PlayGolf Midlands by Fairway Media Ltd

DIRECT GOLF Direct Golf UK, the leading multichannel golf retailer, has expanded their portfolio to 17 stores with the acquisition of four new sites across the UK in Peterborough, Milton Keynes, Farnborough and Reading.

The news follows another successful financial year for award-winning Direct Golf UK, who has bucked the trend of golf retailers in these tough economic conditions. Neil Bell, Managing Director for Direct Golf UK, commented: “We are delighted to secure the four new sites as part of our wider expansion plans. Our focus over the last few years has been on profit, but following the best years in our 19 year history, our focus is now firmly on expanding our retail portfolio.” The impressive 5,000 sq foot highstreet store will boast a start-ofthe-art Vector launch monitor giving golfers the ability to demo all the latest equipment from all the leading brands on-site and benefit from Direct Golf’s full custom-fitting service offered by its PGA Professional staff. With a large indoor putting green, bespoke clothing shop-in-shop, specialist ladies and junior areas plus excellent parking – the new Peterborough superstore is perfectly equipped to epitomise Direct Golf’s ‘total customer satisfaction’ pledge. Speaking ahead of the Peterborough store opening, Bell added:

“Our aim is to have a total 20 Direct Golf UK stores within the next 12 months. So watch this space for further details of new store openings.”

The latest development comes hot on the heels of a new driving range and store for our region. Direct Golf at Becketts Farm in Solihull was opened in late September by Ryder Cup legend Sam Torrance, who was supported by John Letters, between them they hosted free golf clinics, entertained the visitors and offered free golf advice to get the new facility off to an impressive beginning. Situated in the heart of the Midlands the Driving Range is a PGA Approved Training establishment. It has ease of access from the M42 motorway and boasts: a full custom fitting & work shop facility; 2-tier 32 bay floodlit Driving Range; John Letters Academy, 10 outdoor grass tees; 3 hole junior course; short game specialist chipping green; bunker practice area and a fully stocked 3000 sq ft Direct Golf UK Store. A delighted Darren Price, Store Manager at the Solihull facility, commented: “The event was a resounding success. Having Sam here the week before the Ryder Cup was just fantastic and the perfect opportunity for us to introduce hundreds of new customers to the facilities at Beckett’s Farm as well as welcome some familiar faces back.”

MIDLAND REGION SECRETARY JON SEWELL AND HIS PGA TEAM HAVE RELOCATED THEIR OFFICES FROM FOREST HILL GOLF CLUB, LEICESTERSHIRE, TO HENLEY-INARDEN, WARWICKSHIRE. The move sees the PGA Midland Region relocate administrative offices away from a golf club for the first time, with Henley Golf & Country Club’s commercial offices on the High Street in Henley-in-Arden becoming the new home. The relationship with the team at Henley, goes beyond just that of landlord and tenant, but also covers the splendid facilities on offer at Henley Golf & Country Club, a key factor in the decision to make it the new home for the PGA Midland Region. Jon Sewell, PGA Midland Region Secretary, said: “We have enjoyed many years at Forest Hill and would like to thank the chairman, committee and staff for all their

Graham Waller, general manager at Henley Golf & Country Club, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Jon Sewell and his team to Henley. We look forward to building a long and lasting relationship with the PGA Midland Region.”

QHotels Resort Selected for Solheim Cup Bid

Forest Pines, in North Lincolnshire boasts a 27 hole Championship golf course and is widely recognised as one of the most beautiful courses in the country. If successful, Forest Pines will invest more than £500,000 into developing its golf course and establishing itself as a world class destination for sport, business and culture. UK Sport chose the resort after it beat off stiff competition from a number of courses across the UK. The luxury resort will now compete against courses from across Europe to play host to in excess of 100,000 visitors during the week of play.

Having recently acquired the 30-bedroom Best Western hotel adjacent to the golf course, Henley Golf & Country Club was perfectly positioned within the Region and also offered the perfect mix of superb golf, accommodation, hospitality and conferencing facilities for visitors whilst housing the PGA administrative offices on separate business premises.

FOREST PINES

QHotel’s Forest Pines Hotel and Golf Resort has been selected by UK Sport as the UK’s bidding venue to host the prestigious 2015 Solheim Cup.

PLAYGOLF

support. We are now looking forward to a new era at Henley.”

Set in 190 acres of countryside, the hotel has 188 bedrooms, three bars and restaurants plus nine meeting and conference rooms, with the largest – the Tennyson suite – catering for up to 370 delegates, making it a strong contender to host this prestigious sporting event. The tournament – the women’s equivalent of the Ryder Cup – has never been hosted in England. Michael Purtill, Managing Director of QHotels said: “We are incredibly proud to be bidding for this event. It is very clear that the decision, which could bring £35m into the local economy, will have a positive legacy not only for Forest Pines, but for the North Lincolnshire region. “The Forest Pines Hotel and Golf Resort is easily accessible form a number of major cities in the UK, and we are confident that we can provide a world class experience for all of our visitors should the bid he successful.” DECEMBER • 2010

NEWS

Marriott Meon Valley Win The Lee Westwood Cup Marriott Meon Valley Crowned the 2010 Help for Heroes National Golf Club Challenge Champions The 12th of October will be a day celebrated for many years to come for 10 golfers from the Marriott Meon Valley Golf Club. The competition was the 2010 National Golf Club Challenge Final, sponsored by YourGolfTravel.com. The course, The Brabazon at The Belfry, off the tees used for the Ryder Cup. The result, playing the game of their lives to become The Help for Heroes 2010 National Golf Club Challenge Champions. As Champions, Marriott Meon Valley will be awarded the stunning Lee Westwood Cup, a brand new trophy made by Wedgwood to the same exacting high standards as the WGC trophies, and donated in aid of Help for Heroes. The winning golfers will also enjoy a fantastic golfing holiday to Egypt. “What a wonderful event for such a worthy cause,” said Meon Valley team captain Eddy Edwards, “and what a wonderful result for us! We are thrilled to have won such a prestigious trophy and thoroughly enjoyed an unrivalled experience playing in the National Golf Club Challenge Final at The Belfry, thank you. The Help for Heroes charity is close to all our hearts and we will carry on doing what we can to help improve the care and rehabilitation of our injured troops. This is a very worthy charity event that must grow and I am sure will grow with the support from all golf clubs nationwide.”

the sensational support we have received from global sponsors, international superstars, hard working golf clubs and the generosity of the Great British golfing community.” “Congratulations to Marriott Meon Valley, the 2010 National Golf Club Challenge Champions,” Stacey continued “who played some stunning golf at The Belfry to become our inaugural champions and raise the sensational Lee Westwood Cup aloft”. After a well fought final, played in the best of spirits, the positions are as follows: 1. Marriott Meon Valley – Champions 2. Cams Hill Golf Club – Runners up 3. The Players Club 4. Cherwell Edge Golf Club 5. Weston Super Mare Golf Club 6. Wickham Park Golf Club Also in attendance at The Belfry were the winners, runners up and third placed clubs in the Ladies 2010 National Golf Club Challenge competition: 1. Whiteleaf Golf Club 2. Ladbrook Park Golf Club 3. Temple Golf Club

In speaking of the 2010 National Golf Club Challenge drawing to a fitting conclusion, Stacey went on to say “We now look forward to the 4th and 5th of June 2011, when golfers throughout the UK will again have the chance to show their love for the great game of golf and their unyielding support for our injured heroes by taking part in the second running of The National Golf Club Challenge supporting Help for Heroes. Good luck to everyone and let’s make 2011 even bigger than 2010.” After its tremendously successful launch year, the National Golf Club Challenge will double in size in 2011 with a new event in support of the Seve Ballesteros Foundation, working in partnership with Cancer Research UK. The Help for Heroes event will take place on the weekend of the 4th and 5th of June 2011, with a new nationwide Seve Ballesteros Foundation event on the 23rd and 24th of July, a week after the 2011 Open Championship.

For more information about The National Golf Club Challenge Final, please visit www.ngcc2011.com.

Filmed by GolfBug.tv, The National Golf Club Challenge Grand Final was a fitting conclusion to what has become the UK’s largest charity amateur golf event, in aid of Help for Heroes. The grand final brought together six of the top scoring golf clubs from hundreds of qualifying events held throughout the nation over the same weekend in July this year. With each participating golf club generously contributing by hosting their own charity golf day as part of the qualifier, the Challenge competition is on course to raising over a quarter of a million pounds for the Help for Heroes charity. Event director, Stacey Jeffries commented “The National Golf Club Challenge has become a wonderful success in 2010 only because of

The Marriott Meon Valley team receiving The Lee Westwoood Cup from Event Director Stacey Jeffries.

THE NOTICE BOARD THE FULL MORTY Shropshire’s Cleobury Mortimer is a 27 hole venue, so three course Tim Hall

Jack Pringle

records can be claimed there, 24 year old Jack Pringle now holds two of them. After already breaking the record at Foxes Run and Deer Park (two of the 3 nine holers at the club) earlier this season, Jack struck again at the midweek medal in August when he broke an 11 year old record at Deer Park again, this time combined

with the other course, Badgers Sett. His 65 consisted of 8 birdies and just 2 dropped shots. After that achievement, Jack had his eyes firmly set on the remaining one, Badgers and Foxes Run combined for the ultimate goal, however he reckoned without another Cleobury young gun by the name of Josh Carpenter. In the men’s October stableford, 18 year old Josh recovered from a modest start to produce the form of his life during the final 12 Josh Carpenter holes of Badgers and Foxes, eight birdies and one eagle later and the third and final record was broken too capping an amazing year for Cleobury Mortimer.

THE SHROPSHIRE - A GOOD PLACE FOR AN AFTER ROUND DRINK The Shropshire, located just outside of Telford, is fast becoming the place to play if you’re looking for an ace with no fewer than 10 holes in one in the past 18 months, five of which have come since August this year. Anne Grant, Lorraine Petford and Phil Christian have become the latest golfers to perform the feat over the public pay-and-play centre’s three nine-hole golf courses. Phil’s ace came during the Seniors Yellow Medal, he hit a six-iron on the ninth hole of the Blue Course. Lorraine’s came on the seventh hole of the Silver Course where her seven-iron shot rolled straight up and into the hole. Lorraine said: “I was playing with Derek Plant, a fellow member who had just had a near miss on the same hole and joked that it was nearly an expensive hole for him,

only for me to hit next and watch my ball follow the same line as his and into the hole. I was delighted and called my husband Brian who met me at the clubhouse bar after my game to foot the bar bill.” Anne’s ace came at the third hole on the Gold Course during the centre’s recent President’s Day competition. She said: “It felt wonderful, especially as it was during such a special day. I had only just congratulated Lorraine on her hole in one before I set off and then three holes later I’d done the same.” James Lever, The Shropshire Golf Centre General Manager said: “It’s quite unbelievable that we are continuing to have all these hole in ones. “We have some talented members here who are obviously practising a lot on their short games.”

This new column is where we will list all of your golfing achievements, whether they be course records, trophies won, holes-in-ones, unique on course happenings, get in touch with us for inclusion on these here pages, we are waiting to salute your finest efforts.

Former PGA Midland Captain Rob Macey moved to Norwood Park Golf Centre, in Southwell this summer after 18 years at Ramsdale Park. An exciting new challenge for Macey, who is also a past Nottinghamshire PGA Captain. “I had been associated for 27 years with one company both at Hoebridge Golf Centre in Surrey which pioneered the ‘pay and play’ golf market in the 1980’s, and was relocated to open to Ramsdale Park in 1992. However they wished to take the business in-house in line with their other operations and I took the decision to move on to a new challenge. Sir John Starkey owner of Norwood Park provided myself and business partner Jackie with a great opportunity to join Paul Thornton and Course Manager Grant Lee as part of the Management Team Our aim is to develop the clubhouse facilities to incorporate a bigger retail space with larger reception area, and also to enhance the driving range

HOLES IN ONES Dave Leach 16 years old

Cleobury Mortimer, 8th hole, Foxes Run

135 yards

Maureen Green (Aston Wood) – at Oxley Park, 6th hole,

110 yards

the fifth of her golfing career.

Di Michalska (Charnwood Forest) – at Scraptoft, 6th hole

127 yards

We are also offering readers the chance to win sleeves of 3 Taylor Made Penta Balls as used by Martin Kaymer. Send us your golfing snaps from anywhere Midlands based, the best one each issue will be included here and the snapper concerned will win the balls. We have started the ball rolling here with a picture of our Euan walking towards his ball on the second hole at Horsley Lodge on a misty November morning.

including a Custom Fit Centre. We have recently opened THE GOLF WORKSHOP for all club repairs; it is superb facility with all the latest technology available and already proving very popular.” The Centre has recently been awarded GOLFMARK by EGU/ EWGA. Only the third club in the county so far, highlighting Norwood Park’s commitment to junior golf development and adult beginners. PGA Professionals Natalie Haywood and Richard Strange form the Coaching Team, both of whom have recently been selected by Nottinghamshire County Golf Partnership as Academy Coaches delivering national initiatives within the county supported by Sport England.

COURSE RECORD The very first member of the Future’s Bright club, Neil Wain from Staffordshire came to our attention in 2009 after breaking the course record at his home club Trentham Park. This year he did it again, during a midweek medal, an eagle, six birdies and just the one dropped shot proved enough to lower his mark by one with a 64. COURSE RECORD Congratulations to Mark Newman from Barlaston Golf Club who back in late summer braved thunder and lightning to break the 15 year old record at the club. Mark shot a 5 under par 64, in doing so his handicap was reduced to just one, taking him ever closer to his ambition of making it to scratch. DECEMBER • 2010

SEPTEMBER

During an autumn season where we in the Midlands could proudly claim to have a World number One golfer hailing from the region, much was at stake in our PGA Tour too as the Order of Merit winner was crowned and the final money list for the year was totted up. A busy month of Pro-Ams culminated with Cold Ashby and the 2010 Tour Championships. The Northamptonshire course once again staged the 36 hole event, the final one in the series of six majors to determine this years Order of Merit champion. One golfer had dominated the season’s proceedings; Walmley’s Mathew Morris

arrived at the finale with a near unassailable lead following a year of victories and high consistency. Mids Tour captain Cameron Clark from Moor Hall was the only golfer who could stop Morris having impressively triumphed in the previous event; a massive 9 shot win in the Fine Turf Midlands Professional Championships at Belton Woods. However, the

captains hopes were blown away early at Cold Ashby as Morris saved his lowest round of the year for the final tournament, an 8 under par 63 gave him a four shot lead over the rest of the field. Although he didn’t repeat the fireworks in the afternoon round, Morris hung on for a third win of the season, 2 shots ahead of Halfpenny Green’s Darren Prosser and

FINAL SCORES - THE TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP

the ever consistent Paul Streeter from Lincoln Golf Centre. Clark still managed to finish in the top 5 to secure the runner up spot in the Order of Merit table with Streeter in third. Yet it was Morris’s season from start to finish and he will represent the Midlands Tour next May at the PGA Championships at Wentworth.

FINAL ORDER OF MERIT TABLE

Mathew Morris

Walmley GC

133

Pos

Name

Represent

Darren Prosser

Halfpenny Green GC

135

Mathew Morris (ENG)

Walmley GC

1,233.33

Paul Streeter

Lincoln Golf Centre

135

Cameron Clark (SCO)

Moor Hall Golf Club

1,060.00

Thomas Rastall

Sleaford GC

136

Paul Streeter (ENG)

Lincoln Golf Centre

1,022.50

Mark Smith

Maywood GC

136

Mark Smith (ENG)

Maywood GC

900.00

Cameron Clark

Moor Hall GC

136

Paul Wesselingh (ENG)

Kedleston Park Golf Club

764.58

James Whatley (BRT)

East Midlands Golf Academy

746.33

Craig Shave (BRT)

Whetstone GC

738.75

Daniel Greenwood (ENG)

Forest Pines Hotel & Golf Res

727.50

Ian Walley (BRT)

Shirland GC

638.75

Darren Prosser (ENG)

Halfpenny Green Golf Club

612.50

Points

OCTOBER

September’s other highlights: Double Pro-Am wins for Paul Wesselingh at Leek and Peterborough Milton, and for Whittlebury Park Pro Mark Booth at Northampton and Brocton Hall. Plus the busiest player on the tour, Steve Carter finally breaks his campaign’s duck with a win at Moor Hall.

