THE WOBURN GOLF NEWS - Woburn Golf Club
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THE WOBURN GOLF NEWS
SUMMER ISSUE
JULY 2021
Welcome to the summer edition of Woburn Golf News
I trust you and your loved ones are remaining safe and well. members’ bed in and learn our processes, standards and desired levels of
As I write, we are on the brink of a return to ‘normality’ at Woburn, although hospitality.
I am not sure things will ever be exactly as they were. What I do know is that The continued pressure of operating under Covid restrictions has coincided
the team and I are looking forward to the remainder of the summer and once with the launch of the new world handicapping system. WHS will take time to
again being in a position where we can operate our club, as we would wish to. settle in and become familiar. It presents a significant challenge for the team
The extended restrictions meant that we needed to find alternative dates with the increased level of administration and explanation currently required.
for the Kevin Byram Swindle Day, Lady Captains Day and the Summer Ball, and For example, if you go back to June 2019, over a week we would have
I am pleased that we have been able to do so. We have been trying to stage received approximately 20 supplementary score cards. The corresponding
as many events, fixtures and matches as we can, always balancing the desire week this year presented 455 supplementary scorecards! Whilst almost half of
to keep going versus the need to adhere to the guidelines and remain safe. those are posted either through the England Golf APP, or the IG APP, the
In May, we were delighted to host the Rose Ladies Series event, played on remaining 50% need to be administered manually by the team.
the Duchess Course. It was the first time I have witnessed tournament golf on It has been interesting speaking to members and hearing their opinion of the
the Duchess Course during my time at Woburn and it was great to see that new system. I am hopeful that as time goes on, as the system beds in, and our
the challenge it presents daily for mortals extends to top class players! familiarity (staff and members) of it increases, it will settle down and become
Congratulations to Liz Young, the professional who came up with the initial easier to manage and administer.
concept for the Ladies Series, who won for the first time in her career. You may have seen that Titleist have launched the
May also saw the staging of the inaugural Captains Charity Day. A great new ‘Performance Centre, Woburn’ to consumers in
initiative from Gary and Julie, who should be very proud of the day they put the last week or so. They have kindly included a
on and the significant funds they raised for their respective charities. preferential offering for members of the club -
The last few months at the club have been particularly challenging. The UK details are included within this edition of Golf News.
hospitality sector is suffering from the strain of the last 18 months and we too Finally, we look forward to ‘the’ match being
have been adversely affected. It is estimated that there are approximately staged in the coming weeks - Staff v Members.
200,000 vacant jobs in the sector and this shortfall has created panic and a Whilst many would see the event as postponed in
rush to engage new recruits at almost any cost. Sadly, many are looking to 2020, we have taken that as a halved match (!!) and
move out of this sector entirely and have used lockdowns and furlough to are looking to carry the momentum of not losing last
retrain into different roles and careers. Again, we are not immune. Whilst we year, into this year’s fixture… ...is it coming home?
are suffering with a higher turnover than we have previously faced, we are
Jason O’Malley,
continuing to recruit well, so please bear with us while our new team Managing Director
Staff Anniversaries
Ian Poulter playing exceptional golf Over the past twelve months the following staff have marked significant
anniversaries since they first started working at the Club. Please join me in
congratulating them:
Glenna Beasley and Steve Tomkins
40 years
Lee Murdoch and Charlie Harris
30 years
James Mann, Greg Lansbury, Mary Martyn and Jon Dibb
20 years
Tom Upcraft, John Cranswick, Jim Wooliscroft, John Soave,
Fred Bettles-Hill, Keith Taylor, John Burchell, Karen Radford,
Sophie Higgins, Abbey Smith, Kevin Woodward,
Anne Joyce and Ernie Boothe
10 years
CONTENTS Welcome from Jason O’Malley ................................................ 2
Ian Poulter ................................................................................................. 2
Woburn Long Service ........................................................................ 2
Captain .................................................................................................. 3
Lady Captain ..................................................................................... 3
Captains’ Charity Day ................................................................. 4
Scratch Team Manager .............................................................. 5
Seniors Captain .............................................................................. 4
Junior Captains ................................................................................ 5
Junior Championship .................................................................... 5
Ladies Club Champion and Trophy Winners ............ 6
Golf Operations ............................................................................. 7
Course Update ............................................................................... 8
Woburn and the Environment ............................................ 9
Congratulations to Ian on finishing tied 4th in The Scottish Open last Rose Ladies Series .......................................................................... 9
week. Ian had a fantastic closing round of 63 -8 to finish on -17 and just Clubhouse ......................................................................................... 10
one shot off the winning score of -18. He played some exceptional golf
Recipe ................................................................................................. 10
and is in great form as he competes this week in The Open at Royal
St. Georges. Perfect Pitching ............................................................................... 11
We wish him the very best of luck and look forward to seeing him back Membership Benefits ......................................................... 12-13
home at Woburn very soon. Diary ...................................................................................................... 13
2
CLUB CAPTAIN - GARY LITTLE
Welcome to this summer edition of Woburn Kevin Byram Swindle day had to be postponed. I am delighted that we have
Golf News. It seems a long time ago, but it was managed to find alternative dates for these two flagship events. Please do
actually only some 10 weeks since Woburn keep an eye out for emails and check the Club website to make sure you are
hosted a Rose Ladies Series event. It was always up to date with all the relevant Club information.
