Wellingborough Magazine - January 2023

JAN 2023

Warming up
for 2023

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Good times are on their way back to the Club

I HOPE you had a lovely Christmas enjoying time with friends and family.
Having been your Captain for one month now, which I am extremely proud to be, I am really looking
forward to a great year ahead.
It was so pleasing to see both the ‘drive in’ lunch and members Dinner Dance sold out, it feels as if
the good times are on their way back to the Club after some challenging years.
The regular Sunday lunches have also been a huge success so please support these in the New
Year. Congratulations must go to the entire clubhouse team on delivering some outstanding food
alongside both a friendly and efficient service.
Out on the course, the recent ice, snow and fog put a stop to the last Sunday competition of the year,
which in turn meant that the course stayed closed for seven days.
Our thanks to Steve (Mackie) and his greens staff for the work that they did before the freeze,
spreading tonnes of sand onto the course, so that when the thaw happened the ground conditions
allowed for golf to resume as soon as possible.
Looking ahead, the best of luck to all those who have entered the Kelly Bowls on New Year’s Day.
On Wednesday, January 11th, we will see the start of our new weekly club draw night. All members
are entered into the draw.
To be in with a chance of winning you need to be in the clubhouse at the time of the draw, the first
draw prize is £250.
A pub style menu will also be available to enjoy, but if you don’t fancy dining by all means meet fellow
members for a drink at the bar.
We will also be presenting the 2022 competition winners with their prizes on these evenings - all with
the aim of continuing to make the club a better place to be. More on all of this will be followed up by
Dan (Hacker) in his regular communications.
May I wish everyone a Happy New Year and I look forward to seeing you at the Club soon.
Glyn Pepper
Club Captain

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Support team has been there when I needed them

LADIES Captain Miriam Johnson said: “What a terrible start to my year as Ladies Captain with the
sad passing of our dear friend Pat Wilson.
“She will be missed on so many levels at the Club, but mostly as being a great support to all of us
and always a willing helper in any tasks. My sincere condolences to David and her boys at this
terrible time.
“Things have not run smoothly for myself either, with bi-weekly visits to Leicester Hospital following
surgery on my face.
“Thank goodness for my Committee and specifically my Vice Captain Rachael (Owen) and
Immediate Past Captain Sheena (Markham) for stepping in for me at all the Christmas events - all of
which, I understand, went very smoothly.
“Big thanks to all the staff at the Club, including Dan (Hacker), Anne-Marie (Pearson), Lily (Houghton)
and Claire (Irving) - all of whom I know have been there when I needed them.
“In my absence, the Ladies Section, yet again have made a huge difference to all the under-privileged
families in Wellingborough by making up Santa Sacks. These were delivered to the Daylight Centre
and distributed throughout December.
“This is the fourth year we have done this in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Wellingborough,
so a huge thank you to everyone - this means so much more than just putting a few coins in a
collecting tin.
“The Bridge Drive held on December 8th was a huge success raising nearly £1,000. Thanks again to
Rachael, Sheena, Claire and Gill Spencer for helping to run this event in my absence.
“Looking forward, I am hopeful to be back playing golf in January (unfortunately not on a Tuesday)
but am hopeful to be able to get back in time to see everyone. Thanks to everyone for your kind
wishes and support and let’s raise a glass that 2023 will truly be a great year for us all.”

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Ashleigh is latest Wellingborough member to join pro ranks

ASHLEIGH Critchley embarks on her first full year in the professional ranks in 2023 after the
Wellingborough teenager made the decision to start her
PGA training in late summer.

After taking a short break from golf in early season, the
former County Ladies champion regained her love for the
game whilst working in the pro shop at Wellingborough,
culminating in her decision to turned pro.

She said: “I’ve been studying business, sports science,
coaching, custom fitting, making golf clubs and we also
did safeguarding. On top of that, I have four assignments
each year, and then end of year exams.

“I have to play seven events in each of the three years of the course. I have to pass level one and
level two coaching, and then I have to work 30 hours a week in the pro shop. I’m looking forward to
the next year.”

