SUFFOLKNORFOLKMAY/JUNE 2012&

GOLFER

TThheettffoorrdd GGoollff CClluubb

GOLF HAS BEEN PLAYED AT THETFORD,THE BEAUTIFUL BRECKLAND FOREST

COURSE, SINCE 24th JUNE 1912VISIT THETFORD THIS SUMMER TO CELEBRATE

THEIR CENTENARY YEAR AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP OFFERS

YOU CAN ALSO BOOK YOUR TEE TIME ONLINE AT www.thetfordgolfclub.co.uk TO CHOOSE THE VERY BEST TIME AND PRICE FOR WHEN YOU WANT TO PLAY

We offer the following:

Unique ‘lifestyle’ marketing to make your homestand out from the rest

Booklet style brochures reflecting the individualityof your home

Magazine style property features written byprofessional journalists

Professional photography to create the right look

High profile advertising both locally and nationally…see our regular adverts in ‘The Sunday Times’

Videoette walk-through of your home

“There you were thinking allEstate Agents were the same…

…and then along comes Fine & Country with an approach that doesn’t just attract attention and win awards, it sells houses!”

www.fineandcountry.com

www.equestrianpropertynorfolk.co.ukwww.equestrianpropertysuffolk.co.uk

Fine City,Town & Country Homes, Unique

Properties,Town Houses, Country Cottages,

Barn Conversions, Equestrian Properties,

Coastal and Riverside Homes

Bury St Edmunds 01284 705538 Long Melford 01787 275012 South Norfolk & North Suffolk 01379646020

North & West Norfolk 01553 769100 Norwich 01603 221888 London 020 7079 1515

“Fine and Country is now the largestand most successful exclusive city and

country homes estate agent locally,regionally and nationally”

We offer the following:

Unique ‘lifestyle’ marketing to make your homestand out from the rest

Booklet style brochures reflecting the individualityof your home

Magazine style property features written byprofessional journalists

Professional photography to create the right look

High profile advertising both locally and nationally…see our regular adverts in ‘The Sunday Times’

Videoette walk-through of your home

“There you were thinking allEstate Agents were the same…

…and then along comes Fine & Country with an approach that doesn’t just attract attention and win awards, it sells houses!”

www.fineandcountry.com

www.equestrianpropertynorfolk.co.ukwww.equestrianpropertysuffolk.co.uk

Fine City,Town & Country Homes, Unique

Properties,Town Houses, Country Cottages,

Barn Conversions, Equestrian Properties,

Coastal and Riverside Homes

Bury St Edmunds 01284 705538 Long Melford 01787 275012 South Norfolk & North Suffolk 01379646020

North & West Norfolk 01553 769100 Norwich 01603 221888 London 020 7079 1515

“Fine and Country is now the largestand most successful exclusive city and

country homes estate agent locally,regionally and nationally”

SIXTY PLAYERS INFINE FINE ANDANDCOUNTRCOUNTRYYSCRAMBLESCRAMBLESixty members of Newton Green Golf Club tookpart in the first competition promoted at the clubby estate agents Fine and Country.The mixed, mid-week event took the form of an18-hole Texas Scramble between teams of three.Fine and Country director of sales StephenWood, supported by Samantha Morley, presentedthe prizes donated by the company, which includedfree spa days, champagneand a hamper.The winning teams were: 61.5 Nick Smith, Malcolm Hallidayand John Sherman, 62.4 JohnHumphrey, Derek King and AngelaChapman, 63.2 Fred French,Jeremy Hamp and Pat Walsh.

Ring John Howard on 01603221888, quoting ‘Suffolk &

Norfolk Golfer’ to see how youcan get FREE ADVERTISINGAND SPONSORSHIP OF A

MIXED COMPETITION

Left to right: Stephen Wood (Fine and Country) ,Malcolm Halliday, Nick Smith, Samantha

Morley (Fine and Country) and John Sherman.

Haverhill Golf ClubHaverhill Golf Clubbids farewell tobids farewell toAssistant ProAssistant Pro

Following the Linton Enterpriseprize presentation, Haverhill’sHead Professional Paul Wilby

announced that AssistantProfessional Harry Mills was

moving to pastures new. Harrywill be joining the team at The

Berkshire by moving into StevenMoyes’ post, who was also a

former Assistant Professional atHaverhill. Wilby commented “It isa fantastic opportunity for Harry,who joined the Golf Club back in

2002 as a Junior. In 2009 heembarked on a career to become

a PGA Professional and onbehalf of everyone at Haverhill

Golf Club, I should like tocongratulate Harry on his new

appointment and wish him all thevery best for his future.” Mills will

be returning to Haverhill tocompete in Haverhill’s PGA East

Region Pro Am on 29th June.

4

JOHN PEDDELTY, NEWCAPTAIN at RUSHMERE

John was born onApril 2nd, 1955in BishopAuckland,County Durham.John moved tothe area in 1971where he becameone of IpswichTowns youngfootball stars inthe BobbyRobson era. Johnfinished hisplaying career atPlymouth underthe guidance ofPeter Shilton.He then took uprefereeing, just tosee how the otherside works! John joined the

Police force in February 1982 and has just retired. Johnjoined Rushmere Golf Club in 1985 and after startinggolf, with Ipswich Town playing here and there, he hasnow become a regular member at the Club entering mostCompetitions since 1985. John has been married to Angela for 37 years and theyhave two children and two grand children. He enjoys allsports, but if he is not on the course you will find himgiving his full support to the Ipswich Witches.

Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club are proud of SHARONLUCKMAN and AMANDA NORMAN, who won theEast of England Foursomes competition which wasplayed at Newmarket.

EMILY’S SUFFOLK CALL-UPAFTER LIGHTNING PROGRESSA golfer who took up the sport only 30 months ago wascalled up for county second team honours.Emily Penfold, of Newton Green Golf Club, is in the SuffolkLadies’ team to play Bedfordshire seconds at Caddington.Until November 2009, Emily had not previously playedgolf, but decided to give the sport a go while working as anEnglish teacher in Cambridgeshire.She explained: “I was living right next to Cambridge GolfAcademy at the time and I thought I would give it a whirl.Up until then I had been playing tennis, but soon favouredthe club over the racket. I had 12 lessons initially and firstwent on the course in April 2010. During the summer I

moved back to the Sudbury area,which is my home, and joined NewtonGreen.“I gained my first handicap of 28 justin time to play in the club’s annual golffestival, and it was a wonderfulintroduction to club golf. In fact, Iloved it so much I have since beenworking on a part-time basis, whichmeans I have been able to pursue myinterest in golf in earnest. Myhandicap was down to 12 as we wentinto the recent winter and in thecoming summer I will be working attrying to bring it down further.”Emily has been named in the Suffolkseconds team after playing a recentcounty friendly match againstFlempton men.

Hintlesham Hall Hotel isone of the finest CountryHouse Hotels in England,with an award-winning, 2 rosette restaurant and

internationally renownedwine cellar, coupled with 33 comfortable,

individually styledbedrooms.

The adjacent HintleshamGolf Course is one of the finest in the PGA’sEastern Region and isserved by an excellent

Clubhouse. The 18 hole, par 72 layout includes the

special challenges of thesignature 4th and 17th

holes, the latter being partof one of the best finishes

in the region.

Special Offer: £155 per person*Enjoy a round of golf on your day of arrival, followed by dinner from Harry’s Menu

and comfortable accommodation in one of our Superior rooms.Begin your next day with a full English breakfast before tackling the course

again for another full 18 holes.Additional services available on request including an extra 9 or 18 holes;

lessons with the Professional; or an extra night’s accommodation.For bookings and enquiries call 01473 652334 or email reservations@hintleshamhall.com

**This special DBB rate is per person per night based on 2 persons sharing a Superior twin room. Single supplement of £35 per room per night applies. Subject to availability.

• After check-in at Hintlesham Hall Hotel, play aTwilight round on the championship size course

• Stay one or more nights at the Hall• Enjoy dinner from Harry’s Menu and a Full

English Breakfast• After breakfast play another full round of golf

Golfing Breaks

For further information please contact us on 01473 652334 or email us at reservations@hintleshamhall.com

STRO

MBE

RG

• W

ILSO

N

• IJ

PD

esig

n •

L&

S G

reen

Eag

le •

TIT

LEIS

T TAYLO

R MA

DE • PO

WA

KA

DD

Y• FO

OTJO

Y• CRO

SS • Adidas

WE DOUBT OUR PRICES WILL BE BEATEN!2 BIXLEY ROAD, IPSWICH, SUFFOLK IP3 8PL • Tel: 01473 718332

WWWWWW.PINHIGHGOLF.PINHIGHGOLF.CO.UK.CO.UKFREE PARKING!

Wilson Di11 Irons 5 - SI Only £299.95Free PGA Custom Fit PLUS £70 Specialist Wedge FOC

H H H H H

Trousers for everyone, in stock. Our largest range ever

H H H H H

Vast range of Footjoy & adidas golf shoes including 'Dimple' sole

Size range: Mens 6 - 15 (including half sizes & width fittings)H H H H H

Check it out!Check it out!Special prices for Top Brand 'Double Dozen' Golf Balls.

Authorised Custom Fit Centres for Titleist, Taylor Made &Wilson...Call for an appointment for FREE PGA Fitting!

ALL OUR CUSTOM FIT CLUBS ARE FACTORY MADE. DON'T SETTLE FOR ANYTHING LESS!www.pinhighgolf.co.uk

In my first piece we introducedStuart and explained what the initialfocus of our first lesson was. Thisinvolved the correct hinging his leftwrist on the backswing so it enabledhim to support the club in the correctway at the top of the swing. I ampleased to say that Stuart masteredthis movement and now takes theweight of the club on his left thumb. In our second and third sessions webegan to encounter a differentproblem which is very commonamongst many golfers. Stuart wasstruggling to attain a consistent strikeon the ball often hitting the ball verylow on the clubface. This caused lotsof 'thin' or 'topped' shots. Such shotswhen hit at golf clubs everywhereusually result in well meaning advicefrom playing partners such as "keepyour head still" or "you lifted yourhead up". I bet everyone reading this article isnodding their head and recalling this

happening recently in their 4-ball. The reality in Stuarts case was quitedifferent. I have two pictures ofStuart taken during the same swingwith a high speed camera, pic 1shows Stuart as he delivers the clubtowards impact. His head is inposition, left arm is extended andthere is still some 'lag' angle betweenthe left arm and clubshaft, meaningthat there is still plenty of powerstored. Pic 2 shows the club just afterimpact, as you can see the head hasnot lifted up! It has remainedperfectly in position even though theball is on its way. The reason for Stuarts poor shotswas due to a lack of weight transferinto the ball. In both pictures you cansee how his weight is favouring theright foot making it very difficult tostrike an iron shot in the desired way,which is to hit the ball with a slightlydescending angle of attack. Thisrequires the weight to be moving to

the left during thedownswing. Datacollected frompressure plates used bybio-mechanics expertssuggest that eliteplayers have 80% to90% of their bodyweight on their leftfoot at impact.What we have beenpractising with Stuartto help his ball strikeis to encourage thedownswing to startfrom the ground up.This means for him tomake his first movedown into the ball bymoving his weight

onto his left foot. This has got Stuartsweight more onto his left foot atimpact and improved his chances ofstriking the ball well. He hasprogressed well with this area of histechnique and I will look forward toshowing you the progress in futurearticles. A checkpoint that we will usein future analysis is to see if Stuart hasbeen able to get his right heel off theground at impact, a good indicator thathis weight is more on his left side.The key point from this article is therealisation that for most golfers whatwe feel that we are doing and what isactually happening is completelydifferent. The most effective way ofunderstanding this is to visit your localPGA professional and have a lesson,preferably with some video analysis ifyou are an experienced player, andthey will be able to show you what ishappening in your technique as well asmapping out a process to help youimprove.

by KELKELVIN VIN VINCEVINCE

PGA Professional,Rushmere Golf Clubkelvinvince@hotmail.co.uk01473 728076

Stuart, 29, from Felixstowe is likemany newer golfers, who has been

to the driving range and playedwith family and friends, but hashad no formal tuition. We aregoing to report on our sessionsand see how much my adviceaccelerates Stuarts progress.

Pic2

Pic1

Former professional golferRussell Oakey scored a oneshot victory to become theclub champion and win thePresident's Salver atNewton Green Golf Club. Inthe 36-hole competition, hewas lying third after shootinga six over par 75 in the firstround, one stroke behindRob Sims and Ben Mellon.But a tighter 71 after lunchsaw Oakey move into thelead, and finish on 146, oneshot ahead of Sims (147),with Ian Ledieu moving into

third place with a second round score of 71, after an earlier 78.Oakey relinquished his amateur status a couple of years ago,and first qualified to play for Newton as an amateur last year.His brother Leighton, who trained at Newton before becoming aprofessional at Lexden Woods, has recently relinquished hisposition as manager at the Colchester course to pursueinterests outside the sport in the Sudbury area.Leighton has now rejoined Newton as an amateur, but will notbe clear to play a full role until next season. Although he canplay in many regular competitions, he did not qualify for therecent club championship event with his brother, and alsocannot represent the club in its important county Hambro Cupand Stenson Shield competitions until next season.

OAKEY RUSTLES UP CHAMPIONSHIP WIN

Special Green Fee RatesES

T.19

22thorpenesshotel & golf club

Weekday Green Fee Monday to Thursday £56 per golfer for a day rate 1 Ball = £432 ball = £86 (£43 each)3 ball = £117 (£39 each)4 ball = £136 (£34 each)After 3pm = £28 each

Weekend rate Friday to Sunday,including Bank Holidays £59 per golfer for a day rate 1 Ball = £492 ball = £98 (£49 each)3 ball = £132 (£44 each)4 ball = £156 (£39 each)After 3pm = £29.50 each

Thorpeness Hotel & Golf Club, Lakeside Avenue, Thorpeness IP16 4NH 01728 454926 www.thorpeness.co.uk email: proshop@thorpeness.co.uk

Valid until 29th October 2012. Tee times can be booked 28 days in advance for a maximum of eight golfers. One player is required to either hold a handicap certificate or be a member of a golf club to maintain the pace of play.

10289_Thorpeness_GreenFees_A6_Layout 1 15/05/2012 09:34 Page 1

SAM WARD DRIVE-INFYNN VALLEY’S new Captain, Sam Ward,driving in, in traditional fashion off the tenthtee. His first drive hit the fairway travelling 135yards. His charity forthe year isBritish HeartFoundation(Ipswich Branch)and the winnerof the draw toguess how farhe'd hit it wasPast CaptainPeter McCartney. Sam is wishedevery goodfortune for hisyear in office,and sincerethanks went tooutgoing CaptainDonald Munrofor his year'sgood work.

10

Suffolk Golf UnionWELCOME FROM RON KENT

With the weather so changeable and downright unreliable these days, I am well aware that this page isbecoming a regular commentary on our climatic conditions and, per se, a regular eulogy for our hard-working greenkeepers.But facts are facts. Whilst at Purdis Heath the other day, I caught sight of a spreadsheet showing therainfall over the past several months which, presumably, the Head Greenkeeper or a member of hisstaff had diligently recorded. It tended to confirm the national figures recording the wettest April(121.88mm) for over 100 years. May did not start much drier either and whilst we now have a dry spell for a few days, the experts aretelling us that we need another 400mm by August to restore our rivers and aquifers to a satisfactorylevel.Add in some distinctly chilly weather for the time of the year and the fact that greens are seeding andwe can well realise, if we stop to think about it, that a greenkeeper’s lot cannot be a happy one rightnow.What has disappointed me of late has been the moans and groans from some members about “the stateof the greens”, in some cases from players of a playing ability and experience that, with just a littlethought, should have known better.Without wishing to sound pious, let’s hope we can all be a little more sympathetic to these hardpressed guys on the ground, be less critical of their efforts in extremely trying conditions and do ourbest to ...

... enjoy our golf!

