Northern Golfer #98 December 2022/January 2023

THE BOYS ARE BACK ON TOUR

EDITOR

Dean Bailey 01661 844 115 dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS

Alan Hedley 07570 797 566 ahedley@northerngolfer.co.uk

Shawn O’Neil

Simon Olver

Chris Simmons

ADVERTISING MANAGERS

Doug Brolls 07721 031 482 doug@offstonepublishing.co.uk

Gillian Corney 07903 500 401 gillian@offstonepublishing.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY

Kevin Gibson & Nicky Rogerson info@kgphotography.co.uk

EVENTS

Dean Bailey dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk

If we can isolate North East golf from everything else that’s gone in 2022 (if only!) it has been a fantastic year. For the first time, a player from our part of the world has cemented their status on the world’s biggest golf tour - and Callum Tarren is having a blast in the US - as you can read on page 4. There’s also lots to celebrate on the DP World Tour as well - as you’ll read in our catch up with Andrew Wilson and Garrick Porteous on pages 24-26.

One of the most difficult stories to follow this season has been that of our Tour Life columnist Chris Paisley. I’ve been lucky to follow him closely for a decade now, and to read his thoughts monthly through his column. The way he has recorded his thoughts while battling his game in 2022 has been fascinating and I can’t thank him enough for his commitment to being so open and honest with us. His latest column is a must-read.

Our region’s female golfers continued to shine internationally, led of course by Women’s Amateur champion Jess Baker. Her success, along with players including Rachel Gourley, Jess Hall, Maggie Whitehead, Charlotte Naughton and Faye Wheatley - to name just a few - continued to fill our pages throughout the year and I look forward to writing about them again in 2023 and beyond.

After two years of fractured seasons and disjointed lives, it was good to always have the consistency of golf to fall back on this year as the world continued to spiral around us. There remains no better place to escape than the golf course, in my mind at least.

If you should find yourself not on a golf course in the coming weeks, fear not, we’ve got plenty to keep you entertained. We’ve visited Burgham Park in our Course Profile, enjoyed a Round With NE/NW PGA order of merit winner Tim Dykes, and dedicated our Special Focus on the north’s best links courses.

There’s also more from our brilliant team of columnists, Gear news, Tips, and the chance to win studio sessions and fourballs on page 45.

All that remains is to wish all our readers, partners and advertisers a very happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.

Dean Bailey, editor editor@northerngolfer.co.uk

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Callum Tarren makes fast start during PGA Tour's fall season

Callum Tarren will enjoy Christmas at home in the North East having ended the 2022-23 PGA Tour fall season with his best result yet – a T2 finish at The RSM Classic.

Callum found himself in contention on Sunday at Sea Island, ultimately posting a final round 64 to finish on 17 under-par, two shots behind winner Adam Svensson.

“Finishing the calendar year with a T2 finish was massive,” said Callum, who had picked up T13 and 26th place finishes while missing 4 cuts in his first six events of the season. “Having missed three cuts in a row, a good week at the Houston Open before RSM put me back in a good spot.

“I was happy with how I handled being in contention on Sunday. I’d taken a little step back on Saturday, but I knew I could make birdies out

there. I was calm, got off to a hot start, turned in five under-par and held the lead – which is exactly what we practise and play for.

“It’s impossible to ignore the leaderboards, so I knew where I was, but I just stuck to the game plan and

gave myself chances. While I didn’t make it over the line this time, being in contention with a few holes to go and handling it so well was the icing on the cake after a very solid second half of 2022 on the PGA Tour.”

The T2 finish saw Callum rise to

25th in the FedEx Cup, and to 166th in the Official World Golf Rankings – two key measures in determining his upcoming schedule and place in some of golf’s biggest events in 2023.

“I’m excited to see how things develop next year,” added Callum. “There are massive elevated status events coming up, and getting into those is based on your position in the FedEx Cup. Staying up there is a big priority going forward and I’d love to be in the strongest fields of the year, competing for the tour’s biggest purses.

“I feel really comfortable with where my game is and how the season is shaping up. I’ll be doing some work with my team while I’m home, relaxing with the family, and planning a schedule of awesome events for the next few months –starting with The American Express in January. It’s going to be exciting.”

Junior Masters champion crowned

The champion of this year’s Junior Masters was crowned at Close House following an exciting grand final.

A group of 68 players competed over the Colt Course across three age groups - 12 and under, 15 and under, and 18 and under.

The age group winners were George Curry and Abigail Scott (12 and under), Oliver Goodison and Evie Coatesworth (15 and under), and Joe Mulroy and Rebecca Evans (18 and under) - with Abigail taking the overall victory.

Throughout the 2022 season, juniors from eight counties battled it out for a space in the grand final, with nine qualifying events taking place from May to September.

Close House’s attached professional Lee Westwood played a big part in the development of the Junior Masters, with the vision to help grow the game and create more competitive opportunities for keen young golfers.

“I am a really proud supporter of the Junior Masters,” he said. “They are great events, played at some top courses in the UK. Providing young golfers with competitive opportunities is invaluable, and everyone involved is committed to supporting junior golf.”

In addition to hosting a qualifying event and the final, Close House has also given free school coaching to children at 15 local schools. The 2022 events also saw PING continue its support of the tournament, providing the prizes at the grand final.

Dan Brown earns card

Romanby-based Dan Brown earned a place on the DP World Tour in 2023 with a third-place finish in Qualifying School at Infinitum in Spain.

The event was won by Swede Simon Forsström on 29 under-par as Dan finished with a 26 under-par total in the sixround event. Big names who also earned their cards at Q School included four-time DP World Tour winners Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Marcel Siem and David Horsey – while Andrew Wilson and Garrick Porteous also earned cards – read more of their story on pages 24-26.

Jess hoping to follow in Jenny’s footsteps

Achance meeting at the Durham County Ladies Golf Association’s centenary lunch sparked an inspirational link between Jess Hall and trailblazer Jenny Lucas.

Newcastle-born Jenny and Mickey Walker were the first British golfers to play on the LPGA Tour in the US in the 1970s. Winner of the first Women’s British Open in 1976, Jenny won back-to-back WPGA order of merits in 1981 and 1982. Sadly, injuries curtailed her career, but she won 12 professional tournaments and remains the North East’s most successful female professional.

Back in the North East as guest speaker at the centenary lunch at Hardwick Hall, Jenny met up with Bishop Auckland-based 23-yearold Jess, who returned from the US this summer after graduating from California State University, Fresno.

“What a lovely young lady she is,” said Jenny. “We had a chat about her ambitions and trying to get her

Ladies European Tour card. I see a lot of my former self in Jess. She has such determination to succeed.”

The entry fee for qualifying school is more than €1,000, and the additional costs of travel and accommodation make it an expensive undertaking. Consequently, Jenny donated her fee for speaking at the lunch to Jess’ GoFundMe page for Q school and hopes others will back her.

The North East currently boasts

an impressive group of talented female golfers in their 20s, and Jess is hoping to lead the current crop in emulating Jenny’s success.

“We’ve been chatting a bit since we met at the lunch,” said Jess. “We talked about turning pro, going to Q school and who she listened to, and I found it all really helpful.”

Jess brought the curtain down on her four years in the US with victory in the Fresno State Classic. A plus-four handicapper with four

Durham County Championship wins and seven course records, including Royal Birkdale’s, she added: “I’ve had a really good year and, hopefully, I can take that forward to Q school. Since I started to play golf at the age of nine, I have wanted to become a professional, so I’ll be giving it my best shot. My journey so far would not have been possible without the support of my friends, family and members of Bishop Auckland, for which I’m very grateful.”

The professionals

orpeth Golf Club’s David Clark ended another successful year on the North East and North West PGA circuit with victory in the four-day Portugal pro am.

Played over Vale do Lobo Royal, Laranjal, and Quinta do Lago’s North and South Courses - and sponsored by PROBIO Energy International - the pro am brought together 108 golfers on the Algarve.

In the professionals’ event, David topped the leaderboard with scores of 43, 40, 41 and 38 points for an 18 under-par total. He also led his team to victory with an impressive 56 under-par total for four rounds.

Meanwhile, Close House-based professional Craig Smith teamed up with his dad, Trevor, to top the leaderboard in the first of three Winter Pairs pro ams at Dunstanburgh Castle. Craig and Trevor posted an impressive 45 points as James Wilson and James Harper led the scoring from the professionals with three under-par rounds.

Consett men's team reach Annodata Matchplay finals

Consett’s men’s team have reached the final four of the 2022 Annodata UK Golf Club Classic, and will be heading to Spain in March to compete for the title.

Having overcome Ineos (3-2),

Bishop Auckland (4-1), Saltburn (3-2), Wetherby (5-0), Ravelston (3-2) and Newbury & Crookham (4-1) this year, the five-player team will tee it up at the Barcelo Montecastillo Golf Resort in the finals, March 6-10 2023.

