Who would have thought it?
Having endured one of the worst winters in recent times, the golfing gods have been kind this summer with almost unbroken warm (even hot) weather and plenty of sunshine.
As a result, fairways across the region have been filled with regular and new players, while the green staff have the unusual problem of coping with dry conditions while they keep our magnificent courses looking pristine.
The extra run makes for low scoring and, as you will read in the forthcoming pages, we have seen some spectacular scoring, course records and rounds well below par.
One man who is benefitting is our cover star Mark Ridley, who gives hope to those of you closer to the senior ranks than the juniors.
Having switched from his job as a printer aged 40 he is enjoying his second career as a PGA professional both on and off the course – you can read his fascinating story in our centre pages.
Last year Northern Golfer was privileged to be associated with the long-established North of England Youths Championship – one of the UK’s best amateur tournaments – and we are delighted to be supporting the event at Middlesbrough Golf Club again this year.
Our special report includes a look back at some of the big names who competed in the event before they became famous, and a guide as to where you can watch potential stars of the future slug it out. It is well worth a visit August 7-9.
Also worth a visit is Burgham Park, which after a troubled few years is very much back on track and in great order. Our course profile gives you plenty of tips and advice to make the most of a course which deserves to be up there with the best in our region.
Hole-in-ones, charity champions, top-class events, regional trophy winners – both team and individual, we have managed to cram all this and more into this month’s issue, which you can hopefully read over a well-deserved drink in (or outside) the 19th after a good round on any course in the North East and Yorkshire.
Must go and slap on some factor 20 – there is plenty of golf to play. As they say, make hay while the sun shines.
Happy golfing!
