Barlaston Golf Club
A“hidden gem”
Ideal places to base one’s golfing party would be Stafford or Stoke-on-Trent, the two biggest towns in the county. From here, the county’s luxurious fairways can be easily reached and the Staffordshire golfing challenge well and truly accepted.
Staffordshire encompasses parts of the National Forest and Peak District National Park whilst combining the wild moorlands and uplands in the north with the low undulating landscape in the south around Cannock Chase, an area of natural outstanding beauty.
Situated just outside the village of Barlaston in Staffordshire, Barlaston Golf Club features a beautiful parkland golf course. Bordered in part by the River Trent, the course demands good course management due to its challenging layout.
Located in the heart of England and accessible from the whole country, Staffordshire is a fascinating county of outstanding natural beauty. The main attraction of the landlocked county is the award-winning Alton Towers theme park but there are also plenty of accommodation deals locally including The Upper House in Barlaston and The Mill and Crown Hotels in Stone
The course was designed by Peter Allis and built around 1972/3 and became a members club in 1987 progressing to the facility that members and visitors enjoy today.
The excellent clubhouse at Barlaston boasts a comfortable lounge bar and spacious dining room offering views across the course and practice putting green. There is also a patio for al fresco dining in the summer months overlooking the eighteenth green and fairway.
The clubhouse can provide a quality selection of drinks, snacks and meals with a regular specials board. The onsite catering facilities provide an excellent service for visiting societies and can offer dining packages tailored to individual needs – they invite group organiser to give them a call to discuss requirements on 01782 372867.
Societies find Barlaston’s attention to detail, flexibility and value for money ideal when organising their golfing calendar. Societies consisting of eight or more players are welcome Monday to Friday and Saturday and Sunday after 2pm.
Meaford Rd | Barlaston | Stone | ST15 8UX
A Profile Of Rising Star and English Professional Golfer
Cara Gainer
With the summer of sport ahead of us and interest in female golf booming (figures show that the number of women has been steadily rising since the pandemic) With that in mind we have brought you a profile of one of the up and coming players in Womens golf Cara Gainer.
Cara is an English Professional Golfer who currently plays in the Ladies European Tour. Unusually, Cara only took up Golf when she was 14 years old, unlike most sporting stars who adopt a sport from an early age, she quickly transitioned from amateur to professional player after discovering the sport through her dad. Cara then played in the England squad in 2019, and found she had to really break her way into the team despite her relatively quick succession – a pivotal moment being her win at the English Women’s Open Match Play Championship in 2017 where she realised she could really make a career out of the sport.
Cara turned pro in January 2020 at age 25 after LET Q-School and was named the Ladies European Tour Access Series’ Rookie of the Year in 2020, solidifying her breakthrough onto the golfing scene. Her impressive climb includes finishing 16th in the 2023 year-end rankings and reaching 145 in the Rolex World rankings.
With ambitions to secure her LPGA card and compete in all major championships, Cara is set to captivate and inspire audiences. In 2024, she's partnering with The Club Company to encourage more women and girls in the UK to take up golf.
Former Leyland Golf Club course manager joins BIGGA team as
Head of Membership
The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) has appointed Scott Reeves as Head of Membership, overseeing the development of the association’s membership activities.
Scott, 53, was formerly the course manager at Leyland Golf Club, where he spent 17 years. He began his greenkeeping career at Wycombe Heights Golf Club, Buckinghamshire, followed by spells at Stock Brook Country Club in Essex and Chobham Golf Club in Surrey, before relocating to Lancashire in 2003. He spent three years at Preston Golf Club before a oneyear stint with Saxon Industries in a sales role. He then returned to course management at Leyland Golf Club in 2007.
Scott has volunteered at every level of BIGGA, culminating in his appointment as chairperson of the association in 2019. The COVID pandemic hit during Scott’s term and he worked closely alongside BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton, the BIGGA staff and National Board as the association navigated the turbulence of that period, ensuring BIGGA was well-placed to offer support and guidance wherever required.
Following his term as chairperson, Scott retained an involvement with BIGGA and still lectures on the Golf Club Management Diploma, jointly run by the GCMA, PGA and BIGGA. He was also a part of the Committee for Golf Club Salaries for many years.
Following a recent restructure, the Head of Membership position has been created by BIGGA. Scott will be responsible for ensuring the development and implementation of the association’s membership strategy, as well as taking on a senior leadership role within the organisation. He will work closely with all BIGGA departments to ensure the association is fulfilling its responsibility to members, while seeking to evolve BIGGA’s activities and offering.