JULIE LAPPING – SECRETARY

Billingham Golf Club, Sandy Lane, Billingham, TS22 5NA

Email: billinghamgc@btconnect.com

Tel: 01642 533816 – Option 1

MIKE URE - PROFESSIONAL

Billingham Golf Club, Sandy Lane, Billingham, TS22 5NA

Email: uregolfman@aol.com

Tel: 01642 557060

BETH COLLICT – (BAR AND FACILITIES MANAGER)

Billingham Golf Club, Sandy Lane, Billingham, TS22 5NA

Email: billinghamgc@btconnect.com

Tel: 01642 533816 – Option 1

2023 Opens

18/03/2023: Team Open

@ Billingham Golf Club£30.00 per team (3)

17/05/2023: Mixed Pairs Open

@ Billingham Golf Club£25.00 per couple

14/06/2023: Gents Senior Pairs Open

@ Billingham Golf Club£20.00 per pair

29/07/2023: Gents Team Open

@ Billingham Golf Club£40.00 per team (4)

14/08/2023: Ladies Team Open

@ Billingham Golf Club£36.00 per team (3)

23/08/2023: Team Open

@ Billingham Golf Club£40.00 per team (4)

07/10/2023: Team Open

@ Billingham Golf Club£30.00 per team (3)

Northumberland boys looking to build on success H

aving won their second Northern Counties Boys’ league title in a row, Northumberland’s boys are looking to add to their success in 2023 with a busy winter programme.

A total of 14 boys have been named in the squad for 2022/3 with a further 19 boys taking part in a newly formed development squad coached by Steve McKenna, John McKenna and Mark Penny. Both the core and development squads will also meet regularly at Dunstanburgh Castle and Alnmouth Village for team sessions in the coming months.

For Phil Ridden, who is part of the team who has taken control of the boys’ programme over the last four years – alongside Mark Laverick, Simon Coultas and Graham Forrest – this year’s programme is the most complete system to-date.

“We’re really happy with where we are just four years into the programme, with a national title and two league wins. We’re looking forward to a busy winter with the established players in the main squad and a big group of boys coming into the fold in our first development squad,” said Phil.

As well as creating a structure for boys coaching and team selection under the Northumberland Union of Golf Clubs, the team has also brought interclub league matches under their supervision in 2022 – a process which has proved successful and will make identifying future county players easier.

“The system we have put in place – from inter-club matches into the development squad, the boys squad, and ultimately the men’s squad and beyond – is what the boys needed to be able to excel. We know we’ll lose boys as they reach the age of 18 and while we’ve had success, we needed to create a strong pipeline of players who can follow the boys who got this new era underway so well.

“We’re happy to have a coherent, structured approach to boys’ golf in Northumberland, with great coaches on board and the support of clubs and junior organisers, and we’re looking forward to more success.”

In 2023, the Northern Counties Boys League will move to a roundrobin format with the six teams playing one another either home or away (alternating the following year), mirroring the men’s league format.

The development coaching and winter sessions are being funded by the county along with a £20,000 donation from the Asian Tour following its International Series event at Slaley Hall this summer.

Gents 4BBB

Gents 4 Man Team Stableford

- Sunday 21st May - £60 per team

Mixed Open Team Stableford - Saturday 27th May - £60 per team

Seniors Open 1 - 4BBB over 55s - ursday 8th June - £30 per pair

Ladies Team American Scramble - Friday 16th June - £48

Senior Open 4-man team over 55s - ursday 20th July - £60

Ladies Team Open - Tuesday 29th August - £48

Seniors Open 2 - 4BBB over 55s - ursday 31st August - £30 per pair

Senior Open 4-man Scramble over 55s - ursday 28th Sept - £60

New NLCGA team in place

The Northumberland Ladies County Golf Association has paid tribute to its outgoing captain and junior organisers, and welcomed new officials at its AGM.

Captain Linda Davison will be followed by Hexham Golf Club’s Anne Moyle, while junior organisers Siân Oakley and Carol Mair have passed on the reins to Ashley Kent (Gosforth Golf Club) and Sian Porteous (Bamburgh Castle Golf Club), who can both be contacted via the county website - www.nclga.co.uk

Wilson looking ahead to 2023

Having shone in his final year as an amateur, James Wilson looked set to do well in the professional ranks. If his first season is anything to do by, he's on the right track.

An eight-time winner on the NE/ NW PGA circuit to-date, including victory in the four-day Turkey pro am and a tie for top spot alongside Garrick Porteous in the association’s two-day event at Fairmont St Andrews, James also played six times on the EuroPro Tour, picking up a T5 finish at the GLAL.UK Worcestershire Masters in July.

“2022 feels like a really mixed bag,” said James, who is a year into his PGA training under Gary Vickers at Tyneside Golf Club.

“I’m really happy with the way I started the year and how I found my feet on the local PGA scene. A lot of that has to do with how welcoming the players are. A huge amount of credit has to go to all of them

for that, and to Steve Harrison for putting the events together.

“On the EuroPro Tour, I did OK with some good weeks and some bad. I really would have enjoyed the chance to have a full crack at the EuroPro in 2023, but as that’s not an option, I’ll be focussing on playing locally and getting out to as many Tartan Tour and Mizuno Next Gen Series events as possible to try and earn the odd Challenge Tour start.”

Having decided not to head to DP

World Tour Qualifying School, James was left disappointed by the decision late in the season to end the EuroPro Tour. He added: “My plans may have changed, but it is what it is. I’m really looking forward to competing on the mini tours, coaching and playing locally as much as possible again.

“There are so many opportunities to play at this level, so I’ll just take those as they come and see where they lead in the second half of 2023.”

TELEPHONE: 01670 791562 EMAIL: INFO@LONGHIRSTGOLF.CO.UK WWW.LONGHIRSTGOLF.CO.UK

Indoor studio on track at Prudhoe

Following a successful crowdfunding campaign, Prudhoe Golf Club will open a swing studio featuring industry-leading technology in December.

Having raised more than £23,500 through online crowdfunding, member donations and support from Sport England, the new studio will enhance the club’s practice facilities while offering a space for yearround coaching, junior development programmes, pre- and post-round entertainment, and more.

Using TrackMan 4 technology, golfers will be able to practise no matter the weather, play some of the world’s greatest courses, and work on their game with coaching from Prudhoe’s director of golf, Andrew Scrimshaw.

Andrew said: “Thanks to the generous support of members, the public and local businesses as well as a £9,000 grant from Sport England’s Places and Spaces fund, we’re over the moon to bring this new facility - unlike anything else in the Tyne Valley area - to the golf club and the wider community within just a few months of coming up with the plan.

“We’re looking forward to seeing people of all ages using the studio space – from juniors coming into the club for the first time to established members using the fantastic technology. We also want to see members of the community and local businesses taking the opportunity to try golf for the first time or host a team-building and networking sessions here too.

“Our thanks go to all those who have made this possible, as well as our contractors and Golf Studio Design.”

Follow Tyne Valley Golf Lounge on Facebook and Instagram for updates. Plus, you can win a 10-hour pass for the studio (worth £250) in this month’s reader competition, see page 45.

Jess handed fourth major invite

Women's Amateur champion Jess Baker, who competed in two majors in 2022 and will be part of the 2023 US Open, will tee it up in The Chevron Championship at The Club at Carlton Woods, Texas, April 2023, 2023.

“I am thrilled to have qualified for next year’s Chevron Championship,” said Jess. “The win in June was such a surreal

moment and I can’t believe the opportunities it has given me. Making my major debut this summer has just made me hungry for more and I can’t wait to compete in Houston.”

Stocksfield just miss out in Portugal

Stocksfield Golf Club’s team narrowly missed out on victory in the first British Inter-Clubs Mixed Team Championships.

Having made it to the finals at Boavista Golf Resort in Portugal, they won their semifinal 4-1 against Bedfordshire, before losing 3.5-1.5 to Stoneham in the final of the nationwide event. Entries for the 2023 championships are now open. Email info@ mixedgolfevents.com and visit www.mixedgolfevents. com for more information.

City to host English Women's Champion Club event in 2025

City of Newcastle Golf Club’s important place in the women’s game will come under the national spotlight in 2025, when the club hosts the English Women's Champion Club Tournament as part of the centenary of its ladies’ section.

The event, which mirrors the men’s event which the City won in 2017 and 2019, will bring together three-player teams representing each county. It will be a highlight for the thriving female membership at the City, which boasts more than 100 golfers and continues to grow through successful Get into Golf programmes.

Michael Rutter, general manager of City of Newcastle Golf Club, said: “The announcement of the English Women's Champion Club Tournament coming to the North East, and our club, adds to the

great success our ladies’ section has experienced recently.