Anyone wishing to submit articles or comment about golf matters generally should write to Ron Kent, 77 Bennett Avenue, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3JJ. e-mail: golfsgu@btinternet.com

EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING: 150 Fronks Road, Dovercourt, Harwich, Essex CO12 4EF Tel: 01255 242141 E-mail: suffolkgolfer@aspects.net www.suffolkandnorfolkgolfer.com Publisher: Linda Basham

Opinions, comments and reports in Suffolk & Norfolk Golfer Magazine are not necessarily those of the SUFFOLK or NORFOLK COUNTY GOLF UNIONS.

Front Cover:THETFORDGOLF CLUB

Suffolk Golf Union Current Officers and Members of the Executive CommitteePresident: Ron Kent (Hintlesham) Tel: 01284 705765; Vice President: Jon Marks (Woodbridge) Tel: 01394384232; Honorary Secretary: Charlie Wilderspin (Rookery Park) Tel: 01502 588028 Treasurer: Geoff Henney(Woodbridge) Tel: 01728 685525Executive Committee: Ray Baines (Felixstowe Ferry) Tel: 01394 276076; Bill Darling (Stowmarket) Tel: 01449615854; Alan Eriera (Beccles); Colin Firmin (Ipswich) Tel: 01206 298742; Phil Platten (Woodbridge) Tel:01394461246; Tony Tyrrell (Fynn Valley) Tel: 01473 785463Other positions: Chairman Suffolk Junior Golf: Mike Stevenson (Rookery Park) Tel: 01502 569765; TeamCaptains: 1st Team: Mike Rees (Rookery Park) Tel: 01502 568941 2nd Team: Andrew Collett (Bury StEdmunds)Tel: 07919 250396; Seniors: Jon Marks (Woodbridge) Tel: 01394 384232; Seniors Manager: CountyReferee: Mike Rees (Rookery Park) Tel: 01502 568941 EGU Delegate: Charlie Wilderspin (Rookery Park) Tel:01502 588028; SE Group Delegate: Ron Kent (Hintlesham) Tel: 01284 705765; Chairman Suffolk CountyGolf Partnership: Colin Firmin Tel: 01206 298742; Ecology Officer: Michael Thomas (Ipswich) Tel: 01394283973.

11

Around the CountyWith Ron KentMuch to admire at HaverhillEarly in June, I took a trip over to Haverhill and there wasmuch to see there which was pleasing. As I arrived, theresurfaced car park looked impressive.Whilst waiting for my chat with the head ProfessionalPaul Wilby, I met up with one of his assistants, HarryMills (right) and was delighted tohear that he had been successful inapplying for a position at theprestigious Berkshire Club. Harryhas always impressed as a verypleasant, approachable and popularyoung man as well as being nomean golfer and I am confident hewill like the Berkshire and theywill like him. Chatting to him, itseems accommodation goes withthe job and Harry was quiteconfident he can cook for himself.By the time this issue gets out,Harry will have left us and I amsure he is settling in well. Goodluck Harry. We look forward tohearing about your progress.One feature as you enter the clubhouse at Haverhill is thequality of the signage and notices you see. It transpiredthat the club’s General Manager, Karen Wilby, married toPaul, is a graphics designer by training and has clearly puther skills to good use in bringing the improvements about. One sign which caught my attention was about the club’shistory, which former Secretary Doug Renyard hasproduced. I was lucky enough to be able to purchase thelast copy left in the office and I look forward to settlingdown and reading it. It does not seem that long ago tome that the club was a 9-hole municipal course. Just howmuch has been achieving in bringing it to a successful, 18-hole members club, complete greens which have beenearning very favourable reviews of late, is quite amazing.I always enjoy my visits there where the welcome isalways warm and the hospitality superb.

Incredible GordonOne player whose name keeps on coming up in thepapers, despite his advancing years, is Gordon Gibbs, aformer County Captain and a member at Aldeburgh GolfClub. In his excellent column in the East Anglian DailyTimes, Tony Garnett recently reported that Gordon had around in a stableford competition off the yellow teeswhich equated to a score of 77, just ten shots less than his

age! Well doneindeed, Gordon Gibbsand to Tony Garnett’sendless search forgolfing news aroundthe county.

More Holes inOne Aces keep on coming.The latest to come toour attention was the

one byMichael Toon, at the 144 yard second hole atHaverhill during a Suffolk Winter Alliancemeeting recently. The mere cost was drinksall round for the 58 competitors. Let’s hopeMichael had taken the advice in an earlierissue to “get insured”.Dave Cohen holed out at the 144-yard 2nd atHaverhill, using a seven iron. Not a cleverthing to do on Captain’s Drive-In with 152competitors in the field!And not to be outdone by the men, ChrisMcGregor achieved her first ever hole in oneat her home club Waldringfield, watching theball disappear down the 93-yard 11 holefrom her tee shot, using a rescue wood.

Movers and ShakersSuffolk has welcomed some new Secretary\Managers toour clubs in recent weeks. One such is at Diss whereGraham Weeks has succeeded Tom Bailey. Graham waspreviously at Paisley Golf Club in Scotland. Paisley clubdates back to 1894 but moved to its present site in 1953,with a special event being organised to commemorate theCoronation of our present Queen Elizabeth. Grahamplays off a 13 handicap

And to finishMy suggestion that readers might like to suggest their bestor favourite hole in Suffolk has unfortunately producedminimal response and so I have taken to asking membersof the Executive Committee and some of the Countyplayers their opinion. Our County Secretary, CharlieWilderspin has put forward the 8th hole at Rookery Park,his home course.Shown as the signature hole on the course plan, the 454yards stroke index 1 hole is long and has water and Out ofBounds down the right, not to mention a narrow entranceto the green. The plan appears to show plenty of troubledown the left too should you pull or hook the drive.Think you’ve got a better suggestion? If so, e-mail me with your thoughts.

Gordon Gibbs

12

Yes MaybeSprinkler heads and other irrigation equipment are now a frequent occurrence on courses. It thereforepays to know the rules that might allow relief to be taken from them.1. For example if your ball comes to rest on a sprinkler head or it interferes with your stance , it istreated as a straight forward Obstruction and under Rule 24-2 you get relief (nearest point of relief anddrop within one club length not nearer the hole)2. However, sometimes something like a sprinkler head near to the green may be on your line of chip orputt although it does not physically interfere with your stance or stroke.It’s possible you may be able to get relief if your card shows a local rule covering the situation.Not all clubs have such a rule but some will have a heading like “Fixed Sprinkler Heads” or the more up-to-date “Immovable Obstructions Close to Putting Green”. This may be set out in full or, to save space,refer to the specimen local rule on pages 130/31 of your Rules Booklet.Basically, it’s what I like to think of as the “2 x 2 rule”. If the obstruction is clearly on the line of your shot,you first check that it is within 2 club lengths of the green and then that the ball is within 2 club lengths ofthe obstruction. If both these conditions are met, you can, without penalty, lift and clean your ball anddrop as near as possible to where it lay which is not nearer the hole and which avoids interference fromthe obstruction.So read through the specimen local rule on pages 130/31 and remember to check before you doanything that the appropriate rule is on the card. If not, there is no relief available.

DO YOU GET RELIEF?

President’s NotebookRon Kent takes a look back at some of

the events of the past eight weeksThe Annual General Meeting passed peacefully

enough withreasonableweather andsome excellenthospitalityprovided by TonyTyrrell’s staff atFynn Valley.One highlight wasour outgoingPresident MikeRees’, awardingthe WinstanleyTrophy, formeritoriousservice to Suffolkgolf, to Michael

Thomas. It was richly deserved, Michael havingserved as a member of the Executive Committeesome years back and an early, if not the first,Chairman of Suffolk Junior Golf. Since then,Michael has served the County well as our EcologyOfficer, developing and maintaining numerouscontacts with individuals and organisations in thatfield and regularly providing articles on the subject aswell as on the rules of golf for this magazine.

* * * * *It was also pleasing to be able to advise the meetingthat Mike Rees had generously offered his servicesas County Captain for the year, unanimouslyapproved by the Executive Committee. As I shall beexpected to be present at first team matches, I wishhim well and look forward to watching him at work inthis most challenging and time-consuming of posts.

* * * * *The AGM was the start of a hectic few daysinterrupted by my first trip to the new WembleyStadium where I witnessed an exciting rugbyPremiership match between Harlequins andSaracens. There was a tremendous atmospherewith, unbelievably for a rugby match, just under80,000 watching as my boyhood heroes, Quins,secured victory and the Aviva Premiership title. I soon managed to blot my Presidential copybookfirstly at Rookery Park on Monday and then, atWarley Park, the following days.Whilst out delivering the previous issue of Countymagazines, I bumped into Mike Rees at Rookery

Park who generously offered to buy me a coffee.Unfortunately, just before leaving, my wife, expectingme to be on the road and not sitting in a clubhousedrinking coffee, called me on my mobile. Withmobile phones banned in the clubhouse, it washighly embarrassing and I slunk out sheepishly,chilled by some searching looks.Obviously these Presidents think they can get awaywith anything!The next day, I took up the offer by Tony Garnett, ofEast Anglian Daily Times fame, of the offer of a liftdown to Warley Park in Essex to watch our Juniorsput up a valiant fight against the superior numbers ofEssex. With Tony having copy to send in, we leftjust before the end. As we crossed the car park,Tony realised he had left his car keys in the lockerroom, took off his John Motson type sheepskin coatand dropped it on the bonnet of a member’s 4x4.As sure as eggs are eggs, the said member wasapproaching his 4x4 at the time and, with Tony goneoff, I proceeded to endure a fierce Essex-man typetirade from the angry member.

* * * * *Lastly, my call for suggestions about the best holesin Suffolk seems to have fallen on deaf ears exceptfor one gentleman, Peter Gurney, a member atBungay and Waveney Valley, who briefly advised thethird at Thorpeness, for which I thank him. Althoughhe gave no explanation, it is regarded by many asthe signature hole, sweeping round past the tributaryof the Meare. Perhaps, if you are naming one of the greatest viewsin Suffolk golf, surely the sight of the House in the Clouds and the Windmill, behind the 18th at Thorpeness, must go close.

Michael Thomas withthe Winstanley trophy

14

Junior NewsMike Stevenson, Chair of SuffolkJunior Golf, reportsMay 8thAt the time of writing, winter coaching has but all beenconcluded with only one more session for the under 14soutstanding, and the playing season has begun.The under 16/18 went down to Essex and results werenot good. The under 18s only managed 1 point out of 9and not a point in the 3 foursomes matches. This did notsurprise the team manager. As a result, the coach and theteam manager have picked the 6 man squad for thematch in June in Surrey and have promoted 3 under 16players for this important event.The under 16’s did better with a result of 5.5 to 3.5 infavour of Essex. In the singles we had some good resultsfrom the younger members of the team, and I think thatif we had had Paul Warring available we would havewon the match.In the under 14’s Ian Woodhead has been very pleasedwith this squad for their commitment to the wintercoaching and expects 9 of the boys to be single figuresby the time the assessment come around in September.They had a new fixture with Sussex which was played at

Rookery Park and ended in defeat 12 to 4. It wasaccepted by the boys that they didn’t warm up properlyand were not as well prepared as their opponents, -lessons were learnt. We will change the winterprogramme next year to include more foursomesstrategy and on course management.Mike Rees gave a rules session with this squad at thelast coaching session, which was well received and wemay roll it out to all squads.We now have an additional page on the Suffolk GolfUnion website under the juniors section - The section –Junior Coaching - explains our coaching criteria towhich parents etc can have access and see how thesystems works and what our goals are.Finally we had a great success last Sunday with MattMann and Lewis Last, both members of the under 16squad, winning the Suffolk Foursomes at Woodbridge,There were also other creditable performances fromother members of the Suffolk junior squads.I would like to thank the team managers and members ofthe junior committee and the executive for giving uptheir time to support the winter coaching sessions.

Junior Club Team ChampionshipRound 2 results: Gorleston 89 lost to Newton Green 99,Stowmarket 78 beat Woodbridge 50, Aldeburgh 86 lostto Thorpeness 94, Fynn Valley 97 beat Bury St Edmunds

86, Rushmere 92 beat Bungay & WaveneyValley 85, West Suffolk 120 beat Diss 111and Felixstowe Ferry 85 lost to Ipswich 91.Quarter Final draw: West Suffolk v FynnValley, Stowmarket v Ipswich, RookeryPark v Thorpeness and Newton Green vRushmere. The winners of the competition will goforward to the Junior Champion ClubTournament over the Bracken Course atWoodhall Spa on 25th/26th August.

Junior Handicap CupRound 2 resultsRookery Park 31/2 beat Diss 21/2,Stowmarket 2 lost to Ufford Park 4,Felixstowe Ferry 31/2 beat Bury StEdmunds 21/2, Woodbridge 4 beat Haverhill2, Thorpeness 3 lost to Rushmere 3(Rushmere won at first extra hole), NewtonGreen and Fynn Valley had walkovers.Quarter Final draw: Ufford Park vWoodbridge, Felixstowe Ferry v Rushmere,Fynn Valley v West Suffolk or Ipswich andNewton Green v Rookery Park.The winners of the competition will goforward to the Regional Final of the HomeNations Junior Cup, usually held in Essexin October.

Suffolk Golf Union Junior Committee 2012Chairman Mike Stevenson

485 London Road South Tele: 01502 569765 Lowestoft Mobile: 07778 576008Suffolk NR33 0PD E-mail: mike@marysmithsolicitor.co.uk

Secretary Charles Wilderspin10A Chestnut Avenue Tele: 01502 588028Oulton Broad Mobile: 07921 102826 Lowestoft NR32 3JA E-mail: charles.wilderspin632@btinternet.co

ManagersUnder 18s Trevor Mason

Fells Cottage Tele: 01394 27433172 Ferry Road Mobile:Felixstowe IP11 9LU E-mail: trevor@mason72.fslife.co.uk

Under 16s Tony Watkins43 Bull Road Tele: 01473 713748Foxgrove Gardens Mobile 07710 763091Ipswich IP3 8GN E-mail: tonywatkins01@hotmail.co.uk

Under 15s Ian Woodhead29 Spire Close Tele: 01787 378733Sudbury Mobile: 07818 403020CO10 0PZ E-mail: i.woodhead@virgin.net

Under 14s John Morcombe Tele: 01394 386515The Old Chapel Mobile: 07899 791028Calder Road E-mail: jdmorco@msm.comMelton IP12 1TP

Head Coach Keith PrestonAldeburgh Golf Club Tele: 01728 453309Aldeburgh E-mail: preston901@btinternet.comSuffolk IP15 5PE

County Child Stuart McCallum Tele: 01473 782780Protection Officer

15

Busy Times for seniorsIt says much for the growing presence andimportance of seniors golfers in our golfing scenethat the County has, so far, used some 25 players inits four matches to date.With the Seniors League involving other Countiesjust about to get under way, times will get evenbusier.2nd April - Suffolk Senior’s v Kent Seniors atRochester and Cobham.Result: Kent 71/2 Suffolk 21/2Against arguably the strongest Mens seniors Teamin the country, Suffolk acquitted themselves well,Chris Wyatt and Tom Collett recording wins andChris Ginn getting a half.Suffolk Team: Roger Taylor, Geoff Henney, ChrisWyatt, Peter Wood, Keith Hayward, Tom Collett,Alan Garrett, Chris Ginn and Jon Marks (Captain). 16th April - Suffolk Seniors v Suffolk LadiesSeniors at Rushmere. Result: Suffolk Men won by 2 holesHambro scoring resulted in a win for the men by 2holes. George Irvine and David matter led the way,winning by seven holes with the Captain Jon Marksand David Duffell halving their game.Suffolk Team: James Gardiner and John Formston,Jim Cole and Simon Jamieson, George Irvine andDavid matter, David Duffell and Jon Marks(Captain).23rd April - Suffolk Seniors v Essex Seniors atWoodbridge.Result: Suffolk 5 Essex 7The match, played as 12 singles, resulted in anarrow victory for a strong Essex team.For Suffolk, David Duffell (3/2), Geoff Henney (5/4),Chris Ginn (2/1) and Peter Wood (2/1) all won theirgames.Suffolk Team: Keith Hayward, David Duffell, RickyLing, Geoff Henney, Dick Barton, Tom Collett, ChrisGinn, Peter Wood, Chris Wyatt, Charlie Woods, NickOwles and Jon Marks (Captain).14th May - Suffolk Seniors v BedfordshireSeniors at John O’Gaunt Golf ClubResult: Bedfordshire 8 Suffolk 7Played as 9-holes morning foursomes and 18-holesafternoon singlesBedford fielded two pairs short in the morning,giving Suffolk two points in an otherwise blankmorning for us. The ten singles in the afternoonyielded 5 points, Suffolk’s winners being JamesGardiner (6/5), Dick Barton (5/4), Peter Cooney(3/2), Chris Wyatt (4/3) and Jon Marks (4/4).Suffolk Team: Adrian Callaby, George Irvine, JamesGardiner, Jim Cole, Dick Barton, Mike Revett, PeterCooney, Alan Garrett, Chris Wyatt and Jon Marks(Captain).A feature of the afternoon round was a hole in oneby James Gardiner at the 190 yards par 3 4th hole.