Scott said: “What attracted me to this job is it is such a huge opportunity. One of the things I really valued in my time as a greenkeeper volunteer with BIGGA was the chance to make the world a better place for greenkeepers, as we always say. With a little time away, focusing on my own job as a greenkeeper, it’s helped me see just what a valuable resource BIGGA is.
“What I’d say to BIGGA members is that another one of us has joined the association. I’m someone who understands you and understands your challenges as I’ve faced many of them myself. We’re here to help you, to serve you and to make sure that you can access everything BIGGA has to offer, to build a better career for yourself and a stronger industry for everyone.”
BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said: “We worked hard to identify the correct candidate for this position and we put all the applicants through rigorous testing as the Head of Membership will play a key role in shaping the future of the association for years to come.
“We had some outstanding applications but Scott’s passion for greenkeeping and belief in the value BIGGA brings to the industry shone through. He has been involved with committee work at all levels, including chairing the association from 2019 to 2022, a period which included the COVID pandemic and was therefore one of the most challenging of any in our history.
“I’m excited that Scott has joined the Association and look forward to embarking on what I believe is the next chapter in BIGGA’s history.”
A video of Scott discussing his new role and ambitions for the future is available to watch online here.
Plans afoot to bring more high-profile competitions to Royal Ascot Golf Club
Royal Ascot Golf Club hosted a number of the sport’s legends from seasons of yesteryear at a PGA Legends Tour qualifier, a pathway to the prestigious Senior PGA Championship.
Part of the recently formed Q-Series, the event was won by locally born professional Simon Griffiths, who shot six-under to scoop the £3,200 first prize and a spot at Trump International later this year.
The competition was held just over a century after Royal Ascot Golf Club first inaugurated the Royal and Ancient Boys’ Amateur Championship – which today is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world for young players.
The club also staged its annual Club Championships this month, where over 120 players of all abilities and backgrounds took to the 6,294-yard 18-hole course to win prizes in several categories including nett score, gross score and most improved.
And now the club is looking to elevate the profile of competitions it hosts in future seasons as part of ambitious growth plans to engage more people with golf locally, establish itself as a premier UK course and support the development of talented young players.
Stephen Nicholson, general manager at Royal Ascot Golf Club, said he is pleased with progress being made on and off the course.
“We’re an ambitious team and despite the unseasonal weather we’ve enjoyed a really promising year of growth,” said Stephen.
“It’s our long-term ambition to bring major competitions to Royal Ascot Golf Club and extend the course’s proud heritage of hosting events which are recognised by the sport’s community and beyond.
“We’ve built a solid foundation by staging the PGA Legends Tour and accepting 125 entrants to our Club Championships. Now we want to build our competition calendar around events of these types and continue to strengthen our outputs on the course and off it with the help of our team.”
Members were treated to the full professional experience during the Club Championships too.
An official starter was used while hoardings and flags were positioned around the club’s entrance plus on the first and 18th holes. There was also a live digital leaderboard to keep players and guest updated with a summer social organised once play had ended.
Winners across the weekend included Gill Biddle who scooped the Most Improved trophy, there were wins too for Ladies Bronze Scratch category winner Sharon Edwards, Nett Score competition winner Sue Warren, and Gayle Kennedy who won the Gross Score prize.
Meanwhile, Ray Grubb emerged as the winner of the Men’s Nett Score competition while James Martin prevailed in the Men’s Gross Score prize.
Stephen added: “The enthusiasm and strong turnout for this year’s club championship is testament to the positive atmosphere we’ve worked hard to install in recent years.
“We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where golfers of all abilities and backgrounds can hone their skills and gain valuable experience. Congratulations to this year’s Club Championship winners –we’re already looking forward to next year’s event.”
Founded in 1887, Royal Ascot Golf Club was granted Royal status by Queen Victoria and is set in 150 acres of wooded Crown land off Winkfield Road and adjacent to the world-famous racecourse.
Further information about the course’s upcoming events is available via
Amateur Golfer Stuns with Albatross on 503-Yard Par 5 Achieves Feat on First Hole!
David Mears, a 54-year-old amateur golfer with a handicap of 15, playing in a club competition from the white tees,achieved a remarkable feat on 9th June 2024, at the Notleys Golf Club in Essex. David, who works as a Graphic Designer and Print Manager for KempCo in Witham, stunned fellow golfers by scoring an Albatross on the 503-yard par 5 first hole, a challenging layout featuring a downhill tee shot to a river followed by an uphill climb to the raised green, protected by a front-left bunker, with out of bounds to the left and a ditch and trees to the right. It is the first time in the club’s history that an Albatross has been recorded in competition.
