First LPGA victory OUR TOURNAMENT PROFESSIONALS - Woburn Golf Club
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THE WOBURN GOLF NEWS
SPRING ISSUE - MARCH 2017
OUR TOURNAMENT PROFESSIONALS
First LPGA victory PGA Award for Ian Poulter
for Charley Hull
Steve Lewton wins
Philippine Open
Cards for three
Since the last edition of Woburn Golf News, Woburn Tournament
Professional, Charley Hull secured her first victory on the LPGA Tour
when she won the CME Group Tour Championship played in Naples,
Florida. Charley had a final bogey-free round of 66 to finish the week at
19-under par and set a new tournament scoring record, previously set
by Cristie Kerr at 17-under par in 2015. We hope this will be the first
of many victories on the LPGA Tour for Charley who at the beginning Inci Mehmet Jamie Rutherford Lauren Taylor
of March was ranked 15th in the Rolex World Rankings. See page 3 for details
Welcome to the Spring 2017 edition of Woburn Golf News
Jason O’Malley, Managing Director
The winter months generally provide a slightly Dan’s resignation has presented me with an opportunity to review our
quieter period at the Club and therefore the current management structure and I am delighted to say that following a
chance to undertake improvements and capital thorough process David Tilbury is promoted to the position of Golf
investment projects. Work has been undertaken Operations Manager and will oversee the membership, retail, coaching,
across all three golf courses ranging from Performance Centre, golf event co-ordination and the starters and marshals
pathway improvements and drainage through to operation. I am also pleased to announce that David will be supported by the
bunker reconstruction and forestry works. following team members who have been promoted through this process.
We have a new simulator in the Performance Natalie Coles, Membership Manager, with direct responsibility for
Centre and the artificial grass on the ‘warm up’ membership operations and Club Reception, David Coles, Golf Retail
range has been replaced. New cold room stores Manager, with direct management responsibility for retail, Performance
have been constructed, new equipment installed Centre and the retained coaching staff and James Parker, Outside Services
in the kitchen and a new coffee machine purchased for the Bloomsbury Manager, with direct responsibility for golf event co-ordination, starters and
Room. Lastly, the far end of the men’s changing room is receiving a marshalling.
makeover, continuing investment that has been seen in previous winters in I am sure you will join me in wishing David, Natalie, David and James every
our swimming pool, ladies and visitor changing rooms. success in their new roles. I am sad to inform you that Ian Hardwick has
Along with the change to our physical Club we have also had some changes decided his future lies elsewhere and I want to thank him for the 12 years
in the management at Woburn. After 9½ years, Dan Blesovsky has moved of service he has given our Club.
on to pastures new taking up the position of Director of Golf at Frilford Sadly, we lost one of our greatest supporters and members in recent
Heath Golf Club. I want to pass on my sincere thanks to Dan for all of his weeks with the passing of Peter Hartley. Peter was everything that
support and involvement throughout his time at our Club. He leaves epitomises a ‘great’ member and Woburn was his home from home. He will
Woburn in a far better position than he found it and I wish him well for be sorely missed and we will be ever thankful for the support he gave
the future. our Club.
Marquess Course
Tuesday, 4th July 2017
We are delighted that the Marquess course is again one of four courses to host Final Qualifying for
The Open.
On Tuesday 4th July there will be 72 players competing over 36 holes on the Marquess course, with
three qualifying to play in The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale from 16th to 23rd July. In
order for the event to again be a success we will require the support of Woburn members to assist
with Registration, Starting, Recording, Scoreboard and Leaderboard Operation, Live Scoring, Ball
Spotting and Flag Men. We do have several members who have helped over the past three years
and who have already volunteered to do so again but we would welcome the help of some
additional members for what will be the fourth and final year of Final Qualifying being staged at
Woburn on the Marquess course.
Anyone interested in volunteering please contact Glenna Beasley on 01908 626603 or email
glenna.beasley@woburn.co.uk
Full details on the qualification process at: www.TheOpen.com
Paul Dunne winner of
The Open Final Qualifying in 2016
CONTENTS
Welcome from Jason O’Malley ................ 2 Captains’ Drive In .......................................... 5 Membership ....................................................... 8 Dan Grieves ...................................................... 14
The Open Final Qualifying ........................ 2 Alex Hay Texas Scramble ......................... 5 Reciprocal arrangements .......................... 9 Here Come The Girls ............................... 14
Ian Poulter............................................................. 3 Seniors Captain ............................................... 6 Clubhouse ......................................................... 10 Junior Coaching .............................................. 14
Steve Lewton .................................................... 3 Scratch Team Captain ................................. 6 Recipe .................................................................. 11 Luther Blacklock ........................................... 15
Woburn representation in 2017 ........... 3 Junior Captain ................................................... 6 Travis Perkins hospitality ........................ 11 Woburn Abbey Garden Show ............ 15
Captain ................................................................... 4 Course Update ................................................. 7 70’s Theme Night ........................................ 12 Membership Benefits ................................ 16
Lady Captain ...................................................... 4 Woburn and the environment .............. 7 Golf Services .................................................... 13 Diary ...................................................................... 16
2
PGA Recognition Award for Ian Poulter
Congratulations to Ian Poulter who was presented with a PGA Recognition Award
for his outstanding contribution to the game of golf at the annual PGA lunch held at
the Grosvenor House in December.
Ian follows in the footsteps of several golfing legends to have won the award
including Seve Ballesteros, Sir Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomerie.
The lunch was attended by 1,050 guests with whom Ian shared a wealth of stories
during a Q&A with Dougie Donnelly including tales of his early years as a PGA
assistant and the Ryder Cup, which notably included his heroics in the Miracle at
Medinha.