fantastic to see professional golf being played The Men’s Club Championships (1st August) and Downer Trophy (31st
on the Duchess course again. It proved a tough July) are premier competitions in our fixture list and I’m sure we will again
but fair test of golf for the players. The winner have very worthy winners
was Liz Young with the first professional win of As I enter the final phase of my extended captaincy, I can’t believe it’s been
her career. Liz has been a winner before at nearly two years, I am delighted to be able to hold my Captain’s Day - sadly
Woburn though. She won the Prince of Wales cancelled in 2020. It will be on Sunday 5th September and I do hope you will
Trophy at Woburn in 2002 as a junior be able to join me on the day. Sign up will be open on Intelligent Golf as from
Woburn is extremely proud of its history and association with women’s 19th July
tournament golf. It goes back many years, and so it was particularly pleasing Last but not least - congratulations to Lady Captain, Julie Clarke on her
to be asked to hold the 2nd of the 2021 Rose Ladies Series events. first ever hole in one. It was on the 6th hole of the Dukes. It was brilliant to
Even more so considering the link that Woburn has with Justin Rose who be with Julie when it happened.
was of course the British Masters Champion at Woburn in 2002 - a great Stay safe and best wishes for a summer of enjoyable golfing.
relationship that we look forward to continuing for many years to come.
The inaugural Captains’ Charity Day was a resounding success. Both Julie
and I would like to thank everyone for their magnificent support and
generosity. We raised an incredible amount of money, reaffirming, that the
decision to stay on for a further term was the right thing to do for our
respective Charities. We will be able to look back at the end of this term
knowing that the Charities will be the beneficiaries of much larger sums than
in 2020.
It’s fantastic to see people mixing and enjoying their golf and social time at
the Club again. There are a lot of new staff joining the Food and Beverage
team at the moment and I know we will all welcome them to Woburn in
our normal warm and friendly way. It has been an extremely challenging
period for Jason and his team and I would like to thank them for the way they
have adapted and worked to provide members, guests and visitors, the
standards we have come to expect at Woburn. I would also like to thank
John Clarke and his team for the amazing presentation of all the courses over
recent months.
The second half of this year brings a lot of golf and Club events. Sadly, the
extension of lockdown to the 19th July meant that the Summer Ball and the
LADY CAPTAIN - JULIE CLARKE
I think the last time I wrote we were just Woburn member, Lily Robinson setting a course record of 72 during the
starting back and enjoying being able to meet qualifying rounds and Ciara Egan only being pipped to the overall
up and play golf with friends. Gary and I were championship on the 18th hole! I must also mention the County Week held
still planning our Charity Day. All that now at Northampton. Four members of the Bucks County Ladies Team
seems long ago. are Woburn players, Megan Dennis, Ciara Egan, Roisin Scanlon and Lily
Our Captains’ Charity Day turned out to be Robinson. Bucks won the Midlands South beating the other 5 counties,
a beautiful English summer’s day, with over dropping only 3.5 points out of 25. They are now through to the National
150 playing in a very high scoring competition Finals in September.
which was won by Adam Uttley and Tom One of the new things we are trialling will be 9 hole competitions with the
Travers with 49 points. Congratulations to Duchess course having been rated for 9 holes. There is a separate scorecard
them for an outstanding score. I believe Adam which can be found within IG app, under Handicap Record>Calculator your
(playing handicap 4) played to 2 under gross! We hope we will be able to 9 hole Course Handicap and Playing Handicap (95%) for the Duchess - it
have a photo with them when we can present the trophy. But most of all is not simply half your full playing handicap! James Parker and I have set up
we want to say a huge thank you, to you all, for your support. We have had the first 9 hole, handicap qualifying, competition on Monday 9th August with
very positive feedback about the format of the day and the food! In total we the sign up opening on the 26th July. It has been set up with two early and
raised just over £12k for our charities, Ride High and Alzheimers Research two later tee times. There will be a prize, depending on the number of en-
UK - thank you from both of us. trants, but the winner will not qualify for either the Stableford or Medal
Some great golf has been played by Woburn ladies. Our Ladies Club Winners Final competitions as these are winners from the 18 hole
Championship was held on a blisteringly hot day (hard to imagine as I write competitions. We will see how the first 9 hole competition goes and add
this with the rain pouring down!) resulting in a very exciting finish with two more if the demand is there with a view to possibly requesting the Dukes
on the same score of 155 after 2 rounds. This was settled by a sudden death also be rated for 9 holes!
play-off down the 18th of the Dukes between Annabel Pitts and Ashleigh Once again Covid has managed to thwart my plans! We have cancelled
Critchley with Annabel the eventual winner of the Wilkinson Salver. Fiona the Ladies Invitation Day (finger crossed for next year!) and also postponed
Llewellyn won the Austin Rosebowl with a total nett score for the 2 rounds my Lady Captain’s Day to Monday 16th August.
