Golfer Spring 2012 County MAGAZINE for golf in Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire View on-line www.countygolfer.co.uk the NUMBER 1 Guest Writer Barbara Collins plays Atalaya Park, Estepona Shirland GC Sherwood Forest GC Rufford Park GC Alfreton GC Torrance and Jubilee courses at St Andrews County Golfer plays: Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire’s Complimentary Golf Magazine ON TOUR with local pro James Watley
County Gofler Magazine - Golf in Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire
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GolferSpring 2012
County
MAGAZINE for golf in
Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire
View on-line www.countygolfer.co.uk
the NUMBER 1
Guest Writer Barbara Collins
plays Atalaya Park,
Estepona
Shirland GC
Sherwood Forest GC
Rufford Park GC
Alfreton GC
Torrance and Jubilee
courses at St Andrews
County Golfer plays:
Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire’s Complimentary Golf Magazine
ON TOURwith local proJames Watley
02 County Golfer
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04 County Golfer
We have had a great start to the year playing
lots of courses in very favourable weather which
is unusual for January, February and March.
Fortunately we played them all before the snow
came and we sat down to put County Golfer
together. Timing is everything!
Lefty, Newby and guest Andy took a trip to
St Andrews and will live on that story and the
photographs for years to come.
We kicked off the year at Alfreton for our
annual office grudge match. The rest of the years
bragging rights hinge on the match! This was
quickly followed by St Andrews, Shirland,
Sherwood Forest and Rufford.
Derbyshire’s number one golfer James Whatley
takes a trip to Turkey for a competition.
Find out how he got on.
Barbara Collins visits Marrakesh and the Costa
Del Sol.
Just which is the hardest par 3 in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire? We are aiming to find out. It is our quest.
If you would like to nominate your club as having the hardest par 3 pleaseemail [email protected] and tell us why, and we will come andplay it.
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written consent is strictly prohibited. The publishers do not accept responsibility for any views expressed, orstatements made, in signed contributions or in those reproduced from any other source. No responsibility is borne for any errors made in any advertisement, or for claimsmade by any advertiser which are incorrect. The publishers reserve the right to refuse advertising for any reason deemed unsuitable. All material submitted is done so at the
owner’s own risk and no responsibility is accepted by the publishers for its return. Copyright County Golfer Magazine, Images Publishing Ltd,
Origination by Images Publishing Ltd Unit 5, Keys Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 7FQ 01773 830344
Typeset and designed by Alistair Plant & David Dykes and printed at Stones the Printers
Editor: Garry Plant. Editorial contributions: Lefty, Newby, James Whatley, Barbara Collins
Derbyshire & NottinghamshireIndependent & FREE
County
Golfer Find us onFacebook
Bravehearts!
The lads wanted this pic includin
g for
posterior. Or was it posterity.
I forget now!!
A replication!You can see a bridge themedeveloping here at Alfreton.
A view from a bridge!
Just to ring the changes this pictu
re was
taken whilst on a bridge at Shirl
and!
A bridgetoo far!
Just to show it’s not allplain sailing as the ladshave to face up to areally hard test atSherwood Forest Golf Club.
06 County Golfer
Alfreton Golf Club is 120 years old and we thought that this was a fitting course
to start off our season of grudge matches for the County Golfer staff. There is a
lot of honour to be fought for in these games because we have to co-habit with
each other (me, Lefty and Newby) for the rest of the season in the office.
Course Report
Alfreton Golf Club
Because Alfreton is the course closest to our
office it becomes an easy trip and a relaxed
atmosphere to get ourselves into gear both
mentally and physically. Lefty and Newby
have lost a shed load of weight and look
positively anorexic. I have gone for the other
option as I am trying to get stability into my
golf stance. Well, stability is the way I would
describe it, or firmly planted is another term.
There’s no shifting me off the tee, whereas a
light westerly breeze would blow the others
away. As it was mid January we were delighted
to have very sunny and pleasant weather to
welcome us at Alfreton, although I was hoping
for a stiff breeze!
The ever pleasant smile of clubhouse manager
Lynne was the first thing we encountered as
we arrived. Lynne always amazes us as she
seems never to be away from her post of
caring for the clubs needs with excellent food
and drink night or day. As we stood having a
coffee, I tried to get Lefty and Newby to have a
beer and bacon cob, but apparently there was
too much at stake.
We were joined in the clubhouse by course
manager Gordon Swain who gave us the low
down on his plans for the next two years for
the course.For instance some of the holes
have been opened out with smaller trees being
cleared to allow others to mature and grow to
provide a canopy alongside the fairways. The
trees are 15 years old and maturing beautifully
and with space around them will blossom out
well. This is an ongoing project. Long term
projects on work to remove moss from the
fairways and renewing the bunkers are
underway as I write this report. It’s always
non-stop for Gordon as he constantly works at
improving what is already a lovely course.
New tees have been introduced that have
made the course far more interesting and in
some ways harder to play. Take for instance the
4th, there are now two tees for this hole, so the
second time round it is a completely different
hole to play. With quite a bit of the scrubland
cleared away, the once flowing deep ditch has
been turned into a lovely picturesque small
body of water 4ft deep in places, it is definitely
there to catch you if you underclub.
Slim Chance!
Did it go in? No!
County Golfer 07
I was disappointed when Gordon told us that
it was mats off the fairway and then elated
when it was discovered that they had run out
(because the seniors had taken them all.) Ha
ha that’ll teach them to go out at 7am. In fact
we were very fortunate that some were just
finishing their round as we were about to tee
off (at speed obviously in case they offered us
their mats!).
Limbering up on the first tee was very
impressive and my shot flew high and
beautiful, landing on the second fairway.
Distance but no accuracy. Well it was the first
round of the year. At least I stepped up to the
tee first, not like the anorexic society who
were still struggling to pull a club out of their
bag! We all carded a bogey on this hole. At
264 yards off the yellows it is stroke index 14
and a steady par 4 which you should get as
long as you go straight off the tee. None of us
did.
I liked the 2nd as I hit a real peach straight
down to within 10 yards of the road. It was
neck and neck here. A bad tee shot drifting
left or right will see you fighting the trees.
Heading for the gap is best because you get a
good view of the green which is a generous
area to aim for. Fluffing my second took me
just 30 yards but a lovely recovery shot took
me screaming past the green leaving me a
chip back up. I prefer putting up the slope on
this green and was quite unfortunate to miss
out on a par. Happily it was bogeys all round.
Plumps and anorexics all square. Oh I forgot
to mention that after a poor tee shot Lefty
disappeared into a very large hollow. With
energy sapped he made it out - eventually.
Onto hole 3 (hole 14 second time round so
get used to it) . The hole I hate the most. Sorry
Gordon, nothing personal, it’s just that I can’t
play it! I never know where to aim and I
couldn’t see if anyone was on the green. Can
you get a 20 foot flag please. Not that a flag
would help me play it better but I would
know if I was going to hit anyone on the
green although it’s hardly likely as I’ve never
hit the green yet or got anywhere near it.
Newby and I went right and Lefty decided to
go over the tress on the left - and didn’t quite
clear them. Lost ball. With a par in my sights I
managed a 5 due to a lovely clean stroke off
the fairway. I am hitting far cleaner off the
fairway than I have ever done, but on this
occasion chose the wrong club. With 80
yards to go I thought that I had a 9 iron in my
hand but it was a 6. With my full weight
behind it the ball soared magnificently into
the trees. With tiger like guise I was out onto
Into the unknown at the 6th
the green for two putts. One up to the rexics!
Hole 4 which I described earlier is a lovely
176 yard, par 3 and not as easy as you may
think. The slope of the green makes it
imperative that you hit it right as a run from
right to left will leave you with a long uphill
put.