Due to his busy professional life, David only manages to play golf three to four times a month, making his extraordinary performance even more impressive. Now in his fifth year as a member at the Notleys Golf Club, Davids' achievement proves that such things are possible, and marked a memorable day in the club's history. David Mears was participating in the Annual Captain's Day and part of a four-ball team that included fellow Notleys Golf Club members Peter Watts, Martin Schacht, and Jim Jolly. The format for the day was a Texas Scramble, where each player hits a drive, and the best shot is selected for the next play. On the 503-yard par 5 first hole, Davids' drive was chosen, setting the stage for his moment of glory. He then stepped up to take the first of the four-second shots, and it was at this moment that his incredible journey to an Albatross began.
Reflecting on the achievement, David shared, "I was very happy with my drive, which ended up in the first cut of rough, not far short of the river. For my second shot, I used three-wood. We watched the ball pitch and bounce towards the raised green but couldn’t see where it finished. When we reached the green and couldn't see my ball, I assumed it had rolled through. However, Martin approached the hole and, in disbelief, exclaimed, ‘F***** hell!’ I couldn't believe the ball had gone in. It felt like a dream come true. Having my drive selected and then making that shot, especially on the captain’s day, was truly special."
The Notleys Golf Club
The Notleys Golf Club in Essex is in the best condition it has ever been, thanks to the tireless efforts of the dedicated greenkeepers. Known for its friendly atmosphere and the great people who make up its community, the Notleys offers an exceptional golfing experience. This 18-hole, 6,116-yard par 71 golf course is nestled in the tranquil valley of the River Brain. The layout provides magnificent views of the surrounding Essex countryside, along with many panoramic vistas of the course itself. The Notleys Golf Club presents a fair challenge to both experienced golfers and beginners alike, ensuring a warm welcome for all visitors. Visit www.notleysgolfclub.co.uk or call 01376 329 328 to discover more.
David’s Gear
David Mears thanks his father for introducing him to golf at an early age and attributes part of his astonishing Albatross to his trusted set of golf clubs. David uses a TaylorMade M1 Driver, which helped him achieve the remarkable drive on the first hole. For his second shot, David relied on his Wilson D200 3 Wood. His full set includes Wilson D200 3 and 5 Woods and Wilson D200 Irons ranging from a 4 iron to a Sand Wedge. On the greens, he counts
on the precision of his Odyssey White Hot Pro Putter. Completing his setup, Mears plays with Srixon D333 golf balls, known for their excellent combination of distance and control and uses a Garmin Approach S60 to establish distances. This well-rounded equipment selection has proven to be a winning formula for David, culminating in his extraordinary Albatross.
What is an Albatross in golf?
An Albatross in golf is an extremely rare achievement where a player completes a hole in three strokes under par. For example, on a par 5 hole, an Albatross is scored when the player takes only two shots to get the ball in the hole. It is also known as a double eagle. The odds of a golfer achieving an Albatross on a 503-yard par 5 hole are astronomical, making Davids' feat even more impressive. Statistically, the chances of making an Albatross are estimated to be around 1 in 6 million. Only a tiny fraction of golfers ever achieve this rare accomplishment, with less than 10% of all golfers ever recording an Albatross in their lifetime. This underscores the exceptional nature of Davids' shots, highlighting his golfing ability and a once-ina-lifetime moment of extraordinary luck that will be remembered for years to come.
COWDRAY OPENS ‘REIMAGINED’ PAR-3 COURSE AS FINAL
PHASE OF £1M IMPROVEMENT PLAN
New Academy Membership to encourage golf participation as part of elevated golf experiences available at Cowdray
Cowdray, a dynamic and progressive country Estate and destination in West Sussex, has cut the ribbon on its eagerly awaited new Par-3 Course, topping off a year of considerable investment into its golf experience.
Having undergone extensive planning, the re-imagined short course is a creation of five new USGA specification greens and greenside bunkers, each reflecting a similar green complex on the main course at Cowdray. In addition, a new short-game area has been delivered complete with new practice green and bunker.
Cowdray has taken the opportunity to create a new Academy Membership category for the Par-3 Course, which they hope will resonate with the local community and those keen to learn the game.
The membership includes unlimited play on the Par-3 Course, use of practice facilities, as well as preferential rates for the driving range and introductory golf lessons. Pricing starts at £300, with a visitor green fee costing from £10 for juniors.
The par-3 layout was inaugurated by the Cowdray greenkeeping team – led by course manager Jonathan Smith – who were the first to experience the course they have worked tirelessly to perfect.
Tim Allen, director of golf at Cowdray, said: “The new academy set-up has been in the planning for some time, so it’s a thrill to see it come to fruition and our members and guests enjoying the experience.
“Through this facility, Cowdray will continue its good work engaging with the local community and schools, becoming more inclusive and taking golf to a wider audience.”
