EVENTS - This Month's & Recent
INTERVIEW WITH ASHLEY CHESTERS - EUROPEAN TOUR PRO
Hawkstone Park’s European Tour Pro Ashley Chesters was in the interview hot seat for our latest members’ Zoom Friday Night Get-together.
Talking to our star interviewer Hazel Ruscoe, Ashley took us through his successful career, from his two holes-in-one as a young boy and his remarkable time as an amateur when he won back-to-back European Championships and competed in the Walker Cup, through to achieving a tied 12th position in The Open at St Andrews.
He gave us a great insight into his training programme, life on-the-road on the European Tour and the challenges Covid-19 have presented for his sport.
Ashley’s top tip for club golfers: make sure you practice for 20 minutes before you go out on the course.
THANK YOU Ashley and Hazel - HPGC are immensely proud of how you have developed your game through from the Juniors Section and continue to support the Club so well.
He gave us a great insight into his training programme, life on-the-road on the European Tour and the challenges Covid-19 have presented for his sport.
Ashley’s top tip for club golfers: make sure you practice for 20 minutes before you go out on the course.
THANK YOU Ashley and Hazel - HPGC are immensely proud of how you have developed your game through from the Juniors Section and continue to support the Club so well.
RETURN TO GOLF - 29TH MARCH 2021
https://www.englandgolf.org/roadmap-for-the-return-to-golf-infographic/
MICHAEL WELCH INTERVIEW WITH HAZEL RUSCOE
Members were treated to a Zoom Audience with Michael Welch, former tour professional, now coach, and fully paid-up member of the dynasty of Hawkstone Park’s high-achieving professional golfers alongside Ashley Chesters and Sandy Lyle.
Interviewed by Hazel Ruscoe, Michael talked us through his illustrious career from his first club tournament at the age of just four, his success as the country’s best ever junior golfer, a record that still stands; his 12-year professional playing career and his work coaching top professionals and club golfers.
A great piece of advice from Michael: when asked about the biggest mistake amateur golfers make, he said it was listening to advice from friends about their golf. Time to take a shortcut to success and get those lessons booked! http://michaelwelchgolf.co.uk/
Thank you Michael and Hazel for the brilliant lockdown entertainment!
Pictured: Michael aged 4, with his haul of trophies 1990, partnering Lee Westwood and in his current coaching role
A great piece of advice from Michael: when asked about the biggest mistake amateur golfers make, he said it was listening to advice from friends about their golf. Time to take a shortcut to success and get those lessons booked! http://michaelwelchgolf.co.uk/
Thank you Michael and Hazel for the brilliant lockdown entertainment!
Pictured: Michael aged 4, with his haul of trophies 1990, partnering Lee Westwood and in his current coaching role
MIDLANDS AIR AMBULANCE CHARITY
Francine's 2021 Mile Walking and Cycling Challenge
Help Francine Nutt raise money to support Midlands Air Ambulance Charity
Check out her Just Giving page to donate:
www.justgiving.com/fundraising/francinenuttchallenge
Check out her Just Giving page to donate:
www.justgiving.com/fundraising/francinenuttchallenge
SUN PROTECTION ACCREDITATION
Hawkstone Park Golf Club is Sun Protection Accredited because ...
Hawkstone Park is proud to be recognised as a Sun Protection Accredited club, having signed up to the Slip! Slap! Swing! sun protection campaign for golf.
This summer, as part of our overall duty of care, we will be raising awareness of sun protection, offering advice on how to reduce the risk of skin cancer to all our members and staff.
The campaign, devised by the Melanoma Fund, is backed by 11 major golf organisations, requires clubs to undertake the following actions:
1. Nominate a Sun Pro Ambassador; promoting the campaign to members/staff.
2. Add a sun protection statement to Terms & Conditions of play/Health & Safety policy.
3. Display awareness posters and promote the campaign internally, and externally on socials.
4. Ensure sunscreen is available in the club, either for sale or for complimentary use*
5. Display the Sun Protection Accreditation logo – both digitally and in the club.
We have joined a growing community of golf clubs who are taking the health of members seriously. Skin cancer is preventable, but is now at epidemic levels, so the question is if not, why not? If you wish to discuss this further, please speak to Ken MacGillivray (golf.hawkstone@hawkstone.co.uk) our Sun Pro Ambassador.
For sun protection tips and what to look out for when skin checking, visit https://www.melanoma-fund.co.uk/golf
*subject to COVID restrictions
Click on image for more information
This summer, as part of our overall duty of care, we will be raising awareness of sun protection, offering advice on how to reduce the risk of skin cancer to all our members and staff.
