Wellingborough Golf Club Magazine - April 2021

APRIL 2021

The Greatest Game

www.WweellilnlginbogrobuoghrGooulfgChlugb oMlafgcalzuinbe .com 1

Smiles are back, even if the golf swings aren’t quite there yet!

THE excitement builds, British Summer Time arrives, and then... the booking system crashes!
Having seen quite a few of you whilst I was starting on the first tee this week, the vast majority of
members are just happy to be back, and can now start to get back to normal. Some of the first tee
shots were, shall I say, interesting. But it was lovely to see smiles on faces for a change.
Meanwhile, all the various committees are busy planning the Golf Club’s roadmap back to normality,
although the April events are currently awaiting clarification on the rule of six, gathering rules, or
maybe we should just call them protests?
Hopefully this year we are going to do a lot more golfing things, including the return of the Captain-
Pro Challenge, with a dinner afterwards. In the same competition format, we also have Challenge
the Captains, when Jenny (Wilkinson) and myself will take on mixed couples.
We are going to re-start the Early Bird in June, near to the Summer Solstace - it is a team event with
a 5.30am shotgun start, finishing with a full English breakfast.
There will be a competition for the new members that have joined in
the last few years. It gives them an opportunity to get together, meet
each other and hopefully form new friendships.
We will be doing the Night Golf later in the season, there will be
three or four away days, as well as my Captains Weekend Away -
so hopefully we can cram in all the stuff that we missed last year.
Meanwhile, on the home front we had an oil leak at Christmas, losing
around 900 litre of kerosene, which contaminated the surrounding ground, collecting in the nearby
septic tank and into a nearby drainage ditch which drains through the middle of adjoining woods.
Three months on, and our garden now looks like an archaeological dig (pictured above) having
removed 200 tons of earth, briefly stopping after unearthing suspected WW2 detonators - they
turned out to be old batteries!
But the septic tank has now been condemned so the fun continues… I think I’ll play golf.
Dave Hawkins,
Club Captain.

2 www.wellingboroughgolfclub.com

Wellingborough Golf Club Magazine 3

Follow the guidelines and we can all stay out on the course

WITH Golf Clubs and facilities, including Wellingborough,
now permitted to open, all members are reminded to follow
the ‘Road to Recovery’ guidelines set out by England Golf at
www.englandgolf.org/download/a-framework-for-playing-golf/

The main rules for golfers to adhere to, until Sunday, April 11th at
least, include:

• Arrive changed for play and refrain from showering or changing in
locker rooms. Golf shoes should be changed in the car park.

• Maintain appropriate social distancing on the tees and greens,
when walking to the ball, searching for a ball and playing shots.
They must not touch any stray balls or the flagstick.

• Group sizes do not exceed the ‘Rule of Six’ or ‘Two Households’
specified by the government.

• Caddies are allowed, but should only provide guidance to players and should not handle clubs.

• Anyone entering the clubhouse must give their details as part of the NHS track and trace system.

• Rakes are not allowed on the course. But players may bring own personal rakes and retrievers, which
should only be handled by that player. Any players without a rake should make their best efforts to
smooth the sand using their club and/or their feet.

• Wear face coverings in all public indoor areas of the club/facility, such as an reception area and toilets.

• Leave the site after their round - unless using a practice facility or ordering food and drink to take away.

Tap-Ins

CLUB professional Charley Hull is competing WITH rakes still not being in use due to
in the first major tournament of the year COVID-19, golfers are advised to enter and exit
in early April as she takes part in the ANA the bunker from the same point furthest from the
Inspiration at Mission Hills in California. green and to smooth out footprints with a foot or
club as best as possible.
BOB Reid (pictured) will always remain the
reigning champion of the Kelly Bowls after the MANY thanks to the members for using mats
popular member passed away last month before on fairways during the early days of golf
he had the chance to defend the title he won following the return from lockdown. The Club
in 2020, alongside partner John Ashton. Our are reviewing their continued use and will be
in touch soon.
condolences go to Bob’s family
THE Wellingborough Junior Open on Thursday,
and friends.
August 12th has been added to the schedule for
MEMBERS have been using the NGL Junior Order of Merit. It is currently one
the half-way house on of seven events on the diary.
a regular basis, but
everyone is reminded LADIES County Week will be held in our
to please comply own county this year as fellow 1893 Club,
social Northampton, host the round of fixtures
with
distancing rules between June 21st-23rd.

when using WITH pages to fill in the Wellingborough Club

this facility, Magazine, there are plenty of opportunities to

including not advertise during the year. Please contact the

congregating in Club Office to get your message across to the

this area. members and visitors in 2021 and beyond.

