e as Ple
EE FR ke ta
The County
a
py co
countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
South East Edition ISSUE 12
FAIRWELL
FALDO Britain’s greatest all time golfer set to play in his final Open Championship See Page 3
WIN A GOLFBUDDY WT5 GPS See Page 26
THE GOLF TROLLEY EXPERTS Trolleys, Batteries, Spares and Repairs ISSUE 12
www.golfstream.co.uk
The County Zone SOUTH EAST
Tel: 01843 594213 www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
1
How to find us: Centrally located on the Kent, Surrey and Sussex borders. Just 15 minutes fom junctions 5 & 6 of the M25 * Offer based on Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) for August and September. New bookings only. Minimum x12.
Call Claire: 01732 701003 or email golfdays@hever.co.uk Hever Castle Golf Club, Hever Road, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NP
2
www.hever.co.uk
www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
The County Zone SOUTH EAST
ISSUE 12
The County
News
London Cabbie eyes a Gleneagle fare
A
golfing holiday to Spain is proving perfect preparation for London cabbie Craig Chamberlain ahead of his tilt at Lombard Trophy glory.
Chamberlain, 55, has been away on an excursion to Marbella brushing up his skills ahead of the regional final of Europe’s largest proam at Old Fold Manor. He will play the event with his Enfield Golf Club PGA Professional Martin Porter. The winners there will secure a place in the £80,000 championship final over the PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles, the venue for last year’s Ryder Cup, on September 1-2. And for Chamberlain, a golfer of 30 years who plays off a handicap of 10, the prospect of a trip to Gleneagles is ensuring he is
GOLF MAGAZINE
countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
motivated to succeed at the Barnet-based regional final. “Gleneagles is a place that I have always dreamt of playing,” he said. Everyone talks about St Andrews and places like that but for me Gleneagles is the prettiest and the one that I have always wanted to play.
“It was a good feeling to know that I was one step closer to that after coming through my club qualifier, and I’m really looking forward to playing alongside Martin at Old Fold Manor It’s good to have the golfing holiday beforehand, I’m with a group of friends and we’re playing six courses while we’re here. “We’ve been away for the last 14 years now and done Portugal and places like that. It’s something that I always look forward to. Being a cab driver gives me the flexibility to do that, making time for my family and my golf!
How to get in touch Advertising & New Business
Andrew Maxwell 5 Tangle Oak, Mill Lane, Felbridge, Surrey, RH19 2PG
Tel: 01342 328223 or 07957 343030 Email: andy@thezonegolfmag.co.uk
Design, Web and Production
Mike Stafford The Cottage Annexe, Soudley, Gloucestershire, GL14 2UB
Tel: 07791 968743 Email: mike@thezonegolfmag.co.uk
CONTACT our Editors czkenteditor@gmail.com czsurreyeditor@gmail.com czsussexeditor@gmail.com ISSUE 12
The County Zone SOUTH EAST
www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
3
3
4
www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
The County Zone SOUTH EAST
ISSUE 12
I look forward to celebrating all that golf has given me as I cross that storied bridge
G
reat Britain’s greatest golfer of the modern era, Sir Nick Faldo MBE, will play in his last Open at St Andrews next month on the 25th anniversary of his victory at the home of golf. The six-time Major Champion plans to make a farewell on the famous Swilcan Bridge after a long and hugely successful career which saw him become Champion Golfer of the Year at St Andrews in 1990 and at Muirfield in 1987 and 1992. He also achieved ten top ten finishes in The Open between 1978 and 2003. The Englishman, who will celebrate his 58th birthday during The Open, will join five-time Open Champion Tom Watson in making a final appearance in the Championship in July. Sir Nick said, “The Open and St Andrews will forever hold a significant place ISSUE 12
The County Zone SOUTH EAST
in my heart. My fondest moments on my journey with this great sport are woven with pictures and emotions in this setting. It all means a huge amount to me.
‘‘
‘‘
News
“I look forward to celebrating all that golf has given me as I cross that storied bridge and the wonderful memories I share with many people. I am grateful for it all and grateful to golf."
Faldo will be among a cast of golf ’s greatest players who will take part in the Champion Golfers’ Challenge on Wednesday 15 July ahead of The Open. He will join five-time Champions Peter Thomson, who is celebrating the 60th anniversary of his triumph at St Andrews in 1955, and Watson, on the 40th anniversary of his win in his debut appearance at Carnoustie in 1975.
Peter Dawson, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, “Sir Nick Faldo is an inspirational figure in British golf and has enjoyed a remarkable career in The Open. He has delighted the galleries over many years with his three victories and consistently outstanding performances. I’m sure there will be great anticipation among the galleries at St Andrews to see him play in The Open once again and he will receive a rousing ovation worthy of a great Champion.”
