Links Golf Club to Incorporate - In this issue - Links Golf Club (Newmarket)
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September 2021
In this issue
Editorial ........................................... 1 Seniors’ & Juniors’ News .................. 6
Men’s News ..................................... 2 Out on the Course ............................ 7
Ladies’ News ................................... 3
Links Golf Club to Incorporate
At an Extraordinary General Meeting of the members of The Links Golf Club, Newmarket,
on Wednesday 1st September the motion to incorporate the club as a Company Limited by
Guarantee was approved with 93% of the members present voting in favour.
This successfully brings to a close 18 months of hard work by Eddie Clark and his working
party, comprising Phil Neal, James Greenall and Jess Hendry-Liano, to investigate, prepare
and present the case for incorporation to the members. There will now be a second phase
of work reviewing the existing Club Rules which will be updated to work in tandem with the
Company’s Articles of Association to maintain and protect the status quo of the rights of
members whilst conforming to the legal requirements of the Companies Acts.
The legal work, including transfer of our lease, will be handled by Richard Murrall of Pelly’s,
solicitors, with the aim of holding the First General Meeting of the Company in tandem with
the Club’s Annual General Meeting on 3rd November, the intention being for The Links Golf
Club (Newmarket) Limited to commence trading on 1st January 2022.
Bunker Rakes and Divot Mix
Since the final relaxation of COVID-19 related rules which allowed us to reintroduce bunker
rakes on the course, their use by players has noticeably declined compared to pre-COVID
standards. In common with a majority of courses the heavy rainfalls that have been
experienced on a regular basis this summer have had an effect on the levels and
compaction of the sand in bunkers. However, a lack of thorough raking by players
significantly compounds the situation and adds to the frustration of those following behind.
We would like to remind you that leaving a bunker as you would wish to find it, even if that
includes raking out someone else’s footprints, is a major element of on course etiquette.
Please do your best to ensure that you and your playing partners adhere to it.
On a similar note, boxes containing divot mix have now been reinstated on the par 3 tees
for you to fill divots created by your tee shots. Again, please not limit yourself to filling your
own divot. If only half of players fill their divot plus one other then they would all get
repaired.
Remember, it’s your Golf course. Please look after it.
For all the latest news and announcements follow @linksgolfclub18 on Twitter
THE LINK Page 2
September 2021
Men’s News
Wow, August is always one of the busiest month’s in any Captains year, and this past one
did not disappoint. It did always involve our Men’s section and I have to say a great “Thank
you” to all involved.
1: Our first match in August was a Mixed at Home against Stowmarket and, despite some
very good golf being played, resulted in a 4-2 loss. I must thank all who made such a great
effort on behalf our club.
2: Our planned Men’s Match at home against Mill Hill was cancelled at their request for this
year. I must again thank all who had agreed to be part of the Links GC team. I’m sure it was
a disappointment to all.
3: On the 12th the always well attended Pro Am Event was held at the Links. I was
supported by Head Professional John Sharkey, Vice Captain Eddie Clark and member Mark
Conen. We did not end up with enough points to be in the prizes, though!!! However, it was
a great day for all of the players. Gratitude must not only go to all who attended, but also to
our fantastic F&B team who kept us well fed and watered after the round.
4: On the 13th we fielded a Mixed Team against Ely City Away. Always a very tough fixture,
this year was no exception as the result was another loss but actually more of a beating at
51/2-1/2 . I know the team put up a valiant effort, though. Thank you all.
5: On the 14th we played our Men’s match against Flempton at Home, which again is a
tough fixture. This year, though, we recorded a very creditable 2-2 draw
6: On the 29th our last Men’s match in August was against Saffron Walden away which yet
again resulted in a 4-2 loss. The team had a good day though and were well looked after by
our hosts.
With the recording of more losses than wins in the month in the friendly matches, I must
now congratulate two of my Team Managers on some splendid results:
1: Lee Allen who at the last moment appointed Dan Knight as the day’s Captain who then
led the Scratch Team to a win. This result meant they were the winners of the entire Scratch
League with games to spare. Well Done Dan and of course the team, my thanks to you all.