Suffolk Schools’ GolfAssociation report

The SSGA season is now well under way. The Schools TeamChampionships were held at Hintlesham Hall GC on March27th when 21 teams took part. High scoring in the secondgroup out, Robert Salter(4) Kesgrave High 41 pts, JackNicholson(5) KEUS 39 pts and Lewis Staff (5) Leiston Highwith 40 pts set the standard for the day. Other high scoresfollowed with Josh Crane (24) Thomas Mills 43pts. So itremained until Will Boynton (21) Woodbridge B returned anincredible 47 pts and with team member Joshua Murton (6)already having returned a score of 35 gave their side the leadin the clubhouse with a team total of 82. This did not last forlong as Sam Byford of Kesgrave High just two groups backthen returned 43 pts giving his team 84 pts. Playing in the verylast group were two players Charlie Monk (10) Woodbridge Band Ewan Payne (25) Thomas Mills B who could possiblysnatch the title at the death. Tension ran high as thesupporters of the teams awaited but Charlie Monk came inwith 36 just one short of what was required and Ewan Payne

with 33 was not able to produce the 41 his team required.So final result was Kesgrave High A become SSGA TeamChampions receiving the Ransomes Jacobsen cup andqualifying for the ESGA Team Championships at WoodhallSpa in July. Woodbridge School B was second and KesgraveHigh B in third place.The next event to be organised by SSGA is the South East ofEngland Schools’ Championships, sponsored by NASUWTTeachers’ Union, to be held at Bury St Edmunds GC onWednesday June 6th. This 36 hole competition sees top golfersfrom 5 counties trying to qualify for the National Schools’Championships. Suffolk boys will be represented by MarkFosker, Paul Waring, Josh Robertson & Jack Nichols and thegirls by Lily Kent, Lottie Wyman & Abbie Symonds. JohnLogan, Kyle Proctor, Dan Smailes & Melissa Schroeder arealso entered as individuals. From this competition 11 boys and5 girls will be nominated to go through to the NationalChampionships to be held at Kendleshire GC inGloucestershire on June 25th.The SSGA Area competitions are to be held as follows:North at Halesworth GC on July 2nd, West at Haverhill GC onJuly 4th and South at Fynn Valley GC on July 5th. Entry to allthese competitions is through the schools which receive entryforms and details before half-term. The County Championship,entry is by invitation of the committee, is to be held at PurdisHeath GC on October 10th.

Kesgrave winners (l to r) Sam Byford, MarcusRidley and Robert Salter

16

With Mike Rees taking over as first team Captain in2012, expectations were high as the County Men gottheir season under way.However, despite all the permutations applied by ourCaptain to the final scores, the Men unquestionablysuffered defeat in their opening game by a Ladies Teamwhich has high hopes for their season this year.Played over the delightful Royal Worlington andNewmarket links on a lovely day which, for once,offered the men the chance of shirt-sleeved order, fourpairs took each other on playing foursomes.A formidable looking ladies pair, Wendy Airey andVanessa Bell, both recently returned from theprofessional ranks, beat second team captain AndyCollett and County regular Adam Woodhead by 2 up.The young pairing of Calvin Sherwood and ChrisVince gave the Men hope, levelling things up beatingAmanda Norman and Blaize Esmond 1 up in game 2.That, as they say, was that for the men as theuncharitable ladies took the two remaining matches.The two Sarahs, Saggers and Howe, beat SamRenville and Chris Bartrum 2 up and the fourth pair forthe ladies, combining the experience of Lotti Edmundswith the youthfulness of debut-making Lily Kent, sentthe men on the way with a victory by 1 up over TrevorTitcombe and Toby Spink.The match was a good warm-up for the forthcomingseason, made all the moreenjoyable by the usual plates ofsandwiches and irresistible, calorie-busting cakes.The Men moved on to Rushmerefor the annual match against theprofessionals. Playing fourfoursomes and Hambro scoring,results were mixed. Mike Reesgave the highly-promising MatthewMann his first outing at this level,partnering the experienced NathanOverton in the front game.Lawrence Dodd, recently on tour,and Andrew Robinson put theirexperience to good use and won 3up.The Men quickly took the wind outof the professional sails, PhilWestley and Josh Cottrell

accounting for Robin Mann and Tony Dobson by 7holes. Men four ahead in the clubhouse.Things got even better for the men in game 3, twomembers of the County Coaching staff, Keith Prestonand Robert Joyce, on the receiving end of a lessonthemselves this time, losing 3 down. Men 7 up withone game to go and celebrations imminent!The Haverhill pros, Paul Wilby and Ollie Rush spoiltthe party, bringing the men down to earth with a matchwinning eight up. Men 1 down, celebrationscancelled! Mike Rees chose to forget the Hambroscoring and claimed a 2-2 draw. The pros would havenone of it and everyone retired to Sean Payne’sexcellent buffet.With the start of the Anglian League programme just afew weeks away, it was an inspired move by MikeRees to have a match against the Felixstowe FerryHambro team, scene of the first team’s match againstCambridgeshire one week later. Giving bundles ofshots, the result was less important than the coursefamiliarisation. It was to stand the County team ingood stead the following week.Our opening Anglian League game, over the seasidelinks, was against Cambridgeshire and, true to form,we found ourselves subdued at lunch time, coming in,somewhat typically, 3-1 down after the morningfoursomes, our top pair, Westley and Cardy picking upa lone point.

Suffolk Men get their season under wayRon Kent takes a look at the opening matches

Fosker and Cottrell, winners at Seacroft

What a revelation after lunch as the team picked itselfup and stormed home by 61/2 to 11/2 in the singles.Result Suffolk 71/2, Cambridgeshire 41/2 and pure joy!Suffolk Team: Jack Cardy and Phil Westley(bothHintlesham), Ben Wallis and Chris Soanes (bothRookery Park), Nathan Overton (Hintlesham), AlastairHall (Bungay and Waveney Valley), Ryan Talbot(Newton Green) and Chris Vince (Haverhill).Things went the other way for the second team atBourn, leading 3-1 at lunch but losing the singles 61/2 -11/2.And so on to Seacroft, Lincolnshire for the Eastern InterCounties Foursomes, a challenging weekend foreveryone, whether playing or not!With our reluctance (or is it out of generosity to ouropponents) to gather twomany points from foursomesmatches, we made our usualunrewarding start, gatheringjust two points out of ten inSaturday’s morning roundagainst Northamptonshireand Norfolk, both matcheslost 4-1. The one brightspot was the two victoriesby our young pairing MarkFosker and Josh Cottrell.Disappointed players andofficials alike took a crumbof comfort from the fact thatNottinghamshire had putdown their marker to takehome the Wooden Spoon.The afternoon got a better,halving withCambridgeshire 21/2 eachand beating luckless Notts31/2-11/2.Sunday morning promisedtwo more tough matchesagainst Essex andLincolnshire. We halvedwith Essex, a notablevictory being by AndyCollett and Chris Vinceagainst former SuffolkCounty players Scott Braceand Owen Pearl. Scott, aformer Suffolk Amateur andOpen Champion, has justreturned from a four-yeargolf scholarship in America,whilst Owen won the

17

TRIAL 3 MONTHMEMBERSHIP

£99£99Terms and conditions apply

MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE IN ALL CATEGORIESSOCIETIES WELCOME SO DON'T DELAY BOOK TODAY!

Suffolk Amateur Championship in 2008.Against Lincolnshire, perhaps predictably, we wentdown 4-1, the point gained by Nathan Overton andAlastair Hall winning 5 and 4.The final games on Sunday afternoon were againstBedford and Leicestershire, both yielding 2 points.Our final tally was 151/2 points, just 1/2 point ahead ofNottinghamshire in the race for the dreaded woodenspoon.Points scored by Suffolk players at Seacroft:Nathan Overton and Alastair Hall 41/2, Josh Cottrelland Mark Fosker 41/2, Chris Vince and Andy Collett31/2, Jack Cardy and Phil Westley 3, Chris Soanes andBen Wallis 0.Once again, Lincolnshire finished Champions by 3points over Leicestershire.

18

Know Your ProThis month we featurePaul WPaul WilbyilbyHead Professional atHaverhill Golf ClubWhen I started this series, I realisedit was necessary to book “a half-hourlesson” with any professional I wasgoing to talk with in order that wecould concentrate withoutinterruption on his life as a pro sofar. In Paul Wilby’s case, 30minutes was hopelessly inadequateso various have been his activitiesfar in his chosen profession so far. Ialso quickly realised that an article ofthis nature could only scratch thesurface of a busy life in golf.Paul, now an early quadragenarian,was born in Colchester where hespent his early school years, hisinterest in golf, like many, beingacquired as he “ball-watched” for hisfather. Inevitably, at the age ofnine, dad gave him his head and bythe time he reached the age of 15,Paul was playing off a handicap of 3,recording a record 4 under par scoreat his club Manifold, now Five Lakes.Paul started on his career in professional golf atQuietwaters where he came into contact with twotop-class teaching professionals, Dennis Pugh andDavid Leadbetter, the latter perhaps best known forworking with Nick Faldo when he decided to rebuildhis swing in the early nineties. Paul’s contact withthese two coaches taught him a lot and,subsequently employed by Stapleford Abbottsprofessional and a PGA Director Alan Walker, hequalified as a PGA professional in 1993.He spent the years between 1995 and 1999playing tournament golf and spending some threemonths each year in Brunei, where he wasinvolved in the making of private golf films for theSultan’s nephew at the family’s private golf course.The nephew was a sport fanatic and, for the films,Paul interviewed a whole host of famous nameswho were invited to play there. The Who’s Whoincluded cricketers Ian Botham and Viv Richards,Kevin Keegan of football fame and top golfers like

Sandy Lyle, Bernard Gallacher and Sam Torranceto name but a few.1997 was a great year for Paul, winning on theFutures Tour at Royal Norwich and capturing theSuffolk Open Championship. In a Hippo Tourevent at The Warwickshire he came second, oneplace ahead of Ian Poulter.In 1999, after a spell at Hintlesham, Paul settled atFynn Valley where he was Head Professional until

September 2008, when hemoved to his presentlocation at Haverhill.I put the inevitable questionsexpected of these interviews.Paul considers Tiger Woodsto be the greatest golfer ofall time. He acknowledgesthat Jack Nicklaus won moretournaments but consideredthe competition was notquite so numerous or fiercethen.Paul’s top teaching tip wasgenerous, giving us two forthe price of one. Keep yourhead still and maintain yourrhythm. In his view rhythmis often sacrificed by tryingto hit the ball too hard.His best hole in Suffolkmirrored one of mysuggestions two issues ago,the fourth at Hintlesham.Miss the par 3 on the left

and it could be a reload, miss right and trees couldbe a problem, assuming you can find the ball in thefirst place!For those thinking of turning pro, again he wasgenerous. Practice hard and try to be popular, agreat plus point when seeking that first job in theprofessional ranks.Paul’s interests away from golf include snooker(highest break 42) and the occasional game oftennis on the rare occasion when time allows.As for work, Paul’s CV includes the Chairmanshipof the Suffolk PGA and Captain of the East Region.With an increasing activity in the schools aroundand a thriving junior section, things are lookinggood right now for this highly popular professional.Thanks for the hour and a half we chatted Paul.Great value!

by Ron Kent

19

Ron Kent reviews firstround matches and somesecond round prospects

Hambro CupWhether any results were affected by the absence often top players on duty at the Eastern Inter CountiesFoursomes event at Seacroft over the sameweekend, we shall never know although I suspectmost, if not all, would have been picked torepresent their clubs if they had been available.With seven byes, the nine resulting matches,making up round 1, gave some ammunition for twolobbies, the neutral course proponents and thoseseeking a return to ? combined handicaps.The lone winners away from their home track were Disswho overcame The Suffolk by one hole, a very good winbearing in mind The Suffolk have been quite successful inthis competition in recent years.Stowmarket came close to overturning Rookery Park’shome advantage, going down by four holes overRookery’s testing course. Holders Southwold got throughat home to Hintlesham by 18 and none of the other gameswere won by a margin less than double figures.In the second round draw, holders Southwold are at hometo Woodbridge whilst Haverhill face a difficult trip topowerful Ipswich. Diss are rewarded with a home tieagainst Brett Vale whilst the derby match of the day is atRookery Park, drawn to play Gorleston.Full 2nd round draw is Ipswich v Haverhill, Southwold vWoodbridge, Waldringfield v Rushmere, Diss v Brett Vale,Rookery Park v Gorleston, Aldeburgh v Felixstowe Ferry, Becclesv Bury St Edmunds and Flempton v Bungay & Waveney Valley.

Tolly Cobbold CupTwo games went the way of the visitors, Stowmarketwinning by 14 at St Clements and The Suffolk securingvictory at Cretingham by 2 holes. Over their delightful 9-hole course, an enthusiastic Flempton overcame holdersFelixstowe Ferry by 9 and Thorpeness put paid toAldeburgh’s hopes, winning at home by 16.In round 2, Fynn Valley have a tricky tie at Seckford,Flempton have a long journey to Halesworth as doWaldringfield who travel to Haverhill. Rookery Park’srecent good fortune in Cup draws came to an end with thenews they have to travel a few miles down the road toSouthwold.2nd round draw is: Seckford v Felixstowe Ferry, Southwold vRookery Park, Haverhill v Waldringfield, The Suffolk v Beccles,Thorpeness v St Audry’s, Halesworth v Flempton, Brett Vale vIpswich and Hintlesham v Stowmarket.

The two Seniors match play competitions, the Parks andBeaumont, continue to grow in popularity, the Parksattracting 24 clubs and the Beaumont 27.

Parks TrophyIpswich, previous winners in 2009, won away at Diss by2 holes and Stowmarket, previous winners in 2007 wonby 10 at St Audry’s. Other games were fairly evenlycontested, the narrowest win being by the holdersRookery Park by one hole at home to Ufford Park.The second round sees a long trip for Flempton, thistime to Gorleston, whilst the luck of the draw held upfor Rookery Park who entertain Thorpeness, winners ofthe Trophy in its inaugural year 2006 and again in 2006.Full 2nd round draw: Waldringfield v Bury St Edmunds,Gorleston v Flempton, Cretingham v Woodbridge, Southwold vFelixstowe Ferry, Stowmarket v Halesworth, Rookery Park vThorpeness, Hintlesham v Seckford and Ipswich v NewtonGreen.

Beaumont TrophyIn the longer handicap Beaumont Trophy, holdersStowmarket were favoured with a bye in round 1 whilstinaugural winners Brett Vale won a potentially difficultaway match at The Suffolk by 16 holes and travel again,, this time to Gorleston in round 2Thorpeness went out by 6 at Beccles who now have agargantuan task when they travel to holders RookeryPark in round 2.The closest game in round 1 was at Fynn Valley wherevisitors Newton Green won by 2 holes. Newton’sreward is a home match against Bury St Edmunds.Beaumont 2nd round draw: Gorleston v Brett Vale, Stowmarketv Rushmere, Haverhill v Hintlesham, Halesworth vWaldringfield, Rookery Park v Beccles, Newton Green v BurySt Edmunds, Bungay and Waveney Valley v Woodbridge andIpswich v St Clements.