In a glittering career, Faldo won the Masters Tournament on three occasions. He played in 11 European Ryder Cup teams, becoming the leading points-scorer in the competition’s history, before captaining the team in 2008. He was runner-up in both the US Open and the USPGA Championship. In addition to his Major wins, Faldo won 24 European Tour events and led the money list in 1983 and 1992. He also won three events on the PGA Tour.
www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
5
Club Feature
Is your game ready to take on Leeds Castle
6
www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
The County Zone SOUTH EAST
ISSUE 12
Club Feature
F
ew clubs in Kent can offer a more stunning backdrop to a round of golf than Leeds Castle Golf Club with the secret, of course, in the name!
The former Norman stronghold, located seven miles east of Maidstone, is one of the most visited historic buildings in Britain but Leeds Castle GC head professional Steve Purves and his team are determined to ensure that the adjoining nine-hole par-34 public parkland course continues to enjoy some of the limelight as well. And that was certainly the case 12 months ago when the Ryder Cup trophy returned to the Castle for the first time in 77 years as part of the golf course’s first nine-hole ProAm Tournament that returns this year supported by Guy Salmon JLR Maidstone. The Ryder Cup connection originates from the 1930s when the visiting US Ryder Cup team twice stopped at the Castle, with the trophy, on their way to the 1933 and 1937 matches at Southport & Ainsdale GC. The US team stopped off in Kent due to the cross-Atlantic connection provided by the American entrepreneur, the Hon. Olive Lady Baillie, who was the last private owner of the Castle and for whom the golf course was originally created in 1924. Then, in 1988, Neil Coles MBE redesigned parts of the course before, in 1997, continued improvements to the course culminated in the creation of a new 143-yard par three, whose tee nestles alongside the Leeds Castle moat with its abundance of waterfowl.
Continued on next page > ISSUE 12
The County Zone SOUTH EAST
www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
7
Club Feature: Leeds Castle
xxxx
Now, the long-serving Purves, who won the PGA National Assistants Championship at Moor Allerton in 1996, is looking to carry Leeds Castle Golf Club forward again with the help of course consultant designer Alan Walker. Steve said: “Alan has been overseeing the project to return our course to its original 1930s lay-out. We now have have a new 6th hole of 443 yards long which was previously a par three of 134 yards; the 8th has become a par three; and the 9th is now a par four, all of which has increased the par from 33 to 34.“ The course is now longer, with a little bit more shape to it, and we are also working with an agronomist to improve the playing surface.” A seven-day season ticket
8
at Leeds Castle costs from £295, which Steve says is very good value because of the “extras” it offers. He said: “It gives you 14-day advance booking rights, a free 30-minute coaching session, free coffee when playing, guest days and Pro Shop promotions, plus free entrance to the Castle and grounds to run concurrently with the season ticket. Season Tickets are available in 5 Day Midweek and 7 Day Full formats and we now have a payment scheme so you can spread the cost across the year.” But Leeds Castle recognises that buying a season ticket won’t be a realistic option for plenty of busy young adults and so they have come up with their new One Under Card initiative. The card allows you to buy seven rounds for the price of six and is available in
www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
Five-Day Midweek (Adults £78) and Seven-Day Full (Adults £96) formats. The card can be purchased from the Pro Shop or online at www.leeds-castle.com/golf and the prices are valid until March 2016. Purves, who still competes in tournaments on the PGA South Region and Kent PGA circuits, enjoys coaching golfers of all standards, whether in groups or individuals, in this most memorable of settings. A half hour lesson costs £22.50, for one hour it’s £40 and you can block book six half hour sessions for £110. The fee for a nine-hole playing lesson is £60 while three half hour sessions, plus one playing lesson, also costs £110. Ring Steve in the Pro Shop to book on 01622 767828 or email stevepurves@leedscastle.co.uk
The County Zone SOUTH EAST
ISSUE 12
GET OUT THERE THIS SUMMER. And indulge in a more superior golfing experience. It is Sweetwoods Park after all.
Book now at sweetwoodspark.com Located in Cowden, Kent 01342 850 729
Sweetwoods Park Golf Club, Colestock Road, Cowden, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7AY.