Now it’s 5 and a chance to give it some
‘welly’! Again getting through the gap straight
ahead and as far up the slope as possible. At
405 yards and a par 2 this is a hole to ensure
you get a par which surprisingly we all didn’t.
Close though because it was bogies all round.
At this point I wasn’t sure who was winning,
only that I was now in with a chance as the
6th is a nice downhill 137 yard, par 3 to play
and then a steep climb up to 7th. It is so
tempting to overclub the 6th and however
many times I play this hole I always think it is
longer than it is. In winter the ball doesn’t roll
but in summer it does, you also get a big
bounce off the green if you give it too much.
With out of bounds so close to the back of the
green and even with an upslope to help stop
the ball, I still managed to get it into the
rough grass under the fence. A chip with
determination was needed and I walked away
feeling very happy with a 4.
The lads were getting into their stride and I
was starting to feel the pace. I should have
had a bacon cob. You can’t keep this
physique up on fresh air.
Getting up the hill and over the top on the par
4 ,270 yard 7th is vital. Mind you it does say
that some people drive the green. Who are
these people? I’ve never met them. I did get
up and made a mess of the next shots coming
away with 6 on a hole that you should eat for
breakfast (mmm). It’s a lovely green to play
with nice undulations. Behind again. On the
383 yard, par 4, 8th I went straight into the
woods on the left so 3 off the tee, but the
lads went straight down and came off with
pars. With well placed bunkers on the left
(mine today) and right, the approach to the
green is nice and clear but quite deceptive as
you can think you are nearer the green than
you are. Take your time and pick the club
carefully.
Hole 9 and one to get a par, I always manage
to go left no matter how I set myself up on the
tee. To make it harder the tee has been moved
so that the trees are even more in line with
the hole. I am sure that it is only golf where
things are moved to deliberately get in the
way rather than clear the view. It’s always a
case of getting over the trees and small brook,
and I go right making that approach to the
green harder as there is a bunker to avoid.
Playing with me is always an education, but I
08 County Golfer
Sunrise and
no seniors?!
County Golfer 09
am not sure who for. I could get Lee
Westwood back to number one in the world
after three rounds with me!
Typical of my game I always do well on the
stroke index 1’s. I loved the 10th and walked
away with a nice bogey. That may not seem
much but getting three foot from the pin with
my 3rd shot was a victory. I was so excited I
missed. The tee shot on the 11th is crucial, get
up the hill and within proximity of the marker
and you can’t fail. A good second over the
huge dip in the fairway and the green is there
for the taking.
Hole 11 and again I drove off well. My
driving is coming on well as I am feeling more
confident now. Another bogey on this dogleg
right. The dogleg is quite a distance away but
if you get within reach you can get a good run
to the elevated green. But a warning here,
keep your tee shot to the left as a right shot
can leave you behind the big trees. The raised
green gives a chipping problem and Lefty had
some problems as he chipped straight across
and off the other side. I am not going to
describe the holes we play the second time
around as I have got to tell you about the fluke
shot of the day by Lefty. He will say it was
meant as he chipped straight into the hole
from the bunker on the 18th for a birdie! I still
can’t believe that he pulls shots out like this. I
spend ages trying to play steady golf and he
just lunges a club at the ball in a bunker and it
goes in. He says it’s skill.
Back in the clubhouse for some lunch and a
beer, we found that I had lost. Not by much
though. Holes 7 and 8 had cost me dearly and
hole 4 the second time round. I also lost in the
clubhouse as it came to paying for lunch.
No-one had any cash and Lynne doesn’t take
credit cards so it was decided I would drop
the money in later.
Our thanks to Lynne and Gordon for making
us most welcome at Alfreton and to the
seniors for taking all the mats! GP
I spent so long trying to
remember everything I had
been taught it went dark!!
10 County Golfer
NORWOOD PARK GOLF CENTRE
NEW FLOODLIT RANGE
with MACEY’s Golf Store
& Custom Fit Centre
Norwood Park recently opened a new-floodlit,
18 bay Driving Range with new Pro Shop &
Custom Fit Centre supported by Taylor Made,
Ping and Cobra.
The project has received national and local
support from the golfing governing bodies
including Golf England, The Golf Foundation,
Notts County Golf Partnership and Notts
County Council Aiming High Disability
Programme.
“As a HSBC Golf Roots Centre, it’s fantastic to
see Norwood Park GC invest money into
constructing a covered floodlit driving range to
accompany the 18 hole main course and the 9
hole par 3 course. This will enable junior
coaching to continue throughout the year and
I’m positive that both new juniors and adults
will be attracted to the sport as a result of this
facility being built. Norwood Park is fast
becoming nationally recognized for their
commitment to growing the game of golf”.
Martin Crowder, Regional Development Officer
The Golf Foundation.
The Centre was awarded GolfMark by Golf
England in 2009, highlighting a strong
commitment to junior golf development and
adult beginners. They have formed school links
with local councils including Newark, Sherwood
and Gedling. During 2011 they hosted
numerous community golf projects including
focusing on both junior and adult programmes
for those with special needs within the county.
The Golf Foundation awarded Golf Roots
Centre accreditation and they held a regional
‘TriGolf ’ final last year attracting schools from 6
counties. The Centre was runner up in the
Newark & Sherwood Sports Awards ‘ Club of
the Year’ for both 2010 & 2011. They have also
been nominated nationally for GolfMark ‘Club
of the year’ for the past three years.
WELL DONE !
NORWOOD PARK GOLF CENTRE
NEW FLOODLIT RANGE with
MACEY’s Golf store & Custom Fit Centre NOW OPEN
Norwood Park recently opened a new-floodlit 18 bay Driving Range with new Pro Shop & Custom fit centre supported by Taylor Made, Ping & Cobra. The project has received national and local support from the golfing governing bodies including Golf England, The Golf Foundation, Notts County Golf Partnership and Notts County Council Aiming High Disability Programme “As a HSBC Golf Roots Centre, it’s fantastic to see Norwood Park GC invest money into constructing a covered floodlit driving range to accompany the 18 hole main course and the 9 hole Par 3 course. This will enable junior coaching to continue throughout the year and I’m positive that both new juniors and adults will be attracted to the sport as a result of this facility being built. Norwood Park is fast becoming nationally recognized for their commitment to growing the game of golf” Martin Crowder!, Regional Development Officer The Golf Foundation The Centre was awarded GOLFMARK by Golf England in 2009, highlighting a strong commitment to junior golf development and adult beginners. They have formed school links with local councils including Newark & Sherwood & Gedling. During 2011 they hosted numerous community golf projects including focusing on both juniors and adult programmes for those with special needs within the county. The Golf Foundation awarded Golf Roots Centre accreditation and they held a regional ‘TriGolf’ Final last year attracting schools from 6 counties. The Centre was runner up in the Newark & Sherwood Sports Awards ‘ Club of the Year’ for both 2010 & 2011. They have also been nominated nationally for GolfMark ‘Club of the year’ for the past three years. Media Enquires to: - Jackie Macey Norwood Park Golf Centre Southwell Notts NG25 0PF [email protected] 01636 816626 / 07970 900336
Well Done!
Now Open
County Golfer 11
12 County Golfer
On tour with a local pro: James Whatley
James Whatley, writes for County Golfer,
informing us about the life of Derbyshire’s
Number 1 Golfer. James is AA PGA Professional,
Head Professional of Morley Hayes and
Academy Director of East Midlands Golf
Academy.
He is lead coach to the following;
Derbyshire Union U16’s County Team
Derby Performance Golf Programme
Lee Westwood Junior Camps
And coach to;
2011 Derbyshire Schools Champion
2011 Derbyshire County Trials Champion
2010 Derbyshire Ladies Champion
2010 Derbyshire Boys Champion
2010 Derbyshire Boys Matchplay Champion
2010 East Midlands College Champion
He is the current Midland Open Champion, has
represented Great Britain and Ireland in the PGA
cup against the USA and played for England in
the International Team Championships. His
reputation as a consistent player and a highly
regarded coach is recognised by top class
amateurs and professionals seeking his advice
and knowledge on their own games.