4 www.wellingboroughgolfclub.com

Monday, April 12th onwards Monday, May 17th onwards

Playing golf: Playing golf:
• Fourballs. • Fourballs.

Retail Shops: Retail Shops:
• All professional and retail shops may open. • All professional and retail shops may open.

Catering: Catering:
• All catering facilities must be closed. • Indoor catering facilities may open, subject to
• Outdoor catering facilities may open, subject to the ‘Rule of Six’.
the ‘Rule of Six’. • Outdoor catering facilities may open, subject to
• Takeaway service may be provided. a maximum of 30 people.
• Takeaway service may be provided.
Driving Ranges:
• All driving ranges open. Driving Ranges:
• All driving ranges open.
Outdoor Coaching:
• Permitted on a one-to-one basis. Outdoor Coaching:
• Group coaching is permitted to the ‘Rule of Six’ • Permitted on a one-to-one basis.
(group of six including the coaches/volunteers). • Group coaching is permitted to a maximum
group size of 30 people.
Indoor Coaching:
• Permitted on a one-to-one basis. Indoor Coaching:
• Permitted on a one-to-one basis.
Indoor Swing Studios: • Group coaching is permitted to the ‘Rule of Six’
• Indoor swing studios may open for individual use. (group of six including the coaches/volunteers).

Fitting Outside: Indoor Swing Studios:
• Outdoor fitting is permitted on a one-to-one • Indoor swing studios may open for individual use.
basis or to the ‘Rule of Six’ (including fitter). • Indoor swing studios may open for organised
group activity.
Fitting Inside:
• Indoor fitting is not permitted. Fitting Outside:
• All fitting is permitted outside.
Tournament and Competition Golf:
• Under strict COVID-19 controls and where Fitting Inside:
overnight accommodation is not required for staff • Indoor fitting is permitted on a one-to-one basis.
• Indoor fitting is permitted as part of an organised
or players. group activity.
• Club, regional or county tournaments
and competitions permitted. Tournament and Competition Golf:
• No national finals. • Under strict COVID-19 controls.
• No overseas. • Club/regional/county tournaments/competitions
permitted.
Changing Rooms: • National Finals permitted.
• Permitted to open. • No overseas competitions.

AGMs Committee Meetings: Changing Rooms:
• Not permitted. • Permitted to open.

AGMs Committee Meetings:
• Permitted, providing they are COVID-19 safe.

Monday, June 21st onwards

All restrictions end.

Wellingborough Golf Club Magazine 5

Lovely to catch up with our friends on the golf course

LADIES Captain Jenny Wilkinson said: “March 29th finally arrived, resulting in lots of happy golfers.
I was lucky enough to play on the hottest day in March for over 50 years and the course was in
fantastic condition - it was really green and lush.
“Apart from being able to play golf again it was just lovely catching up with friends on the golf course.
“I feel we can now really look forward to a summer of golf with club competitions, inter club matches,
exchange days and maybe some mini golf breaks.
“The first Ladies competition of 2021 is a Team Am-Am on April 20th, and then the following Tuesday
there is an individual Stableford.
“The Seniors/Ladies competition has been rearranged to May 20th. Seniors Captain Chris Dickens
and myself are hoping for fine weather, so we can hold a BBQ following the golf.
“Club Captain Dave Hawkins and I are planning on holding several social events this year, but we are
always having to work round COVID restrictions, Rule of Six, gatherings of 30, social distancing etc,
“Plus, there is always the British weather to take into account, and as we know that can be so
unpredictable!
“We are going to hold a ‘Challenge the Captains’ competition running throughout the summer - we
will have more details about this soon.
“On the subject of coronavirus, I have noticed when people meet up for the first time the conversation
is very much around; Have you had your vaccine yet? When is your second one? Which vaccine did
you get - Astra Zeneca or Pfizer?
“With the golf course reopening, I am hoping to get the right balance between playing golf and also
continuing to work at Moulton Park Vaccination Centre.
“The reduction of vaccine supply has meant reduced opening hours at the Centre during April, which
has worked in my favour with regards to golf, and all second doses should be going ahead as planned.
“Enjoy your golf and let’s hope the sunny weather continues.”

