The December 2024/January 2025 edition of Northern Golfer is available in golf clubs and retailers across the region now
Another golfing year is almost over, and what a year it has been for the region’s golfers and golf clubs.
Putting together our Year Review is always great fun and this year it gave us an opportunity to reflect on some of the amazing things which have happened in the region in 2024 – and the marks golfers from this part of the world have made. The 150th birthday celebrations at Seaton Carew, including the English Amateur Championship producing a local winner in Katie Stephens, was undoubtedly a major moment. We also had the continued success of Charlotte Naughton on the national and international stage – not least as part of the first GB&I team to win the Junior Vagliano Trophy. There was also a memorable Challenge Tour win for Garrick Porteous, Dan Brown’s top-10 finish in The Open at Royal Troon, Harrison Sewell’s wins at home and performances further afield, Jess Hall’s great year, and so much more. Enjoy the Year Review, it’s absolutely packed with great stories this year.
Meanwhile, we have the end of the season to wrap up – starting with John Matthews and Ray Pipe successfully defending our Match Play Pairs trophy. The final at Tyneside Golf Club was a great back and forth match, with John and Ray producing a superb series of shots on the 14th, 15th and 16th holes to continue their unbeaten run in the tournament. I wonder if anyone can knock them off their perch in 2025? We’ll have to wait and see.
We have also had the pleasure of visiting Newbiggin Golf Club and St Boswells Golf Club for Course Profiles in this edition – and enjoyed the hospitality at The Inn Collection Group’s Seaton Lane Inn in Durham.
Add in more great work by our expert columnists – and one of the best pictures of the year starring Matt Jordan, Chris Simmons and his son, George, on the range while on tour – and there’s a lot going on.
The last of 2024’s news stories bring us exciting developments in junior golf for next year, the final wins of the season, a trip to the US to represent Team Europe, and a look ahead to Ladies European Tour Qualifying School with Rosie Belsham, Jess Baker, Shannon O’Dwyer and Amy Sutheran. We’re excited to see how all four get on, and will be cheering them on as they take on the demanding test of Q School in Morocco in December.
Enjoy this edition, keep getting out on the course whenever and wherever you can, and I hope Santa brings you lots of golf-related presents!