PGA chief executive Sandy Jones stated: “We are delighted to present the PGA
Recognition Award to Ian, it is richly deserved: The success he has had in scaling the
heights of the game just proves what you can do if you have the desire and the
commitment. Ian’s Ryder Cup record and achievements in the game are testimony
to that. Just as importantly he also gives a lot back to the game and charity as
evidenced by his support for Dreamflight.” With charity very much at the heart of
the annual lunch, Ian donated his fee of £25,000 to the Dreamflight charity and its
founder Patricia Pearce who was presented with a cheque.
Woburn is delighted that Ian will continue to represent the Club as Tournament
Professional and we are pleased to report that the Woburn logo has moved back
onto his left sleeve. Ian is now back playing in tournaments again having had several
Ian Poulter receiving PGA Award from Nicky Lumb, PGA Captain months off during 2016 due to injury and we wish him every success for 2017.
Steve Lewton wins the
Solaire Philippine Open
Congratulations to Steve Lewton on winning the Solaire Philippine Open at STA.
ROSA, Laguna. Steve pulled through in a nerve-wracking sudden death playoff
defeating Johannes Veerman. Steve won a cheque for $72,000 and became the first
Englishman to win the championship, which in its 99th year is Asia’s oldest National
Open.
Steve has been a member of Woburn since the age of 9 and regained his card to play
on the Asian Tour having qualified at the Suvarnabhumi Golf and Country Club in
Bangkok where he finished joint 27th out of a field of 222 players, with the top 35
and ties receiving cards for 2017.
Steve Lewton with the trophy
Woburn will be well represented in 2017
Jamie Rutherford Lauren Taylor Inci Mehmet
We are delighted that Woburn Golf Club will be well represented this year. There will be plenty of interest on the Ladies European Tour (LET) with
In addition to our Tournament Professionals, Ian Poulter and Charley Hull we Woburn members, Lauren Taylor and Inci Mehmet both having gained their
also have the progress of Woburn members Steve Lewton, Jamie Rutherford, cards for 2017. Inci will be representing Royal Mid Surrey Golf Club, where she
Inci Mehmet and Lauren Taylor to follow as they compete on the various tours has been a long standing member, but she is often at Woburn where she
this year. receives regular coaching from Daniel Grieve. Lauren, who has been a
Jamie Rutherford, secured his card to compete on the European Tour in 2017 member of Woburn since the age of 12, is a former winner of the Women’s
by finishing in 25th position at Final Qualifying. British Amateur Championship and in 2011 won the BBC Junior Sports
At the start of last year Jamie was hit by a car while away in Portugal Personality of the Year award. At the beginning of March she finished tied
practising and warming up for the 2016 season. Having sustained bad injuries second in the Joburg Ladies Open on the Sunshine Ladies Tour, returning
it was doubtful he would be back playing for quite some time but he made a scores of 68, 69 and 73 for a 6-under-par 210 total, five shots behind the
remarkable recovery and having secured his card to play on the European Tour winner. Lauren picked up a cheque for 48,200 Rand, about £3,000.
he has now been able to put the start of 2016 behind him. We wish them every success in 2017.
3
CLUB CAPTAIN - CLIFF WEIGHT
My Captain’s year started with a wonderful a great Burns’ Night.
70’s theme night, followed by the Christmas The Annual Handicap Review took place in January and all the members
Carol Dinner. Both were highly successful and who have had handicap adjustments have been contacted. My thanks go to
sold out. The Captain’s Dinner was equally David Tilbury and to Mark Randell for carrying out the review and getting
successful. The room was full, the food was the correspondence out so quickly.
great and Tom O’Connor was fantastic. I had a
lot of feedback and everyone was extremely
complimentary.
Once again, the Alex Hay Texas Scramble
was well supported, the winning team was
Michael Collin, Justin Pardy, Scott Souster, Neil
Battams and Nicola Adkins. Congratulations to all of them.
Thoughtless and against everything this Club stands for
You may have seen in my blog, some pictures I posted showing trolleys
being pulled across greens and through bunkers, as well as across protected
areas of the courses, knocking over posts on the way. These are members
or guests of members. I make no apology for showing them again as
apparently less than 35% of the membership opened the blog! Please take
Cliff was convinced it was over 24 yards but the judges disagree
a hard look at what some of us feel we can do to our three fantastic courses!
As far as the Captain’s Drive-in is concerned, I think the less said about that Whilst on the subject, a plea to keep the trolleys several metres from the
the better. It was announced on the day that I had managed to hit the ball green, particularly at this time of year, and for the same reason please go
42 yards, but it was subsequently rounded down to 24 yards. I think James around the outside of bunkers, not between the bunker and the green.
Mann and David Tilbury suffer from dyscalculia, although they seem to think Your support would be appreciated and in advance of this, I thank you.
I suffer from an inability to hit the ball properly. That said, a great day was You will also have noticed if you have played the Duchess recently, that
had by all. there has been a lot of tree felling undertaken. This is almost complete now,
Your Committee and Management team are constantly reviewing the although there are one or two trees that still need to be taken down by
tee-time bookings to try and maximise the use of the limited daylight hours hand, rather than with the industrial tree felling machine. Several hundred
during the winter months. Pleasing everyone is an impossible task, but I can tons have been removed in such a short space of time. Well done and thanks
assure you that every effort is being made to try and improve the situation. go to John Clarke and all his team for all that they do year after year.
As you may have read in my blogs, the challenge matches are in ‘full swing’. Our thoughts are with the family of Peter Hartley who has recently passed
Many thanks go to those who have challenged us and those who are away. Peter has been part of the fabric of Woburn for so many years and
intending to challenge us this year. All the money goes to great charities. supported the Club in a number of capacities over a prolonged period. We
Already, I have some wonderful material for the Challenge Match Dinner! are grateful to Peter for all that he did.
