The ITV Tyne Tees and Border presenter shares his passion for golf, his favourite places to play, and who makes it into his dream fourball, including a special guest ball-finder
Ian Payne has been the man asking the questions and presenting the news of the day for ITV viewers across the region for more than three decades. Having moved to the North East to study in Newcastle, the Ipswich native – who represented Great Britain in trampolining as a student – joined ITV Tyne Tees in 1992 and today he presents two regional news bulletins multiple times each week. When he’s not in the studio or newsroom, you may find him on the golf course, where we joined him for a round…
How much golf do you get to play?
Nowhere near enough, hence my high handicap. I play once or twice a fortnight in the summer, with an occasional range session with my sons at the driving range through the winter.
How did you get into golf?
I came to the North East in 1986 as a Newcastle Poly sports student. We were lucky to have access to many sports and I first tried golf at Parklands. My next experience was at Wallsend – where the late Ken Phillips really whet my appetite for the game. An hour with Ken was an immersive and fun sports philosophy and psychology lecture.
Which is your favourite course in the North East?
Longhirst Hall is one of the friendliest places to enjoy golf. I love the past and present of the place and it’s a great legacy for Tommy Dawson, and a real credit to Graham Chambers and the team. I must also mention Close House as it’s on my doorstep and I have a membership there which allows me to play nine holes on the Filly Course before work.
And further afield?
Fynn Valley in Suffolk is just outside my hometown and it’s where I’ve enjoyed the rare chance to catch up with my brothers. The friendly clubhouse is our go-to for family celebrations. Visiting Archerfield with Pinpoint is also a very special occasion.
What’s your best score?
I’ve landed on 90 a couple of times, but I’m yet to break it.
Which is your favourite golfing memory?
One I treasure is from a fundraising golf day with Sir Bobby Robson. We were in the company of the great Gary Speed and I was a playing partner of Sir Bobby’s son, Andrew. Sir Bobby was able to be there and we had a lovely connection through our Ipswich links. We all smiled at Andrew’s pre-round team-talk – “We want wartime golf lads… out in 39, back in 45”.
What about your most embarrassing moments on the course?
At another fundraiser at Slaley Hall with Ant and Dec – supporting Dec’s late brother, Father Dermot, and the Catholic Youth Mission – I had somehow made the cut as one of the celebrity players. In the evening, I was cajoled into part of a singalong with my terrific co-host, Cole Page – a very good golfer and singing superstar. I, on the other hand, rarely hit a fairway and can barely hit a note.
Do you have any golfing superstitions?
One day, when I have a great round, I may adopt a superstition.
What are your strengths on the course?
Anecdotes – you spend long enough around sport and news in the North East and you should have lots of them.
And your weaknesses?
Don’t leave me needing the last drive on the final hole of a Texas scramble.
Which is your favourite club in the bag?
My Cleveland Halo six-hybrid. It’s a part of a new set which Longhirst pro Paul Fiddes reckons will transform my game… We’ll see!
Who is your best golfing friend?
My mentor and great mate Roger Tames. A round as Rog’s guest at City of Newcastle is always time well spent putting the world to rights.
What would you be doing if you weren’t presenting the news?
I found my way into ITV Tyne Tees after a few years working for Brendan Foster’s company, Nova International, and the Great North Run. Sports events and management was always my original plan – though being director of golf at Longhirst looks good to me.
Who is your favourite golfer?
Padraig Harrington made a terrific first impression when I met him as a young TV sports producer with Nova. He was playing in the Compaq European Grand Prix at Slaley Hall and I’ve enjoyed following his career. Colin Montgomerie and Lee Westwood also played in those Slaley events, and I’ve been lucky to spend time in their company since. Colin was very generous with his time when I filmed a coaching clinic with youngsters at Wynyard many years ago. His advice was simple – “I’ve never had to tell someone to grip the club tighter, or to swing it faster”. Meanwhile, Lee is a terrific ambassador for the region. We share an interest in football and racing, and filming a golf masterclass once turned into more of a football chat and a Cheltenham preview.
Which golf event do you enjoy most?
To watch, it is without a doubt the Ryder Cup. I was at The Belfry in 2002 and it was a special occasion – a win for Europe with Harrington, Monty and Westwood all in the team. To play, the Sir Graham Wylie Foundation Golf Day at Close House always has an impressive turnout to raise money for a terrific cause. Graham kindly keeps inviting me back, and the fun just about outweighs the pressure!
Who do you admire?
Doddie Weir – a top bloke and a good friend with a huge legacy. Doddie’s dignity and character remain an example to follow. He also livened up many golf fundraising events with his banter and bold tartan suits – and bounced more than a few bids off me during his infamous charity auctions.
Which three people would join you in your dream fourball?
My sons – Matt and Joe – and our good mate John Beresford. Matt and Joe both work in sports broadcasting and have busy lives yet frustratingly relaxed and effective golf swings. Bez is a great golfer and brilliant company – we’ve known each other since the day he signed for Newcastle under Kevin Keegan. Another good pal, Peter Beardsley, would make it five. He’d just be there for the walk and to share some of his great tales. He’s also a ridiculously good ball-finder.
If you could have one mulligan, when would you have used it?
Remember when I mentioned 18th hole tee shots in Texas scrambles…