This month James tells us about his winter
training programme, becoming a Dad again and
what lies ahead in 2012. He also introduces a
guest writer to his column.
I hope 2012 is a great one for you all
County Golfer 13
the season has come
around so quickly. It doesn’t seem long ago
at all that I was putting my clubs away for a
well deserved break in October.
Although I’ve had a great winter, my beloved
Nottingham Forest’s form has taken a turn for
the worse. A new manager bought me some
hope in October but since November we
have only scored in one game at home. I get
more strikes at the bowling alley! (since
writing they have won their last two games)
When I last wrote, my wife was expecting
our second child. We were blessed with
another baby boy, weighing in at 9lbs 9oz on
Friday 14th October, Jenson Donald Whatley.
I have my pro am team sorted now, as my
wife plays. Team, Whatley, Whatley, Whatley
and Whatley.
On the golf front, I had a great rest and didn’t
touch the clubs through October, November
and December. My gym work has continued
and I am feeling so much stronger, although I
know there is still a long way to go before I
am where I want to be. I have really worked
hard on improving my flexibility through my
hips as this can cause me technical issues
through impact.
I have spent some quality time with my
coach Steve Astle on my short game, which
is starting to pay off. Whenever you make
changes it is hard to take a small step
backwards before you can take huge leaps
forwards. Patience and persistence are vital
in doing this.
I would like to also congratulate Paul
Wesselingh on gaining his European Seniors
Tour Card for the forthcoming year. All at
EMGA wish Paul the very best.
CoAChinG holidAyIn January I visited the magnificent Cornelia
pRediCTions foR2012 mAjoRs.I am going to give you my predictions for the
2012 Majors. I take no responsibility if they
are not correct.
US Open: Lee Westwood
British Open: Luke Donald.
US PGA Championship: Tiger Woods
I hope you have enjoyed reading my column
and I look forward to hopefully reporting
some success when I write again.
18 County Golfer
Course Report
sherwood forest
The day we set out to play the course was
Wednesday 28th March, with the mercury
pushing 23 degrees it almost led to me get
out the shorts but I thought better of it as I
didn’t want to blind the members with my
milky white legs.
We were due to tee off at 10 but got there a
bit early for a change! so we headed off to
the clubhouse for breakfast and coffee. The
only problem was we couldn’t get in the
front door as it was key coded. Just as Newby
was about to panic at the thought of running
out of time to eat his bacon bap, a member
came and let us into this impressive
clubhouse, in fact the view in the bar area
over the 18th is tough to beat.
We were met by Leigh Dyson the club
chairman who told us about the changes
happening this year; a new club house
manager moving in from Lindrick and also a
new club professional which is big news as
Ken Hall has been the professional for over
20 years. No matter how hard we tried Leigh
just would not reveal the new pros name, but
by the time you read this the secret should be
out!!
The course itself is described as a long
established heathland course designed by
If you ask any golfer in Nottinghamshire or Derbyshire
“which course would you like to play?” you will find that
this golf club will always be mentioned in the top 3.
What is the name of this highly rated course you may
ask? Well since you are probably reading this whilst in
one of the counties you already know the answer.
The stunning
Sherwood Forest Golf Club
County Golfer 19
Harry Colt and subsequently enhanced by
James Braid. It’s 6,835 yards long, par 70,
S.S.S. 74
Like many courses at the moment, they are
undergoing a tree management programme,
by removing trees and getting it back to a
pure heathland course and I must admit after
playing St Andrews (I know it is a links
course) the less trees the better, only because
I always seem to be behind one.
Today Newby and I were joined by Ian Knox,
Director of Golf for Marriott Breadsall Priory.
As a pro who learned his trade on some of
the best courses the British Isles has to offer
he was intrigued by Sherwood Forest, plus it
got him out of the office for the day! You will
find the first teeing area superb with a large
putting green and practice area to get
warmed up.
One thing you do need to know is that, to
get in line to tee off, especially on busy days,
you need to drop your ball in the ball rail
and when yours drops to the front of the
queue you are away. I am only telling you
this as no one told us! This led to us engaging
in far too much warming up. Newby had
already got though his chocolate bars and
Who is the secret new
Pro at Sherwood Forest?
Scratch here to reveal all!
20 County Golfer
had to go back to the pro shop to re-stock.
After Leigh had pointed out what we had to
do we got onto the first which is 318 yard,
par 4. In front of the tee the ground drops
away and back up to an elevated fairway. A
straight drive will get you away nicely, in fact
a slightly sliced or drawn shot would not be
too bad, just don’t scuff it because firstly you
will be in the dip buried deep in gorse
bushes, and secondly everyone surrounding
the first tee will laugh at you, so I am glad it
was Ian that took that option not me.
As soon as you start to walk up the first
fairway you know you are somewhere
special. Newby in true Newby style pared
this hole which seems to be a tradition at the
moment on every golf course we play. Ian
and I were one over.
The second is a 379 yard par 4, slight dog leg
right with lots of heather down the left and
bunkers to catch a drive. Taking on the
corner, Ian redeemed himself with a massive
drive over the bunkers and bang in the
middle of the fairway. “where is every one
now?” came the shout from Ian. As is the
case in golf you always produce your best
shot when no one else is looking. The green
nestles tightly between two bunkers so
accuracy is the key. Ian got a solid par.
The 3rd is 346yard, par4 which is not too far.
You might think ‘ I could drive most of that’,
as did Ian and Newby but what you don’t see
are the 3 bunkers cutting across the fairway
about 260+yards. The wise course is to lay
up short as I did ‘purely by chance’, and hit
the green with your second, otherwise it’s a
dropped shot like Ian and Newby.
This brings us to the first par 3 it’s 156 yards.
Just take a little while to take in the
magnificent view back to the club house, it’s
a downhill shot onto a well protected green,
a gaping bunker at the front ,one either side
and one at the back, so basically hit the
green.
You now start to leave the club house behind
and head deeper into Sherwood Forest
(Robin Hood Robin Hood and his merry
men! Sorry couldn’t help myself.)
The 5th is a par 5, similar to the first with the
fairway sloping down then up and narrowing
Course Report
sherwood forest
Sherwood bunkers
County Golfer 21
between the trees. Ian played this to
perfection just missing a birdie chance but
landing another solid par, I must admit we
were dropping a lot of shots on the greens
which were taking some mastering especially
on a dry day as they got faster as the day
progressed.
Sherwood are improving and creating new
tee areas, as was evident on the 6th, we went
for a look at one of the championship tees
and my goodness this really does change the
6th from a challenging hole to a formidable
hole.
The 7,8,9 are a joy to play not just because
of the condition of the hole but the,
environment you’re playing in, you do find
yourself smiling smugly to yourself thinking
“ I don’t think I would want to be anywhere
else right now” that feeling of euphoria will
soon be slapped from you as you turn to play
the back 9!!
They say “A long demanding return to home.
Very rarely will your second half score better
than the first!” I will tell you now they are
not wrong, all of a sudden your nice
340-370 yard par 4s, go to 400-482 yards
long.
You start the back 9 with a 160 yard par 3
which plays more like 180 yards as you are
teeing off into the prevailing wind with
heather in between you and the green, so not
a time for a duff shot.
22 County Golfer
Now we hit 4 tough par 4s in a row and it’s
time to get your game head on or at least
have a course planner with you. This is the
start of what the members call “Amen
Corner” the greens are further away ,the
fairways start to narrow and bunkers start to
appear just where your beautifully struck
drive will land.