Phil Westley, Jack Cardy and Nathan Overton, away for Hambro

County Match Play News

SOUTHWOLD GOLF CLUBEst 1884

COUNTRY MEMBERSHIPS £260MUST LIVE MORE THAN 25 MILES FROM SOUTHWOLD

SUNDAY AFTERNOON MEMBERS £120

SUMMER £18.00 £18.00 FROM 3.30pmNO JOINING FEE

SOCIETIES WELCOME

FOR FURTHER DETAILS AND TO CHECK AVAILABILITY CALL

01502 723790 or 01502 723248Email: mail@southwoldgolfclub.co.uk

Limited membership available

Championship NewsJust one Suffolk County Championship has been decidedso far, being the Amateur Foursomes held at Woodbridgeon 29th April.Invariably in recent seasons, entries for this event havebeen disappointed, the main emphasis in Suffolk andbeyond being more and more on individual stroke playcompetitions.This was further evidenced when the attempt to start aSeniors Foursomes Championship was aborted althoughgiven apparent support when former President Mike Reesmooted the idea to senior golfers at the 2011 stroke playchampionship.On this occasion, entries were at the highest level forseveral years, fifty-nine pairs setting out on the 36-holeevent.With such a cold and wet spring, it was no surprise thatthe weather at Woodbridge ran true to recent form and thestart of the afternoon round particularly began in direst ofconditions. With greens quickly puddling up, theChampionship Committee were close to suspending playuntil things improved but some quick work with thesqueegees by Mike Rees and his on course colleagueskept things moving. The County now states that entrants are expected to play36 holes, whatever the outcome of their first rounds.With almost 60% of the field returning 85 or higher andone disqualification in the morning and in view of thatearly afternoon weather, it was nevertheless somewhatsurprising that no pair conjured up a plausible reason whythat expectation should not be fulfiled and all 59 pairsduly set out, albeit no doubt reluctantly in several cases, tocontest round 2. Fortunately the weather eventually relented and, in fact,improved to the point of evening sunshine as the lastfinishers came in. Five pairs set the morning pace, the County second teampair, Dean Fairweather and Trevor Titcome from Bury StEdmunds, setting the marker with an excellent 72 gross.County juniors featured strongly in the chasing pack,young Paul Waring teaming up with County evergreenplayer Neil Meadows to place the Felixstowe Ferry pairsecond just two shots behind. Regular first team playersand early favourites Jack Cardy and Phil Westley fromHintlesham stood third on 75 alongside youngsters CalvinSherwood and Same Jaggard (Southwold) and Lewis Staff(Thorpeness) and Matthew Mann (Woodbridge).The challenges by the Bury St Edmunds pair (86) and theSouthwold duo (82) evaporated after lunch. Meadowsand Waring slipped to 76 for 150, Westley and Cardy didnothing wrong to return 74 making 149 but an excellentround by juniors Mann and Staff (72 making 147) gavethe youngsters victory by two shots, despite droppingthree shots over the last two holes.

An excellent score of71 by Josh Cottrell(Ipswich) and JasperJohnson in round 2could not quitecompensate for themorning 79 neithercould a 73 added totheir morning 83 bythe Hintlesham pairRobert Salter andKevin Brooks, theformer Director ofCricket for the SuffolkCounty CricketAssociation. Final top placings:1. Lewis Staff(Thorpeness) and Matthew Mann (Woodbridge) 75 + 72= 1472. Jack Cardy and Phil Westley (Hintlesham) 75 + 74 =149 3= Josh Cottrell (Ipswich) and Jasper Johnson

(Woodbridge) 79 + 71 = 1503= Neil Meadows and Paul Waring (Felixstowe

Ferry) 74 + 76 = 150.The Championship Tour now moves on to Halesworth forthe Suffolk Amateur Championship on Sunday, 10th June,followed by the Suffolk Amateur Match PlayChampionship for the top sixteen available qualifiers overthe same course the following weekend.

Matt Mann and Lewis Staff

22

The NewGolfingEtiquette?There will be many in authority that seem reluctant tochange with the current times and economic climate – thisis not just in the world but also within golf.While on the one hand trying to maintain the traditions ofa wonderful sport that has been played for centuries, onthe other hand trying to ensure that it appeals to ayounger generation of players that also need to be excitedabout playing the game and developing a love for thesport that will last for their lifetime.As a golf professional for over 20 years, I have seenfirsthand how this has dramatically changed recently.My recollections of watching golf in the 1980s on TVwas “Around with Allis” or coverage of “The Open” withplayers wearing clothing that would ONLY be worn on agolf course. This year there is now opportunity to watchgolf on TV in HD with every aspect captured in minutedetail on slow motion cameras being beamed round theworld and replayed on Youtube within minutes of a tweet.This has begun to infiltrate itself into the modern gamewith mobile phones being used on the course, not only foremergencies but recording golf shots and rules decisions.Many phones can now also be relied upon as rangefinders– giving the player exact yardages. Should this beallowed? How can it be monitored?Is there a problem with a player taking a call – as long asthey do not hold up play or put other players off bytalking too loudly? What about the use of phones in theclubhouse? Most established clubs will have a ban ofphones in the clubhouse but more of the lifestyle clubswill allow there use provided that they are used politelywith other guests in mind – my own view is that it is notthe equipment that is the problem but the user that showsno respect for the others in the room when their ring tonegoes off and then has a conversation that all in thebuilding can hear! A polite” excuse me I really need totake this call” and then moving outside or to another areashould be more than sufficient.Which brings us to the delicate subject of clothing in theclubhouse: what is and what isn’t acceptable. The

traditionalist will argue that all players should changeout of their golfing clothes, have a shower beforechanging into a jacket and tie before having lunch andthen relaxing in the lounge. Whilst I agree that standingat the bar next to someone who has perspired from along walk around the course and has not freshened up isnot something that I agree with, many golfers are tryingto fit their golf into a half day activity these days ratherthan the whole day that previous generations would havedone. My pet hate is golfers wearing hats indoors – itnever rains and it is rare to have to shield your eyes fromthe bright sunshine – can’t understand that one – maybethe younger golfers can explain it to me!!I understand that golf clubs need to be accommodatingas too rigid dress code around the bar and restaurantswill drive players away from these areas and detractfrom the club making some money on their food anddrink operations but there has to be a sensible norm. Isthere a norm for most clubs? My experience is that mostgolf clubs would expect golfers to wear jeans, hoodies,combat/cargo outerwear, football/rugby shirts or oneswith huge numbers on the back! Shorts would ideally betailored with pockets (not something that may have beenworn at the beach!).In regard to footwear, my assumption is that norespectful club would entertain the idea of Trainers (withthe possible exception of junior golfers that can change 3sizes in a season!) – although this is now beingchallenged by some of the new pimple soled “lifestyle”shoes worn by some golfers which allows theopportunity for the wearer to move around the courseand buildings without the need to change.I believe that the golfing public at large are changing andthat time is now the most precious commodity so thatthose with less time will be drawn to a place that allowsmore freedom for them to fit golf into their dailypatterns. There will always be a place (and a club) forthose players that prefer the traditional aspects of whatbeing a golf member in its truest form entails. Usuallythis would be those that would feel happier relaxing in atie and blazer rather than chinos and a polo shirt.My own view is that as long as the traditions of thegame are respected by all, the manner in which eachplayer conducts themselves and the polite etiquette thatis shown towards all golfers of different ages andgenders should be placed higher than the clothing thatthey wear. If we play the game how it was intended to beplayed, other indiscretions can be forgiven.

Stuart RobertsonHead PGA Golf Professional

Ufford Park Hotel Golf & Spa

Comments and opinions on this subject would be most welcome.suffolkgolfer@aspects.net

23

Peter Ballingall

@LETTER FROM SPAINIt has been almost eight and a half years living and working in Spain! How quickly the time passes by!Mrs. B. and I, during this time, have worked hardlearning the language and we both feel thatmuch progress has been made. I mean that Mrs.B. now uses VERBS which, in itself, is a majorbreakthrough and that she is understoodeverywhere she goes is really good!I must teach my Spanish Clients in Spanish and,because I want to improve my own Spanish, Iask them to correct me if I say somethingincorrectly - but they never do! It is not, believeme, that my Spanish is perfect it is because theyunderstand me. "No, no, te entiendoperfectamente, dicen" ["I understand youperfectly" they say]. Well, that is good but Iwould still like to speak better Spanish!!The problem that we both have, Mrs. B. and I, isthat in Andalucia they speak really BAD Spanish!The speak quickly. If there are more than threein a group they all speak at the same time [noone listens]! They cut off the end of the wordthat gives one the gender, the tense and thenumber! They do not articulate!I was enjoying a free moment on the terrace atthe Club recently and, sitting at the next table,there were three Spaniards holding aconversation. Every single word spoken wasarticulated perfectly and clearly, so that, althoughI was eavesdropping, I understood everythingsaid. They were speaking Castellaño - fromMadrid. After a while I was moved to speak to them!"Siento molestaros" I said "pero me gustaría quela gente de Andalucía habló claramente comoUstedes" [I wish that the people from Andalucíaspoke as clearly as you!].Of course, we engaged in conversation whichwas most enjoyable and, discovering that I am aScot, they told me of visits they had made there.The Spanish have a fondness for the Irish andthe Scots and show no hesitation in inviting themto una copa de algo and, before we knew it we,sort of, became friends!! It was a very pleasant

interlude. They understoodme and I them; brilliant!The next day on theinstructions of Mrs. B. I wentto the optician to have aneye test. Men know how it is; they put up withcertain things as they grow older. They seldom, ifever, voluntarily go to a Doctor to find out howthings are whilst women forever put themselvesthrough all manner of horrible tests to make surethings are OK!Men take the view that "I was never diabetic untilI went to the Doctor", or "I never had bloodpressure, cholesterol, prostate problems UNTIL IWENT TO THE DOCTOR"!! Stupid, probably, butit is how the majority of us men feel!!OK, so an Eye Test is not life-threatening nor toopainful to endure, so off I went and, OK, I didneed a new prescription but the point of the storyis that, having lived here all these years, I did notunderstand more than 30% of what the niceOptician was saying to me. When he sloweddown to "just rapid" I managed to get the gist ofwhat he recommended so that we could moveon.Don't get me wrong! Andalucía is a beautiful partof Spain. The climate, the local cuisine, thewarmth of the people and the relaxed attitude toeverything is very enjoyable. It is only a pity thatthey alone know and understand what they aretalking about!!!Maybe I should put up a sign that says Se hablanCastellaño e Ingles aquí - "Proper Spanish and English are spoken here"!!

Ah well, enjoy!!

Contact me, Peter Ballingallat: Apartado de Correos 101

21450 Cartaya (Huelva) ESPAÑAPHONE: (0034) 959 02 42 42 or

E-mail: pballingall@golfelrompido.esWebsite: www.peterballingall.com

TThheettffoorrddGGoollff CClluubb

IN OUR CENTENARY YEAR THETFORD AREPLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE FOLLOWING

SPECIALS FOR THE WHOLE OF 2012LIKE TO PLAY MORE AT THETFORD?

PLAY EVERY DAY!FULL MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE -

TWELVE MONTHS FOR £500 A joining fee is payable.

OUR CHALLENGING COURSE IS SET IN THE MAGNIFICENTBRECKLAND FOREST AND IS COVERED IN PINE, OAK AND BIRCH

TREES. THE COURSE WAS RECENTLY HIGHLIGHTED BY GOLFMONTHLY AS ONE OF THE TOP 100 HIDDEN GEMS IN THE UK

PLAY REGULARLY!BRECKLAND MEMBERSHIP

AVAILABLE FROM £175WANT TO BELONG TO A SECOND CLUB? – DOES YOUR COURSECLOSE IN THE WET WINTER MONTHS? HAVE TIME OR INCOME

RESTRICTIONS? NOT A CLUB MEMBER ALREADY?THEN THIS IS THE MEMBERSHIP FOR YOU

PLAY OCCASIONALLY! THEN VISIT OUR WEB SITE

www.thetfordgolfclub.co.ukTO BOOK YOUR TEE TIME ONLINE YOU CAN NOW CHOOSE THE

VERY BEST TEE TIME AND PRICE FOR WHEN YOU WANT TO PLAYFOR DETAILS OF ALL OUR OFFERS PLEASE CONTACT

The Secretary on 01842 752169 secretary@thetfordgolfclub.co.uk

The first ceremonyto mark the clubsCentenary tookplace on Sunday15th April 2012 at12 noon, whenmembers gatheredto see the newflag raised by ClubCaptain GeraldJones and LadiesCaptain AlisonJones.

As the clubs’first husbandand wife toserve in thesame year, theyare used toworking as ateam.Once the flagwas flutteringproudly above

the clubhouse the Centenary Chairman KeithEldred and Club President Chris Crimmen,unveiled the magnificent granite plaque thatshould stand at the entrance to the club for atleast another 100 years!!

The club have planned a week of events tocommemorate their Centenary from 17th – 24thJune 2012.

CCEENNTTEENNAARRYY CCEELLEEBBRRAATTIIOONNSSBBEEGGIINN AATT TTHHEETTFFOORRDD

FULL MEMBERSHIPA special offer for centenary membership is £500for 12 months from the date of joining.An entrance fee is payable – this can be spreadover 5 years, then after a year membership, willrevert to the 2013 rate for the rest of that year.BRECKLAND MEMBERSHIPThetford broke new ground in 2006 offering a verysuccessful format for joining a club, where the costof playing golf is directly related to the amount oftimes you play. This style of Membership dispenseswith the traditional costs associated with joining agolf club and offers an easy and affordable way ofplaying one of the best courses in East Anglia.Breckland Membership starts at £175 a year.

WANT TO BOOK A TEE TIME?In yet another step forward Thetford are making iteasier for visitors to choose the very best tee timeand price that is best for them, when they want toplay. Visit www.thetfordgolfclub.co.uk and youwill be able to see all the tee times available tobook from the premium morning rate to the reallyheavily discounted twilight rates.There are also Country, Military, Academy andSocial Memberships.

To join this friendly and welcoming clubplease phone The Secretary on 01842752169

or for more information go towww.thetfordgolfclub.co.uk

Although Thetford is 100 years old, it is a progressive club thatrealises in the 21st Century there is a need to have a wide variety

of memberships to suit all needs and offer a slot for everyone.

26

Ufford Park Hotel Golf & Spa, Woodbridge IP2 1QW

Doctor Golf is here to answer any minor or major questionsor queries, if you have something to ask, please send to Stuart Robertson Head PGA Golf Professionalmail@doctorgolf.co.uk or ring 01394 383480

New season - New goals- New you!

Now that the golfing season has begun, many returninggolfers will be dusting off their equipment and maynotice one or more of the following;A) the mice have eaten through the golf bagB) the trolley battery has leaked by being in the damp

garageC) all the grips have become hard and slipperyD) the waterproofs that were stuffed into the bag

while wet have begun to rotE) all of the gloves have gone hardF) the toes of the shoes have curled up and gone

crustyIt is amazing how much better you will feel about yourgame if you can sort out some of the issues above.The feel of a new glove holding onto new grips or a newset of irons can really develop more confidence incontrolling the club.Lacing up new shoes that fit your feet with a completeset of spikes will help you to feel in control of yourselfby giving you more support during your swing.The new bag with more pockets allows me to storeeverything in its own place – no more pencils or sharpwooden tees under the fingernail while trying to find amarker!!A set of waterproofs is now a great option as the pricesare severely reduced as the threat of a hosepipe bansthreatens!It is a great time to get yourself kitted out ready to playyour best golf this season.With many “play better golf” gadgets now on the marketand opportunities daily to YouTube different teachingclips there is no shortage of advice on HOW to do it –we need to remember WHY we are doing it! Re-discover the feelings that brought you to the game inthe first place and the joy and excitement you had at thestart.

