Order of Merit champion Richard Wallis claimed the inaugural title and this year’s event will carry a £12,500 prize fund, including £2,000 to the winner. There will be a practice round on Sunday October 11 while hosts Prince’s will hold an informal evening reception at The Lodge to open the proceedings in style. The £1200 team entry fee includes a welcome drinks’ reception, complimentary range balls, a Strokesaver guide for each ISSUE 9
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Ford grabs share of South African spoils
course and a three-course lunch after play each day.
Kent’s Matt Ford achieved a superb second-place finish in the Africa Open at the East London GC in South Africa.
An excellent prize table is on offer again with daily and overall team prizes and will be held with a drinks reception to celebrate the event’s finale at Royal St George’s on Tuesday afternoon.
The 36-year-old Bearsted professional (pictured above), returned a four-round total of 19-under-par 269 to finish five shots behind the winner, South African Trevor Fisher Jnr.
Special accommodation packages are available at The Lodge at Prince’s with a limited time offer of £340 per team for a twin-bedded apartment for the Sunday and Monday nights. With the promise of top quality links golf and a great pro-am tournament, team entries are being taken from all PGA professionals now. Full information can be found by calling The PGA in England (South) office on 01483 224 200.
KENT
Team entry now open for Links Championship
Ford won 120,484 Euros for his efforts and, and despite missing out on his first European Tour victory, can take heart from an impressive performance in East London, especially as he had faced the prospect of working as a postman in the winter until he advanced through November’s Qualifying School at the tenth attempt.
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KENT
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Lydd GC to host new Kent Closed event The PGA in Kent and Kent Golf Union have announced that a new 18 hole event - The PGA in Kent Closed Championship - for Kent’s elite amateurs and PGA Professionals, is going to be held at Lydd GC in New Romney on Wednesday, April 22. Lydd GC has also agreed to host the new event for the first three years, with the club being promoted as the ‘Host Venue to The PGA in Kent Closed Championship’. It is widely expected to raise both the club’s profile and the expectations of golfers throughout Kent. KGU secretary Paul Loman expressed his delight, saying: “This will provide an opportunity for the county’s top amateurs to compete directly against their professional peers, and hopefully they will relish the prospect of comparing their own game to those of the PGA Pro. The event will be run between the professional and amateur bodies, with an anticipated £3,000 professional prize fund. 16
Lee earns ‘Master Greenkeeper’ title
L
ee Sayers, the Course Manager at Mid Kent Golf Club, has become the British and International Golf Greenkeepers’ Association 65th Master Greenkeeper. Lee, who lives in Maidstone, began studying for his ‘MG’ certificate in March 2013 and passed his final exams at the end of last year. He said: “I’m really pleased because I worked very hard to get through the process. I’m 45 and I’ve got three kids so it was a case of locking myself away for a couple of hours every night whilst I got stuck into the books. “It’s nearly 20 years since I sat down and took an exam so it was a tough challenge, but I’m delighted all the hard work has paid off. I did it for my own benefit, I wanted to do something to improve myself, and I feel I’ve proved that age is no barrier. It’s been hugely rewarding and I’m a better greenkeeper for doing it.”
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Lee added that his fellow Mid Kent greenkeeping staff, members and board of directors at the Gravesend club were hugely proud of his achievement and had backed him all the way. He went on: “The team at BIGGA House in York were always on hand to answer any questions and assist with the inspection and exam details, which I was able to take locally thanks to Hadlow College.” Lee left school at 16 and had brief careers in banking and advertising before emigrating to Australia with his wife Monique at the age of 21. He took a greenkeeping role at a club called Rangeview in Perth and realised “within a couple of weeks” that greenkeeping was what he wanted to pursue as a career. He then moved on to another club in the Perth area before returning to the UK in 1994 and joining Royal Blackheath. He The County Zone SOUTH EAST
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Two ‘Aces’ on same day at Walmer & Kingsdown The rare event of two holes-in-one on the same day happened at Walmer & Kingsdown GC. Terry Bateman and Roger Reid both scored their first ever “aces” while playing in a “waltz” team competition held by the club’s Elders section, although they will not count as official holes-in-one due to temporary greens being in use because of a hard morning frost.
then spent four years at The London Golf Club before securing his first Head Greenkeeping role at Hemsted Forest GC. He then returned to The London Club before joining Mid Kent as Course Manager in 2003. He said: “Mid Kent is traditional private members’ club which has the big advantage of being playable virtually all-year ISSUE 9
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round because it’s on chalk and so drains really well.” Lee, who himself plays off a tidy 10 handicap, added: “Although I am very happy here, the directors are aware that, if the right challenge came along, it is something I would seriously consider because I remain ambitious to go as far in greenkeeping as I can.