ISSUE 12
The County Zone SOUTH EAST
www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
9
10
www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
The County Zone SOUTH EAST
ISSUE 12
COUNTYNEWS The latest regional news from around the South East
Mid Amateur Tour visits Royal St George’s
W
hat promises to be an undoubted highlight of this year’s Mid Amateur Tour will take place on Tuesday, July 21 when the tour visits Royal St George’s Golf Club. The famous Sandwich links, ranked the 19th best course in the world, have hosted the Open Championship on Issue ISSUE 12
The County Zone SOUTH EAST
14 occasions, the last time in 2011 when Darren Clarke triumphed, and Mid Tour Director of Golf Jason Morris said: “This event is obviously outside the ‘norm’ for us and although the entrance fees are a lot more expensive than all of our other events, enough people have asked to play an Open venue so we have booked RSG. “We hope you feel that this is
a special ‘one-off ’ and will join us for what promises to be a truly memorable event.” The field for the 36-hole event will be limited to 50 players and the fee of £285 includes a coffee and bacon roll and one course lunch between rounds. To find out more, click on the following link: http://www. midamgolf.co.uk/royal-stgeorges-mid-amateur-2015
www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
11 11
News
Leigh’s victory sends him to Champions tournament The Sittingbourne & Milton Regis GC Club Championship was a 36 hole competition held over two days. The men’ scratch competition was won by Leigh Hales with an impressive two-round total of three-under par 139 (69, 70), one ahead of Darren Martin's 140 ( 69,71). Leigh now goes on to represent the club in the Kent “Champion of Champions” tournament at Dartford GC next year. The handicap event was won by Darren Martin with a net total of 138, one ahead of runner-up Shaun Hendry. Nikkii Smith took the ladies’ scratch crown with scores of 78 and 89 for a 167 total and will now represent the club in next year’s ladies’ Champion of Champions. Runner-up in the scratch event was Hannah Eves with 88 and 83 for a 171 total, and Hannah also took the ladies’ net trophy with a total of 147, beating Tracy Martin (150) into second place. 12
Kent schools success
K
ent Schools Golf Association enjoyed a tremendous day in the South of England Schools Championships at Mill Ride GC in Berkshire. Kent, who were up against teams from Berkshire, Middlessex, Oxfordshire and Surrey, won both the girls’ and boys’ team titles and in addition Nicole Amos from Faversham GC won the girls’ individual title. Nicole recorded a two-round total of 163 (84 and 79) to claim her title while team-mates Darcie Smith (Chart Hills) and Nicola Smith (Sittingbourne & Milton Regis) finished third and sixth with totals 164 and 174 respectively. And their combined score of 327 (best two morning and afternoon scores counting) gave Kent victory in the girls’ team event. The Kent boys meanwhile won
their competition with a team score of 476 (best three scores counting in both the morning and afternoon). The team consisted of Oliver Daws (Royal Cinque Ports), Tom O'Reilly (Sidcup), Barney Foreman (Mid-Kent) and Jonathan Gerrish (Royal Blackheath). Tom secured second place in the boys’ individual competition with rounds of 78 and 76, finishing four shots behind the winner, Ross Hampshire from Oxfordshire. Oliver finished fifth with scores of 82 and 76, Barney Foreman was 10th with 81 and 83, and Jonathan finished 17th with 90 and 85. Nicola, Darcie, Oliver and Tom will now help represent the South of England Schools Regional Team in the National Schools Finals at Peterborough on June 22. Nicole is unfortunately unable to take her place in the team as she will be playing for Kent Ladies in County Week. The County Zone SOUTH EAST
ISSUE 12
News
Ivy Leaf pub win Kent final
A
team from the Ivy Leaf pub in Dartford have won the right to represent Kent in the national finals of the Licensed Trade Charity tournament. Sponsored by Faversham brewers Shepherd Neame, the Kent finals at Kings Hill GC saw the Ivy Leaf emerge victorious for the third successive year. Their team of Lou Cruickshank, Cheyne Warwick, Steve Rose and Peter Broadbridge won a close contest and will now represent Kent in the Grand Final at Archerfield Links GC in North Berwick in October. Winning captain Lou Cruickshank said: “We love playing in the Licensed Trade Charity event as it is such a sociable industry that we have a great time ISSUE 12
The County Zone SOUTH EAST
playing with other pubs and breweries. The competition is always so well run and held at such great courses too, and we are really looking forward to representing Kent in the final again.” The Admiral Taverns team were runners-up in the Kent heat, with Shepherd Neame finishing third. Their representative and team captain Giles Hilton said: “We have had a fantastic day of golf at Kings Hill, competitive but also really social, with very worthy winners. “Shepherd Neame is proud to support the day and be associated with the Licensed Trade Charity’s national golf tournament, which is really capturing the industry’s imagination across breweries and pub teams. We will cheer on the Ivy Leaf team in the Grand Final but, with eight more regional heats still to be played, they will face some tough opposition.”
> NEWS IN BRIEF • Faversham GC captain Nigel Fry raised over £1500 in a charity day in aid of Help for Heroes. In lovely weather 130 players took part in the event and the winner was Tom Hollamby, who scored 43 points off his 27 handicap. Runnerup was Glen Cole (h14) with 42. Meanwile the club’s Junior Classic was won by 12-year-old Leo Jones with a score of 43 points off his 22 handicap. Leo had earlier won the Laddie Lucas Spoon at Prince’s GC. • Former champion Chris Reynolds (Littlestone) had to settle for joint third place in this year’s English senior men’s open amateur championship at Worplesdon GC. • The Kent Golf Union Spring Meeting took place at the Wildernesse GC on June 8. Barry Thompson (Lydd) won the singles while Barry Bliss (Redlibbets) and Ed Hayward (Faversham) triumphed in the foursomes.