The campaign, devised by the Melanoma Fund, is backed by 11 major golf organisations, requires clubs to undertake the following actions:
1. Nominate a Sun Pro Ambassador; promoting the campaign to members/staff.
2. Add a sun protection statement to Terms & Conditions of play/Health & Safety policy.
3. Display awareness posters and promote the campaign internally, and externally on socials.
4. Ensure sunscreen is available in the club, either for sale or for complimentary use*
5. Display the Sun Protection Accreditation logo – both digitally and in the club.
We have joined a growing community of golf clubs who are taking the health of members seriously. Skin cancer is preventable, but is now at epidemic levels, so the question is if not, why not? If you wish to discuss this further, please speak to Ken MacGillivray (golf.hawkstone@hawkstone.co.uk) our Sun Pro Ambassador.
For sun protection tips and what to look out for when skin checking, visit https://www.melanoma-fund.co.uk/golf
*subject to COVID restrictions
Click on image for more information
LINGEN DAVIES CANCER FUND AWARD
On 22nd October the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund held their annual Awards Ceremony which this year was held virtually.
The winner of the Clubs and Groups Award 2019/2020 was Hawkstone Park Golf Club. This award acknowledged the work of our 2019 Captains David Driver de Valle and Francine Nutt who managed to raise the amazing sum of £6146.00 during their year for this very worthy cause.
As many of you know, David or DDV was treated there and was impressed with his care, but sadly lost his battle in August. He was a real gentleman who loved HPGC and we all miss him terribly.
Pictured is DDV and Francine with their cheque and Francine with the award.
We are so proud of them.
As many of you know, David or DDV was treated there and was impressed with his care, but sadly lost his battle in August. He was a real gentleman who loved HPGC and we all miss him terribly.
Pictured is DDV and Francine with their cheque and Francine with the award.
We are so proud of them.
CAPTAIN'S AWAY DAY
On Friday 25th September, Hawkstone Park Golf Club members ventured into Wales to play the Championship links course at Harlech which is the second Club of our Captain Stuart Apperley and had been rearranged from April due to lockdown.
We were all made very welcome and enjoyed a fabulous day with testing windy conditions, some great golf and brilliant company. Stuart also invited guests from RSD to join us.
Like Hawkstone there have been improvements made over the last six months producing wonderful greens and fairways.
Captain Stuart welcomed everyone with a bottle or two of sloe gin!
The stars of the day were:
Best Gross - Rowly Jones 74
Div 1
1st Ian Balmforth 33 pts
2nd Ashley Burdock 32 pts
3rd Michael Lewis-Wright 31 pts
Div 2
1st Terry Nixon 35 pts
2nd Mark Bates 34 pts
3rd Ian Vickerstaff 33pts
Ladies
1st Louisa Goff 33 pts
2nd Sharon Jones 30 pts
3rd Wendy Simpson 27 pts
Captain Stuart thanks everyone for their support and friendship.
Like Hawkstone there have been improvements made over the last six months producing wonderful greens and fairways.
Captain Stuart welcomed everyone with a bottle or two of sloe gin!
The stars of the day were:
Best Gross - Rowly Jones 74
Div 1
1st Ian Balmforth 33 pts
2nd Ashley Burdock 32 pts
3rd Michael Lewis-Wright 31 pts
Div 2
1st Terry Nixon 35 pts
2nd Mark Bates 34 pts
3rd Ian Vickerstaff 33pts
Ladies
1st Louisa Goff 33 pts
2nd Sharon Jones 30 pts
3rd Wendy Simpson 27 pts
Captain Stuart thanks everyone for their support and friendship.
Presidents Day September 2020
President Dale celebrates her special day. Click on image to view the results
Centenary President Mrs Dale Benbow hosted a superb Centenary Presidents Day on the Hawkstone Course, which was a great day for her and the club. Organised within the Covid regulations, around 140 members and guests played on the day. Members were greeted on the first tee by Dale’s son James who presented each member with a Centenary logo’d coaster and golf ball, a lovely memento of the day. President Dale and Les Benbow ran a Halfway House at the 11th tee to replenish the golfers.
Members competed for two Men’s white tee divisions, a Seniors division, Ladies and Junior divisions and the star prizes of the day were the President’s Prize and putter which was the best Stableford points overall, and Best Gross.
Members competed for two Men’s white tee divisions, a Seniors division, Ladies and Junior divisions and the star prizes of the day were the President’s Prize and putter which was the best Stableford points overall, and Best Gross.
ENGLAND GOLF
In preparation for the launch of the World Handicap System (WHS), England Golf has provided all clubs with the wording of the England Golf WHS Privacy Notice. England Golf take the principles of Data Protection very seriously. They are committed to being transparent about how they collect and use our members’ data, and the privacy notice is an important part of that commitment.
Click to view the England Golf WHS privacy notice, which has also been provided to all those Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) that have been licensed by CONGU to have access to the WHS platform in England and will be displayed by ISVs on their platforms.