2: The Final of the CAGU Senior Men’s KO Competition was a 2 legged affair between the
Links GC and St Neots. We were home for the first leg on the 16th and away on the 27th.
It was a very competitive match in both legs, with some inspired pairings by Team Manager
Jack Alletson allowing good scores to be recorded resulting in a Trophy Win for The Links.
Brilliant Jack and of course the teams as well. Well done all.
As usual I appreciate all the efforts of our teams of Greenkeepers, F & B and Office staff in
supporting us in making The Links a club members and guests want to come to. Thank you
to all.
Enjoy your Golf, stay safe and look out for Social Events, Match details etc during
September.
Mike Panes - Men`s Captain 2021
For all the latest news and announcements follow @linksgolfclub18 on Twitter
THE LINK Page 3
September 2021
Ladies’ News
The Beginning of August saw a mixed match against Stowmarket at home. Much like most
of this summer the weather was very changeable a few showers didn’t dampen our spirits.
Mike and I played against Jonathon and Jude Brown who were great company.
Unfortunately the Links team came 2nd on this occasion.
The May Harvey Flag competition took place on 4th August. This is a medal round with a
difference where you add your playing handicap to the course sss 73 and keep going until
you use up all your shots, marking your finishing point with a flag. 23 Ladies took part in this
non-qualifying round. Congratulations to an in form Edie Douglas who made it to the 2nd
hole just past the first bunker. Incidentally Edie scored a gross 82!!! In 2nd place was Liz
Harvey who made it to the 2nd bunker on the left on the 1st hole. 3rd place was taken by
Linda White. Well played Ladies. Thank you to Mary Walsh for her help on the day
On Tuesday 10th August 22 Ladies joined me at Greetham Valley Golf Club for my away
day & night. The club has two courses and a hotel complex. I opted to play my favourite of
the two, The Valley course, which plays at 5595 yards and is a par 68 golf course. With
picturesque views and some spectacular holes across the valley, notably the 3rd, with its
elevated tee and the finishing hole, the 18th, with an elevated tee shot over a beautiful lake
to a well protected green. Overall a lovely day and night was had by all. We had two special
guests David Jewell and Les Dalkin who made up the numbers.
The competition was an Am-Am with teams of 4, 2 scores to count on all holes. The results
were :
• 1st Mandy Manchett, Penny Hartley,
David Jewell and Les Dalkin 95 points
• 2nd Lynn Lambert, Jess Hendrie
Liaño, Jane Clark and Matty Dawson
• 3rd Carol Wigham, Irene Fretwell,
Teresa Locke and Di Parr
• NTP - 3rd Hole Chrissy Camplin
Winning NTP on 18 myself. I donated it as
“THE MOUNTAIN GOAT” award. This prize
went to Dawn Rahman who admirably
manually pushed her trolly round the hilly
Valley course. No mean feat. Well done
Dawn!
There was one more prize and that was awarded to my team Jane Monk, Teresa Dalkin
and Di Taylor. For bringing up the rear and winning a wooden spoon each for being last !
Thanks for all the laughs girls. Such fun!!
I had the honour of presenting the prizes alongside Men’s Captain Mike Panes at the Pro-
Am event on 12th August. Home players did very well indeed and saw a team win for Jonny
Sharkey, Ian Clark, Guy Westcott and Colin McNaughton with a 16 under par score. New
assistant Pro Dean Fairweather also had a good round and finished with a respectable +2 .
Former Links pro Richard Childerley, now of John O’ Gaunt, was in the prizes. Lovely to
see Richard back at the Links albeit briefly. Well done to all the winners.