Bunkered for Charity!Members of Haverhill Golf Club raised over £1100 for theAlzheimer’s Society, when they purchased a bunker‘season ticket’ from Haverhill Club Captain for 2011, KeithBrown, for his chosen charity Alzheimer’s Society. Acheque presentation was made at the Golf Club, to LocalAlzheimer’s Manager, Jade Rolph, who thanked the GolfClub and she commented “Although fundraising is fun itcan also be very hard work, and Haverhill Golf Club shouldbe very proud that they have raised a staggering £1141.67.Alzheimer’s Society is honoured to have been chosen asthe beneficiary of their efforts. Without the fundraisingefforts of groups like Haverhill Golf Club we would beunable to continue our vital work. "To raise funds during his year as Captain, Keith Brown,now Vice President of the Golf Club, was inspired by aprevious Captain, who years ago put a jar on the bar in theClubhouse and if you went into the bunker on the par 3second hole, you were asked to put some spare coins inthe jar, which then became known as the Captains Bunkerand subsequently raised lots of money for good causes.Keith added ‘I just built on that theme and sold an annualseason ticket for £5. The certificate was a grand affairdesigned by our Manager Karen Wilby, then signed by boththe Ladies Captain Marian Mercer and myself, thecertificate title was ‘You have been bunkered’. Keith added“on the Captain’s Drive In back in April 2011, we hoped itwould go well but the members just queued up to buy acertificate with their name on, it was overwhelming”. Hecontinued “I have since learned many have displayed themin pride of place. It has been great fun for all and createdlots of jocularity. My thanks go out to the members for theircontinued generosity to raise funds for the debilitatingAlzheimer’s that affects so many people.”

L to R: Doreen Darbey Lady Captain, Rob Viney, JadeRolph Local Alzheimer’s Manager, Gordon Price ViceCaptain, Keith Brown Vice President, David ChapmanClub President and Mick Couzins.

Twilight Golf? Summer Deals?Don’t miss your share ofthe fairweather golfers!

July/Aug - out on 1st August.suffolkgolfer@aspects.net

27

SLCGA Suffolk Ladies County Golf AssociationCurrent Officers:

President: Mrs Pippa Beak Tel: 01449 781261;Captain: Mrs Sheila Jarvis Tel: 01394 448537;

Hon Secretary: Mrs Jeanette Longman Tel 01394450939; Hon Treasurer: Miss Hermione Scrope Tel

01359 232618; EWGA Representative: Mrs AnneArcher Tel 01728 685315; Handicap

Adviser/Chairman of Governing Body: Ms AnnGraves Tel 01394 411020; Contact for Junior Golf:

Mrs Judy Hamshere Tel 01284 386207; SeniorOrganiser: Mrs Liz Robinson, Tel: 01284 752818.Scratch Score Assessor: Mrs Sue Cook Tel 01728688406. All other personnel may be found on theCounty website at www.suffolkladiesgolf.org.uk.

How Far To Go?Many golfers have equipped themselves with a GPS orDMD (distance measuring device) of one sort or another,measuring length of shot to the green and, seeing whichway the wind was blowing as it were, much deliberationtook place about the rights and wrongs of allowing theiruse in competition. Eventually, they were sanctioned,proving to be of great benefit to many, though some stillregret the passing of hand and eye judgment.|Now, when it is possible to buy a similar app for amobile phone, things have gone a step further. Anyonewho is considering one for their phone should take thison board! It may be used on the golf course incompetition only if there is no other app on the phonethat could be construed as an 'aid to an improved score’. Even if those other apps are not used, should they beavailable the phone’s owner will be disqualified.Possible infringing subjects might be information onwind/weather, or presumably any links to golfing adviceof some kind. It seems that the best thing to do to save mishaps orembarrassment would be to leave any such loadedmobile phone in the clubhouse. In fact, as far as therecent County Championships were concerned, the use ofa mobile phone as a GPS or DMD during thecompetition was banned. Players who needed to taketheir mobile phone with them for emergencies wereinstructed to keep them in their golf bag and turned off. It remains to be seen whether using a mobile phone as aDMD will be acceptable during the upcoming CountyMatch Week. At the time of writing, EWGA were‘strongly recommending’ that it will not.

No pressure now we’re older,but…The golfing seniors of the county are an enthusiastic lotand they enjoy competition as much as they ever did.Perhaps they play their matches a little more light-heartedly than during their younger days, but they are noless keen to win. For some years, they have been playing four-ball-better-ball matches against Norfolk, Cambs & Hunts,Bedfordshire and Essex and Suffolk’s Senior Men, andgreat fun they are. There has also been an annualfoursomes match against the Suffolk Vets, who runadditional competitions for the members of theirAssociation.Innovative ideas for using up the surplus energy haveseen the Seniors Stroke and Matchplay Championshipsand the inter-club Suffolk Senior Shield added to thisyear’s calendar.

The Championships are a scaled down version of theCounty Championships, requiring competitors to play an18-hole medal for the Strokeplay Championship witheight to qualify for the Matchplay stage. The minimumrequirement of twelve entrants aged 55 and older wasjust met, enabling the event to go ahead, but perhapsthere will be more next year given a retrospectivethumbs up from this year’s participants. The Suffolk Senior Shield is a four-ball-better-ball inter-club competition for those aged 60 and over on January1st. Each team fields four pairs, with a top handicaplimit of 24 per player for an 18-hole match, Hambroscoring There are a few other rules and regs, of coursebut, so far as one can see, it’s proving an enjoyableformat. The final will be played on a neutral course.More about that when we get there.

FINE & COUNTRYServing Norfolk and North SuffolkFREE ADVERTISING AND

SPONSORSHIP OF AMIXED COMPETITION

in their Club, in exchange for a smallstand in the Clubhouse to carry a very

select, top market property magazine. Thisis all FREE of CHARGE and

MAINTENANCE FREE, so if you areinterested please ring John Howard on

01603 221888, quoting Suffolk & NorfolkGolfer. (see page 2)

AT RUSHMERE GOLF CLUB, Bob Barnes achieved his 1st Hole in One at the Par 3, 8th hole, 134 yards using a 6 iron. Bob has been a member since 1969 and his playing partners on the day were;

L to R, Ivan Pipe, Bill Morris, Bob Barnes and Tony Daynes.

In spite of the weather a lot of golfhas been played ! One of thebenefits of playing on a nine holecourse is that its not so far to runwhen the thunder starts!As usual we played East AnglianDaily Times, and for only the secondtime in 30 years, we lost. TonyGarnett played on both theseoccasions (?) so obviously he wasleading from the front (although hispair lost).The Seniors have had narrow lossesagainst Seckford and Walderingfieldthen the match at Halesworth was cancelled (ducks were swimming in the bunkers!)The ladies also chose a wet day for their second Open Event, which attracted 32 players, nine holes werecompleted before the towel (very wet) was thrown in and they came in. The prizes were raffled and thefood was a dominant feature of the day, which helped keep spirits up. The two winners from the nine holesplayed are Margie Kitson from Woodbridge on the left, St Audrys ladies Captain Margaret Ramsey andJennie Lummis from Cretingham.Although we have had a wet spring the course has not been closed and the very hard work, and notinconsiderable cost, has been seen to be very worthwhile. The greens Committee and our GreenkeeperMike Eades, are to be congratulated on the results they have achieved.

News from St Audrysfrom Doug Devonshire

The Linton Enterprise ClassicAt Haverhill Golf Club, there was a strong field of 126 golfers from allsections of the Club’s membership playing in the pairs stableford better ballcompetition. Afterwards event organiser, Terry Bishop, thanked everyone fortheir support, including his wife Wendy and his family who had helpedthroughout the day. The funds raised amounted to £1,885.00 giving a totalof £15,648.00 since the fund was started in order to finance improvements tothe Golf Club’s facilities. Terry went onto thank the 24 event sponsors, whohave contributed enormously to the fund over the years. In 2012 the LintonEnterprise will finance the installation of a new bridge on the 18th hole. Theprize presentation followed and Terry announced the winners, Steve Nicholsand Paul Borowy (pictured) with a score of 45pts, who shared £300 worth ofvouchers. In 2nd place were Peter Driscoll and Kelvin Ellam with 43pts,sharing £160, in 3rd place were Gavin Taylor and Darren Lyons sharing £100, and in 4th place Paul Bartlett andFrank Gooch sharing £60. There were also prize vouchers for the best front nine of £40 each, won by CharlieHudson and Peter Bowers with 24pts, and for the best back nine won by Head Green keeper Glenn Norris andRyan Greenwood, with a score of 21pts. Nearest the pin for ladies was Karen Wilby on the 8th and for men PeterDriscoll on 12th.

Ryan Turnbull winsStonham First Event of2012 after rain delay10 year old Ryan Turnbull from CretinghamGolf Club scored the best score of the day, a 32 which is only three over par on the testing 9 hole course to win the first eventof the Stonham Junior Tournaments for2012. This event had to be rescheduledafter heavy rain the previous weekendcaused flooding to the course.Ryan has remarkably won 7 out of his last 8 events at Stonham Barns which includedhis win in the 2011 East Anglian Under 12Junior Championship.The Under 12 age category was won byAndrew Gee, an 11 year from Bury StEdmunds Golf Club and the Under 8 agegroup was won by James Black, a 7 year old from Ely City Golf Club.Each year there are eight Under 12 juniorevents at Stonham Barns and these are usually on the last Sunday of each month from April to November.

Left to right – Marcus Piper, Ollie Cooper, James Black (Under 8 winner), George Evans, Ryan Turnbull (Overall winner), Megan Aves, Joshua Hulyer, (front row) Grace Evans,

Callum Last and Mary Cuthbert

29

30

NEXT ISSUE JULY/AUG DEADLINE 10th JulyLAST ISSUE FOR SUMMER SPECIALS!LAST ISSUE FOR SUMMER SPECIALS!

Vicki Inglis retained her StrokeplayChampionship title with a two round total of156, eight over the standard scratch scoreand one better than her nearest rival, VanessaBell.It was not the easiest day to play golf overthe Purdis Heath course. With a stiff breezeblowing, the undergrowth was lush andverdant, the trees beautiful in all theirspringtime glory and the greens, too, wereshowing signs of the recent, prolonged spellsof rain. Tales of woe abounded from thefield as a whole but, although there wereobvious difficulties, something better thantwo rounds of 83 was required to qualify forthe match play stages of the CountyChampionships. That is considerablybetter than a few years ago when two eighty-eights would do it.In the morning, Vicki went out in par 36with a birdie at seven. She was back in 40,playing exactly to her handicap. Theafternoon proved a little more tricky, but outin 41 and back in 39 was good enough.Vanessa Bell, playing off scratch, returned a steady 77 inthe morning. It could have been better as she suffered atwo-stroke penalty for playing the wrong ball. Sheslipped to an 80 after lunch when perhaps a shortage ofcompetitive golf might have played a part. It wasnevertheless a decent outing for the amateur recentlyreturned from the professional ranks.Blaize Esmond, the defending matchplay champion alsoposted 77 in the first round and the afternoon round of82 was good enough to put her third qualifying spot.Lily Kent, her playing partner, followed 48 on theoutward nine in the morning with a sparkling 34, threeunder par with birdies at 10, 11 and 18, returning a scoreof 82 which she replicated after lunch to finish sixth. Amanda Norman’s second round 75 was the best scoreof the day. Sharon Luckman qualified fifth and SarahHowe looked very comfortable, smiley-faced as usual, inseventh place.Thirteen-year-old Alice Barlow taking her first shot at

the Ladies County Championship returned an creditable85 at lunchtime and bettered it by three in round two toqualify for the Matchplay. Leading Scores:156: Vicki Inglis (Woodbridge) 76/80;157: Vanessa Bell (Ipswich) 77/80;159: Blaize Esmond (Aldeburgh) 77/82;160: Amanda Norman (Felixstowe) 85/75;164: Sharon Luckman (Felixstowe) 83/81,

Lily Kent (Ipswich) 82/82;165: Sarah Howe (Ipswich) 85/80;167: Liz Laflin (Stowmarket) 86/81,

Sarah Saggers (Ipswich) 86/81, Alice Barlow (Newton Green) 85/82;

169: Wendy Airey (Ipswich) 86/83;170: Lils James (Rookery Park) 87/83,

Sarah Beeton (Woodbridge) 85/85;171: Charlotte Double (Ipswich) 87/84,

Charlie Damonsing (Felixstowe) 80/91;173: Helen Bray (Ipswich) 92/81

Vicki Inglis success! by Julie Latimer-Jones

Ladies County Strokeplay Championship Ipswich Golf Club, 11th May 2012

L-r: Vicki Inglis with the Churchman Challenge Cup and theWoodbridge Challenge Bowl, Detmar Hackman and Vanessa Bell

holding the Maggie Ivor-Jones Plate and the Lady Eddis Silver Box.

31

There were really no surprises in the early rounds of theMatchplay Championship this year with all the ‘usualsuspects’ fulfiling their potential and there were plentyof tense battles before the semi-finalists emerged.The four names in the frame raised no eyebrows either.Vicki Inglis went out to play Amanda Norman in the tophalf of the draw and, in the event, with birdies scatteredabout, Inglis stepped forward into the final.The other half had a new look to it. Here Wendy Daytook on Vanessa Bell, the two former professionalgolfers now returned to the amateur ranks, greatly toSuffolk’s advantage and everyone eagerly awaited theoutcome of this encounter. These two have completelydiffering styles, the first adventurous with a Seve-likeability to recover, the other neat and tidy and of thestraight-down-the middle variety. This was the onethat triumphed on the day. Vanessa claimed the finalplace on the fourteenth green.So, Vicki Inglis and Vanessa Bell contested the final anda great game it was, too. Both players were striking theball well and propelling it miles off the tee. Vickiseemed to hit her approach from wherever it happenedto land, whilst Vanessa appeared to have a favouritedistance which she found every time she needed to. Itworked extremely well. Inglis held the advantage through the first nine, but wasnever more than two up and Bell pulled back to onedown at the turn. They went on in similar vein untilBell’s excellent birdie at sixteen squared the match.They were still square on the eighteenth tee with moredrama to come.Vicki drove straight down the middle and finished pinhigh on the green in two. Vanessa on the other hand,flirted with bushes off the tee before carving her secondout of bounds near the clubhouse. Dropping anotherball, she found the bank behind the green from where,with nothing to lose, incredibly she holed out for anunlikely par! Suddenly, from looking an easy winner,Vicki had to get down in two. She did it and theChampionship was hers.It was a great finale to a super weekend’s golf. DetmarHackman of Sabona Rheumatic Relief Company Ltd,the SLCGA sponsor, presented the prizes.Results: 1st Round: Vicki Inglis (Woodbridge) bt HelenBray (Ipswich) 4/3; Liz Laflin (Stowmarket) bt SarahSaggers 2/1; Sharon Luckman (Felixstowe) bt Lils James(Rookery Park) 4/3; Amanda Norman (Felixstowe) btSarah Beeton (Woodbridge) 9/8; Blaize Esmond(Aldeburgh) bt Charlotte Double (Ipswich) 6/5; Wendy

Airey (Ipswich) bt Lily Kent (Ipswich) 21st; Sarah Howe(Ipswich) bt Alice Barlow (Newton Green) 2/1; VanessaBell (Ipswich) bt Charlie Damonsing (Felixstowe) 4/3.Quarter Finals: Inglis bt Laflin 3/2; Norman bt Luckman3/2; Airey bt Esmond 2/1; Bell bt Howe 4/3.Semi-finals: Vicki Inglis (Woodbridge) bt AmandaNorman (Felixstowe)4/3; Vanessa Bell ( Ipswich) btWendy Day 5/4.Final: Inglis bt Bell 1 up.Alice Barlow, at thirteenthe youngest player in theChampionship field, wonthe Berendt Handicap Jugfor the best net score of147 for 36 holes. Hereshe is pictured with hertrophy.