The new Par-3 Course and practice facilities are the icing on a significant golf investment and improvement plan at Cowdray, which has seen Swan Golf Designs – led by William Swan – oversee a transformation of its 18-hole downland course.
The most notable changes are to the bunkering, with all having been reconstructed, reshaped and integrated into the downland landscape through the use of native grass borders. A new ninth tee has been constructed and new sensitive EcoPath recycled rubber pathways have been installed throughout.
Elsewhere, Swan Golf Designs created a new ‘heart of the course’ by restoring the famed double green for holes seven and 14, created a new seating area at the halfway hut and have overseen landscape management throughout the course.
In keeping with a venue within the South Downs National Park, the landscape management work included the introduction of more native grassland areas and the removal of non-indigenous species to highlight historic oaks and traditional downland specimens.
Commenting on the project, Swan said: “It is rare to have the chance to work with a client that matches our ambition for a project, working on a layout that owes much to the original work of Tom Simpson and all set in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. We have sought to modernise the course while restoring some of the strategy and flair that is synonymous with Simpson’s work.
“In collaboration with our friends at Cowdray and Simon Bolton of Profusion Environmental, we were able to reimagine the five-hole academy course that sits alongside the 18th, to create a unique and exciting new facility for members and visitors to enjoy.”
On the overall improvement plan coming to fruition, Allen added: “Our members and guests – young and old – can look forward to an elevated playing experience here. We are excited for the future and Cowdray’s new-found status as a must-play venue in the south of England.”
Rising stars crowned at major European Championship
Rising stars crowned at major European Championship Golf prodigies shine at Europe’s largest junior tournament GOLFING prodigies competing in Europe’s largest junior tournament, held in Scotland, have now been crowned champions. Seven of East Lothian's finest golf courses hosted the 15th annual U.S. Kids Golf European Championship, with 532 young athletes from 55 countries competing.
The tournament, widely regarded as a launchpad for future golf stars, witnessed outstanding performances, with winners hailing from various parts of the globe. This year's championship saw fierce competition among 16 age groups, ranging from 5 to 18 years old across both boys and girls. The event kicked off festivities with its annual Parent/Child event hosted at Winterfield Golf Club, followed by three days of competitive golf at five world-class courses.
The championship ended with the European Van Horn Cup, a team-based event, hosted for the first time at North BerwickChris Vonderkall, Vice President of Tournaments, said: “The East Lothian courses and the wider community have always been so welcoming and supportive, it’s been an absolute delight to come back this year.
“Our aim has always been to provide a platform for young golfers to experience competitive play in a supportive environment. It’s wonderful to see so many players returning year after year.
“We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to have access to such incredible courses in truly historic settings and this year we’ve seen some brilliant performances from the competing athletes.
“The performances we were lucky enough to see this year should be enough to get golf lovers excited for the future, there are some true superstars in the making here.”
Players taking part in the 2024 Championship competed at the following venues: Craigielaw Golf Club, Glen Golf Club, Longniddry Golf Club, Royal Musselburgh Golf Club, and Musselburgh Golf Club.
This year’s championship saw a pair of Scottish siblings place first in their respective divisions. Fraser and Stella Walters of Aberlady, Great Britain took home the coveted trophy in the Boys 13 and Girls 11 division, respectively.In the boys' division, the winners were Manyaveer Bhadoo from Chandigarh, India, in the 15-18 age category; Kodi Dean from London, Great Britain, in the 14-year-old category, Alexander Dunmall from Kent, Great Britain, in the 12-year-old category; Sebastian Duffield from Crowthorne, Great Britain, in the 11-year-old category (who also won last year); Victor Bernardini from Brussels, Belgium, in the 10-year-old category; Zachary Blayney from Hockley, Great Britain, in the 9-year-old category; Alexander Mitchell from Norwalk, United States, in the 8-year-old category; and Nihaal Cheema from Chandigarh, India, in the 7 and under category.
In the girls' division, the champions were Katrina Bulkovska from Ikskile, Latvia, in the 15-18 age category; Hazel Peters from Paia, United States, in the 14-year-old category; Ananyaa Sood from New Delhi, India, in the 13-year-old category; Sabrina Wong from Hong Kong in the 12-year-old category (who also won last year), Anna Ponghathaikul from Bangkok, Thailand, in the 10-year-old category; Soleil Lindholm from Toronto, Canada, in the 9-year-old category; and Jay Kang from Duluth, United States, in the 8 and under category.
Additionally, the Van Horn Cup Morrison Medal winners were awarded to the girls' and boys' teams with the lowest rounds. The boys' medal was awarded to Ethan Evans from the United States and Max Mieschke from Switzerland, while the girls' medal was awarded to Keelee Nogawa from the United States and Shania Valentina Breinholder from the Czech Republic.