CENTENARY CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP FINALISTS 2020
Finalists - Club Championships
After some tough knockout rounds the finalists for the Club Champions are:
MENS:
Rowly Jones, current Club Champion after beating Nigel Chesters in the final last year. A scratch golfer, he beat Keith Forster in the semi finals on the 20th hole! He won the Captain's gross prize shooting level par 2 weeks ago.
Josh Gresty, a 3 handicapper who has been on great form winning the Masters Trophy last week. This is his first time in the final and these two should have a great match - the date will be announced soon.
The ladies Club Championship finalists are:
Louisa Goff, an 8 handicapper and previous Champion, she lost out to Molly Moore in last years final and is hoping to regain the title. Her opponent is Julie Wales, playing off 17, this is her first time in the final. She is an tough match player winning through to 5 finals this year.
Their match is on Monday 14th September at 3pm on the Hawkstone Course.
The Senior's Club Championship is to be contested by the reigning Champion, Nigel Chesters, playing of scratch. He will play John Gallagher who should give him a good match playing off 8.
All matches are scratch knockout competitions.
Good luck to all .....
Captains Day 23rd August 2020
Centenary Captain Stuart Apperley celebrates his special day. Click on image to view the results.
Club Captain of HPGC Stuart Apperley hosted a fantastic Centenary Captains Day on the Hawkstone Course, which was a great day for him and the Club.
Organised within the Covid regulations, 140 members and guests played on the day. They were started by Hayley, and Lady Captain Christine and Kate ran a Halfway House at the 12th tee to replenish the golfers.
Members competed for two Men’s white tee divisions, a yellow tee division, Ladies and Junior divisions and the star prizes of the day were the Captain’s Prize which was the best nett overall, Best Gross and Guest prize.
Stuart said he was thrilled with the support from members, the condition of the course and the amazing feedback he has received. He said it was a such an enjoyable and memorable day, and thanks everyone who helped to make it such a success.
See Gallery Page for more pictures from the day
Organised within the Covid regulations, 140 members and guests played on the day. They were started by Hayley, and Lady Captain Christine and Kate ran a Halfway House at the 12th tee to replenish the golfers.
Members competed for two Men’s white tee divisions, a yellow tee division, Ladies and Junior divisions and the star prizes of the day were the Captain’s Prize which was the best nett overall, Best Gross and Guest prize.
Stuart said he was thrilled with the support from members, the condition of the course and the amazing feedback he has received. He said it was a such an enjoyable and memorable day, and thanks everyone who helped to make it such a success.
See Gallery Page for more pictures from the day
Hawkstone's Youngest Master Golfer?
27 year old Josh Gresty, possibly the youngest member to win his Master's Green Jacket, posted impressive scores of 70 & 68 = 138 to win this prestigious event and beat 2010 champion Keith Forster on a count-back.
Josh, who plays off a handicap of 2, has been a keen golfer since the age of 11, a member of the Club since he was13 and has been a category one golfer since the age of 15. And Josh attributes his success on the course to his coach Michael Welch.
Josh lives in Whitchurch with his girlfriend Abby and their 12 month old Black Labrador Zola and having recently renovated their home he is now working on the garden where he hopes to get the lawn running just like a putting green!!
Josh is looking forward to joining his fellow Master Golfers for the 2021 Master of Masters event on Friday 23 July 2021 when, together with this years Lady Master Golfer, he will be invited to select the post golf dinner menu.
Meanwhile, the delayed 2020 Master of Masters will be played on Friday 09 April 2020 when the 2019 Champions Kevin Aitkinson & Issi BrIsbourne will be welcomed into the fold.
Josh lives in Whitchurch with his girlfriend Abby and their 12 month old Black Labrador Zola and having recently renovated their home he is now working on the garden where he hopes to get the lawn running just like a putting green!!
Josh is looking forward to joining his fellow Master Golfers for the 2021 Master of Masters event on Friday 23 July 2021 when, together with this years Lady Master Golfer, he will be invited to select the post golf dinner menu.
Meanwhile, the delayed 2020 Master of Masters will be played on Friday 09 April 2020 when the 2019 Champions Kevin Aitkinson & Issi BrIsbourne will be welcomed into the fold.
NEW - MOBILE SCORE INPUT FACILITY
MOBILE SCORE INPUT WITH HOWDIDIDO - SIGN UP NOW!
Click on image to see how to register with Howdidido
RETURN TO COMPETITION GOLF
HPGC are making some tentative steps towards returning to some form of competitive golf. The playing of qualifying competitions has been set up with the guidance of England Golf, however we will continue to monitor this situation on a weekly basis.