Bateman’s hole-in-one came on the par-3 17th hole using an 11-wood. He said: “It felt good when I hit it and it looked like it was going to be close, but I didn’t think it would be that close!” The “ace” helped the team of Reg Harrison, Dave Hopper, John Moody and Bateman win the four-man team prize with 93 points. Reid was playing in a three-man team along with Ken Fulkes and Nigel Donovan and again his hole-in-one, which came on the par-3 14th.
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KENT
News
Race for PGA South Winter title hotting up From page 11 But he bounced back immediately with a birdie on the ninth, then five more birdies followed at the 10th, 13th, 15th, 17th and 18th to complete his remarkable comeback round of 68. The International course at the London GC saw the next instalment of the series, where current PGA South region number one Benn Barham (PGolfCoaching@ Pedham) shot a superb four-under-par 68 to win a cheque for £555. Mastering near-gale force winds and slippery putting surfaces, Barham made two birdies on the front nine and three more on the back nine before dropping one shot to par at the short 17th. Barham edged fourtime champion Richard Wallis (North Foreland) into second place after Wallis shot a two-under par 70, with Gowers finishing third. 18
Tremendous year for young James
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shford Golf Club junior member James Wright had a fantastic night at the club’s presentation evening. Thirteen-year-old James picked up four awards: the Junior Order of Merit trophy for the third year running; the Linsdell Cup in the Junior Open; the Chairman’s Cup; and the Captain’s Prize.
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He said: “I’ve had a great year as I also shot the lowest gross score in the Junior Club Championship and I’ve dropped nine shots from my handicap, so winning the Order of Merit again was really tough.” James also had success in the Kent Cubs competitions as well as gaining five wins at his other club, Chart Hills, in their Junior Stableford event.
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BEST VALUE MEMBERS’ COURSE IN KENT
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KENT
News
Faversham raise £9700 for charity Over 100 members and guests attended Faversham Golf Club’s annual presentation evening. Before the presentations began, the outgoing men’s captain Nigel de Koning and the outgoing ladies’ captain Jan Sayle handed over a cheque for £9700 to Vivienne Hill of Alzheimer’s Research UK, which had been their “Captains’ Charity” for the year.
Foggy start for Ashford captains
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ew Ashford GC captain Dennis Parfitt started his year in office on a somewhat foggy Sunday, when 27 men’s teams enjoyed a Texas Scramble shotgun start event in the morning followed by the traditional “Drive In” at 1 o’clock. The new ladies’ captain, Jackie Luetchford, then hosted a foursomes competition for her section in the afternoon. The chosen organisation for the “Captains’ Charity”
New captains Dennis Parfitt and Jackie Luetchford
in 2015 is the Alzheimer’s Society and Dennis and Jackie have already raised over
There’s never been a better time to become a member at Broome Park
2015 MEMBERSHIP OFFERS 7 Day membership £700 5 Day membership £500 For more information please call 01227 831126 or visit our website ISSUE 5 20
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he Wildernesse Golf Club has been chosen to host regional qualifying rounds for the Open Championship for the next five years. The Sevenoaks club, which has previously hosted a number of prestigious competitions, will hold the first of these on June 22 this year. The Wildernesse, which last held regional qualifying status between 1998 and 2003, was originally laid out in 1890 is celebrating its’ 125th anniversary this year. It will be holding a number of events throughout the
year to mark the anniversary. in addition to hosting the qualifying games. Club secretary Andrew Lawrence said: “We are delighted to have been selected as a regional qualifying course for the 144th Open Championship this year. “The club is very much looking forward to welcoming the many professionals taking part in the tournament and hopes that by playing a part in The Open, in our 125th year, it will encourage new visitors to experience the opportunities that Wildernesse has available to all. We offer a beautiful course with warm hospitality in the heart of Kent, located just 30 minutes away from London.”