A few late Pro-Ams were all that remained for the 2010 season, Shirley Golf Club triumphed at the Needham & James team Pro-Am event at Menzies Welcombe, their pro Adam Norman winning his 2nd event in a matter of weeks after his Olton Triumph in late September. The Captain’s Day followed at Moor Hall, see next page, and the season ended at Leicestershire’s Kirkby Muxloe with a win for Stoneleigh Deer Park’s Matthew Mcguire. That completed the money list events made up of the majors and Pro-Ams combined,

unsurprisingly won at a canter by Mat Morris, who also recorded a number of Pro-Am wins in addition to his Order of Merit successes. The runner up Paul Streeter though can feel proud of his best ever year and the Derbyshire Pros also had a season to remember with 4 of their numbers appearing in the Top Ten. Congratulations are also due to Mapperley GC’s Tim Newham who won the Assistants Order of Merit title after a four event series which proved to be as hotly contested as the main tour.

2010 MONEY LIST Pos

Name

Represent

GBP

Played

Mathew Morris (ENG)

Walmley GC

13,738.95

Paul Streeter (ENG)

Lincoln Golf Centre

11,204.58

Simon Lilly (ENG)

Wellingborough Golf Club

9,829.64

Ian Walley (BRT)

Shirland GC

9,001.48

Daniel Greenwood (ENG)

Forest Pines Hotel & Golf Res

8,133.23

Paul Wesselingh (ENG)

Kedleston Park Golf Club

7,185.99

Mark Mouland (WAL)

Farmfoods

7,034.41

Cameron Clark (SCO)

Moor Hall Golf Club

6,764.08

Mark Smith (ENG)

Maywood GC

6,412.69

James Whatley (BRT)

East Midlands Golf Academy

6,090.53

Steve Carter (ENG)

The South Staffordshire GC

5,812.11

DECEMBER • 2010

MAT CELEBRATES A CRACK-ING YEAR

CAPTAIN’S DAY Captain’s Day again proved a huge hit with £8,000 raised for charity under Cameron Clark’s watch. Hosted by the Moor Hall golf pro over the club’s stunning track, 23 teams and their professionals competed, which saw neighbouring pro Brian Rimmer (Little Aston) narrowly edge out Chesterton Valley’s Phil Hinton for a one shot victory. With seven birdies and just one bogey, Rimmer carded an impressive round of 64 to take the professional’s first prize and also lead his team to victory in the team Pro-Am event.

It was a painful trip to his local chiropractor that set Mat Morris on the way to his best ever season. The new champion had been struggling with back trouble for a while which he feared would scupper his hopes for 2010, and then came an afternoon ordeal, which led to dramatic results. “He really put me through the mill”, recalled Mat “I was twisted and pulled all over the place before one mighty crack, and I left feeling a little tender to say the least” The very next day he turned up at Wellingborough Golf Club and promptly recorded a massive 5 shot victory in the 36 hole Glazerite Trophy, the first event in this years Order of Merit. His low expectations going into that tournament set the tone for the successes to follow. “With the injury and moving to a new club last year, it led to less golf and practice which made me look forward to just getting out there and playing this season and not really thinking about what sort of shape my game was in.” Once he followed up his Glazerite win with another one at the Tour’s flagship event, the PTS Invitational at South Staffordshire in June, there was no stopping Mat, further consistent displays followed before sealing the title in style at Cold Ashby. However Mat’s best performance came at the Enville Pro-Am in early August where he set a new course PLAYGOLF MIDLANDS

record at the Highgate course with an 8 under par 64. As for next season, Mat, a former Challenge Tour player doesn’t expect to change his schedule too much and will be back to defend his title. “I’ve secured a couple of Challenge tour invites but apart from that I’m intending to play the major Mids events as well as spending more time at the club (Walmley), teaching and building up the pro shop, plus a bit more time for the family.”

sionals and Pro-Am teams.” Third place amongst the professionals was taken by British Par 3 Champion, Richard O’Hanlon from Lanhydrock Golf Club, whilst Captain Clark finished in a respectable tie for seventh place. Clark added: “I am absolutely delighted with the day. We raised £8000 for my designated charities: Birmingham Children’s Hospice Cancer Unit and Acorns Children’s Hospice.

Second place in the team event went to Northamptonshire County’s Tim Rouse and his playing partners.

I wish to extend my thanks to all those involved including the staff at Moor Hall, all those that entered teams, the PGA and those that supported the charity auction, particularly David Dunn and Neville Lennard.”

A delighted Clark said after the event: “We couldn’t have hoped for a better day. The weather was great, the course fantastic and we had a strong field of profes-

The event capped a successful and enjoyable year for Clark who now hands over the captaincy reins to Forest Pines Pro Daniel Greenwood for the 2011 season.

Finally there’s one special date in the diary for 2011, all the regional Order of Merit winners get a starting spot at Wentworth for the PGA Championship in May, Mat, who has played in it before and made the cut has mixed feelings about that particular challenge. “It’s a very high pressure week for the regional pros, The West Course is awesome but its such a difference teeing off in front of hundreds of people and playing for massive amounts of money, I’m looking forward to it and will try to ease the pressure by taking the same low expectations into it that I had before the Glazerite.” A winning formula he hopes will prove successful again in 2011, maybe next time though without any preseason medical suffering.

Once again we celebrate the awesome young talent that’s present in our region with a Future’s Bright that truly spans virtually the full extent of The Midlands. From the wilds of The Northern Moors via a stop over in Northants all the way to The Wash on the East Coast we’ve unearthed another three junior gems with plans to take the golfing world by storm. Follow their early careers and achievements here, and should there be more, we update their progress regularly on The Future’s Bright online, at www.playgolfmidlands.co.uk

SETH STATON North Staffordshire based Seth is one of the youngest ever members of The Future’s Bright club. As we go to press, this 9 year old talent already has a handicap of 20.5 having only been a golfer for just three years. Seth hails from the Staffs Moorlands, a member at both Leek and Westwood Golf Clubs and has won notable tournaments at both. Further afield though, more prestigious honours have come his way, finishing third in his age category at the British Golf Tour Junior Grand Final, and also playing at St Andrews in the Wee Wonders British Championship last August. Seth’s prize for being the lowest scoring 9 year old there is a place at the US kids World Championships, representing Britain and Ireland at Pinehurst next summer. In doing so Seth will be following in the footsteps of Leek’s other outstanding 9 year old, Harry Fearn who appeared in our very first Future’s Bright and has just taken part with distinction in the same event. However despite all that success Seth’s favourite career moment so far occurred the very day after his St Andrews triumph. He joined 15 other juniors at Lindrick to meet and play with none other than the new World Number One golfer, his reward for winning the Lee Westwood academy tournament at High Legh GC near Knutsford. Lee was unable to play due to his pre Ryder Cup injury but kept a watching brief and gave Seth plenty of advice during the day. Seth, who has been coached in the last two years by Gary Brown from Buxton Driving Range, is a single minded golfer with a strong mental attitude and a determination to reach the very top tier of the game. Another Moorland marvel for us to follow with great interest in the years to come.

Stop Press: Seth’s at it again! During the Halloween weekend Seth competed in a 36 hole competition at Cheshire’s DeVere Mottram Hall on the Graham Moore Junior Golf Tour. In the 9-10 year old category he shot 9 over gross in his first round, and then the next day Seth bettered that further with a stunning 2 over score to win his age group. His reward, another potential trip to America, this time to San Diego for the Callaway Junior World Championships next June.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER • 2010

The Future’s Bright at Nailcote Hall, who Charley accompanies around the classic Cromwell Course each year in The British Par Three Championships. She is also a member at Northamptonshire County GC. Next years schedule sees her take part in high level tournaments all over the world, we get the feeling that if her progress continues at the same rate, ‘The Future’s Bright’ may well be the understatement of 2011. You can follow Charley’s future progress not just on our website but on her own too at www.charleyhull.net Stop press: Charley finishes third in her first major PGA ladies tour event at LaManga resort in Spain. The Ladies European Tour Access series Murcia Ladies Open was the event, one of the feeder tournaments for the main ladies tour and Charley who finished as the leading amateur after 54 holes proved she was more than comfortable already in this sort of company.

CHARLEY HULL

PATRICK KELLY

Charley is 14 and hails from Burton Latimer in Northamptonshire. She took up the game at the age of 3, had her first round when she was 4 and was already beating 17 year old boys in competitions when aged just 7. Her first national competition win came 5 years ago when the 9 year old beat no less than 24,000 girls and ladies in The Health Perception GB&Ireland Amateur Championships. Charley’s progress has been meteoric since, her list of competition successes, regularly in events way above her age group is too long to list in full in this column. The fact that her handicap is currently +3 speaks for itself, she is now an England player, and narrowly failed earlier this year to become one of the youngest ever qualifiers for the Ricoh ladies British Open where only a missed 4 footer cost her the chance to tee it up with the worlds best. Charley also finished third in this years Ladies English Strokeplay Championship. In June Charley won the ladies Championship at her home club Woburn on the famous Dukes course, mainly thanks to an 8 under par first round 67 that beat the previous ladies course record by a staggering 4 shots!

16 year old Patrick picked up his first club (a plastic one) at the tender age of just three. By the time he was seven he had progressed to his first full set and won his local round of the Wee Wonders. Patrick is from the Lincolnshire town of Boston, where there is an above average crop of talented youngsters, and is based at The Boston West Golf Club alongside his supportive father, who accompanies Patrick on regular trips to the likes of Ireland and Thailand for experiences of different types of courses and climates. Coached by former European Tour player Andrew Hare, Patrick’s star has risen steadily over the years, he won the Club Championship at the age of just 12 and has represented the England U16’s for the last two years with great aplomb, he has also appeared for the U18’s too. This year in the Mcgregor Nation’s Club Patrick won all six of his matches, finishing 4th in the individual event. At Woodhall Spa he won the Hazards Salver for the best under 16 player in the Carris Trophy. Both those two performances have helped him drop his handicap this season to a highly impressive plus 2.3. Patrick has now left school, and is looking forward to spending even more time on the golf course starting with another winter trip to the Far East. He has set himself the target of turning pro by the age of 20, at the rate he’s going that seems a likely proposition.

Those responsible for her precocious talent are her parents of course plus her first coach, Kevin Theobold from Kettering, her original club who concentrates on her natural golf swing, harnessing some incredible power and distance for a 14 year old. Coach Jon Davies from Woburn looks after her short game. So too does Mark Mouland

PLAYGOLF MIDLANDS

Geared WM

This editions geared up will focus heavily on the best buys this Christmas and winter. Many view this as an ideal time to add to their golfing itinerary, weather your looking for new clubs, gps or training aids you can use this time of year to get ready for next season. So we have selected a range of golfing gifts for you to tell your loved ones about from small gift ideas to the full monty.

Up Nike Golf Victory Red Black Satin V-Rev Wedge • The Nike VR V-Rev wedge’s grooves have been designed and milled to the max dimensions and conform with the new USGA/R&A rules to produce maximum spin for increased control and shot placement. • Constructed from 8620 Carbon Steel that is 45% softer than 17-4 stainless steel for unmatched feel and performance.

DYNA-BAND: Get fit for golf this winter Dyna-Band, the leading resistance fitness product, has launched an innovative new pack targeted at golfers, of all ages and abilities. The Dyna-Band Get Fit for Golf pack is the perfect tool to enhance flexibility, strength and therefore your performance on the golf course. The pack provides all the tools you need to improve your strength and flexibility specific to the golf swing. As a multi-purpose fitness aid, Dyna-band is a simple and flexible piece of equipment that uses the concept of resistance to strengthen and condition muscles. By providing resistance for muscles to work against, the Dyna-Band can replicate every exercise that can be done in the gym or specific to the golf swing, but without the need of costly gym membership or a visit to the practice range.The Dyna-Band get Fit for Golf pack is suitable for golfers all ages and abilities, is extremely cost effective (RRP £24.99) and can be used as part of a professional coaching session or an individual workout at home. Each pack comes with a green and purple Dyna-Band, an accessory pack and a fully illustrated easy to perform instruction booklet. By following some simple to perform exercises using the Dyna-Band it’s easy to achieve a high level of Golf specific fitness with immediate improvements to your game. The result: increased clubhead speed and driving distance. In addition, with injuries like shoulder, elbow and back strains becoming all too common in unconditioned golfers, Dyna-Band can be used as part of a warm up routine to encourage muscle balance and to aid injury prevention. For those unlucky enough to pick up an injury, rehabilitation exercises with a lighter resistance band will help to get back in the swing of things. Visit www. dynaband.co.uk or call 0845 3054131 to get your hands on Dyna-Band.

• The face of each wedge is precision CNC milled to ensure a uniform ball compression for consistent ball flight and accuracy. • A traditional classic look has been maintained whilst still retaining a high degree of workability. • A versatile Tour-inspired heel grind allows for increased shot-making capabilities from various lies. • The black satin finish is preferred by Tour players thanks to it’s feel and resistance to glare. Please note that this finish will naturally rust over time. • Fitted with the famous True Temper Dynamic Gold steel shafts in a stiff flex to provide a powerful, penetrating ball flight. • Each wedge comes fitted with Nike Crossline grips which have been produced by Lamkin for maximum grip and fantastic feel.

DECEMBER • 2010

Drive your game forward this winter! This edition we look at the new drivers in the market place and this year`s trend seems to be the release of black headed drivers. Getting a driver that is right for you is massively important and can make a big difference to your game. So take a look at all the latest and greatest on offer at the moment and remember when buying a driver we recommend you get custom fit to make sure its right for you.

EQUIPMENTS

SQ Machspeed Driver The new SQ Machspeed Black driver from Nike golf is a 460cc driver that is loaded with a combination of ground breaking technology from Nike Golf’s team of engineers.

Titleist 910 series Titleist has introduced its new 910 series drivers, the revolutionary new Titleist 910D2 and 910D3 drivers, and both drivers have already received great backing from its tour professionals with Rory McIlroy and Ross Fisher having already put into the action the 910D2 and 910D3 respectively.The advanced technology Titleist 910D2 and Titleist 910D3 feature the most stable head designs Titleist has ever created, as well as the new SureFit Tour (SFT) dual-angle hosel. SFT is innovative, patented technology that allows the loft and lie to be independently adjusted and set. The 910D2 features a 460cc full-pear shaped head designed for maximum playability and forgiveness, promoting a straighter ball flight with higher launch and low-to-mid spin. The 910D3 features a 445cc classic-pear shaped head design that produces a boring flight. The 910D3 also promotes a straighter ball flight with low spin, and provides increased workability favoured by many tour players.

The clubhead has a striking sleek black profile and the optimal aerodynamics, which ensures a 360° across the driver, have been designed to generate faster club head speed by reducing drag. The SQ Machspeed Black also features a deeper face that allows for the delivery of greater ball speed across the face ensuring greater distance on off centre hits as well as increasing forgiveness. The Machspeed Black had been designed to produce a lower ball flight and lower spin rates than the original SQ Machspeed which leads to a greater distance from the tee. Incorporating Nike’s STR8-FIT technology which delivers eight face angle options, the SQ Machspeed Black allows customisation for all players. The round version of the SQ Machspeed Black has been designed for golfers who desire more workability and shot shaping from the tee. The SQ Machspeed Black round is fitted with Mitsubishi Rayon light weight Fubuki shafts to ensure maximum speed.

Callaway Diablo Octane Driver 8 YARDS LONGER THAN TITANIUM* Lighter, faster, stronger. It’s what makes the all-new Diablo Octane Driver a revolution. Fueled by Forged Composite, a unique new material from Callaway that allows superior distribution of clubhead mass, compared with all-titanium drivers. The result? A lighter clubhead that retains an extremely high MOI. The Diablo Octane Driver powers drives beyond those of its all-titanium predecessor, the Diablo Edge Driver, by an average distance of 8 extra yards. Experience the most powerful driver ever imagined – the Diablo Octane Driver with Forged Composite.

