Golf Club - Northern Golfer
Transcription
Golf Club - Northern Golfer
FREE AT GOLF CLUBS IN THE NORTH EAST AND YORKSHIRE - ISSUE NORTHERN JUNE 2014 24 INSIDE 56 PAGES OF GOLF FACES, PLACES AND ACES www.northerngolfer.co.uk BY GEORGE. N I W ALL ROCKLIFFE H P MEMBEGRES26HI SEE PA WHITBURN’S 87-YEAR-OLD WINNER HEART TO HEART. CHUF PICTURE SPECIAL WHAT A STOREY. AMI IS COUNTY CHAMP AGAIN PLUS HALL OF FAME win FOURBALLS AT BEAMISH AND SLALEY, PLUS A CUSTOM FIT WEDGE SEE PAGE 50 Jessica is the youngest winner in history REVIEWED: EYEMOUTH GOLF CLUB • ROMANBY GOLF CLUB CUSTOM FITTING BY EXPERIENCED PGA PROFESSIONAL Flightscope and Golf Science Centre LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/philipsgolfdiscount FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @philipsgolfne OPENING TIMES: Mon 9am-6pm, Tue - Thurs 9pm - 7pm Fri-Sat 9am-6pm Sun 10am-4pm NEW WEBSITE, BUY NOW ONLINE SALE CONTINUES UNTIL JUNE 30TH NEW WEBSITE - BUY ONLINE - NEXT DAY DELIVERY WWW.PHILIPSGOLF.CO.UK TAYLORMADE RBZ HP IRONS FROM £349 UPTO 20% OFF PING APPAREL AND WATERPROOFS ADIDAS NEW SHOES IN STOCK TAYLORMADE CLEVELAND ADAMS CMB FORGED IRONS WERE £699 NOW £349 50% OFF TAYLORMADE BUY A SET OF 588 IRONS RECEIVE A MINIMUM TRADE IN OF £100 FREE LOFT & LIE CHECK WITH PGA PROFESSIONALS SLDR MINI DRIVER CROSSFLEX ONLY £39.00 ADIZERO SPORT £69.00 ADICROSS 111 £49.99 JETSPEED DRIVER CALLAWAY NOW £699 OFF NEW 2014 GOLF BALLS TAYLORMADE WERE £799 25% PUMA BUY TAYLORMADE CALLAWAY POWAKADDY APEX & APEX PRO NOW IN ONLY £179 + £175 FREE GOLF BALLS ALL SHOES AND APPAREL BUY JETSPEED IRONS RECEIVE A NEW SLDR S WOODS TAYLORMADE PROJECT A, CALLAWAY, NIKE, SRIXON, WILSON, TITLESIST ETC NOW IN STOCK ELECTRIC TROLLEYS RECEIVE FREE WEDGE FREE TAYLORMADE GOLF BAG BUY X2 HOT DRIVER RECEIVE FREE MATCHING X2 HOT HYBRID COBRA PING TAYLORMADE TITLEIST FROM £375 £289 + FREE GOLF BALLS BUY A 7 PIECE AP2 OR AP1 SET RECEIVE FREE SM5 VOKEY WEDGE RE-GRIPPING GOLF BAGS TITLEIST ADIDAS FROM £20 FROM £59.99 7 CALLAWAY X2 HOT IRONS BUY BIO CELL DRIVER AND RECEIVE A FREE CAP FREE FITTING FULL SET G25 IRONS CART & CARRY 14 WAY DIVIDER MOTOCADDY MIZUNO FROM £295 +FREE SERVICE £229 + ELECTRIC TROLLEYS Authorised Powakaddy Repair Centre ALL STYLES OF POWAKADDY IN STOCK JPX EZ DRIVER FREE HYBRID Authorised Hill Billy Stockists & Repair Centre FROM £295 +FREE SERVICE SLDR DRIVER SM5 WEDGES LOWEST PRICE NIKE COVER 2.0 DRIVER BUY COVERT DRIVER AND RECEIVE FREE BALLS Authorised Stockist. NOW IN STOCK NEW APPAREL AND WATERPROOFS NOW IN STOCK UPTO 30% GALVIN GREEN AND WATERPROOFS OFF APPAREL NEW DELAVAL, BLYTH, NORTHUMBERLAND NE24 4DB 01670 540110 CUSTOM FITTING BY EXPERIENCED PGA PROFESSIONAL Golf Discount Unit 3 Strand Business Centre, Locomotion Way, Camperdown Industrial Estate, Killingworth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE12 5UJ TELEPHONE 0191 2680008 email: phil@philipsgolf.co.uk golfer NOR THERN EDITOR Paul Robertson editor@northerngolfer.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS Alan Hedley 07570 797 566 ahedley@northerngolfer.co.uk Paul Corney 07521 389 536 pcorney@northerngolfer.co.uk Dean Bailey 07792 608 162 dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk Neil Whinham (Whitburn) 0191 529 2144 ADVERTISING MANAGER Gillian Corney 01661 844 115 07903 500 401 gillian@offstonepublishing.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY Peter Skelton www.photo-psp.co.uk ADVERTISING 01661 844 115 Follow us @negolfer Like us /northerngolferuk Published by: Publishers: Jane Pikett & Gary Ramsay Address: Offstone Publishing Unit 1, Bearl Farm, Stocksfield Northumberland, NE43 7AL Tel: 01661 844 115 E: enquiries@offstonepublishing.co.uk Twitter: @offstonepublish Facebook: /offstonepublishing EDITOR’S NOTE AND CONTENTS It doesn’t matter what age you are - you’re never too young or old for golf. Our cover girl Jessica Hall is proof of that - having achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the youngest-ever winner of the Durham County Championship at 15. Meanwhile, page five features George Bryson who finds himself on the honours board for the first time at the age of 87 - to name just two of the many winners highlighted in these pages. Then we have the equally remarkable tales of holes-in-one, Martin McCririck acing a par four at South Shields while there were three in the same day at Kirkbymoorside followed by another the next day. We love to feature the characters who tee off on our wonderful courses every week so don’t forget to send us your news. Speaking of wonderful courses, we have a superb competition to win full membership at Rockliffe Hall on page 26, and we bring you the latest on the English Senior Open to be held there on August Bank Holiday weekend (August 22-24). We also look back on the EuroPro Tour event at Longhirst, a course which was superbly prepared despite quite appalling weather during the tournament, and look forward to the Brabazon Trophy at Seaton Carew in June. Celebrities were out in force to support the Have a Heart golf day at Close House, see if you can spot some of them on page 12, and there is still a chance to enter our first charity golf day at the same venue. Details can be found in From the Bunker on page 54...go on we know you want to. If you’re thinking of travelling up to Gleneagles for the Ryder Cup then we have some thoughts on where to go. While we’re on tips, if you’re struggling with the putter turn to page 48 for some help from Neil Whinham. Hopefully, next month we’ll be reporting on a great US Open for Graeme Storm and Matt Fitzpatrick - his last as an amateur - along with news from golf across the North East and Yorkshire. And who knows, perhaps there will be a football World Cup final to celebrate - stranger things have happened. Until next month, may your handicaps get ever lower. Paul Robertson, editor editor@northerngolfer.co.uk ©Offstone Publishing 2014. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. All information contained in this magazine is as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Offstone Publishing cannot accept responsibility for errors of inaccuracies in such information. If you submit unsolicited material to us, you automatically grant Offstone Publishing a licence to publish your submission in whole or in part in all editions of the magazine. All material is sent at your own risk and although every care is taken, neither Offstone Publishing nor it’s employees, agents or subcontractors shall be held liable resulting for loss or damage. Offstone Publishing endeavors to respect the intellectual property of owners of copyrighted material reproduced herein. If you identify yourself as the copyright holder of material we have wrongly attributed, please contact the office. Offstone Publishing do not guarantee the insertion of any particular advertisement on a specified date or at all. 12-13 HAVE A HEART Celebrities flock to Close House for CHUF golf day 27-37 GOLFER NEWS News from Ramside’s new Cathedral course, Slaley Hall to host HowDidIDo final, plus Graeme Storm’s column 38 MATCHPLAY PAIRS Round two draw 39 PRO-FILE Tynedale’s Martin Forster 42-43 EUROPRO TOUR A look back at a wet week at Longhirst Golf Club Travelling to Gleneagles? Here’s our pick of where to stop on the way there 54 FROM THE BUNKER Jessica Hall, the youngest-ever Durham county champion Readers’ news and pictures win Pages 28-30 18 EYEMOUTH GOLF CLUB The latest amateur and pro golf news, including the Northumberland men’s strokeplay championship and ladies’ county championship 46-47 RYDER CUP FRONT COVER When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it 04-25 TEEING OFF 40 ROMANBY GOLF CLUB MEMBERSHIP AT ROCKLIFFE HALL PAGE 26 NORTHERN GOLFER 03 TEEINGOFF Open at Magdalene Magdalene Fields Golf Club is holding the Paul Henry Open on Saturday August 2. The competition is held in honour of second engineer officer Henry, who lost his life on June 8 1982 while serving aboard the ship Sir Galahad in the Falklands war. Henry was presented with a posthumous George Medal in recognition of his bravery – having saved the life of a fellow officer when the ship was attacked in Port Pleasant, killing 48 soldiers and crewman. The strokeplay event has a maximum handicap-limit of 18, all entrants must have an active CONGU handicap, and the entry fee is £9 - £2 of which will be donated to The Help for Heroes Charity. This year’s event is sponsored by Alan Brothers of Berwick. For more information, tel 01289 306 130 Date for county girls captain Samantha Malone, this year’s Northumberland Girls captain will host her Captain’s Day at Gosforth Golf Club on Friday July 25. Teams for the event, a fourperson texas scramble, are £80 (Gosforth GC members £40) and all money raised will go to the Northumberland County Girls. For more information, or to enter a team contact Bryan Malone, tel 07846 598 714 04 NORTHERN GOLFER Laura Morrison Laura passes her test GCSE student’s brilliant win after swapping the stress of her exams for a stern examination of her golf T eenager Laura Morrison dashed from the exam room to the golf course and won her way into England Golf ’s Grand Medal Final. Laura sat her GCSE Business Studies exam before rushing from Leeds to Houghton in County Durham where she won the North Region Medal Final with a nett score of 68. The 16-year-old led 10 qualifiers for the Grand Medal Final at Peterborough and they are Laura Morrison of Garforth; Anne Moyle of Hexham; Louisa Brunt of Ashton-underLyne; Jennifer Langrish of Stocksfield; Roanne Tomlinson of Haydock Park; Pauline Bramley of Hallamshire; Sarah Chapman of Wath; Mary Kay of Thirsk and Northallerton; Natasha Martin of Beamish Park; and Neeve Fisher of Hebden Bridge. All of the regional finalists had returned the best four scores at their club in the England Golf Medals during 2013. Laura, who won the event on countback, said: “It was great, I’m a little bit in shock! My aim was to qualify, to win it is just amazing.” The five-handicapper put together a gross score of level par 73 and added: “I was pretty steady throughout the round and then holed a par putt on the last of about eight or nine feet, which was crucial.” Laura started playing golf when she was eight and has represented both the Yorkshire girls and Yorkshire ladies second team. Last season she cut her handicap from eight to five and this year she has set herself a target to get down to three. TEEINGOFF By George he’s finally done it Whitburn’s 87-year-old George Bryson gets his name on the honours board at long last G eorge Bryson is celebrating his first club trophy win after 45 years as a member of Whitburn Golf Club. George posted a score less than his age to win the Neptune Trophy, one of the club’s oldest competitions, and after finishing runner-up around 10 times, he’s finally got his name on the honours board. Mind you, 87-year-old George wasn’t taking anything for granted when he came in with a score of 81.That meant a nett score of 63 off his handicap of 18 and come the end of the day, he’d won by one shot. “I’d been second something like nine or 10 times,” said George. “I always seem to get pipped by one shot and while I have won a couple of seniors section events, this is my first club trophy and it’s great to have finally won something. “I just had one of those rounds every golfer dreams about. I didn’t actually hit many greens but I chipped and putted like a demon, my putter was red-hot.” George’s reward was the Neptune Trophy and a place in the England Golf Gold Medal Qualifier at Durham City in July and, of course, a new handicap of 16. George Bryson Magnificent Golf, Exceptional Service. • 2 clubs 1 fee - dual club membership for all our members (Eaglescliffe Golf Club) • New to golf ? - free taster sessions now available • Ready for the game?- try our stag card £99 • Junior membership - starting from £30 per year • Got the golf bug? our innovative “pathway to golf ” is tailored for you... 12month tuition,course access, members benefits & more!! Academy membership only £350 per year • Membership - our James Braid,designed course will test golfers of all abilities from £400 • Niblicks #1 rated restaurant - check out our trip advisor!! • Pro shop - pop in for the best deals on all the latest equipment,clothing & footwear Bring along this advert & receive a free gift from our well stocked pro shop! Arcot Hall G.C. you won’t be disappointed!! For details of all of our offers visit our website www.arcothall.co.uk or contact Brian via email at arcothall@tiscali.co.uk or call on 0191 2362794 Arcot Hall Golf Club, Dudley, Cramlington, Northumberland, NE23 7QP Follow us on twitter @ArcotHallGC NORTHERN GOLFER 05 TEEINGOFF Bell victory Graeme Bell Graeme Bell birdied the last two holes at Formby Hall to share the spoils with Jon Bevan on the final day of the inaugural England’s Golf Coast Pro-am. The Eaglescliffe man posted 72 in the first round at Royal Birkdale then repeated the score in the next at Formby to trail overnight leader Gareth Jones by two strokes. But the Sandiway professional signed off with an 81 to fall out of contention as Bevan, from Rhos on Sea, leapfrogged up the field to hand in a joint best-of-tournament three-under-par 69, which featured five birdies. He and Bell were the only players to finish in the red on minus-one overall, and three ahead of the chasing group. Windermere’s Simon Edwards and Disley assistant Scot Jackson tied-third. LEADING SCORES: 215 Jon Bevan (Rhos on Sea) 75 71 69; Graeme Bell (Eaglescliffe) 72 72 71; 219 Simon Edwards (Windermere) 75 72 72 John Harrison at the bar after his hole-in-one Martin McCririck Aces in the pack Durham golfer aces par four while York club sees three holes-in-one on the same day, then another the next D ouble Durham County champion Martin McCririck collected a spectacular hole-in-one at his home club South Shields. The 25-year-old winner of the Durham County strokeplay and matchplay championships, holed his tee shot at the Cleadon club’s 281-yard par four 15th. It was his third ace, but his first on a par four which is a pretty rare event. “It was a very nice feeling,” he said, “and it’s up there with the best moments I have had in golf as they are quite rare. “I knew I could reach the green but you never expect a hole-in-one and I didn’t really know until I got there that it had gone in.” Martin’s ace came in stormy weather and in a North Durham League match against Beamish, setting him on course to victory on the 18th - helping Shields win the match. Menawhile, York club Kirkbymoorside had a spectacular Bank Holiday tournament with three holes-in-one on the day. And just for good measure, former club president John Harrison added a fourth ace the following day. Martin Foster got the ball rolling with a hole -in-one on the 138-yard first hole and he was followed by Graham Dunn acing the 160-yard sixth. The day was brought to an end with Eddie Spittlehouse holing out at 179-yard 15th. All three win a Hugo Boss watch as part of the national HowDidIDo competition. The next day former president John Harrison repeated Graham’s success by acing the sixth. Unfortunately, John won’t be getting a watch as he was playing a friendly game and not an official club competition. Clubhouse manager Richard Carr said: “I’ve been here for about 18 years and have only ever seen or heard of three holes-in-one on the same day once before and that was a lot of years ago.” The KP, Pocklington, York Home of the Sky Sports televised William Hunt Trilby Tour tournament 2010, 2011 and 2012 Winter/Spring Play and stay SpeciaL Our luxury woodland lodges are set in 180 acres in the heart of the Yorkshire Wolds, with contemporary interiors, private outdoor hot tubs and amazing views. ONE NIGHT GOLF ESCAPE From £85* per person 1 Night Stay, 2 Rounds of Golf, 3 Course Dinner, Full Yorkshire Breakfast TWO NIGHT GOLF ESCAPE From £170* per person 2 Night Stay, 3 Rounds of Golf, 3 course dinner each evening, Full Yorkshire Breakfast Upgrade to our luxurious Huxtable Suite which offers a combination of elegance, style and pure indulgence with its super king size four poster bed and exclusive use of the cedar clad hot tub Tel: 01759 303090 • email: golf@thekp.co.uk • web: www.thekp.co.uk • twitter: @kpgolfclub *Rates are pppn, based on double occupancy, inclusive of WiFi and VAT at the current rate 06 NORTHERN GOLFER TEEINGOFF Richard Aisbitt with caddy John Hutchinson Rich rewards Aisbitt takes the county title by six shots A rguably one of the best golfers of his generation, Richard Aisbitt collected only his second Durham County Championship crown by an impressive six-shot margin at Eaglescliffe Golf Club in May. Work commitments and a persistent back problem have restricted the 40-year-old Brancepeth golfer’s appearances to just five over the last 20 years. It’s been 11 years since he first won at South Moor and he was at his best at Eaglescliffe to post a five-under 283 when no other player finished below par at the end of 72 holes. “I realised on the first day’s play that you just had to keep it on the fairway,” said Aisbitt. “The rough was ferocious and I played it more safely than I would normally and it paid off. “It might have looked comfortable in the end but the first round did not go quite according plan. I was two under with three to play but finished bogey, triple bogey and bogey. “I played really solidly from there on in, even when the rain intervened for a bit on the Sunday and my caddie, John Hutchinson, who has been with me for 20 years or so, was worth two or three shots to me. He is brilliant and on days like we had on Sunday, he’s there drying my clubs, getting out the waterproofs and he’s invaluable.” Asibitt’s first round 75 was followed by 71 before an impressive 68 and 69 on the Sunday. Whickham’s James Simpson did finish under par on his 36 holes on Sunday to finish second and there was quite an impressive showing from 14-year-old James Wilson (Tyneside Golf Club). Since being re-instated as an amateur in 2001, after realising a club pro’s life was not for him, Aisbitt reckons he has played some of his best golf over the last three or four years – he won the Journal Champion of Champions last year - and he puts a lot of that down to work he has been doing with David Fletcher his club pro. Richard added “It’s just wear and tear with my back. I have been to see a specialist, I’ve had the MRI scan and the painkillers. “Apparently when I was younger my bones didn’t grow properly, so I just have to put up with it or have a big operation. It’s not too bad at the minute, so I’m just getting on with it.” C E N T U R I O N P A R K GREEN FEES Monday-Friday - £15 round Weekends - £18 round Monday - Sunday 4 Ball £50.00 Twilight - after 4pm £10 round Book online - www.centurionpark.com SOCIETIES Great choice of packages available including weekends Telephone the Pro Shop on 0191 2624231 DRIVING RANGE 50 balls £3.00 - 100 balls £5.00 Discount cards available save £££’s MEMBERSHIPS Available telephone the Secretary on 0191 2621973 After your round relax and enjoy a drink in Happy Gilmores (Live sport shown) Rheydt Avenue, Wallsend, NE28 8SU www.centurionpark.com BEAMISH PARK GOLF CLUB Providing Golfing Excellence for over 100 Years “Be Challenged and Enjoy the Experience” Awesome Driving Experience Visitors & Societies always welcome Green fees from £15.00 Twilight Membeship (from 4pm) 1t June - 31st Sept £240 For further details telephone the Professional Chris Cole on 0191 370 1984 Stanley, County Durham, DH9 ORH Email: beamishgolf@btconnect.com • www.beamishgolf.co.uk NORTHERN GOLFER 07 TEEINGOFF Storey of a champion Ami continues her fine form with victory in the Northumberland Ladies County Championship C lose House’s Ami Storey picked up the Northumberland Ladies’ County Golf Association (NLCGA) Championship for the fourth time at Alnmouth Golf Club, after beating Gosforth Sarah Philips in the final in May. Ami, 