Hole 11 the start of “Amen corner” a par 4,
439 yards says, on their website “Anyone
who walks away with a par deserves respect”
Ian walked off with a bogey and we gave him
respect for that. Needless to say it’s a tough
one. By the time we got out of amen corner
to the 15th a par 3 we felt humbled, double
bogies and bogies, not one par. We made up
for that on the 15th, a 173 yard par 3.
Now it was time for a meaty par 5 slight dog
leg right, the things to look out for are the 3
bunkers that come in to play off the tee, to
Course Report
sherwood forest
Perfect position
County Golfer 23
Summer Green fees:
£60.00 per person for 18 holes
£80.00 per person 27-36 holes
WE ARE AVAILABLE TO HOST
CORPORATE AND SOCIETY DAYS
DURING THE WEEK – PLEASE
BOOK EARLY TO AVOID
DISAPPOINTMENT.
Eakring Road, Mansfield, Notts NG18 3EW
Telephone: 01623 626689
www.sherwoodforestgolfclub.co.uk
Sherwood ForeSt GolF Club
Sherwood Forest Golf Club
is recognised as one of England's
premier heathland golf courses.
This former Open Championship Regional Pre-Qualifying
Course has, in recent years, undergone a number of sympathetic
improvements to make this par 70, SSS 74, a stunning test of
golf for players of all abilities.
Although demanding as a golfing test, the course is only gently
undulating and can be enjoyed by players of all standards.
After your game, why not enjoy a drink and reflect on your
round in the comfort of our bars, or dine in our restaurant,
which has far reaching views across the golf course.
Our new Chef is rapidly gaining a reputation for producing
cuisine of the highest quality.
clear them all you need is a mighty drive of
about 280+, the bonus if you can hit that far,
is that the fairway does slope toward the
green.
Coming back up the 18th you realise as you
face the picturesque clubhouse that you have
just played somewhere special.
We were met by Leigh when we got our pars
(just thought I’d mention that) and went into
the club house for refreshments. We listened
as Leigh picked Ian’s brain about the ins and
outs of running a golf club, for me, I just
happily sat there looking out on the sun
kissed view of the course, sipping my foreign
beer completely satisfied that I had just
played one of the best heath land courses in
the country. LeftyMiles away
County Golfer 25
Based in the lovely village of Edwinstowe in the heart ofSherwood Forest, The Forest Lodge is the ideal place tostay as it is located within a short distance of some ofNottinghamshire and Derbyshire’s finest golf courses.
The Forest lodge is a traditional English inn with12 en-suite bedrooms with a four star AA rating that canaccommodate double, single, twin and triple occupancies.
There is also a bar area with open fires and a great cosyatmosphere. We always have five guest ales on tap and anextensive wine list.
We have been awarded the title of “Best Nottinghamshire pub of the year 2011 by CAMRA”
We have a menu which offers traditional home cookedEnglish food as well as a specials board with more finedining. Both are served in the restaurant area and in thebar.
Forest Lodge
The Perfectly placed
for a golfing break.
4 Church Street, Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire NG21 9QA
Tel: 01623 824443 www.forestlodgehotel.co.uk
Special Golf PackageWe are offering a special golf trip package for £70 per day per person which comprisesdinner, bed and breakfast.
If you wish to make an enquiry or a booking please call on 01623 824 443 and ask for Audrey.
26 County Golfer
Early this year Dan, the Manager forGolf at Morley Hayes, invited usdown to the opening of the newadidas women’s range at the golfshop and, as an added bonus, tointerview Melissa Reid who wascutting the ribbon for the officiallaunch.
Melissa steadily rose to fame from her humblebeginnings playing golf with her Mum and Dad
at Chevin Golf Club in Derbyshire, winningseveral events as an amateur golfer, includingthe 2004 and 2005 English Girls championshipto turning professional in 2007. Melissa hadthe honour of representing Europe in the2011 Solheim cup, securing a spot in theEuropean team as the leader in the LETrankings. Quite a feat I am sure you will agree.
We had the opportunity to ask Melissa a fewquestions and the answers should inspiremany a young golfer to keep their headsdown and dedicate themselves to their gameas Melissa has.
County
Golfer meets Melissa Reid at Morley Hayes
Melissa officially
cuts the tape with
Morley Hayes Golf
manager Dan
County Golfer 27
Lefty and Newby’s claim
to fame at last!
County Golfer : How did youfirst get into golf?
MR: It started with my mum and dad who weremembers at Chevin Golf Course, I used to playalong with them. I enjoyed playing a lot offootball at the time but when I was told that Icould not play in the boys team I focused ongolf instead.
CG: Were your Mum and Dad the driving forcebehind your taking up golf?
MR:My Mum and Dad never pressured me toplay golf, as long as I was enjoying myself theywere quite happy to back me all the way, I’m avery focused person so when I decided this iswhat I wanted to do I had training and workedhard every day on my swing etc.
CG: When you were selected to play in theSolheim cup, how did that make you feel?
MR: To be honest I was ready for it. I wasconfident in my golf, and very excited andhonoured to represent Europe.
CG: Who did you look to for inspiration whenstarting out in your career?
MR: It has to be Laura Davies as she has beenon top of her game for so long. When I met hershe was so down to earth and encouraging.
CG: What is your goal?
MR:My main goal is to be the No.1 golfer in theworld
CG: What advice would you give to any younggolfer starting out?
MR: Get yourself affiliated with a club anddecided what you want to do. Set goals foryourself because if you want to make it as aprofessional and get onto the Tour then youmust be focused and push yourself hard.Thebest motivation comes from yourself.
CG Comment. I think we all agree with Melissathat staying focused is the only way to improveour game. To get better at golf you can’t have acasual attitude. We wish her all the success shedeserves for her dedication to her chosenprofession.
Melissa Reid
28 County Golfer
So sang Bob Dylan back in the 60s,
but this pretty well sums up Shirland
at the moment, new owners, new
green keepers and a new outlook for
the club.
On our visit to the club in March we were
fortunate enough to be introduced to the new
head greens keeper Robert Hay, a man with
not only years of experience in the business,
but also a real drive and determination to
succeed. He promised us that, since our last
visit, which was a few years ago, we would
see a huge improvement in the course, both
in the condition of the greens and the
fairways. A pretty bold statement we
thought.
Shirland was the very first 18 hole golf
course that I ever played, so I have a bit of a
soft spot for it to be perfectly honest. But I’ve
always found it to be a real Jekel and Hyde
course, I’ve played it some years and found it
to be a fantastic course, others years I’ve
been really disappointed. So which of the
two will Shirland be in 2012?
It was a stunningly beautiful day when we
arrived, the sun was out and there was hardly
a cloud in the sky, the best weather you
could expect for mid March! Myself and
Lefty stood on the first tee eager to find out if
all the improvements had made a real
difference, and it didn’t take us long to find
out.
Down in the far corner and the views are beautiful
Course Report
Shirland
The times they are a changin!Oh
County Golfer 29
I hate to point this out to Newby but the ball is still there! Ed
Another practice swing! I am reliably informed that Lefty and Newby had decided to
photograph each other and analyse their swing. I believe that pigs fly too!
30 County Golfer
The first hole is as kind an opening hole as you’ll find, 299 yards straight as a die,
tree-lined with OOB to the right, myself and Lefty both started with screamers right
down the middle, leaving us with a chip on to the green. Lefty was particularly
pleased as I’d spent most of the morning winding him up about his newly reduced
handicap as only a couple of weeks earlier it had been dropped by 3 shots. He was
looking particularly focused too, not a hint of a smile! 2 pars to start though, it was
game on!
