GolferSpring 2012

County

MAGAZINE for golf in

Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire

View on-line www.countygolfer.co.uk

the NUMBER 1

Guest Writer Barbara Collins

plays Atalaya Park,

Estepona

Shirland GC

Sherwood Forest GC

Rufford Park GC

Alfreton GC

Torrance and Jubilee

courses at St Andrews

County Golfer plays:

Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire’s Complimentary Golf Magazine

ON TOURwith local proJames Watley

02 County Golfer

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04 County Golfer

We have had a great start to the year playing

lots of courses in very favourable weather which

is unusual for January, February and March.

Fortunately we played them all before the snow

came and we sat down to put County Golfer

together. Timing is everything!

Lefty, Newby and guest Andy took a trip to

St Andrews and will live on that story and the

photographs for years to come.

We kicked off the year at Alfreton for our

annual office grudge match. The rest of the years

bragging rights hinge on the match! This was

quickly followed by St Andrews, Shirland,

Sherwood Forest and Rufford.

Derbyshire’s number one golfer James Whatley

takes a trip to Turkey for a competition.

Find out how he got on.

Barbara Collins visits Marrakesh and the Costa

Del Sol.

Just which is the hardest par 3 in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire? We are aiming to find out. It is our quest.

If you would like to nominate your club as having the hardest par 3 pleaseemail scott@imagespublishingltd.co.uk and tell us why, and we will come andplay it.

County Golfer Spring 2012Welcome to

ThePar 3 Challenge

Unit 5, Keys Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 7FQ Tel: 01773 830344

www.countygolfer.co.uk Email: garry@countygolfer.co.uk,

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written consent is strictly prohibited. The publishers do not accept responsibility for any views expressed, orstatements made, in signed contributions or in those reproduced from any other source. No responsibility is borne for any errors made in any advertisement, or for claimsmade by any advertiser which are incorrect. The publishers reserve the right to refuse advertising for any reason deemed unsuitable. All material submitted is done so at the

owner’s own risk and no responsibility is accepted by the publishers for its return. Copyright County Golfer Magazine, Images Publishing Ltd,

Origination by Images Publishing Ltd Unit 5, Keys Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 7FQ 01773 830344

Typeset and designed by Alistair Plant & David Dykes and printed at Stones the Printers

Editor: Garry Plant. Editorial contributions: Lefty, Newby, James Whatley, Barbara Collins

Derbyshire & NottinghamshireIndependent & FREE

County

Golfer Find us onFacebook

Bravehearts!

The lads wanted this pic includin

g for

posterior. Or was it posterity.

I forget now!!

A replication!You can see a bridge themedeveloping here at Alfreton.

A view from a bridge!

Just to ring the changes this pictu

re was

taken whilst on a bridge at Shirl

and!

A bridgetoo far!

Just to show it’s not allplain sailing as the ladshave to face up to areally hard test atSherwood Forest Golf Club.

06 County Golfer

Alfreton Golf Club is 120 years old and we thought that this was a fitting course

to start off our season of grudge matches for the County Golfer staff. There is a

lot of honour to be fought for in these games because we have to co-habit with

each other (me, Lefty and Newby) for the rest of the season in the office.

Course Report

Alfreton Golf Club

Because Alfreton is the course closest to our

office it becomes an easy trip and a relaxed

atmosphere to get ourselves into gear both

mentally and physically. Lefty and Newby

have lost a shed load of weight and look

positively anorexic. I have gone for the other

option as I am trying to get stability into my

golf stance. Well, stability is the way I would

describe it, or firmly planted is another term.

There’s no shifting me off the tee, whereas a

light westerly breeze would blow the others

away. As it was mid January we were delighted

to have very sunny and pleasant weather to

welcome us at Alfreton, although I was hoping

for a stiff breeze!

The ever pleasant smile of clubhouse manager

Lynne was the first thing we encountered as

we arrived. Lynne always amazes us as she

seems never to be away from her post of

caring for the clubs needs with excellent food

and drink night or day. As we stood having a

coffee, I tried to get Lefty and Newby to have a

beer and bacon cob, but apparently there was

too much at stake.

We were joined in the clubhouse by course

manager Gordon Swain who gave us the low

down on his plans for the next two years for

the course.For instance some of the holes

have been opened out with smaller trees being

cleared to allow others to mature and grow to

provide a canopy alongside the fairways. The

trees are 15 years old and maturing beautifully

and with space around them will blossom out

well. This is an ongoing project. Long term

projects on work to remove moss from the

fairways and renewing the bunkers are

underway as I write this report. It’s always

non-stop for Gordon as he constantly works at

improving what is already a lovely course.

New tees have been introduced that have

made the course far more interesting and in

some ways harder to play. Take for instance the

4th, there are now two tees for this hole, so the

second time round it is a completely different

hole to play. With quite a bit of the scrubland

cleared away, the once flowing deep ditch has

been turned into a lovely picturesque small

body of water 4ft deep in places, it is definitely

there to catch you if you underclub.

Slim Chance!

Did it go in? No!

County Golfer 07

I was disappointed when Gordon told us that

it was mats off the fairway and then elated

when it was discovered that they had run out

(because the seniors had taken them all.) Ha

ha that’ll teach them to go out at 7am. In fact

we were very fortunate that some were just

finishing their round as we were about to tee

off (at speed obviously in case they offered us

their mats!).

Limbering up on the first tee was very

impressive and my shot flew high and

beautiful, landing on the second fairway.

Distance but no accuracy. Well it was the first

round of the year. At least I stepped up to the

tee first, not like the anorexic society who

were still struggling to pull a club out of their

bag! We all carded a bogey on this hole. At

264 yards off the yellows it is stroke index 14

and a steady par 4 which you should get as

long as you go straight off the tee. None of us

did.

I liked the 2nd as I hit a real peach straight

down to within 10 yards of the road. It was

neck and neck here. A bad tee shot drifting

left or right will see you fighting the trees.

Heading for the gap is best because you get a

good view of the green which is a generous

area to aim for. Fluffing my second took me

just 30 yards but a lovely recovery shot took

me screaming past the green leaving me a

chip back up. I prefer putting up the slope on

this green and was quite unfortunate to miss

out on a par. Happily it was bogeys all round.

Plumps and anorexics all square. Oh I forgot

to mention that after a poor tee shot Lefty

disappeared into a very large hollow. With

energy sapped he made it out - eventually.

Onto hole 3 (hole 14 second time round so

get used to it) . The hole I hate the most. Sorry

Gordon, nothing personal, it’s just that I can’t

play it! I never know where to aim and I

couldn’t see if anyone was on the green. Can

you get a 20 foot flag please. Not that a flag

would help me play it better but I would

know if I was going to hit anyone on the

green although it’s hardly likely as I’ve never

hit the green yet or got anywhere near it.

Newby and I went right and Lefty decided to

go over the tress on the left - and didn’t quite

clear them. Lost ball. With a par in my sights I

managed a 5 due to a lovely clean stroke off

the fairway. I am hitting far cleaner off the

fairway than I have ever done, but on this

occasion chose the wrong club. With 80

yards to go I thought that I had a 9 iron in my

hand but it was a 6. With my full weight

behind it the ball soared magnificently into

the trees. With tiger like guise I was out onto

Into the unknown at the 6th

the green for two putts. One up to the rexics!

Hole 4 which I described earlier is a lovely

176 yard, par 3 and not as easy as you may

think. The slope of the green makes it

imperative that you hit it right as a run from

right to left will leave you with a long uphill

put.

Now it’s 5 and a chance to give it some

‘welly’! Again getting through the gap straight

ahead and as far up the slope as possible. At

405 yards and a par 2 this is a hole to ensure

you get a par which surprisingly we all didn’t.

Close though because it was bogies all round.

At this point I wasn’t sure who was winning,

only that I was now in with a chance as the

6th is a nice downhill 137 yard, par 3 to play

and then a steep climb up to 7th. It is so

tempting to overclub the 6th and however

many times I play this hole I always think it is

longer than it is. In winter the ball doesn’t roll

but in summer it does, you also get a big

bounce off the green if you give it too much.

With out of bounds so close to the back of the

green and even with an upslope to help stop

the ball, I still managed to get it into the

rough grass under the fence. A chip with

determination was needed and I walked away

feeling very happy with a 4.

The lads were getting into their stride and I

was starting to feel the pace. I should have

had a bacon cob. You can’t keep this

physique up on fresh air.

Getting up the hill and over the top on the par

4 ,270 yard 7th is vital. Mind you it does say

that some people drive the green. Who are

these people? I’ve never met them. I did get

up and made a mess of the next shots coming

away with 6 on a hole that you should eat for

breakfast (mmm). It’s a lovely green to play

with nice undulations. Behind again. On the

383 yard, par 4, 8th I went straight into the

woods on the left so 3 off the tee, but the

lads went straight down and came off with

pars. With well placed bunkers on the left

(mine today) and right, the approach to the

green is nice and clear but quite deceptive as

you can think you are nearer the green than

you are. Take your time and pick the club

carefully.

Hole 9 and one to get a par, I always manage

to go left no matter how I set myself up on the

tee. To make it harder the tee has been moved

so that the trees are even more in line with

the hole. I am sure that it is only golf where

things are moved to deliberately get in the

way rather than clear the view. It’s always a

case of getting over the trees and small brook,

and I go right making that approach to the

green harder as there is a bunker to avoid.

Playing with me is always an education, but I

08 County Golfer

Sunrise and

no seniors?!

County Golfer 09

am not sure who for. I could get Lee

Westwood back to number one in the world

after three rounds with me!

Typical of my game I always do well on the

stroke index 1’s. I loved the 10th and walked

away with a nice bogey. That may not seem

much but getting three foot from the pin with

my 3rd shot was a victory. I was so excited I

missed. The tee shot on the 11th is crucial, get

up the hill and within proximity of the marker

and you can’t fail. A good second over the

huge dip in the fairway and the green is there

for the taking.

Hole 11 and again I drove off well. My

driving is coming on well as I am feeling more

confident now. Another bogey on this dogleg

right. The dogleg is quite a distance away but

if you get within reach you can get a good run

to the elevated green. But a warning here,

keep your tee shot to the left as a right shot

can leave you behind the big trees. The raised

green gives a chipping problem and Lefty had

some problems as he chipped straight across

and off the other side. I am not going to

describe the holes we play the second time

around as I have got to tell you about the fluke

shot of the day by Lefty. He will say it was

meant as he chipped straight into the hole

from the bunker on the 18th for a birdie! I still

can’t believe that he pulls shots out like this. I

spend ages trying to play steady golf and he

just lunges a club at the ball in a bunker and it

goes in. He says it’s skill.

Back in the clubhouse for some lunch and a

beer, we found that I had lost. Not by much

though. Holes 7 and 8 had cost me dearly and

hole 4 the second time round. I also lost in the

clubhouse as it came to paying for lunch.

No-one had any cash and Lynne doesn’t take

credit cards so it was decided I would drop

the money in later.

Our thanks to Lynne and Gordon for making

us most welcome at Alfreton and to the

seniors for taking all the mats! GP

I spent so long trying to

remember everything I had

been taught it went dark!!

10 County Golfer

NORWOOD PARK GOLF CENTRE

NEW FLOODLIT RANGE

with MACEY’s Golf Store

& Custom Fit Centre

Norwood Park recently opened a new-floodlit,

18 bay Driving Range with new Pro Shop &

Custom Fit Centre supported by Taylor Made,

Ping and Cobra.

The project has received national and local

support from the golfing governing bodies

including Golf England, The Golf Foundation,

Notts County Golf Partnership and Notts

County Council Aiming High Disability

Programme.

“As a HSBC Golf Roots Centre, it’s fantastic to

see Norwood Park GC invest money into

constructing a covered floodlit driving range to

accompany the 18 hole main course and the 9

hole par 3 course. This will enable junior

coaching to continue throughout the year and

I’m positive that both new juniors and adults

will be attracted to the sport as a result of this

facility being built. Norwood Park is fast

becoming nationally recognized for their

commitment to growing the game of golf”.

Martin Crowder, Regional Development Officer

The Golf Foundation.

The Centre was awarded GolfMark by Golf

England in 2009, highlighting a strong

commitment to junior golf development and

adult beginners. They have formed school links

with local councils including Newark, Sherwood

and Gedling. During 2011 they hosted

numerous community golf projects including

focusing on both junior and adult programmes

for those with special needs within the county.

The Golf Foundation awarded Golf Roots

Centre accreditation and they held a regional

‘TriGolf ’ final last year attracting schools from 6

counties. The Centre was runner up in the

Newark & Sherwood Sports Awards ‘ Club of

the Year’ for both 2010 & 2011. They have also

been nominated nationally for GolfMark ‘Club

of the year’ for the past three years.

WELL DONE !