25, was the leading qualifier following rounds of two and three-under-par in the 36-hole strokeplay event. She then beat Tynemouth’s Rebecca Ferguson 2up in the quarter-final; before beating Gosforth Park Ladies’ Nicola Haynes 6&4 in the semi-final. In the final Ami beat Sarah 4&3. Ami, who also won the championship in 2006, 2007 and 2011 said, “I had quite a good week considering the fact I hadn’t really practiced a lot beforehand, and had just got some new golf clubs as well. I just went out and played instead of thinking too much about it and over-analysing everything. “I haven’t won the championship bowl for a little while now, so it was nice to win again. Everything was really solid all week, and everything I’ve worked on with my coach John Harrison at Matfen seems to have worked really well under pressure.” Ami continued her strong start to the season, having already won the British Universities Championship earlier this year. “Winning the British Ami Storey receives her trophy from county captain Mayrs Howie Universities meant I qualified to play in the team at the World Student Games in Switzerland; I’m really looking forward to playing in that event for the first time. “I get back on the Sunday night and then County Match Week starts on the Monday so I’ll be going straight into that. I’ll not play much more this summer because the biggest events are on the South coast.” Ami is currently in the first year of a three-year PhD contract with Northumbria University and hasn’t made a definite decision on her future after that. “I enjoy my golf, but I’ve seen too many people try and it not work out. I want to get through my education first; after that I may give it a go but I see my career being in education.” OUT DRIVE THE COMPETITION THE STUNNING XC60 £299 FROM PER MONTH CREDIT EXAMPLE Mill Price Deposit Manufacturer Deposit Contribution Amount of Credit Total Charge for Credit Interest Rate (Fixed) 48 months at 1 Final Payment (Guaranteed Future Value) Total Amount Payable Duration Annual Mileage APR Representative VOLVO XC60 DIESEL ESTATE D4 R DESIGN 5DR AWD £27,958.00 £3,499.00 £750.00 £23,709.00 £4,435.52 3.04% £298.99 £13,793.00 £32,393.52 49 Months 6,000 miles 5.9% VOLVO CARS NORTH EAST Mill Newcastle Mill Sunderland Mill Stockton Mill Harrogate Scotswood Road, Newcastle NE15 6BZ Wessington Way, Sunderland SR5 3HR Preston Farm Business Park, Stockton TS18 3SG St James Retail Park, Knaresborough HG5 8PY @millvolvo millvolvo 08 NORTHERN GOLFER www.millvolvo.co.uk Tel: 0800 612 4715 The price is based on a XC60 DIESEL ESTATE D4 R DESIGN 5dr AWD Model Year 14. FUEL CONSUMPTION IN MPG (L/100km) Urban 47.1/6.0 Extra Urban 57.7/4.9 Combined 53.3/5.3 Emissions 139g/km. Finance subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. Personal Contract Purchase based on customer deposit of £3,499.00, followed by 48 monthly payments of £298.99. Annual mileage of 6,000 miles, excessive mileage cost of 14.9p (+ VAT) per mile for the first 5,000 miles applies and twice that rate thereafter. Applicant must be 18 or over. Guarantees/indemnities may be required. At the end of the Personal Contract Purchase there are three options: (1) Part exchange the vehicle, where equity is available (2) Pay the GFV (Guaranteed Future Value) to own the vehicle or (3) Return the vehicle. Further charges may be made subject to the condition of the vehicle. Santander Consumer (UK) plc T/A Volvo Car Credit RH1 1SR. Car featured for illustration purposes only. Ends 30/6/2014. TEEINGOFF Raining champ NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP Thomas Rowland (Prudhoe) 74, 68, 70, 69 – 281 Prudhoe’s Rowland paddles to victory at Morpeth with remarkable scoring I t takes a particular mental approach to play good golf in tough conditions, but it takes an incredible effort to record a three under-par 68 in torrential rain, in the second round of a two-day 72-hole county event. Thomas Rowland, 21, from Prudhoe Golf Club did just that on his way to a one-shot victory in the Northumberland County Strokeplay Championship at Morpeth. Thomas, who is studying at the University of North Carolina in the US, returned to the North East in style, beating Hexham’s Matty Lamb with a four round total of 281 having put together rounds of 74, 68, 70, 69. Thomas said: “I was confident going into the event. I’d just played in the Brabazon Trophy qualifier the week before down in Manchester; I shot a 66 down there so I had a bit of momentum. I played really solid the first three rounds. I shot 74 in the first round but a seven Matty Lamb (Hexham) 69, 75, 69, 69 – 282 Thomas Rowland on the 16th caused that; I was level par with four to play and just let that round go late on. “It was pouring with rain throughout the second round on Saturday. That was probably the toughest conditions we played in all weekend so I was happy to shoot my best score in the worst conditions.” Thomas’ second round 68 gave him the overnight lead but he gave that back early on Sunday, “I started with a double bogey and lost my lead,” he explained. “I kept my head and played the next 17 holes in three under-par. “In the final round I was three underpar through nine and then it was a bit of a matchplay situation on the back nine with Matty. It was close all the way.” Following his win, Thomas will be competing in this summer’s biggest amateur events including the British Amateur, English Amateur and European Individual Championship. Andrew Minnikin (The Northumberland) 73, 73, 69, 68 – 283 Jack Hermeston (City of Newcastle) 71, 75, 67, 74 – 287 Brad Robinson (Westerhope) 71, 73, 74, 71 – 289 Sandy Twynholm (Morpeth) 72, 76, 71, 71 – 290 Neil Graham (Newcastle United) 74, 74, 70, 73 – 291 Sean Heads (Hexham) 72, 74, 71, 74 – 291 Simon Lee (Newcastle United) 71, 77, 76, 68 – 292 P, Graham (Morpeth) 73, 73, 71, 76 – 293 Play Two Championship Golf Courses £75.41 Membership for only Risk & Reward Per month Golf at its Best The Cathedral Course UK’s only new course opening this summer Number 1 on For more information please call 0191 386 9514 or visit www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk NORTHERN GOLFER 09 TEEINGOFF First Class support US Open champion Rose’s letter recalls his memories of Seaton Carew, which hosts the Brabazon Trophy J ustin Rose is backing Seaton Carew to provide the perfect venue for the Brabazon Trophy this month. The US Open Champion has fond - although not winning - memories of Seaton which is hosting some of the world’s best amateur golfers when the English Strokeplay Championship returns to the Hartlepool course after a long absence. 10 NORTHERN GOLFER The club received a letter from Rose, who finished runner-up there to Graeme Storm in the 1996 Carris Trophy, in which he said: “There is no doubt that competitors and visitors alike will all receive a warm welcome to the links as I did in 1996. I have fond memories of those days when competing for the English Boys Championship, the Carris Trophy, on one of the few remaining classic links Seaton Carew Justin Rose courses. It’s great to see it, once again, playing host to the Brabazon Trophy, which is one of the top tournaments in amateur golf and a marvellous showcase for up and coming talent. “How fitting to see the Brabazon Trophy played over the course of the same name. I am sure it will provide an excellent challenge - whichever way the wind blows - as well as a wonderful opportunity for golf fans to watch some of the top stars of tomorrow in action.” June 25-28 will be the second time The Brabazon has come to Seaton Carew. In 1985 Darlington golfer Roger Roper, now playing in Seniors Tour events and representing Rockliffe, shared top spot with Peter Baker, who went on to play in the Ryder Cup. There is a top quality field including England’s Paul Howard; this year’s South American Open Champion Joshua Munn; the New Zealand Amateur Champion Jamie Savage; the Irish Amateur Open Champion and defending champion Jordan Smith (England). The overseas entry is really strong on quality and includes Thriston Lawrence, South African Amateur champion for the past two years. TEEINGOFF TIM JENKINS GOLF CLEVELAND GOLF CLUB CASTLE EDEN GOLF CLUB Majuba Road, Redcar, TS10 5BJ 01642 498772 Castle Eden, Hartlepool, TS27 4SS 01429 836689 THE BIG SALE 30 DAY SALE JUNE 1ST-JUNE 30TH We are having our biggest sale ever!! Massive discounts offered on our entire stock Our price promise, guarantees not just to match a price but to beat it. Free custom fittings using Flight Scope technology. P.G.A. Professionals able to offer advice on finding the right equipment for you and your game. Member of Euro Select buying group - offering a better deal everytime. UP TO 45% OFF GOLF BAGS IN STOCK MIZUNO, PING, CALLAWAY, TAYLORMADE, OGIO, SUN MOUNTAIN, WILSON STAFF, COBRA, CLEVELAND GOLF, PLUS MORE Ladies apparel from AUR, Ping, Adidas Nike, Sunice and Glenmuir. Great choice all reduced in our Big Sale THE BIG SALE ON SHOES MASSIVE SAVINGS ON ALL NIKE SHOES IN STOCK Heritage waterproof leather were £39.99 now £24.99 Lunar Saddle were £66.99 now £39.99 Tour Premier were £120 now £60 PLUS MANY MORE STYLES GREATLY REDUCED Ashworth Cardiff shoes as worn by Justin Rose rrp £79.99 our price £39.99 £36 DRYJOY TOUR FJ SPORT OUR PRICE £74.99 OUR PRICE £79.99 MENS & LADIES AQL RRP £64.95 WATERPROOF LEATHER SHOES OUR PRICE (WHITE ONLY) Chris Wall from Middlesbrough Wall falls in Dubai Middlesbrough golfer finishes runner-up after battle in the Middle East C hris Wall just missed out in the final of the Golf Care Matchplay Championship in Dubai. The Middlesbrough golfer had to settle for the runners-up spot at the Els Club with a total of 110 points from three rounds. The winner was Tom Muldoon from Cabra Castle in Ireland with a score of 118. Chris said, “I’m a bit disappointed but fair play to the winner, he held it together and he played well. “I was probably trying too hard to catch him and beat him. I knew I had to post a good front nine but it wasn’t working out, so in the back nine I just relaxed and enjoyed the game. “I’ve been told that because the men’s singles winner is Irish it makes me the best men’s singles amateur golfer in England! It makes being the runner-up a lot easier!” RRP £114 RRP £125 PUMA FAAS LITE Super light and comfortable, grooved sole, increased ground traction RRP £79.99 ONLY £49.99 NOW IS THE TIME TO TRADE YOUR OLD SET OF IRONS IN FOR A NEW SET OF CUSTOM FIT IRONS We have some massive reductions on all our leading brands of clubs ie MIZUNO(great deals on EZ irons) PING (New Karsten irons, very long) CALLAWAY (free bag or wedge with X2 Hot irons)ADAMS (No 1 hybrid on all US Tours) COBRA (Bio Cell adjustable drivers) YONEX (best selling ladies brand, much longer) Plus no one beats us on price & custom fitting is FREE New Taylor Made S-class Driver in store Now Smaller, but still a deep face, generating regulation limit speeds with a large hitting area. Tim Jenkins explains, the shorter shaft length means more control and more accuracy. Storm back to US Open Northern Golfer columnist Graeme Storm qualified for June’s US Open at Pinehurst at Walton Heath in May. Storm recorded rounds of 68 and 71 on the New and Old courses in Surrey to finish in a share of fifth. Read Graeme’s column on page 37 SLDR 460 cc 45 1/2” SLDR mini driver 230 cc 43 1/2” 12 degree, 14 degree & 16 degree loft gives you access to a higher launch the fast ball speed and low speed benefits. SLDR fairway 160 cc 43 1/2” Tim Jenkins Exclusive Offer Bring This Voucher in store during our Sale and receive £30 OFF Any of the new S -Class TaylorMade Driver We will custom fit the Driver Free of Charge so the shaft and loft fits your game Sign up to our new responsive website find out first about our special offers, www.timjenkinsgolf.co.uk please call in to see us or call 01642 498772 Cleveland G.C. or 01429 836689 Castle Eden G.C NORTHERN GOLFER 11 TEEINGOFF CLOSER TO THE HEART 1 2 3 12 NORTHERN GOLFER 4 6 5 TEEINGOFF ANT AND DEC HEADLINE CLOSE HOUSE CHARITY DAY TO HELP RAISE £200,000 FOR CHILDREN’S HEART UNIT FUND 1. Ant, Amy Lancaster (secretary of Richmond GC) and Dec 2. Dan Walker 3. Alan Shearer 4. Clare Balding 5. Anton Du Beke 6. Lee Westood and Jeremy Kyle C lose House owner and leading North East businessman and philanthropist Graham Wylie welcomed celebrities and sports people from around the country to Close House for the annual Have a Heart charity golf day in aid of the Children’s Heart Unit at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle in May. CHUF patrons Ant and Dec joined Wylie, fresh from picking up two BAFTAs the night before for their show Saturday Night Takeaway, and Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer on Monday May 19. Dec said: “The children’s heart unit is so important. We have been down to the unit a couple of times and they do such brilliant, important work. They are so inspirational and the doctors and all the staff do a great job at keeping all the kids’ spirits up.” Ant added: “It is not just the people from the North East who use the unit, it is people from all across Europe. We have got to keep supporting the unit and keep it here. We are very proud of the work that it does in the region.” More than 50 celebrities including Clare Balding, Jeremy Kyle and Brian Lara attended the golf day, which included the chance to win $1m for a holein-one at the par three ninth, and was followed by a fundraising dinner at the Marriot Hotel, Gosforth Park. Alan Shearer, who also attended, said: “This event gets bigger and bigger every year. There are 52 celebrities here today, which tells you how close people feel to the charity. Just trying to get one celebrity on one day is hard enough but to get this many on one day tells you what the people feel about the charity.” The golf day has become a landmark in the North East golf calendar since it was set up by Wylie, whose daughter Kiera underwent treatment at the unit after she was born with a rare heart defect in December 2009. Wylie said: “Everyone has had a great time and they have enjoyed the day. It is something I want to do as my daughter’s life was saved by the unit.” The money raised at this year’s event will benefit CHUF, and the building of a new multi-million pound parents’ accommodation block. LUB RYTON GOLF yC ne & Wear T Membership Introductory Offer* 1st July - 31st March 2015 ONLY £315.00!! (20 available) *NEW MEMBERS ONLY Tee Sponsorship Available ONLY £400! Includes company advert plus you receive 20 x 4 Ball vouchers (worth £1200) ALL INCLUSIVE Golf Society Special Bacon Roll & Coffee, Golf followed by Carvery Meal, Pudding & Unlimited Drinks ONLY £32.00 pp midweek Booking Line: 0191 4133253 or email: secretary@rytongolfclub.co.uk www.rytongolfclub.co.uk Alnmouth Golf Club, Foxton Hall Northumberland’s Hidden Gem LAST MINUTE GOLF BREAK OFFER 25% OFF JULY & AUGUST BOOKINGS Prices from £69, DBB & 2 Rounds of golf Quote: NGOLF Dormy House Golf Breaks 2014 English Tourism 3 Star Accommodation Dinner, Bed and Breakfast with 2 Rounds of Golf FROM £82 PER PERSON 2 Night Break with 3 Rounds of Golf from a choice of Northumberland Golf Courses FROM £195 per person GREAT VALUE – BOOK NOW VISITORS WELCOME THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER GREEN FEES £15 AFTER 3pm • BOOK ONLINE Alnmouth Golf Club, Foxton Hall, Alnmouth, Northumberland, NE66 3BE Tel: 01665 830231 - E: bookings@alnmouthgolfclub.com www.alnmouthgolfclub.com Follow us on Facebook NORTHERN GOLFER 13 TEEINGOFF Hobson’s choice Trio provide full range of services at County Durham golf course T he Hobson is set for an exciting new era with the arrival of professional Mark Watkins. Mark has arrived from Parklands to link up with Paul Lawson, who runs the driving range at the Burnopfield club and Seaham’s Andrew Blunt, whose Bargain Golf Equipment company is now stocking the Hobson club shop. For Mark it’s an opportunity to expand his coaching and instruction schedule, based at the driving range which now boasts a Foresight GC2 Smart Camera system - the same as what is featured on the Sky Sports Shot Centre - and he has plans to introduce ladies and junior golf academies. It’s a win-win situation for the trio and the club with a professional teaching and coaching facility, specialised custom fitting based at the Andrew Blunt (centre) with Paul Lawson (left) and Mark Watkins (right) range plus a first-class retail operation. The Hobson opened as a pay and play municipal course in the 1970s run by Derwentside District Council and was taken over by the club itself in 2001. Many improvements have been made over the years and facilities added, including the 16bay floodlit driving range, an enterprise by Paul about two years ago. He said: “It’s going well. We do a competitive deal with the range balls and we’re one of the few ranges that uses full-distance balls as we have a lot of room - the range extends to something like 330 yards - and we have 16 bays including two set up for teaching, video instruction and custom fitting. “We have the shop fully stocked by Andrew as well. With Mark on board to handle the instruction, teaching and custom fitting, things are looking good and we’re open pretty much all year round.” The arrival of Mark is the final piece in the jigsaw. It means The Hobson now offers a full range of options thanks to the link up with Andrew’s operation at Seaham. He added: “We set up Bargain Golf Equipment in 2004 and we feel we offer the best of both worlds. “You can buy equipment from us on the internet, but you can also walk into our shops and get what you want.” CUSTOM FITTING @ The Hobson Golf Store NOW OPEN Demo Days - Hobson Golf Club: Tuesday 17th June 4pm-8pm Callaway Friday 20th June 1pm-7pm FootJoy (please ask about this) • Tuesday 24th June time 3pm-7pm Adams Golf Demo Days - Wearside Golf Club: Thursday 19th June 11am - 3pm But remember, with our custom fitting suite, EVERY day can be a Demo Day! Don’t be a stranger, give us a visit! We are heavily represented on (http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Bargain-Golf-Equipment-UK), please visit us to see our full range, delivery is available to your door or your nearest store. Follow us on /bargaingolfequipment for up to date news and ‘Facebook only’ offers @BarginGolfEquip Follow us on Seaham Golf Club Wearside Golf Club The Hobson Golf Store Shrewsbury Street, Seaham Co. Durham, SR7 7RD • 0191 5130837 Coxgreen, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear SR4 9JT • 0191 5344269 Hobson Golf Club, Burnopfield, Newcastle NE16 6BZ • 01207 271605 14 NORTHERN GOLFER TEEINGOFF East is the right direction Birdie blitz sees Yorkshireman Stephen East triumph at Matfen Hall S tephen East, the new kid on the senior block, staged a grandstand finish to win the English Senior Men’s Championship as summer fittingly returned to Matfen Hall. The Yorkshireman from Moortown Golf Club carded a fiveunder-par 67 with birdies at the closing three holes to take the title by three strokes from Cheshire’s Alastair Brown and Andrew Stracey from Denham Golf Club. As a newcomer to this code of golf, East was arguably one of the favourites. He turned 55 last October, lost a play-off for the Italian Open in his maiden seniors event, claimed his first title in the Spanish Seniors and last week finished joint second in the Irish event. It’s been quite a baptism for East at senior level but little fazes him, although securing the English national title brought him some relief. “You don’t know how delighted I am to win this title,” he said. “I feel I’ve got to keep proving myself but this win helps no end. It’s nice to win again after doing well in the mid-amateur game but becoming a senior is like starting all over again. This is a new level where I can compete and I’m having a nice little run - long may it continue.” With the normal 54-hole championship reduced to a single round shoot-out after the first day