For all the latest news and announcements follow @linksgolfclub18 on Twitter
THE LINK Page 4
September 2021
The much anticipated ‘Knees up on the Lawn’ took place on Sunday 15th August. A cloudy
but fine afternoon. We were treated to a lovely BBQ and salads cooked and prepared by
head chef Bodek. The entertainment was provided by the very popular ‘Cockney Sparrows’
a Modern day London classics band rubbing shoulders with music hall and war-time songs -
peppered with jokes and quizzes. We were provided song-sheets to sing along. Special
thanks to ‘Londoner’ Gerry Bangs who got all the Ladies up to perform ‘Knees up Mother
Brown’. A very enjoyable afternoon for all the Links Members and their families.
On Monday 16th August our Annodata squad played their 4th round match against the
Gogs A team on the challenging Wandlebury course. The squad Captained by Carol
Wigham were Marcella Tuttle, Jane Monk, Teresa Locke, Naomi Pilmer, Sarah Greenall.
A very tight match ensued with a tough Gogs team with home knowledge on their side. We
battled hard and unfortunately our 2021 Annodata campaign has come to an end losing 4.5
to 1.5
Many thanks to our caddies on the day and to all the players that have taken part over the
rounds. An extra special thanks to my Captain Carol Wigham, who organised and managed
the squad brilliantly. Let’s look forward to a successful 2022 !
A busy August continued with our popular Ladies’ Invitation day. Guests from 15 different
clubs joined us at the Links for a 4bbb competition with 2 best scores on all holes and all
scores counting on the 5th and 13th holes.
Organisers Jane Clark and Jenni Bradnam chose a delicious meal of Lasagne, salad and
garlic bread with a gooey chocolate brownie and
ice cream to finish of which we received excellent
feedback.
The ladies were greeted by Carol Wigham and Pat
Wallace on reception and Annie Sutton selling
charity squares. Our army of bakers both sweet
and savoury were out inforce and provided a
welcome stop at the halfway house where
volunteers Jane Clark, Annie Sutton, Avril Mathews
and Pat Wallace served up the treats. Thank you
one and all for your time and effort. Our events
wouldn’t run as smoothly if it weren't for our
volunteers.
Winners
• 1st Marcella Tuttle Sue MacMillan (Hintlesham Hall) Sarah Reardon and Rachael
Goldsmith (Halesworth) 89 points
• 2nd Naomi Pilmer Cherie Goludthorp (Lakeside Lodge) Teresa Dalkin and Margaret
Avory (Swaffam) 87 points
• 3rd Di Parr Ruthie Ashton (Ely) Mandy Manchett and Tina Forbes (Ely) on C/B 80
points
• NTP 9th for Guests - Sue Daines Smith (Thetford)
• NTP 12 for Members - Janey Readman
For all the latest news and announcements follow @linksgolfclub18 on Twitter
THE LINK Page 5
September 2021
On the 20th August Dean Fairweather and I welcomed European Tour player Masahiro
Kawamura and his caddy Paka to The Links. Masahiro had been playing at the Cazoo
Classic at The London Golf Club. In between his busy tour programme he had time to visit
the Links for some down time. Masahiro said he really enjoyed the Links and his favourite
hole was the 15th. Masahiro shot an impressive 67 and his caddy Paka a very solid 81.
Since then Masahiro has played in the Omega European Masters at Crans-sure-Sierre in
Switzerland, where a 6 under par total put him in 21st position, and the DS Automobiles
Italian Open where he finished tied 5th on 10 under. This coming weekend (9-11
September) he will be teeing it up in the BMW PGA Champonship at Wentworth so if you
are watching that on TV do look out for him.
Crans-sur-Sierre GC is on my bucket list, a beautiful mountain course with stunning views.
I certainly will be following Masahiros progress.
On Sunday 29th August our mixed team played at Saffron Walden. Unfortunately Captain
Mike couldn’t make this fixture. Instead I had the pleasure of playing with super sub Peter
Mansfield. Myself and Peter had a very cordial round with Captains Mark and Lynda. It’s a
shame our golf didn’t match! I absolutely couldn’t get the greens. The normally slick greens
were running slow due to course maintenance. However, I can’t blame that for my atrocious
performance. Thank you to all of our team and Eddie and Di for their organisation. Alas, we
lost 4-2.