Gtour 2010 Season Review

GTour Order of Merit 2010

The 2010 season came to a dramatic conclusion as the Order of Merit came down to the final event of the campaign once again. In what was an exact replica of last season, Shane Davies retained his Order of Merit title with a win at De Vere Staverton Park after being behind in the race for much of the season.

February The 2010 season couldn’t have started any better when back in February in glorious sunshine De Vere Belton Woods played host to the first event. It was Davies who triumphed with 40 points as he picked up where he left the 09’ season to take an early lead at the top of the Order of Merit. However that would be the last

time we saw Davies at the top of a leaderboard until the last event as the tour saw eight maiden winners making the race for top stop one of the most open in the tour’s history.

March A rainy De Vere Oulton Hall hosted the second event as David Wilson battled the elements to grab victory with 38 points to win by three. DECEMBER • 2010

THE GTOUR June The Tour bus returned back to Lincolnshire and to the Woodside Course at De Vere Belton Woods where Bruce Evans won with what turned out to be the highest winning total of the season with 42 points.

April

October

On a hot and sunny day the tour stayed in Yorkshire but this time at the fantastic Moor Allerton Golf Club. This would be the first time we saw Andrew Lee adhere the top of a leader board with a score of 39 points. The win for Lee took him to the top of the Order of Merit where he would stay for the rest of the season. Speaking after the final event at Staverton Park he was still proud of what he had achieved: “It’s been a great season and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it, I’m gutted about not winning the Order of Merit but full credit to Shane (Davies) he played solidly all day today and it’s really a case of him winning it rather than me losing because whatever I did today, Shane was solid all round and would have been hard to beat.”

The final Major and penultimate event of the season was held at the fabulous Manor House Golf Club, Castle Combe. On what the players said was arguably the best course of the year, Gary Walker became a double Major winner as his 41 points claimed the Aphrodite Hills Open. Tour regular Ian Roberts couldn’t give anymore praise for the way the tour has progressed this year: “It’s been great, I’ve done well this year and played in the majority of events and it’s just the fact that you play on great courses, the organisation is second to none, I’ve made some great friends and it just makes the whole package worthwhile and I can’t thank the guys enough for all their hard work.”

May For the first time the Gtour would incorporate four Majors into its campaign and the first couldn’t have been any better. The Srixon Masters was held on the Hunting Course at Slaley Hall at the end of May with Gary Walker winning by a single point on what was a low scoring day around the tough Championship course. It would be the first of two wins for Walker in what was a very consistent season with two top-three finishes along with his victories he is really looking to push on next year. Talking to Walker after the final event he said, “I just love coming along to these events and I’ve got to say that I’m happy with what I’ve achieved. After the big announcement I can’t wait for 2011 and hope to improve on this year’s 4th placed Order of Merit position.” The big announcement for 2011 is the the Order of Merit will be named ‘The Race to Cyprus’ after one of the tours main sponsors Aphrodite Hills announced it will host the grand final next year. There will be qualifying events throughout the year with a two-day UK semi final to be held in the Autumn in which the top-50 in the Order of Merit will compete. The tour title and Grand final will then be played out at Aphrodite Hills in Cyprus. Tournament Director Colin Astbury said he was delighted with the way the tour is moving forward: “Its fantastic news, the obvious step for us was to take the Gtour abroad and we’ve been lucky enough to partner with Aphrodite Hills and the Cypriot Tourist Office in 2011 to put on something the players will look forward to and what will be a great end to what I’m sure will be another great season.”

July On a scorching day in the English summer the short but tricky course of De Vere Dunston Hall played host to the De Vere Invitational which was the second Major of the year. High winds coming in from the Norfolk coast made scoring tricky and it was David Roth who dealt with them the best as his 35 points was good enough to claim the title.

August De Vere Wychwood Park would play host to the first of two events in August, the first time the Tour has done that since its beginning. Adam Smith winning on one of his favourite courses with 37 points and a one point victory before the Tour went south. The third major of the year, the Golfbreaks.com Cup was held at De Vere Wokefield Park. Jim Bishop carded a stunning round of gross 73 playing off five, which included four birdies to post 39 points, good enough for a one point victory to take the title.

September With only three events remaining the Order of Merit was starting to take shape with five or six players still in with a shout to claim the top prize. The tour would head to De Vere Mottram Hall where wind and rain would be the order of the day. The course plays tough anyway and in those conditions the 32 points with what Stephen Clarke won with was a remarkable round of golf.

November And so what was a dramatic conclusion once again, Shane Davies played well when it mattered to regain his Order of Merit title: “It’s fantastic, it’s what I set out to do at the start of the year but had no expectation of achieving it”, said Davies. “I managed to pull some great golf out from somewhere today as I haven’t been playing too well over the last few months, I was very pleased with 36 points with only a couple of bad holes. Overall I was delighted with my performance on the day.” The announcement that the tour is going to be taken to foreign shores is great news for all that takes part. When asked how big the tour can get after this news Astbury said “The sky’s the limit.” Jayson Liu has been part of the Gtour from the start and he says the tour will only get bigger: “Its great news for me, who has played in a lot of events and for the guys who have only played in one or two, word will get out about this and the marketing potential the tour can generate should be endless.” The tour will be up and running again in February 2011 with venues and dates yet to be confirmed but one thing’s for sure players will not want to miss out on any events as they play for Order of Merit points in order to make sure they are on that plane to Cyprus. Written by Adam SMITH

Play and Stay…

Packages start from £104 per golfer and include 36 holes of golf.

Winter Green Fee… The Brabazon £75 PGA National £45 The Derby £25

Experience The Belfry Famous worldwide for its links with The Ryder Cup the world’s third largest sporting event. Having hosted the tournament an unprecedented four times, the resort is synonymous with truly special golfing moments and steeped in tournament history. Our two stunning Championship courses The Brabazon and the PGA National, sculpted from 550 acres of lush North Warwickshire countryside have provoked some of the most dramatic moments in the history of the sport. The 324 bedroom hotel offers an impressive range of facilities: selection of bars and restaurants, extensive gym and leisure club, indulgent spa and the ever popular Bel Air nightclub; the largest golf and lifestyle resort shop in Europe and 22 well equipped conference and meeting rooms. Benefit from world-class golf tuition at England’s only PGA branded Academy, a centre of excellence for golf. Our resources include custom fitting suites, a 34 bay floodlit driving range, a short game area, state-of-the-art video analysis, practice facilities and launch monitor technology. Our training options include group lessons, junior tuition, residential and non-residential courses, with over 20 PGA Qualified Professionals. To complete the experience the resort boasts Europe’s largest on-site golf, leisure and lifestyle store. The Shop at The Belfry stocks an extensive range of world famous brands and cutting edge golfing equipment from industry leaders.

To find out more visit www.TheBelfry.com or call 0300 500 0405

WARWICKSHIRE Known as “The Heart of England” or “Shakespeare’s Country”, Warwickshire is a medium sized county of much diversity, from the industrial and market towns of the North through the tourist hot spots of the Centre to the unspoilt rural countryside of the South. The River Avon runs through its heart and 4 different canals have routes through the county. No major city anymore since Coventry was swallowed up by the West Midlands region although many consider it still to be part of Warwicks. Naturally, Stratford-Upon-Avon and Warwick Castle draw in the majority of the tourists but there are plenty more family friendly attractions about too within this region that also has fine road links. For the county that sporting wise is best known for being the birthplace of the game with an oval ball it also possesses an excellent variety of venues to suit those favouring ones with dimples too. The spiritual home of The Ryder Cup, The

Belfry just squeezes in within its Northern borders and is a must visit, for a chance to play at the place where modern legends were made. Just down the road the Marriott Forest of Arden is also a Championship standard challenge high in stature too. With a supporting cast featuring the likes of Henley Golf and Country Club, Ingon Manor and the diminutive charms of Nailcote Hall to name but a few, there are many reasons to put Warwickshire high on the priority list for a visit or two in 2011.

ANSTY

EDGBASTON

Tel: 02476 621347

Tel: 0121 4541736

Address: Brinklow Road, Ansty, Nr Coventry, Warwickshire, CV7 9JL

Address: Church Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3TB

Maturing Parkland; 5,784 yards Par 71

Woodland/Parkland; 6,132 yards Par 69

Green Fees: £15 weekday £20 weekend

Green Fees: £32 weekday £42 weekend (Winter)

ATHERSTONE

HENLEY G&CC

Tel: 01827 713110

Tel: 01564 793715

Address: The Outwoods, Coleshill Road, Atherstone, Warwickshire, CV9 2RL

Address: Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire, B95 5QA

Mature Parkland/Inland Links; 6,012 yards Par 72

Green Fees: £18

BIDFORD GRANGE Tel: 01789 490319

Scenic Parkland; 18 hole course 6,931 yards Par 73 9 hole Par 3 course

Green Fees: £30 weekday £40 weekend; Par 3 course £12 (18 holes)

Address: Stratford Road, Bidfordon-Avon, Warwickshire, B50 4LY American Links; 5,987 yards Par 72

Green Fees: £15 (Until March 2011)

BRAMCOTE WATERS Tel: 01455 220807 Address: Bazzard Road, Bramcote, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV11 6QJ Undulating Parkland; 9 holes, 2,390 yards Par 33

Green Fees: Ring for Details

BRANDON WOOD Tel: 02476 543141 Address: Brandon Lane, Wolston, Nr Coventry, CV8 3GQ

INGON MANOR Tel: 01789 731857 Address: Ingon Lane, Snitterfield, Warwickshire, CV37 0QE Maturing Parkland; 6,469 yards Par 72

Green Fees: £30 weekday £40 weekend

Scenic Parkland; 6,570 yards Par 72

KENILWORTH

Green Fees: Ring for Details

Tel: 01926 858517 Address: Crewe Lane, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2EA Tree-lined Parkland; 6,308 yards Par 71

Green Fees: £35 (winter)

LEAMINGTON AND COUNTY Tel: 01926 425961 Address: Golf Lane, Whitnash, Leamington Spa, Warwicks, CV31 2QA Undulating Parkland; 6,418 yards Par 72

Green Fees: Ring for details

DECEMBER • 2010

COUNTY WARWICKSHIRE CLUBINTROS GUIDE MARRIOTT FOREST OF ARDEN

NEWBOLD COMYN

RUGBY

Tel: 01926 421157

Tel: 01788 542306

Tel: 01676 522335

Address: Newbold Terrace East, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV32 4EW

Address: Clifton Road, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 3RD

Address: Maxstoke Lane, Meriden, Birmingham, CV7 7HR 2x18 hole courses Arden Course: Parkland/Woodland, 6,707 yards Par 72 Aylesford Course : Parkland, 5,801 yards Par 69

Green Fees: Ring for details

Parkland; 6,315 yards Par 70

Green Fees: Ring for details

Mature Parkland; 5,566 yards Par 68

Green Fees: £25 weekday £30 weekend

NORTH WARWICKSHIRE

THE BELFRY Tel: 01675 470301 Address: Wishaw, Sutton Coldfield, North Warwickshire, B76 9PR The Brabazon Course; Lakeside Parkland – 6,729 yards Par 72 PGA National Course; Inland Links – 6,639 yards Par 72

Tel: 01676 522915

Derby Course; Parkland – 6,057 yards Par 70

Address: Hampton Lane, Meriden Lane, Warwickshire, CV7 7LL

Green Fees: Ring for details

Heathland; 6,199 yards Par 71

Green Fees: £20 (winter)

NAILCOTE HALL Tel: 02476 466174 Address: Nailcote Lane, Berkswell, Warwickshire, CV7 7DE 9 hole Par 3 Championship Parkland; Cromwell Course, 1,027 yards Par 27

Green Fees: £10 (18 holes)

MARSTON LAKES Tel: 01675 470468 Address: Haunch Lane, Lea Marston, Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire, B76 0BY Lakeside/Parkland; 9 holes Pay and Play, 2,054 yards Par 31 9 hole Academy course Par 27

Green Fees: Pay and Play, £10 weekday £15 weekend (18 holes); Academy, £6/6.75 (9 holes)

MAXSTOKE PARK Tel: 01675 466743

NUNEATON Tel: 02476 347810 Address: Golf Drive, Whitestone, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV11 6QF Scenic Parkland; 6,452 yards Par 71

Green Fees: Ring for details

OAKRIDGE Tel: 01676 541389 Address: Arley Lane, Ansley, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV10 9PH

Mature Parkland; 6,442 yards Par 71

Undulating Parkland; 6,208 yards Par 71

MENZIES WELCOMBE Tel: 01789 413839/413800 Address: Warwick Road, StratfordUpon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 0NR Rolling Parkland; 5,739 yards Par 70

Green Fees: £25 weekday (winter)

Tel: 01676 522442 Address: Somers Road, Meriden, Coventry, CV7 7PL 3x9 holes Parkland/Inland Links; Somers Course, 3,316 yards Par 37 Hampton Course, 2,786 yards Par 33

THE WARWICKSHIRE G&CC

Blythe Course, 2,757 yards Par 33

Tel: 01926 409409

Green Fees: £20 weekday £30 weekend (18 holes)

Address: Leek Wootton, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV35 7QT

STONELEIGH DEER PARK

Earl’s Course, 6,750 yards Par 72

Tel: 02476 639991

Address: Castle Lane, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 2RD

Green Fees: £30

STONEBRIDGE

Green Fees: £15 weekday £20 weekend (winter)

PURLEY CHASE Tel: 02476 393118 Address: Ridge Lane, Nr Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV10 0RB

Address: The Old Deer Park, Coventry Road, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, CV8 3DR Parkland/Woodland; Tantara Course, 6,056 yards Par 71 Avon Course, 1,251 yards Par 27

Green Fees: Tantara, £20 weekday £30 weekend; Avon, £11 wd/£15 w/e

STRATFORD OAKS

Parkland /Inland Links; Kings Course, 6,487 yards Par 72

Green Fees: Ring for details

WHITEFIELDS (DRAYCOTE HOTEL) Tel: 01788 521800 Address: London Road, Thurlaston, Nr Rugby, Warwickshire, CV23 9LF Maturing Parkland; 6,289 yards Par 71

Tel: 01789 731982

Green Fees: Ring for details

Address: Bearley Road, Snitterfield, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 0EZ

WINDMILL VILLAGE

Parkland/Woodland; 6,232 yards Par 71

Green Fees: Available 7 days Ring for details

STRATFORD-ON-AVON

Tel: 02476 404040 Address: Birmingham Road, Allesley, Nr Coventry, CV5 9AL Lakeside Parkland; 5,184 yards Par 70

Green Fees: Ring for details

Tel: 01789 205749 Address: Tiddington Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 7BA

Parkland: 6,772 yards Par 72

Mature Parkland; 6,400 yards Par 72

Green Fees: £25 weekday £30 weekend

Green Fees: £40 weekday £45 weekend

WARWICKSHIRE

THE FOREST OF ARDEN One of the Midland’s premier golfing destinations is aiming to increase its appeal to visitors and societies alike for 2011 by releasing brand new packages of golfing group deals. We plucked two typical guys from a typical club, members who also like a bit of variety in their golfing schedules and brought them with us to The Marriott Forest of Arden to sample the full society experience that this Championship venue has to offer.

Location/Directions: Very close links to the M6, M42 and then the A45 Coventry road, well sign posted from there, the resort is situated just two miles further, on Shepherds Lane.

The Guinea Pigs: Both Martin Firth and Andy Stubbens are members at Pott Shrigley Golf Club, near Macclesfield, both are 8 handicappers and play a fair bit of competitive golf. Neither had played here before and was looking forward to seeing how their games stood up to this Championship challenge on a chilly late November day. After a welcoming bacon roll and coffee in the ultra modern Zest Restaurant and Bar we assembled by the first tee for our 8.50 tee off, the course staff gleefully informing us it was playing particularly long, the temperature felt barely above freezing, yet The Arden was looking in good wintery nick.