Fellow Wellingborough professional Simon Lilly, meanwhile, enjoyed a successful end to the year as
he won the Winter Open at The Leicestershire GC with a round of 36 points.

Lilly also claimed a third place finish in the Golfing Days Pro-Am at The Nottinghamshire GC as he
only missed out on top spot on countback after posting the joint-leading tally of 38 points.

Tap-Ins THE first quiz night of the year takes place on
Friday January 20th, when food is available
COUNTBACK was required in the Boxing Day from 6:00pm until 7:00pm. Please enter via
Competition as three pairings compiled the best the sheets in the Competitions Room.
total of 43 points. John Rocks and Chris Ludwig
gained the verdict ahead of runners-up Elliott TWO or three course meals are on offer at the
West and Alonzo Weekes, with Andy Horn and Members Sunday Lunches on January 8th and
Mark Johnson in third. January 22nd. Place your reservation with Front
of House Manager Claire Irving, by emailing
THE Kelly Bowls event on New Year’s [email protected].
Day will see the first day of competition at
Wellingborough with the new set of golf HARROWDEN Hall has also been confirmed
rules, unveiled a few months ago by the R&A as the venue for the NGL Annual General
and USGA. Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, March 28th, 2023
at 7.00pm.
THREE points was the margin of success in
the Ladies Christmas Invitation Day as Lema ANY Club members wishing to attend the 2023
Townsend and Steve Townsend (32) took the Annual County Dinner on Friday, March 3rd,
plaudits ahead of Julie Beavan and Peter Elliott. 2023 at Kettering Golf Club are advised to
purchase tickets quickly to avoid missing out.
DATES for more junior nine-hole competitions At £30 per person, reserve a place by emailing
at Wellingborough over the winter, plus [email protected] or secretary@
some range sessions, are expected to be northantsgolfunion.co.uk
announced in the coming days by Junior
Organiser Jonathan Richardson. WITH pages to fill in the Wellingborough Club
Magazine, there are plenty of opportunities
WELLINGBOROUGH members will benefit from to advertise during the year. Please contact
home advantage in both the Ladies and Junior the Club Office to get your message across
County Championships in 2023 as the course to the members and visitors in 2023 and
hosts two of the biggest tournaments on the beyond.
County schedule in May.

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2022: Another memorable year at Harrowden Hall

January

MARK Walker and Carl Hughes produced a dominant performance in the first tournament of the year
as they grabbed the Kelly Bowls with 43 points.

PAST Seniors Captain Chris Dickens and Liz Palmer were part of the winning team in the opening
two mixed competitions. In the first event, they successfully joined forces with David Birkett, June
Smith, Ian Jolly and Sue Sharp, before combining with Rod Gibbs, Carol Gibbs, Richard Briggs and
Pat Briggs to triumph later in the month.

TONY Camsell, Neil Carter, Alan Stokes and Cliff Wymant were successful in the Yellow Peril Team
Competition as they bagged a winning tally of 164 points.

WELLINGBOROUGH pro Tiger Adams battled his way through the first round of Sunshine Tour
Qualifying School when he finished five shots inside the cut mark after carding rounds of 71, 74 and
69 at Maccauvlei GC in South Africa.

February

MARTIN Dalton, Adam Clifton, Mark Rashley and Jon Critchley were successful in Wellingborough’s
Winter Men’s Am-Am after shooting 97 points. Alun Rees, Chris Otterwell, Jon Dyer and Derek
Saunders (95) bagged second.

CHRIS Dickens and Liz Palmer emphasised their status as the players to beat in mixed competitions
as they made it three victories out of three this year. In partnership with David Birkett, Helen Marriott,
Martyn Smith and June Smith, they carded an exceptional team total of 74 points.

CLUB champion Jon Harris combined perfectly with his dad Glenn, plus Chris Howes and Martyn
Annis, to win the Men’s Winter Team competition with a score of net 59.3.