And on a final note, the Jarvis Trophies were played for in our usual
Bank Holiday Mixed competition. This time it was a greensomes
format. On a chilly breezy day there were some excellent scores.
Winners on countback with 43 points were Wayne and Karen Cook.
In a close 2nd place were Steve and Liz Harvey. Well done!
Happy Golfing!
Naomi Pilmer - Ladies’ Captain 2021
For all the latest news and announcements follow @linksgolfclub18 on TwitterTHE LINK Page 6
September 2021
Seniors’ News
Again I stress the Seniors’ section is open to any male member of the club over 60 (soon
to be 55 to pull us into line with other clubs)
As our programme draws to a close we have the following events left – our away Day at
Lakesdide Lodge Pidley on September 21st - a three club competition on 1st October - a
match against Stowmarket on 11th October - a match against the ladies on 14th October –
the Seniors’ dinner on Tuesday 19th October and the all winter Carousel competition every
Friday from 1st November (for details ask Stuart Axcell).
If you are holding back because you have a high handicap think again. In fact of the
eighteen (so far) going to Lakeside Lodge no less than eight are new to seniors’
competitions, two of whom have handicaps in the 40’s and they are more than welcome.
Roll Ups are in the process of being evaluated and at present a decision hangs in the
balance - more on this anon.
Despite all efforts to change perceptions regarding the senior section at a meeting held last
week to discuss tee times, roll ups etc I was distressed to hear it mentioned that some
members still see the seniors as a club within the club. You might not want to get up at
seven but there is another roll up at 9.30 and matches, dinners etc are open to everyone
provided you are old enough so get yourself on our mailing list.
Charles Smith, Seniors’ Captain 2020/21
Junior’s Report
The young players at The Links Golf Club have continued to shine on the County, Regional,
National and even International stages this month.
Tyler Weaver and Teddy Hall had great performances in the English Boys Amateur
Strokeplay Championship for The Carris Trophy, coming 12th and 19th respectively in a
field of 144.
Teddy also had excellent showings in the R & A Boys Amateur Championship, making it to
the last 16 in the matchplay section, and in the Peter McEvoy Trophy, coming 17th.
Junior Captain Theo Morris, meanwhile, travelled to Ireland for the Flogas Champion of
Champions Junior Invitational where he won the Under 15 Boys category. Theo also came
second in the Midland U14 Boys County Championships, representing Cambridgeshire and,
closer to home, won our own Junior Open Scratch Cup.
Harry Paramo has been competing in his first British Junior Golf Tour events at the age of 6,
coming 3rd in his age group at Royston recently. A star of the future.
Finally, Harry O’Shea heads off to college in the USA on a golfing scholarship shortly,
COVID restrictions permitting.
All of these youngsters are a tremendous credit to themselves, the club and the sport of
golf. Well played all.
For all the latest news and announcements follow @linksgolfclub18 on TwitterTHE LINK Page 7
September 2021
Out on the Course
Head Greenkeeper’s Report, September 2021
Over the last few months there have been many competitions and lots of golf being played.
The golf course has stood up well to this, partly helped by the cooler temperatures and
more rainfall than in previous years. This report will focus on the work achieved and the
work planned for the months ahead.
Greens
On a monthly basis liquid fertilizer, seaweed wetting agents and growth regulator have been
applied to the greens. This is to keep the nutrient levels in the soil topped up for the health
of the grass. Due to the daily cutting and removal of the grass clippings additional nutrients
are required to supplement the existing levels in the soil.
The edges of the greens have been pencil-tined, where growth and coverage are poor. The
edges of the greens become more compacted with tree canopy and roots starving the areas
of sunlight, water, and nutrients. The spiking aids the water in percolating through the soil
and encouraging deeper rooting of the grasses.