Designed by Donald Steel in 1970, the Championship Arden Course was a regular stop over for The PGA European Tour in the 90’s and up until 2002. Woosnam, Montgomerie twice and Darren Clarke, also x2 were among the winners of the many English Opens and British Masters held here. Hallowed footsteps indeed, during two previous rounds we had already discovered just why it was and still is held in the highest regard, now it was the turn of The Macc Lads to find out. The Arden eases you in with a couple of shortish Par Fours, although the first of a regular bunch of water hazards endangers a hooked drive on the second. Martin skirted with that peril, yet recovered impressively for

his par, the guys immediately took great delight in the putting surfaces, smooth and soft throughout, they inspired confidence as chips and pitches stopped on a sixpence and putts were rolled in with gusto. Martin went on to birdie the long Par 5 third which shares a large green with the sixth and raced around the front nine in a scarcely believable one under, given the conditions a superb effort, The Arden Course rewards good play and a sound short game. He even managed to survive the treacherous ninth, a tee shot of extreme tightness and an uphill long approach, total accuracy demanded for a par. Andy too, who was far from trailing in his playing partners wake parred it too, but only after

the shot of the day. From a plugged lie at the lip of the greenside trap he somehow managed to blast it out expertly, the ball trickling down to 4 feet from the cup . Normally at The Arden Course there is no better place to perform such an escape, the 9th green resides by the side of a huge marquee and barbecue area, during the summer months literally hundreds of society guests and corporate clients hang out there pre and après round, a standing ovation could have well have been in order had we passed by in busier times. So there were many highlights to ruminate over as we sipped mid round hot chocolates and coffees from the half way hut, the boys were enjoying themDECEMBER • 2010

ANDY

lly ed lyrica ndy wax A r e e n th rt ing pa “I loved his play Burger. to the defeat to er his Marriott inning, w g o e rr b a e v n o th is t e h a c e n d it e Desp experi receive ear old track.” ack we is Arden 0y about h the welcome p ke a 10 li s y la shot p m d o n fr a y, s est tee da , it look of the b lf en e e re s n it g o , e e cours find th the 18th trying to s to be a e h g n It “ e ll ? a great ch ite Hole Favour olf, and such a g mazing in day is a e.” sights ere” th ty ie n c o o it s p fee alon the full and kee £69 for n for the green , ly e it n “Defi uestio n visit? ithout q A retur uld pay that w o w value; I

and as fish nest Arden w nd fi s r Ba he sa of T way Zest The ndition ose fair h it h o yt d w The c latel roun .“ e rable pressed e’ve had o d th m me ally im ther w le an is o h h u ” a eq ted ick we king Toas nd was ith the azing n t loo ” a w m grea allenge. a a , chip anding, oth in a 2th per ch such 1 t b s e t e r h u see o t e r o o p d w t e a v ns nice re.” “I lo ter is gree ally ole? r the wa d re mosphe H n a e e t , i at ss t ov our p cla axed Fav ach sho is to ch a rel o d r o p u fo ap ss “The rt ha ole? ed reso H h 19t stablish e well

IN T R MA

selves, myself and Euan exchanged smug glances, “you ain’t seen nothing yet” we confidently exclaimed. The back nine at The Arden Course is like entering a different world. A classically ancient woodland setting, majestic and huge oak trees dominate the landscape surrounded by banks of fern and bracken. Deer country for sure and there’s quite a population of those too, scuttling around the fairways, oblivious to the dangers posed by the wayward golfer. Around this beautiful English Country Park landscape memorable golf holes are crafted, technically excellent and very testing. We all know a legendary 18th awaits at The Arden, yet the holes prior to that are far

from poor relations. The boys relished the challenge, the cold air made it impossible to attempt the ultimate test of carrying the shared lake in two on the Par 5 12th and 17th holes and the Par 4 16th played long too, the water hazard that resides there caused headaches. The Arden has a big finish, starting with a superb uphill long Par 3 15th that on this day was only reachable with the sweetest struck 3 wood, then the aforesaid 16th and 17th, picture perfect, yet playing their length and a bit more. Despite the fact the elements caused a few bogies to appear on the cards, there was no dropping of heads and soon the epic closing hole came into view. The final challenge, “Tontine” stretches to nearly 200 yards from

the yellows, and although the angle of approach is more generous than from the blues at the back, it’s still a fearsome sight especially on a wintery day. Cross the deep ravine from the tee shot for a closing flourish, yet it takes a good blow and mercifully we all just about managed it with a mixture of 3 woods and even drivers, and four very weary swings. Summing up, our guy’s scores suffered a little on the stunning back nine, yet understandably so, and Martin still shot bang on his handicap, with Andy only two shots worse off, great efforts considering the season. After a freshen up, The Zest Bar once again accommodated us for the 2 course meal that accompanies all

society packages for 2011 and delightful it was too, sample the Marriott burger though and your final challenge of the day might well be finding room for a dessert, totally delicious. The facilities at the club and hotel are superb, benefitting from a £5 million overhaul just last year, everything is modern and contemporary and the service is first class. 214 rooms, full fitness and spa facilities, plus no less than 22 meeting rooms, plenty of space and flexibility for lots of golfing groups. There’s no doubt The Macc Lads thoroughly enjoyed their Forest of Arden experience and will be booking up for Spring next year, complete with course knowledge and a few less layers they could be dangerous.

Play The Belfry...Sheer Perfection Find out more about our golf breaks, green fees, tuition, society days and corporate golf by calling 0300 500 0405 or visit www.TheBelfry.com

Perfectly presented every day!

Can you master the famous 10th?

A break at The Belfry... ...a whole different ball game!

Westwood Golf Club

Get away from it all in 2011, to the historic market town of Leek, in the Staffordshire Moorlands.

A picturesque countryside setting, located on both sides of the River Churnet, a genuinely attractive course of two halves.

Full 7-day membership

at just ÂŁ11 per week with NO joining fee.

Visitors and Societies welcome, great 2011 rates and packages, contact the club for full details

T: 01538 398 385

Attention to detail makes all the difference!

The course that never sleeps!

ALFRETON Tel: 01773 832070 Address: Wingfield Road, Oakerthorpe, Derbyshire, DE55 7LH Tree-lined Parkland 11 holes, 18 tees; 5,208 yards Par 67

Green Fees: £20

ALLESTREE PARK Tel: 01332 550616

DERBYSHIRE There’s no region in The Midlands quite like Derbyshire in terms of your golfing surroundings. A substantial portion of the Peak District National Park lies within the county, therefore natural stunning sights await for those who relish their golf on the picturesque side. On the flip side the City of Derby itself, more lower lying and situated to the south has an absolute wealth of quality courses right on its doorstep. This county of rich diversity has a population of just over a million, many reside in or around the city, yet there are other busy towns further north such as Chesterfield and Matlock. Tourists are spoilt for choice in Derbyshire,

Address: Allestree Hall,Duffield Road, Derby, DE22 2EU Undulating Parkland; 5,806 yards Par 68

Green Fees: £12

MARRIOTT BREADSALL PRIORY Tel: 01332 836016 Address: Moor Road, Morley, Derbyshire, DE7 6DL 2x18 holes: Championship Priory Course; 6,100 yards Par 72 Moorland Course; 6,087 yards Par 70

Green Fees: £40 on both

BRAILSFORD Tel: 01335 360096 Address: Pools Head Lane, Brailsford, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 3BU

The National Park has many outdoor treats in store, attractive and historical market towns like Buxton and Bakewell are nestled around the Peak hills, plus there are the likes of Chatsworth House and Bolsover Castle.

12 holes, 18 tees, tree-lined parkland; 5,758 yards Par 68

33 golf courses sit within the boundaries of the county, ranging from the spectacular countryside settings of the Buxton clubs, Sickleholme and Ashbourne to name but a few, then the Championship challenges closer to the city such as Kedleston Park and The Marriott Breadsall Priory. Derbyshire is a charming place to visit, full of natural beauty, the same can be said for its golfing delights.

Tel: 01283 521235

Green Fees: £18 weekdays £23 weekends

BROUGHTON HEATH Address: Bent Lane, Church Broughton, Derbyshire, DE65 5BA 18 holes Par 3 Parkland Course; 3,110 yards Par 54

ASHBOURNE Tel: 01335 342078 Address: Wyaston Road, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 1NB Picturesque Hillside Parkland; 5,977 yards Par 71

Green Fees: £32

(winter special, £16 plus soup and roll)

BAKEWELL

Green Fees: £12 weekday £17 weekend

BURTON-ON-TRENT Tel: 01283 544551 Address: 43 Ashby Road East, Burton-on-Trent, Derbyshire, DE15 0PS Parkland/Woodland; 6,579 yards Par 71

Green Fees: £40 weekday £46 weekend

Tel: 01629 812307 Address: Station Road, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1GB 9 Holes, 18 tees, Picturesque Hillside Parkland; 5,244 yards Par 68

Green Fees: £20 weekday £25 weekend

BIRCH HALL

BUXTON AND HIGH PEAK

Tel: 01246 291979

Tel: 01298 26263

Address: Sheffield Road, Unstone, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S18 4DH

Address: Townend, Waterswallows Road, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 7EN

Parkland/Moorland; 6,409 yards Par 73

Parkland/Inland Links; 5,966 yards Par 69

Green Fees: £10

Green Fees: (winter) £10

DECEMBER • 2010

DERBYSHIRE CLUB GUIDE CAVENDISH

GLOSSOP

MATLOCK

Tel: 01298 79708

Tel: 01457 865247

Tel: 01629 582191

Address: Gadley Lane, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6XD

Address: Sheffield Road, Glossop, Derbyshire, SK13 7PU

Address: Chesterfield Road, Matlock Moor, Derbyshire, DE4 5LZ

Undulating Woodland; 5,721 yards Par 68

Scenic Parkland; 5,800 yards Par 68

Scenic Moorland; 5,804 yards Par 70

Green Fees: £30

Green Fees: £20 weekday £25 weekend

Green Fees: £28

CHAPEL-EN-LE-FRITH Tel: 01298 812118 Address: The Cockyard, Manchester Road, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire, SK23 9UH Attractive Parkland; 6,434 yards Par 72

Address: North Wingfield Road, Grassmoor, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S42 5EA

CHESTERFIELD

Green Fees: £12 weekday £15 weekend

Tel: 01246 279256 Address: Matlock Road, Walton, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S42 7LA

HALLOWES

Parkland/Woodland; 6,301 yards Par 71

Tel: 01246 413734

Green Fees: £40.50

Address: Hallowes Lane, Dronfield, Derbyshire, S18 1UR

Address: Lower Delves, Shirland, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 6AU Tree lined Parkland; 5,802 yards Par 70

Green Fees: £15 weekday £20 weekend

MAYWOOD Tel: 0115 9392306 Address: Rushy Lane, Risley, Derbyshire, DE7 3ST

Green Fees: £37.50

Developing Parkland; 6,424 yards Par 72

Address: Golf Lane, Duffield, Belper, Derbyshire, DE56 4EE

HORSLEY LODGE

Scenic Parkland/Moorland; 6,072 yards Par 69

Tel: 01332 780838

Green Fees: £18 weekday £22 weekend

Tel: 01332 841864

Green Fees: £40

DERBY Tel: 01332 766462 Address: Wilmore Road, Sinfin, Derby, DE24 9HD

Address: Smalley Mill Road, Horsley, Derbyshire, DE21 5BL Undulating Parkland; 6,400 yards Par 71

Green Fees: £30 weekday £35 weekend

SICKLEHOLME Tel: 01433 651306 Address: Bamford, Hope Valley, Derbyshire,S33 0BN Hilltop Parkland; 6,064 yards Par 69

Green Fees: £29 weekday £34 weekend

MICKLEOVER Tel: 01332 518662 Address: Uttoxeter Road, Mickleover, Derby, DE3 9AD Woodland/Parkland; 5,708 Par 68

Green Fees: £40 per day

Parkland; 6,185 yards Par 70

MORLEY HAYES

Green Fees: £12

Tel: 01332 780480

EREWASH VALLEY

Address: Main Road, Morley, Derbyshire, DE7 6DG

Tel: 0115 9323258

Championship Manor Course; 6,477 yards Par 72

Address: Golf Club Road, Stanton-By-Dale, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, DE7 4QR

Tower Course; 9 hole Par 3, 1,647 yards Par 30

Attractive Woodland; 6,557 yards Par 72

Green Fees: £37 weekday £48 weekend

Scenic Parkland; 6,502 yards Par 71

Tel: 01773 834935

Hilltop Parkland; 6,342 yards Par 71

CHEVIN

Address: Nottingham Road, Codnor, Ripley, Derbyshire, DE55 9RG

SHIRLAND

Tel: 01246 856044

Green Fees: £18 (winter)

Tel: 01773 570043

Green Fees: £15 weekday £20 weekend

GRASSMOOR

Traditional Parkland; 5,723 yards Par 69

ORMONDE FIELDS

Green Fees: Manor Course, £20 weekday, £28 weekend

KEDLESTON PARK Tel 01332 840035 Address: Kedleston Road, Quarndon, Derby, DE22 5JD Mature Parkland; 6,731 yards Par 72

Green Fees: £40 weekday £45 weekend

NEW MILLS

STANEDGE Tel: 01246 566156 Address: Walton Hay Farm, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S45 0LW Mature Parkland; 5,786 yards Par 69

Green Fees: £15

TAPTON PARK Tel: 01246 239500 Address: Tapton, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S41 0EQ

Tel: 01663 743485

Markham Course; 18 holes 6,013 yards Par 71

Address: Shaw Marsh, New Mills, High Peak, Derbyshire, SK22 4QE

Dobbin Clough; 9 holes Academy , 2,613 yards Par 34

Hilltop Moorland; 5,604 yards Par 69

Green Fees: Markham - £13.50wd, £17w/e; Dobbin Clough £7.50wd, £8.50w/e

Green Fees: £26 (winter £15)

DERBYSHIRE Ashbourne GC the Oldest and Friendliest Club in Derbyshire A challenging parkland course with spectacular views over the Peak District. USGA spec greens. Wide range of membership options and society packages available. If you have ever wanted to join a golf club, but found it too expensive, then read on.

Mickleover

In the suburbs of Derby you can discover the parkland charms of Mickleover Golf Club. Well established (1923), with a mature look and a friendly welcome, a hidden gem if ever there was one.

Ashbourne Golf Club’s new Membership Options may be just you are looking for. The choice is yours: • • • • • • • •

No joining fee. Reduced annual fees for new Associate Members. Special price membership for Intermediates and the over 65s. A Novice Package for those who’ve never played before. Up to 20% discount for groups of new members. Free Junior membership if joining witha parent. Special help for Ladies who are new to golf. Lifestyle Membership for occasional golfers with limited time or budget.

What are the benefits of joining Ashbourne Golf Club? Directions: Close to the A38 Derby dual carriageway, reached via the A516 Uttoxeter road, then join the A5020, club is on the left hand side.

delightful rollercoaster rides that are the Par 4 9th and 18th holes, both back to the clubhouse, both with precious little room for error greenside.

The layout is a mere 5,700 yards in length, yet that shouldn’t give you the impression that it’s cramped into a small City Centre space, far from it, there’s plenty of room to enjoy the countryside without too many reminders of urban life around you. It’s predominantly made up of short to medium length Par 4’s, with only a straight ahead 14th a realistic drive the green proposition. Accuracy and good club selection are needed throughout, many mature trees, tight corners and elevated greens will create issues for the careless golfer. The short holes will prove especially testing, pleasant to look at, yet potentially damaging for a scorecard, summed up best by a 2ndhole across a valley to a raised green with bunkers, rough and banking all around. Those hard to reach targets exist also at the

PlayGolf Pick: 7th hole, 352 yards Par 4 (Whites & Yellows) This is a stunning hole with a decision to make from the tee, the ditch that crosses the fairway in mid range needs to be negotiated with a driver or taken out of range by a shorter club. Then it’s uphill to another elevated putting surface where anything short will fall back down the slope to serious bogey territory. The green is adorned by tall pines and bushes giving it a glorious look.

The club’s sizeable clubhouse has a well appointed bar with snack menu, the restaurant caters for all sizes of groups and is available for business use and private functions. Mickleover is a fine all round friendly club with a short but very sweet golfing challenge, enjoy but take it lightly at your peril.