ITS YOUR SHOUT! Send us your news
czkenteditor@gmail.com czsurreyeditor@gmail.com czsussexeditor@gmail.com
www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
13
News
Kelsall retains London Beach title
D
espite a terrific eaglebirdie finish by Tim Milford (PGolfCoaching@ Pedham), Kyle Kelsall (Quin Direct Golf) shot a three-under-par 67 to take the London Beach Pairs Pro-Am title, supported by Pentland Golf and Shepherd Neame, for the second year on the trot. In virtually perfect conditions Kelsall improved on his score last year by one shot. Starting on the ninth, he raced away with two birdies on the 11th and 12th, followed by a smooth run of regulation pars through the next six
14
holes. Now two-under-par after 10 holes, Kelsall made two more birdies on the second and fifth to reach four-under-par, but going for the flag at the seventh proved costly as he went through the back of the green and failed to get up and down for a par. Par at the eighth, his final hole, left Kelsall with a 67 and in pole position. A few holes in front of Kelsall, Milford was finding some inspiration. Starting at the third, he was level par after the ninth, dropped a shot at the 10th but pars for the next six holes steadied the boat. Going for the green at the 17th proved a risk worth taking as Milford was rewarded with a makeable putt and duly holed it for an eagle.
www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
Now one-under-par, Milford calmly birdied the next hole, a par five, but with two holes left in his round, he bogeyed his penultimate hole to finish on two-under-par for second spot. The victor’s golf on the holes home proved too good, as Kyle commented@ “Although I missed a couple of four-footers for birdies on the way round, I played well and thoroughly enjoyed the whole day, organised by London Beach’s PGA Head Professional, Bruce McDonald. The catering and the way the event was run was, as always, excellent. “London Beach is a fine example of a nine hole course that provides a golfing challenge.” The County Zone SOUTH EAST
ISSUE 12
News
Ablett wins again at Mid kent Pro Am
L
ee-on-the-Solent’s star James Ablett shot a superb five-under-par 65 to take the Mid Kent ProAm title by four shots from Benn Barham (PGolfCoaching@ Pedham). In a strong field full of past winners, these two were the only players to break par and another hot performance from Ablett meant he bagged his fifth title of the year and added another £1,000 winner’s cheque to his 2015 earnings. The Mid Kent course was in its usual tip-top condition, with the weather playing fair all day with sunshine. However, the wind made many of the Mid Kent holes problematic with crosswind shots to some tricky pins. With his last win barely a week earlier when he delivered a stunning eight-under-par 64 at Farnham to win by six shots, Ablett’s bogey-free four-underpar score on Mid Kent’s front nine was in complete contrast to his closest rivals. Barham
was fighting to stay level, and the trio of Jordan Godwin (Barnehurst), who tied for third with Chris Croucher (East Sussex National), and Russell Buxton (Hassocks) were all finding it equally tough. Barham’s birdie at the 10th was spoilt by an uncharacteristic double bogey at the 12th, but he repaired the damage with birdies at the 16th and 17th to finish on one-under-par. Ablett meanwhile dropped a shot at the 13th, but two more birdies at the 15th and 17th took him even further out of reach. Commenting on his continuing goodform, Ablett said, “It’s not that I’m doing anything special, I’m just doing what I’m doing and I try to keep on doing it. The swing doesn’t feel 100% confident, but I’m not hitting any destructive shots and that keeps me in business. “That said, I’ve gone back to the way I used to putt with a longer back stroke so that I’m rolling the ball more or less deadweight for length, rather than trying to be any more aggressive - and that’s delivering more putts that are dropping.”
THE GOLF TROLLEY EXPERTS Trolleys, Batteries, Spares and Repairs www.golfstream.co.uk ISSUE 12
The County Zone SOUTH EAST
Carole captures Nirvana Cup at Broome Park
Carole Terry captured the 36-hole Nirvana Cup, one of the major events of the year in the Broome Park GC ladies’ section calendar. Carole led the field after 18 holes with a net 73 and retained top spot with a net 79 in the second round for an aggregate of 152, which gave her a five-shot victory over Liz Harrison (157), with Sylvia Beecham third (160). The cup, donated by former lady captain Madhu Jain, was presented by her daughter Dr Natasha Jain, also a former Broome Park member but now practising in Cornwall. Carole was delighted by her win and thanked Natasha for representing her mother, who was unable to attend because of ill health. Featured in the photo, from left to right, are lady captain Betty Martin, Carole Terry and Natasha Jain.
Tel: 01843 594213 www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
15
News
All tied at Royal Blackheath
B
arnehurst PGA Assistant Professional, Jordan Godwin, and Gary Gilligan(Wildernesse) overcame heavy rain and strong winds to tie for victory in the Royal Blackheath Pro-Am, shooting level par rounds of 70. Their par performances edged Lea Cooper’s 71 (Burgess Hill Golf Academy) into third place, and all three acknowledged it was the worst day’s weather they’d played in for a long time. “It rained from start to finish, getting heavier as the round progressed – I
got through five gloves just trying to hang on to the club!” said Godwin. “By the end of the round it was a two to three club wind that always seemed to be blowing across the holes.” Playing a shotgun start, both started with birdies: Godwin at the 10th and Gilligan at the 18th. From thereon, both played percentage golf just to cope with the conditions. Gilligan said: “I was just playing conservatively, avoiding any major errors at the harder holes, and putting pretty well, thanks to the recent session at the Harold Swash Putting Academy.”