The second is a tougher test, a 188 yard par 3 down hill, bunkers stop anything short
or left, so you have to drop it pretty much on the middle, if you do though the soft
greens mean you can stop it dead. Neither of us managed this, Lefty going left and
myself going just right.
On to the 3rd . You’ll need to bring a good long game with you to Shirland as 3 of the
opening 9 are par 5’s, ranging from 518 to 527 yards. Fortunately the improvements
the greens staff are making to the course are really noticeable, as the fairways, even in
the middle of March have a really good roll to them, a 200 yard carry is plenty as the
fairways will add a good 30 plus yards onto it.
Course Report
Shirland
County Golfer 31
The greens are much improved as you can see.
A steadyapproachand both
players get a par.
32 County Golfer
The par 5, 6th is a cracking hole and at 530
yards it needs a good whack from the tee.
But as the fairway slopes back towards you
slightly and quite a lot right, a little fade
round the bend leaves you a really inviting
second. If you can get within 50 yards with
your second, you still have to be careful with
your chip as the green is a real challenge.
The greens were in good condition for the
time of year, which is a real credit to the
greens staff, you can tell that they’ve really
put some thought and effort into bringing
them up to such a good standard.
The 8th is the clubs signature hole, and I
really can’t do it justice just in words, it’s
tough, daunting, picturesque and tough (I
know I said tough twice, it’s not a mistake)
that pretty much covers it, you’ll just have to
play it to get any idea about it. It’s a 235 yard
par 3 from the yellows, with 2 streams
crossing in front of you at angles making
laying up harder than hitting the green. The
only thing on your side is the bank behind
the green which catches anything that goes
over it.
When you go onto the 9th the whole course
seems to change somewhat, I can’t quite put
my finger on why though, it just feels like a
different style of course, weaving its way
through the hills.
The 13th par 4 is another beauty, it’s a dogleg
left on the drive, but it’s the second shot
that’s the cracker. Even if you hit a good 250
yard drive, the remaining 100 yards are up a
really steep hill onto a small green. If you go
right or left off the tee, your second is also
over trees. I know this for a fact! The green is
so elevated that you have to take at least two
clubs more than you usually would.
Overall the course has come on a lot since
the last time I played. The general condition
of the course has improved drastically,
especially the fairways and the greens. 2012
is definitely going to be a very good year at
Shirland.
With the rumour mill going at full speed as to
the next improvement, and the idea of a
flood lit driving range being bantered
around. It’s all change at Shirland. The big
question is can they keep it up? Newby
The maturing avenues of trees
create a very picturesque and
yet challenging aspect.
Course Report
Shirland
County Golfer 33
Expiry June 30th 2012. Telephone Pro Shop to book. Quote “County Golfer voucher offer”
Nottinghamshire Golf and Country Cluband will be returning to play there for the next edition
Big changes are underway at TheNottinghamshire Golf and Country clubat Stragglethorpe and when I say big Imean big. County Golfer were inviteddown to see them.
The first thing you notice as you arrive is the
extension all around the bottom level of the
clubhouse with new floor to ceiling windows
which give panoramic views over the course.
The pro shop has been redesigned making it
more spacious with views over the 1st hole
which in itself is impressive with a big starting
board framing the first tee.
We were invited upstairs into the refurbished
conference room to meet the new Managing
Director Bill Mckenzie. The upstairs of the club
house, which is a massive space, used to be
more of a storage room and nothing was ever
done with it. You can imagine our surprise when
we walked up the stairs on a plush carpet and
through the etched glassed doors into a
stunning function room. No expense has been
spared here and as figures in the region of
£500.000 were mentioned I could see why
from the impressive dark wood tables to the
designer carpets, wall paper from Harlequin
designer range to the curtain’ which, as I said to
Bill “are far too nice” to which he replied “no
expense has been spared”. He then showed us
the ladies toilets with their small crystal
chandelier and gilted dressing mirror. However,
the biggest change to the clubhouse has to be
the balcony that runs around two sides of the
building overlooking the 18th and the 1st. .
Rattan tables and chairs sit behind panels of
glass, so you can just sit sipping your
Chardonnay with unobstructed views.
What about the course? Bill went on to tell us
that the first thing they did was to get the
award winning golf architects Kimber
Associates, who were involved in the new
Castle course at St Andrews to come down and
cast their expert eye over the course.
They in turn implemented major changes which
I will take you through now as we went out to
play and see for ourselves.
The first major change is the new second hole
and you notice straight away the reconstructed
raised teeing area and ahead of you a kidney
shaped water hazard that kisses the front of the
green. This for me is a signature hole with a
A view of the
course from the
terrace
County Golfer 43
Not one we like!!
A deep bunker which we will definitely visit!
Work continues on the
new elevated tees
Lefty blocks the view to the clubhouse.
The new 4th tee brings
water into play.!
The new 2nd tee. Note the
elevated position giving
great views of the fairway.
Refurbished function room
little wooden bridge over the
water to the green reserved for
the proud golfer who hits it in
one.
Let’s move on to the 4th which
originally was a par 5 and has
now been re-assessed as par 4.
Now at 443yards off the
yellows this hole has always
been very daunting for a lefty
as water sits most of the way
down the left side of the
fairway catching a sliced shot, so
thank you for moving the tee so
the water come more into
play!!!
Moving onto the 7th the tee has
also been raised which is very
much the way for modern golf
design. The thinking behind it is
to give the visiting golfer a
chance to see the hazards’ and
put them on a level playing field
when taking on members who
know the course well.
The 10th has undergone major
changes with a new tee pushed
right back. The fairway has been
narrowed and turned into a
slight dog leg, requiring an
accurate tee shot.
The 11th a par 4 stroke index 1
has had gorse bushes removed,
which I had been in many times,
so they should have found quite
a few balls in there. Many
courses are currently removing
trees and you might wonder
why? Well, because many trees
on today’s courses were not
meant to be there in the first
place but have been left to grow
and develop, getting in the way
of a good golf shot.
The 12th a 149 yard par3 has
had the pond, which sat not
threateningly to the right of the
green, extended around to the
front of the green, so all of a
sudden this makes it a very
different hole to play.
As you go around the course
you will start to say “that wasn’t
there before”. Some of the
bunkers are good examples of
this. The 13th’s new big bunker
has appeared in front of the
green which also slants from
front to back making your
second shot an interesting one.
I suppose what you can say
about the open course now is
that it’s gone from hit the ball,
walk up the fairway, to “hang on
a minute I’ve got to think about
this shot and where I’m going
to place it”. Let’s be honest, we
love standing on the tee and
thinking “how am I going to play
this hole?” this is what the
Nottinghamshire has now
successfully done as they have
turned themselves into a
course you must play.
The proof of this is that they
have started to attract big
competitions. They are hosting
the regional finals of the Trilby
Tour which will be broadcast on
Sky, also the Ladies County
Championship. I’m sure it is the
start of many as they have
turned it into a Championship
Course.
If you have not played here for a
while then I would recommend
you make it your next port of
call. The facilities are first class
and the improvements they
have made, and will continue to
make to the course, make it the
place to play. Lefty
Amazing changes are happening at e Nottinghamshire. Have youplayed the new 2nd hole yet? Or seen the fantastic changes made to the10th, 12th, 15th, 17th and 18th? Under the expert guidance of awardwinning architects Kimber Associates, a truly magnificent course thatrivals anything in the East Midlands awaits all golfers, societies andcorporate golf days.
0115 933 3344 www.thenottinghamshire.com
e Nottinghamshire Golf & Country Club, Stragglethorpe Road, Nottingham NG12 3HB.
Golf Weddings Conferencing Dining Celebrations
the experience…
Perfection…to a teePerfection…to a tee
County Golfer visits Scotland
and Jubilee courses
Earlier in the year County Golfer received a call inviting Lefty andNewby to play the Torrance and Jubilee courses at St Andrews. Notonly that, the invite also included a stay at the Fairmont Hotel.