Socials are continuing to be well attended, with one exception being the Good luck to Jamie Rutherford, Steve Lewton, Lauren Taylor, Gary Boyd,
New Year’s Eve Party. The Social Committee is working hard to encourage Inci Mehmet, as well as Charley Hull and Ian Poulter. I’m sure you will join
numbers back next year and have several ideas that are being looked at. me in wishing them every success this year. As I wish you all good luck for
Burns’ Night was sold out, as was the February Gourmet Evening. There the season ahead. Happy golfing!
really have been some outstanding social events this winter. Well done James Lastly, may I thank those of you who have emailed or spoken to me
and his team, as well as the Social Committee. I would like to thank Arthur directly so far this year, with comments and suggestions. Your thoughts and
Long, Bob Fairful, David Hay and Clare Nicolaou for their contribution to ideas are greatly appreciated.
LADY CAPTAIN - JENNY CADDEL
I would like to thank all of the ladies section
for their support attending the Christmas
lunch and playing in the roll ups and the new
Flag competitions which are proving fun.
Looking forwards we have Lady Captain’s
Dinner on Friday 24th of March when I hope
lots of you will attend. All lady members
That’s a lot of sultanas Rebekah Howe, Tina Motherway,
and their guests are welcome just bring your
Jenny Caddel and Rita Whitmore
dancing shoes!
The Captains’ Drive in was a great success
for me, as I rarely hit further than Cliff! I
ANNUAL LADIES’ COFFEE MORNING
would like to thank you all for the money raised for Willen Hospice that Following a weekend of snow the lady members got together on Monday
day and at the Ladies’ Christmas Lunch; to date we have almost raised 13th February for their Annual Ladies’ Coffee Morning, which was definitely
£2,000. preferable to playing golf.
I am looking forward to some nice weather this year and playing lots The Ladies were given an opportunity to enter a competition in support of
of you in the Mixed and Ladies’ Challenge Matches partnered by both Willen Hospice by guessing the number of sultanas in the fruit cake which
Cliff and Rita. I do hope we all have some fun and maybe will even win the Evelyn Wand had very kindly baked. The winner was Sarah Leake who guessed
exactly the correct number of 751, with Joan Kiddle a very close second
odd one.
having guessed 750!
4
CAPTAIN AND LADY CAPTAIN ‘DRIVE IN’
At least one of them hit a drive!
The Lady Captain, Jenny Caddel ‘Driving In’ and the members follow the ball into the distance
The Captain hits the ball (sort of) and looks at his drive in disbelief, much to the amusement of the members
Alex Hay Texas Scramble
On Sunday 4th December the clubhouse was buzzing when 180 members turned
up for a light breakfast before playing in the annual Texas Scramble. This bogey
competition has been played on the first Sunday in December since 1980 for a
trophy which was presented by Alex Hay. There was a draw for teams prior
to the day with a ‘Shotgun Start’ on the Duke’s and Duchess courses. On conclusion
of play and following the Captain and Lady Captain officially ‘Driving In’ a two
course luncheon was served with David Hay presenting the Alex Hay Trophy to the
winning team.
1st Place Duchess course and Overall Winner (+10):
Michael Collin, Justin Pardy, Scott Souster, Neil Battams and Nicola Adkins
1st Place Duke’s course (+8):
Niall O'Shea, Paul Twigden, Gerry Scrase, Chris Thornley and Jenny Denyer
2nd Place Duchess course (+9):
Nigel Webber, David Weller, Doug Chalmers, Julian Stammers and Diane Taylor
Winners of the Alex Hay Texas Scramble from left: Nicola Adkins, 2nd Place Duke’s course (c/b 9 holes) (+5):
Michael Collin, Justin Pardy and Scott Souster with David Hay (centre) John Whitehead, Jonathan Keep, Peter Johnson, John McLean and Sheila Sinfield
5
SENIORS CAPTAIN - JOHN PICKERING
Writing this report with temperatures showing was well attended and a superb evening was had by all,
14 degrees certainly makes it feel that Spring enhanced by the Woburn team through their attention and service. Thank
is here, but how lucky have we been with the you to all of you who were involved and well done.
Winter when apart from one weekend we Preference sheets for the inter-club matches have been returned and
have had continuity of our golfing days. I have selected players notified of the games they will be involved in.
to say that we were also playing on courses Online sign-up is available for the match against the Juniors, and I would
that were far better than reasonable when you really appreciate your support in ensuring a high number of players make
take in the time of year, so congratulations to themselves available. The young ones gain a lot from these matches and
John Clarke and his hard they appreciate the challenge.
working team. Moving on to the Seniors Charity Golf Day on Thursday
It is with sadness that I 13th April, I have decided that this year we will hold a
report the death of Peter Hartley. I feel sure that I talk on team event rather than an individual competition so
behalf of you all when stating that Peter was a loved and would ask all Senior members to muster up your
respected part of the Seniors section. His contribution midweek and weekend playing partners and sign in for
over the years was immense, and covered his long period this worthy cause. Sheets have probably been posted by
as Seniors treasurer and of course the administration of now on the Seniors notice board and I look forward to
the Thursday competitions. You will all recall his watching them fill up, so thank you all in anticipation.
consistency with this weekly event and most of you can Whilst on the subject could I beg that where you are
affectionately claim to have been subject to his gleeful kindly offering donations, could you please hand them
catch phrase “You Have Been Cut”. He will live long in into reception from where they will be subsequently
our memories and be sadly but fondly missed. collected.
Recently we held the Seniors Invitational Dinner which Peter Hartley Many thanks.
SCRATCH TEAM CAPTAIN - CHRIS SWEETNAM
It looks to be another promising year for the at Royal Liverpool and a match against the BB&O County Team at home.
