|
Prudhoe Golf Club has developed an outstanding reputation for
producing golfers of the highest quality. So
much so in fact that the Club took the decision in 2005 to adopt the title of
‘The Home of Champions.’ This
is no idle boast as demonstrated by the 148 honours below, 7 of which have been captured in 2007.
A
Summary of the Roll of Honour
National Championships
- 29
Selections for England
- 43
Northern Championships
- 6
County Championships - 35
Other County titles
- 28
League Championships - 7
A selection of the players who have contributed to this
impressive Roll of Honour are:
Neville Dunn started the trend back in
1951 when he won the British Boys Championship.
David Curry won the British Amateur
Championship in 1986 giving him the opportunity to play in both The Masters and
The Open. He was selected for
England including the Walker Cup team and went on to be a European Tour
professional for many years.
Janet Soulsby won the British Women’s Amateur
Championship and the British Stroke Play Championship.
She was selected for England including the Curtis Cup team and also
became a regular on the ladies European tour.
Shaun Philipson won the British Mid Amateur
Championship in 1997, having reached the last 16 of the British Amateur
Championship earlier the same year and was selected for England.
Shaun is also the current holder of the course record at Prudhoe with a
nine under par 60 and is no doubt still slightly frustrated with the last hole
bogey that cost him a 59!
All of these players and many more have represented Prudhoe
at County level and won many County Championships. In the clubhouse lounge the Honours Board details the
excellent achievements of all the players over the years.
But just why does this comparatively little, yet picturesque,
course of less than 6000 yards produce so many great players?
The answer lies in a combination of the course, the focus on developing
junior golfers and the Club’s inclusive culture.
First of all,a short
course it may be but one which requires the better players to attack it to achieve a score necessary for maintaining and improving their
handicap. On the other hand,
average golfers and beginners can choose whether to play conservatively or
attack. The course has a reputation
for always being in great condition and the small greens well guarded by bunkers
are invariably fast, especially during the main playing season.
Secondly, over many years, the Club has always had a
successful strategy for developing its junior golfers.
Juniors are considered, along with all sections of the Club to be
important and a key part of the Club’s future.
David Curry’s oldest son James is ideally placed to
continue the tradition. In 2006 his handicap
is +3, is a County player and just tuned 18 years old.
The Club’s culture is one that members and visitors will
always remember. A good course in
fine condition and excellent clubhouse facilities are extremely important.
But when these are combined with a genuinely friendly, welcoming and
courteous atmosphere, where everyone feels a part, then you have a truly great
golf club – not just a Home of Champions but one which champions all of the
good things about the great game of golf.
Finally let us leave the final words to David Curry
“When I joined Prudhoe as an 11 year old, back
in the mid 1970’s, the course was very different from its present day layout.
However, the design principles are still the same – not over long and
always in the best condition but it is imperative to be accurate off the tee and
skilful on and around the greens. Also,
the majority of greens are raised and not very big.
So the key is to hit the centre of the green rather than go for the pin
– you’ll hardly ever have a long putt if you do.
It’s these requirements for accuracy with tee shots, with approach
irons and a good short game that produce so many good players.
This encourages the junior golfers too.
They can get somewhere near the greens in two or three shots and can then
rely on their chips and putts to make a score.
Look at the world-class players. Yes,
they can hit it miles but their short games are honed to perfection.
Prudhoe demands an excellent short game you can use anywhere and one
which will stay with you as your golfing career develops.
But don’t think all the holes are short.
Three of the par 3’s are challenging lengths and some of the par 4’s
are well over 400 yards long. The
other essential ingredient is the Club’s consistently dedicated support for
its junior golfers. Like many
before me and since, I received tremendous backing from the members.
That combination of the course and support is why Prudhoe has produced so
many great champions. I’ve been a
professional since 1988 but I still live in Prudhoe and play the course
regularly. I thoroughly enjoy both
the challenge of the course and the friendly people involved with the Club.
Following your round there is always a warm welcome in the clubhouse with
good food and banter! I would not hesitate in recommending Prudhoe as a great place
to play golf – a super golf course, great members and a 19th hole
to please anyone.”
To enquire about membership or playing a round of golf
Contact the
Secretary (Ian Pauw) or
Professional (John Crawford)
Tel: 01661 832466
|
