Author: Richard Booth

Both Wednesday’s Seniors comp and the ladies / gents 9 hole fixture had to be cancelled last week due to the dreadful weather. Fingers crossed for better this week as we have the ladies Christmas Frolic & lunch on Thursday and the final gents / ladies nine hole stableford of 2021 taking place on Saturday.

Pro Shop Christmas Draw

There are still spaces available so if you’ve not had a go just yet, please pop into the shop and get involved!

The actual draw will take place as people pop into the shop during the day on Christmas Eve. The results will then be posted on Facebook and Twitter and the winners will also be notified by email. There will also be a newsletter that will arrive into your inbox on Christmas Day which will list all the winners. Good luck!

An Historic Moment: Hale Golf Club Limited is incorporated

Hale Golf Club has been an unincorporated association since it was founded in 1903.  The Club’s property has always been held by trustees, currently Peter Hardern, Andrew Pendleton and Peter Veitch.  Because the Club itself cannot be sued, there is an uninsurable danger that the trustees (and Council members) might become personally liable. This position is clearly no longer acceptable and, like many other golf clubs, HGC has decided to become a company limited by guarantee, a separate legal entity that can own property and be sued but in which the liability of each member is limited to £1.

Despite so many other golf clubs having become companies the process of incorporation has been a long and complicated one. A committee chaired by Andrew Fishwick was set up in July 2018 and celebrated the completion of its work at a transfer signing ceremony on Friday. The members were Paul Gilbert, Ian Ponter, Wendy Jenkins, John Gower-Jones and Ken Hawes (until February 2021). Needless to say, several other members contributed to the success of this mammoth undertaking.

A big thank you to all involved in the process and to Chris Wood for supplying me with this text and the photographs.

• 

• 

Best Shot Distance vs Normal Shot Distance

One of the biggest mistakes amongst golfers is that they don’t take enough club into greens. Looking at the data, the vast majority of players are missing greens on the short side, and it costs them easy strokes.

A launch monitor can help you keep track of your distances and give you a more realistic understanding of your shot patterns. For example, you might see when you strike your seven iron perfectly it will go 150 yards, but notice on most shots it’s traveling closer to 135-145 yards because of mishits. Applying this information to your decisions on the course is an easy way to hit more greens and lower your scores.

If you’d like to book a session in the swing room here at Hale GC to help you better understand your distances then please contact the Pro Shop. With the weather not being the best at the moment, this is a great time of year to do so.

Chasing Rainbows

Water Features

These were taken after the heavy rains of last week.

• 

• 

Last call everyone for these fabulous Hale GC crested Christmas gifts. We need your orders by close of play on Thursday (the 9th December). Thank you!

Turkey Trot

Congrats to gentleman captain Johnny Yates and Paul Bramwell for winning Saturday’s Turkey Trot with an excellent 37 stableford points. They beat Ian Macklin and John Munnery into second place on countback. Chris Davies and David Swale finished one point behind to collect third place. The Paxo Turkey Stuffing was kindly donated by Peter Hardern and won commandingly by Andrew Kay and Chris Ravenscroft!

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Three Clubs and a Putter

Well done to Mandy Gilbert for winning last week’s 9 hole competition with a very impressive 19 stableford points. Mandy tells me she’s now going to put her other 10 clubs on eBay!! Diana Harris was runner up with 17 points. Five players shared third place with 15 points.

Quote

I love this quote from Danielle Kang that I came across whilst reading a Golf Digest interview with her the other day. I especially like the final sentence because it’s just so true!

My relationship with golf changed three or four years ago. I love the game now. I love the process. I love getting better. I love working on shots and pulling them off during a tournament. I love making putts when I have to. I love everything about it. I even love that if you do everything right, you can still get screwed, and you have to be OK with it.

Festive Dinner Friday 3rd December

The club’s festive dinner took place last Friday. There was plenty of delicious food and fun night for all! Thanks to lady captain Irene Kirk for these photos.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Give a Garmin

• 

• 

As you are probably aware facemasks are again compulsory when entering shops so please have yours at the ready before entering the Pro Shop. If you don’t have it handy, please stand at the door and we’ll endeavour to serve you as best as we can from there. Coming into this extra special time of year, let’s stay safe everyone!