Woburn Scratch Team in 2017 as we start with We are currently in discussions with Walton Heath and Porters Park which
one of the strongest squads in the would both test the squad.
region. There have been changes to the Our popular ‘Scratch Swindles’ will continue throughout the year,
league, which will offer additional challenges if there are any category 1 golfers who are interested in getting involved
as new clubs are promoted to the top and taking on the best players in the Club, please get let me know.
division, such as Buckinghamshire Golf Club There are scratch and nett prizes on offer.
and one of the strongest teams in We have the Junior Pairs Challeng coming up on Saturday 8th April which
Hertfordshire, South Herts. is always a great event to start off the year, so I will be looking for as many
This year we will be enjoying an away match golfers as possible to help support the opening fixture of 2017.
JUNIOR CAPTAIN - MEGAN DENNIS
The year has so far offered some challenging victory over the girls.
golfing weather, but with spring approaching it There are many different events that have been scheduled for this year, as
is a great opportunity to start playing in the a junior section we recognise the support that is given to us from all sections
competitions and taking part in the junior within the Club and we are looking forward to the various matches against
coaching programme. the Men, Ladies and Seniors throughout the season. I would briefly like to
The first scheduled event of the season was remind juniors of the importance of maintaining high standards by keeping
a friendly match played between the Woburn up with pace of play and repairing any divots and pitch marks on the course
Boys and Bucks County Girls, the match was and practice areas.
played on the Duchess course in good spirit Finally I would like to wish everyone a successful 2017 golfing season!
and the boys came away with a 2½ - 1½
BCLGA County Girls versus Woburn Boys
6
UPDATE ON THE COURSES
Following a cold and reasonably dry winter the greens staff have made great progress with on course
projects.
Drainage works large and small, bunker reconstructions, wall to wall aeration, pathway reconstruction works,
sleeper edgings and new pedestrian steps to name but a few have all been completed to a really high standard.
Forestry work across the Duchess course has proceeded at a great pace on holes 5 - 13, with all felling,
forwarding and mulching works having been undertaken during designated closure weeks. The goal of
preserving the woodlands for future generations is certainly well on track following these major works.
Due to the disruption of the forest floor a local rule has been introduced which will be in effect until 1st of
May 2017:
Grass cuttings or felled trees in the process of being removed are to be considered abnormal ground
conditions and relief may be taken under rule 25-1b. If a ball is lost in these areas please refer to rule 25-1c.
For the purposes of this ruling ‘Grass cuttings or felled trees in the process of being removed’
can be defined as tractor marks, wood chippings, mulched pine needles and loose branches.
In the coming weeks you will start to see the focus of the green staff changing back to the management of
the turf as the temperatures improve and we start to see growth initiate. It may be
surprising to hear that consistent growth does not traditionally occur at Woburn
until early June.
Our location, elevation and the shade all contribute to large daily fluctuations in
temperature throughout May with overnight frost not uncommon this late.
Regular aeration, topdressing and the application of slow release fertilisers will all
take place over the coming weeks to make the transition into the summer months
as smooth as possible.
A John Deere forestry harvester As always please do not hesitate to contact me on site with any questions you
in the woodland on the Duchess course may have.
John Clarke, Courses Manager
WOBURN GOLF CLUB AND THE ENVIRONMENT
GEO Update
As part of the long term woodland
management plan, which is a major part of
our GEO accreditation, forestry works
took place on the Duchess golf course at
the beginning of January.
The felling, of predominantly Scots pines,
was undertaken using a John Deere
forestry harvester and they were then
removed off course in conjunction with the
Bedford Estates woods department and
estate contractors.
This is an essential process to ensure the
on course trees continue to mature
enabling regeneration to take place and a
new understory of trees can thrive.
Not only will this project guarantee the site
sustains its beautiful characteristics, these
improvements will also provide many
ecological benefits for the future.
We have already started working towards
our next GEO accreditation, which is due
in 2019. The recording of our energy
and water use as well as the spray
applications for 2016 have now been
submitted.
GEO Certified® is golf’s international
Working in the woods on the Duchess course ecolabel - similar to FairTrade.
7
MEMBERSHIP
Members Guest Green Fees 2017
ANNUAL HANDICAP REVIEW The members guest green fees are as detailed below. A member is
The Annual Handicap review took place on Thursday 12th January 2017 permitted to introduce a maximum of three guests at any one time with the
in which the Committee debated any requests made for a handicap exception of weekend mornings, where a member can only bring one guest
adjustment as well as those that were highlighted from their playing before 10.30am. No single guest can be signed in to play Woburn's courses
performances in Intelligent Golf. more than six times within a calendar year.
A full list of members receiving handicap adjustments is available on the
members’ area of the website: www.woburngolf.co.uk/members
One Round Only until 31st March 2017
Duke's, Duchess or Marquess Course
MEN’S SPRING MEETING MEDAL £40 per guest (Weekdays)
Saturday 22nd April 2017 £50 per guest (Weekends)
Marquess Course
One Round Only from 1st April 2017
18 holes Medal Competition off the White blocks. Tee times from 7.29am Duke's, Duchess or Marquess Course
Entry Fee £6.00 per person, 2’s competition £2.00 £60 per guest (Weekdays)
£70 per guest (Weekends)
Please enter via Intelligent Golf,
or in person at Reception or telephone 01908 370756 Two Rounds
Playing a choice of two of the three courses
EASTER MONDAY SOCIAL 2017 £90 per guest (Weekdays)
Monday 17th April 2017 £100 per guest (Weekends)
Duke’s Course Shotgun Start 10.00am
During certain periods of the golfing season stated below, reduced members
Team Stableford (Best two Scores to count on each hole) guest green fees will be available. Any member inviting guests to play at the
plus the Yellow ball competition. weekend, during the period of April 1st to October 31st, may do so after
Please enter individually, as a pair or in fours. certain time frames at the reduced rates shown below.