Roll up for Gillingham Men’s Open The Gillingham Challenge Trophy will be up for grabs when the Gillingham Men’s Open takes place at Gillingham GC on Saturday, July 25. The entry fee for the 36hole medal tournament is £35 (£25 for club members) and includes coffee and bacon roll, ploughman’s lunch and evening meal. The maximum handicap limit is 18 and the closing date for entries is July 18. For more details and an entry form, go to the club website at www. gillinghamgolfclub.co.uk
PROMO CODE: CZG1 ISSUE 12
The County Zone SOUTH EAST
www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
17
News
Orrin masters ‘brutal’ test
K
ent’s Max Orrin mastered the “toughest conditions I have ever played in” to secure the second European Challenge Tour win of his young career at the Made in Denmark Challenge. The Birchington 21-yearold posted a level par 71 in brutal conditions at Royal Copenhagen Golf where swirling, gusting winds wreaked havoc with the final round
contenders. Starting the day three shots off the pace, the North Foreland GC member battled brilliantly throughout the final round to produce a level par 71 which saw him post the clubhouse lead of one over par. With four groups to finish behind him, and with Scotland’s Andrew McArthur and Englishman Jack Senior still in with a chance of forcing a play-off, Orrin faced an anxious, but worthwhile, wait to be crowned Made in Denmark
Challenge champion and pick up a cheque for €27,200 which propelled him to second place on the Road to Oman Rankings. “That was as tough as I have played in – it was pretty brutal out there at times,” said Orrin, who was a member of the 2013 Great Britain & Ireland Walker Cup team. “I finished with a seven on the last on Saturday night but I knew that if I could shoot around level par today then I would have a chance. I was three behind, but the conditions were really tough so it
There’s never been a better time to become a member at Broome Park
2015 MEMBERSHIP OFFERS 7 Day membership £500 5 Day membership £350 Terms and conditions apply
For more information please call 01227 830728 or visit our website 18 5 ISSUE
www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk The County Zone SOUTH EAST
The County Zone SOUTH EAST
ISSUE 12 18
News
Kent pair one step closer to Firestone
T
wo talented Kent golfers might just be following in the footsteps of Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods after triumphing in a regional Bridgestone competition, where a trip to a world famous American event awaits. Simon Purrott and Yvonne Bridge made it through Bridgestone Amateur Golf Championship’s regional event at Broke Hill Golf Club and are now just one round away from a ‘chanceof-a-lifetime’ trip to the Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio, in August. The event was among six organised in April and May and the pair now move onto the final at The Belfry, where the winner will be jetting across the Atlantic to watch the World Golf Championship tournament at Firestone Country Club, which was won by McIlroy in 2014. Simon shot a 78 net score off his eight handicap to win
the regional tournament, while Yvonne won the trade tournament for visitors, scoring 31 points under the Stableford scoring system. Simon, from Halstead, who plays twice a week at Broke Hill GC, said: “I am very much looking forward to the event and being given the chance to represent the club. “I think I could have done better in the round but it was enough to get through and that is something I have been working on ahead of playing at The Belfry. It is going to be a great experience.” Yvonne, from Whitstable, who was invited to take part in the visitor event by her nephew, was similarly thrilled to progress.
Burns is new Kent Amateur Champion Liam Burns (Sundridge Park) is the new Kent Amateur champion after beating Matt Sheehan 2&1 in the final at Littlestone GC, In the semi-finals Burns overcame Mark Collins two up while Sheehan defeated Freddie Price 4&2. And Ian Betts (Langley Park) the new Kent Golf Union Seniors Handicap champion. The 13-handicapper scored a two-shot victory at Gillingham GC. Ian recorded a nett 66 to finish in front of M J H Smith (h13) from Mid Kent GC, who scored a nett 68 to win on countback from Barry Miller (h16) from Knole Park GC.
Yvonne, who plays off an handicap of 18, added: “I’m extremely excited to have made it through to get the chance to play at The Belfry. “I was invited along to play in the event for visitors and I didn’t really realise what I was playing for. I played nicely and am thrilled to get through.”
THE GOLF TROLLEY EXPERTS Trolleys, Batteries, Spares and Repairs www.golfstream.co.uk
ISSUE 12
The County Zone SOUTH EAST
Tel: 01843 594213
www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
19
News
Hall comes out on top at Nizels Nizels Golf & Country Club played host to the third event of the new Kent Golf Tour in May. The 6361-yard par 72 championship course at Tonbridge features several lakes which provided a tough challenge for the competitors along with the tree-lined fairways and excellent greens. In a close finish, victory went to 22-handicapper Kingsley Hall (Cobtree Manor Park) with 38 points, one point ore than runner-up Darren Brame (h7), who had won the second event on his home course at Marriott Tudor Park.