“From our academy programme to the growth in membership from 61 ladies six years ago to more than 110 today, and the role our members play within the club’s governance, the female membership is at the heart of what we do. To welcome players from across England to the North East, a rare occasion in itself, will be a fantastic addition to the centenary celebrations.”

Staging the event will be a highlight for the club, which has undergone major changes in the last five years, including an £850,000 transformation of the clubhouse and extensive work to improve the golf course under the supervision of course manager Craig Parkinson. Further development of the clubhouse's exterior is planned, while the course will benefit from the installation of a new irrigation system linked to a new bore hole.

Nominations open for England Golf Awards

Seaham pair reach last-16 of Daily Mail Foursomes

Seaham duo Michael Trippett and Peter Neal’s run in the season-long Daily Mail Foursomes came to an end at the event’s finals day at Marriott St Pierre.

The pair battled through to the last 16 from across the country, but came up against the in-form Tony Coulstock and Tom Costello - who went on to win the event - and missed out on a place in the last eight.

Nominations for the 2023 England Golf Awards are now open.

After the success of online ceremonies in 2021 and 2022, the 2023 edition will take place at Hilton Manchester Deansgate on Thursday March 2. The gala occasion provides the opportunity

to recognise and reward those individuals, clubs and counties who have made a difference to the game.

Nominations are being invited for the following categories: Club of the Year, County of the Year, Diversity and Inclusion Champion, Lifetime Achievement Award, Participation and Development Coach of the

Year, Sustainability Project of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Women and Girls Trailblazer, and Young Ambassador of the Year.

Nominations will close at 11.59pm on December 31. An esteemed panel of judges drawn from a wide range of backgrounds in the golf industry will study each public nomination before selecting the winners.

In addition to the nine categories open to nominations, England Golf will also present two other awards. One elite amateur golfer or team will be recognised with the Performance of the Year Award, while the Tournament Venue of the Year will also be honoured at the ceremony. To find out more details about each individual award and to make a nomination, visit www.englandgolfawards.org

The best of 2022

Dean Bailey looks back at the biggest stories of 2022 as golfers from our region starred on the international stage once again, tour players and elite amateurs shone, proven winners rose to the top once again, and new names made the headlines

The 2022 season proved another incredibly successful one for the region’s golfers at every level - from professionals on global tours, led by Callum Tarren’s success in his first year on the PGA Tour, to amateurs of all ages at home and overseas.

Undoubtedly, the region’s female golfers shone once again, led by Jess Baker, winner of the 119th Women’s Amateur Championship. There were also multiple national titles for Rachel Gourley - including a win in the Rose Ladies Series against the professionals; a college

win for Jess Hall in the US; international team victories for Maggie Whitehead and Rosie Belsham; and a national title for 14-year-old Charlotte Naughton.

The county season was full of action once again for both men and women as the Durham Ladies County Golf Association celebrated its centenary, while there was plenty of action at club level right across the region, and the North East & North West PGA season proved incredibly busy from start to finish too. Here’s the Northern Golfer team’s pick of the biggest stories and successes of the year…

March

Before the season even got into full swing, Arcot Hall’s Rachel Gourley got off to a winning start in the historic Sunningdale Foursomes alongside England teammate Lottie Woad.

Across the pond, Durham’s Jess Hall won the Fresno State Classic to bring her time as a college athlete in the US to a close.

Closer to home, James Wilson continued his fast start to his professional career with victory in the North East & North West PGA’s Turkey pro am, and celebrations got underway to mark the Durham Ladies County Golf Association’s centenary year.

April

Scottie Scheffler won the Masters at Augusta National to get the season officially underway in April.

Meanwhile, in the North East, Alnmouth and Alnwick member Joseph

Henderson won the Northern Golfer Men’s Champion of Champions title at Longhirst Hall as the event returned at the start of the year to crown a 2021 champion, after a two-year absence during the Covid pandemic.

17-year-old Rachel Gourley was in the news again, right across the UK, as she won the Leveret Trophy at Formby Ladies and the Scottish Girls’ Open at Irvine before topping the leaderboard in her first event alongside the professionals, birdieing four of the final five holes at Walton Heath - where she won the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship title in 2021 - for a two-shot victory over Sharna Dutrieux in a Rose Ladies Series event.

There was also success on the national stage for Blackwell Grange-based PGA professional Aaron Cox, who was named Participation and Development Coach of the Year at the England Golf Awards.

In the North East, Arcot Hall’s James Rutherford won Northumberland’s North & South Trophy at Goswick, Cameron Wallace won the Cleveland Salver, and the Northern Golfer Match Play Pairs tournament got underway.

May

The opening weekend of May saw Close House and Ramside member Maggie Whitehead eclipse the field in the Ladies Champion of Champions at George Washington as Kendal’s Joey Hornby added his

The county golf season got fully underway as Ella Crang was crowned Durham county champion at Seaton Carew; Martin McCririck won the Durham men’s Matchplay Championship with a dramatic sudden-death playoff victory over Jack Richardson at Beamish Park; and Hexham’s Morgan Blythe won the 72-hole Northumberland Strokeplay Championship at Dunstanburgh Castle.

James Glenn returned to form with victory in the Keith Shivers Bowl at Heworth as Aaron Cox continued his early season success with victory in the PGA’s Open Series event at Marriot Worsley Park. There was also good news for Durham teenager Jamie Jopling, who received the first Hero’s Handshake Award of 2022 for his work championing the game among junior golfers.

June

Jess Baker rose to global stardom and earned invitations to four majors with her victory at the 119th Women’s Amateur Championship at Hunstanton. Jess, 19, beat Sweden’s Louise Rydqvist 4&3 in the 36-hole final with her dad, Steve, on the bag.

Meanwhile, Ponteland-based 14-year-old Charlotte Naughton became the youngest-ever winner of the Northumberland ladies county championship at Blyth as Tynemouth’s Stewart Fell won the county’s men’s championship at Bedlingtonshire. Wynyard-based pro James Harper won the Northumberland & Durham Open at Morpeth, and Wayne Melles won the Seaton Salver.

At Slaley Hall, Matthew Cort won the national PGA Professional Championship, and Scott Vincent won the first-ever Asian Tour event in the UK.

On the international stage, Linn Grant made history as she stormed to a nineshot victory at the Scandinavian Mixed to become the first female winner of a DP World Tour and Ladies European Tour co-sanctioned event.

July

Charlotte Naughton followed up her first county title with a national one when she won the English Girls’ Under 14 Open Championship at Formby Ladies, while Northumberland’s Rosie Belsham helped England’s women defend the European Teams Championship at Conwy in Wales.

Thailand’s Chanettee Wannasaen won the LET Access Series’ Trust Golf Links Series event at Ramside Hall, and Alnwick professional Darren Grey won his second Society of One-Armed Golfers World Championship at Tynemouth.

On the NE/NW PGA circuit, Ken Ferrie won the PGA Championship at Middlesbrough as Tim Dykes won the Sunderland of Scotland Masters at Westerhope. In men’s county golf, Seaham’s David Patterson won a playoff to lift the Durham County Strokeplay Championship trophy at Castle Eden, and the three-men teams from Durham City and Hexham won the Durham and Northumberland teams’ championships respectively.

The spotlight was also on Slaley Hall again as Nick Poppleton won on the EuroPro Tour at the Northumberland venue.

August

Callum Tarren retained his PGA Tour card with a top-125 finish in his first FedEx Cup campaign to lead the way in August.

The region’s girls once again shone on the national stage too, with Maggie Whitehead and Rachel Gourley helping England’s joint men’s and women’s team win the inaugural R&A Trophy at the Home Internationals.

Across the North East, the men’s league golf season came to a close with Newcastle United, Close House, Durham City, Bamburgh Castle and Eaglescliffe winning trophies as Northumberland Golf Club and Ramside won their respective junior league titles.

At South Moor, Joshua Gardner won the North of England Under 14 Championship, and Jess Hall returned to the headlines with a win alongside Jamie Birkbeck in the Durham County Mixed Foursomes.

After 955 days, Close House member Alistair Collin ended his Top 100 Heart Challenge at Turnberry, raising more than £30,000 for the British

the UK & Ireland’s

September

As the season began to wind down, there were still big events to be won.

We crowned three new Northern Golfer champions of champions at Longhirst Hall as Woodham’s Tony Tomlin won the men’s event, Hexham’s Morgan Blythe won the junior event in his final under-18 tournament, and Faye Wheatley became a two-time Ladies Champion of Champions as she dominated the field once again.

In men’s team golf, Brancepeth Castle won Durham’s Clark Cup while Durham City won the Dixon Cup, which brought together five league-winning men’s teams.