NORWOOD PARK GOLF CENTRE

NEW FLOODLIT RANGE with

MACEY’s Golf store & Custom Fit Centre NOW OPEN

Norwood Park recently opened a new-floodlit 18 bay Driving Range with new Pro Shop & Custom fit centre supported by Taylor Made, Ping & Cobra. The project has received national and local support from the golfing governing bodies including Golf England, The Golf Foundation, Notts County Golf Partnership and Notts County Council Aiming High Disability Programme “As a HSBC Golf Roots Centre, it’s fantastic to see Norwood Park GC invest money into constructing a covered floodlit driving range to accompany the 18 hole main course and the 9 hole Par 3 course. This will enable junior coaching to continue throughout the year and I’m positive that both new juniors and adults will be attracted to the sport as a result of this facility being built. Norwood Park is fast becoming nationally recognized for their commitment to growing the game of golf” Martin Crowder!, Regional Development Officer The Golf Foundation The Centre was awarded GOLFMARK by Golf England in 2009, highlighting a strong commitment to junior golf development and adult beginners. They have formed school links with local councils including Newark & Sherwood & Gedling. During 2011 they hosted numerous community golf projects including focusing on both juniors and adult programmes for those with special needs within the county. The Golf Foundation awarded Golf Roots Centre accreditation and they held a regional ‘TriGolf’ Final last year attracting schools from 6 counties. The Centre was runner up in the Newark & Sherwood Sports Awards ‘ Club of the Year’ for both 2010 & 2011. They have also been nominated nationally for GolfMark ‘Club of the year’ for the past three years. Media Enquires to: - Jackie Macey Norwood Park Golf Centre Southwell Notts NG25 0PF themaceys@btinternet.com 01636 816626 / 07970 900336

Well Done!

Now Open

County Golfer 11

12 County Golfer

On tour with a local pro: James Whatley

James Whatley, writes for County Golfer,

informing us about the life of Derbyshire’s

Number 1 Golfer. James is AA PGA Professional,

Head Professional of Morley Hayes and

Academy Director of East Midlands Golf

Academy.

He is lead coach to the following;

Derbyshire Union U16’s County Team

Derby Performance Golf Programme

Lee Westwood Junior Camps

And coach to;

2011 Derbyshire Schools Champion

2011 Derbyshire County Trials Champion

2010 Derbyshire Ladies Champion

2010 Derbyshire Boys Champion

2010 Derbyshire Boys Matchplay Champion

2010 East Midlands College Champion

He is the current Midland Open Champion, has

represented Great Britain and Ireland in the PGA

cup against the USA and played for England in

the International Team Championships. His

reputation as a consistent player and a highly

regarded coach is recognised by top class

amateurs and professionals seeking his advice

and knowledge on their own games.

This month James tells us about his winter

training programme, becoming a Dad again and

what lies ahead in 2012. He also introduces a

guest writer to his column.

I hope 2012 is a great one for you all

County Golfer 13

the season has come

around so quickly. It doesn’t seem long ago

at all that I was putting my clubs away for a

well deserved break in October.

Although I’ve had a great winter, my beloved

Nottingham Forest’s form has taken a turn for

the worse. A new manager bought me some

hope in October but since November we

have only scored in one game at home. I get

more strikes at the bowling alley! (since

writing they have won their last two games)

When I last wrote, my wife was expecting

our second child. We were blessed with

another baby boy, weighing in at 9lbs 9oz on

Friday 14th October, Jenson Donald Whatley.

I have my pro am team sorted now, as my

wife plays. Team, Whatley, Whatley, Whatley

and Whatley.

On the golf front, I had a great rest and didn’t

touch the clubs through October, November

and December. My gym work has continued

and I am feeling so much stronger, although I

know there is still a long way to go before I

am where I want to be. I have really worked

hard on improving my flexibility through my

hips as this can cause me technical issues

through impact.

I have spent some quality time with my

coach Steve Astle on my short game, which

is starting to pay off. Whenever you make

changes it is hard to take a small step

backwards before you can take huge leaps

forwards. Patience and persistence are vital

in doing this.

I would like to also congratulate Paul

Wesselingh on gaining his European Seniors

Tour Card for the forthcoming year. All at

EMGA wish Paul the very best.

CoAChinG holidAyIn January I visited the magnificent Cornelia

Diamond Resort in Turkey. I took 7 golfers

away for a week’s coaching and playing

holiday. The golfers I took were: (names have

been made up to hide their identities.)

Punto (2 hcp)

Ginge (0 hcp)

Lefty (16 hcp)

Doc (6 hcp)

Mint (2hcp)

Big Dave (13 hcp)

Bandit (22 hcp)

There were a lot of laughs enjoyed by all,

and we have already planned our trip for

next year.

If anyone is interested in receiving more

information on any teaching holidays please

email me at james@emga.co.uk. Venues

range from Spain and Portugal to Turkey and

Tenerife. Packages can be tailored to suit

individuals or group bookings.

2012 TouRnAmenTsIn 2012 I will be playing National and

Regional PGA events, along with any county

ones that fit into my schedule. I will also be

making a return to the Europro Tour. With

Wow,

On tour with a local pro: James Whatley

some much appreciated sponsorship secured

I really want to see how far I can take my

golf this year. I am at tour school in April to

try and gain my full playing rights for the

2012 season. You can view my results at

www.pga.info or www.europrotour.com

equipmenT

Once again I will be using Cobra clubs and

wearing the very stylish Puma gear. My clubs

for the year will be.

S3 Pro Irons with KBS stiff Shafts. 3- gap

wedge. 1 inch longer than standard and 2

degrees up right.

Cobra ZL Encore Driver with a Project X

Shaft 9.5 degrees

Cobra Baffler 3 Wood with a Project X Shaft

13 degrees

Cobra rescue with a Project X shaft 19

degrees

Cobra Trusty Rusty wedges, 47, 53 and 57

degrees

Yes Abbie Putter, 34 inches

Cobra Black and yellow Staff bag.

Titleist Pro V 1

My favourite club has to be my new trusty

rusty 57 degree wedge. It has a great feel and

is really easy to use out of bunkers.

All these are available from the Golf shop at

Morley Hayes. Please visit

www.morleyhayes.com

ATTAChmenTAlthough I am still the Academy Director of

the East Midlands Golf Academy, 2012 will

see me represent Morley Hayes Golf in all

my events. I will wear the Morley Hayes logo

on all my clothing. I have been associated

with Morley Hayes for over 8 years and run

my business from there. It means a lot to me

to wear the logo, and they allow me to use

their facilities to improve my game ready for

all my events. Golf Manager of Morley Hayes

Daniel Delaney recently commented “It is a

pleasure to have James Whatley EMGA

Academy Director play under his new

attachment of Morley Hayes Golf. With an

outstanding playing record and his

professional conduct on and off the course

he will be a great ambassador for Morley

Hayes Golf”

moRley hAyesdRiVinG RAnGe

Set along the splendid entrance driveway

into Morley Hayes is our 17 bay, all weather,

16 County Golfer

floodlit driving range. Equipped with

Powertee, the number one automated tee

system, additional canopy covered and open

bays are available adjacent to the range.

Come and practice at Derbyshire’s Number 1

Golf Complex and home to the East

Midlands Golf Academy

GuesT WRiTeRI would like to introduce Aaron Holtom, who

is my Senior Instructor at East Midlands Golf

Academy. It means a lot to have experienced

and knowledgeable professionals on hand at

the Academy when I am away playing so

much. I have asked Aaron to write a short but

informative instruction column each month.

One of the most common issues I come

across as a coaching professional is beginner

golfers not using their natural athletic ability

in the golf. Most golfers stand flat footed and

swipe at the ball using a combination of

hands, arms and shoulders.

The motion of the golf swing is not too

dissimilar to that of a throw, something all of

us have had some experience of in the past.

If you were to stand sideways on the driving

range and throw a ball you would feel your

weight, start centre, shift away and then

towards the target.

To get this feel in the golf swing I would

encourage you to check your body position

after the shot has been hit, I would like the

belt buckle to be pointing towards the target

with your right heel off the ground (for right

hander’s). You should also feel your weight

now over your left leg.

To see more tips please visit

www.emga.co.uk,

www.aaronholtomgolf.co.uk or contact

aaron@emga.co.uk

pRediCTions foR2012 mAjoRs.I am going to give you my predictions for the

2012 Majors. I take no responsibility if they

are not correct.

US Open: Lee Westwood

British Open: Luke Donald.

US PGA Championship: Tiger Woods

I hope you have enjoyed reading my column

and I look forward to hopefully reporting

some success when I write again.

18 County Golfer

Course Report

sherwood forest

The day we set out to play the course was

Wednesday 28th March, with the mercury

pushing 23 degrees it almost led to me get

out the shorts but I thought better of it as I

didn’t want to blind the members with my

milky white legs.

We were due to tee off at 10 but got there a

bit early for a change! so we headed off to

the clubhouse for breakfast and coffee. The

only problem was we couldn’t get in the

front door as it was key coded. Just as Newby

was about to panic at the thought of running

out of time to eat his bacon bap, a member

came and let us into this impressive

clubhouse, in fact the view in the bar area

over the 18th is tough to beat.

We were met by Leigh Dyson the club

chairman who told us about the changes

happening this year; a new club house

manager moving in from Lindrick and also a

new club professional which is big news as

Ken Hall has been the professional for over

20 years. No matter how hard we tried Leigh

just would not reveal the new pros name, but

by the time you read this the secret should be

out!!

The course itself is described as a long

established heathland course designed by

If you ask any golfer in Nottinghamshire or Derbyshire

“which course would you like to play?” you will find that

this golf club will always be mentioned in the top 3.

What is the name of this highly rated course you may

ask? Well since you are probably reading this whilst in

one of the counties you already know the answer.

The stunning

Sherwood Forest Golf Club

County Golfer 19

Harry Colt and subsequently enhanced by

James Braid. It’s 6,835 yards long, par 70,

S.S.S. 74

Like many courses at the moment, they are

undergoing a tree management programme,

by removing trees and getting it back to a

pure heathland course and I must admit after

playing St Andrews (I know it is a links

course) the less trees the better, only because

I always seem to be behind one.

Today Newby and I were joined by Ian Knox,

Director of Golf for Marriott Breadsall Priory.

As a pro who learned his trade on some of

the best courses the British Isles has to offer

he was intrigued by Sherwood Forest, plus it

got him out of the office for the day! You will

find the first teeing area superb with a large

putting green and practice area to get

warmed up.

One thing you do need to know is that, to

get in line to tee off, especially on busy days,

you need to drop your ball in the ball rail

and when yours drops to the front of the

queue you are away. I am only telling you

this as no one told us! This led to us engaging

in far too much warming up. Newby had

already got though his chocolate bars and

Who is the secret new

Pro at Sherwood Forest?

Scratch here to reveal all!

20 County Golfer

had to go back to the pro shop to re-stock.

After Leigh had pointed out what we had to

do we got onto the first which is 318 yard,

par 4. In front of the tee the ground drops

away and back up to an elevated fairway. A

straight drive will get you away nicely, in fact

a slightly sliced or drawn shot would not be

too bad, just don’t scuff it because firstly you

will be in the dip buried deep in gorse

bushes, and secondly everyone surrounding

the first tee will laugh at you, so I am glad it

was Ian that took that option not me.

As soon as you start to walk up the first

fairway you know you are somewhere

special. Newby in true Newby style pared

this hole which seems to be a tradition at the

moment on every golf course we play. Ian

and I were one over.

The second is a 379 yard par 4, slight dog leg

right with lots of heather down the left and

bunkers to catch a drive. Taking on the

corner, Ian redeemed himself with a massive

drive over the bunkers and bang in the

middle of the fairway. “where is every one

now?” came the shout from Ian. As is the

case in golf you always produce your best

shot when no one else is looking. The green

nestles tightly between two bunkers so

accuracy is the key. Ian got a solid par.

The 3rd is 346yard, par4 which is not too far.

You might think ‘ I could drive most of that’,

as did Ian and Newby but what you don’t see

are the 3 bunkers cutting across the fairway

about 260+yards. The wise course is to lay

up short as I did ‘purely by chance’, and hit

the green with your second, otherwise it’s a

dropped shot like Ian and Newby.

This brings us to the first par 3 it’s 156 yards.

Just take a little while to take in the

magnificent view back to the club house, it’s

a downhill shot onto a well protected green,

a gaping bunker at the front ,one either side

and one at the back, so basically hit the

green.

You now start to leave the club house behind

and head deeper into Sherwood Forest

(Robin Hood Robin Hood and his merry

men! Sorry couldn’t help myself.)

The 5th is a par 5, similar to the first with the

fairway sloping down then up and narrowing

Course Report

sherwood forest

Sherwood bunkers

County Golfer 21

between the trees. Ian played this to

perfection just missing a birdie chance but

landing another solid par, I must admit we

were dropping a lot of shots on the greens

which were taking some mastering especially

on a dry day as they got faster as the day

progressed.

Sherwood are improving and creating new

tee areas, as was evident on the 6th, we went

for a look at one of the championship tees

and my goodness this really does change the

6th from a challenging hole to a formidable

hole.

The 7,8,9 are a joy to play not just because

of the condition of the hole but the,

environment you’re playing in, you do find

yourself smiling smugly to yourself thinking

“ I don’t think I would want to be anywhere

else right now” that feeling of euphoria will

soon be slapped from you as you turn to play

the back 9!!

They say “A long demanding return to home.

Very rarely will your second half score better

than the first!” I will tell you now they are

not wrong, all of a sudden your nice

340-370 yard par 4s, go to 400-482 yards

long.

You start the back 9 with a 160 yard par 3

which plays more like 180 yards as you are

teeing off into the prevailing wind with

heather in between you and the green, so not

a time for a duff shot.

22 County Golfer

Now we hit 4 tough par 4s in a row and it’s

time to get your game head on or at least

have a course planner with you. This is the

start of what the members call “Amen

Corner” the greens are further away ,the

fairways start to narrow and bunkers start to

appear just where your beautifully struck

drive will land.

Hole 11 the start of “Amen corner” a par 4,

439 yards says, on their website “Anyone

who walks away with a par deserves respect”

Ian walked off with a bogey and we gave him

respect for that. Needless to say it’s a tough

one. By the time we got out of amen corner

to the 15th a par 3 we felt humbled, double

bogies and bogies, not one par. We made up

for that on the 15th, a 173 yard par 3.