20
Darwin Plate makes a return
A
fter a few years’ absence the Darwin Plate made a welcome return to the competitive calendar at West Kent Golf Club. The field of 45 players featured the cream of Kent county golf. Conditions in the morning were tough with a moderate wind and some tricky pin placements, with the standard scratch score at 74 three above the par of 71. But the conditions at the Orpington course improved in the afternoon and so did the
www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
scores, with victory going to Liam Burns with a total of 140 (73 and 67). Runner-up was Harry Boyle with 144 (73 and 71). Club secretary Andy Hall said: “We all should know that it was Charles Darwin, whose house backs on to the 12th hole, who changed the way the world thinks about evolution. But it was his great grandson, Bernard Darwin, who changed the way we think about golf. “Bernard, who was a Walker Cup captain in his playing days, became golf correspondent for The Times for some 50 years and was made a life member of West Kent GC in 1948.
The County Zone SOUTH EAST
ISSUE 9
News
A new era begins for Lydd GC
A
five-figure investment in Lydd Golf Club is heralding an exciting new era for the 18hole Championship standard course located on the Kent-East Sussex border. The money has been spent on course improvements and facilities, a new website and signage, all rebranded and packaged to showcase the club’s fantastic range of leisure and corporate facilities. Central to the promotion of the new-look club is the confident message that the course can offer year-round golf when other courses in the region are closed due to poor conditions. This new era for Lydd got off to a flying start recently when the club hosted the inaugural PGA in Kent Closed Championship, which attracted nearly 50 of ISSUE 12
The County Zone SOUTH EAST
the region’s top professional and amateur golfers to the Romney Marsh. The event has been described as a huge success after Lydd was chosen by The PGA in Kent and Kent Golf Union (KGU) to stage the new 18-hole event for Kent’s elite amateurs and PGA professionals. Lydd is hosting the championship for the first three years. John Denham, Head PGA Professional at Lydd Golf Club, said: “The tournament was a terrific way to raise the club’s profile, showcase the course to Kent’s premier golfers, and let them see its true strengths.“To the delight of our many guests and visitors, Lydd’s proving itself to be a fine modern golfing challenge designed in the links tradition. Contact Lydd Golf Club on 01797 320808 (option 1), email golf@lyddgolfclub.co.uk or visitwww.lyddgolfclub. co.uk
Wenham wins in Style at Cantebury Tony Wenham produced some of his best golf of the year to win the Style Cup at Canterbury GC but the former club captain came close to throwing it all away at the final hole. Ten-handicap Wenham completed the opening nine in level par, dropping a shot at the par-three second but getting it back with a birdie at the fourth. Three bogeys in the opening four holes of the back nine failed to halt the Sturry man’s progress and another dropped shot at 16 still left Wenham with six strokes in hand with two to play. He collected a par at the 17th but then drove tight to the out of bounds at the last and never found the ball. A par with his second ball showed as a double-bogey on his scorecard and Wenham had to wait to learn if his net 67 would be bettered. Fortunately for him, none of the remaining 76 competitors could improve on his score, although the ever-young 76-year-old, Syd Powell, came close. The 13-handicapper continues to be as competitive as ever and his round of 68 took him to within a stroke of earning a countback shoot-out with the leader. 21
Travel
Discover Sicilian soul at Donnafugata
F
amilies seeking a break from the traditional summer holiday can experience an authentic taste of Sicily when they stay at the five-star Donnafugata Golf Resort & SPA until September – with a five-night break for a family of four available from €2,100. (approx £1,520) Enjoying average temperatures of around 29⁰C over the summer months , the Mediterranean’s largest island offers the perfect combination for a sparkling family break, with the chance to mix breathtaking culture and history with lazy days relaxing on quiet, uncrowded beaches. Parents can learn more about Sicily’s fascinating wealth of history with trips to
22
www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
the culture-packed area nearby or take the opportunity to unwind at Donnafugata Resort with a round of golf on one of its two championship courses or visit to the venue’s award-winning spa for an invigorating treatment. Younger members of the family will be kept busy at the Resort’s exclusive Vik’s Club, which offers children a full summer activity programme including sports, workshops, team games and tournaments, while families can spend some valuable time with each other by exploring the local area. Back on the Resort, families can enjoy having a golf lesson, take a bike ride together, or simply relax by Donnafugata’s outdoor infinity pool or at the venue’s secluded, private beach set just a few minutes’ drive away beside the Randello
The County Zone SOUTH EAST
ISSUE 12
Travel Nature Reserve, and easily accessed with a free daily shuttle bus service. Situated in the heart of the province of Ragusa, Donnafugata Resort’s south-east location allows easy access to six fantastic historical cities to explore nearby including Val di Noto, the heart of Sicilian baroque; Ragusa Ibla, Modica, Siracuse, Noto and Scicli. All are deemed fitting of UNESCO World Heritage status. And getting to Donnafugata Resort couldn’t be easier, with direct flights operating from London Stansted into Comiso International airport, just 15 minutes away, while it is also easily accessible from Catania airport from London Gatwick and Manchester. The deluxe Resort is home to a luxury 900m2 Spa with indoor pool, hydromassage, sauna, steam bath and gym areas, with a host of seasonally-selected treatments available, while the awardwinning venue’s location offers guests the ideal opportunity to indulge in the unique gastronomic delights of the region.
or choose to sample the Resort’s own inimitable style of cuisine in one of its three restaurants, all featuring a mouth-watering broad selection of ‘0km food’ locallysourced food. Featuring 202 rooms, Donnafugata Golf Resort & SPA also boasts two 18-hole championship golf courses, a Darren Clarke Centre of Excellence, – the only one of its kind in continental Europe featuring the 2016 European Ryder Cup captain – which offers a variety of golf tuition packages for golfers of all abilities aged six and above, and the free use of bikes around the Resort. Available until September and based on two people sharing a Classic Room, guests can enjoy one night’s bed and breakfast from €210 per night. For more information about Donnafugata Golf Resort & SPA or to book a stay, visit www.donnafugatagolfresort.com. Conditions: Rates exclude City Tax of € 2.50 per person starting from 12 years old per night and are subject to availability. VAT of 10 per cent included.”