Over in the US, former Northumberland county player Matthew McClean won the US Mid-Amateur at Erin Hills, while at home, Durham’s girls won the Junior Jamboree for the first time. It was also a busy month on the NE/NW PGA circuit as Vince Guest won the Matchplay title, Tim Dykes won the season-long Mizuno Order of Merit for the first time, and John Harrison won a professional event for the 46th year in a row before winning another one just a few days later.

October

Beamish Park’s Luke Allen and David Whalen were crowned the 21st Northern Golfer Match Play Pairs champions at George Washington after another full year of matches across the region.

Abroad, Jodi Ewart Shadoff won her first LPGA title in the US, and Morpeth’s David Clark and Steve Redpath won the SkyCaddie PGA Pro-Captain Challenge in Italy.

There was also national success for Garesfield’s Marc Coulthard and Gareth Powell in the PING Pairs final, an event which brought together more than 10,000 players.

At regional level, there were wins for James Glenn in the North of England Open Amateur Strokeplay Championship at Seaton Carew, Northumberland’s boys in the Northern Counties league, Phil Waugh in NE/NW PGA’s Tour Championship at Matfen Hall, and Houghton-le-Spring’s

Chris Paisley

Time to reflect

Chris Paisley looks back at his 2022 season, reflects on losing his DP World Tour card, and looks ahead to the challenges of 2023

My 2022 season is over and, professionally, it was the worst year of my life. I have lost my playing rights on the DP World Tour for the first time since my rookie season in 2013. I couldn’t have imagined just how badly 2022 would go, and the dark places it would take me. I genuinely felt as though my career was over for a large part of the year.

Happily, those feelings have been replaced with optimism. With the help of my incredible family and team, I am starting to play some good golf and can see a path to what will, hopefully, be the best golf of my life.

Unfortunately, Q school came a few weeks too early. Given where I was a few months ago, I’m proud to have made it to final stage and make the four-round cut.

Golf is hard, and there are lots of good players ready to take your place if you lose form. It was surprisingly nice watching the guys who had qualified finish their rounds while I was having lunch – each of them earned that special moment.

Ultimately, I think this will prove to be the most important year of my career. It has been filled with harsh lessons that I needed to learn. My career has been a fairly smooth ride since I turned pro. Looking back, that was a result of hard work, good processes and sound decision making. This year certainly taught me how to handle disappointment, and that no matter how badly golf is going, the people that matter don’t treat you any differently. In fact, they rally around you.

A series of poor decisions led to a severe downward spiral. I tried to make some big changes to my swing and went too far from my natural game. I lost my identity and became lost. It’s so important to fully understand how you swing the club, play the game, and what processes work for you. The goal should be to become the best version of yourself and not stray too far from your natural disposition.

With Andrew Nicholson back on my team, I now have a deeper understanding of my game - why it works well, where it

breaks down and how I can improve. I’m genuinely excited about where I can get my game to. While I’m not sure how long it will take, I believe my best golf is ahead of me.

I also posted these reflections on Twitter recently, and the reaction was both overwhelming and surprising. Every response was positive, which may be a first on Twitter! Being open and honest on the highs and lows of my career comes fairly naturally, and goes against the frustrating tendency of athletes, especially golfers, to be guarded.

I put the reassuringly positive reaction down to the humbling nature of golf. Golfers understands just how difficult it is, at every level, and how it can take you to the top of the world and bring you all the way back down again.

I’m proud of how I have handled that journey. It couldn’t have gone worse this season, but I’ve come out of it a happy, wiser and stronger person.

I’m going to spend some time with my family in the coming weeks. Being away and playing so poorly was brutal. Ella has a little sister arriving in January, and I need some time with my girls. I’ll be back in the gym and on the practice area soon enough, getting my mind and body ready for the 2023 Challenge Tour season.

Water, water everywhere

Water, and the potential lack of it for golf course irrigation in the future, may seem an odd topic given the recent weather, but it’s one of the biggest talking points across the turf management industry in the UK following severe droughts this summer.

While the North East was not subject to hosepipe bans, most of the UK was. While bans don’t currently affect golf course irrigation, there’s little doubt that future emergency water management plans will limit irrigation for sports turf as meteorologists predict we’re in for considerably hotter and drier summers.

This will have a huge impact on golf courses. Clubs should already be investigating sustainable water management plans to protect against future events. It’s essential to plan now as the consequences of having no access to water are catastrophic.

The first clubs to be affected will be those which use mains water, as it will become more expensive and will

ultimately be turned off in times of drought. Clubs which have their own extraction – whether from bore holes or steams and rivers - may also see limits placed on their extraction if these become vital sources of drinking water.

The clubs best protected will be those with surface water management, and water harvesting and recycling infrastructure, already in place. Capturing and storing water on-site during wet months – whether in tanks or ponds and lakes – will be essential in the years to come. Whether it’s collected from the clubhouse roof, the car park or from the land, the management and storage of water should be a key consideration in any development or long-term plans for your golf course.

Start by investigating a long-term sustainable water management strategy, understanding your site and knowing where your water comes from. Understand and make accessible how your water is licensed and managed, and know what emergency measures are in

place should your primary system be turned off or fail.

Now is also the time to plan for water conservation. How can you safely capture water and store it on site for use in drier periods? How much water is available to capture, where can you store it… these are important now as it takes time to figure out, and the changes are coming.

Finally, management of fine turf areas will be more important than ever.

Meadowgrasses, most common on inland greens, require a great deal more water than the fescue and bentgrass we see on links courses and would like to see on inland greens. These species are also more robust, handle periods of drought better, are better equipped to fend off turf disease, and perform better in hotter and drier periods. They also only require water to stay alive, and don’t have to be green to be good.

Our plug-and-play access to water is coming to an end. It’s vital to put plans and infrastructure in place now to deal with what’s coming.

Holiday season

DP World Tour caddy Chris Simmons shares his thoughts on travelling the world throughout 2022 and looks ahead to some well-earned time off

Caddying on the DP World Tour for Matt Jordan is a great job - every caddy will tell you the same when asked what it’s like travelling the world and being part of the very top level of the sport we all love. But, when you delve a little deeper, it’s not always the holiday you might think it is.

When we’re travelling, it’s intense. In 2022, Matt played 28 events on the DP World Tour - competing in South Africa, the Middle East, Kenya, Spain, England, Scotland, Wales, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, Denmark, France and Portugal. That’s a lot of hotel rooms, Airbnbs and commercial flightsparticularly when there are issues with baggage handling!

We’ve been away from home a lot. That’s great when you’re younger, but now I’m married and we have our son George, being away for four or five weeks

isn’t the total luxury it once was. When I have been home, it’s been flying visits, so I’m relishing the festive period at home as Matt’s chosen to take nine weeks off, including a well-earned holiday for himself, before we head out for the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in January. So, what do we get up to when we’re back home?

For me, it’s all about getting into a family routine. George was born earlier this year, so I’ll be getting into some fullon dad duties. I’ll also being playing a bit of golf, including a visit to Muirfield, as I’ve not played since George was born and I’ve missed it.

I’ll speak to Matt occasionally, mainly about the football, but we’ll not spend any time together. We’re good friends, but we spend more time together in person than we do with our partners, so it’s not like we’ve got a lot left to say at this point in the year!

Fitness is important and I’ll be stretching every day and working on my wife’s parents’ farm. I’m 31 now, so I need to keep an eye on things when I’m not carrying the tour bag around, and I’ll be aiming to head back out there stronger than I was last season.

As for Matt, I know he’s keen for a break. It’s a taxing season for him too. He’s got some training planned in and he’ll see his coaches – all the things you’d expect from a professional athlete during their time away from competing.

Overall, this is a great opportunity to take a break from tour golf. We’ve got a great lifestyle on tour and I could never complain about my job, but it is nice to be back home in your own bed for a few weeks. I also like to be able to get out of the tour bubble and back into the real world at home – even if it’s the north of England in December. Happy Christmas, see you in the new year.

Back on tour

Having made it through DP World Tour Qualifying School, Andrew Wilson and Garrick Porteous will return to the tour

in 2023. Dean Bailey caught up with them both to review the year, and look ahead to the new season

Teeing it up for a full year on the DP World Tour, travelling around the globe and in some cases waiting by the phone to know if you’ve made it into the circuit’s biggest events at the last minute, isn’t the glamorous lifestyle it may always appear to be from the outside. Yet, as Garrick Porteous and Andrew Wilson can attest, it’s a lot more fun than heading to Spain in early November for a six-round shootout for just 25 cards at DP World Tour Qualifying School.

Back for the first time since the pandemic, Q School is the final chance for players to earn playing privileges for the following season. Final Stage, at Infinitum in Spain, brings together players who have progressed through two earlier stages of qualifying, those who have missed out on stepping up from the Challenge Tour rankings, and those who have missed out on holding onto their cards through the DP World tour’s Race to Dubai. That final group included both Andrew and Garrick - the former finishing the 2022 season in 134th place as Garrick ended the year in 175th place.