Now it was time for a meaty par 5 slight dog

leg right, the things to look out for are the 3

bunkers that come in to play off the tee, to

Course Report

sherwood forest

Perfect position

County Golfer 23

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clear them all you need is a mighty drive of

about 280+, the bonus if you can hit that far,

is that the fairway does slope toward the

green.

Coming back up the 18th you realise as you

face the picturesque clubhouse that you have

just played somewhere special.

We were met by Leigh when we got our pars

(just thought I’d mention that) and went into

the club house for refreshments. We listened

as Leigh picked Ian’s brain about the ins and

outs of running a golf club, for me, I just

happily sat there looking out on the sun

kissed view of the course, sipping my foreign

beer completely satisfied that I had just

played one of the best heath land courses in

the country. LeftyMiles away

County Golfer 25

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26 County Golfer

Early this year Dan, the Manager forGolf at Morley Hayes, invited usdown to the opening of the newadidas women’s range at the golfshop and, as an added bonus, tointerview Melissa Reid who wascutting the ribbon for the officiallaunch.

Melissa steadily rose to fame from her humblebeginnings playing golf with her Mum and Dad

at Chevin Golf Club in Derbyshire, winningseveral events as an amateur golfer, includingthe 2004 and 2005 English Girls championshipto turning professional in 2007. Melissa hadthe honour of representing Europe in the2011 Solheim cup, securing a spot in theEuropean team as the leader in the LETrankings. Quite a feat I am sure you will agree.

We had the opportunity to ask Melissa a fewquestions and the answers should inspiremany a young golfer to keep their headsdown and dedicate themselves to their gameas Melissa has.

County

Golfer meets Melissa Reid at Morley Hayes

Melissa officially

cuts the tape with

Morley Hayes Golf

manager Dan

County Golfer 27

Lefty and Newby’s claim

to fame at last!

County Golfer : How did youfirst get into golf?

MR: It started with my mum and dad who weremembers at Chevin Golf Course, I used to playalong with them. I enjoyed playing a lot offootball at the time but when I was told that Icould not play in the boys team I focused ongolf instead.

CG: Were your Mum and Dad the driving forcebehind your taking up golf?

MR:My Mum and Dad never pressured me toplay golf, as long as I was enjoying myself theywere quite happy to back me all the way, I’m avery focused person so when I decided this iswhat I wanted to do I had training and workedhard every day on my swing etc.

CG: When you were selected to play in theSolheim cup, how did that make you feel?

MR: To be honest I was ready for it. I wasconfident in my golf, and very excited andhonoured to represent Europe.

CG: Who did you look to for inspiration whenstarting out in your career?

MR: It has to be Laura Davies as she has beenon top of her game for so long. When I met hershe was so down to earth and encouraging.

CG: What is your goal?

MR:My main goal is to be the No.1 golfer in theworld

CG: What advice would you give to any younggolfer starting out?

MR: Get yourself affiliated with a club anddecided what you want to do. Set goals foryourself because if you want to make it as aprofessional and get onto the Tour then youmust be focused and push yourself hard.Thebest motivation comes from yourself.

CG Comment. I think we all agree with Melissathat staying focused is the only way to improveour game. To get better at golf you can’t have acasual attitude. We wish her all the success shedeserves for her dedication to her chosenprofession.

Melissa Reid

28 County Golfer

So sang Bob Dylan back in the 60s,

but this pretty well sums up Shirland

at the moment, new owners, new

green keepers and a new outlook for

the club.

On our visit to the club in March we were

fortunate enough to be introduced to the new

head greens keeper Robert Hay, a man with

not only years of experience in the business,

but also a real drive and determination to

succeed. He promised us that, since our last

visit, which was a few years ago, we would

see a huge improvement in the course, both

in the condition of the greens and the

fairways. A pretty bold statement we

thought.

Shirland was the very first 18 hole golf

course that I ever played, so I have a bit of a

soft spot for it to be perfectly honest. But I’ve

always found it to be a real Jekel and Hyde

course, I’ve played it some years and found it

to be a fantastic course, others years I’ve

been really disappointed. So which of the

two will Shirland be in 2012?

It was a stunningly beautiful day when we

arrived, the sun was out and there was hardly

a cloud in the sky, the best weather you

could expect for mid March! Myself and

Lefty stood on the first tee eager to find out if

all the improvements had made a real

difference, and it didn’t take us long to find

out.

Down in the far corner and the views are beautiful

Course Report

Shirland

The times they are a changin!Oh

County Golfer 29

I hate to point this out to Newby but the ball is still there! Ed

Another practice swing! I am reliably informed that Lefty and Newby had decided to

photograph each other and analyse their swing. I believe that pigs fly too!

30 County Golfer

The first hole is as kind an opening hole as you’ll find, 299 yards straight as a die,

tree-lined with OOB to the right, myself and Lefty both started with screamers right

down the middle, leaving us with a chip on to the green. Lefty was particularly

pleased as I’d spent most of the morning winding him up about his newly reduced

handicap as only a couple of weeks earlier it had been dropped by 3 shots. He was

looking particularly focused too, not a hint of a smile! 2 pars to start though, it was

game on!

The second is a tougher test, a 188 yard par 3 down hill, bunkers stop anything short

or left, so you have to drop it pretty much on the middle, if you do though the soft

greens mean you can stop it dead. Neither of us managed this, Lefty going left and

myself going just right.

On to the 3rd . You’ll need to bring a good long game with you to Shirland as 3 of the

opening 9 are par 5’s, ranging from 518 to 527 yards. Fortunately the improvements

the greens staff are making to the course are really noticeable, as the fairways, even in

the middle of March have a really good roll to them, a 200 yard carry is plenty as the

fairways will add a good 30 plus yards onto it.

Course Report

Shirland

County Golfer 31

The greens are much improved as you can see.

A steadyapproachand both

players get a par.

32 County Golfer

The par 5, 6th is a cracking hole and at 530

yards it needs a good whack from the tee.

But as the fairway slopes back towards you

slightly and quite a lot right, a little fade

round the bend leaves you a really inviting

second. If you can get within 50 yards with

your second, you still have to be careful with

your chip as the green is a real challenge.

The greens were in good condition for the

time of year, which is a real credit to the

greens staff, you can tell that they’ve really

put some thought and effort into bringing

them up to such a good standard.

The 8th is the clubs signature hole, and I

really can’t do it justice just in words, it’s

tough, daunting, picturesque and tough (I

know I said tough twice, it’s not a mistake)

that pretty much covers it, you’ll just have to

play it to get any idea about it. It’s a 235 yard

par 3 from the yellows, with 2 streams

crossing in front of you at angles making

laying up harder than hitting the green. The

only thing on your side is the bank behind

the green which catches anything that goes

over it.

When you go onto the 9th the whole course

seems to change somewhat, I can’t quite put

my finger on why though, it just feels like a

different style of course, weaving its way

through the hills.

The 13th par 4 is another beauty, it’s a dogleg

left on the drive, but it’s the second shot

that’s the cracker. Even if you hit a good 250

yard drive, the remaining 100 yards are up a

really steep hill onto a small green. If you go

right or left off the tee, your second is also

over trees. I know this for a fact! The green is

so elevated that you have to take at least two

clubs more than you usually would.

Overall the course has come on a lot since

the last time I played. The general condition

of the course has improved drastically,

especially the fairways and the greens. 2012

is definitely going to be a very good year at

Shirland.

With the rumour mill going at full speed as to

the next improvement, and the idea of a

flood lit driving range being bantered

around. It’s all change at Shirland. The big

question is can they keep it up? Newby

The maturing avenues of trees

create a very picturesque and

yet challenging aspect.

Course Report

Shirland

County Golfer 33

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34 County Golfer

After torrential rain for

most of Bank Holiday

Monday we were

wondering how we

would get on at Rufford

on the fine sunny

Tuesday afternoon that

followed. The wind

was certainly blowing

which I seem to

remember being a

major factor affecting

how I played last time I

was here.

But at least it was drying everywhere out.

No wellingtons required at this course

though as we were informed, this is in an

area of very sandy soil giving good drainage

and helping play continue in most weathers.

After a coffee in the clubhouse we were just

about to walk down to the tee when Newby

decided that his golf shoes were a bit slippy!

Not wanting him to have any excuses if I

thrashed him we headed back inside. One

new set of spikes later and some helpful

advice (and strenuous effort) from James in

the pro shop and we were good to go.

Despite his new shoes Newby insisted we

use a Buggy so we rolled down the slope to

the first tee.

As we were teeing off adjacent to the ladies

tees on this hole (due to some work being

carried out on the men’s first tee) the pressure

to pull off a decent shot was mounting. We

both aimed well away from the rough and

trees on the left (the most direct route to the

green) and got safely away with two decent

drives. Following those ‘magnificent’ shots

with a few fairly unexciting average shots all

with the PW we both eventually ended up on

the green thinking we could probably have

done a lot better on a hole that shouldn’t

Course Report

Rufford

No wellingtonsrequired

County Golfer 35

really be too tricky at all. But a 5 and 6 was

what we’d achieved so far as we moved onto

the second.

Looking to ‘go for it’ a bit more on the par 5

second hole we both took our drivers out.

Newby got plenty of height but no distance

(the start of a pattern of disappointing drives

that was to continue throughout most of his

round unfortunately!). After seeing this and

commenting on how my shot would be

better, and also saying how I was aiming left

to avoid the well placed bunkers that guard

the right of the fairway, I promptly rolled into

said bunkers. It just shows how everyone

can talk a good round; it’s just playing one

that’s more difficult.

A nice clean 7 iron out of the bunker and

surprisingly both balls were within a few feet

of each other with about 130 yards to go.

Our third shots got us closer but not onto the

green. Newby’s pitching onto the large green

saw him with a reachable par putt which he

missed, and my very poor pitch left me with

a monster putt that I missed twice. Hole to

Newby: double bogey 7 to bogey 6. Ouch!

The third, a short par 4 over the path in the

dip, and back up onto a fairly narrow green,

with bunkers at the front and to either side, it

looks extremely inviting. I certainly

remember driving quite close in the past; a

feat not to be repeated this time apparently.

After my drive, a short 9 iron up the hill and I

was over the green playing back onto it with

a PW. Seeing me overshoot ,Newby came

up short with his second shot narrowly

missing the bunker and chipped on for a par

putt.

Newby had the honours on the fourth.

Actually he had the honours on every hole

on the front nine! His tee shot landed on an

adjacent green to our left, but with a good

recovery over the trees he found himself only

a few yards from our green. I took the

opposite route, straight ahead (even though

the hole curved off to the left somewhat) and

so long that they almost reached the forest of

trees that shouldn’t have even come into

play. As I lined up my next shot the trees

were now hindering me. The only part of the

green showing was about a 2m patch of the

lower tier to the left as I looked at it. The rest

was branches. Having seen Newby get close

with his second shot I had to do the same as I

was falling behind in this round. I like it

when a testing shot comes off, and as the ball

landed on and stopped on that little patch of

green after nicking the smallest of twigs as it

flew past the trees I felt quite pleased with

myself. Still the route to the upper tier was

tricky and I only managed to three putt. Both

with bogey fives we moved onto the fifth.

The few times I’ve played this fifth hole well

it’s been a calm sunny summers day. For

some reason on windy days like today I

nearly always seem to get it wrong. Either I

overcompensate for wind that swirls around

the clearing in the trees but seems to then

have no effect on my shot, and I end up in

36 County Golfer

the trees, or I assume the wind will have no

effect because of its swirly nature and it

catches me out again by blowing the ball

disastrously off course. With this in mind I

teed off hedging my bets and aiming directly

for the pin. I wasn’t actually aiming at the

pin as it turned out because the ball set off in

a perfectly straight line to the bunker that it

eventually landed in. The wind didn’t have

any effect! Newby extends his lead by

paring the hole to my 4.

The 6th hole is 407 yards long and almost as

wide. Aim for the hole straight ahead and hit

it as far as you can, advice which I gave and

followed myself. Getting the advantage off

the tee over Newby with his below par

driving wasn’t having enough of an effect.

His iron shots were generally straighter than

mine and his pitching onto the greens was

more accurate in line and length (normally a

phrase associated with cricket, I know, but

I’ve borrowed it anyway). A slightly elevated

green with the possibility of dropping off the

back if you overshoot meant that our second

shots were the key to a good hole. I topped

mine about 50 yards but my third shot was

better. Despite the greens being pretty much

in as good condition as we’ve seen recently,

especially considering the weather the

previous day, we both managed to three putt.

Hole to Newby.

Par three holes seem to be a speciality at

Rufford. They’re either surrounded by trees,

down a hillside and over a lake, or as this

one is from the top of one little hill to the top

of another. Even the fairly straight forward

hole 15 is nice as it has one of the best views

on the course looking out towards the abbey.

If you keep up with county golfer on

Facebook look out for the videos taken on

the fifteenth. Try not to look at my shot

though – quite appalling! If you miss the

green there’s a good chance you’ll find your

ball on the seventh. The area around the

green is quite large and there aren’t too many

trees! We found ours ok and both got 4s.

Much the same story on the eighth hole.

Bogey fives all round on a short par 4 that

we both felt we should have done better on.

Easily reachable in two shots (especially off

the yellows) and with no real danger until

you get to the green where you need to avoid

the water and at the same time take on a

Course Report

Rufford

County Golfer 37

The Yorkshire Terrier concentrates before

chipping delicately onto the green

tricky pin position.

