Greetings from Tim, Mark, Adam, Ben & John.

 

Last week we gave the good news regarding the move back to the summer tees.

The good news this week is that the clearing of the scrub around the course has nearly finished. We have been in the process of tidying up the scrub and in certain places it has opened up views we have not seen for a some time!

 

We are very happy with the changes made & are looking forward to how the course looks once all maintenance work is finished. Positive it is going to look great!

This week the course staff will also continue screening spoil from the bunkers. It makes good material to topdress the fairways with. 

Topdressing will start with fairways - 2nd, 5th, 7th, 8th & 10th. This will be quite a heavy application and drag matted in, so there will be evidence of sand on the surface for a few days. They will also apply a granular fertiliser to the greens. 

The compressor continues to pose a problem. It may be time to find a replacement. The problem is the old compressor keeps tripping the thermal cut out. This is either due to a problem with the compressor or the electrical supply. Someone from Premier Compressors is coming out the week beginning the Monday, 4 April to determine what the cause of the trips is. So hopefully that will all be sorted out in due time. 


2 Ball Timings removed 

The Handicap & Competition Committee have decided to remove all tee time restrictions from all days of the week, thus allowing any combination to play when the tee is not closed.


 

Bank Holiday Texas Scramble 

Following a very wet start Bank holiday Monday turned out to be a dry but very windy day as storm Katie battered parts of Britain with 80mph hurricane winds. 

Results non Mixed teams 

- 1st - Andy Nicholson , David Goodrham, David Green, Jon Wilton - 57.875 
- 2nd - Greg Savage , Richard Lobb, John McPhee, David Mc Gibbon - 58.875 
- 3rd - Ben Smith, Neil Goodman,Gary Purton,Thomas Goodman - 59.25 

Mixed Teams 

- 1st - Jim Parker,Malcolm Pounds, Maggie Bland,Burna Forrest - 61.9 
- 2nd - Adam Costain, Sue Mc Rae, Simon Griifin, Viv McManus - 62.5 
- 3rd - Philip Dearing, Karen Dearing,Jonathan Milner, Helen Milner - 64.0


Ladies March Medal 

Overall Winner - Salian Miles 

Division 1 
- 1st - Katie Kennedy 
- 2nd - Kate James 
- 3rd - Louise Hemmingway 

Division 2 
- 1st - Vannessa Barrow 
- 2nd - Ursla Morris 
- 3rd - Barbra Chater 

Division 3 
- 2nd - Lesley Whalley
- 3rd - Andrea Alston


 

Ryder Cup dinner Friday, 1 April - tickets are available from the Bar. 

Sunday Lunch on 3 April


 

Don't forget we are having a Mizuno fitting day here at Northamptonshire County Golf Club. 

The latest irons from Mizuno have been performing very well in recent club fittings for both gents and ladies. With a large selection of head designs there is something for everyone.

There are spaces still available but make sure you book your place now so that you don't miss out! It is a great opporunity to test out all the latest range from Mizuno & get clubs fitted to improve your game.

Click here to book your place now.


 

I celebrated 25 years at Northamptonshire County Golf Club last week. 

I started at the club on Monday, 25 March 1991, so I am now a few years ahead of the previous longest serving professional Len Holland who served for 14 years from 1910 to 1924. 

I have had so much pleasure at the club, one of the highlights has been playing in the Captain and Pro matches. From Peter Arnold, my first captain in 1991 through to Malcolm Watkins in 2014. We have played against the members with many fond memories if not always with favourable results. Fun games that have allowed me to get to know the members and each Captain just a little better. The members have been a pleasure to work with as the club has grown and prospered through the years. 

When I first came for my interview to the sleepy backwater that was known as Church Brampton, the club had a reputation of being unwelcoming and stuffy. The first thing you saw on entering was the old rickety stables where the club used to keep its horse. The previous Pro used just 3 walls of his shop, which is now the club manager's office. He displayed paper cuttings, results and photos on the other. I was told by the then club secretary, in no uncertain terms, that I was not to encourage visitors or societies. 

Having played with some of the members in Pro Ams, I knew the club was more than how outsiders perceived it. I think I can say that I have been proven correct as the members have shown a strong desire to provide the best membership service possible and improve each year. 

As I reflect on past achievements, I can also recall some of the clubs improvements since 1991. The addition of a driving range, a bigger practice ground, the par 3 course Colt course, the 3 extra holes allowing 9 holes to be played back to the club house, a new pro shop, new locker rooms for ladies and gentlemen, extended dining room, new club office. The centenary year was very memorable but before that, we saw every hole on the course upgraded ready for the celebrations. 

Furthermore, we said goodbye to the old stables as the new green keepers sheds were added along with a new entrance to the club. It has been an incredible time. 

Thank you for letting me be your Pro for the last 25 years.
Tim