Charity Golf Day for tragic footballer Sykes Footballer Paul Sykes, who died after collapsing while playing for Folkestone Invicta 10 years ago, will be remembered in a charity golf event being staged at the Weald of Kent club on Thursday, April 16. His widow Carly and Paul’s long-time friend, Sean Hyder, are organising the golf day to mark the 10th anniversary of his passing. Carly said: “We are holding the golf day not only to celebrate Paul’s life but also to raise some money for the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young.” One of the organisers said: “This is a team event, with four players in each team. But if you cannot raise a team and want to take part, entries from individuals or pairs are still most welcome and we will make up the four-ball teams as required.” Anyone interested in taking part – or any businesses willing to sponsor the event – should email carlysykesblowers@ gmail.com
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The Wildernesse to host Open qualifying
KENT
Feature
West Kent “Gearing up” for big year in 2016
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est Kent Golf Club is already preparing for a special year in 2016, which will mark the centenary of the Downe course made famous by its connection with Charles Darwin. Down House, the home of the naturalist and explorer for over 40 years, backs on to the 12th hole and the
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club’s most prestigious annual competition, the Darwin Plate, is named after him.The club was formed in July 1916 and was originally situated at Bickley, but in 1947 the members decided to move to the nearby Downe course and West Kent has now established itself as one of the county’s premier golfing centres. Simon Iliffe, who became the club professional just over a year ago, describes the course in the following manner: “It’s a pleasantly undulating parkland course with very good
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greens and which, because it is built on chalk, drains well and is usually open pretty much all year round.” One of Simon’s important contributions so far has been to design a new Putting Centre and the 500-plus members are also benefitting from a new state of the art irrigation system as West Kent gears up for its centenary. “The club are planning a number of special events, including a Centenary Week,” Simon added, “and we will also be joining forces with a club in Ireland for whom 2016 is also their centenary. It wasn’t
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easy finding a centenary partner because 1916 was of course right in the middle of the First World War, when not many people were thinking about building golf courses!” But before the centenary celebrations start in earnest Simon says the club are already looking forward to a busy 2015, including the staging of the Darwin Plate on Sunday, May 17 which is a 36-hole scratch Kent County Order of Merit competition open to male golfers with a handicap of seven or lower. The £40 entry fee includes a sandwich lunch and evening carvery and the deadline for entries is April 30. Entry forms can be downloaded from the club website at: www.wkgc.co.uk But if you just want to play a social round with some pals at West Kent, now is the time to make the most of the club’s excellent green fee offer. Until the end of April a minimum of four players, booked in advance, can play the course for just £30 each, which includes a breakfast or brunch. ISSUE 9
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To book, ring the pro shop on 01689 851323
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News
Walton Heath forms part of stellar line-up for Lombard Trophy
Surrey Golf Union President: S. Mostyn (Tyrrells Wood) Past Presidents: Richard G Humphrey (Bramley) David A Basham (Burhill) Peter J Saies (Royal Mid-Surrey) John WM Ling (Betchworth Park) William Bryce (Royal Mid-Surrey) Martin Christmas (R- M-Surrey) Roger Vincent (Burhill) Captain: Mark Booker (Royal Wimbledon) Board of Directors: Jack Buchanan (Hindhead) Terry Christy (West Byfleet) Stuart King (Reigate) Alan Page (Purley Downs) Steve Parrish (Burhill) Ken Schofield (West Hill) Secretary: John A Davies (Reigate Heath) Treasurer: Stewart Simpson (Effingham)
www.surreygolf.org Sutton Green Golf Club, New Lane, Sutton Green, Surrey GU4 7QF Telephone: 01483 755788 24 Fax: 01483 751771
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YDER Cup and US Open qualifying course Walton Heath is among an exciting line up of regional final venues in the 2015 Lombard Trophy which climaxes with a grand final at Gleneagles. The Surrey gem’s Old Course, which bore witness to arguably the strongest side in US history in the 1981 Ryder Cup, is one of 16 courses that will host qualifiers in the £80,000 event which carries a £12,000 first prize. Sixteen finalists will go through to compete over 36-holes at Gleneagles’ PGA Centenary Course from September 1-2. Camberley Heath will kick start the action on Wednesday, May 27 with the popular Harry Vardondesigned Little Aston the www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
next stop two days later. June sees stops at Formby (June 9), Burnham & Berrow (June 11), Crieff (June 16), Pollok (June 18), Old Fold Manor (June 24), Dunham Forest (June 26) and six-time Senior PGA Championship venue Northants County (June 29). Fulford is the opening venue for July on Thursday, July 2 with Bovey Castle July 6), Walton Heath (July 8), 2006 Ryder Cup course The K Club (July 13), King’s Lynn (July 16), Royal Ashdown Forest (July 20) and Coventry Golf Club (July 22) completing the line-up. More than 750 clubs entered last year’s tournament, which was won by Cornwall’s St Kew Golf Club. Entry packs have been posted to all clubs in the UK while clubs can also enter online through BlueGolf. The County Zone SOUTH EAST
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Farleigh new host to The Sun Mountain PGA in Surrey Masters
Drake tops bill at BGL Awards
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Melanie, who manages Birchwood Park Golf Centre won BGL’s premier award at the end of a year in which the Kent club also picked up a further four of the company’s awards, including the coveted Best Overall Team Performance 2014.