Qualifying players from the 11-14 age groups were selected for the prestigious Van Horn Cup at North Berwick Golf Club. The U.S. Kids Golf Foundation, established in 1996, aims to foster a love for golf among children and encourage family interaction through the sport.
The Foundation runs over 2,200 events annually, including the renowned World Championship at Pinehurst. The European Championship not only showcases emerging talent but also supports local tourism, with significant participation from Scottish golfers, such as Freddie Bradley from Gullane and the Walters siblings from Aberlady. For more information on the event, please visit: U.S. Kids Golf European Championship
Niall Quinn wins £10k for Dillon Quirke Foundation
Former footballer Niall Quinn won £10,000 for the Dillon Quirke Foundation by taking the individual celebrity honours in the Luxe Scot Celebrity Pro-Am at Seapoint Golf Links, County Louth on Wednesday, ahead of the Legends Tour's OFX Irish Legends tournament this week
The former Republic of Ireland striker carded a round of 67 (nett 61) and 41 Stableford points, to take the honoursd by a single point ahead of former Irish Olympian John Treacy and two clear of exEngland rugby international Keith Wood.
Quinn had enjoyed a great day of golf, in the winning team also, led by former Masters champion Ian Woosnam, and was thrilled to have won the individual title too - not least for the impact it will have for a cause which he supports: "I've played a good bit of golf over the years and I've met a lot of great pros, but Ian Woosnam was just a superstar today - he carried us. He was behind everything we did.
"To find out that I won and that the Dillon Quirke Foundation gets £10,000 - that's just brilliant, makes it a brilliant day. Dillon Quirk was a very famous Tipperary hurler, he was only in his early twenties and was already about to be captain of the team, and he died of sudden adult death syndrome (SADS) on the pitch playing a hurling match.
"I knew his family very well. I knew Dylan and they didn't want to see any more young sportspeople, die from this. Sadly, so many have died from it in both Ireland and the UK, that they wanted to get something together. So to get all young people who are entering into sport checked for their hearts to see if there's any issues.
"It's done very, very well and it's on target to have tested 10,000 young sports kids by the end of this season. So it's something that's very close to me, Dillon was a brilliant player. If you look him up, he was a top player and taken away way too young, a simple test might have changed everything.
"The Quirke family have been great, saying they want to leave a legacy and see all sort of sportspeople and young people who are getting into sport make sure that their hearts are good.
"It's a wonderful charity to be a part of and I'm delighted I can go back to them now and tell them about this. This is this is just brilliant. Thank you."
Former Irish Olympian John Treacy, who won a silver medal in the marathon at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, claimed his second place with a score of 86 (nett 68) and 40 Stableford points, winning £7,500 for his nominated charity Concern Worldwide. Third place went to ex-Irish rugby international Keith Wood along with £2,500 for the W2 Foundation after a round of 75 (nett 69) and 39 Stableford points.
The professionals are in tournament action from tomorrow in Legends Tour's fifth event of the 2024 season, the OFX Irish Legends. Seapoint Golf Links sees Peter Baker return to defend the title he won here last year, while the field also includes Major champions: Ian Woosnam, Paul Lawrie, Michael Campbell and Angel Cabrera.
Tickets are available online at legendstour.com/ tickets
Niall Quinn in action at the Luxe Scot Pro-Am at Seapoint Golf Links.
Niall Quinn celebrates a birdie on the 18th hole which would ensure his victory in the Luxe Scot Pro-Am
John
and
the prize presentation ceremony after the Luxe Scot Pro-Am at Seapoint Golf Links
Treacy, Niall Quinn
Keith Wood at
Alan Findlater of Luxe Scot with the winning Pro-Am team of Ian Woosnam, Eimar McManus, Maeve McMahon and Niall Quinn, also joined by Legends Tour CEO Phil Harrison.
OFX Irish Legends - Ones to Watch
The players face a true links test this week on the Legends Tour in the OFX Irish Legends.
Seapoint Golf Links in County Louth, Ireland is a par 72 course nestled in Ireland’s Ancient East. Here we take a look at some of the players who may well be ones to watch this week over the three tournament rounds.
PETER BAKER
The defending champion, Peter Baker shot a course record 63 here in the second round last year, on his way to victory.
It was the start of a stellar season for the Englishman and he’s trying to build on the feelgood factor of returning to a venue where he’s already won.
“I've been looking forward to it for a while now, to come back to a lovely links course,
really happy to be here. Last year here was the beginning of a really good 12 months, so that gave me a lot of confidence. Having my wife Helen on the bag caddying was brilliant, and I'd always wanted to win in Ireland, so it ticked a lot of boxes.