of -3! I think a ‘well done’ goes to everyone who entered and played in that I do hope you will be able to join me for my Lady Captain’s Day, I am still
heat which reminds me to thank Mike Agnew for continuing to bring us working on plans for what I hope will be a fun day. I know the date change
much needed water and ice cubes, one of which I wedged in my pony tail may mean some of you may not now be able to play (hopefully most can),
tie to try and keep the back of my head cool. but if not I’d love it if you can join me for the lunch. I have met with Paul,
The Johanna Brown and the Pat Smithie, played the following day, were our chef, and agreed the menu. Let’s hope this time it is all systems go and
both won by Jane Twigden with a score of nett 71. Well done Jane. we can enjoy a fun day together in dry and sunny weather.
The Bucks County Ladies Championships were held at Denham with
3
Captains’ Charity Day
The Captains’ Charity Day, which took place on the revised date of Monday
31st May, was an outstanding success. The sun shone throughout the day as a
field of 150 members, took part in the Fourball Betterball Pairs competition on
the Marquess course.
In support of the Captain’s Charity, Ride High and the Lady Captain’s
Charity, Alzheimers Research UK this was a new addition to the Club Fixture
List and replaced the normal Bank Holiday Social. In line with Covid restrictions
on the day, there was a single tee start with Mexican style food and a
complimentary drink served at the Halfway House. The Captain and Lady
Captain hosted drinks by the 18th green and were on hand throughout the
day to thank competitors for their support and offer them a much needed
complimentary drink on completion of their round.
An online auction was held in support of the Captains’ Charities, Ride High
and Alzheimers Research UK.
1st Thomas Travers (20) and Adam Uttley (4) 49 points
2nd Jenny Gibson (16) and Alasdair Gibson (12) 48 points
3rd Paul Das (9) and Kironmoy Das (23) 47 points (count back)
The Captain and Lady Captain with the Captains Charity Day Trophy
which will be presented to the winners, Thomas Travers and Adam Uttley
From left Mark and Julia Pickersgill, Julia and David Gallagher
Louise Egerton, Clare Nicolaou, Cheryl Ashlee and Vicky Wellington
Andy Rusk and Tracey Mann with Jack and Dorthe Oliver From left Adam Jerreat, Lindsey Parker, Jane and Mark Annis
SCRATCH TEAM MANAGER - MARK COLLENDER
It’s great to be able report some competitive event at Goring & Streatley and, despite some tricky greens, managed a
golf at last for the Scratch Team. As you may creditable top ten finish.
know we have entered the Southern Counties Alex Bithery ,Charlie Flanagan and Niall O’Shea played in the Champion
Scratch League this year. To date we have Club at Denham and with some excellent scoring on the day came a
played 3 of those matches - 2 wins and creditable thirteenth.
a loss - with the most recent of wins being a Fixtures:
fantastic team effort at Welwyn Garden City 25th July v Northants County (home)
(away). Our next match on the 25th July is at 25th July v Frilford Heath (home)
home and if we win it gives us a chance of 15th August v Frilford Heath (away)
going through to the knockout rounds. My 22nd August v Stoke Park (home)
thanks to all of those have made themselves 22nd August Cissbury Salver Worthing GC (away)
available so far and especially to Justin Rhodes who has done a fantastic job 5th September Hudson Trophy South Herts GC (away)
captaining the side. I would also like to welcome Ben Welch to the scratch If you would like to represent the club in any of the above fixtures, please
team as he made his first appearance in the Welwyn Garden City match. contact me.
Dan Nickless and Justin Rhodes competed in the BBO Club Foursomes
4
SENIORS CAPTAIN - JOHN YOUNG
Calling all Seniors (even those ones who substantial sums through the generosity of everyone. The main cash
pretend that they haven’t reached the magic generator is the raffle and silent auction and again it is the generosity of our
age!) We are fast approaching the main event members who donate prizes to allow us to raise the money. Once again
in the Seniors calendar - Seniors Charity Day this year I would ask for any donations for either the raffle or the auction.
on the 19th August. It is a relaxed fun day for That lovely bottle of malt whiskey that has been in your drinks cabinet and
teams of 4 and a chance to have a little bit of not yet opened - give it a good home. Not using your timeshare week in
socialising afterwards. Shotgun start at 10am Devon? Donate it. Either contact me or any committee member, or leave
and a two course lunch following the golf. items with reception (with your name marked please).
We are going to stay with a silent auction We have also been successful with having members and companies
before the golf to reduce the time taken sponsor a hole and again this year there will be a few posters celebrating the
through lunch. The list of prizes will be sent hole sponsors. Just let us know if you wish to be included for a modest sum.
out a few days before the event. The booking sheet is now open on We have been very fortunate this year to have been able to play our Inter
Intelligent Golf and you can sign up singly, pairs or 4’s. In previous years we Club Matches. They are good social occasions, but also competitive. I am
have welcomed players from the Ladies section and I am pleased to confirm pleased to report that at the time of writing we have played 9 matches and
that we will again be happy for any Ladies or mixed teams to play. won every one.