“It’s never easy to sum up a whole season, but I suppose I can say I achieved my first goal of keeping my card,” says Andrew – who played 28 events and made nine cuts, including seventh and T11 finishes in Spain. “Aside from keeping my card, it’s been pretty disastrous. Everyone said my first year would the hardest. I didn’t take their word for it at first, but now I know it’s not easy out there.

“I made mistakes. I changed things when I shouldn’t have, such as bringing in a new coach early in the season, and wasted money on little things like hire cars or being in the wrong hotels. They’re all mistakes which veterans don’t make. I’ve learned and won’t be making them again.”

Meanwhile Garrick, who was playing his third full season on the DP World Tour, played 18 events and made eight cuts, including top-20 finishes in Kenya, Portugal and England.

“My year was up and down,” he admits. “I’ve made good progress with my game, but I didn’t get the results I should have. Finishing two or three shots behind where you feel you should

makes a big difference in points and money, and it all adds up. Playing a full season outside of Covid - which was so tough to deal with on top of trying to play golf for a living - has been good though - I’ve learned a lot again this year.”

For Andrew, the key lesson he’ll take into 2023 is choosing events carefully and focusing his time. He explained: “The early part of the year, in the Middle East and Africa, wasn’t a lot of fun. I’d never played there before and adjusting to those courses and conditions was tough - from the extreme heat, humidity and altitude which led to some vertigo problems to the environment, which is so different to Europe. Going forward, I’ve learned where I’m most comfortable and I’ll be building my schedule rather than aiming to just play in everything I can.”

At Q School, both Andrew and Garrick had a simple goal - finish in the top-25 and ties at Final Stage in order to play a full 2023 season on the DP World Tour. In reality, coming through the event is far more difficult.

Andrew and Garrick both finished in the final qualifying spot - tied for 23rd place - with sixround scores of 17 under-par. Including those tied with them, a total of just 28 players earned their cards, including Romanby-based Dan Brown, who finished in third place.

While those 28 players celebrated, there were far more players left disappointed, including our Tour Life columnist Chris Paisley – who reflects on the experience on page 17.

“I played Q School as an amateur in 2018, and again in 2019 as a pro, so I knew what to expect despite it being the first one in a few years,” says Andrew. “The whole year was an uphill battle, so I’d started to plan to play Challenge Tour in August and knew Q School would be part of my end to the season.

“Making those plans freed me up a little bit and my game improved in Italy, France and Spain in September and October. I went into Q School relaxed, content with the idea of playing Challenge Tour, and playing with that bit of freedom worked out well.

“It was a relaxed week as a whole, pushing my trolley around and knowing I was ready to

go back to Challenge Tour if things didn’t work out. That’s so different to playing Q School with no status wrapped up for the next year.”

Meanwhile, Garrick had to make it through the Second Stage of Q School – played over four rounds – before the six rounds of Final Stage.

“I found some lovely form at the final event of the year in Portugal and was able to carry that forward to Q School, which was good timing,” he says.

“Second Stage is always the toughest. There are 20 spots for 80 guys and you can’t afford to have a bad day.

“The whole Q School is such a challenging experience really, particularly when you’ve been on tour that year. When you have to play Second Stage and could be so far down the player categories that you’ll struggle to play a season, that’s a lot to have on your plate.

“It heightens all your emotions - knowing you’re playing to hold onto your position and looking over your shoulder rather than looking forwards like you do in every other event. It’s a strange atmosphere – it’s so clear

everyone is feeling the pressure of the one-week shootout.

“I was so nervous too, especially playing the final hole, where a scrappy five was just enough to make it. I’ve come through Q School a couple of times now, but I’m hoping I don’t have to do it again.”

Having returned to the North East, both Andrew and Garrick are taking time to reflect, work with their teams, and prepare for another year on tour.

“Overall, I suppose it’s been an interesting four years as a pro,” adds Andrew – who progressed to the DP World Tour through both the EuroPro and Challenge Tour rankings. “My game hasn’t been in a good place, which is frustrating, but I’ve got a DP World Tour card for a second year and I’m looking forward to 2023.

“I’ve learned a lot in my first season, I now understand how and where I play my best golf, and I’ve got solid plans in place with my team.

“I’m working with a new swing coach this winter, which I hope will keep my game in the right place. I’ve also got plans to get fitter and stronger with Teleri Hamilton, and will be continuing the good work I’ve done with coaches Steve Robinson, Andy Paisley, Alex Buckner, and psychologist Martin Perry – who has been great to work with in the last

few months. My agents and sponsors - Wilson, Mapei and Trak Employmenthave also been so good with me and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with them next season too.”

For Garrick, a fourth year on the DP World Tour is a chance to step up to the next level on tour. “I certainly feel like I’m moving in the right direction,” he says. “My game wasn’t sharp enough when I was playing in everything I could this summer, but I’ve got that back on track with my coach, John Harrison. Combining that with a better structure to my season should put me in a stronger position.

“I’m comfortable with my small team –John, putting coach Andy Paisley, physio Darren Wigg, and the guys at Titleist – and my game is sharp. Hopefully the winter work turns those top-20s into top10s and I can move up the rankings.

“I played in an Albatross Events pro am in Dubai following Q School and attending the final day of the season at the Earth Course before playing it was inspiring. I want to be back there, playing the Tour Championship, in 2023.”

Both Garrick and Andrew expect to return to the DP World Tour at the Ras Al Khaimah Championship in February, and we’re looking forward to following them throughout another actionpacked season.

Tim Dykes

The 2022 season proved a highly successful one for Penrith-based PGA professional Tim Dykes. Winner of this year’s North East & North West PGA Mizuno Order of Merit, 42-year-old Tim won the Sunderland of Scotland Masters at Westerhope, and finished second in both the Northumberland & Durham Open and the NE/ NW PGA Championship en-route to winning the circuit’s season-long points race. He also picked up a pair of pro am wins, a top-12 finish in the national PGA Professional Championship at Slaley Hall, and was voted Player of the Year by his fellow professionals, here’s more from our round…

1 How much golf do you get to play?

All my golf these days is competitive, either in pro ams or tournaments. I used to play every day, but in balancing family life and my role as director of golf at Penrith, I’ve had to cut down to playing a couple of times per week in the summer.

2 How did you get into golf?

I started when I was 11, joined my local club in Wrexham and played every day I could. I worked through the system pretty quickly and got into the Welsh boys’ before playing for the men’s team. I kept that up until I was 26 and turned professional, playing on the Challenge Tour and a tiny bit on the European Tour before joining the PGA in 2014.

3 Which is your favourite course in the North East?

I’m happy to play anywhere, but if I have to pick one - I’ve always enjoyed a trip over to Alnmouth Golf Club. It’s a cracking place to be on a summer day, whether you play well or not.

4 And further afield?

I’ve been very lucky to play all over the world and there are so many places I’d love to go back to. Again, if I can only pick one to go back to, it would have to be New Zealand to

play Jack’s Point and Kauri Cliffs - two of the most spectacular places in the world.

5 What’s your best score?

I’ve shot 10 under-par at Wrexham a couple of times. Low scores are always a nice feeling, no matter where you’re playing.

6 Which is your favourite golfing memory?

Being part of the only Welsh team to ever win the men’s Home Internationals in 2002, at Royal St David’s in Wales, was very special and is still such an important memory.

7 What about embarrassing moments on the course?

I’ve got plenty of stories of making a fool of myself on the golf course. While I can’t share them all, for various reasons, I’ll admit to dropkicking my driver and it landing on my playing partner’s head. He was quite a high profile player at the time, and it was definitely a low point in my career.

8 Do you have any golfing superstitions?

While I used to be superstitious about the number on my golf ball, I got over it the day I ran out balls, played with what I had left, and shot a decent score. It had nothing to do with the number on the ball - though maybe it would have if I’d played poorly?

9 What are your strengths on the course? When I’m playing well, my long game is good. I’ll hit a lot of fairways and greens, and give myself a lot of chances, whenever I shoot a low score.

10 And your weaknesses?

My wedge play and short game weren’t as good in 2022 as they have been in the past, and I’ve got a plan to address those issues. I’ve always been feel-based around the greens and I need to spend some time on that part of the game to get back to my best.

11 Which is your favourite club in the bag?

My Callaway Rogue ST driver - there’s no better feeling than smashing a drive down the middle and opening up the golf course.

12 Who is your best golfing friend?

Andy Bostock from back home in Wrexham. I’m not actually sure we get on while playing as there’s so much back and forth - the normal stuff blokes say when they’ve known each other so long - though we’re great, old friends. We grew up together, played golf as juniors, and still get together regularly for a game.

