August issue 45 Click here to view

Northern Golfer #46 – August 2016


As the summer season draws to a close there are plenty of winners to congratulate.

Perhaps the most impressive performance came from young Briony Bayles, who took the St Andrews Junior Ladies Open at the Old Course.

That said, there have been plenty of impressive victories across the region and beyond to celebrate. Mathew Webb’s win at the Galvin Green PGA Assistants’ Championship at Little Aston being one, and many others which feature throughout this issue – from 17-year-old James Wilson through to 85-year-old Jim Blakey.

It just goes to prove that you are never too young or too old for this sport, and it is great to see so many golfers from our region doing so well.

This month’s cover story features a mature young man – Andrew Wilson – who has enjoyed much success in his amateur career while continuing with his university studies.

A quiet, unassuming guy, he is keeping all options open but remains hopeful of giving tour life a go.

The EuroPro Tour enjoyed another successful trip to the North East at Close House, where a Welshman took the spoils, and we have a special report on the remarkable story of Jenny Lee Smith, which may yet end up on the big screen.

Our courses continue to attract rave reviews – including Durham City, which Dean Bailey enjoyed this month – and there are a number of late summer deals for you to enjoy across the region in our feature, which starts on page 34.

Thankfully, some kinder weather has allowed greenstaff throughout the North East and Yorkshire to present our courses at their very best, hopefully taking some of the financial pressure off with courses open and in great condition so often.

It continues to be challenging to get more people into the game so it is now more important than ever for us to champion our clubs and support them both on and off the course.

Enjoy the rest of the season – it won’t be long before we’re playing in jumpers and jackets! See you next month.