• Play at a first class, beautiful 18 hole course. • Use of all the club facilities including licensed bar, restaurant, snooker room, function rooms and practice range. • Have your handicap maintained at your home club. • Enjoy a great social life at Derbyshire’s oldest and most friendy golf club. • Accredited by the English Golf Union as offering a safe and friendly environment for young people and beginners of all ages.

For further details, please call Andrew Smith on 01335 347960 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER • 2010 or visit www.ashbournegolfclub.co.uk

DERBYSHIRE Marriott Breadsall Priory Two course of contrasting styles, 4 star accommodation, part of which is situated in a 13th century mansion, full leisure facilities, all set amongst 400 acres of stunning mature Derbyshire countryside, PlayGolf Midlands takes a leisurely stroll around Marriott Breadsall Priory. Location/Directions: Just 5 miles from Derby City Centre, follow the A61 to Breadsall, through the village, then turn left into Moor Road, the complex is 1.5 miles further on. The Priory Course: This layout, designed in 1977 twists and turns its way around the tree lined parkland grounds of the old Hall, the natural undulating landscape is put to full use in a series of memorable challenges where your course management skills and certainly your nerves will be well tested. Never mind the modest length, it proves to be no guarantee of an easy time, the long hitters need

Moor Road, Morley England Derby, DE76DL t: 1332 832235 w: www.marriott.co.uk

to exercise a little patience, not until well into the back nine is there a spell of genuinely driver friendly holes. Until that point enjoy a series of thought provoking tests full of variety, the rolling tree lined fairways demand accuracy, so too do tight and narrow putting surfaces well protected by sand traps, some also perched up high with steep run off areas. Around the turn though marks a spell of real risk and reward type dog leg challenges, exciting stuff, the risk takers though will need to be at their very best to succeed. Take the short Par 4 9th as an example, cutting off the corner to find the green from the tee over tall trees is certainly a plausible option, but devilishly difficult once considering the size of the target, the putting surface is simply tiny and well defended, although most players including ourselves find it a challenge impossible to refuse. Eventually The Priory opens out to a closing stretch where the length increases, the

fairways widen, yet still those small tough to find dance floors remain until the very end. Hallmarked by its ups and downs, inspired design and good looks this is a lay out you won’t forget in a hurry.

The Priory, there are some mouth watering short par 4’s to have a go at, two of them at the 7th and 10th share a green. If we had to pick a favourite though, the Par 3 short downhill 14th edges it.

PlayGolf Pick: 11th hole, 358 yards Par 4 (Yellows) Unashamedly selected for its glorious view from the tee of the full length of this hole including a nice wide fairway set way down below. After what’s gone before this is a welcome opportunity to unleash your previously shackled number one wood with reckless abandon. A little more care is required on approach though, there’s no room at the back of another fast and slender green for anything overhit.

19TH hole: The hotel has 112 spacious bedrooms, 12 reside in the majestic Priory which has retained its original architectural features. Contrast the timeless history of that residence with the modern comfort and style of 9 meeting rooms for business purposes, plus top quality leisure facilities including indoor pool, fitness suites and the newly refurbished health spa. For food and drink look no further than the award winning Priory Restaurant and Long weekend Bar.

The Moorland Course: Designed by Donald Steel in 1991 The Moorland is set on higher and more open ground where the elements play a much bigger part in your fortunes, gorse and bumpy fast running fairways give it links like appeal and the views of the surrounding Derbyshire Dales are quite stunning. Of similar length to

Membership at Breadsall Priory entitles you to complimentary golf at all of the other 10 Marriott locations scattered around the UK. If the quality of those matches what’s on offer here it’s not a difficult choice to make. Yet even if you only have the slightest thirst for travel there’s more than enough here for the discerning golfer to enjoy, many reasons to make Breadsall a Priority visit in 2011.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER • 2010

DERBYSHIRE

Horsley Lodge To the rural outskirts of Derby and a highly regarded family run play and stay location. A mixture of new and old, the golfing side is relatively recent but has matured quickly into one of the county’s leading lay outs. Location/Directions 15 minutes from junction 25 of the M1, just off the A38 dual carriageway, take the exit for Belper/ Kilburn and follow the brown signs. Moulded into 168 acres of rolling countryside the 1988 design has a much older look with mature trees framing the undulating fairways. Ancient history too, part of the course used to be a Roman road and a stone wall remains to provide a fairway parameter on the Par 4 13th hole. Interest is kept high with plenty of ups and downs, a few blind shots, dog legs to take on and attractive yet deadly water hazards which feature on

many holes. It’s a thinking golfers challenge with frequent course management issues, and once you’ve taken a look at the standard and challenge presented by the putting surfaces it’s a useful attribute to get those approach shots nice and close too. The greens were re-modelled to USGA specifications by Peter McEvoy and are kept in year round superb shape by a hard working team. Consistently true running, they come in all shapes and sizes, lots of ups and downs to test and challenge even the very lowest handicappers. The bunkers have undergone a more recent transformation, the club have invested in the new Sportcrete material to improve colouring and especially drainage in the winter months. PlayGolf Pick: 17th hole, 405 yards Par 4. Not an easy pick, many here are deserving of the tag but this mid length Par 4 will probably be the one you remember the most. The drive is straightforward

enough but it’s all about the approach to a slick green surrounded on three sides by water, potentially deadly, yet all very decorative and pleasing to the eye. 19th Hole The clubhouse and hotel is an 1840 design, yet fully modernised inside, the Fairways restaurant has a great variety of menus and fine views too looking over the Par 3, 9th green. Fully open to the public, Horsley Lodge is a popular wedding and party venue. For the play and stay golfer, in addition to the hotel rooms there’s a luxurious barn cottage on site with all mod cons accommodating up to 17. Horsley Lodge ticks all the boxes for a quality all year round golfing break, the clubs commitment and investment to an enjoyable lay out guarantees fine playability, the 19th hole charms go further in confirming it as a must play venue this winter.

Horsley Lodge Smalley Mill Road Horsley, Derbyshire DE21 5BL SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER • 2010 t: 01332 780 838 w: www.horsleylodge.co.uk

DERBYSHIRE

MORLEY HAYES A notable pay and play Derbyshire venue featuring a Championship length layout which has hosted Sky Europro Tour events, Midlands Tour and local Professional tournaments. The supporting cast features an Academy 9 hole course, practice and tuition, plus a wealth of social facilities, all set around the 4 star 32 bedroom hotel. For golfers or otherwise there is much to discover at Morley Hayes. Location/Directions: In the middle of the attractive North Derby countryside and just 3 miles outside the city. Reached via the A61 from Derby and then situated on the A608 Morley Road. From the M1 its junction 26, then easily reached via Ilkeston. The Manor Course: Designed in 1988 with all levels of golfer in mind, this non member course has many attributes, an easy walking parkland style track in lovely open countryside surroundings. It’s an all weather layout, summer tees and greens are in operation all year round. Hayes Wood marks the Northern border; the occasional deer can be spotted wandering the fairways at times plus a whole host of other wildlife. The Manor doesn’t make too many tough demands on your game, beginners and high handicappers are always welcome and not tested too severely by the width off the tee, light rough and level putting surfaces. However, it does have some defences, its openness attracts the wind a little, a blustery day makes it an entirely different proposition. Plus, its rather long too, over 6,500 yards from the yellows makes it a mouth watering haven for the long hitters. Water features, some only recently added give it added appeal and extra danger in places, especially around some of the greens. The Par Fours are the stars of a consistently enjoyable trek, the lakeside green on the 10th makes it very picturesque, yet your accuracy is well tested. The long 11th is another fine hole, yet often against the wind and plays more like a Par 5, then after a lengthy finishing stretch comes the final hole with a good 200plus yard carry required from the tee over more water, then a further brook to traverse to reach the last green in front of the clubhouse. PlayGolf Pick: 7th hole, 342 yards Par 4 (Yellows) An enticing risk and reward challenge, it may seem a little long and out of reach but it runs downhill and is most frequently wind assisted, so the temptation to cut the corner of the dog leg, going over the trees for a dash at the green may prove hard to resist. There’s water on the left that could come into play too. The 9 hole Tower Course is made up of 6 Par 3’s and 3 Par 4’s and is an ideal starter course, a good short game practice facility plus it adds a little extra to society days, a useful warm up track before taking on The Manor. Coaching: Morley Hayes is also the home of The East Midlands Golf Academy, some of Derbyshire’s finest coaches reside here specialising in junior coaching, plus anything from beginners all the way to advanced golf development. A 17 bay floodlit range with power tees compliments the academy course for fine all round training amenities. The club is also one of the host venues for the Lee Westwood Golf Academy. 19th Hole: No need to be a golfer to enjoy the facilities at Morley Hayes, fully open to the public, the modern and relaxing charms start with The Pavilion, a spacious area containing golf shop, changing rooms, spike bar plus its lovely outdoor first floor terrace, overlooking golfing proceedings. Next door is situated Roosters Bar, with a pub like atmosphere and a wide variety of meal choices on the menu. Upstairs is The Dovecote Restaurant, award winning A la Carte fare. Three large function suites and other meeting rooms cater for many a society and corporate affair plus weddings and other occasions. Societies benefit from the clubs non member status by being able to book up for any day of the week, making this a highly popular group venue. The luxury hotel has a variety of rooms for all purposes and in conjunction with everything else onsite this is a great choice for a play and stay break. Morley Hayes is a welcoming venue, whether your good at golf, not that good at golf or don’t play at all it matters little. There are many sides to it, with the common and reassuring theme that all are of the very highest quality.

Main Road, Morley, Derbyshire, DE7 6DG . t: (+44)01332 780 480 f: (+44)01332 781 094 e:enquiries@morleyhayes.com W: www.morleyhayes.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER • 2010

3 HAMMERS

CANNOCK PARK

Tel: 01902 790428

Tel: 01543 578850

Address: Old Stafford Road, Coven, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, WV10 7PP

Address: Stafford Road, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 2AL

18 hole Short Game course; 1,410 yards

Green Fees: £6.95 per round

Parkland; 5150 yards Par 67

Green Fees: £12 weekday £15.60 weekend

Driving range, indoor learning facilities

BARLASTON

STAFFORDSHIRE Staffordshire was where it all started for us and still remains a regular destination for review trips to its fine collection of quality golf courses. A region of extremes, within its borders are contained the Staffs Moorlands in the North featuring Britain’s highest village, Flash, which sits 1,518 feet above sea level and is no place for a golf course. Contrast that with the much lower lying Cannock Chase, an area of outstanding natural beauty, which is ideal for a golf course, one of England’s finest inland layouts, Beau Desert can be found here. The county is also the home of the Potteries at Stoke-on-Trent, sadly not as busy or successful as it once was, although Staffordshire’s excellent road and rail links make it a popular base for many modern companies. Tourism thrives for many different reasons, outdoor enthusiasts flock to the Chase and the Moorlands, adrenalin junkies relish Drayton Manor and the UK’s

Tel: 01782 372867 Address: Meaford Road, Stone, Staffordshire, ST15 8UX

number one theme park, Alton Towers, history lovers can enjoy the Wedgwood visitor centre and Lichfield Cathedral among other landmarks.

Rolling Parkland; 5800 yards Par 69

50+ courses are located all around the county; from top to bottom you’re never far away from an impressive looking challenge. Trentham and Brocton Hall near Stafford are traditional members clubs with great reputations, so too the South Staffordshire Club near Wolverhampton, a parkland gem and the host to the Midlands Tour’s number One event, The PTS Invitational. Elsewhere, soak up the history at the heath, Whittington Heath near Lichfield is a delight. Newer clubs also bring in the visitors; the mature looking Ingestre Park and The Chase at Penkridge are a couple of good examples. Something for everybody in Staffordshire, golfing and otherwise, we know it better than any other county in The Midlands but never tire of sampling its diverse charms.

BEAU DESERT

Green Fees: Ring for details

Tel: 01543 256661 Address: Darnford Lane, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS14 9JG Parkland; 9 Holes, 2,700 yards Par 34; A cademy 9 h ole s hort cou rse

Tel: 01543 422626

Green Fees: Ring for details

Address: Rugeley Road, Hazelslade, Cannock, Staffordshire WS12 0PJ

DRAYTON PARK

Picturesque Heathland; 6310 yards Par 70

Green Fees: From £35 to £50 (Winter)

BRANSTON G&CC Tel: 01283 512211

Tel: 01827 251139 Address: Centenary Drive, Drayton Park, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B78 3TN Mature Parkland; 6473 yards Par 71

Green Fees: £45

Address: Branston, Burton-onTrent, Staffordshire DE14 3DP

GREENAWAY HALL

Riverside Parkland; 18 hole course; 6697 yards Par 72; 9 hole course 1684 yards Par 30

Tel: 01782 503158

Green Fees: Ring for details

BROCTON HALL Tel: 01785 661901

Address: Stanley Road, Stockton Brook, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST9 9LJ Woodland/Moorland; 5681 yards Par 68

Green Fees: £13 weekday £17 weekend

Address: Sawpit Lane, Brocton, Stafford, ST17 0TH

INGESTRE PARK

Scenic Parkland; 6064 yards Par 69

Tel: 01889 270845

Green Fees: £40 weekday £45 weekend

BURSLEM Tel: 01782 837006 Address: Wood Farm, High Lane, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST6 7JT Moorland, 9 holes, 18 tees; 5,274 yards Par 66

Green Fees: Ring for details

DARNFORD MOORS

Address: Ingestre, Stafford, ST18 0RE Picturesque Parkland; 6357 yards Par 70

Green Fees: £40

IZAAK WALTON Tel: 01785 760900 Address: Cold Norton, Stone, Staffordshire, ST15 0NF Rolling Parkland; 6370 yards Par 72

Green Fees: £15 weekday £20 weekend (winter)

DECEMBER • 2010

STAFFORDSHIRE CLUBINTROS GUIDE COUNTY KEELE

SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE

THE CHASE

Tel: 01782 627596

Tel: 01902 751065

Tel: 01785 712888

Address: Keele Road, Newcastleunder-Lyme, Staffordshire ST5 5AD

Address: Danescourt Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 9BQ

Address: Pottal Pool Road, Penkridge, Staffordshire, ST19 5RN

Parkland; 18 hole course; 6396 yards Par 72; 9 hole Par 3 course

Green Fees: £13 Weekday £17 weekend

LEEK Tel: 01538 384779 Address: Big Birchall, Leek, Staffordshire ST13 5RE Parkland/Woodland; 6211 yards Par 70

Green Fees: £30 weekday £35 weekend

Rolling Parkland; 6512 yards Par 71

Maturing Parkland; 6641 yards Par 73

Green Fees: £40 weekday Weekend rates by arrangement

Green Fees: £23 Weekday £28 Weekend

ST. THOMAS’S PRIORY

Parkland; 5669 yards Par 70

Green Fees: £30 weekday £35 weekend

Green Fees: £17 weekday £22 weekend

THE CRAYTHORNE

Tel: 01538 398385

Address: Craythorne Road, Rolleston on Dove, Staffordshire DE13 0AZ

Address: Newcastle Road, Leek, Staffordshire, ST13 7AA

Tel: 01543 417333 Address: Elmhurst, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 8HE

Green Fees: £24 weekday £30 weekend

THE MANOR (KINGSTONE)

Green Fees: Ring for details

Tel: 01889 563234

NEWCASTLE Tel: 01782 617006 Address: Whitmore Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire ST5 2QB Parkland/Woodland; 6395 yards Par 72

Green Fees: £45

OXLEY PARK

STONE Tel: 01785 813103

WESTWOOD

Tel: 01283 564329

Tree-lined Parkland; 5642 yards Par 68

Scenic Parkland; 6305 yards Par 72; 9 Hole Par 3 course

Green Fees: Ring for details

Tree-lined Parkland; 6,949 yards Par 73

Tel: 01785 223821

Green Fees: Ring for Details

Rolling Parkland; 5,801 yards Par 70

Address: Keepers Lane, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, WV6 8UA

STAFFORD CASTLE

LICHFIELD G&GCC

Address: Wood Lane, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, ST14 8JR