The SuffolkTeam for 2012Suffolk’s County Captain, Sheila Jarvis, announced herteam to contest County Match Week to be held at IpswichGolf Club from 11th – 15th June. She said she was veryhappy with her team and was looking forward to theweek. She felt that Suffolk had a really good chance ofwinning this year. The team is as follows: Vanessa Bell(Ipswich); Charlie Damonsing (Felixstowe); Wendy Day(Ipswich); Blaize Esmond (Aldeburgh); SarahHowe(Ipswich); Vicki Inglis (Woodbridge); Lils James(Rookery Park); Lily Kent (Ipswich); Sharon Luckman(Felixstowe); Amanda Norman (Felixstowe); Sarah Saggers(Ipswich),

The First Suffolk SeniorsChampionshipsPlaying on her home course Anne Archer (Ipswich) wonthe Strokeplay Championship and Barbara Cole (Bury StEdmunds) followed up the qualifying day by beatingChris Jamieson (Bungay) in the final of the MatchplayChampionship. There were eleven competitors and it ishoped that there will be more next year.Results: Quarter Finals: Barbara Cole (Bury StEdmunds) bt Anne Archer (Ipswich) 1 up; Denise Martin(Rushmere) bt Judy Hamshere (Bury St Edmunds) 19th;Joan Garrett (Bury St Edmunds) bt Ann Graves(Woodbridge) 1 up; Chris Jamieson (Bungay) bt JulieByford (Bury St Edmunds).4/3.Semi Finals: Cole bt Martin 3/2; Jamieson bt Garrett19th.Final: Cole bt Jamieson 3/2.

Vicki does the double... by Julie Latimer-Jones

Ladies County Matchplay Championship Ipswich Golf Club, 12/13th May 2012

WIN A £15,000 CAR!!Due to amateur rule relaxation, an opportunityto win a new motor car worth £15,000 for ahole in one, as well as other valuable prizesfor ‘aces’ on the other three par 3s, is anexciting prospect at the SENIORS OPENGOLF TOURNAMENT, on 11th September2012 at Bury St Edmunds Golf Club.This year the tournament is dedicated to JohnCusworth, who has been a leading supporter ofthe event and a generous sponsor for the last 5years, via his company Buckle Shipping(Ipswich) Ltd. Sadly John died at the turn ofthe year and as a very successful ex captain of Bury St Edmunds Golf Club, they felt thiswould be an appropriate way to honour hismemory. His company and family aredonating a new trophy for the tournamentwhich will be awarded to the leading Burygolfer. This means that the existing ‘Open’ cupand BMI trophy can only be won by theleading visiting player.For gentlemen golfers of 55 years and over, this is a singlesStableford competition played over 18 holes off yellow tees.The maximum allowed handicap is 24 strokes. The £33 entryfee includes golf, entry for the hole-in-one shots, puttingcompetition, coffee and biscuits on arrival, courtesy joiningpack, Halfway House on course refreshments, 2 course lunch,and a range of prizes worth over £1000. For more details oran entry form please contact the club on 01284 755979.

32

Be part of the biggest golf event in EastAnglia, and play with world class pros!The worldwide-televised European Challenge Tour isreturning to Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa fromThursday 26th to Sunday 29th July. 160 top professionalsfrom all over the world will compete for a 160,000 euro potover 4 days.The prestigious Challenge Tour Pro Am is being held onWednesday 25th July and keen amateurs are invited to takepart! For anyone who enjoys golf, this is a unique andsought-after opportunity to play a championship course withworld class professionals in tournament-quality conditions. The pro am andhospitalitypackage, includesa Pro Am team (3guests and 1 Pro),coffee and baconrolls, 18 holes ofgolf, Pimmsreception on theterrace andsumptuous 4 course Gala Dinner with entertainment. It alsoincludes 3 extra guests for the Reception and Gala Dinnerand 6 guests for full corporate hospitality on one of the 4days of the Challenge Tour event - to include VIP parking,entry to the tournament, coffee and pastries, 3 course lunchwith wine and Afternoon Tea. In addition the package evenincludes 18 holes of golf for 2 x 4 balls on a date of yourchoice (week days only) on the Gainsborough or Constablecourse.This generous package is being offered for just £1,275 + vatTeam places for this popular annual pro am are limited soyou are advised to book early by contacting Mary Sawardon 01206 265827 or emailmary.saward@stokebynayland.com.

Keepers Lane • Leavenheath • Colchester • CO6 4PZ

www.stokebynayland.com*Rate quoted is pp per night based on two sharing room - valid until

31st August 2012 and subject to availability.

This Summer come and experience our TWO superb championship coursesat the ‘Sunday Special’ rate - only£125.00 pp* to include 2 rounds ofgolf, delicious 3 course dinner,bed and breakfast - and free use ofluxurious poolside facilities!

Call 01206 262836and ask for the Sales Team, or email sales@stokebynayland.com

Enjoy that ‘Sunday’ feelingany day of the week…

SBN550014 A6 Advert_Layout 1 25/04/2012 11:48 Page 1

After theresoundingsuccess oftheir Open Dayon BankHolidayMonday, wherethe sun shoneand close to1000 visitorsenjoyed the20thAnniversaryactivities, thequestion waswould theweather behavefor the finalcelebration -the Ufford ParkCorporate GolfDay. Thankfullyluck was withthem once more and it ended up being a mostly dry day - 12 teams of 4tee'd off in what has become an annual event, with an arrival champagnebreakfast followed by a shot gun start. Despite the recent rain the coursewas in excellent condition due to good natural drainage and a lot of hardwork from the Head Greenkeeper, Adrian Hollins and his team. This year'scompetition had a special twist to it as it was exactly 20 years to the daythat Ufford Park opened for business (9th May 1992). All 14 teams enjoyed agreat day with The winning team (Team No.1 ironically) lead by Colin Aldous(Chairman of Ufford Park), Mike Needham, Ian Duncan & Ian Joyce won with ascore of 90. 2nd place went to Team 12 Billy Nestling, Mick Wilson, Dave Kingand Reynold Beardsley with 89 and 3rd place to Team 2 Barry Heaney, AdrianRawlinson, Mark Bartram & Gavin Brooks with a score of 88. The golfcompetition was then followed by a Gala Dinner where just under 100 guestswere to enjoy a superb 4 course dinner in the Deben Suite. Colin Aldous spokeon behalf of himself and wife Shirley thanking everyone's loyalty over the last 20years in Business and recalling how he fell in love with Suffolk as a small childtravelling fromHalesworth toChelmsford by train tosee his Grandparents,even at the tender ageof 11yrs he knew oneday he would live inthis beautiful part ofSuffolk.L to r: Stuart Robertson,Nick Holdsworth withColin Aldous.

Corporate Day to celebrate 20 year Anniversary at Ufford ParkWoodbridge Hotel, Golf & Spa

Winning team: Ian Duncan, Colin Aldous, Ian Joyce and Mike Needham

34

NORFOLK COUNTYGOLF UNION

NCGU CONTACTSPresident

Frank Myers, Thetford Golf ClubVice President

Alan Winstanley, Sheringham Golf ClubImm. Past President

W. G. ( Bill ) Neill, Swaffham Golf ClubHon. County Secretary

Mike Devlin, Acacia House, The Street,Tibenham. Norfolk. NR16 1QA

Great Yarmouth & Caister Golf clubniblick@btinternet.com 01379 674516

Hon. County TreasurerPeter Clarke, Royal Norwich Golf Club.

01603 452340 peter.clarke470@ntlworld.comCounty Captain

Iain Yule, ings Lynn Golf Club iain.yule@btinternet.com

2nd Team CaptainSteve Tidy, Costessey Park Golf Club

tidygolf6@yahoo.co.ukSeniors Captain

Tony Lount of Sheringham Golf Club Seniors Administrator

Malcolm Carr of Sheringham Golf ClubEmail: malcolm.carr@tiscali.co.uk

Junior Secretary - Norman Blanch, 10, Hillside Crescent, Wicklewood, Norwich.

NR18 9QD Tel; 01953 604394 Email: suenormski@yahoo.co.uk

Junior DelegateChris Pearson, Gt Yarmouth & Caister Golf ClubUnder 12 Manager - Mark Spooner, Bawburgh

Under 14 Manager - Andrew Cullington01603 898311 ajcully@btinternet.com

Under 16 Manager - Gary Davis 01603 610006Email: davis393609@aol.com

Under 18 Manager - Mike Green 01362 860041Email: mikejuniors@btinternet.com

PGA Secretary - John Paling‘Squirrels Reach’, Folgate Lane,

Old Costessey, Norwich NR8 5EF Tel: 01603741301 Email: jandjpaling@uwclub.net

Norfolk Schools - Margo Horsburgh5 Bishops Croft, Barningham, Bury St Edmunds,

Suffolk IP31 1BZ 01359 221281Email: dandmhorsburgh@talktalk.net

Girls Organiser - Carol Delf Gt Yarmouth & Caister Golf Club

Norfolk Seniors by Bernie PeetNorfolk Seniors started the 2012 season with their traditionalmatch against the Norfolk Ladies at a very cold and windy GtYarmouth & Caister golf course. Because of the weather andthe ladies wanting some foursomes practice, the match was afoursomes match play, with Myhill style scoring over a total of72 holes. After a very close match the men won by thenarrowest of margins – 1 hole!TeamTerry Norman Gt Yarmouth & CaisterAlan Hewison Richmond ParkDoug Gilchrist Weston ParkTony Lount, Malcolm Carr SheringhamDave Pattrick, John Doe, Bernie Peet Royal CromerAlan Hewison of Richmond Park was making his senior debut.The next match was away to Bedford at Bedford & CountyGolf Club. The match format was 10 holes foursomes in themorning followed by singles in the afternoon. After some tightmatches in the morning Bedford found themselves leading 3 -2 at lunch, sadly for Norfolk, Bedford played well in the pmsingles and the final score was a win for Bedford 10 - 5.TeamTony Lount, Malcolm Carr, Roger Berwick SheringhamJohn Doe, Dave Pattrick, Simon Fuller, Bernie Peet Royal CromerTerry Norman Gt Yarm & CaisterMark Ramsey HunstantonRichard Blakey EatonDave Pattrick continued his fine form by winning 2 points andTerry Norman 11/2 points.Mark Ramsey was making his debut for the seniors.

RYSTON PARK GOLF CLUBMens Results May Medal & Presidents Putter & E G U Medal R Allen 69-2 = 67; P Allen79-11 = 68; M Grove 81-12 = 69;K Bishop 84-14 = 70; R Emery 73-3 = 70; M Nixon, M Ward 82-12 =70; D Russell 72-1 = 71; G Carter 77-6 = 71; J Alflatt 85-13 = 72; RGudgeon 92-20 = 72; C Rains 75-3 = 72; R Frusher 88-16 = 72; RSloper 82-10 = 72; Best Gross: R Allen 69.

King's Lynn Golf Club junior, Juliet Fenton, played in the NorfolkLadies County Golf Championship, which was played atSheringham Golf Club.In the qualifiying scratch 36 holes Juliet was in the top 16 to goforward to the matchplay rounds and also won the handicapprize for the best net score in the first round. In the knockoutround she lost to Sharon Black of Dunston Hall by one hole.Also playing from King's Lynn was Judy Curtis and Sue Clarke.

35

In a season that started in September with threeCollege competitions, the BCS Championships, theIntercollegiate Tour, and the College Golf Tour,Easton College golfers have achieved much to beproud of.Taking in 16 fixtures in all three competitions, theirsuccess in individual and team competitions hasled to the upcoming challenge of competing in 5separate National Finals, through the qualificationfrom their own regions, to meet the winners of thevarious other regions of the UK.

BCS ChampionshipsAs with many other sports, British Colleges Sportsorganise regional qualifiers to find the best fourmale and four female golfers to represent the Eastof England at the BCS National Championships,held at Woodhall Spa, the home of the English GolfUnion.Calvin Sherwood from Easton College qualified forthis event along with others from colleges aroundthe East of England, with Alex Fellas and LaurenAsker also being 1st reserve for the male andfemale teams.

College Golf TourDespite not managing to win the final team event ofthe regional stage, Easton’s Squad A still managedto qualify for the National Team Finals to be held inSt. Andrews. Six members of the playing squadcompeted for Nett and Gross team honours alongwith all the other qualifiying Golf Colleges fromacross the UK.Within the same competition, four individuals; AlexFellas, Nic Cains, Ben Lovell and Simon Stevens,were successful in amounting enough individualorder of merit points throughout the year to qualifyin the top 8 players of their region, to compete atSt. Andrews in the National Individual Finals.

Intercollegiate TourWithout doubt the most impressive success of theyear has been within the ICT Team competition.Easton’s squad of players easily finished top oftheir region, confirming their position at the NationalTeam Finals before the last fixture of the regionalevents.Team success was also backed by individualsuccess, with four Easton players finishing in thetop 12 order of merit individuals; Calvin Sherwood,Simon Stevens, Alex Fellas and Nic Cains.Best of luck to all the Golfers competing at the

National Finals, and well done to each individual fortheir contribution to regional success on all frontsthis year, it makes the combined 1500 miles and 48hours of travelling worthwhile.

Easton College GolfAcademy in National FinalssuccessA squad of 6 golfers from Easton College's GolfAcademy headed to St. Andrews in Scotland forthe College Golf Tour National Finals.In very difficult weather conditions, on an alreadychallenging links course, the squad copedimpressively. At the end of the Team event, thesquad were rewarded for their play with a trophyand medals for their second place in the Nettcompetition and 5th place in the Gross competition.In a national competition filled with 22 Schools,College's and Golf Academies from across the UK,this is an outcome that they should be proud of.

Regional success for Easton Academy Golfers, leadsto National challenges

ADVERTISING WORKS!If golfers don’t know you’re there,how can they play your course?

Your ad is FREE online, can be seen bythousands of extra people outside of ourarea who access a copy of SUFFOLK &

NORFOLK GOLFER every issue by readingit or downloading a copy from our website

FREE OF CHARGE TO ALLGet more coverage than ever!

suffolkgolfer@aspects.net

36

Around& A b o u twith Hacker

DEREHAM GOLF CLUBSUMMER SUMMER SPECIALSPECIAL

18 Holes with 1 course meal£22.50

(£20 if 4 ball or more)TWIGHLIGHT GOLF £10

(after 4.00pm) Prior bookings required for both

MEMBERSHIP FROM £195Contact us

01362 695900 (office)or 01362 695631 (pro shop)

office@derehamgolfclub.comwww.derehamgolfclub.com

Frank Myers, CountyPresident 2012-3Frank is a Yorkshire-man who came to Norfolk in 1975with his wife Gloria. They have been married for nearly49 years. On arrival in Norfolk Frank joined ThetfordGolf Club where after two years he was elected to theCommittee and served the Club as Hon. Treasurer foranother nine years.In 1987 Frank was elected Vice Captain and a year laterClub Captain. From his election to the Committee in1977 until the year 2000, Frank had the responsibilityfor organising club friendly matches. On the playingside Frank is still as keen as mustard and currentlyholds a handicap of 17 although he has been as low as11 at one time. He played in two of Thetford’svictorious Cullington Cup teams in 1994 and 1997 whenhe received the cup on behalf of the club from WilfridCullington.In 2000 Frank transferred his organisational activities tothe Society of Norfolk Golf Captains taking over theSecretary-ship of that body from John Picken ofSheringham, and served in that capacity for nine yearsbefore being elected President in 2010.Following his year as Society President he decided toretire from any organisational involvement in golfother than as a player and just enjoy playing the game.This resolution was soon broken when in 2011 he wasasked to accept nomination for the office of CountyUnion vice President, an invitation which proved toomuch of a temptation and he accepted the nomination.It is most appropriate that in this Centenary Year forThetford Golf Club, Frank who has been a Thetfordmember for 35 years has been elected County President. An honour both for himself and for the club.