Needless to say we accepted. The Fairmont Hotel complex has won many accolades
over the years but the most recent is the one they are quite chuffed with and so they
should be, as they have won “European Golf Resort of the year 2012” from IAGTO
and “The Golf resort of the year 2011” from Golf Tourism Scotland
.
Fairmont St Andrews is one of the top resorts in the world - voted 18th in the
World's Top Golf Resorts by Conde Nast Traveller readers' poll, voted as number 22
of the World's 50 Best Golf Hotels by the Golf Digest Awards, Resort Hotel of the
year 2008,2010,2011 (Golf Tourism Scotland) and it hosted the G20 summit!! And
now they can add to that ‘Lefty and Newby played here 2012’!
and plays the Torrance
48 County Golfer
As you can imagine
it’s a nice set up, they
have two courses,
the Kittock’s and the
Torrance course, a
spa and a very nice
bar called the
Kittocks, as you
would expect full of
whiskey.
We were here to play the Torrance course,
which as you might have guessed was
originally designed by Sam Torrance, now
re-designed with 8 new holes and classic
Scottish revetted bunkers, it’s designed to be
a Scottish links course so no trees, deep
bunkers, wild gorse bushes and deep rye
grass.
It’s a par 72 and a massive 7230 yards long,
even further if like most of us you zig zag up
the fairway. You drive past the impressive
hotel to the clubhouse which as you expect
has its own car park, restaurant and bar with
panoramic views overlooking the course and
the sea. The welcome we got from the pro
shop was very friendly and relaxed, Andrew
was more than helpful showing us to the
changing rooms and then giving us a few tips
for the course.
The first is reached by a short walk back
across the car park and past the driving
range. We were playing as a 3 ball,myself,
Newby and Tingle our Yorkshire writer who
joins us from time to time, I had the honour
to tee off.
The 1st is a par 4, 358 yard slight dogleg left,
you’re looking to aim between two stone
walls and keep it on the fairway. A lesson I
learned when playing Saunton golf course is
‘if it’s not on forget it’, I got away with a
clean straight drive and watched as it hit the
ground and rolled up and down the
beautifully manicured fairway.
There is a water ditch about 274 yards off the
tee but most of us will come up short here
which leaves you a great approach shot to
the green. My second shot I sliced and ended
up to the left of the green narrowly avoiding
a very deep patch of gorse bushes, I
managed to chip on. Standing on the green I
The 7th
County Golfer 49
quickly realised I was standing on perfection,
they were immaculate and a joy to putt on.
The second a par 4, 438 yards again is a
straight shot down the fairway, it’s quite open
so quite forgiving. I hit my drive just to the
left of the fairway which did leave me a blind
shot to the green as my ball rested on the
back of a slight mound that rose in front of
me, after a quick look I chose my direction
and managed to hit the green, I was starting
to enjoy these big greens, but just be wary as
this green does slope towards the back.
The 3rd is your first par 5, 459 yards .Be
careful of your tee shot as there is water to
the right about 246 + onwards, then you
have a water ditch that protects the front of
the green. Those handy with a fairway wood
might fancy having a go at the green in two
as did Tingle and to be fair he nearly made it,
but one thing he forgot to take into account
was the Scottish wee wind that held it up
and placed it in the water for him. I took the
wise choice and laid up my second (only
because I don’t have a fairway wood) I got
on the green in 3 and a solid par followed. I
was loving these greens.
With my confidence growing in my new
swing, I approached the 4th with swagger, it
is a pretty much straight shot up the fairway
but be careful, you have 3 bunkers to the
right of the fairway and a bunker smack in
the middle of the fairway, about 198 yards
waiting to swallow your ball. Just a word of
warning about the 63 bunkers that are on the
course is that they were all dug up in 2008
and rebuilt in the traditional revetted style, so
avoid them at all cost.
I managed to avoid the bunkers but fell fowl
(I love this word Lefty! Ed) of the green which
slopes from left to right, my first double
bogey of the day followed.
Walking through the stone wall which criss
crosses the front nine, we approached the
5th, the first par 3 of the day, it’s 159 yards
off the tee with a water ditch cutting across
you so no scuffed shots or else you’re going
fishing again. It’s the green that will cause
you the problem here as it slopes off the front
and off the back and your ball has to drop
like a bomb to have any chance of clinging
on. We all managed a par.
The 6th, a 464 yard par 3 is a tough hole
make no mistake about it, the fairway
undulates and bunkers hide away out of sight
waiting for you. Even thought we found this
hard we still had big grins on our faces
because it was a joy to play
The 7th, at only 274 yards to the green, a
relatively short par 4, it’s a slight dogleg right
You can see the green off the tee, looking at
the course planner it looked like you could
take the corner on without getting into
trouble, Newby and myself went for it, both
of us hit massive drives over the corner but
those smug smiles on our faces were soon
wiped off as what looked like fairway on the
course planner turned out to be a ditch full
of rye grass. Newby was in deep but mine
was not too bad from there, it was only a 9
The long up hill 4th. Just keep out of
those bunkers.
50 County Golfer
iron onto the green, I managed it but poor
old Newby’s ball refused to come out, it
took two attempts. I landed an easy par but I
must admit it was more luck than
judgement.
The next hole the par 3, 8th has a deep,
deep, deep bunker in front of this elevated
green. It was about 153 yards to the pin, I
managed to hit the green, Newby went to
the left of the green avoiding the bunker but
poor old Tingle ended up in the wee thing.
Standing on the green I could just about see
the top of his head and I watched as he
slowly empted the bunker of sand!! In the
end he gave up, Newby on the other hand
decided that one of us must try and see if it
is possible to get out of this pit and with his
Tingle emptying the
bunker of sand on
the 8th
County Golfer 51
first try he landed his ball 6 inch from the
hole and then quickly ducked as his ball was
thrown, I mean passed back to him by
Tingle.
You now start to move away from the hotel
and out into the wilds, all of a sudden the
par 4’s and 5’s stretch out further.The
scenery of the back 9 is stunning with the
sea getting closer and closer and St Andrews
Castle course setting the back drop. The
fairways started to narrow so a much more
accurate tee shot was required.
Let’s move on to the 12th a good example of
this a par 5, 501yard hole, the fairway snakes
away in front of you and narrows about 300
yards from the tee. Again a well placed deep
bunker waits to gather you, while in front of
the green is a water ditch, it’s all uphill
which makes this hole long. Power and
placement will see you on the green but I
have neither which led to me taking the
more scenic route.
You now find the holes run parallel with
each other and give a real test of your golf
leading us to my favourite hole, the 16th
364yard, par 4. Now you are facing the
North sea, you tee off blind onto the fairway
which rises and then falls away out of sight.
A good drive will get you over and down the
other side, it is a long way though at least
250+, both Newby and Tingle ended in good
positions allowing an Iron on the green.
One thing you don’t want to do is over hit it
The 17th
52 County Golfer
as the green kisses a cliff edge leading into
the sea. With only a stone border dividing the
edge Tingle hit the green, Newby took an
interesting approach by managing to hit the
stone border knocking his ball back into the
centre of the green “lovely back spin”
shouted Tingle!
Now you have the sea on your left for the last
two holes, the 17th is a par 3, you’re teeing
off to an immaculate elevated green sloping
quite steeply left to right. The green keepers
were doing some work nearby and duly
stopped their machinery to watch us tee off,
fortunately we did not give them anything to
laugh at as all 3 of us hit the green. Phew!!
The 18th was my shot of the day hole, by this
time I had won the competition among
ourselves and like a true victor finished in
style by putting my second shot 2 feet from
the flag to finish with a birdie (thank you
James).