Tel: 01902 742225

Address: Armitage Park, Rugeley, WS15 1ED

Mature Parkland; 9 holes, 18 tees; 6383 yards Par 71

Tel: 01889 566552

WERGS

Tel: 01543 491911

Address: Newport Road, Stafford, ST16 1BP

UTTOXETER

Scenic Parkland; 6105 yards Par 70

Green Fees: £25 weekday £28 weekend

WHISTON HALL Tel: 01538 266260

Address: Leese Hill, Kingstone, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, ST14 8QT

Address: Black Lane, Whiston nr Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST10 2HZ

Undulating Parkland; 6,215 yards Par 71

Rolling Parkland; 5742 yards Par 72

Green Fees: £25 weekday £35 weekend

Green Fees: Ring for Details

TRENTHAM Tel: 01782 658109

WHITTINGTON HEATH Tel: 01543 432317

Address: The Fillybrooks, Stone, Staffordshire, ST15 ONB

Address: 14 Barlaston Old Road, Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST4 8HB

Undulating Parkland; 9 holes, 18 tees; 6299 yards, Par 71

Mature Parkland; 6622 yards Par 72

Mature Heathland; 6510 yards Par 70

Green Fees: Ring for Details

Green Fees: £45 weekday/£50 weekend

Green Fees: £40

TAMWORTH

TRENTHAM PARK

Tel: 01827 709303

Tel: 01782 658800

Address: Eagle Drive, Amington, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B77 4EG

Address: Trentham Park, Stoke-onTrent, Staffordshire, ST4 8AE

Parkland; 6560 yards Par 72

Mature Parkland; 6,488 yards Par 73

Parkland/Woodland; 6390 yards Par 71

Green Fees: Ring for Details

Green Fees: Ring for details

Green Fees: £40 weekday/£45 weekends

Tel: 01902 773989 Address: Stafford Road, Bushbury, Wolverhampton, WV10 6DE Undulating Parkland; 6222 yards Par 71

Green Fees: £40

PERTON PARK Tel: 01902 380073 Address: Wrottesley Park Road, Perton, Wolverhampton, WV6 7HL

Address: Tamworth Road, Lichfield, WS14 9PW

WOLSTANTON Tel: 01782 622413 Address: Dimsdale Old Hall, Hassam parade, Wolstanton, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire ST5 9DR Tree lined parkland; 5761 yards Par 68

Green Fees: £28

STAFFORDSHIRE

TRENTHAM One of Staffordshire’s most established golf clubs, an Open Championship qualifying venue and the host to many a prestigious competition. With history stretching back as far as 1894, Trentham has a long standing reputation for quality and golfing excellence. A proud members club, and successful too, some people automatically think clubs like these are off limits but that could not be further away from the truth and a warm welcome awaits.

Location/Directions: On the outskirts of Stoke-on-Trent. M6 Junction 15, then it’s the A500 to the first roundabout, follow the A34 for a mile, turn left at the Trentham Gardens roundabout, club is half a mile further on the right. It’s immediately obvious you’re in for a bit of a golfing treat the moment you step onto the first tee. Greeted by rolling,carpet like fairways and a colourful scene made up by many mature trees of all descriptions.This is prime Staffordshire parkland, situated on the Duke of Sutherland’s old estate, modern times and urbanisation have done little to spoil its profile, it’s still a beautiful place to play golf. The opening nine, probably the tougher stretch, extends around the perimeter of the course, out of bounds therefore is an ever present hazard, the trees naturally can block your progress too, plus there are some handily placed bunkers to contend with. When it comes to the traps at Trentham very few are there just for effect, each one lies in wait slap bang in driver range or right at the corners of dog legs. There’s no point in blazing away here, you need to select the right clubs and place your way skilfully around this captivating challenge to succeed. Very few weak holes exist if any at all, around most corners

there’s a gem to discover, a short 4th,which demands an accurate ironbetween the tall trees to find the putting surface. The long inspiring looking yet full of hazard 6th, a Par 5 with two ponds to traverse from the tee and a network of traps to affect your lay up thinking.The standard is maintained throughout the back nine with a lengthy finishing stretch, culminating in an 18th that offers a chance to get something back provided you don’t overhit an approach to this Par 5’s green, out of bounds and the clubhouse window sit dangerously close. Nothing comes easily at Trentham, it is a Championship course after all, and a very good one. PlayGolf Pick: 14th hole, 492 yards Par 5 (Yellows) As fine a collection of Par 5’s as it’s possible to find anywhere, and this one proves to be just about the highlight. Long hitters will have an advantage, the fairway slopes downhill the further your tee shot carries. Then all and sundry will have quite a job avoiding another cluster of traps in front of the green, some a very awkward 50-60 yards from it, right at the bottom of the hill. With Trentham Forest as a backdrop this is also a fine looking hole.

19th hole: The clubhouse contains a comfortable lounge bar, and the highly traditional Oak Room complete with oak panelling and a mass of honours boards. Plus there’s a dining room with seating for up to 120 and on the first floor a snooker room. Two squash courts are also onsite for an energetic alternative and prove popular with the members. The club are looking at ways of developing their corporate side by creating space for meeting rooms, not an easy task modernising whilst maintaining traditions and keeping the membershiphappy. With both visitors and societies also encouraged to take a fresh look and offer their feedback there’s a contemporary slant to Trentham Golf Club these days aiming at keeping this establishment high on golfing priority lists for years to come, and to dispel the myths that have surroundedit in recent times. At just £100 for a fourballthis winter, with guaranteed full length playability at this stunning layout, there’s no time like the present.

Trentham Golf Club 14 Barlaston Old Road Trentham Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire ST4 8HB generalmanager@trenthamgolf.org +44(0)1782 658109 Ext 1 www.trenthamgolf.org

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER • 2010

STAFFORDSHIRE

Brocton Hall Staffordshire’s Brocton Hall is a well-established members club, full of rich history and tradition. The first impression you receive of the picturesque nature of the surroundings is one that will remain, this is one good looking golf course.

Location/Directions Very easily reached via the A34, either travelling Northbound from Cannock, or from the opposite direction the golf club is just three miles outside Stafford and clearly signposted once you reach Brocton. Harry Vardon designed Brocton Hall in 1923, the stunning parkland layout remains pretty much how he planned it, mature trees and attractive water features combine to produce a good and varied golfing examination. No Par 5’s here but there’s a few 400+ yard holes that play as if they should be, plus an equal amount of shorter Par 4’s that offer good birdie opportunities if the tricky bunkering around their contoured putting surfaces can be avoided. Brocton won’t yield a low score too easily, frequent changes of elevation will test, as will the understated contours on the very impressive greens. It all comes to a stunning climax for the last two holes set around the clubhouse, a long Par 3 17th with a lake and a tight green surrounded by traps, followed by a shortish Par 4 18th, just a drive and a pitch, but well defended by trees and more bunkers.

Play Golf Pick: 9th, 180 yards, Par 3 (Yellows) A short hole with few equals anywhere. The lake on the left dominates the view but look closely enough from the tee and there’s a ditch too with a tiny stream running all the way round the front of the green. Trees and bushes garnish its profile, it’s not easy, especially when the wind blows but it is an absolute delight.

Wolstanton In between a housing estate and a busy dual carriageway on the outskirts of Newcastle-Under-Lyme sits Wolstanton Golf Club, a Staffordshire city centre little gem. Directions: Located just off the A34, through Newcastle, in view of the road 2 miles further on, turn right towards Wolstanton on the B5369, the club is first right after that.

Facilities The Old Hall/clubhouse, an 18th century distinguished country house retains its grand old feel whilst being a fully functional 19th hole. Three lounges including a spike bar and renowned dining facilities with room for over 100 golfers. The changing rooms have had a makeover and are quite unique in looks. A club that has always been a very private members venue, these days though, more accessible than ever before. Vardon’s enduring Staffordshire gem has remained unspoilt to ensure a truly great golfing experience.

At just over 5,500 yards from the yellow tees this isn’t the longest of challenges, yet it’s also far away from being one of the easiest in Staffordshire either. The lay out begins and ends with Par 3’s, there are six of those in total of varying degrees of difficulty. In between, a succession of tight Par 4’s through undulating fairways to greens tucked away in corners with mature trees and bushes in permanent attendance, and a few areas of out of bounds a little close for comfort. With some tightly packed patches of rough proving to be a nuisance for offline strikes this is no place for waywardness,

course management skills are at a premium in the main. Wolstanton is a welcoming venue for all abilities and the club has a long lasting impressive track record for producing talented young golfers. PlayGolf Pick: 18th hole 169 yards Par 3 (Yellows) A scenically fitting climax to the round, the shrub lined pond leads to a bunker clad green with a collection of conifers, tall pines and silver birches all around. Plenty of hazards, not much room for error and a par is very welcome, but a delightful looking closing hole. 19th hole: The clubhouse, recently extended is bright and spacious and an excellent 19th hole society location, complete with new locker rooms and a snooker room. The club operates the 2-fore-1 voucher scheme making it a very affordable Potteries City Centre golfing haven to discover for the first time in 2011, one which proves that fine golf facilities don’t have to exclusively reside in the countryside.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER • 2010

ADDLETHORPE

BURGHLEY PARK

Tel: 01754 871020

Tel: 01780 753789

Address: Chapel Lane, Addlethorpe, Skegness, Lincs, PE24 4TG

Address: St.Martins Without, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 3JX

Parkland; 6,540 yards Par 72

Green Fees: £12 weekday £15 weekend

Green Fees: £30

ASHBY DECOY

Tel: 01522 542912

Tel: 01724 866561

LINCOLNSHIRE Lincolnshire is England’s second biggest county; it’s also the only one within our region that affords our golfers a glimpse of the seaside, three links locations are included in the 50+ courses that reside within its borders. The coast stretches from The Wash up to The Humber Estuary for over 50 miles, a mixture of seaside fun and rugged unspoilt sand marshes and nature reserves. Further inland, discover the Lincolnshire Fens, a vast area of flatlands with endless natural and man made waterways flowing through miles of fertile farming land. Local produced food and drink thrives in the county, traded daily in many quaint market villages and towns. Lincoln is naturally the biggest city, its Cathedral sits majestically on a hill and is probably the regions best known landmark. For golfers there are notable Championship challenges and hidden gems spread far and wide. The more industrialised North boasts Forest Pines

and Gainsborough, Mid Lincs contains England’s highest rated inland track, the unforgettable Woodhall Spa plus of course those three links layouts, one at Mablethorpe and two in Skegness. Travel further south to enjoy DeVere Belton Woods and the heathland charms of Luffenham Heath. With a warm friendly East coast welcome guaranteed this large region with its huge mixture of golfing genres, genuinely leaves you spoilt for choice.

Tree-lined Parkland; 6,224 yards Par 70

Address: Burringham Road, Scunthorpe, North Lincs, DN17 2AB Parkland/Woodland; 6,237 yards Par 71

Green Fees: £25

BELTON PARK

CANWICK PARK Address: Washingborough Road, Lincoln, LN4 1EF Mature Parkland; 6,148 yards Par 70

Green Fees: £20 weekday £25 weekend

CARHOLME Tel: 01522 523725

Tel: 01476 542900

Address: Carholme Road, Lincoln, LN1 1SE

Address: Londonthorpe Road, Grantham, Lincs, NG31 9SH

Tree-lined Parkland; 5,501 yards Par 68

27 holes mature Parkland; Brownlow Course, 6,427 yards Par 71

Green Fees: £20

Ancaster Course, 6,227 yards Par 71

CLEETHORPES Tel: 01472 816110

Belmont Course, 6,016 yards Par 69

Address: Golf House, Kings Road, Cleethorpes, Lincs, DN35 0PN

Green Fees: £40 weekday £45 weekend

Links/Parkland; 6,272 yards Par 70

BLANKNEY Tel: 01526 320263 Address: Blankney, Lincs, LN4 3AZ Scenic Parkland; 6,638 yards Par 72

Green Fees: Ring for details

BOSTON Tel: 01205 350589

Green Fees: £25 weekday £30 weekend

DeVERE BELTON WOODS Tel: 01476 593200 Address: Nr Grantham, Lincs, NG32 2LN Lakeside/Woodland; Lakes Course: 6,831 yards Par 72 Woodside Course: 6,834 yards Par 73 9 hole academy Course

Green Fees: Ring for details

Address: Cowbridge, Horncastle Road, Boston, Lincs, PE22 7EL Mature Parkland; 6,415 yards Par 72

Green Fees: £25 weekday £31 weekend

BOSTON WEST

ELSHAM

Tel: 01205 290670

Tel: 01652 680291

Address: Hubbert’s Bridge, Boston, Lincs, PE20 3QX

Address: Barton Road, Elsham, Brigg, Lincs, DN20 0LS

Developing Parkland; 6,411 yards Par 72

Parkland/Heathland; 6,426 yards Par 71

Green Fees: £20

Green Fees: £30

DECEMBER • 2010

LINCOLNSHIRE CLUB GUIDE FOREST PINES

HORNCASTLE

MARKET RASEN

Tel: 01652 650770

Tel: 01507 526800

Tel: 01673 842319

Address: Ermine Street, Broughton, Nr Brigg, Lincs, DN20 0AQ

Address: Twin Lakes Centre, Shearman’s Wath, West Ashby, Nr Horncastle, Lincs, LN9 5PP

Address: Legsby Road, Market Rasen, Lincs, LN8 3DZ

3x9 Holes Tree-lined Parkland; Forest Course: 3,291 yards Par 36 Pines Course: 3,551 yards Par 37 Beeches Course: 3,102 yards Par 35

Green Fees: Ring for details

American Style/Tree lined; 5,717 yards Par 69

Green Fees: Ring for details

KENWICK PARK Tel: 01507 605134 Address: Kenwick Park, Louth, Lincs, LN11 8NY Parkland/Woodland; 6,815 yards Par 73

Green Fees: £40 weekday £50 weekend

GAINSBOROUGH Tel: 01427 613088 Address: Belt Road, Thonock, Gainsborough, Lincs, DN21 1PZ 36 Holes Parkland/Lakeside; Thonock Park Course: 6,620 yards Par 72

LACEBY MANOR Tel: 01472 873468 Address: Laceby, Grimsby, Lincs, DN37 7LD Parkland; 6,354 yards Par 72

Green Fees: £22 weekday £25 weekend

Karsten Lakes Course: 6,724 yards Par 72

LINCOLN

Green Fees: £25 (Both courses)

Address: Torksey, Lincoln, LN1 2EG

GRANGE PARK Tel: 01724 762945

Tel: 01427 718721 Parkland/Inland Links; 6,438 yards Par 71

Green Fees: £35 weekday £45 weekend

Tree-lined Parkland; 6,239 yards Par 71

SUDBROOK MOOR Tel: 01400 250796 Address: Carlton Scroop, Grantham, Lincs, NG32 3AT

Green Fees: £29

9 holes, 18 tees Parkland; 4,966 yards Par 66

NORTH SHORE

Green Fees: £10 weekday £12 weekend (9 holes)

Tel: 01754 763298 Address: North Shore Road, Skegness, Lincs, PE25 1DN Links/Parkland; 6,214 yards Par 71

Green Fees: £31.50 weekday, £39.50 weekend

SANDILANDS Tel: 01507 441432 Address: Roman Bank, Sutton-onSea, Lincs, LN12 2RJ Links; 6,000 yards Par 70

Green Fees: £25.50 weekday, £30.50 weekend

SEACROFT Tel: 01754 763020 Address: Drummond Road, Seacroft, Skegness, Lincs, PE25 3AU Links; 6,470 yards Par 71

Green Fees: £48 weekday £60 weekend

SLEAFORD

TOFT HOTEL Tel: 01778 590614 Address: Toft, Bourne, Lincs, PE10 0JT Undulating Parkland; 6,474 yards Par 72

Green Fees: £18 weekday £20 weekend

WALTHAM WINDMILL Tel: 01472 824109 Address: Cheapside, Waltham, Grimsby, Lincs, DN37 0HT Parkland; 6,433 yards Par 71

Green Fees: £27 weekday £33 weekend

WOODHALL SPA Tel: 01526 351809 Address: The Broadway, Woodhall Spa, Lincs, LN10 6PU

Tel: 01529 488273

36 holes, Heathland/Parkland; Hotchkin Course: 6,921 yards Par 73

Maturing Parkland; 6,180 yards Par 70

Address: Willoughby Road, Greylees, Sleaford, Lincs, NG34 8PL

Bracken Course: 6,558 yards Par 72

Green Fees: £18 weekday £20 weekend

Inland Links; 6,215 yards Par 72

GRIMSBY

SPALDING

Address: Butterwick Road, Messingham, Scunthorpe, Lincs, DN17 3PP

Tel: 01472 342630 Address: Littlecoates Road, Grimsby, Lincs, DN34 4LU Mature Parkland; 6,081 yards Par 70

Green Fees: £28 weekday £36 weekend

LOUTH Tel: 01507 603681 Address: Crowtree Lane, Louth, Lincs, LN11 9LJ

Green Fees: £30.50 weekday £38.50 weekend

Parkland; 6,430 yards Par 71

HOLME HALL

LUFFENHAM HEATH

Tel: 01724 862078

Tel: 01780 720205

Address: Holme Lane, Bottesford, Scunthorpe, Lincs, DN16 3RF

Green Fees: Ring for details

Tel: 01775 680386 Address: Surfleet, Spalding, Lincs, PE11 4EA Tree-lined Parkland; 6,527 yards Par 72

Green Fees: £30 weekday £40 weekend

STOKE ROCHFORD

WOODTHORPE HALL

Tel: 01476 530275

Tel: 01507 450294

Address: Ketton, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 3UU

Address: The Great North Road, Stoke Rochford, Grantham, Lincs, NG33 5EW

Address: Woodthorpe, Nr Alford, Lincs, LN13 0DD

Mature Parkland; 6,404 yards Par 71

Heathland/Woodland; 6,418 yards Par 71

Scenic Parkland; 6,313 yards Par 70

Green Fees: £30

Green Fees: £50

Green Fees: £32 weekday £40 weekend

Parkland; 5,140 yards Par 67

Green Fees: £12 weekday £15 weekend

Forest Pines Lincolnshireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest Championship venue, a leading light in the QHotel group, Forest Pines boasts 27 holes in three contrasting loops, each and every challenge segmented by towering canopies of majestic greenery. A venue which has recently become the UK nomination to host The Solheim Cup in 2015.