Mats

Here’s some further clarification on the use of mats over the winter period. It is optional in both social and competitive golf to use a mat from the teeing area. However, for the men when playing a competition from the blue tees, it is mandatory to use your mat from the par three teeing areas.

Help Required

Brian Greenbank on behalf of the Greens Committee is looking for volunteers on Wednesday & Thursday (subject to weather) for the final push to complete work on the upper tee. Please meet in the car park at 0830. The work should be completed by 1200 and will followed by coffee on patio, again weather permitting. Please see the section below for more details on the work that is taking place.

Christmas Presents

Time is running out on this superb opportunity to get that special person in your life some personalised Hale GC merch! Please contact me asap to pace your order.

Ladies Thursday Competition

Well done to Amanda Greaves for winning Thursday’s back nine stableford competition with an excellent score of 21 points. Sue Fallow was just one point in arrears to finish runner up. Mandy Gilbert was third with 19 points.

• 

• 

Saturday back nine Stableford

Well done Peter Hindle for a magnificent score of 20 points in the cold and string winds on Saturday. Gentleman captain Johnny Yates was second with 18 points. Brian Greenbank also scored 18 points but was beaten into third place on countback.

In the ladies event, Caroline Perkin played very well for 18 points. Tiff Fielden finished runner up with 14 points.

New Fourth Tee

Well done to all the volunteers headed by Brian Greenbank for all their hard work creating the new 4th tee.

Below is how it was looking on Thursday. The photo below that is how it was looking on Saturday morning after the strong winds of Friday night.

A dead tree had been blown on top of it damaging much of the work that had been done. This must have been really dispiriting for the team but despite that they have been straight back out there tidying things up and getting ready to move things on again. We’re all indebted to them so thank you and keep up the good work!!

Give a Garmin

• 

• 

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

Thanks to Terri Broadbent and Tracey Thompson for these contrasting views of the club’s lovely Christmas Tree on the terrace.

• 

• 

I have six golf bags for sale for one day only at 50% off. Here’s the line up.

So from left to right, we have:

• Lynx cart bag – was £69, now £34.50
• Masters Tour Dri Waterproof cart bag – was £145, now £72.50
• Titleist Deluxe cart bag – was £169, now £84.50
• Masters WR902 waterproof stand bag – was £99.99, now £50.00
• Ouul waterproof stand bag – was £129, now £64.50
• Ouul Hale GC crested waterproof stand bag – was £174.99, now £87.49

These are tremendous prices so if you are interested, don’t waste time, pop into the shop asap.

This week we have a round up of golfing exploits, Christmas present ideas, the club’s quiz and even some recycling news. Let’s dive in…

Trackman Update

We’ve had some training with the new product and it looks fantastic. However we’re just currently experiencing one or two teething problems so we’ll report back when we feel we can offer you the best experience using it.

Turkey Trot

This event was played last Thursday and perhaps there were some fuzzy heads after the previous nights dinner? It was a team stableford competition played over the front nine holes.

The winners were Irene Kirk, Freda Hunt and Trina Walsh who scored 41 points. Second place after countback went to Karen Stockton, Sue Fallows and Joanne Bryant with 38 points. So that means with the same score but in third place were Gill Kay, Jean Green and Pat Jefferies. Sorry I don’t seem to have photos for this ☹

Doing our bit!

The Pro Shop has been trying to help with the environment as best we can. This means we are gradually moving away from plastic tees to bamboo or more easily biodegradable wooden ones. We sell drinks bottles if golfers are less keen to buy single use plastic bottlers. Plus over a year ago now, we put the blue recycling crate below the bin outside the Pro Shop door which we then put in the correct large bin when full. We also do our level best to recycle all paper, card, tines and plastics that we use in the shop as well.

If there’s any obvious things that we are missing, please let us know and we’ll do our best to implement them.

Ladies Annual Dinner

This took place on Wednesday evening and a great evening was had by all. Thank you to Sue Bryant for sending me all these photos (sorry Wendy that I didn’t end using yours in the end). My apologies if I have made any mistakes with who won what!