13 What would you be doing if you weren’t a PGA professional?

I have no idea! Maybe some corporate role, though I don’t think I would enjoy it as much as being a PGA pro.

14 Who is your favourite golfer?

I watched so much golf growing up and Ernie Els was always my favourite player.

15 Which golf event do you  enjoy most? I enjoy watching events on courses I’ve played - a US Open at Pebble Beach is always a good one. I also like to pop the golf on in the winter months to get a bit of inspiration when the weather isn’t quite as nice at home.

16 Who do you admire?

Anyone who gets on with it - those people with drive who don’t waste time complaining and go about what they’re doing the right way.

17 Which three people would join you in your dream fourball?

My dad, brother and grandad - we played together when I was younger and it would be nice to be back on a golf course with just the four of us.

18 If you could have one mulligan, when would you have used it?

Keep it - I’ll try and hit the next shot better.

Bringing Burgham back to its best

With its Andrew Mair and Mark James-designed golf course set in a beautiful corner of Northumberland countryside, Burgham Park has been an important, modern part of the North East’s golfing landscape for nearly 30 years. Its challenging green complexes, huge bunkers and length from the back tees has proved challenging enough for top regional events since the club opened in 1994, and its owners - Burgham Park Leisure Ltd - intend to continue the club’s return to its very best in the years ahead.

Enhanced in 2022 with investment in machinery and on-course maintenance, the team at Burgham hope their plans will be delivered over the next few years to secure the long-term future of the golf course and improve the practice facilities and clubhouse.

The course remains testing for the latest generation of big hitters, with the maturing trees strengthening this test over the years as the playing corridors on a number of holes have been narrowed for long drivers, while still allowing high handicappers more generous targets.

The course’s championship pedigree is found from the back (blue) tees, which can stretch to just over 7,000 yards - though for many the most enjoyable rounds are played from slightly forward - particularly when the wind blows.

The opening two holes are fairly straightforward prospects. The fairway at the 397-yard first is generous, though there is a single bunker to the right and another to the left should you miss the short grass. A good drive will leave a mid iron to a wide green flanked by two more bunkers.

At the second, a 180-yard par three from the blue tees, a solid iron shot will find a generous green, though beware the five deep bunkerstwo of which flank the putting surface while three more lurk 30 yards from the front edge of the green.

At more than 400 yards, the dog-leg right third hole is a tough test. A fairway bunker guards the right side, while another waits to catch out those who aim too far left. A tricky two-tier green features three bunkers, all cut below the surface.

At 511 yards, the par five fourth hole is reachable in two for the big hitters. From the tee, the key is missing the bunker on the left side. From here the hole drops towards a very tricky sloping green which sits at a 45-degree angle to the fairway and features steep mounding over the back edge, beyond which lies two more bunkers and out of bounds.

The 411-yard fifth hole is played straight away and players get a good look at this wide green should they find the fairway between the bunkers which flank the fairway.

The short par five sixth is an excellent birdie chance at 477 yards - should you manage to stay clear of the fairway bunker to the right of the lay up area some 110 yards from the green, while also avoiding the out of bounds on the left side. The green is defended by a deep front bunker and contains subtle, though challenging, contours.

The par three seventh got our pick for signature hole (see fact file).

The par four eighth plays shorter than its 455 yards on the card thanks to its downhill fairway, but beware the out of bounds fence to the right. Make it past the two fairway bunkers to the left side and you’ll be left with an approach over the larger of the two greenside bunkers.

The tricky ninth begins the stretch around the turn. A carry of 240 yards or more is required to clear the fairway bunker on the left side and cut the corner of the dog-leg. From here, your second shot is best coming up a little short rather than long as water guards the back of the green.

At the 10th, pay attention to the pin position and play into the correct quadrant of the green as the slopes will test even the best putters.

Driving the ball well is essential at Burgham and three good drives are required to tame the 419yard 11th, 497-yard 12th and 441-yard 13th holes.

Play well clear of the two fairway bunkers short of the par five 12th if you take aim at the green, which sits above the fairway.

We recommend taking an iron from the tee at the 13th - the gap between the fairway bunkers is narrow and the pond gathers any balls which wander too close to its watery edges.

The 441-yard 14th is a brute. Played uphill, the fairway is generous, but you must hit two great shots to reach the green, which is wellguarded with a large bunker at the front left and three more wrapped around its right side.

The 15th is a much simpler prospect. While still more than 400 yards, there is plenty of room left of the pair of fairway bunkers while the greenside bunkers are set away from the putting surface to provide a wide entrance to the green.

You’ll find a good birdie chance at the par five 16th, should you stay well clear of the trouble. Play short of the trio of fairway bunkers - two left and one right - then lay up short of the water to leave a short pitch to a generous target.

The penultimate hole is the toughest par three on the course. Measuring 172 yards, it’s played uphill to a green ringed by five bunkers and only the best struck shots will have any chance of holding the green.

Heading back downhill to the clubhouse, the 18th offers a great chance for birdie. Aim for the right side of this generous fairway to have the best angle to the green for your short iron approach in front of the clubhouse.

FACT FILE

CONTACT

Burgham Park Golf Club

Near Felton, Morpeth, NE65 9QP Tel 01670 787 898

burghamparkgolfclub@gmail.com www.burghampark.co.uk

GREEN FEES

For tee bookings, visit the website. For groups and other enquiries, please call 01670 787 898

TOTAL DISTANCE

Blue tees 7,042 yards

White tees 6,793 yards

Yellow tees 6,390 yards Red tees 5,782 yards

FEATURES

Driving range

Large putting green Changing facilities

Bar and catering available daily Spike bar Pro shop Buggy hire Trolley hire

CADDY’S TIP

The keys to scoring at Burgham Park are your mid and long iron shots - finding the right sections of these large greens consistently allows you to build a score here

SIGNATURE HOLE

At just under 200 yards from the back tee, the par three seventh is sure to test your ball striking. Played into the prevailing wind, water lies just four yards from the front edge of the green. Aim for the more generous back portion of the putting surface and be thankful should you manage a par here!

The story of Burgham Park is a complicated one and while its recent history has been tumultuous, owners Burgham Park Leisure Ltd have steadied the club during 2022 while investing in the golf course and machinery in order to return the course to its very best. The team hopes future plans will deliver the opportunity for more investment, with the course the first priority ahead of enhancing practice facilities and the clubhouse

OUR VERDICT

Despite the challenges of the last decade, Burgham Park remains a fun, challenging golf course and an important part of Northumberland’s golfing landscape, which is on its way back to its very best

Gearing up

As 2022 comes to an end, we’ve got PING’s latest irons to show you as well as new releases from Galvin Green, Mizuno and Bushnell, plus a closer look at the Chervò Golf Marchese jacket.

NEXT GENERATION

PING I230 IRONS AND ICROSSOVER

RRP: I230 - £180 PER CLUB (STEEL) • ICROSSOVER - £275 PER CLUB EU.PING.COM

PING has launched the new i230 irons and iCrossover, with both available now.

The latest i series irons feature advancements in PING’s activated elastomer technology, which has allowed engineers to save significant weight, which is reallocated within the clubhead to position the centre of gravity (CG) low for more distance and control while increasing the moment of inertia (MOI) for added forgiveness. The low CG combines with greater face bending to deliver higher ball speeds. The elastomer reinforces the face, providing more consistent bending and energy transfer, resulting in approximately three more yards of distance in player testing. Its higher MOI is largely due to tungsten toe and tip weights, which help make it the most forgiving i iron ever.

Meanwhile, the iCrossover is engineered for high swing speed players looking for long-iron alternatives that fit seamlessly into their set while delivering increased ball speeds for more distance with higher launch. The sources of the high ball speed are the thin, maraging steel face and lower CG position. The face is robotically welded to the 17-4 stainless steel body with a lower-hinged bend point to provide higher launch for better stopping power.

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF SUCCESS GALVIN GREEN’S LATEST GORE-TEX COLLECTION

RRP: VARIOUS WWW.GALVINGREEN.COM

Galvin Green has marked 30 years of innovation using GORE-TEX technology with its largest-ever collection of 100% waterproof garments, featuring 32 jacket and trouser options for men, 16 for women, and six for juniors. The garments are available in up to 11 colour choices or combinations.

“Our long-standing working relationship with the amazing GORETEX fabric has protected so many golfers across the world over the past 30 years and we’ve sold almost 1.3 million GORE-TEX garments during that time,” said Nicholai Stein, CEO of Galvin Green. “Decades of producing waterproofs with unrivalled durability and performance benefits in the wettest playing conditions under Gore’s ‘guaranteed to keep you dry’ proposition means that today’s outerwear range is backed by the best-performing waterproof membrane on the market and the most functional styles.”