was cancelled due to heavy rain, it Stephen East at Matfen Hall was anyone’s title to win. Defending champion Richard Latham - last year’s ‘new boy’ who grabbed the crown in fine fashion in Bristol was expected to be in the shake-up this time and he didn’t disappoint. But his 71 was only good enough for equal fourth place despite his reaching the turn in two under-par along with former champion David Lane. Few got the better of Matfen Hall’s homeward stretch, but East bucked the trend with his spectacular finish. On the par five 16th, he hit his approach to three feet and holed out, then at the 193-yard 17th he fired a four iron to 12 feet with the same result. At the last he was left with a five-footer and in it went. Overall, East had eight birdies on his card, good enough to win any title. NORTHERN GOLFER 15 TEEINGOFF Saltburn’s family affair Ryan and Jason Elliot of Saltburn Golf Club took The Teesside Union winter foursomes at Eaglescliffe Golf Club. With heavy rain and dark skies the father son combination won on the 17th hole, 2&1. The match was played in a great spirit. The pairs exchanged holes on the back nine but the Elliott’s managed to retain a lead. There were no signs of family arguments and tensions but a calm acceptance of each alternate shot played. Putts were missed as the greens became wet and delicate chip shots out of heavy grass were difficult to control. The final hole, a par three was missed by both teams but dad played an excellent chip to allow his son to sink the winning putt. The losing pair, Rob McGhan and Tony Cooper from Seaton Carew, were gracious in defeat. Tynemouth bluebirds Noel Dilks, Tynemouth; and Julie McLellan, Bluebird Care Tynemouth Golf Club’s team has a new sponsor for 2014, Bluebird Care. Julie McLellan, director (North Tyneside) of Bluebird Care - the largest private home care provider in the UK – said: “We are extremely proud to be the official sponsors of the Tynemouth Golf Club team and wish them luck for the coming season.” Club captain Noel Dilks added: “We are delighted that Bluebird Care has agreed to sponsor our men’s team.” 16 NORTHERN GOLFER Left to right: Ian Watson (Hadrian Healthcare Group owner), Lena Newton (Whickham ladies captain), Chris Nunn, Malcolm Hessian (Whickham men’s captain) and Les Frizzell Sponsors prove winners all round Hadrian Healthcare’s backing for Whickham pro-am rewarded with the trophy W hen the Gateshead-based Hadrian Healthcare Group sponsored the pro-am golf tournament at Whickham, their big day in the limelight could hardly have turned out any better. The group’s owner and chairman, Ian Watson, picked fellow Whickham members Les Frizzell and Chris Nunn for his team and their pro was Craig Goodfellow, the only player to have won both the national PGA club professional and assistants’ championships. Driving rain and blustery wind did nothing to dampen their spirit or buffet their style as they romped off with the team award, six shots clear of the field. The 38-year-old Goodfellow, who teaches at Penrith Driving Range, said: “The three Hadrian Healthcare players were solid and steady all the way round and we were hardly ever in any trouble. “Sometimes in these events the club players can all shine on some holes and hit big trouble all together on other holes but the three of them dovetailed perfectly. “There was a big finale as well with Les and Chris landing 40-foot and 30-foot putts on the last hole.” Along with Hadrian owner and tournament sponsor Ian, Les and Chris each won a £100 American Golf voucher. The Hadrian group run residential homes for the elderly in Barnard Castle, Blyth, Bradford, Gosforth, Hull, Leeds, Scunthorpe, Wetherby and Whickham. The winning professional in the Whickham pro-am was David Clark, whose four underpar score of 64 was a tournament record and put him three shots clear of the joint runnersup, Jonathan Lupton (Close House) and Philip Waugh (Hexham). It was Clark’s first victory since taking over as the head professional at Morpeth Golf Club last year. Clark dedicated his win to the memory of the late Martin Jackson, his friend and predecessor as the Morpeth pro. TEEINGOFF Fighting cancer, helping others Beamish Pro Chris Cole calls on golfers to support a cause which helped save his life C hris Cole is using his own fight against cancer as motivation to help others. Fifty-year-old Cole, whose father Malcolm coached Hartlepool’s Graeme Storm to the British Amateur Championship in 1999, became one of the youngest pros in the country when he took over at Beamish Park in County Durham as a 23-year-old. When he was 46 he went into hospital for a routine hernia operation to discover he had testicular cancer. Just over four months later he was back at work following six-successive 21-day spells of chemotherapy and an operation. “You have to think positively,” he said. “I have always kept myself fit, I have never smoked and hardly ever have a drink. “But where would I have been without the wonderful people at the Freeman Hospital, especially my specialist, Dr Ashraf Azzabi? “Everything surrounding my treatment was so slick, precise and well organised, I will always be grateful to them. I had one hell of a battle but in the end things went well. The Beamish members were great and they all rallied round.” Chris Cole (right) with the man who saved his life, Dr Ashraf Azzabi (left), and Jim Cockburn as they hand over £9,225 When Cole pitched up back in the pro’s shop it led to a full-scale Charlie Bear Fund Golf Day being played at Beamish and this year the event is on Tuesday July 1, and is followed by a black tie dinner at Beamish Hall Hotel on Friday July 18. Last season brought a proud moment for Cole, when Beamish hosted a Charlie Bear event and raised £9,225 for the Northern Centre for Cancer at the Freeman. Cole added: “I have no qualms begging any golfers who would enjoy playing our lovely Henry Cotton course at Beamish to support us.” For more information about the Charlie Bear Golf Day and Dinner at Beamish, contact Chris Cole, tel 0191 370 1984 or email professional@beamishgolf.co.uk; or Jim Cockburn, tel 07868 752146 or email supplysols@aol.com Mid Summer Sale Now On! Huge selection of 2014 in stock NOW including irons, drivers, clothing and accessories - Leading Manufacturers BRANCEPETH CASTLE GOLF CLUB We have an internet PRICE CHECK - making sure you get the BEST price! Full Custom Fit service and teaching available in our NEW indoor golf studio using the latest technology by our PGA qualified Professionals CALL IN AND SEE FOR YOURSELF - YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED! EMAIL: MARSHALLSGOLF@LIVE.CO.UK, TELEPHONE: 0191 4384223 Or visit our shop at: Heworth Golf Club Gingling Gate, Heworth, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE10 8XY FANTASTIC GREEN FEES FROM £15 AVAILABLE ON SELECTED DAYS AND TIMES! Visitors & Societies always welcome Telephone us on 0191 3780075 for further information or email enquiries@brancepeth-castle-golf.co.uk www.brancepeth-castle-golf.co.uk The Clubhouse, Brancepeth, Durham, DH7 8EA NORTHERN GOLFER 17 COURSEREVIEW Pleasing on the Eyemouth A great experience, superb views and much, much more as Paul Corney discovered at Eyemouth E stablished in 1894, Eyemouth Golf Club is located on the rugged Berwickshire coast line and features some of the most picturesque and remarkable golf holes in the country. Nestling on the cliff tops overlooking the cobbled streets of Eyemouth and the small fishing village of Burnmouth, this 18-hole course - designed by local architect Jim Bain - opened for play on August 23 1997. Although Eyemouth is a cliff top course, in many places it has a ‘links feel’ to it with fast running fairways, deep pot bunkers and a prevailing wind which has to be mastered. Off the course, the modern purpose-built clubhouse is superb. It has been built on a raised area and provides panoramic views of almost 18 NORTHERN GOLFER all of the layout and beyond. There are excellent changing facilities and the club’s restaurant has a reputation in the area for its high quality of food and value for money, with locally caught fresh fish and shellfish being a special feature of the menu. Resident professional, Michael Hackett provides a well-stocked golf shop selling many of the top brands at very competitive prices. As for the course, the opening hole is a pretty decent par five measuring 518 yards and played south away from the clubhouse. A good drive is needed between the fairway bunkers and care is needed with the second shot to avoid sand 75 yards from the green. At 432 yards, the strong par four second requires two very good shots to get home in regulation. There is out of bounds to the left to worry about but a good drive aimed at the white house in the distance should find the fairway. The approach is played slightly downhill to a large target with bunkers left and right - the green is further away than it looks. Next is a very nice looking par three played over a pond to a green that slopes back to front and slightly right to left. Take a note of what direction the flag is flying next to the clubhouse as the wind direction can be deceptive at this one. The sixth, Eyemouth’s signature hole, is then followed by three relatively straightforward par fours with no real dangers. At 499 yards and a dog-leg right, the par five 10th has three fairway bunkers, a stream, out of bounds to the right and a pond in front of the green. Good course management will give you a COURSEREVIEW FACT FILE Have your sa y Lo northe g on to rngolfe r.co.uk birdie chance but there is plenty of trouble for the wayward hitters and those that attempt to get home in two. The par five 13th is a monster and at 607 yards, a true three-shotter. If you fancy a real test, head up the path behind the medal tee and have a go from a new tiger tee which extends the hole to a colossal 656 yards and the distinction of ‘longest hole in Scotland’. From the normal tees, a long drive to the right of the marker post should find the fairway and a steep down slope. There is a lateral water hazard along the left, starting about 260 yards from the green, and a pond to negotiate with the third shot - a par here is always a good score. The 15th is stroke index one on the course and out of range for the average golfer - it measures 457 yards and the approach is uphill. Most will play this as a par five and hope for a single putt but that’s not guaranteed, the green slopes severely left to right and back to front. Many good scores have been ruined here. The 18th is a 541 yard par five and a strong finishing hole. Aim left of centre from the tee as the fairway slopes left to right and watch out for the bunker on the right. A par or better will leave a smile on your face as you head towards the car park. CONTACT Eyemouth Golf Club Gunsgreenhill, Eyemouth Berwickshire, TD14 5SF Tel 01890 750 004 (professional) Tel 01890 750 551 (clubhouse) www.eyemouthgolfclub.co.uk marketing@eyemouthgolfclub.co.uk GREEN FEES Mon-Fri (adult) £40 a round, £55 a day Sat-Sun (adult) £45 a round, £60 a day Juniors £10 a round, £15 a day During the early 1990s, the club was approached by the local district council and the opportunity given to build a new course. At the time, the council was looking to build a road through the existing nine-hole course creating better access to the harbour area and the new fish market. The £1.3m needed to construct the new course and clubhouse was subsidised by grants from various agencies including the Sports Council, R&A, Local Authority and Lottery Funding and the finished product can only be described as visually stunning TOTAL DISTANCE White tees – 6,404 yards Yellow tees – 6,182 yards Red tees – 5,462 yards Blue tees – 4,482 yards FEATURES 18 holes of cliff top golf Superb clubhouse open to the public Registered wedding venue All day catering Practice area Putting green Free Wi-Fi Buggies available (£20 a round) Well equipped pro shop Memberships available (all categories) CADDY’S TIP The USGA specification sloping greens are a particular feature of the course and demand your full attention SIGNATURE HOLE Eyemouth’s signature hole, aptly named ‘A-Still-No-Ken’ has been voted as ‘Britain’s Most Extraordinary Golf Hole.” This fearsome and demanding 167 yard par three is played across a deep gulley with the sea waves crashing below PAUL CORNEY’S VERDICT A cracking course, wonderful clubhouse and superb food - what more could a golfer want! NORTHERN GOLFER 19 TEEINGOFF Matt Fitzpatrick Game Fitz for pro ranks US Open marks the end of Matt Fitzpatrick’s amateur career M att Fitzpatrick turns professional after this month’s US Open. The 19-year-old US Amateur Champion from Sheffield decided to move forward his decision to join the paid ranks joining Morpeth’s Garrick Porteous, the British Amateur Champion and fellow Walker Cup player, in a bid to make it on to the European Tour scene. Porteous turned pro after the Masters while Fitzpatrick raised a few eyebrows when he quit college in the United States after just one term. He said he would be playing full-time amateur golf, possibly until the end of the year, but he has decided it’s best to have a crack at the pro ranks now. It means the Hallamshire player will miss a return to the Open at Hoylake in July - unless he qualifies - and on defending his US Amateur title in August at Atlanta Athletic Club. No doubt, he’s been swayed by his mature performance at the Masters in April and a competitive finish at the RBC Heritage on the PGA Tour the following week. Like Porteous, he has also signed with Chubby Chandler’s ISM despite being courted by IMG. “I chose ISM because I was impressed with how much they wanted to manage me,” he said. “They have a proven track record of guiding the careers of young golfers and moulding major champions. I am in good hands.” He makes his debut as a professional at the Irish Open and, like Porteous, hopes to make up the rest of his schedule by playing on sponsors’ invites. Then it will be off to the European Tour’s qualifying school in November unless he earns enough money from those invites to secure his card. JOINING FEE HAS BEEN TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED! All categories of Membership available Age18 - 22 - £325* • Age 23 - £350 Age 24 - £375 • Age 25 - £400 • Age 26 - £425 Age 27 - £450 • Age 28 - £475 • Age 29 £500 Subscription starts 1st May Further 50% discount if full time student * OPENS 2014 Seniors No1 - Tuesday 20th May £20 pair Mixed Greensomes - Bank Holiday Mon 26th May £30 pair (£20 members) Ladies - Friday 13th June £16 pair Scramble (Teams of 4) - Sunday 15th June £60 team (£40 members) Teams (2 from 4) - Wednesday 16th July £60 team (£40 members) Seniors No2 - Tuesday 5th Aug £20 pair Ponteland Golf Club Mixed Greensomes - Bank Holiday Mon 25th Aug £30 pair (£20 members Host of E.G.U. Northern Counties Mens Qualifying Championship 2012 Gents 4BBB - Sunday 7 September £30 pair (£20 members) For further information telephone 01661 822689 email: secretary@thepontelandgolfclub.co.uk www.thepontelandgolfclub.co.uk 53 Bell Villas, Ponteland, NE20 9BD 20 NORTHERN GOLFER Juniors - Tuesday 26th August £5 Ladies Team Waltz - Thursday 11 September £21 team Winter Teams (2/4) - Wednesdays 15th Oct & 19th Nov £40 team (£25 members) NEW for 2014 Online Bookings now available for both members & visitors Richmond (Yorks) Golf Club TEEINGOFF Set in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales NEW STUDENT SUMMER MEMBERSHIP Play unlimited golf June July August for only £120 ADULT MEMBERSHIP Join now for the remainder of the year for as little as £48 per month ONLINE BOOKING For all visitor green fee and open events. See website for more details visit www.richmmondyorksgolfclub.co.uk For more details contact the Professional or Secretary on 01748 823231 email: secretary@richmondyorksgolfclub.co.uk Visit our website: www.richmondyorksgolfclub.co.uk Bend Hagg, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL10 5EX MERECLIFF HOTEL BLACKPOOL GOLF TRIPS Enjoy golf at some of the most prestigious golf courses in the country and at the same time feel the excitement of Blackpools famous attractions! Play one or all 4 of the following courses,Blackpool North, Poulton Le Fylde, Stanley Park, or the world famous Royal Lytham St Annes, transport from the hotel and back, trophy for the winner if in a party + bed and full english breakfast From £45 pp (1 day to 1 week) For more info ring Steve on 01253 356858 or email enquiries@merecliff hotel.co.uk Merecliff Hotel, 24 Holmefield Road, Lancs, FY2 9TE www.merecliffehotel.co.uk 22 NORTHERN GOLFER Richard Farrelly (left) with the Jubilee Trophy and Mike Fleming. (Photograph © Richard Hannam) Senior Citizens The older generation is enjoying the region’s great courses S eniors golf in the UK is booming and Northumberland is certainly playing its part. In July last year, it staged the inaugural Northumberland Seniors Open at Matfen Hall and attracted an entry of more than 90 pairs. “It was a huge success,” said county seniors secretary Richard Farrelly. “Our objective was to provide an opportunity for senior golfers of any ability to compete in a county competition. The large entry has shown there is a need and support for senior county competitions.” Building on that success, this year’s event takes place at Ponteland and the entry list is already full. The players will compete for an impressive prize table with the winners receiving the Jubilee Trophy, based on the Open’s famous Claret Jug. “This year represents a major step forward as the event has now been included in the Northumberland County fixtures,” added county seniors captain Mike Fleming. “We are very encouraged as we have always desired that all the county seniors fixtures become fully embraced by our county union and we will continue to develop new ideas for the future.” The Northumberland county seniors team compete in a Northern League with matches against Durham, Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cheshire and Cumbria and there are also a number of friendly matches. Many of the team are past county champions and players, and compete in Northern Counties Championship and national events. “We are always looking to strengthen our squad,” added Mike. “Anyone with a handicap of six or better is very welcome to get in touch.” Contact Richard Farrelly tel 0191 267 7662, richard.farrelly@talktalk.net and Mike Fleming tel 07443 421 358, 91fleming@gmail.com TEEINGOFF Joining forces Arcot Hall and Eaglescliffe come together in their centenary years T wo North East clubs have formed a link to provide free golf for their members on a reciprocal basis. Both clubs have much in common - Arcot Hall celebrated their centenary in 2009 and Eaglescliffe are currently in their centenary year. Both courses were designed by the legendary James Braid and are also members of the Braid Association, which allows their members to play up to 150 other courses at reduced green fee rates. They both regularly host events for their respective counties and this year they even have captains with the same Christian name. Eaglescliffe captain Bob Everett said: “The new link between the clubs was warmly welcomed by the committee and members of Eaglescliffe and is an added bonus to our centenary celebrations which are well underway and will continue until March 2015.” Arcot captain Bob Dixon was equally pleased, he said: “We had been considering the possibility of a link with another club for some time as we see it as a great way of adding extra value to our members who can now effectively play golf at two clubs for the price of one.” Current Arcot Hall secretary Brian Rumney, who was once a member at Eaglescliffe, added; “Knowing Eaglescliffe as well as I do I thought it would be a perfect match for Arcot Hall and I am sure members of both clubs will enjoy their visits to the other throughout