"I’d not won for a couple of years, so I think it was something that just sort of relieved the pressure. I obviously played well and putted well in the second round. But I remember coming up the 18th and looked at the scoreboard and it had me one better than I thought it was. I was obviously in the zone or whatever you want to call that – so, then I had to check my card over because I actually thought I was one shot worse! It was a great round and it's something I really enjoyed.
"It just gives you a lift coming back to Ireland to play golf and it's just wonderful. I've been very fortunate to play all over Ireland and it's always the same wherever you go. The people are nice and very supportive really. They know their golf really well and it's always great to come back. We play some great courses and it’s something I look forward to every year.
"I have not too many opportunities to defend anything, so it's nice to defend here."
JAMES KINGSTON
James Kingston comes into this event off the back of a productive week at Hanbury Manor. The South African finished runner-up to Angel Cabrera in the Paul Lawrie Match Play presented by Petsure, but despite not taking away a victory he is pleased with how his game is shaping up, ahead of this return to a stroke play event: “If somebody said you're going to be in the final or just make it to Sunday, I would have been pleased.
"I gave myself the opportunity, although I probably let go of a few opportunities in the final, but very pleased overall. The more we play, the better we are. You know, after a four-and-a-half-month layoff, you've got to keep playing to get to a point where you feel like you've got back into the swing of things and get the rhythm back in a tournament.
"The more regularly you play, the easier it is to get your game back to the way you want it to be. Three weeks in a row does help fine tune the game.
"Ireland is one of those countries that has got so many hidden gems - and this is one of them. They've got some really good golf courses here and the typical Irish weather that sometimes goes with the links style of golf. You come here, you know what to expect, and the Irish golf fans are very knowledgeable.
"I remember the good crowds here last year and seeing them spurs you on a bit. I think they understand the game a lot better than fans in some other countries. When you come here, they appreciate golf, they appreciate tournament golf and to see it on a links golf course like this, makes it even better.
"Seapoint is one of those courses where a lot of holes play crosswind, if I remember correctly and that makes it tough to drive the ball well. You've got to keep the ball in play with crosswinds. It's always difficult to judge your iron shots, you know, judging the distance the ball's going to travel is a lot harder than if you play directly down or into the wind.
"I've always enjoyed links golf. I've played decent on links courses and it brings a bit of imagination into your golf. It's not just straightforward yardage golf where you hit it to a specific number. Punch shots, run it, keep it on the ground sometimes when you can."
PATRIK SJOLAND
Patrik Sjöland was the Legends Tour’s Rookie of the Year in 2023, where he won the Farmfoods European Senior Masters at La Manga and finished in a tie for 4th place at Seapoint in this event.
“It's always nice to come back to a course where I’ve had good rounds before. Last year here was the first tournament on the Legends Tour where I finished in the top ten – after that I played pretty well.
“I love links courses. I feel I can bring the most of my game on links courses where I can use my imagination and not just hit it from A to B. I love to play links golf, I always have. I really enjoyed playing the Dunhill Cup at St Andrew's and the Dunhill links and stuff like that.
"The Irish are very knowledgeable about golf, they come out with good crowds - the Irish people are so friendly, they appreciate when you hit a good shot.
"There are some tough holes at the beginning of this course. Three, four and five were playing straight into the wind, but from what I can see this year it's a total opposite wind, so those holes are going to be playing slightly easier, but then you will have a more difficult time coming in through 16, 17 and 18. It's going to be tough to reach the par 5 18th in two this year, but I think most of the holes were playing crosswind last year - that's more difficult, I think, than to play into the breeze.
"Playing into the breeze, the ball stops a lot quicker on the greens, which is the easiest way to play links courses. If you play downwind, you have to adjust and most of the times land short of the green, but the crosswind is always the tougher shot when it blows a lot."
"I've had success on links courses before and I love playing it, so hopefully I can finish a little bit higher this year!"
The Swede is also a past winner of the Irish Open on the DP World Tour, taking that title at Ballybunion in County Kerry in 2000.
Tickets and live scoring for the OFX Irish Legends are available at legendstour.com
QUARTET QUALIFY FOR OPEN AFTER TOUGH TEST AT DUNDONALD LINKS
Spectators were treated to dawnto-dusk drama at Dundonald Links as four players – including amateur Liam Nolan - claimed some of the last available spots at this month’s Open Championship.
Hosting Final Qualifying for the second consecutive year, Dundonald’s Kyle Phillips-designed course proved a stern test for the 72-strong field as they fought for just four tee times at Royal Troon.