As we sat in the Kittocks bar sipping a wee
dram in the hotel we reflected on the course
and all agreed that we had just played
somewhere special. Not a blade of grass out
of place I did not see any G.U.R, the greens
are the best I have played and with the
position of the course kissing the North Sea
and views over to St Andrews it makes it all
the more special.
Our thanks to everyone at Fairmont St
Andrews for their hospitality and wee tipple.
(too many wee’s Ed)
If you’re looking for a hotel spa and golf
complex, where better than the European
Golf Resort of the year, and the Resort Hotel
of the year 2008, 2010, 2011-golf Tourism
Scotland. Now they can add to those
accolades “County Golfer, Lefty and
Newby’s the place to stay and play before
you hang up your clubs 2012.”
Starting to look like a
swing on the tricky 10th
The best par 3 on the
course - the 17th
54 County Golfer
My St. Andrews’Experienceby Andrew Tingle'Nice shot' chirped up Newby. Now under
normal circumstances I would have given a
short, tactless reply as the shot in question was
my third attempt to get out of a bunker on the
18th - and my 6th in total for the hole already!
However, these were no normal circumstances.
I was in a pot bunker on none other than the
Jubilee Course at St. Andrews, yes the St.
Andrews and it was having a strange effect on
me. Duffed shots, out-of-bounds drives and 3
putting seemed to matter not as the experience
of being at the home of golf left me with a
boyish grin on my face and not a care in the
world for my score card.
Of course, this didn't mean that I was happy to
play like a right old lemon, but after years of
watching countless Open Championships and
seeing the worlds best walk the same turf -
having an opportunity to play the Torrance and
Jubilee Courses took precedent. I suppose the
best way to describe it would be if you were a
tennis nut - how would you feel if you could
have a knock around Centre Court? Or play
with your mates at Wembley if football is your
thing?
The first day was the Torrance course, and what
I found most interesting was that it isn’t a links
golf course! I always presumed that a links was
a course by the coast, yet it actually refers to
the ground condition of the course. The word
links comes from the old English word hlinc,
which basically refers to an area of coastal sand.
So a links course is one built on sand based soil.
We were informed that in a few years time, the
Torrance course will be a links as each year
1’000’s of tonnes of sand is bonded into the
existing sub-structure of the course.
Anyway, back to the important stuff - the golf!
The wind was unbelievable - and not just
because
Lefty had beans for breakfast. You
either hit a 300 yard belting drive - or a 50 yard
snorter. It certainly made you think about every
shot and was a memorable experience, the only
down side being that Lefty actually won! (Must
have been the beans!) This course is extremely
close to the coastline which offered amazing
views - a real belter of a course and a good test
for any level of golfer.
After a good nights sleep and a few samples of
Scotch it was time for the Jubilee course. All the
locals - and even club pro’s - will tell you that of
all the St. Andrew’s courses, this is the most
challenging and in many ways enjoyable. It
intertwines and runs parallel to the Old
Course, meaning an iconic photo could take
place on the bridge where the Golden Bear
himself waved to the crowds (if only I had 18
majors!).
From the meticulous greens, undulating fairways,
hidden bunkers and brooks, spectacular views
and history to rival Bonnie Prince Charlie, the
Jubilee Course was unforgettable. So when
going down the 18th, and barely managing to
get out of a fairway bunker on my 3rd attempt,
all I resembled was a cat who truly had the St
Andrew’s cream.
County Golfer 55
I must start with a statement - St
Andrews has made my life as a golf
journalist very hard!! Why you might
ask? I have played perfection which has
led to me saying and annoying Newby and
other golfers I play with “you wouldn’t get that
at St Andrews!!” And, “look how long the grass
is on the fairway and on the green!” I have also
been annoyed that I cannot get my putter out
on the fairway and putt onto the green.
So I have been told “you must stop comparing
every golf course you play to the Jubilee Course
at St Andrews!” Ok I will try, but no promises.
The Jubilee course is known as the most testing
golf course in the St Andrews family, it started
its life as a humble pitch and putt course for
ladies and less experienced players.
In 1905 St Andrews golfer Willie Auchterlonie
the open champion in 1893, oversaw an
extension and redesign of the course making it
18 hole, measuring 5330 yards
The third Jubilee was opened in 1946 and
extended to 6020 yards one again by Willie
Auchterlonie, then it got extended under the
hand of Donald Steel to 6742 yards creating a
number of new holes. The fourth Jubilee was
opened officially in September 1989 by reigning
US open champion Curtis Strange.
Today it hosts Amateur Championship also the
St Andrews Links trophy.
As I stood on the first tee after having a bit of
banter with the starter, a sense of satisfaction
came over me knowing I was treading hallowed
turf. I managed to get away clean and as I
walked down the undulating fairway a big smile
appeared on my face and stayed there all the
way around this stunning course.
The fairways were cut to the length of putting
greens and the greens were the best I have
ever played on, not a blade out of place and
they were big, for example on the 4th the flag
was 43 yards into the green!!
Jubilee is the closest to the sea and you get
some great views as you start your approach
back to the club house. It’s everything you
expect and more from a links course, pot
bunkers, reed grass, gorse bushes, undulating
and tight fairways, then you have the constant
battle with the wind but who cares when you
are playing one of the best golf courses in the
world. I am going to struggle to top the Jubilee,
we do have an invite togo back and play the
Old course so who know maybe that will knock
it off its perch.
I would just like to thank everyone at St
Andrews for making us feel so welcome.
Everyone we talked to was so relaxed and
friendly, trust me I have played at some golf
clubs that don’t make you feel welcome at all,
but here where they could be a bit stuffy being
the home of golf, they are quite the opposite.
Just a note; when we were having out picture
taken on the iconic bridge on the 18th of the
Old course, an old gentleman was waiting to
tee off on his own, and his caddy was his black
Labrador dog!!
How many golf courses would let you do that!!
It’s a hard life!by Lefty
56 County Golfer
Two Chevin members
make their markJohn Flanders and Paul Baxter are very great
friends having played golf together both for
Derbyshire and Chevin. It is a unique
achievement that both men have been Presidents
of the EGU - John Flanders in 2000 and Paul
Baxter 2012.John Flanders served for years as treasurer to theEnglish Golf Union and then became chairman in1988 and president in 2000 and spent much ofhis time visiting clubs and other counties ensuringthe organisation of the game remained at a highlevel throughout the country.
John is now Club President of Chevin Golf Cluband goes on to say about becoming president ofChevin golf club: “this means more to me thananything that has happened in the past. I regard itas a great honour to follow in the footsteps of the
few men who havepreceded me.”
Paul Baxter retired inFebruary 2008 after 23years with the EGU, eightas Deputy Secretary and15 as Chief Executive,having spent theprevious 12 years as agolf club secretary.
Paul goes on to say about his appointment aspresident of the EGU “I was amazed but delightedwhen I heard the news,” he said. “When I joinedthe EGU in 1985 as Deputy Secretary it was thestart of a wonderful part of my life. Never in those23 years did I expect to be awarded the highesthonour of being President.“It was a great pleasureto be given the job of working for the Union but Inever expected this. When I received the call Iwas speechless. I am really looking forward to myyear, who wouldn’t?” Paul has honorarymembership at Chevin Golf Club.
Stanedge Golf Club, Walton Hay Farm,
Chesterfield S45 0LW
Tel 01246 566156 or Hon Sec 07971 783145
Ladies Captain Jane Hardy, Junior Captain Joe
Elliott and Club Captain Ken Fergusson –
pictured at their Sunday morning Drive off in
March -- just before the heat wave!!
Busy, Busy Ken and Jane
It’s not only the bees, who will be busy on
Stanedge this season!