the season.” As of May 1, members of each Bob Dixon (left) and Bob Everett club have been able to play an unlimited number of free rounds on the partner course subject to availability and both clubs see this as a way of retaining current members as well as possibly attracting new ones. Rumney added: “With golf club membership falling across the country, clubs will be looking to provide existing and potential members with more value for their subscription and we believe that this deal forms part of a very attractive membership package at both clubs.” Eaglescliffe meanwhile, have successfully hosted the Durham County Championship this year and are in the middle of a series of events which have included a hickory club competition with members wearing clothing from that era. Future events include a NE/NW PGA pro-am now scheduled for August 1 and a visit of the David Edwards Trick Shot Golf Show. DYNAMIC INDOOR GOLF Facilities Prices from • Two GC2 simulators (Play courses including Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and Royal Birkdale) • FlightScope • Six bay chipping area • Nine hole putting greens • Get the Tour workshop experience while you wait. Watch our Master club builder work on your equipment Short game £5 GC2 £15 Flightscope £8 Opening Times Mon - Fri Sat Sun 10.30am - 8.30pm 10.30am - 5pm 11am - 4pm @dynindoorgolf Unit 1-4, Brunswick Industrial Estate, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE13 7BA • Tel: 0191 4813590 • www.dynamicindoorgolf.com NORTHERN GOLFER 23 TEEINGOFF Yorkshire win Men’s Qualifying Champs Yorkshire won the Northern Counties Golf Union Men’s County Qualifying Championship at Ganton Golf Club in June, beating Lancashire by three shots in the two round event. The team of Martin Brown (+2), Joe Dean (+2), Ben Brewster (+1), Dan Brown (+3), Jamie Bower (+3) and William Whiteoak (+3) finished with a 36-hole total of 897. The Lancashire team, which had a combined handicap of +21 including +5 handicapper Paul Howard, finished nine shots ahead of Northumberland (909). Cumbria finished fourth on 921, with Durham fifth (297). Cheshire were a further four shots back on 931 and Isle of Man finished seventh on 970. Durham’s Andrew Wilson tied for the low individual score over two rounds, recording a score of 144 (72-72). Lancashire’s Paul Kinnear also put together two rounds of 72 at the Yorkshire club. William Whiteoak (Yorkshire), Thomas Rowland (Northumberland), Adam Chapman (Cumbria), and James Newton (Cheshire) finished one shot back on 145. The Northern County Qualifying Championship sees seven teams of six players compete over two rounds, with the leading three scores counting in each round. www.ncgu.co.uk Matty Lamb Lamb’s strong start Hexham’s Matty begins the season in style H exham Golf Club’s Matty Lamb has made an impressive start to his 2014 season; picking up second place finishes in Northumberland and Yorkshire already this year. Lamb, 16, who is part of the England system, teamed up with Johnny Richardson to represent Hexham in the Northumberland-Durham Inter-County Foursomes event – losing to Graeme Willis and Jeff Willey from Houghton-le-Spring Golf Club in the final. Matty also finished second in the Northumberland Strokeplay Champiosnhip. “I didn’t play great to be honest,” Matty said following the strokeplay championship at Morpeth. “I actually had a putt on the last to go into a play-off but couldn’t make it. I hit it really good off the tee but didn’t hit it close enough – I suppose I felt like I was playing poorly but was still scoring pretty well. If I can play badly and shoot THE MOST NORTHERN CLUB IN ENGLAND Westerhope Golf Club Berwick upon Tweed TD15 1NE MEMBERSHIPS 2014 MAGDALENE FIELDS GOLF CLUB PLAY & STAY SPECIAL OFFER 7 - 12 years £50, 13 - 17 years £125, 18 years £200, 19 - 21 years £325, 22 years £325, 23 years £350, 24 years £375, 25 years plus £595 2 Nights Bed & Breakfast staying at The Castle Hotel, Berwick 2014 OPENS 3 Rounds of Golf - 1 each at Duns, Eyemouth & Magdalene Fields Only £150 per person VISITORS & SOCIETIES WELCOME Excellent Party Packages Available For further details telephone the Secretary on 01289 306130 e: secretary.m.f.g.c@hotmail.co.uk www.magdalene-fields.co.uk 24 NORTHERN GOLFER scores like that it’s ok. “The strokeplay was my first really competitive weekend in a while, with having my exams at the minute. I probably won’t play a lot of competition golf until all of my exams are out of the way but I’ll be playing a lot of golf this summer.” Lamb also finished second in the Faldo Series England North Championship event at Moortown Golf Club in April, losing in a playoff to Ben Brewster. “I just had one bad round in the middle,” Matty explained. “Again, I was happy with the way I played, it’s a really tough course. I’m looking forward to playing the final at The Greenbrier in October. It will be a good experience to play in the US.” This summer Matty will be competing in some of the UK’s top amateur events, as well as being likely for England selection. “It’s my last year of playing in the McGregor Trophy, I really hope I can win that.” Check out our website www.westerhopegolfclub.com Telephone the Secretary on 0191 2867636 or 0191 2860594 Email: wgc@btconnect.com Whorlton Grange, Westerhope, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE5 1PP www.westerhopegolfclub.com TEEINGOFF ROSEBERRY GRANGE COMMUNITY GOLF CLUB ANOTHER GREAT MEMBERSHIP OFFER! More sign up for COCO More celebrities and sportspeople have been added to the list of big names taking part in this year’s Grosvenor Casino Steve Cram Celebrity Golf Day in aid of COCO at Slaley Hall. Cram will be joined by Newcastle Falcons and Scotland scrum half Mike Blair, former javelin world record holder Steve Backley, Newcastle United legend Steve Harper and curler Annie Laird. They join the list of players already confirmed for June 25, including Olympic medalist Eve Muirhead, Daley Thompson, Willie Thorne and Ally Hogg. For more information email lucy@extramileme.com. for more information on the work of COCO visit www.coco.org.uk Durham’s derby triumph Durham gained bragging rights for the rest of the year after they got the better of arch rivals Northumberland 12-6 in the Northern Counties League derby at Washington Golf Club. Durham had a healthy 4-2 lead after the foursomes and Castle Eden’s Stuart Brown won the top singles against Northumberland captain Andrew Minnikin 3&2, but Northumberland took heart when Matty Lamb, Jack Hermeston and Brian Robinson all won, to effectively level the match. However, Durham were careering through the next seven matches with Joe Cowper, Martin McCririck, Imran Aziz, Jason McGuire, Sam Donald, Tom Smith and Kris Rae all winning - leaving only Will Robson in the anchor match to pick up Northumberland’s last win for a 12-6 scoreline, which pleased Durham captain Bryan Ross no end. Yorkshire president John Shaw was a happy man when his side turned over Roses rivals Lancashire 9 Months for the price of 6 July 1st 2014 - March 31st 2015 Adults - (25-59) £220 Seniors - (60+) £170 Youth - (19 - 24) £120 Juniors 18 and under still only £50 Visitors & Societies always welcome Wacky Wednesdays Golf only £10 round Tel: 0191 3700660 or Email: mcdermott.ray08@gmail.com Grange Villa, Chester le Street, DH2 3NF www.roseberrygrangecommunitygolfclub.co.uk LEDA GOLF DISCOUNT Roseberry Grange Golf Club Tel 0191 3701757 ELECTRIC TROLLEY SHOWROOM PREMIUM POWAKADDY & HILL BILLY SERVICE & REPAIR CENTRE IN STOCK THE NEW POWAKADDY FREEWAY FW3, FW5 & FW7 RANGE WITH THE PLUG AND PLAY TECHNOLOGY FREE ACCESSORY WITH EVERY GREENHILL ELECTRIC TROLLEY Durham county captain Bryan Ross 11-7 at his home club Selby. Yorkshire led 4.5-1.5 after the foursomes, but Lancashire rallied against a side missing Matt Fitzpatrick, Nick Marsh and Dan Brown before the home side came through to take victory. Cumbria also won their clash with Cheshire at Prenton 11-7. Marsh has been named in the Great Britain and Ireland squad for the St Andrews Trophy in August. ALL BATTERIES IN STOCK INCLUDING LITHIUM 18 OR 36 HOLE MID SEASON SALE UP TO 50% (SELECTED LINES) TRY BEFORE YOU BUY ON OUR 15 BAY DRIVING RANGE! COBRA DEMO DAY TUESDAY 17TH JUNE 1PM - 5PM RING NOW TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT COBRA BIO CELL NOW IN STOCK Open 7 days 9am - 4pm Roseberry Grange Golf Club, Chester le Street, DH2 3NF Find us on facebook www.facebook.com/ledagolf NORTHERN GOLFER 25 ROCKLIFFECOMPETITION win Northern Golfer competitions are also listed on our website www.northerngolfer.co.uk/competitions, alternatively you can enter via email competitions@northerngolfer.co.uk (mark the competition name in the subject field) or post your entry to Competitions, Northern Golfer, Unit One, Bearl Farm, Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7AL Enter online Lo northe g on to rngolfe r.co.uk Please include your contact details and telephone number. Closing date July 3 2014 Usual competition rules apply – available on request. Winner will be published in our next edition. ROCKLIFFE HALL RESORT MEMBERSHIP Rockliffe Hall in Hurworth, County Durham has been singled out by some of golf’s greats as one of the best courses in Europe, if not the world. The 5* resort has won numerous accolades since opening in 2009 and now we’ve teamed up with Rockliffe Hall to offer you the chance to win an exclusive membership package, not only giving you the chance to play the course that’s home to champions, but also experience Rockliffe Hall’s outstanding spa, gym and resort facilities. Last year’s European Tour English Senior Open attracted crowds of over 5,000 gathering to see major names play the championship course. The English Senior Open will return this August Bank Holiday weekend with greats such as Carl Mason, former Ryder Cup captains Ian Woosnam and Mark James and Senior Tour favourites such as Constantino Rocca, Barry Lane, Des Smyth, Peter Fowler and Paul Wesselingh, who won last year’s Order of Merit, expected to play, as well as 2013’s winner Steen Tinning. Your prize of Rockliffe Hall Resort membership will include full access to the award-winning golf, spa and leisure facilities at the 5* resort and provides full seven day playing rights on the championship golf course. Thanks to the huge success of the European Tour English Senior Open, Rockliffe Hall recently introduced a new membership category in response to growing demand. As well as being able to enjoy full Resort membership, Rockliffe Hall now also offers a ‘Golf Only’ option. The new membership structure offers more options and benefits and gives golfers the chance to play the highest standards of golf all year round, with no winter greens thanks to the course’s exceptional drainage and grounds’ team. Benefits of membership include full seven-day play with priority tee-time bookings, unlimited complimentary practice range balls, 20% discount across all restaurants and bars at Rockliffe Hall, up to 10% discount at the golf and spa shops and an annual club fit or swing check with a PGA professional. Managing director of Rockliffe Hall, Nick Holmes, explained: “Following the European Tour event success last year we’ve experienced a real upsurge in membership enquiries. That’s why we have added a new category of membership which will suit either players new to golf or those at the top of their game. The Resort membership remains our most popular category thanks to its value offering full spa use. However, we recognise some people do just want to come and play golf on a great course.” Golf Membership at Rockliffe Hall starts from £1,500 per year. For more details tel 01325 729 987, email golf.enquiries@rockliffehall.com or visit www.rockliffehall.com/golf For your chance to win simply answer the following question: What tournament is Rockliffe Hall hosting over August bank holiday? To enter and for full terms and conditions see www.northerngolfer.co.uk 26 NORTHERN GOLFER GOLFERNEWS Norton Golf Course 18 hole excellent parkland course Visitors welcome 7 days Just turn up and pay! Green fees: Mon to Fri (18 holes) £15 pp Weekends £16 pp Norton 2 Ball Special, Mon - Thurs £25 Blakestone Lane, Norton, Stockton on Tees Telephone 01642 676385 www.nortongolfcourse.co.uk Golf Course Coatham Mundeville, Darlington, DL1 3LU Tel: 01325 379710 www.hallgarthdarlington.co.uk Rockliffe Hall and pro Jon Stacey Ready to Rock New practice facilities and course layout. 12 Months membership only £240 Northern Masters returns to Rockliffe Hall as Senior Open tickets go on sale T he Northern Golf Masters returns to Rockliffe Hall next month for the third year in a row. The region’s top amateurs will get the chance to experience the Hurworth course ahead of the European Tour’s English Senior Open in August with entries now open to category one golfers from across the North East, North Yorkshire and Cumbria. Entries can be filed at www.rockliffehall.com/golf and the Masters tournament will be held on Sunday July 27 and the competition has been oversubscribed for the last two years. It’s expected to be even more popular this year as golfers can take to the same course as the golfing greats who played at last year’s English Senior Open and the course will be set up the same as it is for the Seniors Tour player. The tournament will also adopt the format of a professional tour event with first tee announcements, ball spotters and up-to-the-minute live scoring. Prizes are awarded for first, second and third place and around 100 golfers are expected to enter. The perfect place to enjoy your golf ! Places are limited and registration is £30 per person, which includes a NGM gift pack with concessionary rates for practice rounds available for anyone confirmed as participating. Rockliffe head pro Jon Stacey said: “Since we launched the NGM three years ago, it has gained an increased following as it now has a lot of kudos among golfers in the North of England. This year is even more exciting as participants will be playing the same course as the English Senior Open which is a real experience.” Meanwhile, tickets for the English Seniors Open are now on general sale. This year’s three-day event takes place on the bank holiday weekend (August 22-24) with a pro-am tournament on Thursday August 21. Some big names are expected such as Carl Mason, former Ryder Cup captains Ian Woosnam and Mark James and Senior Tour favourites such as Constantino Rocca, Barry Lane, Des Smyth, Peter Fowler and Paul Wesselingh, who won last year’s Order of Merit, as well as 2013’s winner Steen Tinning. Tickets cost just £10 (under 16s free) and can be obtained by visiting www.englishsenioropen.com or tel 01325 729 999 Greenfees Mon-Fri £12.50 - £10 with member and concessions Sat, Sun & Bank Holidays £15 - £12.50 Earlybird before 8am - Twilight after 5pm £10 Weekend 4-ball £50 | Society Packages from £20 FREE coffee before your round or while we show you our new facilities on production of this advert! 18 holes of woods and parkland with stunning views of the Tyne Valley MEMBERSHIP AND VISITOR OFFERS AT STOCKSFIELD VISITORS On line booking available with rates from just £10 a round plus daily offers SOCIETIES & PARTIES Midweek and Weekend dates still available June to September. Packages tailored to suit your budget! SPECIAL OFFER FOR NORTHERN GOLFER READERS Anyone quoting NGJune and booking a Society package for ten or more in 2014 will receive a free 4 Ball voucher OPEN COMPETITIONS LADIES OPEN 4BBB Stableford - 11 June PRO AM Mixed 4-Person Team - 20 June GENTS 4BBB PAIRS - 19 July LADIES 4-PERSON TEAM - 31 July SENIORS OPEN 666 3-Person - 01 Sept GENTS MIDWEEK OPENS SINGLES STABLEFORD (July 1st, August 5th, 2nd September) FREE ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP AT MORPETH GOLF CLUB WHEN YOU JOIN STOCKSFIELD! For further details or to book on line go to www.stocksfieldgolfclub.co.uk or phone 01661 843041 (opt1) or email bookings@stocksfieldgolfclub.co.uk Stocksfield Golf Club www.stocksfieldgolfclub.co.uk NORTHERN GOLFER 27 JESSICAHALL Hall to play for Alan Hedley talks to Durham’s youngest-ever county champion Jessica Hall and her family about their hopes for her future F ollowing in the footsteps of Jodi Ewart Shadoff is very much on the mind of Durham’s young golfing sensation Jessica Hall. Middleham’s Jodi blazed a trail when she qualified for both the Ladies European Tour and American LPGA Tour in the same year and capped that by being a member of the victorious European team in the Solheim Cup against the USA just 12 months later. Launching a successful career on the back of a golfing scholarship in the USA is not always a given but Jodi’s experience of studying at New Mexico and joining the women’s pro golf ranks is clearly an inspiration to many Northern youngsters. And it’s a path Jessica, the youngest winner of the Durham County Ladies Championship at the age of 15, is keen to follow. She’s made the right start by winning at club and county level and making her way into the England coaching set-up. “I’m definitely interested in a golfing career and I’m thinking about America but that depends very much on what I do at school and, possibly, sixthform college. “I’ve not really thought about which university in the USA yet as I’m only 15 and I’ve got to do my GCSEs, but the plan would be a golfing scholarship and then try to play on the Ladies European Tour or the LPGA tour - if I’m good enough - and follow in the footsteps of Jodi.” There’s obviously a long way to go and juggling the demands of school and a burgeoning golfing career isn’t easy for Jessica and her mum and dad, Carolynne and Graham and brother George. While her dad and brother play golf, her mum doesn’t but she clearly takes a keen interest in her daughter’s progress on and off the course while Graham also fulfils the role of many golfing fathers that of caddy and transport manager. “The first time she went away was two years ago when she played in the English Girls and finished eighth in the Under 13s,” said Graham. “I think that was when we started to realise how good she could be and the potential she has. “It is time consuming. I’ve not really had a 28 NORTHERN GOLFER chance to play any golf myself this year because I’m having to caddy or tending to walk the courses.” It’s a labour of love many parents carry out when youngsters have a talent and Carolynne added: “We’re self-employed which helps but when you have another child as well you have to try and not spend so much time on one. “It’s nice that George plays golf as well and he understands, but it is difficult. Jessica does want to get on and we want her to as well. “The thinking may be for her to look at Durham Sixth Form College instead of staying on at Barnard Castle as they do a Golf BTEC or something along those lines - then we can look at America.” Barnard Castle School has been very supportive of Jessica’s golf allowing her to opt out of PE lessons to practice her golf and time off for tournaments, although she always makes sure to catch up on her school work. “Rebecca Horner who won the county championship a couple of years ago is now in her first year at college in the US. We’re thinking of all the plus factors and the scholarship angle is key.” added Carolynne. “University in this country can leave you quite a lot in debt while a golf scholarship leads to a degree and no debt. All we can do is support Jessica, that’s our mission, if that’s what she wants to do then we’ll be right behind her all the way. “There’s every chance of a career for her, whether it be at the top playing professional golf or somewhere else in the game if that is what she wants.” Jessica took up the game and started to play because of her father and brother George, who is a year older and plays off 13. “I caddied for my dad and I liked it and I just started hitting a few shots,” said Jessica. “I think I was seven and then I went to lessons with Kevin