The Last Post

I can't definitely say that this will be the last post ever on this blog because 'ever' is a pretty long time, but I do not intend to update it because I have launched the new website for Parklands Golf Club and the home page is effectively a blog in its own right ... so to avoid duplication and confusion please use the website www.parklandsgolfclub.co.uk and thanks for following the site.

Plugged lie in the rough

The current wet weather and winter conditions mean we are playing preferred lies and 'embedded balls' in the rough. In layman's terms this means that a player with a ball plugged in the rough and still in the original hole can take free relief. The procedure is
1. Inform your playing partner
2. Mark the ball
3. Pick and clean
4. Drop (shoulder height) no nearer hole.

You must never, ever just roll it out of the pitch mark .. the penalty would be 2 strokes.

Ladies AGM 2011

The Ladies Section held their AGM in the Clubhouse last night and the event was well attended. Reports were given by the officials and committee members and then the Captaincy was transferred from Yvonne Welch to Anne Hope. We wish Anne a successful and rewarding year as Lady Captain. Anne announced her Vice-Captain for 2012 as Barbara Newman. Congratulations Barbara. There were 2 committee members and one other member standing for the 2 vacancies on the committee so a vote was necessary and the 2 committee members were re-elected. Betty Bainbridge stood down from the committee and she will be greatly missed.

Yellow Balls

A small incident this morning illustrates the peril of playing with a yellow ball on the first hole. The first hole is normally littered with stray range balls, something as members we are all accustomed. It was the Vets 9 hole matchplay competition and Joan King was playing her match teeing off from the winter tee box. Neither player reached the fairway with their tee shots and Joan walked up to her ball in the rough and instinctively picked up an adjacent yellow ball and threw it onto the range. Oh dear !! it was actually her opponents ball and the result was a visit onto the range to retrieve the yellow ball accompanied by lots of laughing and giggling.

Presentation Night

Our annual Presentation Night will be held in the clubhouse on Friday, 25th November 2011. The trophy and medal winners for the men's, ladies and juniors will be regognised for their success during the year and you are invited to attend and be part of this club event.

Samantha Taylor for England!!

Our congratulations go to Samantha Taylor who has been selected by the EGU/EWGA for training which is aimed at providing targeted support to England's most talented young golfers. Sam was chosen for one of only 10 places available for boys and girls in Northumberland, Cumbria and Durham at a trial at Matfen Hall Golf Club.
She will receive top class coaching from specially selected England coaches, a complete package of sports science support including bio mechanics, strength and conditioning, psychological training as well as a NVQ grade in sporting excellence. The selection criteria states "Any player selected to be part of the England Futures programme will not be an ordinary player. They must possess the drive and commitment to to do their best both academically and within their golf training" ........... and the programme "is exclusively available to those young people who have demonstrated the necessary talent and skill required to suggest that they have a realistic chance to make a career from playing golf, either for England or as a playing professional" .... wow!!!! well done Samantha.

St Andrews for Sam Taylor

Samantha Taylor has had an eventful week with her entry into the St Andrews Junior Ladies Open which started on Monday with a qualification round on the Strathtyrum course where a gross 75 saw her qualify for the Open Quaich Competition starting on the Tuesday. This was a knock out phase and a 4 and 2 victory saw her playing in the semi finals on the Wednesday. Samantha won again in the semis 1 up, to win her way to the finals played on the Old Course on Thursday. Unfortunately Samantha lost the final, but a great week and a great golfing experience. The photograph of her on the Swilcan Bridge was taken on a sunnier occasion. Samantha's match was played in heavy rain and mists ... well that's golf for you !!