Play Safe Stay Safe
England Golf has been working closely with partners from across the sport, including The R&A, other Home Nations and industry associations to draw together a framework under which they believe golf can safely be played on its return after the lockdown from Coronavirus. They also advise that clubs may choose to run competitions from Monday 1 June provided all social distancing and safety rules are strictly observed. These new rules have been updated on 23rd September 2020
Please click on image to see England Golf's Framework
England Golf Update
Update from England Golf after Prime Ministers decision regarding lockdown 11th May 2020
Please click to read England Golf's statement
April Course update
Find out what has been happening on the course recently ...
COVID 19 - CORONAVIRUS
UPDATE
We are taking appropriate steps to make sure we minimise the risk of infection from the COVID-19 virus. Please check your emails for updates in connection with events happening up until the end of April 2020.
Check out the England Golf website for their advice.
Coronavirus Update
National Club Golfers advice
6th Time Lucky for Rowly!
Rowly Jones won his first Club Championship title by defeating his good golfing friend and defending Champion, Nigel Chesters.
After a tight game in the morning round on the Championship course, Rowly went into the afternoon round on the Hawkstone course with a 2 hole lead and when Rowly won 3 holes on the bounce he extended his lead to 5 up.
On the 9th hole Rowly chipped in from the edge of the green for two with Nigel sitting 10ft away from the pin after hitting a great shot in only to proceed to miss his putt!
So the match ended on the 11th with Rowly winning by 8 and 7.
Very well done Rowly!
Meanwhile, Molly Moore won her second Ladies' Club Championship title with some wonderful golf to beat defending Champion, Louisa Goff, also by 8 & 7.
On the 9th hole Rowly chipped in from the edge of the green for two with Nigel sitting 10ft away from the pin after hitting a great shot in only to proceed to miss his putt!
So the match ended on the 11th with Rowly winning by 8 and 7.
Very well done Rowly!
Meanwhile, Molly Moore won her second Ladies' Club Championship title with some wonderful golf to beat defending Champion, Louisa Goff, also by 8 & 7.
2019 MASTER of MASTERS - Friday 26 July
Chris Cooper, who recently won the Marshall Stocker Bowl, continued his good form to post an impressive 41 points to win the coveted trophy and beat Shrewsbury's SHUGC second team Captain Nick Evans by 4 points. Impressive play indeed!!!
Click image for full results
PRESIDENT’S DAY - 27 May 2019
Hawkstone’s trio of proud President’s Day winners with their Putter Trophies!
Overall Winner - Robin Gemmill 39 pts
Men Division 1 Stewart Mills 35 pts
Men Division 2 John Hampson 37 pts
Seniors Barry Roylance 41 pts
Ladies Gina Chesters 33 pts
Juniors Tom Welch 32 pts
Click on image to view pics of the day
SENIORS & LADIES CANADIAN GREENSOMES - 23 May 2019
The Seniors Section are sure that the Ladies enjoyed the match as much as they did and it is hoped that the function will be repeated soon and certainly next year!
1st Kath Gleave & Dave Robson 66 4
2nd Elaine Brown & Allan Pilkington 67.8
3rd Cheryl Greaves & Dave Samuel 71.0
4th Molly Moore & Lawrence Ellerby 72.4
2019 CAPTAINS’ AWAY DAY
On Friday 10 May @ Vale of Llangollen
36 members enjoyed a day of "mixed" spring weather on a course in excellent condition.
Men 1st Mike Powell
Men 2nd Barry Roylance
Men 3rd Richard Aston
Ladies 1st Nicola Jones
Ladies 2nd Louisa Goff
Ladies 3rd Cheryl Greaves
Men Best Front 9 Robin Mackness
Ladies Best back 9 Sharon Jones
Hidden Pairs 1st Ian Balmforth & Nick Rothwell
Hidden Pairs 2nd David Morris & William N'Cube
Nearest the pin - Ladies 18th Nicky Jones
Nearest the pin - Men 18th Richard Aston
Men 1st Mike Powell
Men 2nd Barry Roylance
Men 3rd Richard Aston
Ladies 1st Nicola Jones
Ladies 2nd Louisa Goff
Ladies 3rd Cheryl Greaves
Men Best Front 9 Robin Mackness
Ladies Best back 9 Sharon Jones
Hidden Pairs 1st Ian Balmforth & Nick Rothwell
Hidden Pairs 2nd David Morris & William N'Cube
Nearest the pin - Ladies 18th Nicky Jones
Nearest the pin - Men 18th Richard Aston
2019 AWAY DAY PICS
Click on the image of Nicky to view
2019 CAPTAIN’S v PRESIDENT’S MATCH - 28 April
A closely fought match ended in the first ever tie with 7 1/2 games each!
So since the match was first played in 1996 the President’s team still only have one victory to their name which was secured under Richard Jones-Roberts’ Presidency!
Pictured is Captain “DDV” announcing the result after an excellent meal in the hotel.