6 www.wellingboroughgolfclub.com

Wellingborough Golf Club Magazine 7

8 www.wellingboroughgolfclub.com

Progress in Junior Golf is being made

WELLINGBOROUGH Golf Club are backing Progress Junior Golf, which is a nationwide initiative
set up by Club Magazine editor Steve Jackson to promote the sport to the next generation of golfers.

After helping increase participation whilst working for Shires Junior Golf Tour, British Junior Golf Tour
and the NGL Junior Order of Merit in recent years, our local journalist is keen to give all juniors the
opportunity to play in more competitions.

To aid this process, he has built a website www.progressjuniorgolf.com which lists all events
scheduled for boys and girls in 2021 across the UK and Ireland, including Junior Opens, Junior Tour
events, plus county, regional and national tournaments.

With the organisation placing an emphasis on developing younger players, Wellingborough have
agreed to host a Progress Junior Golf Tour event on Sunday, May 30th.

The competition, which is aimed at golfers with handicaps of 10 or above, will give all players the
opportunity to play 18 or nine holes on one of the leading golf courses in the region, whilst trying to
win several unique prizes.

Club Junior Organiser Nigel Grimmitt said: “We are delighted to back Progress Junior Golf by hosting
an event during the May half term break.

“It’s always important to give youngsters the chance to develop their skills on the golf course, and we
are looking forward to seeing boys and girls from across the county play and enjoy Wellingborough.”

Robert Rock Junior Golf Tour are also holding a competition at Harrowden Hall on Thursday, June 3rd.

Junior coaching, meanwhile, at Wellingborough will recommence this month, under the guidance of
Club Assistant Professional Ryan Connolly.

The coaching programme, which starts
with an initial assessment on the main
practice ground on The Slips on
Saturday, April 3rd, costs just £20
for four one-hour group sessions
on consecutive weekends.

With almost 20 youngsters already
signed up for the first weekend,
anyone interested in taking part
is advised to contact Ryan
on 07861 651247 or email
[email protected].

Junior club competitions are
also set to begin in April, with
a 12-hole Junior Stableford
scheduled to take place on
Sunday, April 4th.

More details of junior coaching
and competitions at Harrowden
Hall throughout the year will
be confirmed shortly.

Wellingborough Golf Club Magazine 9

10 www.wellingboroughgolfclub.com

Legendary tour of the house that Jack built

IN preparation for the new European Challenge Tour season, Club professional Ryan Evans
flew out to Florida last month to hone his competitive skills on some of the world’s best golf
courses. But as he explained to Wellingborough Golf Club Magazine, the trip took on legendary
status on the penultimate day when he was invited to a GOAT’s house, and all for a fiver!

How was your trip to America? Did you combine practice with competitions?

It was awesome. I’ve got a friend called Barry It was mainly practice. I was aiming to play in

Hyde, who lives in the USA, so I met up with Monday qualifying for the Honda Classic and

him. He is well connected in the golf industry a couple of other events but unfortunately that

across the world, but in particular in the USA, didn’t transpire.

so he sorted out all the golf courses and where Did you play in any events?
we were going to stay with friends in West
Palm Beach. We then got hosted at most of I did play in the Seminole Pro-Member
the courses each day - all so I could get myself competition. If you look at this event, it’s the
ready for the new season. I followed all the most exclusive Pro-Member competition in the
necessary COVID-19 protocols, including taking world. Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy, Bryson
a test before I returned, so there were no issues Chambeau, Matt Fitzpatrick and Adam Scott
were all involved, and I played with Rory
with coronavirus.
Sabatini. Seminole is probably the hardest golf

course to even get a game, but Barry made a

few calls and got me into the event. I’m not sure

where I finished with my member, but it was a

great day.