All proceeds go to the very deserving Willen Hospice and we do raise I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on the Charity Day.
JUNIOR CAPTAINS -CIARA EGAN AND JACOB FAWCETT
We are experiencing another strange year, and we didn’t manage to start any of our events until
mid-April. But we’ve been busy since then, and we are already half way through our scheduled
number of events. We are pleased that a lot of the new joiners have been entering events, and
look forward to seeing the rest at some stage.
We held the Junior Club Championships on July 10th, it was a great turnout and a clean sweep
for the girls. Congratulations to Chanel Fontaine-Geary for winning the Gross prize, and Eve
Gouldbourn for winning the Nett.
There will be many events over the school holidays, and we would like to see as many of you
as possible. There will be Junior Coaching on Tuesdays, a Summer Series Stableford on Thursdays,
and the usual weekly Friday Rollup on a Friday.
We are now planning our Junior Captains Day on August 14th and would like to see as many as
possible for a fun day and raising money for charity, so please sign up on Intelligent golf’
Junior Club Championships
The Junior Club Championship for the Langford Trophy was played on the a nett 68 and seeing a 1-2-3 for the girls, with Chanel Fontaine-Geary being
Dukes on Saturday10th July with a fantastic entry of 24 players. Competitors crowned Junior Club Champion and winner of The Langford Trophy for 2021
were announced on the first tee by Bob Fairful which, if they weren’t already, with a gross 72. Congratulations to Chanel and Eve and well done to
certainly got their nerves going! everyone that took part in such good spirit.
There was some great golf played and it was very fitting that the Lady Thanks to all who helped in making it a great day, especially to those who
Captain, Julie Clarke was able to attend the prize giving which witnessed a managed to stave off the crows from stealing any golf balls at the far end of
clean sweep for the girls. Eve Gouldbourn won the Fred Bruce Medal with the course.
Chanel Fontaine-Geary winner of the Eve Gouldbourn receiving the Fred Bruce Salver
Junior Club Championship for the Langford Trophy from the Lady Captain Julie Clarke
5
Ladies Club Championship Johanna Brown Halfway Plate
Congratulations to Annabel Pitts who defeated Ashleigh Critchley on
the first playoff hole to win The Ladies Club Championship 36 holes scratch
and Pat Smithie Trophy
for the Wilkinson Salver with an aggregate over the Duchess and Duke’s There was a strong entry with 37 ladies playing for the Johanna Brown Halfway
courses of 155. Plate some of whom qualified for the Pat Smithie Trophy (over 65’s).
The winner of both events was Jane Twigden with a nett score of 71 (26)
Wendy Collin was runner up in the Johanna Brown on a count back from
Felicity Coates both with 72 nett.
The Lady Captain, Julie Clarke presents the Wilkinson Salver to Annabel Pitts
Double winner Jane Twigden with the Lady Captain, Julie Clarke
Austin Rosebowl
The Austin Rosebowl, 36 hole nett prize, was won by Fiona Llewellyn with The Platt Trophy
a net aggregate of 146 playing off a handicap of 17, Lilly Robinson was
Chanel Fontaine-Geary is presented with The Platt Trophy, Ladies Scratch
runner up with a net aggregate of 157.
Knockout, by The Lady Captain. Chanel was due to have played the final
against Christina Hancock, affectionately referred to as Harry, but sadly this
did not take place due to her sudden and untimely passing.
The Lady Captain, Julie Clarke presenting the Austin Rosebowl to Fiona Llewellyn
Meghan MacLaren secures Symetra Tour win Ormerod Goblets
Congratulations to Meghan MacLaren who recently secured her maiden
Symetra Tour with a two-shot victory at the Prasco Charity Championship. The Club Captain, Gary Little presented the Ormerod Goblets to the
Meghan, a two-time winner on the Ladies European Tour, birdied two of her 2019/2020 Winners Carl Redman and Gary Barker who defeated Chris
last three holes to complete a three-under 69 at TPC River's Bend to secure Gill and Niall O’Shea in the final.
victory on 9 under. Meghan is sixth in the Race for the Card standings, with
the top 10 players at the end of the season securing their playing privileges on
the LPGA Tour for the 2022 campaign.
6
GOLF OPERATIONS
Use of Mobile Apps for Scoring LIFTING OF COVID RESTRICTIONS
The use of IG Member App is strongly encouraged for Supplementary and Further to the Prime Minister’s announcement on Monday 5th July stating
Competition scores. Please follow the below process if you wish to submit that almost all Coronavirus rules and restrictions would be lifted from
a general play score through the IG Member App. Monday 19th July, please find below a breakdown of what this means for
golf club operations at Woburn.
intention to submit a score before you hit your 1st tee shot. This can be
1. As a requirement of England Golf, it is mandatory to outline your Course Set-up On-Course Items
done by opening your IG Member App and clicking on the ‘Handicap •All golf course furniture will be returned for normal use, including
Record’ tab at the top of the page. the removal of flagsticks, standard hole cups, bunker rakes and
2. You will then see a little white icon (resembling a scorecard) in the top ball washers.
right hand corner of the page
• Hand sanitiser will continue to be available at all Halfway Houses and
3. Providing you have your GPS location settings switched on, a green
throughout the Clubhouse facilities.