Phillips’ modern links masterpiece was only made tougher by harsh weather conditions across parts of the day, with blustering winds and showers getting the better of many contenders throughout the 36-hole marathon.
Challenge Tour regular Sam Hutsby led the pack at the close of play with a score of eight under par, followed by amateur Nolan – who finished his university course just weeks ago. Spain’s Angel Hidalgo squeezed into the top three in dramatic fashion with a pitch-in eagle at the last before Ayrshire local Jack McDonald emerged victorious in a three-man playoff to claim the final spot well into the evening.
Among the 68 golfers bested by Dundonald’s layout were the likes of Robert Rock and Peter Uihlein, while 16-year-old amateur Kris Kim put in an impressive display to finish tied for a share of 18th place.
Ashley Pheasant, head of golf for Darwin Escapes, said: “With so much at stake, Open Championship Final Qualifying has become a real highlight of the calendar at Dundonald Links.
“It’s always a treat to see such highcalibre golfers fighting for a spot at one of the most prestigious tournaments in any sport and, as we saw today, Kyle Phillips’ course naturally lends itself to drama.
“We’d like to congratulate Sam, Angel, Liam and Jack and wish them all the best at Royal Troon in just a few weeks’ time.”
Elsewhere, former U.S. Open champion Justin Rose and three-time DP World Tour winner Sam Horsfield headlined the big names to progress through the three other qualifiers taking place across the country.
However, stars including Masters champion Sergio García, Branden Grace and Carlos Ortiz fell short at the other qualifying venues: Burnham and Berrow, Royal Cinque Ports and West Lancashire.
A staple of Ayrshire’s golf coast since 2003, Dundonald’s stature was bolstered significantly after its acquisition by Darwin Escapes in 2019. The club’s new modern clubhouse opened in 2021, featuring the acclaimed Canny Crow restaurant and whisky tasting room as well as a well-stocked pro shop and state-ofthe-art changing facilities.
A busy summer for Dundonald Links will continue with the hosting of the Women’s Scottish Open from August 15-18, with the event returning to the venue for the third year in a row.
Ascot Sports Clubs Unite For Summer Sports Extravaganza
A sports tournament organised by several Ascot clubs to celebrate the Olympic summer will swing into action as part of a collective effort to bring communities together.
Royal Ascot Golf Club has teamed up with neighbours Ascot United FC, Ascot Racecourse, and Royal Ascot Cricket Club to compete for the bragging rights of the best sports team locally.
Each team will host an eight-aside competition of their respective sport on club grounds with eight participants on each team. Residents will be invited to learn more about each venue and how they serve the community.
A tournament at Ascot United FC on Friday, August 2, will kick things off before teams play a one-day cricket tournament on August 14.
Focus will switch to the world-famous racecourse five days later with the staging of a traditional sports day in the absence of horsepower before a round of golf concludes the tournament on August 23.
The multi-sport tournament is the brainchild of the golf, football, and cricket clubs – who last year organised a pilot competition with a view to expanding its fixture base year-on-year.
Stephen Nicholson, general manager of Royal Ascot Golf Club, said: “Ascot is privileged to be home to several high-profile sports venues, which combined serve a key purpose to people on a local, national, and international scale.
“Our pilot multi-sport festival last year was a huge success and strengthened the existing ties we had with our neighbours. Following another successful staging of the Royal meeting, we’re pleased to add Ascot Racecourse to this year’s list of teams and invite other sports teams locally to get involved.
“This is our way of placing Royal Ascot Golf Club at the heart of its community and creating meaningful relationships with neighbours and residents. We’re looking forward to the football arm of the tournament – may the best club win!”
The golf tournament to round off this year’s competition follows a busy programme of events at Royal Ascot Golf Club, including its recent Club Championships and a PGA Legends Tour qualifier.
Jacqui Greet, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at Ascot Racecourse, said, "The sports tournament is a fantastic initiative that will strengthen our bonds with our sporting neighbours, their staff and members all while enjoying some healthy, competitive fun. I’d like to extend my sincerest thanks to Royal Ascot Golf Club for organising the event. We can’t wait to get started.”
Ascot sports teams interested in learning more about the multisport tournament are invited to contact Royal Ascot Golf Club
admin@royalascotgolfclub.co.uk.
A New Name For Popular Golfing Accommodation
The Dormy House at Woodsome Hall has a new name – ‘The Cottage on the Course at Woodsome’.
Opened in 2015, the accommodation, which can sleep up to 16 people in 8 ensuite rooms, has been a popular choice for hundreds of golfers enjoying the unique 16th Century Grade 1 Listed Clubhouse and highly-rated course in West Yorkshire.
Over the past couple of years Woodsome has seen an increase in demand from non-golfers looking for high quality accommodation in beautiful surroundings and, as General Manager Ryan O’Connor explains, that has prompted the re-brand.