Jackson at Ramside because George was going there. “I became a member at Bishop Auckland when I was nine and won a junior trophy when I was off a handicap of 54, but I’m now down to 3.3 and the target is scratch this year and then into plus JESSICAHALL NORTHERN GOLFER 29 JESSICAHALL figures as soon as possible. I’ve won a few tournaments at Bishop Auckland and the Durham County May Lowry at South Moor two years ago but winning the Durham County Ladies Championships is the biggest thing so far for me.” Jessica defeated Natasha Martin 4&2 in the final at Darlington after a remarkable comeback in the semi-finals where she was was five down after nine holes to leading qualifier Rebecca McGinley but was somehow all square by the 18th and won a sudden death play-off at the 19th. The previous youngest winners in the 92 years of the competition were Rebecca Horner and before that Lesley Jennings, but at just 15 years and two months, Jessica is the new holder of the record. Reducing her handicap from nine to five last year led to her selection for England Golf North winter coaching at Matfen Hall. She was also in the top 30 at last year’s England Under 15 Championship, at Tiverton in Devon and was part of the Durham County Under 18 girls team against Yorkshire, Northumberland and Lancashire. Jessica with dad Graham and mum Carolynne The team won all of their matches for the first time ever with Jessica winning against both Yorkshire and Northumberland and halving her match in the Lancashire clash. She also finished in the top 10 in the National Ladies Grand Medal Final at Northampton after finishing fourth in the Northern Regional Finals and she qualified for the knock-out stages of the Durham Ladies County Championships last year. Jessica has also won a couple events in Portugal at Vilamoura where she and George are members and in the winter they both play in the Four Seasons Fairways Tournament around Quinta do Lago - Jessica having won the ladies tournament twice and George also winning the men’s event twice. Jessica is also lucky enough to be able to use the practice facilities over there which means three weeks of warm weather practice which is just not available in England. “I’m in the England Under 16 training squad and I’d like to progress from there,” added Jessica. “It would be nice to go further along that route and hopefully play for the full England side. “Brian Ridley at Beamish Park is my main coach but I also go to J J Vallely and Bryan Ross for England junior squad coaching. “We also have a personal trainer based at Gosforth Park - who is part of the England set-up and she does sessions and gives us stuff to do at home and we’re also given a programme to follow.” That involves quite a lot of work for a 15-year-old - and also for her parents as she was invited to play in a WPGA event through England Golf a week or so after her county championship win. “The England set-up that she is involved with through J J and Bryan is great,” said Graham, “but there is a lot of work involved for Jessica and she does stick at it. We have things like a net in our basement where she can practice and go through drills and she also has to fill out a weekly report on her golf for the coaches to analyse and work out what needs to be worked on.” To find the willingness to work and the dedication to improve in one so young is a tribute to Jessica and the backing of her family. I think we’ll be hearing a lot more about this young lady in the future. Castle Eden Golf Club Opens 2014 7th June - Mixed Greensome Stableford - £16 per couple 11th Sept -Seniors 4BBB - £18 per pair MONDAY SPECIAL 4 BA L L - £80.00 Must be pre booked with the Pro shop on 01429 836689 and present this voucher on the day. Contact the Pro Shop on 01429 836689 for tee time. Visit our website www.castleedengolfclub.co.uk or email castleedengolfclub@hotmail.com *Subject to availability 30 NORTHERN GOLFER GOLFERNEWS Bed & Breakfast ‘The Friendliest Club on the Coast…..’ Bigga is better The British and International Golf Greenkeepers’ Association (BIGGA) North East Section is continuing to grow, as the picture above from the recent Monsoon Medal at Close House proves. BIGGA arranges a number of events for green staff including golf days and course walks and counts some of the country’s best greenkeepers among its membership, including Northern Golfer Greenwatch column Simon Olver. Future events include an autumn seminar day, the content for which will be driven by the members using survey results. The BIGGA North East Section website will be launched soon, including education, machinery sales, local forum and ‘Ask the Agronomist’. For more information contact Simon Olver, simon@shorewoodlg.co.uk Play & Stay 1 NIGHT & 1 DAY’S UNLIMITED GOLF* £49 p.p. Golf Coast Passport with Bed & Breakfast from, 2 NIGHTS, 3 ROUNDS OF GOLF, FROM 5 COURSES* £116 p.p. Bed & Breakfast with unlimited golf * Facilities include, two bedrooms (max 4 guests) lounge with stunning views of the course & North Sea, a fully equipped kitchen , bathroom, parking, full use of the Clubhouse and a full English Breakfast in our restaurant. Flamborough Head Golf Club For more information call: 01262 850333 LIGHTHOUSE ROAD FLAMBOROUGH YO15 1AR enquiries@flamboroughheadgolfclub.co.uk, www.flamboroughheadgolfclub.co.uk A Great Deal for Great Golf in a Great Place WHICKHAM GOLF CLUB Summer of Affordable Golf Hobson choose Changing Lives as this year’s charity Hobson Golf Club has chosen Changing Lives as its charity of the year for the next two years. The charity’s chief executive Stephen Bell OBE, a member of Hobson, helped secure the twoyear adoption. He said: “Corporate support is a big part of what we do, everything from fundraising to corporate volunteer opportunities. As a charity we need to raise £3m from charitable giving each year and adoptions like this are really important to us.” Hobson’s captain Bill Johnson added: “Myself and vice captain Mick Hoy feel privileged and honoured to be associated with this wonderful and worthy charity.” Changing Lives provides specialist support for thousands of vulnerable people and their families every month. The charity works with people experiencing homelessness, addiction and a range of other problems by reaching out in to communities. They offer specialist support services for women and families and provide employment opportunities. The club hopes to raise around £5,000 with the support of club members and other promotions; including hosting an open tournament on Wednesday September 3. Teams of four are £60. VISITOR SUMMER GREEN FEES Effective 1st May until October 31st 2014 Monday Summer Special £15pp or 4 Ball for only £50 Book online & Save up to 40% Twilight Golf (from 4.00pm) only £10 OPEN COMPETITIONS 2014 JULY Tuesday 15th SENIOR (Over 60’s) OPEN 4BBB Stableford £16 AUG Sunday 17th MIXED OPEN Greensome Stableford £16 SEPT Tuesday 2nd SENIOR (Over 60’s) OPEN 4BBB Stableford £16 Thursday 4th LADIES TEAM OPEN Team of 4 Stableford £32 Monday 29th MEN’S (Over 55’s) Texas Scramble Team of 4 £32 Customised Golf Days, pick your date, call us for details and book yours ! 5 and 6 Day Membership available. 7 Day membership (Waiting List Applied) Full details on application Hollinside Park, Fellside Road Whickham Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE16 5BA Tel: 0191 488 1576 Web: www.whickhamgolfclub.co.uk For more information contact Terry Maguire, tel 01207 270941 NORTHERN GOLFER 31 GOLFERNEWS What a shot Living the dream Paul Wesselingh has his sights on Rockliffe after North East win set him on his way T wo years ago Paul Wesselingh was known as a good club pro with a better than average regional tournament record and the ability to occasionally cause a stir in bigger events. Now he’s proof positive of how the gap between being a winner of European Seniors tournaments and selling golf balls, tees and giving lessons can be bridged by hard work and grabbing your chance when it comes along. And it all started with a victory in the North East. Wesselingh himself points to his 2012 ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship victory at Slaley Hall as the start of the realisation of a dream. He doesn’t regret his decision not to try his luck on the European Tour, but it does fuel his determination to make the best of the opportunity that has now come his way on the Seniors Tour. He said: “I reckon I could have another 10 years of tournament golf in me if I stay fit and free from injury and I intend to make the best job of it I can.” That win at Slaley was the 52-year-old’s maiden victory on the European Seniors Tour, but the signs were there when he was joint runner-up on his debut in the Mallorca Senior Open. Six more top 10 finishes, fifth place in the order of merit and the Rookie of the Year accolade followed. Could it get any better in 2013? 32 NORTHERN GOLFER Yes, it could. He retained the title he won at Slaley when it moved to Mottram Hall and won another three times to win the Tour order of merit. Recently, he was at Rockliffe Hall in the build up to this year’s English Seniors Open at the Durham course in August and it’s a tournament he would love to add to his winning portfolio. “It really was a wonderful tournament last year and all of my fellow players were incredibly impressed with the standard of the course,” he said. “There were some phenomenal scores which is testament to the condition of the course and Rockliffe Hall’s greenkeeping team. I have a feeling this year the standard of play will be even higher. “I think they may make it a little tougher for us this time around, but the public do like to see us making birdies and eagles and doing well. “Can I win it and can I defend the Order of Merit trophy this year? I’ll be giving it my best shot. I’ll just keep on living the dream. “Getting on the Senior Tour is something I worked towards for four or five years. The main thing was the fitness and getting the body in shape. “Slaley was special because it was my first win but Mottram felt even better. It was slightly surreal beating the likes of Ian Woosnam and Mark James, because these guys were heroes of mine.” Isps Handa PGA Seniors champion Paul Wesselingh with Midori Miyazaki, executive director of International Affairs at Isps after his victory at Slaley Hall Paul Wesselingh Paul Wesselingh’s sublime approach to the final hole of the MCB Tour Championship has been voted by fans as the inaugural European Senior Tour Shot of the Year for 2013. His stunning rescue club to the 18th green on the final day of the 2013 season at Constance Bell Mare Plage, in Mauritius, garnered 25 per cent of the public vote cast through europeantour.com He said: “It’s not something I ever would have expected, but I have to say it was one of the best shots I have ever played, made even more special as it was the final hole of what was an incredible year for me. “I had 225 yards to the pin and just went for it. I know I was a few shots clear at the time, which obviously takes the pressure off to a certain extent, but it was still a tricky shot and I managed to hit it well and it ended up just a couple of feet from the pin. It was a great feeling.” GOLFERNEWS Out of Africa Slaley to host top tournament where the winners can earn a place in Morocco T he Northern regional final of the HowDidiDo Morocco Matchplay Championship is heading for Slaley Hall later this year. The 1,000-acre resort near Hexham in Northumberland will play host to the two-day event on October 7-8 with golfers from Scotland and the North of England competing in four categories - singles, pairs, mixed pairs and senior pairs - to earn the right to play in the grand final next February in Morocco. The stunning Dave Thomasdesigned Hunting course is a regular stopping-off point for the European Seniors Tour and has also staged major European Tour events and it will provide a stern challenge for golfers who will have already battled their way through local contests to reach the Northern final. The 7,000-yard, par-72 course is laid out across rolling moorland, and features streams, lakes, towering trees and banks of rhododendrons. Slaley Hall’s golf sales manager Jeff Mills, said: “We are proud to be able to host the northern regional final of the Morocco Matchplay, powered by HowDidiDo. It is one of the premier amateur matchplay events in country and is renowned for the quality of its golf. “We believe that in the Hunting course they will find a stern, yet fair, challenge and they can rest assured that, if they win through to the grand final in Morocco, they will have earned their trip.” CHESTER-LE-STREET GOLF CLUB Bellingham Golf Club Membership available - all categories Parties welcome seven days a week Online Special Green Fees for June Mon - Fri £20 round per player Sat & Sun £25 round per player Discounts for bookings of 8 or more Buggies and catering available 2014 Opens - enter now! Follow the link on our website to our Open Competitions and choose from Seniors 4 Ball (3rd Sept), Mixed Foursomes (14th Sept), Ladies three Player Team (8th Aug), Men’s 4 Ball (10th Aug). CONGU Handicaps required. Telephone 01434 220530 or email admin@bellinghamgolfclub.com Bellingham Golf Club, Boggle Hole, Bellingham, NE48 2DT www.bellinghamgolfclub.com Please ring the Secretary Colin Henderson for further details Visitors welcome Prices from £18 per round Mon to Fri - £20 weekends Special offer £12.50 pp Mon to Thurs between 2pm and 4pm Buggies available £20 round Opens 2014 - places still available Sunday 15th June – 4 Man Team Open Thursday 7th August – Junior Open Wednesday 27th August – Ladies AM-AM Open Chester le Street Golf Club, Lumley Park, County Durham, DH3 4NS tel: 0191 388 3218 email:clsgcoffice@tiscali.co.uk www.clsgolfclub.co.uk NORTHERN GOLFER 33 George Washington Hotel Golf & Spa GREENWATCH GREEN WATCH With SIMON OLVER, course manager at Percy Wood GEORGE WASHINGTON OPENS 2014 Ladies 4BBB - 15th July - £15.00 pair Monday 14th July - £50 per team of 4 The Sunderland Plate - 36 hole scratch Sunday 6th July - £25 per person Seniors Open - Thursday 7th August - £16 pair Bank Holiday Monday 4BBB - 25th August - £10 per person GREEN FEE SPECIALS Early Bird rate from 7.00am & Twilight rate from 4pm ring to book your tee time ALL VISITORS & SOCIETIES WELCOME MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE 7 Day - 5 Day - Flexi - Intermediate - Junior NEW FOR 2014 • TaylorMade Jetspeed Drivers & Woods • TaylorMade SLDR Driver, Woods, Irons & Bags • Sunmountain Golf Bags • Adidas Adizero One • Footjoy Shoes • Powakaddy FW3,FW5,FW7 Range • TaylorMade SLDR White Driver & SLDR s Driver, Woods & Hybrid Family • Ashworth Cardiff Shoe Range • Adidas Crossflex Sport, Adicross III & Aidzero Sport II Telephone Jonny Mould on 0191 4178346 or email: gsd@georgewashington.co.uk Check website for green fee specials - www.georgewashington.co.uk Stone Cellar Road, High Usworth, Washington, NE37 1PH 34 NORTHERN GOLFER WATER WATER EVERYWHERE Golf courses around the country are beginning to reach their full potential, with swarms of golfers covering every possible inch. Greens speeds are continuing to increase and ground conditions are firming up (despite the odd spell of heavy rain). Every greenkeeper loves to see the results of their hard work and works hard to maintain the results during these periods. Water management is a key factor, which is often not seen by golfers, in ensuring playing surfaces perform to golfers’ expectations. Every course requires different levels of water input depending on a range of factors such as grass species, geographical position and soil type. Automated watering systems now make application more efficient and effective, but can be highly destructive when in the wrong hands. As well as applying water, green staff will use wetting agents to ensure the water can be held in the soil. These agents break down microbial waste, which coats soil particles in the form of wax, which then repels water. This disorder is known as dry patch and appears as isolated stressed areas on a healthy looking putting surface. These areas will not take a golf ball the same as the rest of the putting surface; when you think you have hit the perfect shot and the ball goes bouncing over the green there is a good chance you have hit a good putt and it’s the condition beneath the surface that are the problem. NEXT MONTH Mowing practices Sunderland’s Supermac Stephen McNally finished tied-third behind Scotland’s Kenny Hutton in the Senior PGA Professional Championship at Foxhills Resort in Surrey. Representing Sunderland Golf Centre for the first time after switching from Slaley Hall, the former Scotland Golf coach shot 74 73 72 to tie with Glyn Davies, Bernard White (Sutton Green) and Gary Emerson (Remedy Oak) and also qualify for the PGA Seniors Championship at Stoke by Nayland. McNally recovered from a poor end to his first round to secure third place. GOLFERNEWS Chloe is in clover Work continues on Durham’s newest course as the greenkeping team grows too W ork on Durham’s newest golf course, the Cathedral course at Ramside Hall is continuing at pace, with nine holes set to be open this summer. As part of increasing the number of holes he has to look after, course manager Roger Shaw has appointed four new members to his green staff, including Chloe Gallagher, one of the few female greenkeepers in the UK. Roger said, “We’ve got four new members of staff, two experienced guys and two apprentices. There aren’t a lot of young women getting into the profession; particularly here in the North East so it’s fantastic to see a girl like Chloe keen to give the job a go. “It doesn’t matter who the person is, whether they’re male, female, young or old – until you’ve seen someone work you don’t have any idea what they’ll be like as a member of your team. Greenkeeping’s a fantastic profession, but everyone thinks they can do it when it’s sunny and warm – you find out how committed people are Chloe Gallagher when it’s pouring with rain or the temperature is below zero and you’re outside for eight hours. The novelty can wear off very quick.” Chloe, 20, has been a member of Ramside for four years and plays off 11. “I play a lot of golf at Ramside. I helped out on the driving range over the winter and got talking to some of the green staff about what they did and I thought it would be a good way to get a job in golf. “It’s going really well. On my first day I went out and changed the holes and then I was cutting the tee boxes in the afternoon. I didn’t think I was going to be allowed to do anything but rake the bunkers for the first few months! “Working on the new course is an incredible experience; getting to shape bunkers and work on the way they look is fantastic. I’ve been able to get straight into it and do a lot of important jobs already, which is fantastic,” Chloe explained. Ramside’s multi-million pound development, which includes the construction of the Cathedral Course is well underway with nine holes due to open by the end of July. 2014 OPENS @ SALTBURN BY THE SEA GOLF CLUB SUNDAY 6TH JULY - RABBITS - 4BBB STABLEFORD £25 PAIR TUESDAY 8TH JULY - SENIORS NO 2 - 4BBB STABLEFORD £18 PAIR SATURDAY 19TH JULY - CHARITY GOLF DAY £50 TEAM OF 4 MONDAY 28TH JULY - JUNIOR - UNDER 18’S 0 - 36 H/CAP £5 ENTRY FRIDAY 1ST AUGUST - SENIORS DOUBLE GREENSOME STABLEFORD £16 TEAM TUESDAY 9TH SEPT - SENIORS NO 3 - 4 MAN TEAM TEXAS SCRAMBLE £32 TEAM ENTER ONLINE WWW.SALTBURNGOLF.CO.UK VISITORS & SOCIETIES ALWAYS WELCOME | 4 BALL SPECIAL - MONDAY - FRIDAY £80.00 SALTBURN GOLF CLUB HOB HILL, SALTBURN BY THE SEA, CLEVELAND, TS12 1NJ TELEPHONE 01287 624 653 “A c l u b w i t h s o m u c h t o o f f e r ” TELEPHONE 01287 624 653 NORTHERN GOLFER 35 GOLFERNEWS Stockton Golf Week 2014 Tues 29 July - Fri 1 August Stockton Golf Week tees off for the fifth time bringing together four top-class parkland golf venues across Stockton-on-Tees at exclusive discounted rates. Tues 29 July Teesside - £15 Wed 30 July Eaglescliffe - £15 Thurs 31 July Billingham - £15 Fri 1 August Wynyard - £20 In the swing For further information, including booking details, visit www.stockton.gov.uk/golfweek or call (01642) 528130 Bellingham among 10 clubs to support an initiative to get more ladies playing golf Arts, Culture and Leisure Big plans for great experiences INVITATION PORTUGAL MASTERS WEEK DEPARTURE DATE IS THURSDAY 9 OCT JOIN US FOR THIS FANTASTIC GOLF WEEK AND VISIT TO THE FINAL DAYTHE PORTUGAL MASTERS 7 Nights B & B staying at Alvor, Western Algarve. 