‘register’ button will appear.
4. You will then need to choose which course, tee and format you • Pro Shop, Locker Rooms and Performance Centre will revert to
wish to play. This will tell you what your Course Handicap for the round pre-pandemic operations.
will be.
5. Click ‘Begin Scoring’ and you are ready to go! Competitions and Rules of Golf Competitions / Scoring
6. Please note: Upon completion, to verify your score you will be required
•Competition and scoring for handicap functions, including the
to add a photograph of the completed (and signed) scorecard.
registration process, handling and submitting of scorecards, and
Once you have done this you do not need to put your scorecard in
administration may revert to pre-pandemic operations.
the box by reception.
As mentioned, we are encouraging the use of the IG Member App for
scoring purposes in both supplementary scoring and Club Competitions,
CONGU WHS Calculator as well as the touchscreen PSI system adjacent to Main Reception.
There appears to be some confusion regarding handicaps for fourball • Please note: Coronavirus-related changes to the rules of golf and
matchplay and stroke play. For clarification, adjustments must initially be taken all handicapping provisions that enabled the game to be played
off all players Course Handicaps (90%) to produce a playing handicap, then in competitively during the period in which restrictions have been,
matchplay the shots given are a 100% of the difference. A simplified example will conclude as of Monday 19th July and players must revert back
of this would be as per below: to the ‘Players Edition of the Rules of Golf’. There will be no longer
be a two shot penalty for touching the flagstick, and free relief in a
Player A (left hand side) has a handicap index of 6.0 and is playing from the Yel- bunker will no longer be available!
low tees on the Dukes course.
Player B (right hand side) has a handicap index of 12.0 and is playing from the
Red tees (ladies rating) on the Dukes course
KEVIN BYRAM CHAMPION SWINDLE DAY
Saturday 7th August
Due to the difference in the course ratings on each tee (75.7 vs 72.1) there is
a 3.6 adjustment in favour of Player B. Entries will soon be closing and anyone that wishes to put a team in for
this fantastic event should email stewart.proctor@woburn.co.uk
After looking at the Handicap Tables (located in the golfers lobby) Player A We are aware that some swindles may wish to enter more than one
has a Course Handicap of 7 and Player B has a Course Handicap of 15. team - we will contact those swindles should a space become available.
As this is fourball matchplay, a 90% course handicap allowance is applied,
consequently Player A now has a Playing Handicap of 6.3 (rounded down
to 6) and Player B has a Playing Handicap of 13.5, but due to the allowance LADY CAPTAIN’S DAY
we also have to add on the 3.6 adjustment before rounding up or down. Monday 16th August
This means that Player B has a playing handicap of 13.5 + 3.6, which equals
Entries for Lady Captain’s Day have been carried over to the revised
17.1 and thus rounded down to 17.
date but there are still a few times available for ladies who had not
The difference between 6 and 17 is 11 shots, and hence that is the number of previously entered but who are now available.
strokes Player B would receive from Player A in this Match. Please visit the competitions section in Intelligent Golf to enter.
CAPTAIN’S DAY
Sunday 5th September
Club Captain, Gary Little invites you to play in his Captain’s Day, which is
to be held on the Duchess and Marquess course.
Entries are open via Intelligent Golf for this event, please sign up as soon
as possible as this is sure to be an extremely popular event.
OBITUARIES
We are sad to announce the passing of Woburn
members Christina Hancock, Quentin Tildesley,
Stuart Taylor and Honorary Life member, Harold
Avis. Our sincere condolences to their families and
friends.
James Parker
Golf Operations
Manager
7
UPDATE ON THE COURSES
Following another week of rain, the Greenstaff are wondering when summer will finally arrive in
2021. With some very heavy down pours throughout May, the end of June and now in early July it has
certainly felt more like a traditional British summer this year!.
As temperatures are hovering around 20ºC, the grass has also been growing strongly throughout
the season, keeping the mowers moving at every opportunity and making the rough more
challenging than a usual Woburn Summer.
I am pleased to say the golf courses have performed well under the increased roundage this
season. The Greenstaff have worked diligently and smartly to ensure we can prepare the playing
surfaces with the least possible disruption to members. Our three weekly aeration and topdressing
on the greens has been really successful. We are hoping that, moving forward, our
targeted approach to organic matter management will pay dividends in both
playability and plant health.
As August approaches we are busy planning our direct sand injection on the
Duchess greens and drainage projects on the Duchess 15th fairway and
Marquess 16th fairway. We will play these holes as Par 3’s for a few days in
August to enable the Greenstaff to install pipe drainage across the areas which
sat wet through the winter period. John Clarke
Topdressing Please catch up with me onsite if you have any questions. Courses Manager
Successes of our Juniors playing away
Arnav Arkanav won South East Boys Schools Under 18 Prize at North Oxford. Ciara Egan came 2nd in the Bucks
Championships at Leighton Buzzard - gross. Roisin Scanlon County Championships and came 3rd in Club Champs.