BEST ON TEST

MIZUNO RB TOUR AND RB TOUR X BALLS

WWW.MIZUNOGOLF.COM

After three years of rigorous testing and development, Mizuno has launched its new RB Tour and RB Tour X balls.

Following the success of the previous RB range, Mizuno set two research and development teams the task of enhancing the original design. 99 prototypes and three years of testing later, the teams came up with a perfect harmony of dimple configuration, construction, compression and cover design.

“The ultimate difference with the new RB Tour has been the time spent working on the prototypes - three years of player, robot and greenside feedback across every possible performance attribute – by our original ball group in Japan and a new unit in Atlanta, USA,” said David Llewellyn, Mizuno’s director of R&D.

The new range features the unique AXIAFLOW dimple. On full shots, this generates a higher driver flight and flatter wedge flight compared to other tour-level balls. The balls also feature a soft feel, as expected from Mizuno, as well as improved durability - a central theme of player feedback.

REVIEWED

CHERVÒ GOLF MARCHESE 578 JACKET

RRP: £322.35

WWW.CHERVO.COM

If you’re going to play golf year-round, it’s important to be equipped for all weathers. When it comes to cold days, particularly if there’s a chance of some light rain, we’ve found the Chervò Golf Marchese 578 jacket invaluable.

Light enough to carry in your golf bag should the sun break through, while warm enough for even the coldest mornings in the North East, it’s proved a great all-rounder in changeable conditions. The Aqua-Drop coating has stood up to some light rainfall in our testing, while the four-way stretch fabric with Wind-Lock front inserts allows you to swing without restriction and never feels too bulky. The jacket is also breathable, ensuring we’ve stayed warm enough on the course while not overheating when we’ve popped into the clubhouse.

TOP OF THE RANGE

BUSHNELL PRO X3 LASER RANGEFINDER

RRP: £525

WWW.BUSHNELLGOLF.COM

Bushnell has released its latest laser rangefinder - the Pro X3featuring a number of new technologies.

The Pro X3 features Slope with Elements, which allows golfers to save their home elevation in order to generate compensated distances for the area or course where they play most.

There is also a new dual display, which allows golfers to choose between red or black settings to suit their personal preference and conditions. A locking slope-switch feature has also been added to reduce the chances of accidentally switching between modes during competition play.

There’s also PinSeeker with Visual Jolt technology as well as integrated Bite magnetic mounting, fully waterproof housing, a 600-yard range, 7x magnification, and Bluetooth connectivity.

the

Firth on one side and the Lake District on the other make Silloth on Solway Golf Club the perfect destination to visit. Book now for 2023. Summer midweek green fees £80 and Weekends £90. Come and play one of the finest links golf courses in the UK.

Missing the links

This month we head to the seaside to sample the best coastal courses across the north

Cleveland Golf Club

The links of Cleveland have a special place in our region’s golfing history. The oldest club in Yorkshire, and the county’s only links course, the club was established in 1887 and the course has been moulded by three of golf’s greatest designers - Old Tom Morris, Harry S Colt and Donald Steel, who designed three new holes in 2000.

Cleveland remains a stern test today, measuring 6,921 yards from the back tees with a par of 72. The annual Cleveland Salver produces incredibly talented winners with recent champions including Chris Paisley and Alex Fitzpatrick, who also won the Yorkshire Amateur Championship here in 2017, shooting a course record round of 62.

While the course maintains its links challenge with length, often stiff North Sea winds, penal pot bunkers and thick rough, the landscape around the course continues to evolve as the industrial skyline of Redcar is removed and the view returns to the one Morris and Colt would have enjoyed all those years ago.

Cleveland Golf Club, Majuba Road, Redcar, Cleveland, TS10 5BJ tel 01642 471 798, www.clevelandgolfclub.co.uk

Alnmouth Village Golf Club

Set on rugged coastline within a few feet of the spectacular beach, Alnmouth Village Golf Club is England’s oldest nine-hole course and remains one of its best. Opened in 1869 with its designer, 1874 Open champion Mungo Park, as greenkeeper and professional, the opening holes are played within yards of the North Sea. Meanwhile, the view from the seventh tee is one of the best on any golf course in the UK. The course retains much of its layout - and its 19th Century clubhouse - and though it is one of the shortest courses in the region, imagination and controlling the golf ball into the small, fast greens with their many swales and steep drop-offs is key. Alnmouth Village Golf Club, Marine Road, Alnmouth, NE66 2RZ, tel 01665 830 370, www.alnmouthvillagegolfclub.co.uk

The links and moorland at Newbiggin have stood the test of time and remain a great example of Northumberland’s links golf. Designed by Willie Park Junior, the rolling fairways, sand dunes and North Sea wind make for a difficult test. Big hitting is an advantage here, particularly on the opening holes, while good long-range putting is also a key to good scoring. At more than 6,800 yards off the back tees, Newbiggin is certainly no pushover.

Newbiggin Golf Club, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, NE64 6DW tel 01670 817 344, www.newbiggingolfclub.co.uk

Home to one of the finest par threes in the UK, if not the world, Seahouses Golf Club has to be on everyone’s must-play list. Set on clifftops above the North Sea, the course is a tricky test with a number of demanding tee shots and birdie opportunities on both nines. The 15th is recognised internationally as one of the finest short holes in golf. Played over an inlet with the North Sea crashing below, this 124yard hole can be anything from a wedge to a long iron depending on the wind. Seahouses Golf Club, Beadnell Road, Seahouses NE68 7XT, tel 01665 720 794, www.seahousesgolf.co.uk

Seaton Carew Golf Club

Silloth on Solway Golf Club

Seaton

its 150th birthday in 2024 and host the English Amateur championships. Ahead of the occasion, Tom and his team have worked incredibly hard to enhance the golf course.

The opening up of the landscape through the removal of 3.1 hectares of sea buckthorn along with multiple bunker renovations, redesigns and additions have improved the spectacle and enhanced the challenge of the Teesside links. Its remaining MacKenzie features and spectacular greens make this a must-play course.

Seaton Carew Golf Club, Tees Road, Seaton Carew, TS25 1DE tel 01429 266 249, www.seatoncarewgolfclub.co.uk

The Cumbrian coast is blessed with an excellent landscape for golf and Silloth on Solway Golf Club makes stunning use of the natural terrain to present one of the north’s best courses. Designed in 1892 by David Grant and developed by a number of architects throughout its history including Dr Alister MacKenzie and Willie Park Junior, the course is a stalwart in the UK’s top 100 and is framed by impressive dunes strewn with gorse. The views across the Firth are spectacular while the sunken dell greens and hazardous bunkering are brought together in a fascinating golf course which is a real pleasure to play. Silloth on Solway Golf Club, Station Road, Silloth, CA7 4AE tel 016973 31304, www.sillothgolfclub.co.uk

South Shields Golf Club

The coastal layout at South Shields Golf Club brings together elements of heathland and links with stunning views out across the North Sea. Founded in 1893, the club remains a popular destination on the Durham coast with its easy walking layout and year-round high quality. At 6,295 yards, the course – originally a MacKenzieBraid design – is short by modern standards but remains challenging, particularly when the wind blows. The views stretch in all directions here – out over the Tyne estuary, north to the Cheviot hills and south over Wearside to the Cleveland Hills. South Shields Golf Club South Shields, Cleadon Hills, South Shields, NE34 8EG tel 0191 456 8942, www.ssgc.co.uk

Warkworth Golf Club

Founded in 1891 and laid out by Old Tom Morris, the nine-hole out and back layout at Warkworth is a delight. The current course features 18 tees – each separate from its counterpart on the opposite nine. Looking out over the North Sea, there’s views across to the Carr Rocks and Coquet Island, while inland you’ll find Warkworth Castle. At just under 6,000 yards from the back tees, the key to scoring here is finding the best position on the fairway to be able to attack the well-bunkered greens. Warkworth Golf Club, The Links, Warkworth NE65 0SW, tel 01665 711 596, www.warkworthgolf.club

Seaton Carew

Beamish Park is a traditional golf club emerging strongly from the Covid pandemic. The club utilised periods of downtime in 2020 and 2021 positively to improve overall course condition and other facilities, including refurbishing the function room, entrance hall and Captain’s Lobby. The delightful new function room, with its wonderful views across the course, is attracting significant interest for a wide range of social events - from weddings and christenings to birthday parties and meetings – and is available for use by both members and nonmembers alike.

A new chef has also recently been appointed, and is serving up a full range of exciting food, including Sunday lunches and afternoon teas.

A refurbishment of the men’s locker room is the next internal project on the horizon, while drainage work is underway on several greens to enhance

year-round playability. Work on the fourth green is already complete, and work on the seventh, eighth and 14th greens is set to follow.

