Northern Golfer #71 – February/March 2019

The New Year brings with it a chance to prepare for the new season and there’s a lot to look forward to in our region in 2019.

In our first edition of 2019 there’s a lot to get your teeth into. We’ve got four pages of new gear to start with – including a look at each of the headline-grabbing new drivers for this season.

We’ve also put together our essential guide to the season ahead, picking out the most important events of the year in our region – from county championships to regional tournaments. You’ll also find details of this year’s Champion of Champions events hosted by Ramside Hall.

Speaking of our events, Match Play Pairs is back for 2019 too. You’ll find the entry form and all the details you need on page 36.

Few people are more geared up for the year ahead than this month’s cover star, Andy Scrimshaw. I’ve been friends with Andy since we played junior league golf together and though our on-course careers have headed in very different directions, I’ve closely followed the ups and downs of his journey in the professional ranks. It was fascinating to hear him tell his story and I hope you enjoy reading his open account of the determination, grit and sacrifice required to be a professional golfer.

Chris Paisley’s season is already underway and in this month’s Tour Life he reflects on his first few events travelling with daughter Ella along with his wife Keri. Back at home, Graeme Storm has sadly had to delay his return to the European Tour a little longer – you’ll find an update from him on page 4. Meanwhile, Callum Tarren has got off to a great start on the Web.com Tour in the US – which you can read about on page 5.

There’s more great news from our region’s juniors, seniors, greenkeepers, county unions, professionals and more in the news pages – which is fantastic to see so early in the year.

This year marks the 150 anniversary of England’s fourth oldest club, Alnmouth Golf Club, and we’ve taken a look at what lies ahead at the club on page 15. The events lined up look fantastic and the club is set to celebrate this special occasion in grand style. Everyone at Northern Golfer hopes all the members of Alnmouth enjoy the next 12 months and I’m sure we will be regular visitors to the Northumberland coast this year.

By the time you read my next letter, the golf season will be underway. Good luck out there, here’s to a great year!