WELLINGBOROUGH golfers claimed a cleansweep of the prizes in the NPGA Winter Series
Overseas Pro-Am in Portugal. Simon Lilly (pictured) secured the individual pro honours, while
assistant pro Ryan Connolly combined with club amateurs Sam Waite, Matt Wilkinson and Tom
Blevins to clinch the team plaudits with 330 points.

March

CAROL Gibbs, Carole Cornforth and Liz Rees
enjoyed a comprehensive 10-point victory in the
Ladies 3-2-1 Waltz Competition.

ONE shot was the margin of success in the March
Medal as Colin Armstrong (net 69) took the plaudits
ahead of Edward Billson and Andrew Wainwright.

ANDREW Welsh led the scoring in the March
Saturday Medal as the 10-handicapper’s round
of net 70 lifted him a single stroke clear of high-
handicapper Carl Morgan.

CHRIS Howes and Paul Saunders were in blistering
form in the team’s Hollingsworth Trophy home
contest with Northampton as they recorded a 9&8
win in the opening tie as the side completed a 4-1
victory in Group B.

AMANDA Rawson led the way in the Wellingborough
Ladies March Stableford after carding 37 points.
Karen James finished in second place on 36.

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April
PROFESSIONAL Meghan MacLaren (pictured below) made it a hat-trick of career victories down
under on the Ladies European Tour as she clinched the Australian Women’s Classic by one stroke at
Bonville Golf Resort with scores of 67, 70 and 69.
ADAM Sherlock and Sam Waite finished runners-up in the NGL Scratch Foursomes over 36 holes
at Overstone Park GC.
REIGNING Ladies League champions Wellingborough recorded two big wins, plus a half, as they
got their title defence off to a good start with a 2½-1½ victory against Elton Furze at Rushden GC.
WELLINGBOROUGH A held their nerve to defeat Northampton 3-2 at home in their opening Ladies
Cecil Leitch match in Group B as Carole Cornforth sealed victory with a 3&2 win in the last game.
HARROWDEN Hall was the host venue for the Northamptonshire Boys Under-14s team match with
Cambridgeshire as the visitors triumphed 11-7.
May
WELLINGBOROUGH A made it two victories in as many Ladies Cecil Leitch League Group B outings
as they claimed the spoils in a thrilling away contest with Rushden by a single point. The club’s B
team were unable to add another win as they lost by one point at home to Elton Furze in Group A.
FORTY five points was a magnificent winning score in the NGL Vets Ladies Spring Meeting as
Carole Cornforth smashed three net eagles and eight net birdies to clinch the honours at Silverstone
GC. Club-mate Janet Gower lifted the Senior Cup after posting 39.
JAMES Sperling led the scoring in the May Sunday Stableford as a tally of 42 points
lifted him three clear of Tom Lightfoot.
DIANE Dickinson and Anita
Royles combined well in
the Ladies Harrowden Hall
Greensomes Cup as they carded
the best tally of 38 points.
GILL Snelson, Elisabeth Pryke
and Linda Simpson all finished
on the podium in the NGL
Volunteers Centenary Team
Competition as the County
celebrated 100 years with an
event at Northants County GC.
THE Club’s longest serving
General Manager David Waite
(pictured below) left Harrowden
Hall after 16 years in the role.

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June July

THE start of the month signalled the start of a JAMES Northern was crowned Men’s Club

fresh era at Harrowden Hall as Wellingborough Champion as he fired a 36-hole total of 147 to

welcomed its new General Manager Dan Hacker win by five strokes from Sam Waite.

(pictured above), who moved to the Club from THE mid-handicap category witnessed a thrilling
Stratford-on-Avon Golf Club. conclusion as Adam Folwell lifted the Charles

MEGHAN MacLaren narrowly missed out on her Griffiths Bowl after beating Jon Critchley in a

second Ladies European Tour victory of the year, play-off.

and fourth in her career, as she was beaten in a THE Rabbits Cup went to Adam Taylor (pictured
play-off by Switzerland’s Morgane Metraux in the above with Club Captain Roy Pouncey, right)
Ladies Italian Open. after he posted a superb net 67.