N its third successful year, The Sun Mountain PGA in Surrey Masters tournament for Surrey’s PGA Professionals is going for the first time to a new home, Farleigh Golf Club, on Tuesday,May 19. Sitting in the North Downs near Selsdon and originally designed as a 27-hole layout by John Jacobs 20 years ago, Farleigh has previously hosted a televised PGA EuroPro tournament in 2005. In 2010, the family behind the highly successful Foxhills business acquired Farleigh and their investment programme of more than £5million has culminated in a significantly improved course routing and improved playing surfaces that make the most of its chalk base. Alongside the course ISSUE 9
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SURREY
News
BURHILL Golf and Leisure Limited (BGL Golf) has announced that Melanie Drake has been named General Manager of the Year at the company’s recent awards dinner held at Burhill Golf Club.
improvements, the clubhouse refurbishment is setting new standards and receiving accolades in terms of its design, catering and facilities such as a high end luxury games room that includes a golf swing simulator and a pool table. While the main event will be played over 36 holes of the ‘Purple’ layout, the PGA in Surrey Masters Pro-Am will be the event’s curtain raiser and played on the day before the main tournament. Supported by Sun Mountain and Brand Fusion, there will be a £3,750 prize fund up for grabs by the PGA pros. Entries for teams for the pro-am on Monday, May 18 are welcome and further information canbe obtained from Neil Vaughan, business development manager at Farleigh Golf Club by phoning 01883 627 711 or e-mailing neil@farleighfox. co.uk.
BGL Golf announced a raft of award winners during its annual celebration. Aldwickbury Park Golf Club in Hertfordshire collected both the Food & Beverage Standards and Retail Standards awards for the year while Abbey Hill Golf Centre in Milton Keynes won the award for Golf Course Standards and Wycombe Heights Golf Centre in Loudwater, High Wycombe, claimed the Financial Standards award.