Guests can take a short trip to one of a plethora of impressive vineyards nearby
ISSUE 12
The County Zone SOUTH EAST
www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
23
Travel
Golf at top venues from just £17.50
B
oasting an outstanding portfolio of golf venues, QHotels offers the perfect answer for people seeking a golf break and the UK’s largest golf resort operator has a range of great-value offers to match this summer – with golf available from just £17.50 per person. Players across England and Scotland can enjoy fantastic savings when they play 18 holes at any of QHotels’ 11 golf resorts when they book before August 31 with the group’s eye-catching ’Summer of Golf’ promotion. The offer is valid at each of the 15 QHotels 18-hole golf courses, including the likes of Mottram
24
Hall, Belton Woods, Forest Pines and Slaley Hall, with some of the groups courses offering a fourball from only £70. And, not only will golfers be treated to some of the best-value golf to be found anywhere in the UK, but they will also receive a sleeve of three Titleist balls and free bucket of balls to warm-up before playing (or a 50% discount on buggy hire if there is no driving range available). The promotion is the latest exciting initiative to be announced by QHotels – the AA Hotel Group of the Year – and follows the introduction of its hugely successful QFairway club this spring. Hailed as the country’s most flexible golf membership, the new scheme offers up to 50 rounds of golf for only £375 along with access to an impressive 15 golf courses.
www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
The flexible points-based membership gives golfers all the benefits of a full club membership – including the facility to hold a handicap and playing rights for club competitions – while offering discount on food and drink, shop purchases, tuition, hotel bed-and-breakfast rates. And players of all ages have been quick to give their backing to the enterprising initiative with 1,000 new members signing up since its launch, including 200 juniors. The multi-award-winning, four and five-star QHotels collection offers championship-standard courses in unique resort locations. For further information about QHotels’ ‘Summer of Golf’ offer and to book, go to http://qhotels. skchase.com/summer-golf-offers To discover more about QHotels, call 0845 2411 320 or visit www. qhotels.co.uk
The County Zone SOUTH EAST
ISSUE 12
ISSUE 12
The County Zone SOUTH EAST
www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
25
Competition
WIN A WT5 GPS WATCH
H
ere’s your chance to own one of Golfbuddy’s innovative new GPS watches. With a slimmer design and a more comfortable fit to your wrist than its previous model, you can fully utilize Dynamic Green View and moveable pin placement features with simple pressand-hold buttons. The GolfBuddy WT5 is a fully functional digital wristwatch with a rechargeable battery.
GolfBuddy, the only GPS company that provides on-foot course mapping AND no annual fees or subscriptions. To enter simply answer the question below and send us your entry. Or you can enter via our website or Facebook. Good Luck!
WIN AN GOLFBUDDY WT5 Golf GPS How much are the WT5 annual fees?
ANSWER:
A). £25.00 B). FREE OF CHARGE C). £75.00
ADDRESS:
Please complete this form and post to: The County Zone, 5 Tangle Oak, Felbridge, Surrey, RH19 2PG Competition runs unti July 18th, 2015.
NAME:
POSTCODE: CONTACT No. EMAIL:
Terms and conditions apply.
YOU CAN ALSO ENTER ONLINE AT WWW.COUNTYZONEGOLFMAG.CO.UK AND ON FACEBOOK 26
www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
The County Zone SOUTH EAST
ISSUE 12
EQUIPMENT ZONE SPONSORED BY GOLFSTREAM - The Golf Trolley Experts
Which method suits you? Nike has launched the Method Converge and Method Matter putter lines with an innovative self-fitting system to help golfers find the best putter for their game. With so many lengths, designs and head shapes, it can be difficult to find the right putter. The most important aspect in this process is making sure you’re putting with the right head shape. The essence of a consistent putt is to get the face of the club square to the ball at impact. No matter how a putter looks or feels, if it doesn’t accomplish
its main task, the athlete will struggle to make putts. Nike designed a simple and unique self-fitting system to help golf athletes quickly and easily find the best putter for his or her game. The fourstep process starting with the athlete’s natural stance at address. Method technology features a RZN material, the same RZN used in the Nike RZN golf balls. Nike club designers utilized some of the findings from the golf ball team and applied it to the face of the putter to give it a softer feel and delivers faster forward roll. The Method Matter putters
also feature a Tour-proven RZN Groove insert softens feel and delivers faster forward roll, while the Stainless Steel body further softens feel and allows for more adjustability. There are four classic shapes (B1-07, B2-01, M4-12, M5-12) designed with input from Tour athletes. Length-specific head weights ensure optimal perimeter weighting and low CG for enhanced stability and less spin. Pricing: The Nike Method Converge (£129.99) and Method Matter (£99.99) putters are available now.