Entry Fee £23.00 per person to include a Two Course Supper and Prizes.
Spouses, partners and guests welcome to attend the supper at a cost of April - October (after 2pm)
£18.00 per person. One Round on the Dukes, Duchess or Marquess Course
Guests are welcome to play but pay the members guest rate in addition £40 per guest (Weekdays)
to the entry fee (Total inclusive amount £83 per person) £50 per guest (Weekends)
Please enter via Intelligent Golf,
or in person at Reception or telephone 01908 370756
New Team
David Coles, Retail Manager - will be responsible for shop stock,
merchandising, performance centre, customer orders and coaching
along with the support of Luther Blacklock and Dan Grieve.
Natalie Coles, Membership Manager - will be responsible for
membership, club reception, members fixture list and competitions /
handicaps
James Parker, Outside Services Manager - will be responsible for
Golf Events co-ordination (both members and corporate), warm-up
area, buggies and hire, Starters, Marshals, pace of play and tee sheet
management.
We are looking forward to making some positive changes in all areas
of golf operations and hope to improve the overall experience both for
Natalie Coles David Coles James Parker
the members and guests of Woburn Golf Club. The team will be
Membership Manager Golf Retail Manager Outside Services Manager
focusing initially on staff training as over the next few weeks we will
have a number of new staff joining us.
Welcome to our New Junior Members
We would like to take this opportunity of welcoming new junior members who have joined Woburn Golf Club this year and thank
those members who have kindly introduced them and supported their applications for membership.
Oliver Brown (Returning Cards), Katya Geddes (Returning Cards), William Gooch (Returning Cards),
Joel Gosling (5), Jade Guest (1), Oliver Hind (Returning Cards), Benjamin Ingram-Moore (Returning Cards),
Alexander Loke-Hassell (53), Jack Manley (5), James Massa (Returning Cards), Tyler Pickersgill (Returning Cards),
Oliver Rust (2), Max Shirvell (5), Toby Shirvell (6), Zachary Smith-Beatty (Returning Cards),
Ashton Stewart (Returning Cards) and William Wilkins (Returning Cards)
Woburn Golf Club is currently operating a waiting list for new members and senior members.
David Tilbury, Golf Operations Manager
8
Reciprocal arrangements are going world wide
We are delighted to announce that we have added
three more golf clubs, Royal Perth in Australia, Oitavos
Dunes in Portugal and Thracian Cliffs in Bulgaria to
our list of reciprocal partners. We already have
reciprocal arrangements with golf courses in South
Africa, Spain and Turkey.
For further information, please go to the members’
area of the website or to book a tee time at any of our
reciprocal partners please contact the membership
team on membership@woburn.co.uk.
Oitavos Dunes, Portugal
Finca Cortesin, Spain
Fancourt, South Africa
Royal Perth, Australia
Mongtomerie Maxx Royal , Turkey
Thracian Cliffs, Bulgaria Arabella Golf Club, South Africa
9
CLUBHOUSE
Locally smoked salmon niçoise with a fresh green leaf salad Strawberry and white chocolate mouse
Piping-in and toasting the haggis at the Burns’ Night Supper Woburn Members’ Choir singing at the Christmas Carol Dinner
The last few months have been incredibly busy with Club functions and a lot thoughts as to what you would like please do not hesitate to contact myself or
of clubhouse maintenance projects, which have taken place, with some major a member of the Sales Team.
improvements to the kitchen equipment and layout. We have also added new During the forthcoming months we will be launching new product and menu
cold room stores which are now linked to the kitchen doubling the capacity ideas for you and your guests to enjoy. From new wines, which will include a
for the storage of food items. total change in Rioja, a new gin menu and updates to all the food and
Some of the highlights have been the monthly Sunday Carvery Luncheons beverage menus both on and off course. We are always looking at ways we can
that continue to be well supported and our Burns’ Night Supper, again a improve and shape our menus to the needs of both members and guests to
sell out. our Club. We are really excited about some of the additions we are looking to
Our first Gourmet Dinner of the year in February was sold out and was bring in and we look forward to you having the opportunity to sample them.
another fantastic evening. We really enjoy putting on the Gourmet Dinners We are hosting a new function this year with the introduction of a Father’s
and continuing to come up with new ideas to showcase the Catering Team. Day Carvery Luncheon on Sunday 18th June which will be held in the Bedford
Tickets for the Summer Ball, on 1st July will soon be available. We will be Suite with live piano music. Please book early to avoid disappointment as we
serving champagne cocktails on arrival followed by a three course gala dinner anticipate this will be well attended.
with live music from local band, Top Banana. A magician will be entertaining Over the past few years the recruitment of full
members and their guests as they arrive and during the meal. We anticipate and part time staff has been very successful through
this Black Tie evening will once again be sold out, so please to avoid membership referrals from family and friends.
disappointment do not hesitate to book your tickets when we inform you they Please contact me directly if you know someone
are available. applying and are able to offer them a reference. De-
We really enjoy hosting special celebrations for Woburn members and it is tails of vacancies can be found on the website:
great to see an increase in the number of members using the Club, whether www.woburngolf.co.uk/career-listing
it is an anniversary, big birthday or christening. Should you be interested in
holding a private event at Woburn and would like to discuss your ideas and
James Mann, Clubhouse Manager
Clubhouse Dress Code Rules
I would like to remind all members of the dress code for Woburn Golf Club and would ask that
you please convey this information to any guests you bring to the Club.
Blue denim jeans / denim shorts are not allowed.
Trainers, t-shirts, hats or flip flops are not allowed within the clubhouse.
Men’s shirts must be tucked in at all times.
Mobiles may be used for data transmission only (email, text, internet) but no voice use within the clubhouse or on the golf courses except in an emergency.
When attending any of our Sunday Luncheons, within the Bedford Suite, a jacket and collared shirt are required.