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The Drift raise £21,000 for charities THERE was much celebration at The Drift Golf Club at the 2015 Captain’s Drive-In as the retiring 2014 club captain, Nigel Baxter presented a cheque for £17,577 to Ian Hansford, treasurer of the North Surrey branch of the British Heart Foundation. Both Jan Steward, ladies’ captain, and Jim Ford, seniors’ captain (2014) were delighted their sections with the men’s section were able to raise the record sum, while an emotional Hansford thanked the club’s members for their fantastic efforts. Along with the £4,000 raised on the Club Captain’s Day in July for the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund the Club has donated more than £21,000 in 2014 to charities. The Drift Golf Club is located in East Horsley, Surrey, and is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year with a number of commemorative events. 26
Leah Roelich wins Surrey Mirror’s Coach of the Year
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N a dramafilled evening at the Harlequin Theatre in Redhill last month, the East Surrey & Sussex News & Media Group’s 2014 sports awards presentation provided one of the biggest surprises of the night for one club and their PGA assistant. Of the three local sports club coaches nominated, Leah Roelich, a PGA assistant at Reigate Heath GC, was the one who walked away with the Surrey Mirror’s Coach of the Year 2014 award. Hosted by sports editor Glenn Garrett, the evening was introduced by singer
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songwriter Alice Rose, and supported by sponsoring company Partnership’s Claire Benning, with sports personalities Emelia Gorecka, a 5000m British track and field champion, and national hammer champion 2013 Shaunagh Brown underlining the significance of the evening to the 420-strong audience. As her boss head PGA professional Cliff Gough said in an e-newsletter the next day to the Reigate Heath membership, “Fantastic news from last night, Leah Roelich, your assistant PGA professional. wins Coach of the Year at the ESSN Group’s 2014 Sports Awards. Leah was recognised for her contribution in introducing women and juniors to golf.” The County Zone SOUTH EAST
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News SURREY
Ryder Cup star Wilson to play in Topgolf Pro-Am
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UROPEAN Tour winner and Ryder Cup player Oliver Wilson will be among the field at the Topgolf Pairs Pro-Am, taking place at the company’s stateof-the-art facility in Addlestone, Surrey, next month on April 7. The format sees players literally shooting the lights out. Last year’s debut event witnessed Wentworth-based PGA assistant professional Stuart Boyle win with his partner Chris Paul. Boyle said: “It was terrific, really different. Everyone was having a great time, there was a great atmosphere, music playing, all really chilled. It’s a great way to do a very different kind of pro-am!” The feedback has encouraged the organisers - Topgolf ’s ISSUE 9
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own PGA professional, Jamie Savory, and PGA regional secretary, Sam Smith - to make the event bigger and better for 2015. So besides adding Wilson’s star quality, the event is now open to 32 pairs, and a prize fund for the pros of £1,600. The event starts in the evening at 7pm with a ‘shotgun’ start and will all be over including the prize giving by 10pm. Entry to this refreshingly different approach to competitive golf is a mere £80 per team. The professionals and amateurs compete in three different types of shoot-out, aiming at the equivalent of illuminated, electronically managed dartboards to score points with microchipped balls. Each time a ball hit one of the targets, the score is automatically registered on a board in the teams’ bays.
14Top Golf Targets With each player hitting 20 balls per format, the premium is on accuracy. The first format, TopPressure, has players pitching at the 50 yard targets to take out the nine different segments including the centre ring. With the remaining balls, the successful players then go for the next level for double the points. The second format, TopBreak, is like snooker with low scoring red targets at 25 yards, followed by high scoring coloured targets with the furthest at 240 yards offering ten points. The third game, TopGolf, was about scoring as many points as possible, with each player aiming their last set of 20 balls at targets set up with six concentric rings, and points varying according to distance.
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News News
Sussex Golf Union President: David Richardson - (Eastbourne Downs) County Secretary: Anup Vasant JP - (Dyke Golf Club) Assistant County Secretary: Nicky Reeves - (Eastbourne) Captain: Alan Covey - (Ifield Golf Club) Junior Manager: Ian Jaggard - (Mannings Heath) Treasurer: Ray Smith - (Crowborough) Committee Members: Ron Collie - (Haywards Heath) Michael Phillpot - (West Hove) Gerry Honeysett - (H. Heath) Richard Stewart - (Dyke GC) Mike Grindell - (Dyke GC) Richard Thomas (W.Sussex) Past Presidents: Michael Vans Agnew - (Dyke GC) Derek Sparrow - (Dyke GC) Richard Palmer - (Royal Ashdown) Bernard Yates - (Dyke GC) David Harmer - (Willingdon) John Bury - (East Sussex National) Vice Presidents: Joe Pierce - (Ham Manor) David Alderson - (West Sussex Golf Club) John Wilson - (West Chiltington) Gary Scarfield Kerry Scott JP - (Copthorne GC) Trevor Greenfield - (Pyecombe GC)