Alan Winstanley County Unionvice-President 2012-3Alan has been a notable figure on the Norfolk golfingscene for some years, having been a member in the earlyseventies at Great Yarmouth & Caister and morerecently at Sheringham, where for the past 30 years hehas been a member, serving on the Committee for a

number of years before being elected Club Captain in1989/90. He is presently serving the Club as President.Alan was born a leap year baby in Liverpool in 1944and at the age of 19 started his career as a police officer.Two years later he got married and almost immediatelywas transferred to the Hampshire and Isle of WightConstabulary where the quiet countryside left him boredand unhappy and so he resigned and took up his firstpost in Financial Services.After several moves to different parts of the countrywith various companies he came to work in Norfolkwhere he joined the Great Yarmouth club staying for 9years. Whilst there he became the first person to win theClub Championship three times in a row, as well asbeing part of the victorious Great Yarmouth team thatwon the Myhill Trophy for three consecutive years. In1977 he moved to Manchester to improve his careerprospects, returning to Norfolk in 1982 when he joinedSheringham and has been there ever since.In his younger days Alan held handicap of 4 but nowplays off a very solid handicap of 7, representing theCounty Senior side on a regular basis.He is still happily married and has two sons who playgolf and a daughter who cannot bear the game. Business wise he is a partner with a Financial Servicescompany with offices in Sheringham and Norwich.He is a welcome addition to the County Executive andwill bring a wealth of experience to that body.

37

Mike Devlin, Hon. County SecretaryMike owned and ran a very successful world-widelogistics business in Kent and to provide himself with arelief valve from his very busy working life, he took upgolf in 1976 playing at the Walmer and Kingsdown clubnear deal. He did not realise at the time that the gameitself would, or could, become a time consuming passion.He came to Norfolk at the start of the 1980’s and wishingto continue playing golf joined the Great Yarmouth &Caister Golf Club in 1982. During the past 30 years, being an enthusiastic and activemember, he has served several terms on the Club’sManagement Committee in the roles of Handicap sub-committee Chairman, Assistant Secretary and Hon.Treasurer. Having a great interest in junior golf hebecame heavily committed with all the proceduresrequired to gain the EGU Golfmark award, which the clubachieved in 2009 when he was also honoured with theClub Captaincy.Commencing at the start of 2011 Mike took up thechallenge offered to him to be County Junior Delegate andimmersed himself in those duties . On notice of theretirement of David Horsburgh in early 2012 he waspersuaded to apply for the forthcoming vacancy of CountySecretary and following a series of interviews wasappointed at the Annual General Meeting of the CountyUnion in the April.

NORFOLK IN THE FOREFRONTOF SUCCESSTwo more awards for Norfolk GolfFollowing close on the heels of the awards made by theEngland Golf Partnership to Carol Delf and MarkSpooner, there have been two more successes where hardwork has been recognised.The first is Bawburgh Golf Club who have been crownedGolfMark Club of the Year 2012The award, introduced four years ago by the English GolfUnion and English Women’s GolfAssociation, recognises clubs whichmake an outstanding and innovativecontribution to junior and beginnergolf.Bawburgh’s success was announced atthe England Golf Partnership’s CountyGolf Development Conference atWoodhall Spa. Robert Barnard, managing director ofBawburgh Golf Club, said: “I am overthe moon, the competition was verystrong and we didn’t expect to win.This is just great for the club and all

our team – and now we’ve got to keep going forward.”Bawburgh was first awarded GolfMark in October 2007and now has High Achiever status. It aims to offeropportunities to all, from novice to regular golfer, andrecently opened a new driving range, the Norwich FamilyGolf Centre. Over the past three years the club has made alterations andimprovements to its 18-hole course, built a new par-36nine-hole course and now completed the new centre,which includes a golf shop, 24-bay driving range, café andsports bar.The team at the club, led by Robert and his wife Jo,demonstrate a willingness to adapt and try new ideas, withawareness of what their customers want, like and to arange of coaching opportunities, led by PGA professionalsMark Spooner and Peter Bower.

The second success is the award of the Golf FoundationSinclair Award to Philip Pearson, Assistant Professional atEaton Golf Club.These annual Presidents' Awards are given by the GolfFoundation to a PGA Professional who, as a direct resultof his/her efforts, has made a significant impact in thedevelopment of grass roots junior golf.” Philip receivedthe award at the Wentworth Club during the week of theBMW PGA Championship from Colin Montgomery, 8times winner of the European Order of Merit and patron ofthe Golf Foundation.This prestigious award comes as a result of Philip’s workwith Junior golfers since joining Eaton Golf Club in 2008;beginning with the Eaton Eagles Junior Academy which isa structured academy, that benefits from small groups ofchildren of similar age and ability. The core of the lessonsis a balance between fun and learning; ensuring thechildren feel ‘at home’ in their group, while equallychallenged and supported by their fellow golfers aroundthem.Philip stated that he was hugely proud of the way theEagles Academy had developed and considered it to be theway that all junior golf tuition should be delivered. Thetemplate Philip developed for the junior academy is nowbeing adopted nationally as an example of best practice.

Philip has taken golfinto numerous localschools and sportsevents and using thisexperience,successfully applied tobecome a coach for theNorfolk Coach andPlayer Program. Hewas subsequentlyrequested to sit on thecommittee responsiblefor the coaching andsteering of thisprogram.

Bawburgh's Managing Director Robert Barnard,his wife Jo and Ian Barrett, EMEA Marketing

Manager for COBRA PUMA GOLF

The Coach and Player program committee work led toinvolvement with the Golf Foundation Golf Roots andCity Roots programs; enabling him to encourage the twoprograms to run side by side with the Coach and PlayerScheme. His home club became one of only two GolfFoundation City Roots Centres in the region in 2011 andis again involved in 2012.“In 2011, I was appointed by the Norfolk County GolfUnion as an Under 14 boys County Coach; a role I hadaimed for from the day I turned professional. The finalpiece was added to the junior golf pathway I had set tocreate an, inclusive and progressive pathway from a non-golfer in a school, into a structured academy, and finallyinto the Norfolk County Squads”.He expressed sincere thanks to his Club and ProfessionalMark Allen for all their help stating that without their helphe would not have had the opportunity and freedom topursue this path in Junior Golf Development. He went on to say “The award means more to me thanmany will realise. I turned professional to coach the gamethat I love, to the players that will be the future of it, andto win this award is like claiming a claret jug. It doesn’tget much bigger!”Hacker; “We wish him further success and honours as hiscareer progresses”.

County Union NewsAdherence to County Union Regulations forCounty Knock-out CompetitionsIt would appear that some clubs participating in theMyhill, Cullington and Barnard Knock-out Competitionsare not sufficiently aware of the Rules governing thesecompetitions.There have been instances already this year, with only oneround played where supporting spectators have talkedwith the players during the matches, given advice on linesof putt and club selection, and team players who havefinished their round coming back to give advice to theirfellow team members who are still on the course. This activity is strictly forbidden in the relevant CountyUnion Regulation No. 15. The only person who mayspeak with the player is their own caddy and the ClubCaptain or his nominee providing that neither the Captainnor nominee are themselves playing in the match. Thenominee must not be a Professional golfer.Failure to adhere to this Regulation could result indisqualification.Spectators must keep well away from the players,although they may of course show appreciation of goodplay by applause or more vocal support.The use of Caddies by players in CountyKnockout CompetitionsPlayers are entitled under the County Union Regulationsto make use of caddies in these competitions inaccordance with Rule of Golf 6-4 which states that aplayer is limited to only one caddie at one time.

It has been noted that in a recent Knock-out match, agroup of supporters of a particular pairing in one club’steam took it in turns to push the motorised trolleys, rakebunkers and perform caddy activities as a group. Thisclearly contravenes the relevant Rule and Decisions on theRules of Golf, 6-4/5.5, it would appear to indicate that theplayers pairing involved, should forfeit each hole on whichthe multiple use of caddies occurred.On another occasion in another group, one of the playersin a pairing had need to use a buggy because of a medicalcondition for which he had supplied a valid Doctor’sCertificate. Whilst it was perfectly acceptable for him tocarry his partner’s clubs on his buggy, County UnionRegulations clearly state that his partner could not ridewith him unless he too had a valid Doctors Certificate.

Course Ground Conditions – Extension ofPreferred LiesThe much needed wet weather has eventually come afterthe long dry period we enjoyed earlier in the year.However it has hardly ceased for more than a day sinceand whilst it came at a time when the ground needed thewater it has now brought about sticky and muddyconditions at a number of the County’s inland coursesleaving balls impossible to hit because of lumps of mudsticking to the ball. As a result several clubs haverequested an extension of the use of ‘Preferred Lies’ forQualifying Competitions in accordance with CONGURules on Handicapping. Inspections have been carried out at Barnham Broom,Bawburgh, Fakenham, Mattishall and Middleton Hall,amongst others and all have been found justified andreceived the necessary authority from the County AreaHandicapping Authority to continue this facility until theend of the month.

The Age Old Question ofBunkers and RakesThe County Union are frequently requested to give adviceon the placement of rakes in bunkers. In the past theEnglish Golf Union, now England Golf, haverecommended that rakes are placed outside the bunker in aposition where they are least likely to affect play.The practice of raking the sand and then just throwing therake anywhere in the bunker is unacceptable. Similarly,leaving it near the front edge less than one foot into thebunker constantly catches a ball running into the bunkerand provides a horrible lie for following golfers.It is my view that bunkers are meant to be a challenge tothe player, not an obstacle, although because of poor careand maintenance usually by golfers themselves, this isexactly what they become.I always understood that bunkers should be so shaped as togive a fair chance of the ball finishing in the bottom of thebunker, not plugged in the face because of too much sandraked up the face, or stuck against a steep lip, so that thereis virtually no shot except perhaps backwards.

39

In each case there is still the problem of what to do withthe rake. Does one follow the recommended practice?Stand it upright in a tube or place it over the back of thebunker, where because it is not easily visible it will not getused at all. What sensible suggestions can readersprovide to this “problem”?

Club NewsCostessey Park - The Costessey Cup andLarry Rowe TrophyThe Costessey Cup is an invitation event to all Men’sCaptains, Vice Captains and Immediate Past Captains ofall Golf Clubs in Norfolk Golf clubs. In addition specialinvitations are sent to Rookery Park in Suffolk and aselection of Norwich City All Stars.The Larry Rowe Trophy is an in house trophy run in

COUNTY SECRETARY’S COMMENTARYFirst month as Hon. County Secretary from Mike Devlin

As many will now probably be aware I’ve taken over from David Horsburgh, as the NCGU HonorarySecretary. My first duty is to thank my predecessor David and his good lady Margo, for all of the help theyhave given and indeed are continuing to give, in getting me settled into my new role. David has a greatwealth of experience and knowledge spread over many years and when combined with the administrationalskills of Margo they truly have been an asset to the County Union. A tough act to follow but with their helpand that of the other officers of the Union, I will do my best to come up to scratch (no pun intended).Since taking on the role, the County Golf Union have held two major events. Firstly, the CountyFoursomes at Great Yarmouth & Caister Golf Club followed by the County Match Play at Swaffham GolfClub. Though cold and breezy at Great Yarmouth and wet and windy at Swaffham, the quality of the golf ondisplay cheered the soul.The qualifying rounds in the Foursomes, reflected that the course definitely won the day, with the FirstFlight being headed by Scott Nichols and Austin Brydon on 70 points followed by Marcel Arend and GordonKnott on 67 points. Dan Henderson and Brian Belshaw on 65 points and Trevor Cave and Terry Normanalso on 65 points, completed the First Flight qualifiers.The second flight saw Harry Judd and Chris Durrant on 65 points, Tom Nudd and James Smart on 64points, Andrew Fish and Dan Jones on 64 points with Sean Brady and Luke Knights again with 64 pointsqualifying for the match play. In this flight Tom Nudd and James Smart came good against Sean Bradyand Luke Knights 2 and 1.The top flight saw last year’s Champions Dan Henderson and Brian Belshaw beat Marcel Arend andGordon Knott, 6 and 5 in the final. This now offers Dan Henderson and Brian Belshaw an opportunity tomake it three in a row when the Championship comes to their home club of Royal Norwich next year. Two weeks on and we moved inland to Swaffham for the County Match Play Championship. Following twodays of high quality golf, in less than desirable conditions, the Austin Brydon Trophy was presented to theMatch Play Champion for 2012, George Morris of Eaton Golf Club. The golf played throughout theChampionship was to be admired and the final was outstanding. Alex Carter of Mundesley gave and askedfor no quarter, as he and George battled out the match each producing one excellent shot after another.After a very exciting 18 holes the match remained all square. They began their sudden death playoff at thefirst and in spite of the best efforts of Alex, George emerged victorious. George was presented with theTrophy by the County President, Frank Myers. I close by expressing my thanks to Great Yarmouth and Caister Golf Club and Swaffham Golf Club forallowing us the use of their courses to get my term of office underway. My thanks also to County PresidentFrank Myers, Hon Treasurer Peter Clarke, David Hood, Alan Smith,Tony Brown, Derek Sadler, StuartTough and of course David and Margo Horsburgh for their presence and assistance with these events.

conjunction with the Costessey Cup, and is keenlycontested amongst the Men’s current Captain, ViceCaptain and all Past Captains of Costessey Park, at leastone of whom plays in each group with the visitingCaptains.This year more than 50 players took part on a blusterybut eventually bright day.The main prize of the Costessey Cup was won by

Graham Wilton of Royal Cromer with 35 points and theteam event was won by the Eaton team of Keith Cross(32), Trevor Seadon (32) and Terry Hewitt (27) makinga combined score of 91 points. Close in 2nd place were the Norwich City All stars teamof Sandy Kennon, Bill Punton, Greg Shepherd and PeterOldfield with a combined score of 90 points.The Larry Rowe trophy was won by Bernie Vaughanwith 38 points.

40

17th NORFOLK SCHOOLS’ CHAMPIONSHIPS57 boys and 15 girls aged between 10 and 18 took part in the 17th Norfolk Schools’ Championships atThetford Golf Club. They represented 39 schools and colleges and 19 clubs. As usual, the Championships were played over 18 holes of stroke play and once again some great golf wasplayed on the day. Congratulations to Charlotte Hatch (winning for the first time) and Simon Stevens forsuccessfully defending the title he won last year. As we have come to expect there was some spectaculargolf played in the handicap events as can be seen by the scores below. Ashley Johnson, aged 14, playingoff 20 handicap shot a nett 62 which secured the boys’ handicap trophy and ensured the team fromSpringwood High went forward to represent Norfolk at the final of the Schools’ Team Championship atWoodhall Spa in July. Title Name School Golf Club ScoreBoys’ Champion Simon Stevens Easton College Dunston Hall 75 grossRunner-up Luke Stannard St Clements High Middleton Hall 77 grossThird William Cross Easton College Dereham 78 grossBoys’ H/c Champion Ashley Johnson Springwood High King’s Lynn 62 nettRunner-up Taylor Davis Hewett School Costessey Park 72 nett ocbThird Jack Masding Norwich School Royal Norwich 72 nettGirls’ Champion Charlotte Hatch Ormesby Victory Middle Bawburgh 89 grossGirls’ H/c Champion Nicola Dalzell Fakenham High Barnham Broom 70 nettUnder 14 Champion James Greatbanks Thetford Grammar Barnham Broom 70 nettRunner-up Toby Briggs Thorpe High Mundesley 71 nettNovices’ Champion Jasmine Campbell Aylsham High Royal Norwich 70 nettThe winners of the School Team Championship, which is run in conjunction with the individualChampionships, was Champions: Springwood High - Ashley Johnson 62; Joe Goss 76; Michael Playford86; 138 nett (best two scores to count)This extremely good score was 11 shots better than Easton College A, Langley School and ThetfordGrammar who all had 149. As mentioned above Springwood High will represent Norfolk at the final of theNational Schools’ Team Championship to be held at Woodhall Spa Golf Club (Bracken Course) on 11th July2012. This event is very popular with schools/colleges throughout England with 30 teams contesting thetitle in 2011, an increase over the number that took part in 2010. Normally England Golf would say that themaximum number ofteam off a two teestart would be 28 butthey agreed to theincrease, however,this still meant thatfour schools had tobe balloted out.From all the reportsreceived thecompetitors had anexcellent day; manythanks must go toThetford Golf Clubfor hosting theChampionships andthe course proved agood test of golf for

NORFOLK SCHOOLS GOLF ASSOCIATION(Affiliated to the English Schools Golf Association)

By Hon Secretary - Margo Horsburgh5 Bishops Croft, Barningham, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP31 1BZ (Tel: 01359 221281)

2012 Trophy Winners

41

all players. Thanks must also go to the volunteers who came along and helped us on the day – withoutthem we would not be able to hold this event and I hope they feel that they can continue to do so.I have heard comments from many sources about how well behaved the players were and that they were acredit to their schools and parents.