10A great dish from Head Chef Tony Rae
SPRING LAMB
Believe it or not, spring is here and the new-season lamb is coming through.
This tasty and quick dish really makes the most of its fabulous flavour.
Duke’s Course
1st to 3rd September 2017
Official hospitality for the Travis
Perkins Masters includes:
•Official VIP admission ticket to
the course and clubhouse
•Private tables for groups of
up to 12
•Dedicated clubhouse staff to ensure
your day runs smoothly
•Morning coffee and breakfast
•Two course lunch with ½ bottle
of wine per person
•Cash bar
•Official programme and
daily drawsheet
300g charlotte potatoes, skins on, scrubbed •Allocated parking
250g sprouting broccoli
2 tsp vegetable oil Friday, 1st September (Round 1)
4 lamb rumps, trimmed, fat scored £67.50 per person
50g butter Saturday, 2nd September (Round 2)
Clove of garlic, crushed £57.50 per person
Sprig of rosemary Sunday, 3rd September (Round 3) André Bossert winner of the
2 spring onions, chopped £67.50 per person 2016 Travis Perkins Masters
A few mint leaves For further information or to book please contact:
Hannah Smith, Hospitality Sales
For the dressing: Telephone: 01908 626881 Email: hannah.smith@woburn.co.uk
75ml olive oil
15ml red wine vinegar All the above prices are per person and include VAT.
1 tsp of dijon mustard There will be a 10% discount on the packages for Woburn Golf Club members paying with
their Woburn Card. A 25% non refundable deposit will be required to secure your table.
Put the potatoes into a large pan of cold water, season, bring to the boil,
and then simmer for 20 minutes until cooked. Drain the potatoes, re-
serving the water, add the broccoli and cook for five minutes before re-
freshing in cold water.
Meanwhile add the vegetable oil to a warm pan, season the lamb and
brown off. Melt the butter, and when it starts to colour, add the garlic and
rosemary and baste the rumps for 6-10 minutes, depending on how well Racing Welfare Golf Day - Sunday 23rd April
you would like the lamb cooked. Remove the lamb from the pan and allow
to rest for a few minutes. The Racing Welfare Golf Day will be returning to Woburn in 2017 when it is
Beat the oil, mustard and vinegar together until emulsified. played on the Marquess course on Sunday 23rd April. The format will be a
Halve the potatoes and toss with the broccoli, spring onions and mint. team event with the best two Stableford scores on each hole to count.
Slice the lamb and lay on top, check seasoning and serve. For further information please contact Mary-Ann Sandercock
msandercock@racingwelfare.co.uk
1170’s Theme Night
On Saturday 11th November 114 members and their guests enjoyed a very There was plenty of entertainment with the dance floor packed as everyone
successful 70’s Theme Night when the majority dressed for the occasion as did enjoyed a wide range of 70’s music.
the staff. Our grateful thanks to the Lady Vice Captain, Rita Whitmore and her
Tony Rae and the team in the kitchen produced dinner based on the 70’s daughter, Nicole for their artistic talents in decorating the Bedford Suite
theme with a selection of options, which included prawn cocktail, scampi in appropriately for the night and creating a VW Camper Van photograph booth
the basket and Black Forest gateau. There were Twiglets and cheese and which proved very popular.
pineapple on sticks made available at the bar to accompany the selection of
cocktails, all very reminiscent of the 70’s!
Baron Knight, Pete Langford wearing a jacket he last wore when
performing on Top of the Pops in the 70’s, with his wife Veronica, The VW Camper Van photo booth
the Captain and his wife Helen
The Lady Captain and Captain
enjoying the groove
Susanna and Arnold Mitterer
Blackforest Gateaux
Punks Howard Whitmore
and Steve Rogers
Vice Captains, Rita Whitmore
and Mark Collender
12GOLF SERVICES
Farewell from Dan Blesovsky as he leaves Woburn to take up the
position of Director of Golf at Frilford Heath Golf Club
By the time you read this article I will have moved on from been part of Woburn and I am very jealous of every single
Woburn to take on new challenges at Frilford Heath Golf Club. member that can make the most of what I consider the best Club
I have been at Woburn for 9½ years and it really has flown by. in the country. I would like to thank all the members for making
It has been a fantastic journey moving through a clubhouse me feel so welcome during my time at Woburn.
re-build, developing the family feel and culture at the Club and I hope to see you all again when I visit the Club but in the
then helping to deliver two major golf events. I am proud to have meantime please enjoy a busy summer of golf.
The Performance Centre has been degrees to 11.5 degrees. There are 7 shafts available with no extra up-charge
very busy recently with launches from including the official Fujikura Speeder evolution 2.
Cobra, Callaway, Taylormade and For the testing, I hit 3 shots with each club and the overall average results are
Mizuno following investment in shown in the table below;
the very latest technology with the Mizuno JPX 850 Mizuno JPX 900
GCQuad and FSX simulator software. Clubhead speed (MPH) 107.9 106.8
This allows more clubhead measurement and an Ball Speed (MPH) 151 154
increased customer experience. Some benefits include Back spin (RPM) 2597 2221
being able to set up your own profile that can be Carry Distance 256 yards 268 yards
accessed from your mobile. All practice results and Total Distance 277 yards 293 yards
fitting figures will be stored and updated after each Dispersion (Grouping) 37 yards 21 yard
session in the simulator. We can also set up national
competitions and skills challenges. As you can see from the results, my club head speed was slower with the JPX
We are very lucky at Woburn to be a Mizuno regional fitting centre. With 900. However, it came off the face quicker and created more ball speed which
this comes a Tour Truck experience fitting day which will take place on Friday equated to more distance. Although distance is important, the 900 model was
21st of April, please book in early if you are serious about a Mizuno club more consistent in direction which is a must when playing around the Duke’s,
fitting and want this rare experience. Duchess and Marquess courses. Based on the testing, I'll be putting the JPX 900
The date of our demo weekend has changed and will now take place on Driver straight in the bag.