If you get the first shot on the ninth right

(after you’ve ordered your sandwich on the

phone supplied!) you’ll quite likely be

standing just at the top of a dip in the

fairway. On the other side and back up the

hill lies the ninth green set just in front of and

slightly below the purpose built and

expansive club house. Being elevated like it

is you have great views from this clubhouse

over some of the course and the surrounding

area. Only time for a quick look at these

now. Maybe a longer look with a pint later.

Onto the tenth. Here we get some gentle

ribbing (from a lady golfer taking in the view)

about how really we should be walking

around at our age – not using a buggy. We

tee off feeling embarrassed about our lack of

fitness but actually end up glad of the buggy.

Both shots end up way over on the left, on a

dog leg right hole! The way we play I think

we cover twice as much ground as we

should do. At least we steered well clear of

the lake on the right and after negotiating

some low branches on the surrounding trees

we end up on the green for 3 and in the hole

for 5.

As we move on to the eleventh we get a

good view of the par three to come later

(hole 17). It’s worth looking at the distances

involved from this angle. When you play this

hole you’ll be elevated way above on the tee

at the top of the hill and it’s quite easy to

underestimate the club you need. A short

trip over the beefy steel suspension bridge

(maybe they’re expecting more heavy traffic

some day) and we’re on the next tee. The

11th is flat and wide open. You really want

to be keeping away from the bunkers on the

left though as they are perfectly positioned to

catch you as you try and cut the corner and

go straight toward the green. Having not

taken these bunkers on though I was now

faced with a shot over a bunker onto the

green. Someone has thought this hole

through. I’m not sure that there’s a

particularly easy route to this flag. Not what

I would be expecting when I first viewed the

SI 15 hole from the tee.

A short walk (or in our case buggy ride) gets

us back the way we came almost to the

twelfth tee. This hole wraps around the

eleventh green somewhat (but with a safe

distance between green and fairway) to

produce a slight left to right hole that means

you can’t see the green from the tee. Avoid

getting involved with cutting corners. The

hole is too long and the bunkers and rough

on the right hand side aren’t worth dealing

with. Since the tenth, things have got back to

normal and Newby wins the hole 6 to 5.

Now onto the longest hole on the course.

Correct me if I’m wrong but I think it’s rare

that a par 5 is SI 1 on a course. There’s not

much chance of a birdie on this 589

(yellows) / 641 (whites) yard whole. Not for

us two anyway! Watch out for the grassy

knolls in the rough, the trees, and the stream

on the right, not to mention the ‘out of

bounds’. Keeping slightly left is a good

option but will make this hole even longer. I

found my longest carry drive of the day, an

average 7 iron from the thick but shortish

rough on the right over to the bottom of the

bank on the left, a pretty good 4 iron from

the left hand side onto the green in

regulation and a nice two putt for 5 seemed

to do the trick. I enjoyed wearing a smug

look for a while anyway, as Newby came

away with an 8. I’m not sure how he did it

as I wasn’t paying attention as he swung

wildly away in dismay at a ball that just

didn’t want to play ball! Normally I don’t

fare very well on this hole. I like it when you

conquer what you previously thought of as a

certain bogey hole if not double bogey!

I was on a bit of a comeback, and I think this

section of the course is the best part. Great

views of the surrounding area and some

interesting features on each hole. The

fourteenth par 4 has a hill to drive over, a dip

after the hill with a few trees in it that you

need to avoid and an elevated green with

trees at the back to catch any second shots

that are too long like mine. Watch out for

the bunker in front of the green. Don’t putt

too long if you end up behind the pin

position looking back at the tee, as you may

end up almost back down the hill, or back in

the bunker. Two fives at the fourteenth (where

I had the honours for the first time in the

round) sees me still 5 shots behind Newby

with only four holes to play. A lost ball and

three off the tee on the par three fifteenth

gives Newby a five and I get two shots back.

The drive over the large bush filled ditch /

canyon was too much for Newby to match.

Three off the tee for him again at the

sixteenth as I drive part way up the hill. This

hole is wide so you have plenty of scope to

aim away from the hazard in front of the tee.

38 County Golfer

Course Report

Rufford

County Golfer 39

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40 County Golfer

It’s just tempting to cut it a bit fine! Nicely

positioned bunkers mean even if you miss

the wide diagonal ditch you could still end

up in a bit of bother. No issues with getting

to the green but putting proves tricky. Hole

to me 7 v 6. I really didn’t capitalise on

Newby’s mistake here.

On to what I consider the best hole on the

course. The seventeenth. 169 yards off the

yellows, but with such a massive drop in

elevation from the tee to green that club

choice is tricky. This is compounded by the

green only being a few feet beyond a greedy

lake that no doubt has thousands of golf balls

in it! After much consideration we chose our

clubs. Newby going for a safe 6 iron aiming

at the back of the green, while I opted for the

7 iron hoping to just get over the water and

drop onto the pin that was positioned only a

few feet beyond the lake to tempt people into

taking that shot. Even the best laid plans can

fail. Newby under hits it and plops into the

water about two yards short of the far bank.

Having landed level with the pin but just off

to the left of the green I pitch on and a par

sees me draw level for the round as Newby

gets a five after landing at the back of the

green from his third shot off the tee and then

two putting.

The eighteenth leads you up towards the

clubhouse and has no real hazards except a

cluster of bunkers guarding the front of the

green. Aim straight at the green would be

my advice. We both drove to within about

30 or so yards of the bunkers but at about

308 yards from the yellows to the green, and

the last section of fairway being steep uphill

only the longest of hitters will end up in a

bunker. Let me know if that’s bad advice! I

suppose I’d better mention that Newby won

by two shots after I duffed my PW and then,

after finally getting onto the green for three

shots, managed to three putt from only five

feet away from the hole. And there ended

my comeback from 8 shots down, to level,

and then back to 2 shots behind again.

Maybe Newby’s new spikes had made just

enough difference over the course of the

round!

Despite my score this was certainly one of

the most enjoyable rounds I’ve played all

year. The course has always been interesting

and well laid out. Couple that with the

amount of effort that’s clearly being put in to

maintain the greens and the rest of the

course, and a nice and friendly atmosphere

in the clubhouse, and you’ve got a golf

course that’s no doubt a pleasure to be a

member at, and is certainly very visitor

friendly. I look forward to playing here again

soon. The Yorkshire Terrier.

County Golfer 41

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42 County Golfer

County Golfer gets a sneak preview of

the New-Look

Nottinghamshire Golf and Country Cluband will be returning to play there for the next edition

Big changes are underway at TheNottinghamshire Golf and Country clubat Stragglethorpe and when I say big Imean big. County Golfer were inviteddown to see them.

The first thing you notice as you arrive is the

extension all around the bottom level of the

clubhouse with new floor to ceiling windows

which give panoramic views over the course.

The pro shop has been redesigned making it

more spacious with views over the 1st hole

which in itself is impressive with a big starting

board framing the first tee.

We were invited upstairs into the refurbished

conference room to meet the new Managing

Director Bill Mckenzie. The upstairs of the club

house, which is a massive space, used to be

more of a storage room and nothing was ever

done with it. You can imagine our surprise when

we walked up the stairs on a plush carpet and

through the etched glassed doors into a

stunning function room. No expense has been

spared here and as figures in the region of

£500.000 were mentioned I could see why

from the impressive dark wood tables to the

designer carpets, wall paper from Harlequin

designer range to the curtain’ which, as I said to

Bill “are far too nice” to which he replied “no

expense has been spared”. He then showed us

the ladies toilets with their small crystal

chandelier and gilted dressing mirror. However,

the biggest change to the clubhouse has to be

the balcony that runs around two sides of the

building overlooking the 18th and the 1st. .

Rattan tables and chairs sit behind panels of

glass, so you can just sit sipping your

Chardonnay with unobstructed views.

What about the course? Bill went on to tell us

that the first thing they did was to get the

award winning golf architects Kimber

Associates, who were involved in the new

Castle course at St Andrews to come down and

cast their expert eye over the course.

They in turn implemented major changes which

I will take you through now as we went out to

play and see for ourselves.

The first major change is the new second hole

and you notice straight away the reconstructed

raised teeing area and ahead of you a kidney

shaped water hazard that kisses the front of the

green. This for me is a signature hole with a

A view of the

course from the

terrace

County Golfer 43

Not one we like!!

A deep bunker which we will definitely visit!

Work continues on the

new elevated tees

Lefty blocks the view to the clubhouse.

The new 4th tee brings

water into play.!

The new 2nd tee. Note the

elevated position giving

great views of the fairway.

Refurbished function room

little wooden bridge over the

water to the green reserved for

the proud golfer who hits it in

one.

Let’s move on to the 4th which

originally was a par 5 and has

now been re-assessed as par 4.

Now at 443yards off the

yellows this hole has always

been very daunting for a lefty

as water sits most of the way

down the left side of the

fairway catching a sliced shot, so

thank you for moving the tee so

the water come more into

play!!!

Moving onto the 7th the tee has

also been raised which is very

much the way for modern golf

design. The thinking behind it is

to give the visiting golfer a

chance to see the hazards’ and

put them on a level playing field

when taking on members who

know the course well.

The 10th has undergone major

changes with a new tee pushed

right back. The fairway has been

narrowed and turned into a

slight dog leg, requiring an

accurate tee shot.

The 11th a par 4 stroke index 1

has had gorse bushes removed,

which I had been in many times,

so they should have found quite

a few balls in there. Many

courses are currently removing

trees and you might wonder

why? Well, because many trees

on today’s courses were not

meant to be there in the first

place but have been left to grow

and develop, getting in the way

of a good golf shot.

The 12th a 149 yard par3 has

had the pond, which sat not

threateningly to the right of the

green, extended around to the

front of the green, so all of a

sudden this makes it a very

different hole to play.

As you go around the course

you will start to say “that wasn’t

there before”. Some of the

bunkers are good examples of

this. The 13th’s new big bunker

has appeared in front of the

green which also slants from

front to back making your

second shot an interesting one.

I suppose what you can say

about the open course now is

that it’s gone from hit the ball,

walk up the fairway, to “hang on

a minute I’ve got to think about

this shot and where I’m going

to place it”. Let’s be honest, we

love standing on the tee and

thinking “how am I going to play

this hole?” this is what the

Nottinghamshire has now

successfully done as they have

turned themselves into a

course you must play.

The proof of this is that they

have started to attract big

competitions. They are hosting

the regional finals of the Trilby

Tour which will be broadcast on

Sky, also the Ladies County

Championship. I’m sure it is the

start of many as they have

turned it into a Championship

Course.

If you have not played here for a

while then I would recommend

you make it your next port of

call. The facilities are first class

and the improvements they

have made, and will continue to

make to the course, make it the

place to play. Lefty

Amazing changes are happening at e Nottinghamshire. Have youplayed the new 2nd hole yet? Or seen the fantastic changes made to the10th, 12th, 15th, 17th and 18th? Under the expert guidance of awardwinning architects Kimber Associates, a truly magnificent course thatrivals anything in the East Midlands awaits all golfers, societies andcorporate golf days.

0115 933 3344 www.thenottinghamshire.com

e Nottinghamshire Golf & Country Club, Stragglethorpe Road, Nottingham NG12 3HB.

Golf Weddings Conferencing Dining Celebrations

the experience…

Perfection…to a teePerfection…to a tee

County Golfer visits Scotland

and Jubilee courses

Earlier in the year County Golfer received a call inviting Lefty andNewby to play the Torrance and Jubilee courses at St Andrews. Notonly that, the invite also included a stay at the Fairmont Hotel.

Needless to say we accepted. The Fairmont Hotel complex has won many accolades

over the years but the most recent is the one they are quite chuffed with and so they

should be, as they have won “European Golf Resort of the year 2012” from IAGTO

and “The Golf resort of the year 2011” from Golf Tourism Scotland

.

Fairmont St Andrews is one of the top resorts in the world - voted 18th in the

World's Top Golf Resorts by Conde Nast Traveller readers' poll, voted as number 22

of the World's 50 Best Golf Hotels by the Golf Digest Awards, Resort Hotel of the

year 2008,2010,2011 (Golf Tourism Scotland) and it hosted the G20 summit!! And

now they can add to that ‘Lefty and Newby played here 2012’!

and plays the Torrance

48 County Golfer

As you can imagine

it’s a nice set up, they

have two courses,

the Kittock’s and the

Torrance course, a

spa and a very nice

bar called the

Kittocks, as you

would expect full of

whiskey.

We were here to play the Torrance course,

which as you might have guessed was

originally designed by Sam Torrance, now

re-designed with 8 new holes and classic

Scottish revetted bunkers, it’s designed to be

a Scottish links course so no trees, deep

bunkers, wild gorse bushes and deep rye

grass.

It’s a par 72 and a massive 7230 yards long,

even further if like most of us you zig zag up

the fairway. You drive past the impressive

hotel to the clubhouse which as you expect

has its own car park, restaurant and bar with

panoramic views overlooking the course and

the sea. The welcome we got from the pro

shop was very friendly and relaxed, Andrew

was more than helpful showing us to the

changing rooms and then giving us a few tips

for the course.

The first is reached by a short walk back

across the car park and past the driving

range. We were playing as a 3 ball,myself,

Newby and Tingle our Yorkshire writer who

joins us from time to time, I had the honour

to tee off.

The 1st is a par 4, 358 yard slight dogleg left,

you’re looking to aim between two stone

walls and keep it on the fairway. A lesson I

learned when playing Saunton golf course is

‘if it’s not on forget it’, I got away with a

clean straight drive and watched as it hit the

ground and rolled up and down the

beautifully manicured fairway.