IN Regional Qualifying for the 150th Open WELLINGBOROUGH A qualified for the Ladies
Championship, Ryan Evans progressed via a Cecil Leitch League quarter-finals by recording
play-off after shooting a round of 69 at Northants a dominant 5-0 home success against Kettering
County GC. The Wellingborough pro’s hopes to guarantee second place in Group B behind
of competing at St. Andrews ended in Final winners Rushden.
Qualifying however as he carded scores of 77
LIZ Rees was crowned County Ladies Bronze
and 71 to finish 12th at Hollinwell GC.
Champion after finishing three clear of the field
WELLINGBOROUGH A became the first team to at Rushden GC. Wellingborough club-mate Bina
record two away victories in Ladies Cecil Leitch Shah picked up the net prize with a 74.
Group B as points from Claire Guest, Ellen Steel
and Bina Shah helped edge a tight contest at WELLINGBOROUGH’S men kept alive their
chances of qualifying for the Handicap League
Kettering by a single point.
semi-finals with a 25-0 home thrashing of Group
NEIL Smith’s net rounds of 71 and 70 secured B bottom club Priors Hall.
first place in the Seniors Medal Championship

as he finished two ahead of Richard Izzard, with MARK Rashley was in magnificent form in the

John Arnott a further shot back in third. July Medal as the high-handicapper grabbed the

TYLER Maher, Carl Morgan, Elliot Morgan and plaudits with a round of net 66. Mick Matthews
Shea Smith were victorious in the Platinum was runner-up on 68.

Jubilee Competition as their tally of 98 points was TWO strokes was the margin of success in the

three more than Adrian Sherlock, Glyn Pepper, Ladies Summer Trophy as Ellen Steel and Lorna

Mark Hedley and Paul Saunders could manage. Winfield (net 64) finished clear of two pairings.

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August

WELLINGBOROUGH collected their first Scratch League victory of the campaign in emphatic style
as they thrashed Northants County 8-0 at home.

RYAN Evans recorded his best result on the DP World Tour this year as he finished in a tie for 20th
position in the ISPS Handa World Invitational in Northern Ireland. He carded six birdies in an opening
round of 66, added scores of 71 and 73 before finishing with a closing 67.

THE Wellingborough Junior Open attracted the largest field of any Junior Order of Merit event this
year as more than 50 County boys and girls played at Harrowden Hall. Josh Bodimeade coped best
with the hot weather conditions to claim the net prize, Jadon Pham won the boys gross category,
while Eloise Feely beat home club member Olivia Barby in the girls gross competition.

POINTS from Claire Guest, Susan Kellett and Bina Shah earned Wellingborough A victory in their
Ladies Cecil Leitch quarter-final with Northants County at Daventry GC. The team (pictured below)
produced another impressive display in the last four as they beat Elton Furze 4-1 at Kingsthorpe GC.

WELLINGBOROUGH saw their hopes of reaching the NGL Intermediate League semi-finals end
as they lost 6½-1½ to Northampton, drew with Overstone, before going down 6-2 against Rushden.

MARK Davis claimed the plaudits on his home course at Wellingborough in the first NGL Centenary
Medal Final as he topped the standings in the Men’s single-figure handicap section on countback
after a net 72. Wellingborough’s Ewan Clee was runner-up in the junior competition.

FORTY seven points was a superb winning score in the Ladies August Stableford for Linda Simpson
as she bagged the plaudits by six from Diane Dickinson.

ANDREW Cox, Liam Chowney, Sam Walpole and Clive Young triumphed on President’s Day as they
beat Steven Munns, Richard Munns, Duncan Felce and Gary Jackson on countback with 123 points.

STEFAN Mycawca lifted the Veterans’ Challenge Cup as a total of 41 points confirmed first place in
the Seniors Veterans Cup Series competition by one from Grahame Cornforth.

CAROL Gibbs was crowned Ladies Champion once again as rounds of 82 and 83 secured a one
shot victory from Claire Lindsay. Kirsty Critchley led the scoring in the Intermediate Championship,
the Bronze Championship went to Bina Shah, while Liz Palmer claimed the Wells Cup.