How did your practice go?

I was out there practicing for 15 days and played
14 rounds of golf - I only had one day off. I
practiced with Ryder Cup player Alex Noren one
day from 8.30am until 3pm, and then we played
in the afternoon. When we were on the range,
he was showing me how to hit certain shots. He
would hit every shot possible that he might hit
on the golf course that day, so if he did face that
shot then at least he had practiced it.

Did he give you any specific tips?

He put me on a downslope in the bunker to a
pin that was cut just three feet onto the green
on a tier. He said I should be looking to hole
it, and then showed me how he would play it,
by knocking balls to two or three feet away. We
also worked on pitching and chipping together.
The Bear’s Club is perfect for this because it
has all the facilities possible, so all the guys
on the PGA Tour are out there every day.
The Bears Club is named after Jack Nicklaus,
who I met the day before I left… in fact I went
to his house!!!

Wellingborough Golf Club Magazine 11

How did you come to meet Jack Nicklaus? Were you nervous?

A while ago my dad gave me a Jack Nicklaus I was a bit nervous because I really didn’t know
five pound note (pictured below), so I sent a what to say to him. After all, I’m stepping into
picture of it to Barry and said how cool it was, the house of some people’s hero, including
and wouldn’t it be great to get Jack to sign it myself to some degree.
one day. When we organised the trip, before
I left, Barry told me to bring the note with me Jack has a reputation of being a gentlemen
because we might have a chance to meet - is that true?
him. I assumed it was just a long shot but
at 5.30pm the day before I was set to return Yes, he’s a really nice guy. He invited me in,
home, Barry told me to get ready because we and immediately wanted to show me around
were going around Jack’s house. the place, which apparently is where he has
lived since 1963, and it hasn’t changed too
What happened when you got there? much inside. His wife Barbara is really nice too
- she offered us a drink, and then he gave us
Jack was there at the front door, waving us in. a tour of his house. Any questions I asked he
It was the coolest but weirdest thing because I was answering, it wasn’t a case of ‘five or ten
was just casually walking into the home of Jack minutes, sign your note, get a photo, off you go’
Nicklaus. - we were there for over an hour!

How did that feel? What did you talk about?

It was a surreal moment. Obviously Jack isn’t We were chatting about everything, including
my era, but as a golfer I can appreciate what his wins through his career. I asked him which
he has done for the game. He is the all-time was favourite out of the four majors he won,
major winner - between himself and Tiger and he said that was impossible - it was like
Woods, they are the two icons of our sport. choosing a favourite child. He also asked
You’ve got your Ben Hogans and Arnold where I was playing next, so I told him I was
Palmers, but these two are the best of all time. going out to South Africa - he said he’d been
Tiger is my generation, and I’m attracted more there at the Presidents Cup at Fancourt and
to how Tiger plays his golf, but I still understand he loved Leopards Creek. I asked him where
how much of a big deal Jack Nicklaus is. was his favourite place to play, and he said
He is a legend of the game. everywhere.

12 www.wellingboroughgolfclub.com

Did he offer you any advice? Did you get anything else signed?

He told me that I need to enjoy every single Jack is the hero of my coach Shane (Rose),
moment on the golf course. He said ‘it’s your job, and I told Jack this. He said: ‘That’s nice. Tell
and you have to enjoy everything you do’. your coach, thanks a lot and you’re doing a fine
job’. I managed to get another five pound note
Are you going to follow that advice? signed for Shane, which I gave to him when I
returned. He was very pleased because he has
I think I do that anyway, but I also put a lot of pictures of Jack in his studio.
pressure on myself to achieve more, rather
than go out and enjoy what I do. I am a results- When did you tell Shane about your visit?
driven guy, and need to be playing well to get
the confidence up. I should just enjoy that I’m I wanted to tell him straight away, but it was night
a pro golfer, who is travelling the world to play time back in England - I texted Shane three times
events. There are occasions when the course or to say ‘you’ll never guess what’s just happened?’
greens are not as good as usual, and we criticise I didn’t sleep well that night because I couldn’t
wait to tell people, my wife, my dad, to post it
them, but I should just online - it was pretty special.
appreciate that I’m
playing golf as my Did meeting Jack Nicklaus cap the perfect
job. So, yes, I’m fortnight?
going to try and
enjoy this year It was just a really cool moment on a trip I will
more. never forget.