There is a water ditch about 274 yards off the

tee but most of us will come up short here

which leaves you a great approach shot to

the green. My second shot I sliced and ended

up to the left of the green narrowly avoiding

a very deep patch of gorse bushes, I

managed to chip on. Standing on the green I

The 7th

County Golfer 49

quickly realised I was standing on perfection,

they were immaculate and a joy to putt on.

The second a par 4, 438 yards again is a

straight shot down the fairway, it’s quite open

so quite forgiving. I hit my drive just to the

left of the fairway which did leave me a blind

shot to the green as my ball rested on the

back of a slight mound that rose in front of

me, after a quick look I chose my direction

and managed to hit the green, I was starting

to enjoy these big greens, but just be wary as

this green does slope towards the back.

The 3rd is your first par 5, 459 yards .Be

careful of your tee shot as there is water to

the right about 246 + onwards, then you

have a water ditch that protects the front of

the green. Those handy with a fairway wood

might fancy having a go at the green in two

as did Tingle and to be fair he nearly made it,

but one thing he forgot to take into account

was the Scottish wee wind that held it up

and placed it in the water for him. I took the

wise choice and laid up my second (only

because I don’t have a fairway wood) I got

on the green in 3 and a solid par followed. I

was loving these greens.

With my confidence growing in my new

swing, I approached the 4th with swagger, it

is a pretty much straight shot up the fairway

but be careful, you have 3 bunkers to the

right of the fairway and a bunker smack in

the middle of the fairway, about 198 yards

waiting to swallow your ball. Just a word of

warning about the 63 bunkers that are on the

course is that they were all dug up in 2008

and rebuilt in the traditional revetted style, so

avoid them at all cost.

I managed to avoid the bunkers but fell fowl

(I love this word Lefty! Ed) of the green which

slopes from left to right, my first double

bogey of the day followed.

Walking through the stone wall which criss

crosses the front nine, we approached the

5th, the first par 3 of the day, it’s 159 yards

off the tee with a water ditch cutting across

you so no scuffed shots or else you’re going

fishing again. It’s the green that will cause

you the problem here as it slopes off the front

and off the back and your ball has to drop

like a bomb to have any chance of clinging

on. We all managed a par.

The 6th, a 464 yard par 3 is a tough hole

make no mistake about it, the fairway

undulates and bunkers hide away out of sight

waiting for you. Even thought we found this

hard we still had big grins on our faces

because it was a joy to play

The 7th, at only 274 yards to the green, a

relatively short par 4, it’s a slight dogleg right

You can see the green off the tee, looking at

the course planner it looked like you could

take the corner on without getting into

trouble, Newby and myself went for it, both

of us hit massive drives over the corner but

those smug smiles on our faces were soon

wiped off as what looked like fairway on the

course planner turned out to be a ditch full

of rye grass. Newby was in deep but mine

was not too bad from there, it was only a 9

The long up hill 4th. Just keep out of

those bunkers.

50 County Golfer

iron onto the green, I managed it but poor

old Newby’s ball refused to come out, it

took two attempts. I landed an easy par but I

must admit it was more luck than

judgement.

The next hole the par 3, 8th has a deep,

deep, deep bunker in front of this elevated

green. It was about 153 yards to the pin, I

managed to hit the green, Newby went to

the left of the green avoiding the bunker but

poor old Tingle ended up in the wee thing.

Standing on the green I could just about see

the top of his head and I watched as he

slowly empted the bunker of sand!! In the

end he gave up, Newby on the other hand

decided that one of us must try and see if it

is possible to get out of this pit and with his

Tingle emptying the

bunker of sand on

the 8th

County Golfer 51

first try he landed his ball 6 inch from the

hole and then quickly ducked as his ball was

thrown, I mean passed back to him by

Tingle.

You now start to move away from the hotel

and out into the wilds, all of a sudden the

par 4’s and 5’s stretch out further.The

scenery of the back 9 is stunning with the

sea getting closer and closer and St Andrews

Castle course setting the back drop. The

fairways started to narrow so a much more

accurate tee shot was required.

Let’s move on to the 12th a good example of

this a par 5, 501yard hole, the fairway snakes

away in front of you and narrows about 300

yards from the tee. Again a well placed deep

bunker waits to gather you, while in front of

the green is a water ditch, it’s all uphill

which makes this hole long. Power and

placement will see you on the green but I

have neither which led to me taking the

more scenic route.

You now find the holes run parallel with

each other and give a real test of your golf

leading us to my favourite hole, the 16th

364yard, par 4. Now you are facing the

North sea, you tee off blind onto the fairway

which rises and then falls away out of sight.

A good drive will get you over and down the

other side, it is a long way though at least

250+, both Newby and Tingle ended in good

positions allowing an Iron on the green.

One thing you don’t want to do is over hit it

The 17th

52 County Golfer

as the green kisses a cliff edge leading into

the sea. With only a stone border dividing the

edge Tingle hit the green, Newby took an

interesting approach by managing to hit the

stone border knocking his ball back into the

centre of the green “lovely back spin”

shouted Tingle!

Now you have the sea on your left for the last

two holes, the 17th is a par 3, you’re teeing

off to an immaculate elevated green sloping

quite steeply left to right. The green keepers

were doing some work nearby and duly

stopped their machinery to watch us tee off,

fortunately we did not give them anything to

laugh at as all 3 of us hit the green. Phew!!

The 18th was my shot of the day hole, by this

time I had won the competition among

ourselves and like a true victor finished in

style by putting my second shot 2 feet from

the flag to finish with a birdie (thank you

James).

As we sat in the Kittocks bar sipping a wee

dram in the hotel we reflected on the course

and all agreed that we had just played

somewhere special. Not a blade of grass out

of place I did not see any G.U.R, the greens

are the best I have played and with the

position of the course kissing the North Sea

and views over to St Andrews it makes it all

the more special.

Our thanks to everyone at Fairmont St

Andrews for their hospitality and wee tipple.

(too many wee’s Ed)

If you’re looking for a hotel spa and golf

complex, where better than the European

Golf Resort of the year, and the Resort Hotel

of the year 2008, 2010, 2011-golf Tourism

Scotland. Now they can add to those

accolades “County Golfer, Lefty and

Newby’s the place to stay and play before

you hang up your clubs 2012.”

Starting to look like a

swing on the tricky 10th

The best par 3 on the

course - the 17th

54 County Golfer

My St. Andrews’Experienceby Andrew Tingle'Nice shot' chirped up Newby. Now under

normal circumstances I would have given a

short, tactless reply as the shot in question was

my third attempt to get out of a bunker on the

18th - and my 6th in total for the hole already!

However, these were no normal circumstances.

I was in a pot bunker on none other than the

Jubilee Course at St. Andrews, yes the St.

Andrews and it was having a strange effect on

me. Duffed shots, out-of-bounds drives and 3

putting seemed to matter not as the experience

of being at the home of golf left me with a

boyish grin on my face and not a care in the

world for my score card.

Of course, this didn't mean that I was happy to

play like a right old lemon, but after years of

watching countless Open Championships and

seeing the worlds best walk the same turf -

having an opportunity to play the Torrance and

Jubilee Courses took precedent. I suppose the

best way to describe it would be if you were a

tennis nut - how would you feel if you could

have a knock around Centre Court? Or play

with your mates at Wembley if football is your

thing?

The first day was the Torrance course, and what

I found most interesting was that it isn’t a links

golf course! I always presumed that a links was

a course by the coast, yet it actually refers to

the ground condition of the course. The word

links comes from the old English word hlinc,

which basically refers to an area of coastal sand.

So a links course is one built on sand based soil.

We were informed that in a few years time, the

Torrance course will be a links as each year

1’000’s of tonnes of sand is bonded into the

existing sub-structure of the course.

Anyway, back to the important stuff - the golf!

The wind was unbelievable - and not just

because

Lefty had beans for breakfast. You

either hit a 300 yard belting drive - or a 50 yard

snorter. It certainly made you think about every

shot and was a memorable experience, the only

down side being that Lefty actually won! (Must

have been the beans!) This course is extremely

close to the coastline which offered amazing

views - a real belter of a course and a good test

for any level of golfer.

After a good nights sleep and a few samples of

Scotch it was time for the Jubilee course. All the

locals - and even club pro’s - will tell you that of

all the St. Andrew’s courses, this is the most

challenging and in many ways enjoyable. It

intertwines and runs parallel to the Old

Course, meaning an iconic photo could take

place on the bridge where the Golden Bear

himself waved to the crowds (if only I had 18

majors!).

From the meticulous greens, undulating fairways,

hidden bunkers and brooks, spectacular views

and history to rival Bonnie Prince Charlie, the

Jubilee Course was unforgettable. So when

going down the 18th, and barely managing to

get out of a fairway bunker on my 3rd attempt,

all I resembled was a cat who truly had the St

Andrew’s cream.

County Golfer 55

I must start with a statement - St

Andrews has made my life as a golf

journalist very hard!! Why you might

ask? I have played perfection which has

led to me saying and annoying Newby and

other golfers I play with “you wouldn’t get that

at St Andrews!!” And, “look how long the grass

is on the fairway and on the green!” I have also

been annoyed that I cannot get my putter out

on the fairway and putt onto the green.

So I have been told “you must stop comparing

every golf course you play to the Jubilee Course

at St Andrews!” Ok I will try, but no promises.

The Jubilee course is known as the most testing

golf course in the St Andrews family, it started

its life as a humble pitch and putt course for

ladies and less experienced players.

In 1905 St Andrews golfer Willie Auchterlonie

the open champion in 1893, oversaw an

extension and redesign of the course making it

18 hole, measuring 5330 yards

The third Jubilee was opened in 1946 and

extended to 6020 yards one again by Willie

Auchterlonie, then it got extended under the

hand of Donald Steel to 6742 yards creating a

number of new holes. The fourth Jubilee was

opened officially in September 1989 by reigning

US open champion Curtis Strange.

Today it hosts Amateur Championship also the

St Andrews Links trophy.

As I stood on the first tee after having a bit of

banter with the starter, a sense of satisfaction

came over me knowing I was treading hallowed

turf. I managed to get away clean and as I

walked down the undulating fairway a big smile

appeared on my face and stayed there all the

way around this stunning course.

The fairways were cut to the length of putting

greens and the greens were the best I have

ever played on, not a blade out of place and

they were big, for example on the 4th the flag

was 43 yards into the green!!

Jubilee is the closest to the sea and you get

some great views as you start your approach

back to the club house. It’s everything you

expect and more from a links course, pot

bunkers, reed grass, gorse bushes, undulating

and tight fairways, then you have the constant

battle with the wind but who cares when you

are playing one of the best golf courses in the

world. I am going to struggle to top the Jubilee,

we do have an invite togo back and play the

Old course so who know maybe that will knock

it off its perch.

I would just like to thank everyone at St

Andrews for making us feel so welcome.

Everyone we talked to was so relaxed and

friendly, trust me I have played at some golf

clubs that don’t make you feel welcome at all,

but here where they could be a bit stuffy being

the home of golf, they are quite the opposite.

Just a note; when we were having out picture

taken on the iconic bridge on the 18th of the

Old course, an old gentleman was waiting to

tee off on his own, and his caddy was his black

Labrador dog!!

How many golf courses would let you do that!!

It’s a hard life!by Lefty

56 County Golfer

Two Chevin members

make their markJohn Flanders and Paul Baxter are very great

friends having played golf together both for

Derbyshire and Chevin. It is a unique

achievement that both men have been Presidents

of the EGU - John Flanders in 2000 and Paul

Baxter 2012.John Flanders served for years as treasurer to theEnglish Golf Union and then became chairman in1988 and president in 2000 and spent much ofhis time visiting clubs and other counties ensuringthe organisation of the game remained at a highlevel throughout the country.

John is now Club President of Chevin Golf Cluband goes on to say about becoming president ofChevin golf club: “this means more to me thananything that has happened in the past. I regard itas a great honour to follow in the footsteps of the

few men who havepreceded me.”

Paul Baxter retired inFebruary 2008 after 23years with the EGU, eightas Deputy Secretary and15 as Chief Executive,having spent theprevious 12 years as agolf club secretary.

Paul goes on to say about his appointment aspresident of the EGU “I was amazed but delightedwhen I heard the news,” he said. “When I joinedthe EGU in 1985 as Deputy Secretary it was thestart of a wonderful part of my life. Never in those23 years did I expect to be awarded the highesthonour of being President.“It was a great pleasureto be given the job of working for the Union but Inever expected this. When I received the call Iwas speechless. I am really looking forward to myyear, who wouldn’t?” Paul has honorarymembership at Chevin Golf Club.

Stanedge Golf Club, Walton Hay Farm,

Chesterfield S45 0LW

Tel 01246 566156 or Hon Sec 07971 783145

Ladies Captain Jane Hardy, Junior Captain Joe

Elliott and Club Captain Ken Fergusson –

pictured at their Sunday morning Drive off in

March -- just before the heat wave!!

Busy, Busy Ken and Jane

It’s not only the bees, who will be busy on

Stanedge this season!

Ken Fergusson Stanedge GC - Club Captain

for 2012/13 can expect a very busy year, as he

will be fulfilling a dual role, not only is Ken the

new Club Captain, he has also assumed the

role of Hon Secretary, whilst Jane Hardy

Ladies Captain is also the Ladies Secretary –

both of whom expect a very ‘hands on’ year.

Ken has been an active member at Stanedge

for 20 years and is very keen to promote

Stanedge, with its stunning views, extensive

Greens programme, and very reasonably

priced golf, to a wider public.