Ken Fergusson Stanedge GC - Club Captain
for 2012/13 can expect a very busy year, as he
will be fulfilling a dual role, not only is Ken the
new Club Captain, he has also assumed the
role of Hon Secretary, whilst Jane Hardy
Ladies Captain is also the Ladies Secretary –
both of whom expect a very ‘hands on’ year.
Ken has been an active member at Stanedge
for 20 years and is very keen to promote
Stanedge, with its stunning views, extensive
Greens programme, and very reasonably
priced golf, to a wider public.
Visitors can expect a warm welcome and at
£15 per round for visitors – It’s just too good
to miss!! ‘Stanedge’ is a test of accuracy and
skill – a challenge not to be taken lightly –
5,786 yd par 69 (Gents), 71 (Ladies).
We operate a good old fashioned ‘honesty
box’ system, Members are always willing to
help with any questions and if you’d like to
know more please ring either the Hon
Secretary or the Club Captain and Ken will
be only too pleased to help (07971 783145).
County Golfer 57
58 County Golfer
LEGEND VISITED BY A LIVING LEGENDFormer Masters champion Bernhard Langer was the latest world-class golfer to visit the hole that
bears his name on Legend Golf & Safari Resort’s unique Signature Course, in South Africa.
Each of the 18 holes was designed by one of the world’s top players and Langer’s visit followed
similar trips by the likes of three-time Major winner Padraig Harrington, Spanish superstar Sergio
Garcia, Korean KJ Choi, South African legend Retief Goosen and former European number one
Justin Rose, who each designed a hole on the award-winning course.
It was the 54-year-old German’s first visit to Legend – at the heart of the Big 5 Entabeni Safari
Conservancy in the Waterberg area of Limpopo – and he was impressed with the final look of his
hole, the fourth, and awestruck by the majesty of the world’s longest par-three: the Extreme 19th,
played from the top of Hanglip Mountain.
For more information contact the Central Reservations Office: www.legendlodges.co.za
County Golfer asks ‘Can your course match this?
Just which is the hardest par 3 in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire? We are aiming to find out. It is our quest.
If you would like to nominate your club as having the hardest par3 please email [email protected]
Tell us why it is so hard and invite us to play it. It’s that simple (or is it?)Andrew at Ashbourne GC has already nominated theirs.
TheDerbys/Notts Par3 Challenge
County Golfer 59
Clowne Golf Society held their annual
awards night at the Molan Chinese
restaurant on Saturday 17 March 2012.
Other event winners were,
D Wheeler, N Wood, Chloe Pinegar, Carl
Pinegar, M Whiteley, A Richards, M Jackson,
S Smith.
Notice Father and daughter winning
events trophies Carl and Chloe Pinegar,
Chloe is the 2010 "Order of
Merit"Yorkshire junior.
Left: . Andrew Richards with 2011 Captain
Rita Salt presenting "Salt of the Earth"
Trophy. Andrew also won "Player of the
Year and also an Event win trophy.
Right: Father and daughter Chloe Pinegar
and Carl
Hundreds of thousands of
golfers, including superstars
Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy
and the late Seve Ballesteros,
have taken on the
world-famous 10th hole at The
Belfry’s Brabazon course over
the past 35 years, but not one
could claim a hole-in-one –
until Welsh 3-handicapper Dan
O’Connor came along last on
Saturday 10th March.
Playing the course for the first
time, 19-year-old O’Connor
from Maesteg amazed his
three playing companions by
firing his drive straight for the
middle of the green and into
the cup from the white tees,
some 301 yards away.
It marks the first time any
golfer has aced the 10th hole
since The Brabazon course
was opened in 1977. Since
then, the hole has figured in
four Ryder Cups and 11
European Tour events, as well
as being identified with
numerous iconic golf shots,
such as Seve Ballesteros’ drive
when playing against Nick
Faldo in the 1978 Hennessy
Cup to get it onto the green
for the first time.
“It’s my first hole-in-one and
definitely the highlight of my
golfing career so far,” said the
assistant at Southerndown
Golf Club, Bridgend. “So many
amazing players have tried to
reach the 10th, but no one has
actually aced it before, so it’s
made the feeling even more
special.”
Dan had made the journey
from Mid Glamorgan to take
advantage of The Belfry’s
brand new £99 ‘Stay and Play’
offer on The Brabazon.
“The whole stay at The Belfry
was first class and the greens
are the best I’ve ever played
on, which says a lot
considering it’s only March,”
added O’Connor, who used
his trusty Titleist 910 D3
driver with Pro V1x ball to
hole out on the 10th.
“Whether you’ve had a
hole-in-one or not, the staff
make you feel special from the
moment you arrive at the
resort to the moment you
leave.”
To find out more about The
Belfry or to book a ‘Stay &
Play’ break at the resort, visit
www.TheBelfry.com.
TEENAGE GOLFER BECOMES FIRST PLAYER TO ACE THE BELFRY 10TH
Alfreton Golf ClubJoin a welcoming, friendlyPrivate Parkland Golf Club
1/2 mile from the A38 Celebrating its 120th Anniversary.
Ladies & Gentlemen Membership AvailableJunior Section membership available
Monthly Payment of £57.20 guaranteed not to rise for twoyears. Immediate membership available*
*Subject to applicationContact the Secretary on
01773 832070 or 07966 547334
Competitions most weekends in the summer and winter.
16 friendly matches a year against local Clubs.Over Twenty Social Events Per Year.
Offers For Society DaysOption 1 Minimum 12 People • Coffee & biscuits onarrival • Play 9 holes of golf • Soup & sandwiches • Play18 holes of golf • A two course dinner For £35.00
Option 2 Minimum 12 People • Coffee & bacon sandwich • Play eighteen holes golf
• A two course dinner For £28.00* Other options can be priced on request
*For Parties over 24 people discounts are availableFully Licensed Premises.
Fully Licensed Premises.
Food served plus a well stocked bar
Lynne looks forward to your visit
OPEN DAY22nd April from 10.00am to 12pm
BLACK COURSEavailable to play at 5850 yards
without a Par 5
A true test of golf
Twilight fee after 6.00pm
only £10
T: 01773 608616 Major House, Wimsey Way, Alfreton Tr. Est.,
Just which is the hardest par 3 inDerbyshire and Nottinghamshire? We are aiming to find out. It is ourquest.
If you would like to nominate your clubas having the hardest par 3 pleaseemail [email protected] tell us why, and we will come andplay it.
ThePar 3
Challenge
County Golfer 71
Derbyshire Directory…visit www.countygolfer.co.uk for more details
ALFRETONAlfreton Golf ClubWingfield Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 7LHT: 01773 832070www.alfretongolfclub.co.ukStats: 11 holes • 5451 yards Par 67 • SSS 66Green Fees: £19 per round, £28per day, £11 with a member
ASHBOURNE
Ashbourne Golf ClubWyaston Road, Ashbourne,Derbys, DE6 1NBTel: 01335 342078www.ashbournegolfclub.co.ukStats: 18 holes • 6308 yards Par 71 • SSS 71Green Fees: Mon- Fri £30, Sat &Sun £35 & Bank Holiday
BAKEWELL
Bakewell Golf ClubStation Road, BakewellDE45 1GBTel: 01629 812307www.bakewellgolfclub.co.ukStats: 18 holes • 5244 yardsPar 68 • SSS 66Green Fees: £20 per day (£25weekends and bank holidays)Playing with a member: £12
Marriott Breadsall PrioryHotel and Country ClubMoor Road, Morley DE7 6DLTel: 01332 832235www.marriott.co.ukStats: Priory Course: 18 holes 6100 yards • Par 72 • SSS 69Moorland Course: 18 holes
6087 yards • Par 70 • SSS 69Green Fees: Priory: £55 per day; £40 per round (£45 per round weekends and bank holidays) Moorland: £55 perday; £40 per round (£40 per round weekends and bankholidays).
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