(pictured) won South East Girls Under 18 Championships at Ashleigh Critchley made the last 32 of the R&A Womens
Leighton Buzzard - gross. She made the last 16 of the R&A Amateur Championships at Kilmarnock. Charlotte Denyer
Women’s Amateur Championships at Kilmarnock and came 3rd and Annabel Denyer came 1st and 2nd respectively in their
in the ESGA Girls National Championships, and has been first Bucks County Academy event at Huntswood.
selected to play for England against Wales in August. Eloise And that is just half way through the season! Let’s keep
Feely won the Northamptonshire County Ladies Swannell improving onprevious years with more success, improvement
Salver. Tom O’Kane won the BBO Futures Under 16 Nett and enjoyment both home and away.
WOBURN MEMBERS HAVE PLAYED Woburn members in BCLGA win
WALKER CUP, CURTIS CUP, The BCLGA Women’s Team were victorious for the seventh successive year
in Midlands South Region County Week, qualifying for the National Finals to be
SOLHEIM CUP AND RYDER CUP played at Denham Golf Club from 17th t0 19th September.
Competing against Worcestershire & Herefordshire, Warwickshire, Berk-
shire, Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire, the Buckinghamshire team won all
five matches. Woburn was extremely well represented with Megan Dennis,
Roisin Scanlon, Ciara Egan and Lily Robinson.
Ben Jones who represented GB&I in the 48th Walker Cup
Congratulations to Woburn member, Ben Jones who represented GB&I in
the 48th Walker Cup match played at Seminole Golf Club in Florida. The USA
had their third consecutive victory 14-12 in the biennial amateur contest, but Megan Denis (back row second from right), Lily Robinson (back row right),
it was a great honour for Ben to have been a member of the GB&I Team. Roisin Scanlon (centre) and Ciara Egan (front left)
Ben has subsequently turned professional and we wish him all the best with his
golfing career. Woburn member Lily Robinson led the 36 hole qualifying into the match play
Woburn has also had member respresentation from Charley Hull in the stages of the Bucks County Ladies Championship at Denham. Lily had a course
Curtis Cup and Solheim Cup and from Ian Poulter in Ryder Cups. Charley record 72 from the blue tees in the 2nd round of qualifying. Lily lost her
represented Europe in the Solheim Cup in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019 With quarter final match to Daisy Kennedy, Harewood Downs, who defeated Ciara
Ian having represented Europe in 2004, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2018 Egan by 1 hole in an excellent final. Congratulations to Lily and Ciara on a
Ryder Cup and as an Assistant Captain in 2016, we hope he will be a member fantastic performance.
of the European Team at Whistling Straits in September. We wish BCLGA the best of luck in the finals.
8
WOBURN GOLF CLUB AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Battery powered mowers
Continuing with our commitment to lowering
our carbon footprint and sustainable golf, the
green keeping team have been carrying out
trials using the latest cylinder mowers powered
by lithium batteries.
The battery reduces noise and vibration while
reducing fuel costs, which means a safer,
greener and more comfortable mower
experience.
With advancements made over recent years in battery life
performance these mowers can comfortably cut 9 greens and if
needed the batteries can be quickly changed over. They are
becoming more popular across the sports turf industry with The
All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club using them for this year’s
Wimbledon tournament.
It was great to welcome the Rose Ladies Series which was played on the Duchess course on
Thursday 6th May.
The event was won by Liz Young, on level par. This was Liz’s first Professional victory but it was
all the more fitting as Liz, together with Kate and Justin Rose had been extremely instrumental in
getting the Rose Series up and running in 2020. This was not Liz’s first victory at Woburn having
previously won The Prince of Wales Amateur Cahllenge Trophy in 2002 on the Duke's course in
her maiden name of Liz Bennett. Congratulations to Woburn member, Meghan Maclaren who was
in a Tie for 2nd place.
We would like to take this opportunity of saying a big thank you to all those members who
volunteered and helped make the day such a success. There were in excess of 80 members who
helped the day to run smoothly with official starters, player registration, leaderboards and a scorer
plus two volunteers accompanying each group to act as ball spotters, bunker rakers and attending Liz Young winner of the Rose Ladies Servies
and sanitising the pins. event at Woburn
Dave Spikesley and Peter Fone operating the leaderboard by the 18th green Kriss Akabusi was Chief Sanitiser with his group
9
CLUBHOUSE
Hospitality Challenges
The hospitality industry is currently facing a staffing crisis with up to a quarter
of those employed in restaurants and pubs prior to the Covid-19 pandemic not
returning.
The UK’s largest listed pub group, Mitchells & Butlers, has lost 9,000 of its
39,000 staff since last year; D&D London, the owner of more than 40
upmarket restaurants including Le Pont de la Tour and Coq d’Argent, is
looking for up to 400 recruits out of a total workforce of 1,300 in the UK; and
Pizza Express is looking for 1,000 staff, having laid off thousands less than a
year ago.