Visitors can expect a warm welcome and at

£15 per round for visitors – It’s just too good

to miss!! ‘Stanedge’ is a test of accuracy and

skill – a challenge not to be taken lightly –

5,786 yd par 69 (Gents), 71 (Ladies).

We operate a good old fashioned ‘honesty

box’ system, Members are always willing to

help with any questions and if you’d like to

know more please ring either the Hon

Secretary or the Club Captain and Ken will

be only too pleased to help (07971 783145).

County Golfer 57

58 County Golfer

LEGEND VISITED BY A LIVING LEGENDFormer Masters champion Bernhard Langer was the latest world-class golfer to visit the hole that

bears his name on Legend Golf & Safari Resort’s unique Signature Course, in South Africa.

Each of the 18 holes was designed by one of the world’s top players and Langer’s visit followed

similar trips by the likes of three-time Major winner Padraig Harrington, Spanish superstar Sergio

Garcia, Korean KJ Choi, South African legend Retief Goosen and former European number one

Justin Rose, who each designed a hole on the award-winning course.

It was the 54-year-old German’s first visit to Legend – at the heart of the Big 5 Entabeni Safari

Conservancy in the Waterberg area of Limpopo – and he was impressed with the final look of his

hole, the fourth, and awestruck by the majesty of the world’s longest par-three: the Extreme 19th,

played from the top of Hanglip Mountain.

For more information contact the Central Reservations Office: www.legendlodges.co.za

County Golfer asks ‘Can your course match this?

Just which is the hardest par 3 in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire? We are aiming to find out. It is our quest.

If you would like to nominate your club as having the hardest par3 please email scott@imagespublishingltd.co.uk

Tell us why it is so hard and invite us to play it. It’s that simple (or is it?)Andrew at Ashbourne GC has already nominated theirs.

TheDerbys/Notts Par3 Challenge

County Golfer 59

Clowne Golf Society held their annual

awards night at the Molan Chinese

restaurant on Saturday 17 March 2012.

Other event winners were,

D Wheeler, N Wood, Chloe Pinegar, Carl

Pinegar, M Whiteley, A Richards, M Jackson,

S Smith.

Notice Father and daughter winning

events trophies Carl and Chloe Pinegar,

Chloe is the 2010 "Order of

Merit"Yorkshire junior.

Left: . Andrew Richards with 2011 Captain

Rita Salt presenting "Salt of the Earth"

Trophy. Andrew also won "Player of the

Year and also an Event win trophy.

Right: Father and daughter Chloe Pinegar

and Carl

Hundreds of thousands of

golfers, including superstars

Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy

and the late Seve Ballesteros,

have taken on the

world-famous 10th hole at The

Belfry’s Brabazon course over

the past 35 years, but not one

could claim a hole-in-one –

until Welsh 3-handicapper Dan

O’Connor came along last on

Saturday 10th March.

Playing the course for the first

time, 19-year-old O’Connor

from Maesteg amazed his

three playing companions by

firing his drive straight for the

middle of the green and into

the cup from the white tees,

some 301 yards away.

It marks the first time any

golfer has aced the 10th hole

since The Brabazon course

was opened in 1977. Since

then, the hole has figured in

four Ryder Cups and 11

European Tour events, as well

as being identified with

numerous iconic golf shots,

such as Seve Ballesteros’ drive

when playing against Nick

Faldo in the 1978 Hennessy

Cup to get it onto the green

for the first time.

“It’s my first hole-in-one and

definitely the highlight of my

golfing career so far,” said the

assistant at Southerndown

Golf Club, Bridgend. “So many

amazing players have tried to

reach the 10th, but no one has

actually aced it before, so it’s

made the feeling even more

special.”

Dan had made the journey

from Mid Glamorgan to take

advantage of The Belfry’s

brand new £99 ‘Stay and Play’

offer on The Brabazon.

“The whole stay at The Belfry

was first class and the greens

are the best I’ve ever played

on, which says a lot

considering it’s only March,”

added O’Connor, who used

his trusty Titleist 910 D3

driver with Pro V1x ball to

hole out on the 10th.

“Whether you’ve had a

hole-in-one or not, the staff

make you feel special from the

moment you arrive at the

resort to the moment you

leave.”

To find out more about The

Belfry or to book a ‘Stay &

Play’ break at the resort, visit

www.TheBelfry.com.

TEENAGE GOLFER BECOMES FIRST PLAYER TO ACE THE BELFRY 10TH

60 County Golfer

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for a degree in America whilst

developing their chosen sport.

Company Director, David Bainbridge

graduated in America himself and felt that

other young people would value the American

University experience, so he decided to set up

a business in Ashbourne to help them achieve

it.

David said “I know from personal experience

that you get a superb education at American

universities and benefit from access to some of

the world’s finest coaches and fantastic sports

facilities. Not forgetting, great fun and great

weather.”

College sport in the United States is huge and

gives talented UK athletes an opportunity to

continue their sporting development whilst

getting a degree. US Universities are

particularly interested in offering sports

scholarships to UK Athletes with skill in golf,

tennis, soccer, swimming or athletics.

David added “The full cost of a US University

education is comparable with the UK, but if

you can obtain a sports or academic

scholarship through Future Pro USA, the US

costs are substantially reduced.

We are so confident of finding our customers

a sport’s scholarship, that they pay our fee only

after they have accepted a scholarship offer

that’s right for them, so there’s no risk. Future

Pro USA is unique in offering this no risk

service”

For further info, go to www.futureprousa.com

or call David Bainbridge on 01332 960061.

Future Pro USA Ltd, Oakfields,

Town End Lane, Swinscoe,

Ashbourne, DE6 2HS

Mob 07575 957131

email admin@futureprousa.com

New Derbyshire business provides risk freesports scholarships in America.

David Bainbridge, Director of Future Pro USA Ltd

County Golfer 61

Bluebellthe

Country Inn & Restaurant

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

Opening times are

Lunch 12 - 2.30pm for

food and evening

6.30 - 8.30pm mid week

and 6.30 - 9.00pm

Friday & Saturday.

Sunday is lunchtime only

12 - 3 pm.

The bar opening time is

12 midday until 11.30 each night.

The Bluebell Inn

Farnah Green, Belper

DE56 2UP

01773 826495

62 County Golfer

Coming Soon

visit www.countygolfer.co.ukfrom May 1st 2012

it’s as simple

as that

For the best

deals around

in golf

County Golfer 63

Callaway Golf has announced the

retail availability of the new

Odyssey® Metal-X™ line of insert

putters, representing the latest in

the brand’s storied history of

game-changing innovations

surrounding the most important

club in the bag. With a lightweight

aluminum face in front of a

urethane backer layer, Metal-X

putters provide golfers the crisp

feedback of a metal striking surface

with the benefits of a softer feel

for optimal touch. Aesthetically

pleasing with a sleek midnight black

finish, the putters also offer a

textured face that delivers a truer,

more consistent roll.

“The idea for the new Metal-X

putters came from working with

several Tour players who liked the

look and performance of our

putters, but wanted the feel of a

more metallic face,” said Austie

Rollinson, Principal Designer for

Odyssey Putters. “We took their

feedback and decided to create an

aluminum face with a urethane

backing layer in order to maintain a

lightweight face that helps us

optimize the weight distribution in

our designs.”

However, in an effort to improve

feel and performance, Rollinson

added another key feature. The

lightweight aluminum outer layer

on the Metal-X putters has a face

pattern unlike any other putter in

golf, with oval depressions that

create a mechanical lock with the

ball’s dimples at impact. This

mechanical lock creates more

friction, which delivers a lower

launch with optimized topspin for

reduced skidding and the truest

roll in the game through steady ball

deceleration. The urethane inner

layer provides soft touch and saves

weight to optimize performance.

Together, the two layers combine

for crisp responsiveness and sound.

“The texture on the face does two

things—it reduces surface contact

and increases edge contact

between the face and the ball.

Reducing the surface contact

during impact helps us create a

solid, yet soft, sound at impact. That

sound equates to feel, so it’s a

great feeling insert,” Rollinson

explained. “I came up with the oval

design on the aluminum insert to

also create a lot of edges, which

increases the friction between the

face and the ball and helps create a

very smooth and consistent roll.”

Taking specific feedback from Tour

players, Rollinson incorporated a

midnight black finish to increase

durability and reduce glare on

sunny days. First introduced on

professional tours in early

February, Metal-X putters have

already been put in play by

numerous players, including PGA

Tour pros J.B. Holmes and Danny

Lee and European Tour pros Alvaro

Quiros and Niclas Fasth. In fact, in

the very first week of its availability

on the European Tour, 13 players

put various Metal-X models in play.

“Feedback from Metal-X’s first few

weeks on the world’s tours has

been phenomenal,” said Chris

Koske, Global Director of the

Odyssey Business. “Every tour

professional we have spoken to has

told us not only how good the

insert feels, but also about how the

ball seems to hug the green.”

ODYSSEY DEBUTS NEW METAL-X PUTTERS

64 County Golfer

During the dark winter months of winter tees

and temporary greens, it’s good if you can to

escape the cold for a week or so and fly

away to warmer climes. The Costa del Sol in

Spain is still a favourite spot for me and

usually a good bet for a bit of sunshine in

February. However, this year it proved

exceptional, with wall-to-wall blue skies and

temperatures hitting 24 degrees some days.

I went with Jean, a golf friend of mine. We

wanted somewhere close to some good

restaurants, a bit of nightlife - and some

decent shopping, of course. We didn’t want

to be trekking too far for our golf either yet

wanted to be near the beach.

We chose to stay at the Atalaya Park Hotel,

which seemed to tick most of these boxes.

Right on the beach just south of San Pedro, it

is a typical 1970’s style Spanish hotel, with

lots of swimming pools and space around it

for sunbathing. It has two golf courses, the

Old and the New, only a few minutes inland,

and the hotel operates a regular coach

transfer to the clubhouse. Personally, I would

strongly recommend a car as it means you

can get around more easily and taxi fares

Golf at the

Atalaya Park Hotel,

Estepona, Costa del SolBy Barbara Collins

County Golfer 65

soon mount up. Due to the downturn in

tourism, car hire was a fraction of the usual

cost – we only paid 69 Euros for the week.

With the car we found the location worked

well. We were only 10 minutes from Puerto

Banus, 15 minutes from Marbella and 20

minutes from the picturesque village of

Benahavis, with its many restaurants.

The Atalaya golf courses, by coincidence,

have long been favourites of members at

Chesterfield Golf Club where I play, and

several of them over the years have bought

apartments and villas overlooking the course

or nearby. In fact, a certain local Football

Club Chairman recently told me the Old

Course is a favourite of his and he usually

plays twice a week there whenever he is in

Spain.

I can certainly understand why, as the two

courses offer beautiful settings with lots of

mature trees and the mountains as a

backdrop.

.Both of the golf courses are set amid olive,

pine, cactus and eucalyptus . While we were

there the mimosa trees were just coming into

flower which created bright splashes of

yellow on many of the fairways. With a wide

array of birds including herons, hoopoes,

black and white swans, it gave a real feel of

being out in the country, rather than just a

couple of miles from the busy coast.

66 County Golfer

The Old Course

This par 72 course, 5860 metres off the

yellow tees, was built in 1968 and designed

by Bernhard von Limburger, perhaps the best

German designer. With its wide open

fairways, often lined with towering

eucalyptus trees, it is a reasonably forgiving

course which I’m sure most club golfers

would enjoy. With virtually no rough and

only a limited amount of water, not too much

time is wasted looking for lost balls either.

My favourite holes were the 12th and 13th

and both involved water. The 12th, a short

par 3 was by a beautiful lake, on which black

and white swans swam. They seemed

oblivious to the danger they were in, as we

played our shots to the elevated green behind

them.

The 13th is one of the most unusual tees I’ve

seen for ladies, situated on what can only be

described as a landing strip between two

ponds. A tower at the side enabled your

partner to watch the ball as it hopefully

headed for the fairway.

Overall I really enjoyed this course. I

particularly enjoyed the elevated tees and

greens and the open fairways, although there

were rather a lot of very strategically placed

bunkers, so the sand wedge got rather a lot of

use!

The New Course

The New course I found more challenging.

Created in 1990 by Paul Krings, a German

designer, it is a par 71 course, 5044 metres

off the yellow tees. Having been lulled into a

false sense of security by the fairly gentle

parkland stroll around the Old course, we

rashly decided that we would swap our

buggy for electric golf trolleys for our round

on the New course. What a mistake!

While the first few holes start in a similar

way to the Old course, with wide open

fairways gently undulating through parkland,

this soon changes and the course starts to

climb and get narrower. By the time you

reach the 3rd tee, the fairway stretches

upwards in front of you, hemmed in on one

side by large villas. The retaining walls

certainly provided good target practice for us

as we climbed our way up the hillside.

The course continues to climb for the next 5

holes. Admittedly, once we reached the very

top,the views were spectacular. With the

mountains behind us and the blue

County Golfer 67

To start!

…and to finish!

Mediterranean in front , we could see

Gibraltar in the distance. It was well worth

the climb.

We were certainly both feeling a bit hot

and bothered by this time. Thank goodness

we had finished the climbing, or so we

thought. Trying to be clever we took a short

cut, got lost and ended up going down the

slope only to find we had missed a sign for

the 9th tee and had to reclimb the hill.

The next time we made sure we took a

buggy!