Location/Directions: At the top of the county, just outside Scunthorpe, it might seem a good way away, yet nowhere is easier to find. M1 North, M18, then literally on the doorstep of Junction 4, M180

DECEMBER â&#x20AC;˘ 2010

LINCOLNSHIRE

The courses: All three were designed in 1996 by the late European Tour player John Morgan. The three stretches of nine, Forest, Pines and Beeches can be played in three combinations, or as a full 27 holer for golfers with larger appetites. During the winter months the club regularly rest a loop to maintain the outstanding quality on offer all year round whilst still being able to guarantee 18 holes of high calibre golf for a host of visitors, corporate clients and societies. Forest Course: 3,291 yards (Whites); 3,125 yards (Yellows) The Forest spans the perimeter of the resort and similar to the other two starts and finishes at the clubhouse. Slightly more open in nature yet the ever present and eye catching Pines provide part shelter plus their usual headaches should you veer too close by. A lengthy beginning culminating in a shorter finishing stretch, the middle three are the highlight. A shortish dog leg 4th with plentiful foliage to tighten this challenge plus a well defended green. The long Par 5 5th, gently undulating with a blind lay up shot followed by a short pitch to a delightful low lying putting surface with banking all around. The Par 3 6th has a good sized pond in front of the largest green at Forest Pines. Pines Course: 3,551 yards (Whites); 3,319 yards (Yellows) Unashamed to admit that this, the longest of the three was our favourite. A superb run of tests featuring no weaknesses, where the wind flicks across the top of the pines in a still and almost eerie sounding atmosphere , squirrels scuttle by, pheasant families peck away, an inspiring setting and great golf holes present themselves around every pine clad corner. A contoured and neatly bunkered 2nd, something similar but lengthier and far more frightening at the Par 5 8th hole, followed by a closing challenge with a greenside water hazard tucked away to make you think about your approach. Beeches Course: 3,102 yards (Whites); 2,922 yards (Yellows) No lessening of the quality when surveying The Beeches course. This is the one that misses out when the venue hosts its many regional and national Championships, yet the only reason for that can surely be just its shorter length. Starting and finishing with Par 3’s, Beeches throws a few heathland elements into the mix and is a good examination of your accuracy, holes twist and turn gently around the attractive flora and fauna, fairway bunkers are dotted around cruelly in all the right places, and greenside, there are two little pot traps at the 3rd and the 8th that wouldn’t look out of place at St Andrews. That Third hole is probably the pick of a fine bunch, a dog leg short Par 4 with plenty of troublesome spots.

Signature Challenge: 7th hole, Pines Course, 182 yards Par 3 (Yellows) The wind manages to escape from the protective pines here and can really influence your fortunes on this superb short hole dominated by the view of the lake from the tee. Carrying that is a must of course, yet it can be penal going wide too, the raised green has quite severe run off areas, humps and hollows await for tough up and downs. Overall there’s a tremendous level of consistency on all the layouts at Forest Pines. Considering the traffic this venue gets the conditioning of the courses is most impressive, it drains well, belies its young age with a more mature look and each and every one of the 27 hand mown putting surfaces are quite outstanding.

Hotel and 19th hole: Since being added to the QHotels collection in 2005 major refurbishments and additions have been made to make this the perfect all round golfing play and stay location for business and leisure purposes. There are now 188 spacious bedrooms and suites, plus 9 meeting and conference rooms for up to 400 guests. Within the clubhouse are situated full fitness and spa facilities including six treatment rooms, gym and an indoor pool. The new eighteen57 restaurant which specialises in seafood is quite stunning, there’s also the Pines Bar and the Grill Restaurant for plenty of

variety. From the hotel rooms to the spa and the eateries the décor and comfort on offer at Forest Pines is top quality throughout. Membership: Such luxury should really come at a very high price, but combine your golf with an overnight stay and there are a number of packages on offer that will suit all wishing to visit this very special North Lincs location. The golf will charm and also test players of all abilities, the welcome is friendly and the après round treats put the seal on the whole experience, one of the very best in our region.

LINCOLNSHIRE

Woodhall Spa No Midlands golf guide for 2011 would be complete without the inclusion of England’s highest rated inland course, The Hotchkin at Woodhall Spa. Location/Directions: Deep in the heart of rural Lincolnshire, situated on the B1191 Horncastle road that runs through the town, 6 miles from Horncastle and 20 from Lincoln.

holes without even the merest hint of a weakness this is as good as it gets.

Three of English golf designs most famous names, Vardon, Taylor and Colt crafted between them a special golfing journey, a formidable challenge in its entirety, taken on in the most wonderful of natural surroundings. Set amongst banks of gorse and broom, with a

PlayGolf Pick: 12th hole, 162 yards Par 3 (Yellows) Tough to pick a favourite but this short one has a stunning heathland/woodland profile and features six greenside traps, including the toughest of them all, set 12 feet below the level of the long narrow putting surface that really must be found from the tee, or else.

stunning backdrop of oaks, firs and towering silver birches and all upon a carpet of springy soft fairways sprinkled with regular patches of purple heather. The Hotchkin is built on sandy soil which guarantees quality all year round play,with a different look and colour for each passing season . It’s not only the look that you’ll remember , the elements tend to play their part too, and genuinely nothing can prepare you for the sheer majesty of the bunkering here, there are no sand traps anywhere quite like the ones at The Hotchkin. With slick fairways, fabulous greens and 18

19th hole: Now the home of the English Golf Union and the National Golf Centre, there’s some rather special practice facilities on offer plus another layout, The Bracken, opened in 1998 and designed by Donald Steel which is more parkland in appearance and features American style bunkering, water hazards and large undulating greens. Off course there’s a pleasant contrast between the contemporary style of the club shop and changing rooms with the more traditional feel of the clubhouse and restaurant. There’s also a good range of hotels and B&B’s around the town, many of whom have play and stay arrangements with the club. Quiet and impressively unassuming, Woodhall Spa and the imperious Hotchkin Course will seriously examine your game and charm your senses, a must visit for 2011.

North Shore Hotel & Golf Course To the very far edge of the region we travelled for a seaside trip to Skegness, and The North Shore Hotel and Golf Club. Celebrating its centenary in 2010, golfers can look forward to a playing challenge with a difference plus fine play and stay amenities. Designed and built by the legendary James Braid on unique and varied terrain, expertly constructed into what stands before golfers today, a mixture of raw links and lush parkland to suit all tastes and excite the adventurous, boredom should not exist here. The parkland side features rolling fairways, tough greenside sand traps and copses of attractive trees, a little shelter from the prevailing easterly breezes coming in from the sea. A short Par 4 ninth running alongside the road with a punchbowl long green situated underneath the hotel bar proves a highlight. The two diverse forms of the game intermingle very impressively, you’re never too far away from a teasing links test. Naturally much depends on the elements for those , judge them well and enjoy watching your ball speed merrily along glasslike fairways, set up nicely too for typical seaside bump and run approaches. The Par 3’s at 11 and 14 are superb tests, in cross winds to near blind targets with trouble all around.

PlayGolf Pick: 5th hole 424 yards Par 4 Stroke index One runs attractively alongside the beach to the right that looks nice but is no place for an errant golf ball. The left has bushes and typical links grasses to contend with, straight ahead down the fast bumpy fairway is the only way to go, and you could be rewarded with more distance than you could have realistically have hoped for, with just a short approach left to a welcoming putting surface where the only trouble is at the rear.

The North Shore hotel sits closest to the sea amongst all others in the town. It has 36 bedrooms, all en-suite with modern facilties. The James Braid bar and North Shore restaurant are delightful 19th hole locations with a vast range of menus created by a busy kitchen. Larger groups are also very well catered for, the hotel’s St Andrews suite accommodates 100+ in a variety of layouts. That’s what North Shore is all about, variety, and fun too, the ideal get away from it all golfing location, not too demanding on your pocket, and a two into one playing challenge to relish all year round.

JUNE • 2010

Olton

WEST MIDLANDS

Gay Hill Golf Club

A traditional members club over 110 years old in the heart of Solihull, Olton is a lush green oasis of parkland charm, highly mature and consistently challenging. www.oltongolfclub.co.uk

Directions: Easily located just off the A41 Warwick Road in Solihull, just 2 miles from junction 5 of the M42. Just one Par 5 at Olton and you have to wait till the very last to encounter that, ideas of a comfortable stroll should disappear though with an early pair of 400+ yard Par 4’s that could hardly be described as a typically gentile beginning to a round of golf. The tree lined fairways, regular changes of elevation and well placed bunkering are common themes here, few greens are comfortably reached in two at Olton’s longer challenges. The putting surfaces themselves are testing too, always smooth running and consistently of high quality. This nicely manicured and well looked after lay out is permanently attractive on the eye all year round and playability wise there has been considerable recent investment to ensure no breaks in play during the winter months. The Olton examination culminates with a delightful 18th, its

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bunker clad green sits amidst trees, bushes and landscaped plants and shrubs. A course that plays tougher than it looks, save for a bit of out of bounds there are no obvious areas of disaster, but its subtleties are more than capable of damaging a scorecard. PlayGolf Pick: 5th hole, 171 yards Par 3 The tee shot needs accuracy through a fairly narrow avenue of trees, after which a long green awaits where it’s not advisable to leave yourself with a downhill putt, and you need to take note of the pin position before selecting a club. A scenic gem. 18 and 27 hole society packages are available with a mouth watering selection of menus. The clubhouse, now modernised has two bars, a lounge bar and dining room. Easy to reach and pleasurable to visit and play, this tranquil corner in the Birmingham suburbs is waiting to be discovered in 2011.

Located south of Birmingham, Gay Hill Golf Club is a beautiful 18 hole parkland course, offering a real test of golf, as well as a test of stamina! Once again this is another example of losing yourself and forgetting the suburban surroundings, for 4 hours it’s countryside central. The excellent course is complemented by a putting green, practice facilities, and a well-stocked pro shop offering the latest in equipment and clothing, as well as lessons and coaching from the pro, Chris Harrison. The course is laid out in a valley with gently sloping sides, through which runs a stream and its tributary which is used to great effect on several holes. Playability wise you shouldn’t take Gay Hill too lightly, the fairways are tight and the greens slick and contoured, challenging and very enjoyable. Although not a particularly long course, measuring just 6406 yards from the white tees, 6157 from the yellows, and 5418 from the reds, the tree lined fairways, and proximity of the streams on several holes, make this a course which challenges and rewards players at all levels of skill and ability.

Playgolf Pick: The 12th: A par 3 of just 120 yards, it is played from an elevated tee, through a dell ringed by hawthorn, to a relatively small green. Viewed in spring the blossom leading up to this hole is a stunningly beautiful sight. Several holes, notably the 6th, 16th, 17th, and 18th, are ‘ridge and furrow’ fairways; rarely seen on golf courses these days, so you will need to plan your shots with care. 19th hole: A comfortable bar/ lounge, dining room and bar/ snooker room, the variety and standard of the food is very impressive. Society days are normally Mondays and Thursdays with a good range of options. All in all Gay Hill Golf Club is a great test of golf and with a very warm friendly atmosphere waiting to greet you; it really is a must for 2011.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER • 2010

BEESTON FIELDS

COLLEGE PINES

Tel: 0115 9257062

Tel: 01909 501431

Address: Old Drive, Woolaton Road, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 3DD

Address: Worksop College Drive, Worksop, Notts, S80 3AP

Mature Parkland; 6,404 yards Par 71

Green Fees: £28 weekday £40 weekend

BONDHAY

Heathland/Woodland; 6,801 yards Par 73

Green Fees: £16 weekday, £22 weekend

COXMOOR

Tel: 01623 557359

Tel: 01909 723608

Address: Coxmoor Road, Sutton-inAshfield, Notts, NG17 5LF

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

Address: Bondhay Lane, Whitwell, Worksop, Notts, S80 3EH

Heathland/Woodland; 6,577 yards Par 73

Maturing Parkland; Championship Course, 6,871 Yards Par 72

Green Fees: £40

Deep in a dense forest in Middle England a legendary figure roamed, swashbuckled and battled his way into Ancient English folklore. 800 years later a sporting figure hailing from the very same historic lands (albeit it with significantly less trees) forged his way past a Tiger to the very top of golf’s world rankings. Two good reasons there why Nottinghamshire is both a major tourist destination plus being high profile in the world of golf these days. Notts has a population of just over a million people, the majority residing in or around the city of Nottingham. Elsewhere there’s contrast between the open ex mining regions of the north and the undulating hills and ancient oak woodland of the central and south west. The River Trent flows through it heart, and both the M1 and A1 run north-south through the county giving it excellent road links. Golfing wise there are many treats on offer; the natural sandstone base covering much of the region ensures both quality and free draining terrain. Lindrick

Par 3 Academy Course, 1,118 yards Par 27

HUCKNALL (LEEN VALLEY)

Green Fees: Championship, £16/£19 weekday

Tel: 0115 9642037

to the north was the host to a rare Ryder Cup win for Britain back in 1957; nearby Worksop is Lee Westwood’s home club, and travelling further south discover the classic heathland layouts of Sherwood Forest and Hollinwell (Notts) Golf Club. Around the city and to the east there’s a mixture of the traditional charms of Mapperley and Newark with the newer facilities on offer at The Nottinghamshire County Golf Club and Oakmere Park. Simply put, you could fire an arrow to any point of Nottinghamshire and always be close to some first class golf.