SQUAD FOR SOUTH EAST OF ENGLAND SCHOOLS’ CHAMPIONSHIPSBURY ST EDMUNDS GOLF CLUB - TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY 5TH & 6TH JUNE 2012

Name School/College Golf ClubSimon Stevens Easton College Dunston HallCalvin Sherwood Easton College Rookery ParkAlex Fellas Easton College Gt Yarmouth & CaisterWilliam Cross Easton College DerehamLuke Stannard St Clements High Middleton HallCharlotte Hatch Ormesby Victory Middle BawburghEllie Judd Norwich City College EatonAmber Ratcliffe Sheringham High Royal CromerThe boys’ team will consist of Simon, Calvin Alex and William with Luke being entered as an individual.The girls’ team will be Charlotte, Amber and Ellie. This year the National Championships will be held atThe Kendleshire Golf Club, Bristol on the 24th and 25th June and we hope that some Norfolk players willmake the South-East of England squad.Our thanks to the Norfolk County Golf Union for their continued financial support and to all the clubs whoare part of our affiliation scheme. We know that these are testing financial times and are grateful for yourcontinued commitment to the NSGA. Our thanks also go to the NLCGA and Carol Delf the Girls’ Junior Organiser, as the number of girlsparticipating this year was the highest ever in the history of the Association. Let’s hope we can keep thistrend going.

42

Hole in One at RystonJeff Fitt ofGrassgate Farmin Wisbechachieved a “Holein One” at RystonPark Golf Club.Jeff hit a 4 Ironon the 4th, holewhich bouncedjust short and ranup the greenturning into thehole. FantasticShot and freedrinks in the clubhouse afterthe game!

The Pratt Trophyis an 18 hole Men’s BogeyCompetition. The format is a ‘Par’ or‘Bogey’ competition, where players inessence play matchplay against thecourse. The competition is playedhole by hole. If a player makes a nettbirdie or better, he wins that hole andmarks it with a +. If a player makes anett bogey or worse, he loses the holeand marks it down with a -. A player halves the hole if theyscore a nett par and this is marked with a 0. The lost holes aresubtracted from the won holes to give a final score.This was played at Ryston Park Golf Club with Nigel Crouch (above) ofIsle Bridge Road Outwell, PE14 8RB the winner with a Level Par Score.Other Scores : J Clements & R Martin -1 N Rudkin, C Martin, B Moull,R Parker, A Ward, C Rains, K Newman, G Childs, T Nurse, M Evans, SCroft each -2, D Carter & F Mellish -3

SPRING CUPIn 1978 the late Mrs. Trish Reeks presenteda cup to the ladies section, the cup to becalled the Spring Cup and played for eachyear at the appropriate time of the year. In the first year about 12 ladies took part andhad tea after the round. In 2012 there were75 ladies taking part, who return to the Clubfor tea together with invited non playingguests.One special guest, Mr. Christopher Reeks,son of the late Mrs. Reeks, joined the ladiesfor tea and presented the cup and prizes tothe winners.There was a great deal of chatter and laughter in the clubhouse, which shows how popular this competition is.Winner Mrs. Rosemary Millikin nett 70, 2. Ladies Captain Mrs. Jonnie Worfolk nett 73, 3. Mrs. Karen Ballardnett 73, 4. Mrs. Irene Flynn nett 74, 5. Mrs. Jenny Ebbs nett 75 and 6 Mrs. Anita Goddard nett 75Photo from left Ladies Captain Jonnie Worfolk, Mr. Christopher Reeks and Winner Mrs. Rosemary Millikin

Middleton Hall’s FirstMixed OpenMiddleton's First Mixed Open was roaring success,with 44 players from as far afield as Leicestershire,Norwich and Peterborough and of course Middleton,taking part. Many of the visitors have already putnext year’s date in their diaries!Seen here on the left are the winners from MiddletonHall, Paul Russell and Marie Brewer with 45 pointsand the winners from Glen Gorse Golf Club inLecestershire, Dave and Val Oswin with 43 points.

In the recent Norfolk County Golf Championship, held at Sheringham Golf Club, Ryston Park’s TiffanyMills not only qualified in 2nd place for the weekend knockout stage, she won the Hannaford ChallengeHandicap Trophy, just missing out on the top spot by two shots. The weather was very windy and the

scores reflected the conditions. In the final matches held on Saturday, Tiffany played against The CountyPresident, Nickie Clarke, and won with some accurate, steady golf, 7 and 5.

In the afternoon she played Charlotte Presland who was on form and beat Tiffany 4 and 2.After presentations, Alex Cowie, County Captain, announced her team for County Week. Tiffany has been

selected for the squad to go down to Purdis Heath, Ipswich on 11th to the 15th June.

43

Searles Resort Golf Course Celebrates First Captains DayDespite being established for 12 years,the Golf Course at Searles LeisureResort in Hunstanton has never hadMen’s or Ladies Captains until this year.At the AGM in February seasoned golferBarry Smith was elected Men’s Captainand relative newcomer to the gameRachel Hodgkinson was elected LadiesCaptain.To mark their appointment as Captains,Searles held its first ever Captains Day.The main competition was 9 hole TexasScramble with teams consisting of amale member, lady member, senior andJunior. Twelve teams competed in all,with Barry Smith, Rachel Hodgkinson,Junior captain Jordan Cribb and SeniorsCaptain Representative Gerry Reesnervously teeing off first, after other competitors having guessed where they would drive to.In spite of a wet start, the sun came out and shone for the competitors all day and a superb day was had by all.The eventual winners were the final team out, consisting of John Ruggles, Ali Fleming, Kevin Lewis and JamesAgate. Other events on the day consisted of a target putting competition and nearest the pin competition.Barry Smith, the Mens Captain, was delighted with the day and the money raised towards putting a muchneeded golf shelter on the course. Barry Smith said “it was great to see so many people turn out enjoyingthemselves in the event and I am looking forward to a successful Gala day later in the year”. Searles Captains Day raised a total of £406 towards the cost of the rain shelter, in addition the HOGGS(Hunstanton Old Gits Golf Society) consisting of members of Searles Golf Course had managed to raise £135the week before giving a total of £541.Searles Resort Golf Course is now looking forward to a Gala day planned for Sunday 5th August, the Gala daywill be open to golfers and non golfers and will include stalls, kids entertainment, a BBQ as well as golfcompetitions, events and much more.

Searles Captains and Winning Team; Barry Smith (Men’s Captain),Luke Harris (Assistant Professional), James Agate (Winning team),

Jordan Cribb (Junior Captain), Kevin Lewis (Winning team), JohnRuggles (Winning team), Ali Fleming (Winning team), Rachel

Hodgkinson (Ladies Captain), Ray Stocker (Professional)

44

... hosted the third 'Interschool Championship' andwere once again very impressed with the response! Over 25 schools from Norfolk participated, with AaronStuttard from All Saints High School beating SonnyWilliams from Open Academy High School on a cardplay off, after both carding an impressive 65!

Gross winners were Luke Stannard (80) from StClements High School and in second Ben Reed (81)from Springwood High School.The weather was great and alot of parents were thereto support their Children. The kids themselves wereexcellent in their behaviour on and off the course andwere a credit to their schools. The 3 winners have been offered a complimentaryteam in the PGA Europro Tour, ProAm Competition.The Juniors will get the opportunity to play with a TourProfessional in this prestigious event.

Wensum Valley Golf Club ... The Chris Hanlon OpenMembers of King's Lynn Golf Club turned out in highnumbers to compete for The Chris Hanlon Open, despitea weather forecast which threatened to be more suitableto water polo. However, thankfully the weatherforecasting gurus got it wrong and a number of goodscores wereachieved. Theladies' event waswon by ChristinaBell with astableford score of34 and the maintrophy for men waswon by Paul Savagewith a stablefordscore of 39, aparticularlyimpressive resultwhen you considerthat Paul plays offan excellenthandicap of 3. Seen here are the twowinners beingpresented with theirtrophies by DerekStringer, Club Captainof King's Lynn.

Celebrations get off to a great startNorfolk Ladies County Golf Association got off to agreat start with their centenary celebrations at EatonGolf Club. The organisers held their breath for somegood weather after thunderstorms the day before, andthey were rewarded. Conditions were difficult, withstrong winds and difficult greens, but the sun came outto help make it a really successful day.The Pro/Am format was as popular as ever, and theentries flooded in to fill the field very quickly. Eachteam of three club lady golfers was paired with aCounty team player or official, and there was greatanticipation to find out which Pro had been allocated forthe day. Needless to say there was endless banterthroughout the day between the teams that created agreat atmosphere.The halfway house refreshments worked their magic onthe players who went off on their second 9 holes,replenished with tasty food and Pimms to keep themgoing. Twenty six teams took part in the competition,with some creditable results on the day. The happy dayculminated with the prizes being presented to thewinners by Nickie Clarke Ladies County President.Everyone finished the day, looking forward to the nextcelebration at the Centenary lunch on July 12th at theTop of the Terrace, Carrow Road. Tickets are stillavailable and details on how to apply can be found atwww.norfolkladiesgolf.co.uk.Winners:1st Chrissie Owens ˆ Pro

Linda BeevisJulie Filby Royal Norwich 76 ptsHolly Beevis

2nd Jane Sheppard ˆ ProMary CartwrightSally Youell Royal Norwich 75 pts ocbPam Marquis

3rd Sam Martin ˆ ProCindy TuftsAngela Savoury-Moll Dereham 75 ptsMaxine Haddon-Prilo

4th Ros Wilkinson ˆ ProEllen KerrBarbara Warren Eaton 74 pts ocbVal Patel

5th Karen Young ˆ ProAlison GillingsBecky Rolingson Weston Park 74 pts

6th Sharon Black - ProAngela LovedayMary Ann Hide Royal Norwich 73 ptsTina Myhill

Nearest the Pin 2nd ˆ 6ft Angela Savoury-MollNearest the Pin 11th ˆ 3ft Jules Coley

Brister SalverThis years Brister Salver proved to be a golf endurancetest at Hunstanton. Those participating battled withstrong on shore winds, a mixture of sun and sharp showers, including some stinging hail before the playershad even made the turn to head back to the warm calmof the clubhouse. Inevitably the weather contributed tosome interesting scores by all players at some point,with the plateaud green on the 6th proving tricky foreveryone.County President Nickie Clarke and past Presidents JillBrister and Val Munro were there to see the playerscome in. Jill presented the Brister salver to SharonBlack(Dunston Hall) whose round contained fourbirdies. Sharon also received a Centenary plate that winners of all Norfolk Ladies golf events will receive in2012 to mark the Associations 100 years. Sally Benton(Eaton) took the scratch prize.

Norfolk Ladies County Golf Association by RaymondWatson

NEXT ISSUE JULY/AUGLAST ISSUE FOR SUMMER SPECIALS

46

NORFOLK PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS' ASSOCIATIONPGA website: www.club-noticeboard.co.uk

by Secretary, John Paling‘Squirrels Reach’, Folgate Lane, Old Costessey, Norwich NR8 5EFTel: 01603 741301 Email: jandjpaling@uwclub.netCOMMITTEE MEMBERS Chairman: Mike Jubb Norfolk PGA Representative: Michael Few Captain: Ryan Pudney Vice Captain: Neil Lythgoe Committee: Alan Hemsley, Lee Patterson

Great Yarmouth & Caister NPGA Pro AmCloud spilling in from the North sea and a stiff wind,changed the course from the previous week’s Alliancecompetition, so most shots were played in a cross wind. For the second time this year a Suffolk Raider won theprofessional event and it was Andy Cotton (Ufford Park)taking the honours with a two under 68. Just a shot backwas Lee Patterson (Royal Cromer) who took maximumO.O.M. points with his 69 and holding off Ian Ellis(Costessey Park) and Tony Varney (Bawburgh). For the second competition running, Ian Ellis led in thewinning team and again he was partnered by DeanAshton and on this occasion supported by Brad & MitchSmith. Their score of 121 was 19 under par and 4 shotsahead of Andy Cotton’s team.Results. Longest drive George Bradfield and Nearestthe pin Les Collins. Team 1st 121 Ian Ellis 125 AndyCotton with Robert Setchell, Steve Bullent & MarkTaylor. 129 Tom Robinson (Middlesex PGA) with GaryRobinson, Tarro Skipper & Carl Jones. Best TraineeMatthew Gardner (Barnham Broom). Professionals 1st68 Andy Cotton, 69 Lee Patterson, 70 Ian Ellis & TonyVarney and 72 Matthew Gardner & Neil Lythgoe.

O.O.M. (After 3 Events) Ian Ellis (Costessey Park) 27,Tony Varney (Bawburgh)151/2 Neil Lythgoe (RoyalNorwich) 14, Lee Patterson (Royal Cromer) 111/2 Thedraw for this year’s Match Play Knock out was made atGreat Yarmouth and there are six first round matches :-Mark Allen (Eaton) v Olly Barnes (Dunston), GaryPotter (Yarmouth) v Steven Chick (Dunston), Mike Jubb(Sheringham) v Joe Lambert

N.P.G.A. 2012 MATCHPLAY KNOCK-OUT1st Round 2nd RoundPlayed by 31/05/12 Played by 08/07/12Mark Allen v Olly BarnesGary Potter v Steven ChickMike Jubb v Joe LambertAlan Hemsley v Jason GroatRichard Gayton v Mike TimsonMatt Gardner v Neil Lythgoe ByesIan Ellis, Michael Few, Lee Patterson, Ryan Pudney,Steven Barnes, Henry Potter, Alex Beckett, WillWoodrow, Tony Varney, Sam Cubitt.

EVENTS AT BAWBURGHOver the Easter break, European Tour professional AndrewMarshall played in two events at Bawburgh Golf Club.The first was a 4-man team event at Bawburgh’s 9-holecourse, against the resident professionals and their playingpartners, when Andrew scored a 4-under par total of 32.Then, on Good Friday, Andrew took part in an 18-holechallenge match against 3 of the club’s lower handicapmembers. In a very close and enjoyable match, watched byseveral members, Andrew - now sponsored by the NorwichFamily Golf Centre - played against Gary Clarke, KarlParfitt and Andrew Young taking their better-ball scratchscore against his. The result was a one shot success forthe Bawburgh team, thanks to an excellent par on the lasthole.Andrew, having not played the course for several years,managed to shoot level par which included 4 birdies, 2bogeys and an unfortunate double bogey on the par-5 10thhole, when he went out of bounds with his second shotwhilst going for the green.Asked about the course, Andrew commented “I can’t believethis is the same golf course I played about six years ago!There are some great holes and it is a good test of golf.”These events proved an excellent warm-up for Andrew, whowent on to shoot 5-under par in his next round to win the TPSeries event at The Berkshire, winning a 3-way play-offagainst Jamie Spence and Jamie Little.

Bawburgh Golf Club hosted its annual Junior Open,kindly sponsored by Ben Burgess. An excellent entry

of 26 boys and 7 girls from 15 different clubs took partin this 18-hole medal event and the standard of play

was extremely high.The scratch event was won by Harry Weeds (h/c 9) ofBawburgh who shot an excellent 76, while in the nettevent Jamie Harris (h/c 24) of Barnham Broom shot a

remarkable 84 for a nett 60!Other prizes awarded included division winners JamieBool (h/c 15) of Caldecott Hall and Jamie Harris, and

division runners-up Harry Weeds and SamanthaDarling (h/c 19) of Costessey Park.