As well as offering two 18 hole golf

courses there is an International Golf

Academy based at the Club,whose facilities

are used by some tour players. The

Academy organises 3 and 5 day intensive

courses for golfers of all levels. (Special

rates available for Atalaya Park clients) The

Atalaya Park Club is the General

Headquarters of the PGAE (Professional

Golf Association of Europe

While the comfortable Clubhouse offered

adequate snacks in its sheltered courtyard,

we preferred to jump in the car and head

for the little fish restaurants on the beach in

Marbella. Where better, after a round of

golf, than to sit in the sun and enjoy a glass

of wine with some sardines, anchovies or

giant prawns barbecued on a wood fire on

the beach.

All in all, the holiday worked well. The golf

courses complemented each other offering

different challenges, the food was good

and we had perfect weather.

A real February tonic.

68 County Golfer

In 2012 Land Rover celebrated 10 years of Range Rover in its current guise. The third generation Range

Rover was introduced in 2002 to critical acclaim setting new benchmarks in levels of luxury and

all-terrain capability. Over the past decade, several facelifts and model year updates have kept the Range

Rover at the cutting edge of technology leading up to the latest special editions, which will provide

customers with increased options and convenience.

Westminster EditionThe new Range Rover Westminster Edition joins the line-up to replace the previous TDV8 Vogue and

Vogue SE models. Going further than its predecessors, it comes handsomely equipped with an extensive

collection of additional features that raise both the vehicle’s prestige style and comfort levels for

everyone on board.

The exterior of the Westminster Edition is distinguished by the bright 'Noble' finish to the front grille

and side vents, 'Titan' silver lower splitter bar and fog lamp bezels, 20-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels and

'Westminster' badging. Opening the doors reveals illuminated treadplates and a cabin finished with luxury

carpets and Grand Black lacquer trim elements, plus bright-finished pedal finishers. The front seats feature

both heating and cooling functions and the in car entertainment system benefits from a 19-speaker,

1,200W harman/kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system as well as Range Rover’s innovative Dual View

infotainment screen.

Featuring the powerful yet refined 4.4-litre TDV8 engine with eight-speed automatic transmission, the

new Westminster Edition is available in a choice of seven exterior colours, with five interior colour

combinations. The standard equipment specification further includes an electric sunroof, automatic

headlights and windscreen wipers, Park Distance Control with rear-view camera, memory setting for the

County Golfer 69

10th

anniversary

for Range

Rover

steering wheel, driver’s seat and rear-view mirror

and a heated, leather trimmed steering wheel.

TDV8 Autobiography and Supercharged

Autobiography

Bold design and ultimate luxury underpin the new

Range Rover TDV8 Autobiography and

Supercharged Autobiography. Both benefit as

standard from the Range Rover Design Pack, a

collection of exterior styling features that are

seamlessly integrated to compliment the car's

powerful appearance, without compromising its

classic lines.

The pack introduces new front and rear bumpers,

‘Titan’ silver front grille and side vent treatments

and fog lamp surrounds, integrated stainless steel

exhaust finishers and side skirts. These are

complemented by striking 20-inch alloy wheels in

Shadow Chrome.

Inside the focus is on unparalleled luxury and

comfort with the Range Rover Seat Style Pack. This

comprises rear seats with recline and lumbar

adjustment, heating and cooling functions and

multi-adjustable aircraft-style headrests with wings

for added support. The passenger "front seat away"

function provides a simple control for adding extra

rear legroom, while the front passenger seat itself

benefits from a memory function than can store up

to three different personalised settings.

Both versions gain the 19-speaker, 1,200W

harman/kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system

and are fitted with illuminated treadplates. Seven

exterior finishes are available, together with an

extensive range of interior colour and trim

combination options. The TDV8 Autobiography

retains its 4.4-litre engine and eight-speed

automatic transmission, with the Supercharged

Autobiography powered by the 5.0-litre LR-V8

petrol unit with six-speed automatic gearbox.

Sales and pricingThe new Range Rover Special Edition models are

now on sale.

The TDV8 Westminster Edition is £69,995,

presenting customers with significant additional

feature content over and above the specification of

the former Vogue and Vogue SE models.

On-the-road prices for the TDV8 Autobiography

and Supercharged Autobiography are £84,295 and

£86,895 respectively.

70 County Golfer

ALFRETON GOLF CLUBAffiliated to the

English Golf Union and Derbyshire Union of Golf Clubs

Highfield, Wingfield Road, Oakerthorpe,Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 7LH

Telephone: 01773 832070

Alfreton Golf ClubJoin a welcoming, friendlyPrivate Parkland Golf Club

1/2 mile from the A38 Celebrating its 120th Anniversary.

Ladies & Gentlemen Membership AvailableJunior Section membership available

Monthly Payment of £57.20 guaranteed not to rise for twoyears. Immediate membership available*

*Subject to applicationContact the Secretary on

01773 832070 or 07966 547334

Competitions most weekends in the summer and winter.

16 friendly matches a year against local Clubs.Over Twenty Social Events Per Year.

Offers For Society DaysOption 1 Minimum 12 People • Coffee & biscuits onarrival • Play 9 holes of golf • Soup & sandwiches • Play18 holes of golf • A two course dinner For £35.00

Option 2 Minimum 12 People • Coffee & bacon sandwich • Play eighteen holes golf

• A two course dinner For £28.00* Other options can be priced on request

*For Parties over 24 people discounts are availableFully Licensed Premises.

Fully Licensed Premises.

Food served plus a well stocked bar

Lynne looks forward to your visit

OPEN DAY22nd April from 10.00am to 12pm

BLACK COURSEavailable to play at 5850 yards

without a Par 5

A true test of golf

Twilight fee after 6.00pm

only £10

T: 01773 608616 Major House, Wimsey Way, Alfreton Tr. Est.,

Alfreton DE55 4LS Mon-Fri: 9.00-5.30 Sat: 9.30-5.00

A contemporary designand traditional craftmanship

New to Rock Fa

Just which is the hardest par 3 inDerbyshire and Nottinghamshire? We are aiming to find out. It is ourquest.

If you would like to nominate your clubas having the hardest par 3 pleaseemail scott@imagespublishingltd.co.ukand tell us why, and we will come andplay it.

ThePar 3

Challenge

County Golfer 71

Derbyshire Directory…visit www.countygolfer.co.uk for more details

ALFRETONAlfreton Golf ClubWingfield Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 7LHT: 01773 832070www.alfretongolfclub.co.ukStats: 11 holes • 5451 yards Par 67 • SSS 66Green Fees: £19 per round, £28per day, £11 with a member

ASHBOURNE

Ashbourne Golf ClubWyaston Road, Ashbourne,Derbys, DE6 1NBTel: 01335 342078www.ashbournegolfclub.co.ukStats: 18 holes • 6308 yards Par 71 • SSS 71Green Fees: Mon- Fri £30, Sat &Sun £35 & Bank Holiday

BAKEWELL

Bakewell Golf ClubStation Road, BakewellDE45 1GBTel: 01629 812307www.bakewellgolfclub.co.ukStats: 18 holes • 5244 yardsPar 68 • SSS 66Green Fees: £20 per day (£25weekends and bank holidays)Playing with a member: £12

BAMFORD

Sickleholme Golf ClubBamford, Hope Valley,Derbyshire, S33 OBN

Tel: 01433 651306www.sickleholme.co.ukStats: 18 holes • 6064 yards Par 69 • SSS 69Green Fees: £29 week days.£34 Weekends

BARLBOROUGH

Barlborough Links Golf ClubOxcroft Way, Barlborough S43 4NWTel: 01246 813111Stats: 9 holes • 3164 yards Par 35 •SSS 35Green Fees: Mid week: £7.00Week end: £8.50 per 9 holes.

BRAILSFORD

Brailsford Golf CoursePool Head Lane,Brailsford DE6 3BUTel: 01335 360096www.brailsfordgolfcourse.co.ukStats: 12 holes • 5844 yardsPar 69 • SSS 67 Green Fees: Weekends & BankHolidays 9 holes £15, 18 £23Weekdays 9 holes £13, 18 £18.

BREADSALL

Marriott Breadsall PrioryHotel and Country ClubMoor Road, Morley DE7 6DLTel: 01332 832235www.marriott.co.ukStats: Priory Course: 18 holes 6100 yards • Par 72 • SSS 69Moorland Course: 18 holes

6087 yards • Par 70 • SSS 69Green Fees: Priory: £55 per day; £40 per round (£45 per round weekends and bank holidays) Moorland: £55 perday; £40 per round (£40 per round weekends and bankholidays).

BURTON-ON-TRENT

Burton- On-Trent Golf Club43 Ashby Road East, Burton-on-Trent, DE15 0PSClub House: 01283 568708www.burtonontrentgolfclub.co.uk

Stats: 18 holes • 6579 yardsPar 71 SSS 71Green Fees: Weekdays £40 perround, £50 per day.

BUXTON

Buxton & High PeakTownend, Waterswallows RoadSK17 7ENTel: 01298 23453www.bhpgc.co.ukStats: 18 holes • 5966 yardsPar 69 • SSS 69,Green Fees: Weekdays - £24Weekends - £30

Cavendish Golf ClubGadley Lane, Buxton SK17 6XDTel: 01298 79708www.cavendishgolfclub.co.ukStats: 18 holes • 5721 yards,Par 68 • SSS: 68 Green Fees: £30

72 County Golfer

Derbyshire Directory…visit www.countygolfer.co.uk for more details

CHAPEL-EN-LE-FRITH

Chapel-En-Le-FrithManchester Rd, Chapel-en-le-Frith, High Peak, SK23 9UHTel: 01298 812118/813943www.chapelgolf.co.ukStats: 18 hole •, 6434 yards,Par 72 • SSS 71Green Fees: Weekdays £32W/end Bank Holidays £42.

CHESTERFIELD

Chesterfield Golf ClubWalton, Chesterfield,Derbyshire, S42 7LATel: 01246 279256www.chesterfieldgolfclub.co.ukStats: 18 holes • 6301 yarrds,Par 71 • SSS 70Green Fees: Mon - Fri £32 Sat, Sun and B/Holidays £40

Grassmoor Golf CentreNorth Wingfield Rd, Grassmoor,Chesterfield S42 5EATel: 01246 856044www.grassmoorgolf.co.ukStats: 18 holes • 5723 yards Par 69 • SSS 69Green Fees: Weekdays: £12Weekends: £15

Stanedge Golf ClubWalton Hay Farm, Stanage S45 OLWTel: 01246 566156www.stanagegolfclub.co.ukStats: 9 holes • 5786 yardsPar 69 • SSS 68Clubmembership 320Green Fees: £15 per round (18

holes) Sat and Sunday £15.

Tapton Park MunicipalTapton Park, Tapton,Chesterfield, S41 OEQTel: 01246 239500www.taptonparkgolfclub.co.ukStats: Markham Course18 holes • 6013 yards • Par 71SSS 72Dobbin Clough: 9 holes 2613 yds • Par 34Green Fees: TBCTBCTBC

CHURCH BROUGHTON

Broughton Heath Golf CourseBent Lane, Church Broughton,Derbys, DE65 5BATel: 01283 521235www.broughtonheathgc.co.ukStats: 18 holes • 3110 yards,Par 54 • SSS 53Green Fees: Midweek £9.00,Weekend £12.00

CODNOR

Ormonde Fields Golf ClubNottingham Road, Codnor,Ripley, DE55 9RGTel Secretary: 01773 570043www.ormondefieldsgolfclub.co.uk

Stats: 18 holes • 6502 yardsPar 71 • SSS 72Green Fees: Weekday £17.50.Weekend £22.50

DERBY

Allestree Park

Allestree Hall, Duffield Road,Allestree DE22 2EUTel: 01332 550616www.allestreeparkgolfclub.co.ukStats: 18 holes • 5727 yardsPar 68 • SSS 68 Green Fees: £12.00TBC

Sinfin Golf CourseWilmore Road, Sinfin, Derby DE24 9HDTel: 01332 766462www.derby.gov.ukStats: 18 holes • 6185 yardsPar 70 • SSS 70 Green Fees: £12.00TBC

DRONFIELD

Hallowes Golf ClubHallowes Lane, Dronfield,Sheffield S18 1URTel: 01246 413734www.hallowesgolfclub.orgStats: 18 holes • 6342 ydsPar 71 • SSS 71Green Fees: Weekdays £37.50Sundays: £37.50

DUFFIELD

Chevin Golf ClubGolf Lane, Duffield, Belper,Derbys, DE56 4EETel: 01332 841864www.chevingolf.co.ukStats: 18 holes • 6127 yards Par 69 • SSS 69Green Fees: £30.00 round,£35.00 day

County Golfer 73

Derbyshire Directory…visit www.countygolfer.co.uk for more details

GLOSSOP

Glossop & District GCSheffield Road, Glossop,Derbyshire, SK13 7PUTel: 01457 865247www.glossopgolfclub.co.ukStats: 9 (11) holes • 5800 yardsPar 68 • SSS 68Green Fees: Weekdays £20Weekends £25

HOPE

Blue Circle HopeBlue Circle Cement, HopeCement Works, Hope, HopeValley S33 6RPTel: (Sec) 01433 622282Stats: 9 holes • 5350 yardsPar 68 • SSS 66Green Fees: Mond£10

HORSLEY

Horsley LodgeSmalley Mill Road DE21 5BLTel: 01332 780838Stats: 18 holes • 6400 yardsPar 71 • SSS 70Green Fees: Mon - Thur £30Friday - Sunday £35

KEDLESTON

Kedleston ParkKedleston Road, Quarndon,Derby, DE22 5JDTel: 01332 840035www.kedlestonparkgolf.co.ukStats: 18 holes • 6731 yardsPar 72 • SSS 72