As explained, this is a nationwide concern affecting the hospitality sector and The return of the Sunday Luncheons have been well received with over one
the challenge seems to be growing on a daily basis. That said, we have been hundred diners at each lunch we have hosted, including the recent Father’s
working very hard with the recruitment of full time and seasonal employees Day function. It has also been fantastic to see the return of John Lloyd
and whilst this has been successful, it will take time for our new team Richards, our resident pianist, back playing again, at our lunches. The monthly
members to learn the standards and processes in order to be able to deliver lunches will now run as per the fixture list and social calendar for 2021 with
the desired Woburn experience. We are grateful to members for their the exception of the lunch in August, which is now on Sunday 22nd and not the
patience and understanding during this period and would ask you to please 29th. Should you wish to attend any of our forthcoming lunches please make
give a warm welcome to all the new staff members you meet! With the final contact with the Reception to reserve a table and avoid disappointment.
restrictions lifting on Monday 19th July, we will be able to resuming our
normal Bar and Bloomsbury Room service. There is no doubt that with the
removal of the present requirement for table service some of the pressure
we have been facing will be eased.
In recent months we have given a fond farewell to some of our full time
members of staff: Amy Smith (Sous Chef) who started as an Apprentice Chef
and over the last 13 years worked her way up through the kitchen structure.
Abbey Smith (Junior Sous Chef) who started as an Apprentice Chef 10 years
ago and worked her way up. Tom Woolford (Front of House Manager) who
started as a Catering Assistant 8 years ago and worked his way up the
catering management structure. Nikita Imrie (Bloomsbury Room Team
Leader) will be moving departments to take up the role of Golf Sales Assistant.
With the departure of two key members of the kitchen team, we are
delighted to have found replacements in Jeffery Norwood (Sous Chef) and
Sarah Whitman (Chef De Partie). Both joined us in early June and are
settling in very well. Jeff brings new ideas having come from a small boutique
hotel in Biggleswade. Sarah had previously worked in some great kitchens
in Dubai, Oman and Spain. Both will bring a wealth of knowledge and
experience.
Finally, just to remind all club members the Summer Ball has
been re-scheduled to Saturday 28th August 2021.
Everything is organised as previously for the original date
in June. Fil Straughan will be the entertainment on the
evening which will include a three-course black tie gala
dinner. There are still a few places remaining so if you
are interested in attending please contact the Reception
Team to reserve your tickets as soon as possible. James Mann
As ever, please do not hesitate to contact me if you Clubhouse
Jeffery Norwood Sarah Whitman have any questions. Manager
Another great dish from Head Chef - Paul Nicholls
SUMMER SQUASH AND PESTO RIGATONI
4 portions Rigatoni pasta Handful toasted pine nuts
1 Butternut squash cut into 1 inch cubes 2 tbsp Philly cream cheese
1 large red onion diced Handful of chopped basil leaves
1 punnet mixed wild mushrooms Grated parmesan
3 Cloves garlic chopped Rocket and balsamic vinegar to serve
This is always a simple, quick but super tasty dish I make at home that everyone loves! Firstly
roast the squash with a drizzle of oil, salt and pepper on a tray in an oven at 180 degrees for
about 30 minutes until soft, meanwhile boil the rigatoni until al dente, in a separate pan
sweat off the onion, garlic and mushrooms in a little oil, once they are soft add the pine nuts
to brown slightly. Then add the butternut, cream cheese and a little water from the pasta
to make a sauce breaking up the squash and mixing well. Finally add the cooked pasta, basil
and finish with the grated parmesan. Serve with a rocket and balsamic salad.
Enjoy!
Serves 4
10PERFECT PITCHING
By Head Professional and Fellow of the PGA, Daniel Grieve
One of the most awkward shots in golf is the 30-70 yard distance when it isn't a full shot nor a greenside
chip. One of the reasons I believe so many players struggle with this shot is they set up for a full shot and
then try and take a shorter swing and often end up decelerating causing a duffed shot.
It is important you set up for the distance you want to hit the ball, for me I know if I set up with a 2 Club-head width
stance and move my hands down into the middle of the grip and move in closer to the ball to remain balanced then I
have reduced the capacity of my backswing. This gives me a 50 yard carry with my Sand Wedge, everyone will be
slightly different so you can find out your own numbers from this set-up.
If you then place 60% of your weight on your front leg and as long as you do your best to keep your pressure here
as you swing back you will feel a natural ‘governor’ as to the end of the backswing. You can then gently
accelerate knowing your backswing hasn't got too long for the shot in hand.
If you are struggling with poor contacts, in particular, heavy strikes, then have
a go at my Tee Peg Pitching Drill:
The idea here is to shallow your angle of attack into the ball by teeing it up
as high as you would tee it up for a driver. You then hover the wedge at the
bottom of the ball and aim to clip the ball off the tee peg without disturbing the
tee. If you find yourself breaking the tee peg (this drill is best done using a long
wooden tee) then you know you are hitting down on the ball too much.