4 Games of golf at Morgado and Alamos Courses. All transfers included. Visit Oceanico Victoria Course,Vilamoura, for the final day of the Portugal Masters entry fee and private transfers included. £499 per person, excludes flights FLIGHTS AVAILABLE FROM NEWCASTLE, FROM £275 PLACES ARE LIMITED AND EARLY BOOKING IS REQUIRED Committed to giving the best service and prices for North East Golfers - Call Kevin Batty 01661 828021 or email kevin@golfingholidays.org 36 NORTHERN GOLFER B ellingham have come up with an innovative approach to welcome new members. The North Tyne Valley club has been supporting the Northumberland County Golf Partnership’s drive to encourage more women to take up golf and now they have created a Café Golf Club membership category for the ladies who have taken advantage of the free lessons on offer from the club’s PGA professional Martin Forster. As well as further coaching, the ladies will be taken out on the course with existing members, as well as enjoying competitions of their own during the summer months. Ladies captain Di Hutchinson said: “We have a small ladies section and have welcomed the opportunity provided by the Northumberland CGP to offer free coaching to ladies interested in taking up the game of golf. “Along with Martin’s coaching and the support of existing lady members we have had 12 ladies enrol in the lessons.” Ian Harvey, development officer for the Northumberland CGP added: “Bellingham is one of a number of clubs in the county who have taken advantage of the support available through the CGP to offer a way into the sport for those interested in giving golf a try.” To find your nearest centre visit getintogolf.org and look at the activity map or tel 0800 118 2766. You can follow Get into Golf on Twitter twitter.com/getintogolf or on Facebook at facebook.com/getintogolf Webb marks 25 years Not many pros can claim to have served their club for 25 years. But Marcus Webb, now a Fellow of the PGA, has done just that at Bedlingtonshire Golf Club. And to celebrate Marcus ran a competition at the Northumberland club, sponsored by Newcastle Honda, which raised £300 for the Golf Foundation and £250 towards the club buying a defibrillator. All the various sections in the club contributed, and Marcus said: “This is one of the reasons I have been at Bedlingtonshire so long, this club really is the heart of the community.” GRAEMESTORM SEAHAM GOLF CLUB Shrewsbury Street, Seaham, Co. Durham SR7 7RD With 5 par 3’s and 3 par 5’s - a great test of golf Mondays ONLY £12 & Weekends after 2.00 pm ONLY £15 Golf Societies welcome • Great value options for golf + food Contact Andrew, for details 0191 5130837 or seahamgolfclub@btconnect.com • www.seahamgolfclub.co.uk DUNSTANBURGH CASTLE GOLF CLUB US OPEN BOUND! STRANGE FRUSTRATING SEASON At this half way point in the season, I have managed to make only four cuts out of 15 events with some very below par performances. Hopefully, the second part will be much more rewarding - the main goal being to retain my card at the end of the year. I have the chance to play in a major championship again after qualifying for the US Open for the second time in my career. I decided to enter to give myself a boost in confidence and prove to myself that I still have what it takes to compete at a top level. After shooting 68 in the morning and getting the most part of the job done, I had to go out in the second round in the same frame of mind and that was to make as many birdie chances as possible and give myself the best chance to qualify. I managed to shoot 71 and cruise through without any real trouble. I also couldn’t have been given a better draw for the qualifier, getting to play with three time major winner, Padraig Harrington, and he was a really good guy to play with. Sometimes when your playing partner has a bad round in the morning, they can withdraw after the first round in a 36 hole qualifier all in one day, but Padraig, being the true professional that he is and after shooting 75 and needing a very low score in the afternoon, was back on the first tee ready and raring to go. A trip to Pinehurst could be just what I need at this very moment in my career to give me that buzz of playing in a major championship again and hopefully put in a good performance for me to build on. This is vitally important to me as I have a massive run of events coming up with lots to play for. I have taken a week off from the tour to prepare the best I possibly can for America, so will be spending lots of time on the range at Rockliffe Hall working on my wedge game which I think will be vitally important to passing the examination that the USGA will put in front of us on what I have heard is a world class golf course. I hope to take my A game with me. Scenic 18 hole seaside links course designed by the famous James Braid, adjacent to spectacular Embleton Bay VISITORS & SOCIETIES WELCOME INCLUDING WEEKENDS Summer Special Coffee & bacon roll on arrival, round of golf followed by soup, large filled roll & chips £26 per person Mon-Fri • £30 per person weekends Embleton, Northumberland, NE66 3XQ - Tel: 01665 576562 email: enquiries@dunstanburgh.com - www.dunstanburgh.com Our free draining links course means we hardly ever close due to bad weather! Hetton LeGolf Hill Club A SUPERB JONATHAN GAUNT LAYOUT - A TRUE TEST BEST DEALS IN GOLF Membership £1.00 per day Seniors £285 per year 7 Day Membership GREEN FEES £15 per Round, Weekend £17 Seniors £13 per Round, Weekend £15 Weekend Special - 4 Ball £50 Societies & Parties Discounted Rates Website hettongolf.co.uk Telephone 0191 517 3061 or email hettoncgc@gmail.com Hetton le Hill Golf Club, Elemore Vale, Easington Lane, DH5 0QT NORTHERN GOLFER 37 Northern Golfer Match Play Pairs This year’s Northern Golfer Match Play Pairs is well underway, with 18 teams making their way through round one in May and June. Round two sees 64 teams compete across the region. The deadline for results is Sunday July 6 and the third round draw will be in July’s edition of the magazine. A total of 82 teams are competing for the Match Play Pairs trophy this year and a trip to Portugal with the NE/NW PGA. This year’s semi-finals (Ramside GC) and final (Tyneside GC) will take place in September. 1. Chris Burgess (9) & Steve Whelton (6) (Ramside Hall) V Steve Slater (2) & Andy O’Neil (18) (City of Newcastle) 2. Michael Davison (9) & Eddy Hogg (15) (Burgham Park/ Longhirst) V Darren Smith (9) & Nigel Swanson (14) (Matfen Hall/Bedlingtonshire) 3. Robert Hughes (23) & S. White (14) (Chester le Street) V Colin Marshall (16) & Paul Tindale (11) (Durham City) 4. Paul Crawford (14) & Neil Harrison (13) (Wearside/Hetton le Hill) V Peter Gallagher (11) & Neil Walmsley (18) (Durham City) 5. Jamie Self (14) & Chris Wright (9) (Bellingham) V Mustafa Gun (12) & Kevin Binney (George Washington) 38 NORTHERN GOLFER 6. Howard Wooton (11) & Colin Grieve (8) (Goswick) V John McCabe (14) & Simon Lister (7) (Burgham Park) 14.George Longthorne (15) & John Bowes (18) (Crook) V Johnathan Heslop (20) & Michael Karczewski (15) (Ramside Hall) 7. Michael Beverley (12) & Karl Dyllaghan (15) (Warkworth) V Len Eyre (6) & Alan Scambler (9) (Magdalene Fields) 15.Tony Rudd (6) & Hugh Thompson (10) (Durham City) V Robert Ellison (16) & J. Jamfrey (14) (Roseberry Grange) 8. Billy Bennett (4) & Steven Harmison (5) (Newbiggin) V Steve Gordon (4) & Liam Nevens (7) (Morpeth) 16.Steve Heron (9) & Kevin Hill (12) (Ryton) V Alan Brady (15) & Matt Harper (6) (Durham City) 9. Bobby Patterson (15) & Jimmy Patterson (16) (Garesfield) V John Barnes (19) & David Wailes (4) (Bedlingtonshire) 10.Paul McVittie (12) & Phillip Ward (12) (Brampton) V Alan Day (22) & Bryan Gibson (17) (Ryton) 11.Stewart Jones (8) & Alec Jones (5) (Bellingham) V Brendan Murphy (12) & Adam Murphy (17) (Tynedale) 12.Craig Fryer (14) & Michael McSkelly (8) (South Moor) V Alan Slater (13) & Anthony McKeown (10) (Ramside Hall) 13.David Hornsey (5) & Barry Cranston (10) (Slaley Hall/Consett) V Gary Stoker (8) & Paul Jones (11) (Close House) 17.Bryan Davison (5) & Michael Johnson (3) (Consett) V Stephen Fawcus (17) & Darren McCaig (4) (Whickham) 18.Shaun Stokoe (15) & Thomas Turner (9) (Consett) V Andy Elvin (6) & Lee Parker (8) (Ryton) 19.Stephen Dix (6) & Graham Smith (12) (Ryton) V Rory O’Connor (2) & Sam Oliver (4) (Close House/ Bedlingtonshire) Second Round 22.Alan Saunders (14) & Steve Weldon (11) (Westerhope) V Michael Rutter (7) & Paul Stocks (20) (Ryton) 30.David Gray (15) & Mark Parry (13) (Saltburn/ Cleveland) V Jake Scutt (3) & Martyn Scutt (15) (Scarborough/ Bridlington) 23.Anthony Lawlor (8) & Stu Vickery (16) (Chester le Street) V Colin Bentham (13) & Terry Forth (13) (Seaham) 31.Andrew Lincoln (6) & Ryan Wooton (Catterick) V Brent Morfoot (13) & Ian Fawcett (8) (Oak Leaf) 24.Jeff Shield (17) & Steve Devon (10) (Durham City) V Peter Mapp (9) & Chris Hart (12) (Bishop Auckland) 32.Douglas Ellison (9) & Richard Mellor (9) (Slaley Halll ) V Andrew Askew (9) & Andrew Hastings (4) (Consett) 25.John Harvey (15) & Andrew Bell (9) (Hartlepool) V Gary Bell (9) & John Johnstone (4) (Middlesbrough Municiple) 26.Mark Lawther (10) & Adam Lawther (7) (Cleveland) V Darren Lamb (5) & Peter Taylor (8) (Bishop Auckland) 27.Jason Budd (10) & Lee Forber (18) (Bishop Auckland/Crook) V Graeme Bailey (16) & Adam Carter (15) (Darlington) 20.Ray McCarthy (17) & M. McCarthy (15) (South Moor) V Alec McCoy (18) & Derek Hicks (16) (Consett) 28.Bob Fawbert(11) & Graeme Ogilvie (8) (Rudding Park) V Stuart McIntosh (19) & Craig Watts (7) (Wilton) 21.John Mordue (8) & Tom Watt (17) (Ryton) V Fred Voase (13) & Michael Huggin (18) (Ryton) 29.Fred Lewis-Bynoe (8) & Terry Dady (11) (Dinsdale Spa) V David Smith (15) & Steve Buxton (10) (Romanby) NORTHERN GOLFER GENTS MATCH PLAY PAIRS 1. Steward & Philipson lost to Shield & Devon 1 down 2. Barnes & Wailes beat Wilkinson & Colton 3 & 2 3. Crawford & Harrison beat Jenkinson & Kelly 1 up 4. Lamb & Taylor beat McDonnell & Bowmaker 3 & 2 5. Rudd & Thompson beat Swann & Robson 2 & 1 6. Lawlor & Vickery beat Lumsden & White 3 & 2 7. McCabe & Lister beat Graham & Hird 2 up 8. Bentham & Forth beat Stephenson & Robson 19th hole 9. Timbey & Hilland lost to Gallagher & Wamsley 3 & 2 10.McCoy & Hicks beat Menzies & Walker match conceded 11.Burgess & Whelton beat Mould & Mould 3 & 2 12.Ord & Bovill lost to Bell & Johnstone 2 & 1 13.Telford & Wigham lost to Askew & Hastings 2 down 14.Ellison & Mellor beat Robinson & Ethrington 3 & 2 15.Bennett & Harmison beat Wright & MacKay 5 & 4 16.Robson & Sher lost to McCarthy & McCarthy 7 & 5 17.Coulson & Dobson lost to Saunders & Weldon 2 up 18.Rutter & Stocks beat Lowe & Medhurst 1 up MATCHES TO BE PLAYED BY SUNDAY JULY 6 2014 PROFILE Backworth Golf Club A MUST PLAY HIDDEN GEM IN NORTH TYNESIDE New members welcome P.O.A. Summer Green Fees 9 holes from £10 18 holes from £18 PRO -FILE MARTIN FORSTER We catch up with the Tynedale and Philips Golf Discount pro AGE: 48 TURNED PRO: 22 H/CAP: 2.5 HOME CLUB: Tynedale Golf Club, previously Hexham Golf Club BIGGEST WIN TO DATE: 1999 winner, Northumberland and Durham Open (PGA North); 1998 runner-up, Volvo Pro/Captain Challenge National Final at Wentworth; 1992 winner, Woodham Classic (PGA North); 1988 runner-up, North Region Assistants’ Championship; more than 30 wins as a professional Telephone the Manager John Robinson on 0191 2684274 Visitors & Societies Welcome Telephone 0191 2689131 for course availability, information and events Email: backworthminers@virgin.net • www.backworthminers.co.uk/golf The Hall, Backworth, NE27 0AH All makes of golf trolleys repaired Free battery testing! Golf Trolley Repair & Service Centre Recommended by De Vere Slaley Hall Need new grips?.. I fit EGiGO More information on www.egigogolf.com Telephone: 01207 561400 or 07737 963881 Email: george@golftrolleyrepairandservice.co.uk www.golftrolleyrepairandservice.co.uk Find us at the 5th Tee at Garesfield Golf Club, Chopwell, NE17 7AP Official Sales Agents for.... THIS SEASON: We haven’t played a lot of events so far this year, but I had a second place in a pro series event at Rockliffe Hall early in the season. There was a big field, 57 players in total, and I finished one shot behind John Harrison. I’ve also had two third place finishes in May, in one week. The first was at Slaley in the WaterAid Pro-Am, and then in Maryport. This year Tom Flowers has done a great job with the NE/NW PGA schedule, so there are a lot of pro-ams and tournaments to play in, which is great. GETTING INTO THE GAME: I grew up on a farm in the middle of the countryside and my dad played a little bit. I’ve got two brothers and a sister (including fellow PGA professional David) and we were always outside playing sports, I just used to hit golf balls around the field. I joined Hexham when I was 12, got my first handicap (13) at 14-years-old and I turned pro in 1988. AIMS/FUTURE: I’ve always set out to win at least one event in every year of my career. I’ve only failed to do that once and that year I finished second three times. Having been a club pro in the past, now I concentrate on the aspects of the job I enjoy the most – my coaching, some custom fitting and obviously playing. I love to play golf; I don’t practice a lot, I just tend to go out and play. I love coaching as well; I love the challenge of working out a problem, finding the easiest solution, and making my corrections easy to understand. INTERESTING FACT: I’ve held six course record scores, including on The Hunting Course at Slaley Hall, 65 (-7). I’ve also been lucky enough to be chosen as captain of both the NE/NW PGA (2003) and the PGA in England and Wales (North) 2010. NORTHERN GOLFER 39 COURSEREVIEW Romanby marching on Alan Hedley’s trip to North Yorkshire finds a course which is a joy to play F ew courses have come as far as Romanby Golf and Country Club have in such a relatively short space of time. Officially opened in 1993 with Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie unveiling the newly-built Country Club in 2000, improvements and changes have taken place on a regular basis. Investment in new drainage, bunkers and greenkeeping equipment plus improvements to the 12-bay covered driving range and the six-hole par three academy course means, not surprisingly, the practice facilities and quality of coaching at Romanby are second to none and three PGA professionals are on hand, led by Richard Wood who also runs a well-stocked shop. The course itself is a joy, following the natural 40 NORTHERN GOLFER contours of the North Yorkshire landscape. There’s plenty of water including some attractive lakes and the River Wiske and it is long enough at 6,663 yards off the back tees to provide a real challenge. Don’t be fooled by what seems a fairly comfortable start as the first of the water holes arrives as early as the second and by the third – a long par four - you know you have a game on your hands. The first of the par threes is not short at 186 yards and the fifth is a terrific par five. From the elevated tee, it snakes past a lake and up to a well-guarded green with a narrow approach. It is a birdie chance if you can get two big hits away and get on in two, but if you’re wayward you can be wet. The seventh at 251 yards is a classic risk or reward par four. Played downhill, there’s a severe slope and out of bounds, but there are no bunkers on the hole. There’s another great par five to finish the front nine, a real three-shotter with out of bounds as well as water with the drive needing to find an island fairway, while the second has to carry a narrowing alley formed by the river and the road. Do the necessary and the third is to a slightly elevated undulating green set in a natural amphitheatre. The second nine also starts with a shortish par four but it’s just setting you up for Romanby’s own Amen Corner - a trio of challenging holes consisting of the knee-trembling par three 11th COURSEREVIEW FACT FILE Have your sa y Lo northe g on to rngolfe r.co.uk over the lake; the 12th, a monster par five; and the par four 13th is ranked stroke index one and clearly Romanby’s signature hole (see fact file). Get through that lot with a score and you’re doing very well. The finish is pretty good as well with a long par five and then a testing par four with a short but spectacular finishing hole with options. Either drive across the river, which is about 230 yards from an elevated back tee, leaving a pitch to the angled green avoiding the large bunker or lay-up and face a slightly longer second shot. Romanby has a vibrant, healthy membership with strong ladies, juniors and seniors section and its lounge bar, which overlooks the ninth and 18th greens, and excellent brasserie restaurant are popular venues. The club is also licensed for every kind of event with a function room which can hold up to 200 people. Romanby was initially the vision of Les Craven, whose family had farmed the land for more than 50 years and his son Brian took over the reins and played a key role in developing the club and course which was designed by Will Adamson. It’s a development and vision that is ongoing today. CONTACT Romanby Golf and Country Club Yafforth Road, Northallerton, DL7 0PE Tel 01609 778 855 Head of Golf Services: Richard Cooper Professional: Rob Lilley Website: www.romanby.com Twitter @romanby facebook.com/romanby GREEN FEES Mon-Thurs before 2pm £20, after 2pm. £15, after 5pm £10; Fri-Sun £25, £15 and £10; Also check out the club’s new golf party package calculator Romanby has always kept pace with innovation and new ideas. Not surprising then they have launched a new Book Your Own Golf Day service on their website. Designed for parties of nine or more, you can book your day, time, number in party, meals and anything else you require. It gives you a price and confirmation, subject to availability, follows in 24 hours. Romanby is also very much a club as well as a propriety course with the club members having just celebrated their 20th anniversary with a special Texas scramble competition and barbecue TOTAL DISTANCE White tees - 6,663 Yellow tees - 6,405 Red tees - 5,635 FEATURES 18 holes championship standard golf 12-bay floodlit driving range Six-hole par three academy course Nine-hole putting green Golf shop stocked by Snainton Golf Buggy, trolley and club hire PGA qualified instructor Top class country club facilities with brasserie restaurant and bar Meeting room and function room CADDY’S TIP Stay away from the water! SIGNATURE HOLE The dogleg 404-yard 13th is the most difficult hole on the course with a tight drive - out of bounds on the left. It then doglegs left to the bottom of a valley. The river cuts in front of the elevated green. Terrific hole. ALAN HEDLEY’S VERDICT It’s a great course with plenty of variety and some very testing holes and it’s always in excellent shape. NORTHERN GOLFER 41 EUROPROTOUR Drama on the Dawson EuroPro Tour clash at Longhirst ends in a play-off for the £10,000 prize T here was a dramatic finish to the EuroPro Tour Dawson and Sanderson Travel Classic at Longhirst. The trophy and the £10,000 top prize went to Sheringham’s William Harrold after he beat former Tour winner Bradley Dredge in a play-off. It was Harrold’s second HotelPlanner. com PGA EuroPro Tour title of the season, but Dredge, a two-time winner on the European Tour and a