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Christmas Gift Ideas

Time is running out to order these personalised Christmas gifts so please get in touch to secure yours asap!

Quiz

Well done to the Gower-Jones’ for running an excellent quiz on Friday evening. Congratulations also to two clearly very cerebral couples, the Wells’ and the Sampsons, for winning the quiz.

• 

• 

Bernie Bike Ride Club

These hardy cyclists swapped bikes for golf clubs to hold their inaugural golf day last Wednesday. In a close run contest, Phil Long’s team won the race to the line to win by one stableford point. Great fun was had by all followed by a lovely dinner provided by Ben and the team.

• 

• 

There’s been a slight delay in setting up the Trackman that I spoke about in last week’s newsletter but I hope to have it fully operational by early next week so watch this space for further details.

Remember it’s mats and winter wheels with electric trolleys as we march further into winter and closer to Crimbo 🎅

Bogey 3

Bill Dixon battled the failing light on Saturday to shoot a tremendous score of six up and win Bogey three. Ian Ponter came in second place with three up. Third place went to Matthew Hodder playing in his first senior competition. His score was two up.

• 

• 

Ladies Poppy Day Competition

Congratulations to Jane Perks for scoring an excellent 21 points to win the Poppy Day Stableford. She received a very nice commerative medal and a Pro Shop voucher for her endeavours. Second place went to Ann Davies, also with 21 points. Vanessa Veitch was third with 19 points.

• 

• 

• 

Men’s 9 Hole Stableford

There was also a men’s nine hole stableford played on Thursday. Roger Fielding was the gold medal winner for the men with 20 points. Keith Thompson and Tony Adamson were both one shot back but Keith grabbed the runner’s up spot by beating Tony on a card play off.

Goodbye Marquee!

Thanks to Tracey Thompson for these photos. It was taken down last week – just in case you’d been down and not noticed!

• 

• 

Give a Garmin this Christmas!

• 

• 

So winter is most definitely upon as we have moved onto using mats from the fairway. Winter wheels are also required on electric trolleys. They are not required on push / pull trolleys. Also in men’s competitions from the blue tees, mats must be used when teeing off on the par threes.

Trackman 4

More details over forthcoming newsletters but suffice to say, I’m super excited to announce that Trackman 4 is coming to the Pro Shop very soon.

End of Season Junior Awards

On Sunday, we held the fourth End of Season Junior Awards match and presentation.

Twenty four players took part in the match from the forward tees between the lady captain’s team and the gentleman captain’s team. Without going into too many details, it ended up being a resounding victory for the lady captain’s side in a one way contest that was reminiscent of this year’s Ryder Cup!! Well played LC’s team.

We then had a meal for approximately fifty adults and juniors in the dining room which was followed by the presentation. We went through all the winners of the year from the junior competitions, the Adult Junior events (and it’s Order of Merit) and the success stories from Golf Access.

We also awarded trophies for the Best Newcomer, Most Improved Player and Player of the Year awards which went to Tommy Lamb, Ben Hinton and Freddie Fallows respectively. Congratulation to them!

Finally we announced that the new junior captain starting in March 2022 is going to be Dan Turkington. He takes over from Charlie Hindle who has done a great job for the previous two seasons. We wish you the best of luck in your new role Dan!

Christmas Gift Ideas

• 

• 

Ladies Sparkly Ball Competition

The winners of last Thursday’s Sparkly Ball team competition were Amanda Greaves, Jennifer Bradley and Sue Bryant with 38 points. Second place went to Gillian Healey, Jackie Murphy and Trina Walsh with 36 points. Nancy Fallows, Tracey Thompson and Diana Harris finished in third place, having been beaten on a card play off for second.

This was a drawn competition enabling old and new members to get to know each other and to socialize afterwards in the warmth of the clubhouse.  There was an excellent turnout with 48 ladies taking part.

• 

• 

• 

• 

Well it’s just turned November and you’ll be delighted to know that I’ve gone straight in with the Christmas references in this week’s newsletter 👍👍🎅🎅.