Friday 13th May and Saturday 14th May. This is one of the only opportunities
in the country to try multiple brands so please make sure you update your Cobra King F7 Forged One Length Irons Review
diary with the revised dates. James Parker, PGA Assistant Professional
The team have reviewed some of the new manufacturers and are always So what has persuaded Cobra to launch One Length
testing new product launches. If you would like any impartial advice on golf versions of the King F7 irons where the shafts are
clubs please do not hesitate to come and discuss. all the same length?
The custom fittings are intended to increase your distance and reduce He’s called Bryson DeChambeau and the former
dispersion, if they cannot improve your game we will not recommend physics graduate, US Amateur Champion and now
changing your clubs. We want our members to enjoy their golf by hitting it PGA Tour player has been playing single length irons
straighter and further. Remember our pricing is the same if not lower than since 2011 when he and his coach re-imagined the
our competitors. previously tried theory of single length irons.
The One Length option is available with their King F7 and the King
Mizuno JPX 850 Driver VS Mizuno JPX 900 Driver Forged Tour heads, but the same principle applies to both. As it sounds,
Review by Adam Ledger, PGA Professional the concept is for all the irons to be the same length and in Cobra’s case
With the launch of the new Mizuno JPX 900 Driver, Fairways and Hybrids only the One Length irons are 37.5 inches long with a 62.5° lie as standard, which
days away, I took it upon myself to test drive the big stick in a head to head is 7-iron set up for them.
battle with my current Mizuno JPX 850 driver in the Performance Centre On Saturday 28th January we held a launch day for members to try the
at Woburn. concept and the feedback was very positive. Below are some of the comments
made by members during the day.
“It seems so logical to have all the irons the same length. I don’t have to
worry about changing my setup or swing for each club. For someone who suf-
fers with a bad back, like me, it is much more comfortable to have the shorter
irons a bit longer so I don’t have to crouch over so much.”
“I was worried that the long irons would feel really awkward and not go as
far as my current variable length clubs, the results show that the single length
irons are incredibly accurate and it feels easier to find the centre of the
club face.”
In some of the retail news we have additions to the ranges for 2017.
My first impression of the new Mizuno JPX 900 Driver is that it sits beautifully.
New for 2017
I am a massive fan of the matt finish as it decreases the glare from the sun,
Mens Ralph Lauren RLX
which can be off putting with the 850 model. Although the head is the same
Ladies Cross Apparel,
size as its predecessor at 440cc, it appears bigger as they have made it longer,
Under Armour golf shoes
wider and much shallower, which offers more forgiveness on off-centre hits.
New shoe ranges from Footjoy, Adidas and Ecco
On the sole of the club, there are two 8 gram weights which can be positioned
to help you achieve less or more spin, or draw and fade depending on your Our Spring Summer apparel and accessories have now arrived!
desired ball flight. The quick switch hosel means you can alter the loft from 7.5
13Dan Grieve who has recently been awarded
‘Advanced’ PGA Professional status by the PGA
Congratulations to Dan Grieve, who’s skills as a golf coach have not gone un-noticed.
He has recently been awarded 'Advanced' PGA Professional status by the PGA and his
services are sought after by playing professionals and keen amateurs in equal measure.
Recently, Dan along with Jordan Bazzone and Jamie Donaldson took a party of members to
Monte Rei Golf Club. They enjoyed daily clinics on long game, short game and putting
before playing 18 holes in glorious sunshine.
The group of members with Jamie, Dan and Jordan in the centre Dan Grieve giving some advice on the range
Here Come The Girls
Here Come The Girls will re-start on Wednesday, 12th April.
Daniel Grieve, along with Jordan Bazzone, launched this in
2014 as a way of introducing the game of golf to women in
the local area. Here Come The Girls is designed to overcome
the barriers many women face when wanting to take up golf.
Women, when starting to learn the game, can find it difficult
to get to know like minded friends to play with, as a result
many fall out of the game.
The number one goal is to create a peer group that act as a support
network to share their journey to ultimately becoming regular golfers, and
perhaps joining a golf club. Sessions are relaxed, fun and interactive, which is
the most powerful way to learn a new activity.
Here Come The Girls has been a massive success with several women
starting two years ago having never played and who are now members of
our Club. Sessions will run every Wednesday morning until the winter on a
roll-up basis. The coaching is from 9.30 - 10.30 and then tea and biscuits are
served in the clubhouse to discuss the day’s leanings and just have a good chat!
This is open to anyone who is a total beginner or new to golf, so if you know
anyone who would like to come along then please email the Professional Shop
to register.
Jordan Bazzone, PGA Professional
Junior Coaching - the fun way
Following on from another successful year with the Junior
Coaching programmes and the Summer festival in 2016. We have
put in place more courses and festivals for children to be
introduced to the game of golf using a fun games based way of
learning.
We have again teamed up with Junior Golf Passport, to create a
programme that is structured for children between the ages of
6 and 12. The multi layered programme progresses a complete
novice golfer into a junior golfer ready for membership of a
golf club.
During the Easter and Summer holidays we will be providing an
opportunity for boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 14 to
learn and enjoy the game of golf.
For further information please visit the members area of the
website or to book please contact the Professional Shop on
Teaching golf with fun based learning 01908 626600 or email Jordan.bazzone@woburn.co.uk
14HOW TO “AIM” THE SHAFT
Luther Blacklock, Master PGA Professional
Many golfers worry about the ‘Position’ of the club shaft before and during the golf swing. But if we ‘Aim’ the
club’s shaft correctly at address, we don’t need to worry about it during the swing. ‘Aiming’ the shaft affects
our swing Plane, alignment and ball position. Tour Pros do it instinctively and now I am going to share their
secret with you!