three-time Challenge Tour winner, will be bitterly disappointed after he managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Dredge began the final round three behind Harrold but was four ahead of his playing partner by the time they reached the par-three 16th. However, the Welshman’s lead had evaporated 200 yards later. While Harrold made birdie, Dredge made bogey, but in the process of carding his four he’d played from a temporary green marked GUR (ground under repair), for which he was penalised two strokes. He was told of his error on the 17th fairway, but promptly birdied to reclaim the lead, only to smack his tee shot into the trees on 18. He was able to get a free drop because of staked trees but couldn’t find the green with his second shot and faced a difficult pitch to the two-tier FOLLOW US ON TWITTER - @MGC1908 Middlesbrough Golf Club Brass Castle Lane, Middlesbrough, TS8 9EE VISITING PARTIES Fantastic deals for visiting parties on one of the North’s most prestigious courses. Various options available i.e Coffee and Bacon roll on arrival 18 holes of golf, 2 course evening meal - £35 per person Bespoke packages can be negotiated for small and large parties. DEMO DAYS Thurs 19th June - Titleist Ring the Pro Shop to book you appointment Tuesday 24th June - Callaway Demo Day SUMMER SPECIAL Valid until 30th Sept 2014 4 Ball for £80.00 (please quote NG when contacting) Telephone Gordon Cattrell, Club Professional, on 01642 311766 • Email: gcattrell@tgigolf.com Web: www.middlesbroughgolfclub.co.uk 42 NORTHERN GOLFER THE PGA EUROPRO TOUR RETURNS TO MOOR ALLERTON GC, LEEDS AUGUST 6-8 FREE ENTRY FOR ALL SPECTATORS EUROPROTOUR green and left himself a 25-footer for par and had to settle for a bogey five while Harrold twoputted for par. That left the pair tied on three under-par, Harrold signing for a 76 and Dredge 73, and meant a sudden death play-off on the 18th. Harrold again made the green in two but Dredge found a fairway bunker and could only come out short, then his approach bounced off the green. While his fourth shot was close to the pin, Harrold had two putts to win and needed just one birdieing the play-off hole to win the £10,000 top prize, a brand new Motocaddy trolley, and a Shotsaver range finder. “I gritted it out and did the best I could. Suddenly a few things happened and there is a play-off,” said Harrold, whose win moved him to the top of the Order of Merit and nearer a Challenge Tour card, which is awarded to the top five earners at the end of the season. “It is a battle of the mind sometimes. When you aren’t playing great it is so easy to think William Harrold you aren’t good enough. You have to fight those thoughts and keep taking it a shot at a time. “The play-off was the same, one shot at a time. I hit a good drive and a similar approach as I had five minutes earlier and got a bit closer and was able to make the putt. “I have had a good start but you never know what can happen. I can smile a bit more now and think about the top five, which was one of the goals for the season.” Doncaster’s Graeme Clark finished tied fifth on 217 with Howley Hall’s Marcus Armitage a shot further back and Rockcliffe Hall’s James Maw finished in the top 20 on 220. Heavy rain made for difficult conditions at Longhirst Hall over all three days and Graham Chambers and his staff deserve praise for getting the course into such good shape. The EuroPro Tour returns to the region on August 6-8 with a tree-day event at Moor Allerton Golf Club in Leeds. For more information visit www.europrotour.com When it comes to golf in Leeds, we’re the masters. Corporate and Society Golf Days Conferences and Seminars • 27 hole championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Snr. • Dedicated Golf Operations Team • For a successful golf experience you will talk about for months to come E: james.whitaker@magc.co.uk T: 0113 266 5209 • Full conference and business facilities • Meeting rooms from 20 to 180, full catering services • Large free car park • 10 miles from Leeds Bradford Airport, • 7 miles from Leeds City Centre E: info@magc.co.uk Broadcast by FOR PRO-AM INFO VISIT: FREE entry for all Spectators www.magc.co.uk NORTHERN GOLFER 43 Longhirst Hall G O L F C L U B PGA EUROTOUR VENUE - DAWSON COURSE 2014 £15 VISITOR AFTERNOON FROM NOON ANY DAY One of the best courses we’ve played on - EUROPRO PLAYER Superb championship set up - MATCHROOM SPORTS GOLF DIRECTOR Best course in northumberland - LOCAL EUROPRO PLAYER Simply unbelievable - SENIORS OPEN PLAYER LONGHIRST HALL GOLF COURSE, LONGHIRST, MORPETH, NORTHUMBERLAND, NE61 3LL Telephone 01670 791562 or email: enquiries@longhirstgolf.co.uk visit us online at: www.longhirstgolf.co.uk 44 NORTHERN GOLFER GOLFERNEWS WORLD CUP WINNERS FOR LADIES CLOTHING NOW IN - All the latest 2014 clubs, balls etc Eureka Golf at Houghton-le-Spring Golf Club The biggest & best Shop for Ladies in the North East Houghton-le-Spring Golf Club, Copt Hill, DH5 8LU For more information tel: 0191 5841198 www.eurekagolf.co.uk Visitors Welcome New 2014 Summer Green Fees Monday to Friday £18 pp - 4 ball £60 | Weekends £22.50 pp - 4 ball £72 Tel 0191 5841198 opt 2 to book your tee-time Spaces available in our Open Competitions Dulux 4 Person Team Open - Saturday 21st June £40 per team Ladies Open - Wednesday 16th July £18 per pair Mixed Open - Saturday 2nd August £18 per pair Houghton Feast - 4 Man Team Open £40 per team Tel 0191 5841198 opt 2 Houghton le Spring Golf Club Alnmouth Golf Club Clubs mourn stalwarts Neville Dunn, 80 and Deryck Walton, 103, remembered B oth Prudhoe and Tyneside clubs are mourning the loss of Neville Dunn at the age of 80. A member of Tyneside for more than 50 year, Neville was a member of Prudhoe when he won the British Boys Championship at Prestwick in 1951. He did it using using a set of second-hand clubs and took the title 6&5 defeating future British Amateur Champion and Walker Cup player Michael Lunt. He went on to play for Northumberland County many times and also won the Prudhoe Club Championship 15 times and the Tyneside title eight times – the first in 1958 and the last in 1973. He won the Northumberland and Durham Inter-County Foursomes with Prudhoe in 1957 and the 1960 Northumberland County Championship; plus many club events at Tyneside and Prudhoe. Alnmouth have also lost a stalwart with the death of Deryck Walton. A mainstay of Alnmouth for 80 years and Northumberland County for 60 years, he was 103. A former chairman and captain of Alnmouth (in their centenary year) he was president of Northumberland in 1965 and 1966. His introduction to Alnmouth came when he and his wife Nancy won an open competition there and Colonel Brims presenting the prize told him it was not the done thing to win and not be a member so for the sum of five guineas (£5.25) he joined on the spot. Deryck retained his faculties to the end and was still interested in golf throughout Northumberland. At the age of 100 he would still turn out to support the county if anything was played at Alnmouth as he lived adjacent to the 11th tee. Copt Hill, Houghton le Spring, DH5 8LU Tyneside Golf Club PLAY SOMEWHERE SPECIAL “Tyneside has all the hallmarks of a vintage Harry Colt design” Frank Pont - Europe’s leading restorer of classic courses VISITORS & SOCIETIES ALWAYS WELCOME Excellent packages available MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE 5 Day (Gent) – Ladies – Intermediate – Junior – Corporate 2014 OPENS Check our website… Telephone: 0191 4132742 or Email: secretary@tynesidegolfclub.co.uk www.tynesidegolfclub.co.uk Westfield Lane Ryton Tyne & Wear NE40 3QE NORTHERN GOLFER 45 RYDERCUP Ryder Cup at Gleneagles Paul Mcginley, Ryder Cup captain A short guide and some ideas if you are travelling to the greatest golf show on earth A little over 90 years ago, 20 men assembled at Gleneagles in the heartland of Scotland for an international challenge match between Great Britain and the United States of America. Among them were golfing legends Harry Vardon, J. H. Taylor and Walter Hagen. This 1921 match had no name, no fanfare and no trophy to play for – but it whetted the appetite and eventually gave rise to the phenomenon of the Ryder Cup, officially played for six years later. This year it will be the first time in more than 40 years and only the second time in its history, that the tournament will be staged in Scotland, the ‘Home of Golf.’ And with Glasgow playing host to the 2014 Commonwealth Games next month, where over 6,500 athletes will take part in 17 different sports over 11 days of competition, this is the year when Scotland welcomes the world – the Games are expected to attract a worldwide audience of over one billion viewers. As for the 2014 Ryder Cup, the tournament is being staged at Gleneagles and will be played over the PGA Centenary Course designed by Jack Nicklaus. Even for a champion and renowned golf architect like Nicklaus, the PGA Garrick Porteous, with the British and Scottish Amateur trophies 46 NORTHERN GOLFER RYDERCUP Hirsel Golf Club One of the UK’s Hidden Gems, recently featured in Golf Monthly’s Top 100 Hidden Gems of UK & Ireland list Come and play the No1 golf course in the Scottish Borders Saturday 26th July - Douglas Home Gents Handicap Open, Entry £12 Image Credits: Cornfield / Shutterstock.com, Mitch Gunn / Shutterstock.com For all our best Green Fee deals - Check out our online booking facility at: www.hirselgc.co.uk Sunrise at the entrance to the Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland, venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup Centenary Course was a challenge. It had to be a great golf course and set as it is, in the heart of Scotland, Nicklaus described the course as ‘the finest parcel of land in the world I have ever been given to work with.’ It had to be unique in its challenge, a golf course with a modern design that at its fullest stretch, tests the greatest players in the world. Many golfing enthusiasts will be making the long journey north to watch the matches at Gleneagles. So why not break your trip and play golf either en-route or on your return. East Lothian is one of the best regions for golf in Scotland, with 22 courses offering a choice to golfers of all abilities. You may recognise many of the courses located in Scotland’s golf coast – Dunbar, North Berwick, Gullane, the 2013 Open Championship Course at Muirfield and Musselburgh, one of the world’s oldest, where golf has been played since 1672. The county Rory offers traditional Mcilroy links and classic inland golf courses, many steeped in history and complimented by challenging courses, all coupled with friendly clubhouses and affordable green fees. Scotland’s golf coast road provides easy access for visitors and short journeys between courses. And of course there are many other golf clubs as you travel north depending on what route you take. Eyemouth is the first club in Scotland, travelling on the A1 and well worth playing. The lovely, well manicured Hirsel golf course at Coldstream is another, if you take one of the inland routes, and having crossed the Forth Road Bridge, there are many courses featured in the ‘First in Fife’ portfolio. Scotland is a great place to stay and play, and coupled with a visit to Gleneagles, you’re guaranteed a fantastic experience. Visitors & Societies welcome Hirsel Golf Club, Coldstream, Kelso Road, Berwickshire, TD12 4NJ TELEPHONE 01890 882678 e: secretary@hirselgc.co.uk Golf in the Scottish Borders Traditional country inn ideally situated for playing MINTO, THE HIRSEL, KELSO, HAWICK plus many more. 12 en-suite bedrooms with tv, wi-fi, tea/coffee making facililties, Sky tv. Restaurant and bar serving excellent home cooked food and cask ales (good pub guide) The Auld Cross Keys Inn B&B only £35.00 pp sharing twin room or £45.00 pp single Tel: Karen or Dave on 01450 870305 crosskeysdenholm@btopenworld.com www.crosskeysenholm.co.uk Five Star Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence The Green, Denholm, Scottish Borders, TD9 8NU EYEMOUTH GOLF CLUB “First choice in Scotland, home of Golf” RYDER CUP SPECIAL Play this spectacular Championship course for just £25.00* Situated just 5 miles into Scotland on the East Coast we are ideally placed for a game and a meal on your way to the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles. • Voted the most friendly 18 hole course in the Scottish Borders • Play Britain’s No1 Most Extraordinary Golf Hole (the 6th ‘A Still No Ken’) and the longest hole in Scottish Golf (the 13th ‘The Hawkness Monster’) at 656 yards. For more information go to www.eyemouthgolfclub.co.uk * From 22nd September to 5th October you can play Eyemouth Golf Course for just £25 per round. NORTHERN GOLFER 47 GOLFERTIPS SQUARE UP Golf is a reaction game. We react to our misses, and we react to our address position. A lot of bad shots are directly related to mistakes made in the setup, particularly on the greens. A lot of players think putting alignment is all about getting your feet parallel to the target line. Neil Whinham North That’s a good start, but isn’t enough. Your feet, hips, shoulders, eyes and arms should all be aligned with the target. If you were aiming at a full-length mirror, when you look up, your left side should be blocking any view of your right side. ern Golfer Pro tel 0191 529 2144 for private lessons and advice GET EVERYTHING SQUARE EYES OVER THE BALL AT ADDRESS It’s a great idea to consistently keep your eyeline over the ball at address to provide a more stable and consistent swing path for the putter The most common mistake I see players make is squaring their feet but leaving their arms and shoulders open. This causes you to have to hold the putter face open through impact to compensate for pulling across the ball from an open position. At best, it’s a really inconsistent way to putt. ONCE YOU’RE SQUARE... CONSISTENCY EQUALS SUCCESS Remember consistency and repeatability provide success on the putting green and remove that three putt from your game forever NG TIPS ARE ALSO ONLINE AT: www.northerngolfer.co.uk/category/tips/ 48 NORTHERN GOLFER Get your alignment squared away, and a smoother stroke will soon follow. You’ll be knocking in more putts from every distance. FOR ROARING PRICES & GRRREAT DEALS... Visit Aslan Golf - Instore & Online Excellent selection of drivers, irons, bags, trolleys, clothing etc etc! For our latest offers visit www.aslangolf.co.uk Golf club and golf equipment suppliers to the UK and Europe Qualified Custom Fit Specialists for leading manufacturers Golf Lessons available with PGA Professional Neil Whinham Whitburn Golf Club, Lizard Lane, Whitburn, NE34 7AF. Telephone 0191 5294210 email: sales@aslangolf.co.uk A C O A S TA L G E M PLAY THE BEST GREENS IN THE AREA SUMMER SPECIALS 2014 4 BALL V I S I T I N G PA RT I E S Monday-Friday £45.00 save £££’s. Must be pre booked and present this voucher on day of play. Telephone 0191 5294210 option 3 10 or more players FREE 2 course meal after your round!! Must be booked on or before 30th June 2014 and present this voucher on day of play! Telephone 0191 5294210 option 3 W h i t b u r n G o l f C l u b , L i z a rd L a n e , W h i t b u r n , N E 3 4 7 A F w w w. w h i t b u r n g o l f c l u b . c o. u k NORTHERN GOLFER 49 Enter online win GOLFERCOMPETITIONS Lo northe g on to rngolfe r.co.uk Northern Golfer competitions are also listed on our website www.northerngolfer.co.uk/competitions, alternatively you can enter via email competitions@northerngolfer.co.uk (mark the competition name in the subject field) or post your entry to Competitions, Northern Golfer, Unit One, Bearl Farm, Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7AL Please include your contact details and telephone number. Closing date Thursday July 3, 2014. Usual competition rules apply – available on request. Winners will be published in our next edition. WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT BEAMISH PARK Beamish Park near Stanley in the north of County Durham, deservedly ranks as one of its best. Formed in 1906, Beamish Park Golf Club is selected regularly by the county to host events. Set in the grounds of a former deer park, the layout was designed in the early 1960s by Henry Cotton. In 1979, the par three first hole was taken out of play and following the purchase of land behind Beamish Open Air Museum, a new par three 13th hole was constructed – the course created is the present one. For your chance to win simply answer the following question: In which year was Beamish Park founded? WIN A CUSTOM FIT CLEVELAND WEDGE WIN GOLF FOR FOUR AT SLALEY HALL Prize includes tea, coffee and bacon rolls on arrival, followed by 18 holes of golf on the Hunting course. Regularly voted one of the best courses in the North East, De Vere Slaley Hall has been home to European Tour’s Great North Open and PGA events - including last year’s Glenmuir PGA Championship and the PGA Cup. This summer it will host the Steve Cram Celebrity Golf Day and the final of the HowDidIDo Morocco Matchplay Championship. Terms and conditions: Monday–Friday only, subject to availability; valid until December 31 2014. Non transferable, non exchangeable. For your chance to win simply answer the following question: Which European Tour event has been held at Slaley Hall? Our friends at ZFL Golf are offering one lucky Northern Golfer reader a free Cleveland 588 wedge, built to their exact specification. Based on the North Tyne Industrial Estate, Benton, ZFL offers club building and custom fitting on a number of top brands as well as off the shelf equipment and accessories. Cleveland Golf is based in Huntington Beach, California and is one of the PGA Tour’s leading manufacturers, with staff players including major champion Keegan Bradley. For your chance to win simply answer the following question: Which American state is Cleveland Golf is based in? The competition winners for May were: Hirsel, Julian Lightburn of Lemington; Longhirst, Philip Oware of Thorney Close, Sunderland; Ram golf bag, Jack Thompson of High Pittington, Durham, Richmond competition, Phil Skillbeck of Selby, North Yorkshire Be the first to find out each month’s Northern Golfer competitions. Sign up to the e-bulletin now at www.northerngolfer.co.uk 50 NORTHERN GOLFER We’re Open 9am - 5.30pm • Mon - Sat £25 P/Ex Trolley Service & Repairs Motocaddy, Powakaddy, Hillbilly & More * For any old wedge Against any Cleveland 588 wedge £60 after P/Ex * Compare your driver against Taylormade SLDR, Cleveland 588, Wilson Tour M3 - Free Test by Appointment The Amazing GoKart Electric Trolley - Compact, Superlight & Powerful from £269 Club Repairs & Re-grips FREE Loft & Lie Check by Appointment Guaranteed £100 Minimum Part Exchange (any set/condition) against many custom built iron sets Come and see the Motocaddy range of electric & push trolleys, cart bags & accessories in store We stock batteries, chargers & spares for all leading trolley brands Cleveland Classic XL fairway woods Now Only £49.99 - Were £129 www.zflgolf.co.uk • T: 0191 2702362 • E: info@zflgolf.co.uk Unit 8d, North Tyne Ind. Estate, NE12 9SZ Opposite ASDA Benton. Two minutes from A19 Whitley Bay Exit on A191 Old Coast Road directory NOR THERN NOR THERN directory Pick up a copy of Northern Golfer at any of these venues COUNTY DURHAM Barnard Castle Golf Club Harmire Rd, Barnard Castle, DL12 8QN 01833 638 355 To be listed or to advertise please call 01661 844115 or email enquiries@northerngolfer.co.uk Beamish Park Golf Club Beamish Park, Stanley, DH9 0RH 0191 370 1382 Birtley Golf Club Portobello Road, Birtley, Chester-le-Street, DH3 2LR 0191 410 2207 Bishop Auckland Golf Club High Plains, Bishop Auckland, DL14 8DL 01388 661 618 Blackwell Grange Golf Club Snipe Lane, Darlington, DL2 2SA 01325 464 458 Brancepeth Castle Golf Club Brancepeth Castle, DH7 8EA 0191 378 0075 Castle Eden Golf Club Castle Eden, TS27 4SS 01429 836 510 Chester le Street Golf Club Lumley