Wellingborough Golf Club Magazine 13

14 www.wellingboroughgolfclub.com

Wellingborough Golf Club Magazine 15

16 www.wellingboroughgolfclub.com

Reflection time in lockdown has been beneficial to Club Pro

WELLINGBOROUGH Golf Club Head Coaching Professional James Whittemore says the coronavirus
lockdowns over the last year have given him an opportunity to reassess his methods.

Whilst he admits it’s been a frustrating period of time, he believes the new coaching procedures he has
now put in place will be a huge benefit for all the members at Harrowden Hall.

Whittemore said: “Lockdown has been a challenging time - not being able to do what I love in coaching.
What I have done though is a lot of self-reflection and self-development.

“I’ve used the time off to work on myself and better myself in online courses, listening to podcasts and
reading up on new ideas.

“Back in January, I passed an online course ‘Exploring sport coaching and psychology’ from the
Open University. This course provided me with some interesting takeaways which I can adopt into my
everyday coaching.

“I think it would have been easy to play the ‘blame game’ during this time off on how ‘I’ve got nothing
to do as I can’t work etc.’ I felt the reality was we all have a choice to do something productive with
our time.

“So I have been busy with my social media channels and my YouTube channel, producing coaching
instructional videos and I have also updated my website www.jameswhittemoregolf.co.uk and logo.

“It’s really made me appreciate how fortunate I am to be in a job I’m passionate about and I can’t wait
to get back coaching all my lovely clients!”

Wellingborough Golf Club Magazine 17

Full Set with... James Whittemore

IN the latest of a series of Q&A features with various members of the Club personnel
this year, Wellingborough Golf Club Magazine chatted with someone who could
provide the key to improving every member’s golf skills as we move out of lockdown.

What is your full title?
Head Coaching Professional at Wellingborough Golf Club.

What is your lowest ever score to par?
Competitively, a 68 in a Winter Pro-am at Staverton Park.

Best golf course you have ever played?
Renaissance Club - a current Scottish Open course.

My perfect fourball would be?
Frank Lampard, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and myself.

What would you change about yourself?
Take away the self doubt/overthinking situations.

What would be your advice to any boy or girl wanting to
take up golf?
Be patient and have fun with it! Golf can be too serious, so play with a smile on your face.

Who is the best golfer you’ve ever played with or against?
Paul Broadhurst. The most talented golfer I have seen is… our very own Ryan Connolly!

What is your guilty pleasure?
90’s boy band music.

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?
I’d like to say something profound, but I’d jump on a plane with my mates to Vegas... then
when I got home, I’d put my ‘big boy pants’ on and invest it wisely!

What is the strangest practice drill you have ever done on the range?
Back when I was in college, I used to get my friend to stand to the right of me when I was
hitting the ball to stop me slicing it. It was effective, but extremely risky if I got it wrong!

What are the best and worst parts of your job?
Best part is getting people to fulfil or achieve their goals, then moving onto the next
challenge. The worst part is people not buying into the process and falling by the wayside...
this is very rare :)

What is your favourite TV show or film?
TV show is Friends. Film is Good Will Hunting.

What do you do in your spare time?
In the ‘normal world’ I still play football on Saturdays (clinging on at my age now!) and
socialise with family and friends.

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a golf course?
When I was a junior, Jono Harris, Sam Waite and myself were playing a game at
Wellingborough in the summer. Jono made an eagle on 12, birdied 13, then holed his
second on 14 for albatross. It was incredible and hilarious at the same time because, as we
know in golf... that shouldn’t happen!