The Club Shaft is leaning forward, pushing the The Shaft is falling back, leaving the hands way Driver shaft is exactly 90 degrees to the target
hands ahead of the ball and the clubface to point behind the ball, tempting the ball position too line - it should look like an extension of my left
right of the intended target. If the shaft leans far forward and my body aligned left. arm. This forms a mighty lever with which to
forward 10 degrees it means we are aiming Again, when the shaft leans back 10 degrees create a powerful coil in the backswing; a bent
10 degrees right of our intended target - with a it means the swing is aiming ‘trees left’! or soft lever is not much use to anyone!
Driver that means the deep rough on the right! With the shaft like this we are aiming ourselves,
and the club, at the dead centre of the Fairway.
A new DVD from Luther Blacklock
Woburn Abbey Garden Show
Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th June
SIMPLY SHORT GAME Now in its 8th year, this year’s show will be headlined by
Adam Frost (BBC Gardeners’ World) and Pippa Greenwood (Radio 4 Gardeners’ Question Time)
Filmed on the stunning Tavistock Short Game Area, this
DVD is designed to help every club golfer’s Short The Woburn Abbey Garden Show, an important diary date for keen gardeners, is set against
Game. Luther Blacklock, Head Professional, shows you the stunning backdrop of Woburn Abbey and takes place within the 42-acres of Abbey Gardens,
clearly and simply how to improve your scoring shots including the Duke and Duchess’ Private Gardens.
around the green. The premise is this: Her Grace, The Duchess of Bedford will be officially opening the
Rosarium Britanicum garden of traditional Old English Roses.
• If you can putt - you can play a “running” chip.
• If you can play a running chip - you can play a “lofted” chip. Floral Demonstrations • Garden Advisory Desk • Q&A Sessions • Renowned Plant Nurseries
• If you can play a lofted chip - you can “pitch” the ball. Gardening Products • Furniture • Sculptures • Tools • Hardware • Food Marquee
• So, if you can pitch a ball - you can play a “sand” shot! Free Guided Garden Tours
This 81 minute DVD SIMPLY SHORT GAME Ticket Prices: Adult £12.00, Concession £11.00 Children £7.00
is on sale in the Woburn Professional Shop for Woburn Golf Club members receive a 25% discount.
£14-95 For further information and to book tickets visit: www.woburnabbey.co.uk/gardenshow
15MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
SAFARI TRAIL DAY DIARY
MARCH
Friday 24th Lady Captain’s Dinner
Sunday 26th Mothering Sunday Luncheon
APRIL
Thursday 13th Seniors Charity Golf Day
(shotgun start 10am)
Sunday 16th Easter Sunday Luncheon and Egg Hunt
Monday 17th Easter Monday Social Competition
(shotgun start 10am)
Sunday 30th Sunday Carvery Luncheon
MAY
Enjoy an exclusive Safari Trail Day with Bob the Ranger for £1,000. Monday 1st Bank Holiday
This includes your own Land Rover for the day, a knowledgeable guide, Friday 12th Saturday 13th Multi Brand Demo Weekend
heading off-road to see the animals up close, going behind the scenes in the Sunday 28th Sunday Carvery Luncheon
animal houses, feeding and a photo with one of the Asian elephants, the Monday 29th Bank Holiday Social Competition
chance to feed the black and white ruffed lemurs, some time inside the (shotgun start 10am)
meerkat enclosure with the friendly mob, a hot or cold lunch and entry to
JUNE
the sea lion demonstration and 3D cinema.
Sunday 18th Fathers Day Carvery Luncheon
This fun-packed day begins at 9.30am and finishes at 4pm. Up to eight Sunday 25th The Leake Trophy and Evening Barbeque
guests can be accommodated. Please call 01525 290407 and ask for the JULY
VIP Department, to book this great day out. Saturday 1st The Summer Ball
Tuesday 4th Final Qualifying for The Open
(Marquess course)
Saturday 8th Kevin Byram Champion Swindle Day
Monday 10th Lady Captain’s Day
Sunday 23rd Green Family Foursomes
Sunday 30th Sunday Carvery Luncheon
Above is a selection of events taking place at the Club
over the next few months, for a full list of what is happening please
refer to your fixture list or visit the members’ area of the
website where full details will be available.
www.woburngolf.co.uk
Should you wish to book for any of the above competitions
or events please contact Reception (01908 370756) and they
will be able to give you further information including
taking payment at the time of booking.
INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED BJÖRN DOBBELAERE
WILL CONDUCT A 21 PIECE ORCHESTRA
with BRIDGET COSTELLO, Soprano and MARCUS LILJEDAHL, Tenor WOBURN ESTATE PASSES
performing a selection of popular aria’s and duets
Members privilege passes for Woburn Safari Park and Woburn Abbey were due
£70.00 per person for renewal on 1st January 2017. Would members wishing to renew their passes
inclusive of three course dinner and performance please submit their current passes to Reception and a new pass will be issued.
Woburn Golf Club members receive 10% discount For those members who do not currently have a pass but would like further
Dress code: Black Tie information and to download an application form please visit the Benefits Section
For further information and booking telephone 01525 292172 on the Members’ Area of the website:
or email sales@woburn.co.uk www.woburngolf.co.uk/members/special-offers
If you have any comments about Woburn Golf News we would be delighted to receive your feedback
please contact Glenna Beasley, Marketing Manager: glenna.beasley@woburn.co.uk
Woburn Golf Club, Little Brickhill, Milton Keynes, MK17 9LJ. Tel: 01908 370756. E-mail: golf.enquiries@woburn.co.uk
WWW.WOBURNGOLF.CO.UK
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