www.sussexgolf.org Eastbourne Downs Golf Club, East Dean Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN20 8ES
Telephone: 01323 746677 Fax: 01323 746777 Our email is: 28 countyoffice@sussexgolf.org
News
Elite girls practice at Goodwood
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pring was definitely in the air as the Sussex Junior Girls’ Elite squad arrived at Goodwood for the first of two early season coaching sessions, before starting their 2015 campaign. Sussex Girls Coach Ryan Fenwick began with a theory session on the importance of keeping statistics and how these can highlight areas of their games which require improvement. This was followed by a practical session on the importance of strength and conditioning within the girls’ training programmes and the effect it can have on the golf swing. The girls discovered their own areas of strength and weakness and how to make progress. A practice session on the range focussed on short game skills as Ryan observed the girls’ practice drills, learnt from previous sessions. Sunday began with Ryan testing the girls on their knowledge and www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
understanding of their wall charts, strength and conditioning and Golf Data lab statistics. It was very pleasing to note how much the squad had really understood from the presentations the previous day. After warming up on the range, they played foursomes over the front 8 holes. It was notable how much knowledge the girls had gained from the previous day in their application of short game skills around the greens. The highlight was Sasha Gardiner’s 163 yard drive with her 5 wood on the 6th hole to a temporary green which left the ball overhanging the hole! After lunch the girls returned to the range for specific chipping practice, with Ryan offering individual support. The squad consists of: Jelina Fernando (East Sussex National) Penny Brown, Megan Edwards, Lily Margaroli, Anya Olsen (Worthing) Lizzie Price, Chloe Burdon (Nevill) Fenella Buss (East Brighton) Rachel Gatcum (Cooden Beach) Brandy Rook, Zhane Mayo (Royal Eastbourne) Sasha Gardiner (Holtye) Holly Crompton (West Hove) Katie Field (Bognor Regis).
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EQUIPMENT ZONE SPONSORED BY GOLFSTREAM - The Golf Trolley Experts
Taylormade launch Aero Burner Irons TaylorMade says “unsurpassed playability meets explosive distance” when it comes to its new AeroBurner irons. The key feature behind the new gameimprovement irons is an “up-to-thelimit COR face design” that maximises ball speed (COR is the measurement of energy transfer between club and ball). AeroBurner irons also comprise TaylorMade’s famous “Speed Pocket” in the sole for higher launch and added ball speed on shots struck low on the face, a high MOI head design for maximum forgiveness and an optimised centre of gravity placement for greater shot-making. “The AeroBurner iron breaks the mould of the typical distance iron,” says Tomo Bystedt, TaylorMade director of iron product creation. RRP: £599 (steel) £699 (graphite)
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“Never before has up-to-the-limit COR speed and distance been delivered in such an easy-to-play and confidenceinspiring package. “Distance has now come to all golfers.” AeroBurner irons will likely appeal to the game-improvement golfer with longer blade lengths, greater offset and thicker toplines at address, while the dark matte finish will reduce unwanted glare. The irons are available in a standard REAX 88 High Launch steel shaft or REAX 60 graphite shaft, engineered with a low kick point for higher ball flight and more distance. Website: www.taylormadegolf.co.uk
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Competition
WIN A GOLFSTREAM DUO electric trolley and bag worth over £670
T
he Golfstream Duo Lithium is certainly a prize worth winning!
This 100% British made golf trolley is as robust as it is good looking. The Duo has a digital display that shows your speed from 0.5 to 9.5 allowing you to set the perfect speed for your walking pace. The sophisticated electronics also allow for a distance control to send your trolley off, left or right operation and if you want you can also add a security code! The prize is topped off with the “top-of-the -range” Caddycell lithium battery and a fabulously stylish and practical Golfstream tour bag. A prize worth a total of nearly £680
GOLFSTREAM DUO LITHIUM Competition Entry Form What is the maximum walking setting on the Duo Lithium? A: 9.5 B: 10.5 C: 15.5 Please complete this form and post to: The County Zone, 5 Tangle Oak, Felbridge, Surrey, RH19 2PG Competition runs until April 18th, 2015. Terms and conditions apply.
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ANSWER: NAME: ADDRESS:
POSTCODE: CONTACT No. EMAIL:
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THE WEIGHT IS
OVER
The new lightweight, CaddyCell lithium-ion golf trolley battery weighs just 2.1kg - less than a quarter of the weight of a lead acid battery.
It’s what trolleys have been weighting for... RRP £199.
Available through Golfstream www.golfstream.co.uk
01843 594213 sales@caddycell.com www.caddycell.com ISSUE 9
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