Address: Wigwam Lane, Hucknall, Notts, NG15 7TA

£26 weekend; Par 3 £6

Parkland; 6,102 yards Par 71

BRIERLEY FOREST

Green Fees: £13.50 weekday £16 weekend

Tel: 01623 550761 Address: Main Street, Huthwaite, Notts, NG17 2LG

KILTON FOREST

Woodland/Parkland; 6,008 yards Par 69

Tel: 01909 486563

Green Fees: £10

Address: Blyth Road, Worksop, Notts, S81 0TL Parkland; 6,424 yards Par 72

BULWELL FOREST Tel: 0115 9763172

Green Fees: £9 weekday, £11 weekend

Address: Hucknall Road, Bulwell, Nottingham, NG6 9LQ

LINDRICK

Mature Heathland; 5,726 yards Par 68

Tel: 01909 475282

Green Fees: Ring for details

CHILWELL MANOR Tel: 0115 9258958

Address: Lindrick Common, Worksop, Notts, S81 8BH Scenic Heathland; 6,486 yards Par 71

Green Fees: £60 summer, £35 winter

Address: Meadow Lane, Chilwell, Nottingham, NG9 5AE Mature Parkland; 6,248 yards Par 70

Green Fees: £26 weekday £32 weekend

MANSFIELD Tel: 01623 422764 Address: Jubilee Way North, Mansfield, Notts, NG18 3PJ Woodland/Parkland; 6,170 yards Par 71

Green Fees: £10/£12 weekday £16 weekend

DECEMBER • 2010

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE CLUB GUIDE MAPPERLEY

OAKMERE PARK

RUDDINGTON GRANGE

Tel: 0115 9556672

Tel: 0115 9653545

Tel: 0115 9846141

Address: Central Avenue, Plains Road, Mapperley, Notts, NG3 5RH

Address: Oaks Lane, Oxton, Southwell, Notts, NG25 0RH

Address: Wilford Road, Ruddington, Nottingham, NG11 6NB

Rolling Parkland; 6,307 yards Par 71

Heathland; Admirals Course 6,739 yards Par 73

Maturing Parkland; 6,543 yards Par 72

Commanders Course (9 holes) 6,407 yards Par 72

Green Fees: £27 weekday £30 weekend

Green Fees: £25 weekday £30 weekend

NEWARK-ON-TRENT Tel: 01636 626282 Address: Sleaford Road, Coddington, Newark, Notts, NG24 2QX Tree-lined Parkland; 6,468 yards Par 71

Green Fees: £35 weekday £42 weekend

Green Fees: Admirals £24 weekday, £34 weekend;

Scenic Parkland; 6,421 yards Par 73

Green Fees: £22

RADCLIFFE-ON-TRENT

Address: Stragglethorpe, Nottingham, NG12 3HB

Tel: 0115 9333000

Rolling Parkland; The Open Course 6,302 yards Par 71

Tel: 0115 9333344

Address : Dewberry Lane, Cropwell Road, Radcliffe-on-Trent, Notts, NG12 2JH

RAMSDALE PARK Tel: 0115 9655600 Address: Oxton Road, Calverton, Nottingham, NG14 6NU

Address: Halam Road, Southwell, Notts, NG25 0PF

Address: Golf Road, Stanton-onthe-Wolds, Notts, NG12 5BH

THE NOTTINGHAMSHIRE G&CC

Green Fees: £30 weekday £37 weekend

Tel: 01636 816626

Tel: 0115 9374885

Commanders £14 wd, £18 w/e (18 holes)

The Masters Course 5,933 yards Par 70

Tree-lined Parkland; 6,381 yards Par 70

NORWOOD PARK

STANTON-ON-THE-WOLDS

Maturing Parkland; Seely Course 6,541 yards Par 71 Lee Course Par 3, 18 holes 2,844 yards

Parkland; Norwood Course 18 holes, 6,805 yards Par 72

Green Fees: Seely Course £22 weekday, £28 weekend;

Westwood Course 9 holes Par 3, 1,364 yards

Lee Course £11.90 wd, £12.50 w/e

Green Fees: Norwood £20 weekday, £28 weekend;

Green Fees: Ring for details

RUFFORD PARK Tel: 01623 825253

TRENT LOCK Tel: 0115 9464398

Address: Rufford Lane, Rufford, Notts, NG22 9DG

Address: Lock Lane, Sawley, Long Eaton, Nottingham, NG10 2FY

Parkland/Woodland; 6,368 yards Par 70

Riverside Parkland; Riverside Course 5,848 yards Par 69

Green Fees: £22 weekday £28 weekend

9 Hole course 2,911 yards Par 36

SHERWOOD FOREST Tel: 01623 626689

Green Fees: Riverside £15 weekday, £20 weekend; 9 hole course £6 wd, £7.50 w/e

Address: Eakring Road, Mansfield, Notts, NG18 3EW Heathland/Woodland; 6,732 yards Par 71

Green Fees: £55

Westwood £7.50 (18 holes)

SOUTHWELL Tel: 01636 813706

NOTTINGHAM CITY

Address: Southwell Racecourse, Rolleston, Newark, Notts, NG25 0TS

Tel: 0115 9276916 Address: Bulwell Hall Park, Norwich Gardens, Bulwell, Nottingham, NG6 8LF

Parkland/Woodland; 5,772 yards Par 69

Green Fees: £18 weekday £21 weekend

Mature Parkland; 6,218 yards Par 70

Green Fees: Ring for details

SPRINGWATER

NOTTS (HOLLINWELL)

RETFORD

Tel: 01623 753225

Tel: 01777 711188

Address: Derby Road, Kirkby-inAshfield, Notts, NG17 7QR

Address: Moor Lane, Calverton, Nottingham, NG14 6FZ

Address: Brecks Road, Ordsall, Retford, Notts, DN22 7UA

Picturesque Heathland; 6,914 yards Par 72

Undulating Parkland; 6,264 yards Par 71

Mature Woodland; 6,409 yards Par 72

Green Fees: £60/£75

Green Fees: £30

Green Fees: £22 weekday £27 weekend

Tel: 0115 9652129

WOOLATON PARK Tel: 0115 9787574 Address: Lime Tree Avenue, Woolaton Park, Nottingham, NG8 1BT Parkland/Woodland; 6,445 yards Par 71

Green Fees: £38 weekday £42 weekend

WORKSOP Tel: 01909 477731 Address: Windmill Lane, Worksop, Notts, S80 2SQ Mature Parkland; 6,628 yards Par 72

Green Fees: £35

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

NOTTS GOLF CLUB (HOLLINWELL) A course and club with a high reputation, Hollinwell is regularly situated around the top 50 in all of the major magazine ranking lists, one of the highest rated inland courses in the UK. It doesn’t take long to begin to find the reasons why, the long and winding road to the clubhouse gives a mouth watering glimpse of what lies ahead. Generally known for its heathland profile, Hollinwell also manages to throw a bit of woodland, moorland and some parkland elements into the mix. This varied landscape is about as attractive as it gets, gently undulating and challenging ground that can see you negotiating your ball around tight wooded hillsides on one hole, then through gorse and heather clad valleys on the next. Hollinwell is full of wildlife, pheasants and grouse peck away, squirrels scuttle across the fairways, buzzards glide the currents above, and in these surroundings there must be a deer population close by. Robin

Hood’s seat, where legend has it he used to watch over proceedings in Nottingham makes a historical feature on the long Par 4 2nd. With towering Scotch Pines overlooking proceedings it’s an inspiring setting for a golfing journey. An on form driver is certainly required if you are to make your trip a fully memorable experience. It’s a lengthy challenge requiring distance and accuracy from the tee to set up decent birdie opportunities. Added to that some very contrasting sights on approach shots, some inviting and receptive, some almost brutally tight and hazardous, what does become clear is that Hollinwell is a course of outstanding variety. Just three short holes and three long ones, so there’s an above average collection of two- shotters, yet all are gems, and all for very different reasons. Highlights include the narrow and hilly 11th and 15th holes, the more open and exposed 12th boasting some superb views. The challenging 8th where a metal

cup awaits at the side of the ‘Holy Well’, inviting you to sip from the natural spring from whence the club got its name. A long glorious closing Par 4 looking down towards the clubhouse 500 yards into the distance completes an unforgettable journey. One which will thoroughly examine every decimal point on your handicap yet can be conquered, especially if the elements are favourable. Take a minute or two though to walk back and witness Hollinwell from the Championship tees, spectacular sights and a truly formidable test await from back there. From Spring 2011, the new “Hollinwell Challenge” is launched which allows visitors to take on the course from these very tees. Terms and conditions do apply, refer to the club website for full details. 19th Hole: Totally traditional fare in the beautiful looking clubhouse, a friendly Notts welcome awaits visitors, societies and corporate clients alike. The large ground

floor bar and dining area boasts panoramic views of the golf course and there’s a separate 80 seater dining room upstairs for group occasions and functions. Notts welcomes visitors throughout the year and regularly has green fee offers available. The winter deals are particularly attractive as the course plays so well at this time of the year. The Club has also introduced a few play and stay options for golfers looking for some superb golf in Robin Hood country. Please refer to the newly launched website, www.nottsgolfclub.co.uk for full details on all these offers Hollinwell is a classic example of all that’s good about traditional English golfing fare. The way this lay out has been crafted and chiselled out of a perfect landscape with a legendary past sets it apart as one not to be missed. Reassuringly too its an all year round treat in a environment that guarantees a different look and colour for each passing season, simply lovely.

PlayGolf Pick(s): 13th hole, 179 yards Par (Yellows); 16th hole, 349 yards (Yellows) The 13th may be the one to remember the most. From a raised tee, down a narrow gorse clad valley to a low green with six bunkers dotted around. Difficult enough from the yellows yet from the back tees this measures a frightening 228 yards! Then there’s a delightful 16th, a further high tee to treat the senses, then a precise approach is required to carry the huge sand trap that spans the front of a narrow and undulating green. With trouble at the back too, this is no place to thin a wedge.

Location/Directions: Just outside the town of Kirkby-in-Ashfield, deep in the heart of Robin Hood country on the A611, just 2 miles from Junction 27 of the M1

DECEMBER • 2010

Tour Banter WINTER – BRRR, AND UN-PRECEDENTED SUCCESS FOR THE VILLAINS Nowhere could escape it…..The Bel-freeze

SPRINGTIME – 36 HOLERS AND NO SIESTAS

Bill and Phil ready for the 1st hole of 72, The West Course, La Manga

The big freeze had left us with a massive backlog of courses to review, as soon as daylight was extended we were doubling up and off to the far flung corners of our region and Wales for the delights of the 36 hole days. During this frenetic spell we were averaging 4 or 5 games a week and it produced dividends for all our games, as well as a swelling for our waistlines. KFC announced record spring

This issue, Tour Banter looks back in a seasonal journey through 2010, examines the state of our games after a whirlwind year recalling the people, places, high points and flops that made it memorable. We started with a big freeze, a wall of white greeted bleary post holiday season eyes back in Jan and never left us for much of the winter. No play meant no work , no meetings, no sales tours, so all that was left to do was brazen it out with a TV in the office and FIFA 10 ( Tiger Woods 10 would have been more like a busman’s holiday!) Being each a fan of the opposing Mancunian clubs myself and

Euan plumped for neutrality in our joint team, enter Aston Villa, a true West Midlands club who had never known success like it after we’d finished with them. Four Premierships, three Champions leagues were the highlights as our perfectionistic approach and awesome teamwork was transferred to the TV screen for a time……. And then the thaw set in.

profits, they’d never had it so good. During a record breaking 63 hole day in April, both Euan and Bill shot personal bests, 150 miles apart from each other, Euan at Stonebridge, Bill at Holyhead. Myself and Bill also took on one of the crazier challenges, it was geographically the correct decision and both courses were lovely but anyone who knows them will confirm that you don’t take on both Welshpool and Llanymynech on the same day unless you’re in the Marines!

way down until we’d travelled three quarters of the way down France, finally only relinquishing my hold when day broke over the mountains of The Massif Central. Once reaching Murcia we played 72 holes in 2 days, hung around a bit then headed back again, crazy times yet memorable too, the golf patchy at best, but we got back in one piece.

Then in Mid-April came our 2010 highlight. Spain and LaManga was Bills surprise 50th birthday present. Everything was booked weeks in advance, what wasn’t anticipated though was a spewing volcano in Iceland. By the time a stunned Bill was presented with his prize it was all off, or it should have been. After an emergency EGM at Euan’s on the Sunday morning we decided to cock a snoop at the dust cloud and travel underneath it, so we packed the car up and drove there! During the next 5 days there was little sleep, for some reason unbeknown to myself and the others I refused to let go of the driving duties on the

SUMMER – BUGGIES AND BAD HEADS

Phil’s shot of the year, driving this green, 6th hole Wales National, 284 yards, a shot celebrated a little too much!

AUTUMN - NEW HORIZONS We took on new frontiers in time for Autumn. Covering the East Mids too was always a goal of ours, however it was a time for hard work and establishing ourselves in a new area, the mad golf splurge of spring and early summer was nothing but a distant memory as professionalism crept in, with a detrimental effect on our golfing standards,

those handicaps that plummeted earlier in the year crept back up again, although its fair to say that 2010 overall was a good year for all of our games, to be honest after approximately 300 rounds between us, it flipping well should have been! As we write this, there’s another snow blanket outside again, yet that not going to dim our

LaTorre’s 50th birthday present for Bill, his motability buggy!

The summer saw the end of our hugely enjoyable Road to the Ryder Cup feature in Wales, culminating in a memorable trip to The Vale Resort in Glamorgan. After a round on the Wales National course myself and Euan were treated to 4 star hotel accommodation, a three course meal and a bit of wine……..and then a bit more………….. and then one or two for the road. The hospitality was outstanding; but we overdid it a touch, and then lived to regret it the very next day, undertaking two buggy rides around Cottrell Park and then The Rolls of Monmouth in the afternoon. Two fine South Wales lay outs yet also two of the hilliest and in our self inflicted delicate states we felt every bump on every fairway, believe us!

enthusiasm for the year ahead. There is much to look forward to in 2011, we’re set to travel more, we may buy shares in KFC, we may even practice golf as well as play it, but most importantly of all there are many many more clubs, courses and people to encounter in the great region that is The Midlands, and no doubt more tales to relate in Tour Banter, seasons greetings to you all.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER • 2010

WALES

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Location/Directions - Set in the heart of The Vale of Glamorgan, just 10 minutes from Cardiff City centre, easily accessible from junction 33 of the M4. The Courses – The Mackintosh is a good challenge for all abilities, designed around the original features of the mature undulating landscape. An ideal test of course management skills, while there is plenty of room from the tees and the rough isn’t too penal, there’s no point just blazing away. Regular raised targets and greens tucked away in tight tree lined corners will examine your approach play. The USGA standard greens are of a consistently fine standard, a course that is not to be underestimated, it doesn’t play quite as easy as it may look. The Button Gwinnett Course takes you higher, boasting tremendous views of the Brecon Beacons and the Bristol Channel. Although still of parkland appearance it has an American theme with no less

than 13 ponds and lakes, many placed to deter the cheeky route on typical Cottrell Park shaped dog legs. Length isn’t the major issue here, more a case of accuracy and keeping the ball dry and in bounds, beware also of a stiff breeze or two affecting the more exposed parts of the higher ground. PlayGolf Pick: 7th hole, Mackintosh Course, 303 yards Par 4 (Yellows) A tight up and down dog leg, with a tee shot over the bank to a blind valley below, where a wedged approach needs total accuracy to find a slender green garnished by trees. Anyone trying to cut the corner will find a large sand trap in their path, a course planner is useful when playing this little stunner. 19th Hole - The club’s modern Merrick’s Bar and Restaurant has a distinctly warm and cosy cottage feel with an extensive menu. There is also a Sports lounge for the more informal gatherings or for a quick drink before a sit down meal.

Cottrell Park list

Golfers Check

Golf RESORT

We invite you to join us at Cottrell Park, hip Courses to enjoy our breathtaking golf courses. ✔ Two Champions ciety Packages Whether you are an experienced or ✔ Corporate & So es ag novice golfer, or part of a ✔ Stay & Play Pack rvice golfing group, we have a range of ✔ Professional Se s itie e Facil facilities to cater for your specific ✔ Excellent Practic Facility ✔ New Indoor Golf golfing requirements. Hire eys for ✔ Buggies & Troll ✔ Extensive Menu ✔ Visitors Welcome

If you wish to book a game or view our special offers and events visit

www.golfwithus.com

Cottrell Park Golf Resort, St Nicholas, Cardiff CF5 6SJ T: 01446 - 781781 E: Sales@golfwithus.com