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September October

SIMON Lilly made has debut in the PGA Cup as JON Harris (pictured below) made the most of

he represented GB and Ireland against the USA local knowledge to defeat Jack Brown (Brampton

at Foxhills GC in Surrey. The USA won 15½-10½. Heath) in the NGL Men’s Matchplay Singles

MEGHAN MacLaren lost a play-off to Ines Championship Final on his home course at
Laklalech in the Ladies Open de France in Wellingborough.

Deauville on the Ladies European Tour. MIRIAM Johnson clinched the net prize in the

WELLINGBOROUGH’S ladies came up just NGL Ladies Senior Championship as the Ladies
short in their bid to lift the NGL Ladies Cecil Vice Captain shot a net 71 at Silverstone GC.

Leitch title as they lost 3-2 to Staverton Park in WELLINGBOROUGH’S men suffered relegation

the final at Northampton GC. Although Claire out of the NGL Scratch League for the first

Guest and Lema Townsend were successful for time in over a decade after losing 5-3 at home

Wellingborough, the other three ties went to the to Peterborough Milton, who were crowned

defending champions. champions.

HARROWDEN Hall witnessed an unusual sight CARL Hughes and Mark Walker lost to Rushden’s

as a coach load of guests (pictured below) from Jason Benzie and Ian Blakeley in the NGL

Hawaii descended on the home of Wellingborough Foursomes KO Final at Kettering GC.

Golf Club. With Past President Michael Billson, JAMES Miller produced one of the best rounds
current Club Captain Roy Pouncey and ex seen at Wellingborough in 2022 as the Overstone
Captain George Khaw welcoming the visitors by teenager smashed an incredible tally of 51 points
giving out traditional Hawaii Lei garlands, the club in The Shires Junior Golf Tour Grand Final.
were treated to singing and dancing on the lawns. ANDY Foster’s superb net 65 clinched the top
WAYNE Wellborn and Joseph Wellborn were prize in the Medal Winners Salver as he finished
the only pair to beat their handicap in the Mixed five ahead of Edward Billson. The two divisions
Family Foursomes as they won with 37 points. of the Ladies Medal Salver went to Claire Guest

MARCUS Harper produced the standout (80) and Karen James (83).

performance over 36 holes in the George Cup LES Hornby displayed his ability to manufacture

as he carded the best opening round of net 65, shots as he lifted the Courage Cup by winning the

before shooting the third best score of 70 the Three Clubs and Putter competition on countback

following day. from Alun Rees after posting 37 points.

DESPITE going through the season unbeaten, GLYN Williams was a convincing winner of the

Wellingborough’s Ladies League team were October Midweek Stableford, Eli Farrington

unable to retain their NGL crown as Northants clinched the Ladies October Stableford by one

County grabbed the top spot with four wins in point, while Margaret Pateman was the dominant

their four outings. player in the nine-hole competition.

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November

NEIL Robinson was victorious in the last Seniors Lonsdale event of the season as he carded a
winning total of 42 points in the ninth round. John Arnott (40) finished second by one from Keith
Banham and Brian Summers, who finished third in the overall competition behind runner-up Andrew
Nicholls and champion Neil Smith.

THE trio of Pat Briggs, Julie Beavan and Pat Dawson combined to shoot the leading score of 54
points in the Ladies Hidden Team Stableford.

MEGHAN MacLaren finished as the highest-ranked British golfer on the 2022 Ladies European Tour
in seventh place after the final event of the season - the Andalucia Costa Del Sol Open.

ALAN Bird, Sam Waite, David Jackson and Pete Heyward compiled 91 points to win the Captain’s
Drive-In Team Competition by three from Alun Rees, Chris Otterwell, Les Hillman and Derek
Saunders. The quartet of Nigel Thompson, Graeme McKim, David Simpson and Richard Reynolds
(87) finished in third position on countback from new Club Captain Glyn Pepper, previous skipper
Roy Pouncey (both pictured), Glen Gulla and Steve Hammond.