Pk, Chester le Street, DH3 4NS 0191 388 3218 Cocken Lodge Golf Cocken Lodge Farm, Leamside, DH4 6QP 0191 584 1053 Consett & District Golf Club Elmfield Road, Consett, DH8 5NN 01207 505 060 Crook Golf Club Low Jobs Hill, Crook DL15 9AA 01388 762 429 Darlington Golf Club Haughton Road, Darlington, DL1 3JD 01325 355 324 Dinsdale Spa Golf Club Middleton St George, Darlington, DL2 1DW 01325 332 297 Durham City Golf Club Littleburn, Langley Moor, DH7 8HL 0191 378 0029 Hallgarth Hotel Golf & Country Club Coatham Munderville, Darlington, DL1 3LU 01325 300 400 Hobson Golf Club Hobson, Near Burnopfield, NE16 6BZ 01207 270 941 Ineos Golf Club School Aycliffe Lane, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6EA. 01325 303 561 Sec John Haykin 07792 610521 52 NORTHERN GOLFER Oak Leaf Golf Club School Aycliffe Lane, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 4EF 01325 310 820 Ramside Hall Golf Club Ramside Hall Hotel, Carville, Durham, DH1 1TD 0191 386 9514 Rockliffe Hall Golf Club Hurworth-on-Tees, Darlington, DL2 2DU 01325 729 980 Roseberry Grange Community Golf Club Grange Villa, Chester le Street, DH2 3NF 0191 370 0660 Seaham Golf Club Shrewsbury Street, Seaham, SR7 7RD 0191 581 1268 Sharpley Golf Seaton, Seaham, Co Durham, SR7 0NP 0191 513 1100 South Moor Golf Cub The Middles, Craghead, Stanley, DH9 6AG 01207 232 848 CUMBRIA Brampton Golf Club Talkin Tarn, Brampton, CA8 1HN 01697 72255 Seascale Golf Club The Banks, Seascale, CA20 1QL 019467 28202 NORTHUMBERLAND Allendale Golf Club High Studden, Allenheads Road Allendale, NE47 9QL 01434 683 926 Alnmouth Golf Club Foxton Hall, Alnmouth, NE66 3BE 01665 830 231 Alnmouth Village Golf Club Marine Road, Alnmouth, NE66 2RZ 01665 830 370 Alnwick Castle Golf Club Swansfield Park, Alnwick, NE66 2AB 01665 602 632 Arcot Hall Golf Club Dudley, Cramlington NE23 7QP 0191 236 2794 Bamburgh Castle Golf Club The Wynding, Bamburgh, NE69 7DE 01668 214 321 Rothbury Golf Club Whitton Bank Rd, Rothbury, NE65 7RX 01669 621 271 Saltburn by the Sea Golf Club Hob Hill, Saltburn by the Sea, TS12 1NJ 01287 622 812 Bedlingtonshire Golf Club Acorn Bank, Bedlington, NE22 6AA 01670 822 457 Seahouses Golf Club Beadnell Road, Seahouses, NE68 7XT 01665 720 794 Seaton Carew Golf Club Tees Road, Seaton Carew, TS25 1DE 01429 266 249 Belford Golf Club South Road, Belford, NE70 7DP 01668 213 232 Stocksfield Golf Club New Ridley Rd,Stocksfield, NE43 7RE 01661 843 041 Bellingham Golf Club Boggle Hole, Bellingham, NE48 2DT 01434 220 152 Tynedale Golf Club Tyne Green, Hexham, NE46 3HQ 01434 608 154 Teesside Golf Club Acklam Road, Thornaby Stockton on Tees TS17 7JS 01642 616 516 Blyth Golf Club New Delaval, Blyth, NE24 4DB 01670 540 110 Warkworth Golf Club The Links, Warkworth, NE65 OSW 01665 711 596 Burgham Park Golf Club Near Felton, Morpeth, NE65 8QP 01670 787 898 Wooler Golf Club Dod Law, Doddington, Wooler, NE71 6AN 01668 282 135 Close House Heddon-on-the-Wall, NE15 0HT 01661 852 953 De Vere Slaley Hall Slaley, Hexham, NE47 0BX 01434 673 350 Dunstanburgh Golf Club Embleton, NE66 3XQ 01665 576 562 Goswick Golf Club Goswick Beal, TD15 2RW 01289 387 256 Gubeon Golf Centre Walton Road, Morpeth, NE61 3YJ 01670 519 090 Haltwhistle Golf Club Banktop, Greenhead, NE49 9JR 01434 320 708 Hexham Golf Club Spital Lane, Hexham, NE46 3RZ 01434 603 072 Longhirst Hall Golf Club Longhirst Hall, Morpeth, NE61 3LL 01670 791 562 Macdonald Linden Hall Golf and Country Club Longhorsley, Morpeth, NE65 8XF 01670 500 011 Matfen Hall Golf Club Matfen, NE20 0RH 01661 886 400 Magdalene Fields Golf Club Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1NE 01289 306 130 Morpeth Golf club Loansdean, Morpeth, NE61 2BT 01670 504 942 Newbiggin Golf Club Newbiggin NE64 3DW 01670 817 344 Percy Wood Golf Club Coast View, Swarland, Felton, NE65 9JG 01670 787 010 Ponteland Golf Club 53 Bell Villas, Ponteland, NE20 9BD 01661 822 689 Prudhoe Golf Club Eastwood Park, Prudhoe, NE42 5DX 01661 832 466 Wilton Golf Club Wilton,Near Redcar, TS10 4QY 01642 465 265 Wynyard Hall Golf Club Wellington Drive, Wynyard Park Billingham, TS22 5NQ 01740 644 399 TYNE AND WEAR SCOTTISH BORDERS Eyemouth Golf Club Gunsgreenhill, Eyemouth, D14 5SF 01890 750 004 Hirsel Golf Club Kelso Road, Coldstream TD12 4NJ 01890 882 678 Roxburghe Golf Club Kelso, Roxburghshire, TD5 8JZ 01573 450 333 TEESSIDE Billingham Golf Club Sandy Lane, Billingham, TS22 5NA 01642 533 816 Cleveland Golf Club Majuba Road, Redcar, Cleveland TS10 5BJ 01642 471 798 Eaglescliffe & District Golf Club Yarm Road, Eaglescliffe, TS16 0DQ 01642 780 238 Hartlepool Golf Club Hart Warren, Hartlepool, TS24 9QF 01429 274 398 High Throston Golf Club Hart Lane, Hartlepool, TS26 0UG 01429 268 071 Hunley Hotel & Golf Club Brotton, By Saltburn, TS12 2QN 01287 677 444 Ingleby Barwick Golf Club Lullingstone Crescent, Ingleby Barwick, Stockton on Tees, TS17 5GJ 01642 765 000 Knotty Hill Golf Centre Sedgefield, Stockton on Tees, TS21 2BB 01740 620 320 Middlesbrough Golf Club Brass Castle Lane, Middlesbrough TS8 9EE 01642 311 515 Backworth Golf Club The Hall, Backworth, NE27 0AH 0191 268 4247 Beamish Park Hotel Golf & Driving Range, Marley Hill, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE16 5EG 01207 230666 Boldon Golf Club Dipe Lane, East Boldon, NE36 0PQ 0191 536 5360 Centurion Park Golf Club Rheydt Avenue, Wallsend, NE28 8SU 0191 263 0041 City of Newcastle Golf Club Three Mile Bridge, Gosforth Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 2DR 0191 285 1775 Garesfield Golf Club Chopwell, NE17 7AP 01207 561 309 George Washington Golf Club Stone Cellars Road, Concorde Washington, NE37 1PH 0191 417 8346 Gosforth Golf Club Broadway East, Gosforth Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 5ER 0191 285 3495 Heworth Golf Club Gingling Gate, Heworth, Gateshead, NE10 8XY 0191 469 9832 Hetton le Hill Golf Club Elemore Vale, Easington Lane, DH5 0QR 0191 517 3061 Houghton le Spring Golf Club Copt Hill, Houghton le Spring, DH5 8LU 0191 584 7421 Newcastle United Golf Club 60 Ponteland Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 3JW 0191 286 9998 Middlesbrough Municipal Golf Club Ladgate Lane, Middlesbrough, TS5 7YZ 01642 315 533 Northumberland Golf Club High Gosforth Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 5HT 0191 236 2009 Norton Golf Club Blakestone Lane, Norton Stockton on Tees, TS20 3LQ 01642 676 385 Parklands Golf Club High Gosforth Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 5HQ 0191 236 4480 Ryton Golf Club Clara Vale, Ryton, NE40 3TD 0191 413 3253 Easingwold Golf Club Stillington Road, Easingwold, YO61 3ET 01347 822 474 South Shields Golf Club Cleadon Hills, South Shields, NE34 8EG 0191 456 8942 Filey Golf Club West Avenue, Filey, YO14 9BQ 01723 513 293 Tynemouth Golf Club Spital Dene, Tynemouth, NE30 2ER 0191 257 4578 Flaxby Park Golf Club Flaxby, Knaresborough, HG5 0RR 01423 863 444 Scalm Park Golf Club Bishop Wood, Wistow Common, Selby, YO8 3RD 01757 210 846 Leeds Golf Centre Wike Ridge Lane, Shadwell, Leeds LS17 9JW 0113 288 6000 Scarborough North Cliff Golf Club North Cliff Avenue, Scarborough, YO12 6PP 01723 355 397 Mid Yorkshire Golf Club Havercroft Lane, Pontefract, Darrington, WF8 3BP 01977 704522 Scarborough South Cliff Golf Club Deepdale Avenue, off Filey Road, YO11 2UE 01723 360 522 Moor Allerton Golf Club Coal Road, Wike, Leeds, LS17 9NH 0113 266 1154 Tyneside Golf Club Westfield Lane, Ryton, NE40 3QE 0191 413 2742 Forest Park Golf Club Stockton-on-Forest, York, YO32 9HF 01904 400 425 Scarthingwell Golf Club The Scarthingwell Centre, Scarthingwell, Tadcaster, LS24 9PF 01937 557 878 Wearside Golf Club Cox Green, Sunderland, SR4 9JT 0191 534 2518 Fulford Golf Club Heslington Lane, York, YO10 5DY 01904 413 579 Selby Golf Club Mill Lane, Brayton, YO8 9LD 01757 228 622 Westerhope Golf Club Whorlton Grange, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 1PP 0191 286 9125 Ganton Golf Club Station Road, Ganton, Scarborough, YO12 4PA 01944 710 329 Skipton Golf Club Short Lee Lane, Skipton, BD23 3LF 01756 795 657 Harrogate Golf Club Forest Lane Head, Harrogate, HG2 7TF 01423 862 999 Whitburn Golf Club Lizard Lane, South Shields, NE34 7AF 0191 529 4210 Heworth Golf Club Muncaster House, Muncastergate, YO31 9JY 01904 426 156 Whitley Bay Golf Club Claremont Rd, Whitley Bay, NE26 3UF 0191 252 0180 Kirkbymoorside Golf Club Manor Vale, Kirkbymoorside, YO62 6EG 01751 431 525 YORKSHIRE (EAST) Beverley and East Riding Golf Club Anti Mill, Westwood, Beverley, HU17 8RG 01482 868757 Bridlington Golf Club Belvedere Road, Bridlington, YO15 3NA 01262 606 367 Bridlington Links Golf Club Flamborough Road, Marton, Bridlington, YO15 1DW 01262 401 584 Driffield Golf Club Sunderlandwick, Driffield, YO25 9AD 01377 253 116 Far Grange Park & Golf Club Skipsea, Driffield, YO25 8SY 0800 197 2074 Flamborough Head Golf Club Lighthouse Road, Flamborough, Bridlington, YO15 1AR 01262 850 333 Hornsea Golf Club Rolston Rd, Hornsea, HU18 1XG 01964 534989 The KP Golf Club Pocklington, York, YO42 1UF 01759 303 090 YORKSHIRE (NORTH) Aldwark Manor Golf Club Aldwark Alne,YO61 1UF 01347 838 146 Bedale Golf Club Leyburn Road, Bedale, DL8 1EZ 01677 422 451 Knaresborough Golf Club Boroughbridge Road, Knaresborough, HG5 0QQ 01423 862 690 Malton & Norton Golf Club Welham Park, Welham Road, Norton,Malton, YO17 9QE 01653 697 912 Masham Golf Club Burnholme, Swinton Road, Masham, Ripon, HG4 4NS 01765 688 054 Pontefact & District Golf Club Park Lane, Pontefract, WF8 4QS 01977 792241 Marshalls Golf Heworth Golf Club, Gingling Gate, Heworth, NE10 8HY 0191 4384223 York Golf Club Lords Moor Lane, Strensall, YO32 5XF 01904 491 840 Scarcroft Golf Club Syke Lane, Leeds, LS14 3BQ 0113 289 2263 YORKSHIRE (WEST) Wakefield Golf Club 28 Woodthorpe Lane, WF2 6JH 01924 258778 Pannal Golf CLub Follifoot Road, Pannal, HG3 1ES 01423 872 628 Garforth Driving Range Barwick Road, Garforth, Leeds, LS25 2DN 0113 287 1111 Pike Hills Golf Club Tadcaster Road, Askham Bryan, YO23 3UW 01904 700 797 Garforth Golf Club Long Lane, Garforth, Leeds, LS25 2DS 0113 286 2021 Romanby Golf Club Yafforth Road, Northallerton, DL7 0PE 01609 778 855 Leda Discount Golf Centre Grange Villa, Chester le Street, DH2 3NF 0191 370 1757 Sand Moor Golf Club Alwoodley Lane, Leeds, LS17 7DJ 0113 268 5180 Dewsbury District Golf Club The Pinnacle, Sands Lane, Mirfield, WF14 8HJ 01924 492399 Ripon Golf Club Palace Road, Ripon, HG4 3HH 01765 603 640 Oulton Hall De Vere Rothwell Lane, Oulton, Leeds, Yorkshire, LS26 8HN 0871 222 4690 Whitby Golf Club Low Straggleton, Whitby, YO21 3SR 01947 600 660 Oakdale Golf Club Oakdale, Harrogate, HG1 2LN 01423 567 162 Richmond Golf Club Bend Hagg, Richmond, DL10 5EX 01748 823 231 Otley Golf Club West Busk Lane, Otley, Leeds, LS21 3NG 01943 465 329 Rawdon Golf and Lawn Tennis Club Buckstone Drive, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BB 0113 2506040 Cookridge Golf Club Cookridge Lane, Cookridge, Leeds, LS16 7NL 0113 230 0641 Headlingly Golf Club Back Church Lane, Adel, Leeds, LS16 8DW 0113 267 9573 Hollins Hall Hollins Hill, Baildon, Shipley, Bradford, BD17 7QW 01274 530 053 Horsforth Golf Club Layton Rise, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 5EX 0113 258 6819 Rudding Park Golf Club Rudding Park, Harrogate, HG3 1JH 01423 872 100 Huddersfield Golf Club Fixby Hall, Lightridge Rd, HD2 2EP 01484 426203 Sandburn Hall Golf Club Flaxton, York, YO60 7RB 01904 469 929 Leeds Golf Club Elmete Lane, Leeds, LS8 2LJ 0113 265 9203 Eureka Copt Hill, Houghton le Spring, DH5 8LU 0191 584 1198 George Paylor Golf 5th Tee,Garesfield Golf Club Chopwell, NE17 7AP 07737 963881 Thirsk & Northallerton Golf Club Thornton le Street, Thirsk, YO7 4AB 01845 525 115 Bradford Golf Club Hawksworth Lane, Guiseley, LS20 8NP 01943 875570 Dynamic Indoor Golf Wideopen, Newcastle, NE13 7BA 0191 481 3590 Woodhall Hills Golf Club Woodhall Road, Calverley, Pudsey, LS28 5UN 0113 255 4594 Wetherby Golf Club Linton Lane, Linton, Wetherby, LS22 4JF 01937 580 089 OTHER GOLF OUTLETS AB Golf Andy Blythe P.G.A Golf Professional Middlesbrough Driving Range, Ladgate Lane, Middlesbrough, TS5 7YZ 01642 300 720 Andy Paisley Golf Centre, Hexham Golf Club, Spittal Lane, Hexham, NE46 3RZ 01434 603 072 Aslan Golf Lizard Lane, Whitburn, NE34 7AF 0191 5294210 Bargain Golf Seaham Golf Club, Shrewsbury Street, Seaham, SR7 7RD 0191 5130837 also at: Wearside Golf Club, Cox Green, Sunderland, SR4 9GT 0191 534 2518 & Hobson Golf Club Burnopfield, Newcastle, NE16 6BZ 01207 271605 Custom Fit Golf South Moor Golf Club Superstore Craghead, Stanley DH9 6AG 01207 283 525 Philips Golf Discount Unit 3 Strand Business Centre Locomotion Way, Camperdown Ind Est Killingworth, NE12 5UJ 0191 268 0008 Riverdale Hotel Bellingham NE48 2JT 01434 220 254 Snainton Golf Direct Coast View, Swarland, Felton, NE65 9JG 01670 787 010 Stokesley Driving Range Broughton Road, Stokesley TS9 5JJ The Golf Bunker Royal Quays Outlet, North Shields, NE29 6DW 0191 258 1598 The Golf Dome The Sport Domes, Tees Road, Seaton Carew, TS25 1DE 01429 800581 The Hobson Golf Range Hobson Golf Club, Burnopfield, NE16 6BZ Tim Jenkins Golf Cleveland Golf Club, Majuba Road, Redcar, TS10 5BJ 01642 471 798 ZFL Golf Unit 8d, North Tyne Ind. Estate, NE12 9SZ 0191 270 2362 SELECTED TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES ALNWICK, BELLINGHAM, BERWICK, CORBRIDGE, HALTWHISTLE, HEXHAM MORPETH, NEWCASTLE, ROYAL QUAYS, SALTBURN, SEAHOUSES WHITLEY BAY AND SELECTED GOLF CLUBS IN THE BORDERS AND CUMBRIA NORTHERN GOLFER 53 To be listed or to advertise please call 01661 844115 or email enquiries@northerngolfer.co.uk Whickham Golf Club Hollinside Park, Fellside Road Whickham, NE16 5BA 0191 488 1576 The Oaks Golf Club Aughton Common, Aughton, YO42 4PW 01757 288 577 Moortown Golf Club Harrogate Road, Leeds, LS17 7DB 0113 268 6521 Direct Golf Lullingstone Crescent Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland, TS17 5GJ 01642 765 000 directory Catterick Golf Club Leyburn Road, Catterick Garrison, DL9 3QE 01748 833 268 NOR THERN Ravensworth Golf Club Angel View, Longbank, Gateshead, NE9 7UU 0191 487 6014 from the bunker Welcome to the reader feedback page where you can tell us your likes, dislikes and funny golfing stories as well as make suggestions as to what you would like to see in Northern Golfer Send your feedback to editor@northerngolfer.co.uk, on Twitter @negolfer or on facebook.com/northerngolferuk Please include contact details, photos and videos This month on Twitter we’ve found more competition winners, new clubs from Dynamic Indoor Golf and found out whether Chris Paisley can keep up with long drive champion Joe Miller: Blyth Golf Club (@blyth_golf): Not a bad little shot of our 13th by our member @Newshamboy Northern Golfer is holding its first charity golf day on July 9 at Close House in aid of No Strings. Please support us. No Strings is a Newcastle‑based charity working with children in the world’s trouble spots. It uses puppetry and films made by members of the original Muppets team to reach children in conflicts, disasters and poverty in four continents. No Strings has recently made two new films and workshops for children affected by the Syrian conflict, and its founder Johnie McGlade has just returned from Beirut, where he has been working with local charities. Teams of four are £350 and include a round on the Lee Westwood Filly course plus evening barbecue, prize giving and charity auction. Contact Gary Ramsay, tel 01661 844 115, email gary@offstonepublishing.co.uk Easingwold Golf Club celebrate Mr David Moretons 40th Aniversary Visiting Party It all started back in 1975. After a quiet pint in a pub David Moreton, then a member of EGC, said to some friends that EGC greens were better than those at his friend’s club. What then started out as a day’s outing to test his comments has now reached their 40th year of visiting Easingwold. On Thursday, May 29 2014 captain Derek Smith welcomed David and his party of 24. Afterwards David was presented with a cake decorated as a golf green. Ponteland RFC@(PontelandRFC): Some of the boys enjoyed a rest day at the golf range yesterday with the #PontelandRFCGolfClassic only four weeks away Chris Conway @(ChrisConway): Delighted for my mum who is now officially a winner after lifting the Mary Percy Salver today for @Parklands_Golf! DynamicIndoorGolf (@DynIndoorGolf): Nice set of VEGA VM02 built this morning with Project X 6.5 @VegaGolf @VegaGolf @truetempergolf Chris Paisley (@ChrisPaisley86): CHUF day @CloseHouseHotel Unfortunately @JoeMillerLDC snuck it past me on the 7th. My jaw is still stuck to the floor Thanks to all for your pictures, tweets and comments. Keep up to date with the region’s golf news and share your stories and pictures with us on Twitter @negolfer or Facebook /northerngolferuk Bedlingtonshire Golf Club Passionate about golf Golf Societies Still time to make your Society booking for 2014 Memberships All categories available - pro rata rates Visitors Welcome Green fees from £20.00 per person For further details telephone the Secretary 01670 822457 email: secretary@bedlingtongolfclub.com www.bedlingtongolf.com Acorn Bank, Hartford Road, Bedlington, Northumberland, NE22 6AA 54 NORTHERN GOLFER PRICE BUSTERS - SALE NOW ON SAVE £££’S OUR SHOP IS PACKED FULL OF BARGAINS (BEST PRICE GUARANTEE) OVER 200 GOLF BAGS TO CLEAR NEW Oscar Jacobson clothing in stock 20% DISCOUNT IF YOU BUY 2 OR MORE ITEMS Callaway Euro Chev cart bag mrrp £120 MacGregor 14 way divider was £99 Callaway stand bag rrp £79.99 NOW £86.99 NOW £44.99 NOW £69 MD Golf Icon titanium drivers £99.00 NOW £49.99. FAIRWAYS £69.99 NOW £39.99 HURRY! OVER 100 SETS IN STOCK - BEST PRICE GUARANTEE + FREE FITTING WITH OUR NEW FLIGHT SCOPE XI - THE LATEST ON THE MARKET FANTASTIC DEALS ON SETS OF IRONS Purchase 2. @BostockJan: #dressedforgolf minimum of New Adams drivers, John Hodgson, the Original 7 Callaway X2 hybrids, fairways #pinkpanther in the pp invitational Hot irons this & irons in stock at @RamsideGolfClub month and receive a INTRODUCTORY FREE GOLF BAG/WEDGE LOW PRICES NEW 3. @BostockJan: #dressedforgolf got to2014 be Freya Elsa Bostock Galvin Green and host for the FEB X Cup Spring sponsor clothing and at only 3 months 23 days waterproof range in stock. Massive savings off 2013 shirts, insula pullovers and 4. @BostockJan: #dressedforgolf Mizuno JPX E2 waterproof clothing @chris4385 BBC Trophy 2013 + @FREE HYBRID SAVE UP TO 40% hunley_hotel southern softies(LIMITED 11.5 OFFER) OFF RRP TaylorMade irons FROM ONLY £289 NEW Cobra Bio Cell irons & woods in stock Special introductory offers now on! SAVE £££’S GREAT DEALS ON DRIVERS northern monkeys 7.5 points Callaway X2 Hot + FREE HYBRID (LIMITED OFFER) PRICES FROM £169 New Puma junior range Various designs & colours 1/2 PRICE GOLF SHIRTS OVER 100 PUTTERS IN OUR SALE New quality, Cross clothing in stock, shirts, sweater, waterproof clothing 20% DISCOUNT if you buy 2 items or more Odyssey puters in stock UPTO 25% OFF Special offers on golf shoes SAVE £££’S New TaylorMade Midi, Jetspeed, SLDR drivers & fairway woods in stock Many drivers & fairway woods to clear - ex display & ex demo models 1/2 normal price, Mizuno, Callaway, Wilson Cobra etc TaylorMade Yes putters from only Wilson putters rrp £34.99 NOW £69.99 SAVE ££’s £24.99 Sunice Typhoon waterproof golf trousers rrp £79.99 NOW £39.99 Many jackets rrp £99.00 NOW £59.99 Purchase dozen TaylorMade Tour Preferred or Callaway SR Speed Regime balls RECEIVE FREE GLOVE WORTH £9.99 Baseball Hats Clearance e.g. Cobra rrp £15.99 NOW £7.99 How to find our superstore Leave A1 (m) at junction 63 Chester-le-Street and follow B693 to Stanley, turn left onto B6532 (Asda roundabout), follow road to to end and turn right, pass Blomfomtein School and follow sign to South Moor Golf Club Discount Golf Equipment Shaun Cowell PGA Golf Professional - Tel: 01207 283 525 South Moor Golf Club Superstore, Craghead, Stanley, DH9 6AG Open Mon - Sun 9am - 6pm Early opening at weekends All major credit cards accepted