It doesn't take long to feel the clubhead shallowing and you will be clipping the
ball away with a lot more control. Then place the ball back down on the
ground and the feel from the drill will help you shallow your contact out and
re-build your confidence!
Enjoy the rest of the season and if I can be of any help to your game please get
in touch. Daniel Grieve - Head PGA Professional, Woburn Golf Club
email - dan@dggolfpro.com
07977143620
11MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
TITLEIST PERFORMANCE CENTRE - WOBURN
Titleist are now in a position to promote their new facility, the Titleist appointment. This offer will be applicable to all Woburn members and will
Performance Centre - Woburn, to dedicated golfers looking for the premiere continue beyond the early access appointments.
fitting experience in Europe. At the beginning of July, a video was published In order to benefit from the early access to appointments, Woburn members
across the Titleist digital platforms, the response to which has been fantastic. are requested to follow the link below. Although identical to the Titleist
As part of their opening process, Titleist very kindly offered an opportunity webpage, early access appointments for Woburn members, will only display via
for Woburn members to have exclusive access to the first 11 appointments this link. The Titleist webpage will only offer appointments as from 29th July
they had available between Monday 19th and Wednesday 28th July. They have which Woburn members should follow in order to book appointments as from
now opened bookings for a wider audience as from Thursday 29th July. this date.
Titleist have confirmed that as an exclusive for Woburn members, they will For further information and to book please visit:
provide a dozen Team Titleist logo golf balls for any member that books an www.titleist.co.uk/golf-club-fitting/performance-centre-wmp
The Sloane Club and Sloane Place Hotel
reciprocal arrangement
We are pleased to announce an updated and improved reciprocal agreement is now in place for Woburn Members at The Sloane Club. Please contact
membership@woburn.co.uk to enquire about Membership at The Sloane Club or www.sloaneclub.co.uk for more details of a very special introductory rate
for an overnight stay, allowing Woburn Members to experience The Sloane Club.
Situated just off Sloane Square, Sloane Place Hotel is a boutique hotel and café bar offering guests and locals relaxed elegance in a contemporary, chic setting.
From thoughtfully designed bedrooms to carefully curated menus, everything has been considered for your experience with genuine, personal service to help
you feel at home from the moment you step inside.
Woburn Members receive 20% discount off their accommodation bookings by visiting www.sloaneplace.com, please contact membership@woburn.co.uk
for your one off promotional code.
12MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
DIARY WOBURN ESTATE PASSES
JULY 2021 Would members wishing to renew their passes please submit their current
Tuesday 20th Mixed Past Captains Match passes to Reception and a new pass will be issued. Members who do
not currently have a pass, but would like to obtain one, can do so by
Saturday 24th Men’s Invitation Day
downloading an applications form from the Benefits Section on the
Sunday 25th Sunday Luncheon
Members’ Area of the website
Saturday 31st Downer Trophy (Handicap Index 11 - 24) www.woburngolf.co.uk/members/special-offers
..........................................................................................................
AUGUST 2021
Sunday 1st Men’s Club Championship
(Handicap Index 10 and below)
Thursday 5th Staff v Members (Boyes Trophy)
Saturday 7th Kevin Byram Champion Swindle
Wednesday 11th Ladies v Seniors v Juniors
Saturday 14th Junior Captains Day
Monday 16th Lady Captains Day
Thursday 19th Seniors Captain’s Charity Day
Sunday 22nd Sunday Carvery Luncheon
Saturday 28th Summer Ball (Revised Date)
Monday 30th Tom Nanon Trophy (Bank Holiday Social)
..........................................................................................................
SEPTEMBER 2021
Sunday 5th Captain’s Day
Monday 13th Ladies Autumn Meeting
Saturday 18th Angus King Salver and Russell Smit Trophy
(Handicap Index 5 and below)
Sunday 19th Mens Autumn Meeting Medal
Sunday 26th Sunday 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.
Should you wish to book for any of the above competitions or events
please contact Reception and they will be able to give you further
information, including taking payment at the time of booking.
www.woburngolf.co.uk/members
PLEASE SLOW DOWN DOGS ARE
WELCOME AT
WOBURN
We are aware that some drivers have not heeded our requests on speed. Woburn has been and remains a dog friendly Club. However, we would
Out of respect for Local Residents, we would be grateful if members could like to remind all members that our competition rules are clear and
please slow down when driving to and from the Club, particularly when members are not permitted to take their dogs on the course when
approaching the bend on Longslade Lane where there is a concealed playing in Club competitions.
driveway. We would like to remind members to ensure they clean up after their
Extreme care should also be taken when approaching the Club from the dogs, and keep them under control at all times. With the exception of the
A5 or Little Brickhill. Please reduce your speed and be very aware of cars walkway through from the main entrance to the locker rooms, members
approaching from Woburn turning right down towards the Club. are reminded not to bring their dogs into the clubhouse.
If you have any comments about Woburn Golf News we would be delighted to receive your feedback
Contact: Glenna Beasley, Marketing Manager: glenna.beasley@woburn.co.uk
There are several members who do not appear to be receiving email broadcasts from the Club. Please advise us if you do not receive emails on a regular basis.
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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