December

SUE Sharpe’s 12-hole total of 22 points
secured first place in the Ladies December
Stableford as she finished one ahead of
fellow mid-handicapper Judith Chapman and
third division duo Maggie Etheridge and Jane
Sisman.

COUNTBACK was required in the Seniors
Christmas Bash Competition after two pairings
carded the leading score of 40 points. Graham
Bayes and Gerry McGready gained the verdict
from Andrew Sortwell and Alan Stokes.

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Wellingborough through the seasons in 2022

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January 2023 Fixtures (subject to change)

Date Start/End Event (1st tee unless stated)

Sun 1st 08:00 - 13:00 Kelly Bowls Advertise
Tue 3rd 09:30 - 12:30 Ladies Three Clubs & Putter With Us
Wed 4th 08:30 - 12:30 Seniors New Year Competition
Sun 8th 10:00 - 10:20 Ladies Competition Please join us in 2023
10:50 - 12:00 Mixed Competition and beyond
Tue 10th 09:30 - 12:30 Ladies Competition
Fri 13th 10:00 - 11:30 Ladies Celebration Competition Full page;
Sat 14th 10:00 - 10:20 Ladies Competition from £70 + VAT
Sun 15th 08:00 - 13:00 Men’s Competition (all tees)
Tue 17th 09:30 - 12:30 Ladies Competition Half page;
from £45 + VAT
Sun 22nd 10:00 - 10:20 Ladies Competition
10:50 - 12:00 Mixed Competition Quarter page;
from £30 + VAT
Tue 24th 09:30 - 12:30 Ladies Competition
Office -
Sat 28th 10:00 - 10:20 Ladies Competition 01933 677234
Sun 29th 08:00 - 13:00 Men’s Competition (all tees)
Tue 31st 09:30 - 12:30 Ladies Competition

Results dan@wellingboroughgolfclub
.com
Ladies Christmas Invitation Day (December 27th):
1 Lema Townsend & Steve Townsend (32 points), 2 Julie Bar Hours
Beavan & Peter Elliott (29), 3= Carol Gibbs & Rod Gibbs (27),
3= Miriam Johnson & Gerry McGrady (27). Monday 10:00am - 5:00pm

Boxing Day Competition (December 26th): Tuesday 10:00am - 7:00pm
1 John Rocks & Chris Ludwig (43 points), 2 Elliott West &
Alonzo Weekes (43), 3 Andy Horn & Mark Johnson (43). Wednesday 10:00am - 7:00pm

Ladies December Stableford (December 20th): Thursday 10:00am - 7:00pm
Division 1: 1 Eli Farrington (30 points), 2 Helen Marriott (26).
Division 2: 1 Mel Ross (25), 2 Karen James (23). Division 3: Friday 10:00am - 7:00pm
1 Anita Farmer (21), 2 Jane Sisman (20).
Saturday 8:30am - 9:00pm
Seniors Christmas Bash (December 8th):
1 Graham Bayes & Gerry McGready (40 points), 2 Alan Stokes Sunday 10:00am - 7:00pm
& Andrew Sortwell (40), 3 Tony Walker & Charlie Higgins (39).
Catering Hours
Ladies December Stableford (December 6th):
Division 1: 1 Lorna Winfield (20 points), 2 Pat Dawson Monday 10:00am - 4:00pm
(19), 3 Julie Bevan (17). Division 2: 1 Sue Sharpe (22), 2
Judith Chapman (21), 3 Mel Ross (19). Division 3: 1 Maggie Tuesday 10:00am - 4:00pm
Etheridge (21), 2 Jane Sisman (21), 3 Christina Palmer (19).
Wednesday 10:00am - 4:00pm
Ladies Bottle Trot (November 29th):
1 Pat Dawson, Jane Cooke & Rachael Owen (41 points), Thursday 10:00am - 4:00pm
2 Judith Chapman, Di Dickinson & Val Cooke (41), 3 Julie
Beavan, Gaynor Robinson & Anita Farmer (39). Friday 10:00am - 5:00pm

Saturday 8:30am - 5:00pm

Sunday Closed

*The bar/catering may close earlier
than these times due to inclement

weather or lack of custom.

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