Fortune may favour the brave but it also has a habit of kicking you in the teeth.
Some of our top professionals have certainly found this to be the case in the past few weeks. While Chris Paisley has seen an upturn in form and secured his European Tour card for next year in style, Graeme Storm has endured an agonising three weeks. Having missed out on securing his card in the final event of the season by just €100, he has been handed back his card as Patrick Reed was removed from the Race to Dubai.
Storm has flown the flag for Hartlepool and the region’s golf with distinction so it is fantastic to see he will be doing the same next year.
The focus is now on Robert Dinwiddie who, as you will read on page 5, is maintaining a positive attitude with a determination to make sure he overcomes his disappointment to resume his career at the top level. Good luck to him and all our regional golfers at Q school.
Many amateurs who have dreamt of playing at the top probably underestimate the toll practice, travelling and the constant competition from the flow of talent all over the world impacts on a pro’s life.
Our cover star this month Mat Webb gives us an insight into life as a pro climbing the ladder, the dedication required to get to the top and the benefits of learning from experience.
It is a lesson some of the younger guns, who have done so well on the region’s golfing scene, should take on board – it is one thing to do something you love but another to make a full-time career from it.
Elsewhere, we are delighted to report on the success of the NERGA leagues. It is fantastic to see so many clubs and individuals taking part in competitions for higher and mid handicappers, enjoying some of our best courses and the social side of the game. Find out more about them on pages 20 &21.
Our course review takes us to Gosforth Golf Club while if you are planning to give the golfers in your life something special for Christmas there are plenty of ideas in the Gear pages (pages 38&39) and in our adverts offering some great golfing deals.
Finally, next month marks the 50th issue of Northern Golfer which will cover December and January. Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to bringing you news of golf in North East and Yorkshire for many more issues to come.