Resident professional Chris Cole has been at the club since 1987 and has seen the course mature considerably. A dedicated teaching pro, Chris offers free coaching to the club’s thriving junior section on Saturday mornings. In recent years, he has been instrumental in raising funds for the Charlie Bear Cancer Charity, and has raised an astonishing £86,000 to-date. His aim is to reach the sum of £100,000, with the next event scheduled to take place at Beamish Park on Thursday July 6, 2023.

Moving forward, a key objective for the club is to increase both members and visitors (casual green fees and visiting parties) by targeting historically quiet periods during the week and at weekendsplease get in touch to discuss availability further.

What is gaining 20 yards worth?

Personal trainer and fitness columnist Shawn O’Neil discusses what amateur golfers can gain from a marginal boost in driving distance

There are two reasons to train physically for golfperformance and injury prevention - and this month I want to focus on performance.

So much of what we hear and read about professional golf at the moment is focused on driving distance, but why is it so important?

Strokes Gained - the statistics-based system developed by Mark Broadie which tells us if any given shot has gained or lost strokes compared to the established field average - has become an important measure of performance on elite tours.

Amateur golfers also use the system to compare their rounds and track where they are losing shots, which allows us to draw general conclusions from the millions of data points collected over the years.

For example, the success rate for 8ft putts on the PGA Tour is 50%. This means players average 1.5 strokes to hole out

from this position. This performance is measured for every shot in a round and split into four sections - tee shots, approaches, short game and putting. This is then added up to give a measure of performance which we can analyse in far more detail than an 18-hole score.

Diving into these numbers across multiple seasons and hundreds of players, we learn some interesting things. For example, we know that driving distance and better Strokes Gained tee-to-green increases the amount of money players win. In 2021-22, the top-10 players teeto-green earned 2.5 times more than the top-10 putters.

When we compare the statistics for tour players and players with handicaps from scratch to 25 split into five-shot increments, we find the biggest drop off in performance is tee-to-green. This is because amateurs drive it shorter, require longer clubs into greens, and have a bigger variance in where their approaches finish.

The statistics also show, the closer you hit the ball to the hole over the course of a round, the fewer putts you’ll take. We can also prove than shorter approach shots lead to improved proximity to the hole.

Through Titleist Performance Institute research, we know across all levels of amateur golfers there is a direct correlation between handicap index and clubhead speed, which explains the loss of Strokes Gained off the tee and approach as handicap indexes increase.

Strokes Gained modelling has shown that gaining 20 yards from the tee is worth an average of four shots per round. That’s a huge gain for a small amount of time and effort off the golf course!

So, when you’re looking at your goals for next season, as well as working on technique and holing those short putts, think about adding in a little physical training to boost your clubhead speed –the statistics show that’s where you can make the biggest gains.

MAT FINISH

During the winter months, unless you’re blessed to be able to travel or live in a slightly warmer climate than the North East, working on your putting outside isn’t going to be high on your priority list.

However, as the dark nights are going to be with us for a few months yet, we’ve got lots of time to improve our putting strokes.

There are a lot of putting aids you can work with at home and I’m fond of a few of them – mirrors, string lines and alignment sticks/markings are great tools to build consistency in your setup – a fundamental to improving putting performance. But, you can also putt on the carpet with nothing more than a ball and a tee peg.

A really simple drill I love to work on is to practice controlling my start line by placing a tee upside down. I then start 3ft from the tee and try to knock it over with the ball. If I do, I move back to 4ft, then 5ft and so on while tracking how far I get before I miss.

This not only builds your understanding of aim, it also gets you into the mindset of choosing small, specific targets. Plus there’s an element of competition - particularly when you compete against your teenage son - which engages your mind properly.

Try and work on your putting for just a few minutes every day this winter – using this drill along with any others which focus on improving the weak points in your putting. A little time now will help you hit the ground running in April.

There’s no escaping mind, body and Sol

Costa del Sol - Malaga, Spain

The spiritual home of golf tourism

Aptly nicknamed the ‘Costa del Golf’, this beautiful region of Spain is regarded as the spiritual home of golf tourism by many. It is easy to see why with dozens of excellent golf courses along the coast and in the mountains, stretching from Malaga in the east to Gibraltar in the west.

Access from the UK couldn’t be easier with multiple flights arriving into Malaga airport daily. With a sunny all-yearround climate and a range of affordable options through to amazing luxury, a golf-escape to the Costa del Sol could be your most memorable golf holiday to date.

win

Northern Golfer competitions are also listed on our website www.northerngolfer. co.uk/competitions

Alternatively, you can post your entry to: Competitions, Northern Golfer, Unit 5b, Bearl Farm, Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7AL

Please include your contact details and telephone number. Closing date Thursday January 26, 2023. Usual competition rules apply – available on request. Winners will be published in our next edition.

The new swing studio at Prudhoe Golf Club is home to state-of-the-art TrackMan 4 technology –which allows you to work on your game with industry-leading data feedback on every shot, or play one of the world’s best courses – from Pebble Beach to St Andrews. The prize is for 10 hours of individual practice time (worth £250). Subject to availability. Sessions must be booked in advance with Prudhoe Golf Club.

For your chance to win answer the following question: Who won the 2022 Masters Tournament at Augusta National?

One of Northumberland’s finest parkland course, City of Newcastle is always a pleasure to visit.

Designed by six-time Open champion Harry Vardon, today the mature parkland course is a test of driving accuracy and short game skills, with its well-defended greens and challenging bunkering continuing to test even the very best players.

For your chance to win answer the following question: Who won the 2022 Amundi Evian Championship?

The greatest golf courses occupy great pieces of land with natural forms providing opportunities for visually stimulating and challenging golf holes. At Billingham Golf Club, these forms create the opportunity to venture up and over slopes with fairways bordered by a diverse mix of trees, while water comes into play sparingly and enhances the challenge of just a few holes.

For your chance to win answer the following question: In which year did Payne Stewart win his second US Open?

bunker from the

Welcome to your reader feedback page. We want to hear your likes, dislikes and funny golfing stories, and if you’d like to make suggestions about Northern Golfer, let us know. We want to hear from you!

Congratulations to Billingham Golf Club’s Helen Fawcett on winning the Durham County Ladies Golf Association’s Club Unsung Hero Award.

A member of the ladies, junior and marketing committees at Billingham, Helen also works with children through the club’s links with local schools and has supported regular introductory sessions for female golfers.

A charity auction aiming to raise money for The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation is returning in the coming months following the success of the first fundraiser in 2021.

A total of 51 golf clubs across the North East and beyond have donated fourball vouchers for the auction, which is being run by Glenn Blaney. The clubs include the likes of Alnmouth, Bamburgh Castle, Beamish Park, Brampton, Brancepath Castle, Cardrona, Cragielaw, Dunstanburgh Castle, Kilspindie, Roxburghe, Silloth, Slaley Hall, Tyneside, Whitley Bay, Wynyard and many more.

The auction begins on December 17 and will close on January 21, 2023. To make a bid or for further details contact Glenn at glennb2010@hotmail.co.uk or text on 07584 357 313. Glenn will be distributing regular updates to bidders throughout the auction.

A huge well done to Newcastle United club captain, Jen Anderson, who ended her year in office by handing over a cheque for £5,238 to Maggie’s Newcastle.

The charity’s Newcastle centre, at the Freeman Hospital, supports and provides a calming space for people diagnosed with cancer. Jen, who volunteers at the centre, raised the money through events, including her captain’s day,

Congratulations

a fantastic £5,306 for On Course Foundation

Members of Durham City Golf Club celebrated a remarkable achievement at the club’s annual presentation evening, as Louise Richardson received The Borkwood Salver as ladies’ champion for the 25th time.

The trophy was presented by England Golf president-elect Chris Pascall, who paid tribute to Louise’s golf at the club and as a Durham county player, as well as her work as the county association’s training officer. Louise was presented with a replica of the Borkwood Salver and a new championship trophy, named in her honour, will be introduced in 2023.

Billingham Golf Club men’s captain Mark Heslop, ladies captain Laura Hall and junior Emily Werkenshaw

wreaths as part of the club’s Remembrance Day

Sylvia said: “Being captain is an honour and thank you to all who have helped and advised throughout the year. Having the opportunity to work and play alongside people, which would not have happened otherwise, has been one of the rewards. Another has been the opportunity to raise funds for my chosen charity. The donations given by all members, primarily the ladies’ section, have exceeded any target that I had.” In one of her final acts as captain, Sylvia handed over a total of £2,300 to Redcar RNLI.

The new PING i230 iron puts you in complete control, giving you the flag-finding precision and solid feel preferred by tour pros with the forgiveness everyday golfers rely on to lower their scores. It’s in the bag of some of the best players in the world and it’s now available for you.