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We have a new Masters champion, Tiger Woods has returned to competitive golf, events of all shapes and sizes are back in full swing across the region and beyond, and Northern Golfer has returned to monthly editions for the first time since November 2019.
It’s been a busy month on the golf course at every level of the game, particularly for Rachel Gourley – who has won three times since our last edition, including a win in a professional event at the age of 17. It’s been a remarkable start to the year for the Arcot Hall-based teenager, who will be taking a break in the coming weeks to do her A Level exams.
By the time you read this note, we’ll also have three new Champions of Champions. The first, men’s champion Joseph Henderson, led the field at Longhirst Hall – read more on page 4. The ladies and junior champions will be crowned at George Washington between this edition going to print and being available in golf clubs – more on those next month.
There are many more success stories throughout Teeing Off this month as well as news from around our clubs – from national awards and the return of Girls Golf Rocks to new appointments, and more.
Graeme Storm has featured in these pages throughout the last 10 years and to be trusted to tell the story of the tremendous highs and devastating lows of the last five years was a real privilege. Graeme remains passionate about regaining his place among the world’s best, working just as hard as he has done his entire career, and you can read the whole story on pages 24-27.
I’ve also had the privilege to catch up with more old friends in the last few weeks, including Jason Budd for a Round With and Nicky Maddison for a quick-fire Pro-File. We’ve also visited the Alister MacKenzie-designed Darlington Golf Club for this month’s Course Profile, and travelled to some of our finest clubs to take in their improvements in our latest Special Focus.
This year’s Match Play Pairs tournament is under way with more than 100 players competing in matches across the region – all aiming to earn a place in our golfing history books as the 21st winners of the event.
There’s lots more to come in June and later this summer – we’re just getting started.