“Golfers are generally familiar with the term ‘Dormy House’, but for many nongolfers it’s a description that they may not be familiar with. As an increasing amount of our business is now coming from online platforms such as booking. com, trivago and Expedia, we have decided to promote the facility using a name which we feel better reflects the uniqueness and quality of the accommodation."
Located just a short chip away from the seventh green and eighth tee, Cottage residents wake to tranquil surroundings and exceptional views.
Previous visitors have given the Cottage a big thumbs up with an impressive rating of 9.0 on booking. com and comments such as ‘Staff very friendly, lovely quiet location’, ‘The setting, surrounded by the greens and a pretty pond, was lovely’, ‘It was a very peaceful location with great views of beautiful countryside’ and ‘Loved this place and definitely returning’.
The Cottage is also a popular choice for guests attending the many events held at Woodsome Hall each year, including weddings and birthday celebrations.
To celebrate the launch of ‘The Cottage on the Course’, Woodsome Hall is offering a complimentary two-night stay for up to four people, with a free round of golf included if desired.
To enter the draw, just email cottage@ woodsome.co.uk with your name and contact number before August 31st 2024.
Full details of the cottage are available at www.woodsome.co.uk
SEED GOLF RAISES THE BAR WITH NEW ‘PRO TOUR’ BALL
Seed Golf, the burgeoning Irish golf ball manufacturer with global ambitions, is stepping up its game once more with the release of the next generation of its popular SD02 model.
A four-piece ‘tour’ grade design with a cast urethane cover, the third generation of the SD-02 Pro Tour range pushes the boundaries of ‘links’ performance thanks to improved overall distance, feel off the clubface and lower spin.
The ground-breaking new formula comprises a larger core, modified with the addition of metalloid additives (zinc oxide and tungsten) to fine-tune the ball's density and weight distribution, helping optimise the core's compression and launch characteristics, resulting in optimal ball flight with more speed and distance.
The new model is already receiving acclaim, with the SD-02 one of two Seed products to be named as the best new balls for 2024 in Golf Digest's prestigious Hot List. Just nine years after being founded, the accolade is recognition of Seed’s place alongside the biggest names in the golf ball industry.
One thing which has not changed is the price tag; as with all Seed products, the enhanced SD-02 offers premium Tourstandard performance for almost half the price of its competitors, with prices beginning at just £20/€25 per dozen.
The SD-02 series is characterised by a lower ball flight and wind-piercing trajectory when compared to the brand’s flagship SD-01 product, making it perfect for links golf in particular. The upgraded design now uses a newly formulated, larger core to optimise compression and launch – leading to faster and further-flying shots.
Dean Klatt, founder and CEO of Seed Golf, said: “The new SD-02 is possibly the best golf ball we’ve ever made.
“Seed designs and tests all of its products from our base at South East Technological University in Ireland, and I’m confident that what we’ve created is a significant improvement over the popular second-generation model.
“It is a particular point of pride for us that we’ve managed to launch this new and improved SD-02 without raising the price because it reinforces what we’ve been saying for years – Tourperformance golf balls golfers need not cost an arm and a leg for your everyday golfer.”
About the SD-02 3rd Gen
The SD-02 is often referred to as Seed’s ‘links ball’ due to the lower ball flight and piercing trajectory. It is a four-piece (Cast Urethane cover) ‘tour’ grade golf ball design.
The 3rd Generation SD-02 design sees Seed push the boundaries of what ‘links’ performance can be, by improving overall distance while still providing a strong, penetrating trajectory through the wind.
The SD-02 3rd Gen’s new formula comprises a larger core, modified with the addition of metalloid additives (zinc oxide and tungsten) to fine-tune the ball's density and weight distribution. This helps optimise the core's compression and launch characteristics, resulting in optimal ball flight with more speed and distance.
A new inner mantle layer has been made thinner and firmer and helps extend the graduation of firmness through the core & mantle while the thicker outer mantle/inner cover layer produces more elasticity and resilience to improve speed and responsiveness.
It also has one of the thinnest cast urethane covers in golf, providing a great soft feel off the clubface.
Founded in 2017, Seed Golf set out to make premium Tour-standard balls more affordable for the regular golfer and is now the largest direct-toconsumer golf ball brand in the Irish and UK markets. Their vast range of balls are available to buy through a subscription-based service, which can begin with a trial pack for just £20/€25, and are delivered to a total of 44 countries, and counting.
Along with SD-01 and SD-02, four other distinct golf balls and a range of colourways ensure there is a Seed ball for every golfer.
For more information about Seed Golf and to buy, click here.