THE GOLF TROLLEY EXPERTS Trolleys, Batteries, Spares and Repairs ISSUE 12
www.golfstream.co.uk The County Zone SOUTH EAST
Tel: 01843 594213 www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
27
28
www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
The County Zone SOUTH EAST
ISSUE 12
Equipment
GolfBuddy launch the Fee-Free WT5 GPS Golf Watch GolfBuddy have launched a new GPS watch, the WT5 is Golfbuddy’s slimmest, lightest and, most feature-packed model to date. The new GPS watch boasts some significant improvement son its best-selling predecessor, the WT3, and is slimmer, lighter and completely re-styled with a softer, more comfortable strap. Additionally, the three navigation buttons which give the golfer access to the WT5's
industry-leading suite of functions and technology, have all been moved to one side of the watch making it even easier to use. Available in two smart new colour schemes (white/ orange and blue/black), the GolfBuddy WT5 has an RRP of just £159.95. And unlike some other GPS watches it offers distances to greens, hazards and targets and premium features like scoring completely free of charge - with no annual fees.
B
IG MAX is set to complete its range of innovative cart and stand bags with the introduction of the final three models for the season AQUA Silencio, TERRA X and Heaven 6. Building on the success of their predecessors, the three new bags combine tried and tested technology with brand new innovations. With a more streamlined look that follows through the entire 2015 range BIG MAX 2015 matches style with its undoubted practical innovation.”
ISSUE 12
The County Zone SOUTH EAST
AVAILABLE IN ZONE PRO SHOP
www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
AQUA Silencio: Available in White/Red/Black, Black/ Yellow, Black/Red, Black/Charcoal. SRP: £239 Terra X: Available in Black/White/Red, Black/ Yellow, Black/Red, Black/Charcoal. SRP: £139.99 Heaven 6: Available in White/Black/Lime, Taupe/Orange, Black/White/Red, Black/Yellow, Black/Charcoal. SRP: £59.99 For more information visit www.bigmaxgolf.com
www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
29
Equipment
Mind the
GAP
Cleveland Golf offer golfers the 588 RTX 2.0 wedges at buy one get one half price
A
nyone who purchases one of the new Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 wedges will be able to get a second wedge at 50% off, helping golfers fill the gaps at the lower end of their bags. In the modern game 65% of all shots are played from 125 yards and in, with this in mind Cleveland Golf has designed the new range of 588 RTX 2.0 wedges to cover every golfers needs across the short game. Offering the largest number of loft and bounce options as well as the only dedicated custom fitting system with interchangeable heads and shafts in the UK industry, Cleveland Golf has designed the perfect array of scoring tools to help golfers take charge of their short game. To achieve this, Cleveland Golf has undertaken hundreds of hours of testing and used feedback generated by the world’s top players to develop the new range. From that research Cleveland Golf has developed 3 distinct wedge grinds in two different head designs that are proven to optimise the short game for players of all abilities.
For the improving wedge player, a more forgiving cavity back design, and for the better player, a traditional muscle-back head shape. Rotex 2.0 Face technology The Rotex face has been enhanced further to offer the maximum surface roughness allowed by USGA. This has been achieved through 3 advancements in the R&D lab. Sole Design Cleveland Golf has created three distinct grind options for the 588 RTX 2.0 wedge family. This comprehensive system makes it easier than ever for any golfer to build a wedge set that maximizes performance based on turf conditions, playing preference and skill level.
The Cleveland Golf wedge promotion ends on September 30th 2015. To view the full product range, please visit www.clevelandgolf.co.uk The RTX2.0 has an SRP of ÂŁ109. 30
www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
The County Zone SOUTH EAST
ISSUE 12
Great Britons! NEW DV-8 Remote
NEW Duo
Lithium power-source
Anti-Tip Stabiliser Wheel
Anti-Clog Front Wheel Housing
Security Code programming
Full Electromech electronics
Twin 200 watt motors
Powerful 200 watt motor
No-Twist Bag Mount Design
No-Twist Bag Mount Design
Wide choice of batteries & wheels
Electromech Digital Display
S5 Sport Helix Wheels
Distance Control settings
Our outstanding remote-controlled trolley with:
Sprung Suspension System Anti-Splatter Mudguards
Scan to visit our website on your mobile/tablet
ISSUE 12
The County Zone SOUTH EAST
Our superb new twin-point folding trolley with:
Every Golfstream trolley is 100% made in Britain, using British-engineered parts and components. This gives you supreme confidence backed up by first class reliability and outstanding customer service. www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
golfstream.co.uk 01843 594213 31
32
www.countyzonegolfmag.co.uk
The County Zone SOUTH EAST
ISSUE 12