New Winter Tee on the First

I am sure that if you have been to the Club lately, you will have noticed that there is a new tee box being constructed on the first which will have an artificial surface and therefore it can be used throughout the winter months and will protect the existing tees in periods of the worst weather. A number of members have commented that the position of the box changes the characteristics of the hole and makes it into a slight dogleg. The comments (a nice word for complaints) is that they will not be able to use their driver off the tee. My answer was to remind them that one of the principles of golf is 'to play the course as you find it' and this is most apt in the winter months. It may not be ideal, it may not suit your game, it may disadvantage you more than others, but it is done with the best intent ... to ensure the course is in the best possible condition for the beginning of the new season.

Congratulations Brian and Joan

Congratulations to Brian and Joan King on reaching their half century anniversary. 50 years of wedded bliss (Joan told me to say that). The happy couple celebrated their anniversary with a cake and a glass of wine with the Vets section on Friday, before setting off for a few days of luxury living at Gleneagles, the 5 star hotel resort set within its own estate in Perthshire, Scotland. Well done to both of you .....

Placing in the Rough, Good and Bad News

Picture the scene ... We hit a super shot onto the fairway and now must apply the Local Rule that all fairways are classified as GUR. We must lift our ball and place it in the 1st cut of rough within 1 club length of the nearest point of relief, no nearer the hole.

The good news is that we can clean the ball and we can ensure a perfect lie each and every time because we can place the ball.

The bad news is that if we forget to move the ball and play it from the fairway, we incur a 2 shot penalty!!! (Rules of Golf - Appendix I - page 128). That's 2 shots for every occasion .... so stay focused.

Protect the Fairways

For the first time, Parklands GC is attempting to preserve the fairways through the winter to ensure that the course is in the best possible condition for the start of the 2010 season. We considered two methods. One was to purchase and carry pieces of matting to place on the fairway for each shot (as Blyth and other clubs) and the second was to move the ball from the fairway and place it in the 1st cut of rough (as Ponteland and other clubs). The second method was agreed with the management as being the easiest to administer and we have being using this method for over a week. Please ensure that you remember for all occasions and if you see other members or visitors playing from the fairway, don't be shy; remind them of the rule. It's for our mutual benefit to ensure the course is protected.

Wet start to November

I'm sat at the PC on a Sunday morning when I should be out there swinging a club and having fun ..... and all I can hear is the drumming of rain on the carport and I'm watching the rain form pools in the garden .... I trust Steven Quince's new drainage on the 8th and 10th will stand up to the test.

Presentation Evening

The Annual Presentation Evening will take place in the Club House on Friday 4th December 2009 commencing at 7.30pm. If you currently hold a trophy and have taken it home, please ensure it is returned without delay to allow time for engraving prior to the event.

Golf North East article

For those of us who may not have seen the article in the October 2009 edition of Golf North East, there is confirmation of the magnificent win by Daniel Deakin in the Junior Champion of Champions competition held at Tyneside Golf Club. The article describes the opposition facing Daniel with a plus handicap golfer and 4 scratch golfers.

Quote"But that day belonged to Daniel Deakin, a four handicapper from Parklands Golf Club at Gosforth Park, Newcastle. Against a par of 70, his gross 68 nett 64 was more than enough to take both the 2009 Junior Champion of Champions title and the Nett Trophy along with all the Srixon prizes that went with them. Although he played to his handicap, shooting a two-over 37 on the front nine, his round came alight on the inward half carding a remarkable four-under 31 to secure his best win to date."

Well done Daniel (and Craig the caddy) ... we're all very proud of you!!!