18 www.wellingboroughgolfclub.com

MACINTYRE HUDSON

Chartered accountants,
tax and business advisers

MHA MacIntyre Hudson are proud to have Wellingborough
Golf Club as a valued client and to support their activities

Get in touch T: 01604 624011
E: [email protected]
For more information, macintyrehudson.co.uk
please contact Steve Munns

Now, for tomorrow 19

Wellingborough Golf Club Magazine

Social calendar is high on our priority list for 2021

NEW Social Chairman Andy Gallagher
is in the process of putting together a
new social calendar for 2021/22 at
Wellingborough Golf Club.
Although the lockdown restrictions
have only been partially lifted, with
the Harrowden Hall clubhouse
unable to open for a few weeks,
a series of planned events are
being scheduled for the coming year, including the return of Party in the Gardens in mid-Summer.
Wellingborough Golf Club Social Committee member Paul Sisman explained: “Firstly, welcome back
to golf for everyone. Also a very warm welcome to our new Social Chairman Andy Gallagher, who is
putting in place our schedule for the coming year.
“The Captains firmly wish to go ahead with a social agenda that will see a return for our popular Party in
the Gardens, which will be held on July 17th.
“The good news is that all concerned are so enthusiastic to come on board, after what seems a very
long absence.
“The No.1 Ska tribute band 2Rude (www.2rudeska.co.uk) are our main feature of the evening, playing
music from the likes of The Specials, Madness, The Beat, Bad Manners and more - it will certainly
give you all a good knees up.
“The lads are from South Wales and their visit to WGC will be in the middle of their ‘The Specials 30th
Anniversary Tour’ which is playing countrywide, including in Bristol the same week. We will be featuring
a local band as well, so more on that in next month’s magazine.
“Please support the Captains and Andy as they are working hard on your behalf, also be prepared to be
SKA---ED---FOR LIFE!!”

20 www.wellingboroughgolfclub.com

Advertise With Us

Please join us in 2021 and beyond

Full page; from £70 + VAT
Half page; from £45 + VAT
Quarter page; from £30 + VAT

Office - 01933 677234

[email protected]

April 2021 fixtures (subject to change)

Date Start/End Event

Tue 20th 10:00 - 13:00 Ladies Competition

Sat 24th 07:00 - 15:00 April Medal &
Lombard Qualifier

Sun 25th 08:00 - 12:00 April Medal &
Lombard Qualifier

Sun 25th 15:00 - 15:30 April 12-hole Junior
Stableford

Tue 27th 10:00 - 13:00 Ladies April
Stableford

Wed 28th 08:00 - 12:00 Seniors Lonsdale 1

Thu 29th from 08:00 April White Tee
Midweek Medal

Thu 29th N/A Seniors match at
Market Harborough

* All national (or local, if appropriate) social
distancing coronavirus rules will be in place.

Wellingborough Golf Club Magazine 21

www.croylandcarmegastore.co.uk

Added Protection But don’t just take our word for
AND PEACE OF MIND it as every car at Croyland Car
FOR ALLCOUUSRTOMERS Megastore now includes as
standard AA Inspect and
When buying a new, used vehicle, Protect cover, which gives you:
you want to know that the car • An independent, unbiased
you’re choosing is both safe and
reliable, here at Croyland Car vehicle inspection and report
Megastore we are dedicated to • 12-months free breakdown
making sure you feel happy and • A free vehicle history check
confident with your purchase. So • Three month’s free warranty
when buying a vehicle from us, Peace of mind from one of the UKs
you can be sure that the car you’re best known motoring organisations.
choosing is the right choice.
Croyland Car Megastore, Northampton Road,
01933 413 415TeiiaotmnxncctfedoaiitmnnisCdnpbbrgeoeoe,aruynnktloeeafmftwniostdotsayarCeeofhrafuvearo,ilbMcpproeflecueuaagtalnlasltdsehtihopsoorewp Rushden, Northants, NN10 6GA

22 www.wellingboroughgolfclub.com