We also have details of the winners from last Thursday and some great snaps that have been sent in.

Thursday 9 hole October Stableford

This event was played last Thursday. There was a men’s competition and a ladies competition held concurrently.

The ladies winner was Karen Stockton with 18 stableford points. Kerry Bailey was second with 18 points. jane Perks was third, also with 18 points but Kerry had beaten her on a card play off.

The men’s winner was Bob Siddle with a creditable 21 points. Roger Fielding was two points adrift in second place. It’s good to see Phil Long back playing and he finished third with 18 points.

Titleist Christmas Golf Ball Promotion

Why not give the gift of golf this Christmas?

The offer is available on the certain models of golf balls. I have listed them below. The cost is £44.99 per dozen for all the models except the Tour Speed which retail at £34.99 per dozen. Click here for the Terms & Conditions.

Pro V1
Pro V1 yellow
Pro V1x
Pro V1x yellow
AVX
AVX yellow
Tour Speed

Please email me if you’d like to go ahead and place an order.

Photos

• 

• 

• 

• 

This week we look at recent competition results and the forthcoming End of Year Junior Awards Presentation in early November. I also share with you the Pro Shop opening times from 25th – 29th October. Oh and remember the clocks go back on Saturday night… 😢

Bogey 2

Congratulations to Dave McGlennon for scoring an excellent score of four up to win Bogey 2 on Saturday. Andrew Fishwick was second with two up and gentleman captain Johnny yates was third with one up. Nine scores were recorded during the competition.

Ladies Nine Hole Stableford

Well done Kerry Bailey for scoring 16 points to win the ladies back nine stableford on Thursday. Vicki Wells was point adrift to finish in second and Anne Webster beat other golfers who scored 14 points to secure third place.

There wasn’t an 18 hole competition on Thursday as it was Jim McNairney’s funeral on that day followed by a trip to the club for refreshments and to share happy memories of Jim. Our thoughts are with Kathleen, her family and friends at this difficult time.

End of Season Junior Awards

This is a final push to top up the numbers for this event which takes place on Sunday 7th November. Currently over 40 have done so.

The format is golf at 1400 where the lady captain’s side take on the gentleman’s captain’s side over 9 holes from the forward tees. We will then have an informal meal followed by a review of the year and a presentation.

If you are involved in the junior section (child or adult) and have not yet signed up, please send me an email to do so. Non golfing friends and family are welcome to come along afterwards for the food and presentation only.

Pro Shop Opening Times

With it being 1/2 term, the shop’s opening hours will be slightly reduced from Monday to Friday as Phil holds the fort. They will be as follows:

DAY & DATE	OPENING HOURS
Mon 25th October	0930 – 1530
Tues 26th	0930 – 1530
Wed 27th	0930 – 1530
Thu 28th	0845 – 1530
Fri 29th	0930 – 1530

Last week the club’s new captains were announced and there was still a good amount of competitive golf played here at HGC.

New Captains

Last Thursday, the new captains were announced. As you an see they will be Judy Pinnington and David Wainwright. Hearty congratulations to you both and we all wish them well during their time in office which will start in March of next year.

• 

• 

• 

Saturday 9 Hole Stablefords

Well done to Tarik Rashid for winning on Saturday with 21 points. Second place went to Andrew Warnes with the same score but he was unfortunate to be beaten on a card play off. Ron Kirk was third with 20 points.

Michelle Rea played magnificently to score 24 points and win the ladies event. Helen Davies was second with a very creditable 21 points. Gwynneth Bramwell finished third with 19 points. Over 50 players took part in total which was good to see.

Lady Secretary vs Lady Captain Match

The lady captain’s team were in blue and the lady secretary’s team were in red. Wendy Jenkins deputised for Sandra Mossop as she continues to get fitter and fitter. Irene led her team to victory with an overall score of 5.5 points to 3.5. The match was great fun and played in the right spirit.

Seniors Bradley Winter Series

Well done to Rob Manley for winning the first 9 hole event of the winter season with 21 points, beating Ian Goulty into second place via a card play off. Craig Rea was third with 19 points.