Green Fees: Weekdays £40Weekends £45

MATLOCK

Matlock Golf ClubChesterfield Road, Matlock Moor, DE4 5LZTel: 01629 582191www.matlockgolfclub.co.ukStats: 18 holes • 5804 yardsPar 70 • SSS 68Green Fees: £28 per round

MICKLEOVER

Mickleover Golf ClubUttoxeter Road, Mickleover,Derby, DE3 9ADTel: 01332 518662www.mickleovergolfclub.comStats: 18 holes • 5708 yardsPar 68 • SSS: 68Green Fees: Adults £25, 4-Ball£80, Juniors £10Location: 3 miles west of Derbyon A516/B5020

Pastures Golf ClubOff Merln Way, Mickleover, DE3 0UJTel: 07766 098628Stats: 9 holes • 4938 yardsPar 64 • SSS 64Green Fees: Visitors per day£25, 9 holes £10,

MORLEY

Morley HayesMain Road, Morley, Derbyshire,DE7 6DGTel: 01332 780480

www.morleyhayes.comStats: Manor Course: 18 holes6726 yards • Par 72 • SSS 72Tower Course: 9 holes • 1647 Yards • Par 30Green Fees: Manor Course:Weekday £20 Weekend £28,Tower Course: Weekdays TBC,Weekends TBC

NEW MILLS

New Mills Golf ClubShaw Marsh SK22 4QETel: 01663 743485 & 746161www.newmillsgolfclub.co.ukStats: 18 holes • 5604 yardsPar 69 • SSS 67Green Fees: £26 Per round, £32 Per day

RENISHAW

Renishaw ParkClub House, Mill Lane S21 3UZTel: 01246 432044/435484www.renishawparkgolf.co.ukStats: 18 holes • 6262 yardsPar 71 • SSS 70 Green Fees: TBCTBC

RISLEY

Maywood Golf ClubRushy Lane DE7 3STTel: 0115 939 2306www.maywoodgolfclub.comStats: 18 holes • 6424 yardsPar 72 • SSS 71Green Fees: Mon-Fri £15Weekends £20

74 County Golfer

Derbyshire Directory…visit www.countygolfer.co.uk for more details

Why not invite

Lefty & Newby

to come play and review

your Golf Course

Call Scott on

01773 830344or e-mail us

scott@countygolfer.co.uk

Proud of your golf

course?

ROTHERVALLEY

Rother Valley Golf CentreMansfield Road, Wales Bar,Sheffield S26 5PQTel: 0114 247 3000Stats: 18 holes • 6400 yards Par 72 • SSS 72Green Fees: Mon - Thur £16, Fri £18, Sat-Sun & BH £20.50

SHIRLAND

Shirland Golf Club, Lower Delves, Shirland,Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 6AU Tel: 01773 834935www.shirlandgolfclub.co.ukStats: 18 hole • 5729 yards,

Par 71 • SSI 71Green Fees: Weekdays £15Weekends £20

STANTON-BY-DALE

Erewash Valley Golf Club Golf Club Rd, Stanton-By-Dale,Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 4QRTel: 0115 932 3258www.erewashvalley.co.uk/Stats: 18 holes • 6557 yardsPar 72 • SSS 71Green Fees: Weekdays £37Weekdays £48

UNSTONE

Birch Hall Golf Club

Sheffield Road, S18 4DBTel: 01246 291979Stats: 18 holes • 6409 yardsPar 73 • SSS 71Green Fees: £10

WHITWELL

Bondhay Golf & Country ClubBondhay Lane, Whitwell,Worksop S80 3EH Tel: 01909 724709/723608www.bondhaygolfclub.comStat: 18 holes • 6871 yards Par 72 • SSS 74Green Fees: Weekdays £16-£19Weekends £26.00

County Golfer 75

Nottinghamshire Directory…visit www.countygolfer.co.uk for more details

BEESTON

Beeston Fields Golf ClubOld Drive Wollaton Road,Beeston, Notts, NG9 3DDTel: 0115 925 7062www.beestonfields.co.ukStats: 18 holes • 6430 yards Par 71 • SSS 71Green Fees: £33 per Round£35 per day,

BRINKLEYThe Orchards Golf CourseFiskerton Road, Brinkley,Southwell, NG25 0PTTel: 01636 812257www.orchardgolfcourse.co.ukStats: 9 holes • 5088 yards Par 68 • SSS 67Green Fees: Weekdays 9 Holes£7, 18 holes £13. Weekends 9holes £9, 18 holes £16

BULWELL

Bulwell Forest Golf ClubHucknall Road, Bulwell,Nottingham NG6 9LQ Tel: 0115 9763172Stats: 18 holes • 5726 yds, Par 68 • SSS 68Green Fees:

Nottingham Golf CentreNorwich Gardens, Bulwell,Nottingham NG6 8LFTel: 0115 927 2767www.jackbarker.comStats: 18 holes • 6218 yds

Par 70 • SSS 70Greenfees: Midweek £13,Weekend £17

CALVERTON

Ramsdale Park Golf CentreOxton Road, Calverton,Nottingham NG14 6NUTel: 0115 965 5600www.ramsdaleparkgc.co.uk Stats: Seely Course 18 holes •6541 yds • Par 71 • SSS 72Lee Course: 18 holes • 2844yards • Par 54Green Fees: Seely Course Weekdays £23 Weekends £29 Lee Course: Weekdays £12.50Weekends £13.50

Springwater Golf ClubMoor Lane, CalvertonNottingham NG14 6FZTel: 0115 965 2129www.springwatergolfclub.co.ukStats: 18 holes • 6224 ydsPar 71 • SSS 71Greenfees: Weekdays £22Weekends £27

CHILWELL

Chilwell Manor Golf ClubMeadow Lane, Chilwell,Nottingham NG9 5AETel: 0115 925 8958www.chilwellmanorgolfclub.co.uk

Stats: 18 holes • 6379 ydsPar 70 • SSS 70Greenfees: Weekdays £26Weekends £32

EAST LEAKERushcliffe Golf ClubStocking Lane, East Leake,Loughborough LE7 5RLTel: 01509 852959www.rushcliffegolfclub.co.ukStats: 18 holes • 6013 ydsPar 69 • SSS 69Greenfees: Weekdays £27.50Weekends £42

EDWALTON

Edwalton Golf CourseEdwalton Lane, EdwaltonVillage, Nottingham NG12 4 ASTel: 0115 923 4775www.glendale-golf.comStats: 9 holes plus par 3 course,3336 yds, SSS 72

HUCKNALL

Leen Valley Golf ClubWigwam Lane, Hucknall,NG15 7TATel: 0115 964 2037www.leenvalleygolfclub.co.ukStats: 18 holes • 5890 ydsPar 70 Green Fees: Weekdays £13.00Weekends £16.00

HUTHWAITE

Brierley Forest Golf ClubMain Street, Huthwaite,Notts NG17 2LGTel/Fax: 01623 550761Stats: 18 holes • 6008 yds Par 72

76 County Golfer

Nottinghamshire Directory…visit www.countygolfer.co.uk for more details

KIRKBY IN ASHFIELD

Notts. Golf ClubHollinwell, Derby Road,Kirkby-In-Ashfield, NG17 7QRTel: 01623 753225www.nottsgolfclub.co.ukStats: 18 holes • 7030 yds• Par 75 • SSS 75Greenfees: From £45

LONG EATON

Trent Lock Golf CentreLock Lane, Sawley, Long Eaton,Nottingham NG10 2FYTel: 0115 946 4398www.trentlock.co.ukStats:18 holes • 5848 ydsPar • SSS 68 & 9 holes, 2911yds, par 36Greenfees: 18 Holes: £15.00midweek £20.00 weekends9 Holes: £6.00 midweek£7.50 weekends

MANSFIELD

Mansfield Golf CentreJubilee Way NorthMansfield NG18 3PJTel: 01623 422 764www.jackbarker.comStats: 18 hole • 6170 yds, Par 71Greenfees: Weekdays from £10Weekends from £12

Sherwood Forest Golf ClubEakring Road, Mansfield, NottsNG18 3EWTel: 01623 626 689

www.sherwoodforestgolfclub.co.uk

Stats: 18 holes • 6732 ydsPar 71, SSS 73Greenfees: from £35

MAPPERLEY

Mapperley Golf ClubCentral Avenue, Plains RoadMapperley NG3 5RHTel: 0115 955 6672www.mapperleygolfclub.orgStats: 18 holes • 6307 ydsPar 71 • SSS 70Greenfees: Weekdays from £25Weekends from £30

NEWARK-ON-TRENT

Newark-on-Trent Golf ClubCoddington, Newark, NottsNG24 2QXTel: 01636 626282www.newarkgolfclub.co.ukStats: 18 holes • 6421 ydsPar 71 • SSS 71Green Fees: Weekdays £25.00Weekends £42.00

NOTTINGHAM

Riverside Golf ClubTrentside, Lenton Lane,Nottingham NG7 2SATel: 0115 986 2179Stats: 9 holes, 1952 yds •SSS 62Greenfees: Weekdays 9 holes£4, 18 holes £6, Weekends) 9holes £5, 18 holes £7

RUFFORD

Rufford Park Golf CentreRufford Lane, Rufford, Notts NG22 9DGTel: 01623 825 253www.ruffordpark.co.ukStats: 18 holes • 6286 yardsPar 70 • SSS 70Green Fees: Weekdays from£22, Weekends from £28.

OXTON

Oakmere Park G.COaks Lane, Oxton, Southwell,Nottinghamshire NG25 0RHTel: 0115 965 3545www.oakmerepark.co.ukStats: Admirals: 18 holes 6612 yds sss 72. Commanders:9 holes • 6573 yds • sss 72Greenfees: Admirals: Weekdaysfrom £24, Weekends from £34.Commanders: Weekdays from£14, Weekends from £18.

RADCLIFFE-ON-TRENT

Cotgrave Place Golf ClubStragglethorpe, Nr CotgraveVillage, Notts, NG12 3HBTel: 0115 933 3344www.thenottinghamshire.comStats: Open: 18 Hole • 6302 yds • par 71 • SSS 70Masters: 18 Holes • 5933 yardsPar 70 • SSS 68.Green Fees: Midweek from £26.Weekends from £34s East ofNottingham

County Golfer 77

Nottinghamshire Directory…visit www.countygolfer.co.uk for more details

Radcliffe-on-Trent Golf ClubDewberry Lane, Cropwell Road,Radcliffe-on-Trent, NG12 2JHTel: 0115 933 3000www.radcliffeontrentgc.co.ukStats: 18 holes • 6381 yds• SSS 71Greenfees: Weekdays £23Weekends £28

RETFORDRetford Golf ClubBrecks Road, OrdsallRetford Notts DN22 7UATel: 01777 711188www.retfordgolfclub.orgStats: 18 Holes • 6446 yds SSS 72Green Fees: Midweek £25Weekends £30

RUDDINGTONRuddington Grange Golf ClubWilford Road, Ruddington,Nottingham NG11 6NBTel: 0115 984 6141www.ruddingtongrange.co.ukStats: 18 holes • 6545 ydsSSS 72Green Fees: Weekdays £15,Weekends £30.

SERLBY

The Serlby Park Golf ClubSerlby, Doncaster DN10 6BATel: 01777 818 2689 holes, 5404 yds, SSS 66www.selbygolfclub.co.ukStats: 18 Holes • 6127 yrdsPar 71

SOUTHWELLNorwood Park Golf CentreSouthwell, Notts NG25 0PFTel: 01636 816 626www.norwoodpark.co.ukStats: 18 holes • 6805 ydsSSS 73 Greenfees:Norwood Course£22 weekdays, £30 weekendsWESTWOOD Academy1364yards, par27£6 9 holes. £9 for 18 holesOn-Sun

Southwell Golf ClubSouthwell Racecourse,Rolleston, Newark, NG25 0TSTel: 01636 813 706www.southwellgolfclub.com18 holes, 5770 yds, SSS 68Stats: 18 holes • 5772 yrdsPar 69 • SSS 68

STANTON-ON-THE-WOLDS

Stanton-on-the-Wolds GCGolf Road, Stanton-on-the-Wolds NG12 5BHTel: 0115 937 4885www.stantongolfclub.co.ukStats: 18 holes • 6369 ydsPar 72 • SSS 71

SUTTON-IN-ASHFIELD

Coxmoor Golf ClubCoxmoor Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts NG17 5LFTel: 01623 557 359www.coxmoorgolfclub.co.ukStats: 18 holes • 6571 yds

Par 72 • SSS 72Greenfees: £42 per round milesfrom junction 27 M1.

WOLLATON PARK

Wollaton Park Golf ClubLime Tree Avenue Wollaton ParkNG8 1BT Tel: 0115 978 7574www.wollatonparkgolfclub.comStats: 18 holes • 6445 ydsSSS 71Green Fees: Weekdays from£37, Weekends from£42

WORKSOPCollege Pines Golf ClubWorksop College Drive,Worksop, Notts S80 3APTel: 01909 501 431www.collegepinesgolfclub.co.ukStats: 18 holes • 6716 ydsSSS 72Green Fees: Weekdays from£16, Weekends from£22

Kilton Forest Golf ClubBlyth Road, Worksop S81 0TLTel: 01909 479 199www.bassetlaw.gov.ukStats: 18 holes • 6424 ydsSSS 71Green Fees: Weekdays from£12, Weekends from£14

Worksop Golf ClubWindmill Lane, WorksopS80 2SQ Tel: 01909 472 696www.worksopgolfclub.comStats: 18 holes • 6660 ydsSSS 73Green Fees: Weekdays from£26, Weekends from£35

78 County Golfer

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