The greens have been cut daily through the growing season and rolled after cutting much
more frequently this season. This is to speed up the greens and improve the ball roll. This
has proved to be successful and a practice that will be continued through the growing
season next year. In Winter, the greens will be either hand cut, rolled or cut with a triple
mower depending on the weather, reduced temperatures, and daylight hours. Additional
factors to the cutting of greens are the clearing up of debris from leaves, twigs, and worm
casts when required.
Next year the greens will be top dressed more often with a very light dressing. This will
smooth out the surfaces, making the ball roll more consistent and improve the long-term
health of the greens soil structure to optimize fine grass growth.
Tees
The teeing areas have stood up well to play this year. The application of a spring slow-
release granular feed has maintained good growth throughout the year. The tees have been
divotted and overseeded on a regular basis. Next month they will be scarified, top dressed
with a sand soil mix and overseeded with a dwarf ryegrass/fescue mix.
The two teeing areas that have and always show the most wear are the 9th tee and 12th
tee. This is mainly due to the high number of short iron shots being played and therefore the
higher number of larger divots being taken. In the Autumn there will be construction of an
additional tee on the 12th hole and a considerable enlargement to the teeing ground on the
back tee of the 9th hole.
Fairways
The fairways have improved a lot this year. The overseeding and fertilizing the last few
years has now greatly improved the grass coverage. The height of cut has been raised and
kept slightly higher to help withstand drought stress. The fairways have been cut with
lighter, smaller mowers to reduce wear and give a better striping effect. The weather has
helped the fairways massively this year with the lower temperatures and more rainfall.
For all the latest news and announcements follow @linksgolfclub18 on TwitterTHE LINK Page 8
September 2021
Over the next month when the weather is dry the fairways will be scarified and debris
collected, feeding the fairways that require it when rainfall is expected.
During late Autumn/Winter the fairways will be verti-drained to improve soil structure,
allowing improved rooting and water percolation to the roots, this is all focussed on helping
the grass withstand extreme weather conditions.
Bunkers
This is one area of the course that the heavy downpours of rain over the last few months
hasn’t helped. The very high number and size of bunkers at The Links produces a lot of
maintenance, this year more than ever. The sand has been washed from some bunkers by
the heavy rainfall, which has also meant a higher growth of weeds and grass around the
edges.
The bunkers are currently being weeded, edged, de-stoned and topped up with sand. This
is starting with greenside bunkers then moving on to fairway bunkers, so far in the last
month 40 tonnes of sand has been used with another 20 tonnes arriving next week. The
maintenance to the bunkers will continue as time allows with Autumn bringing additional
work of course maintenance and leaf collection.
Long Rough
The long rough will soon start to be cut and collected to tidy the coarser grasses, thin out
and then encourage the finer grasses to flourish. Our aim is to keep the long rough areas
but to produce a thinner sward of finer fescue grasses, keeping the appearance but making
finding a ball much easier!
Course Maintenance
In September course maintenance will be carried out for 3 days, this is to the greens, tees,
fairways, aprons and rough. Some of the work can be started early to areas causing little
disruption to general play, while the greens will be given an intensive treatment over the 3
days closing half the holes each day. Work to be carried out:
Greens
• Granular fertilizer applied two weeks prior to work to speed recovery from
maintenance.
• Deep scarification in two directions to remove thatch, reduce organic matter, improve
water reaching deeper down to encourage deeper rooting.
• Scarified grass clippings to be blown off and a medium sand top dressing applied,
brushed and overseeded with fescue/bent grass mix.
Tees
• Scarified twice, collected, then top dressed and over-sown with a dwarf ryegrass/
fescue mix.
• Granular fertilizer applied after scarifying.
Fairways
• Scarified with the vee mow scarifier units, collected with the Amazone collector.
• Fertiliser applied afterwards to weak areas of growth when rainfall is imminent.
For all the latest news and announcements follow @linksgolfclub18 on TwitterTHE LINK Page 9
September 2021
Aprons
• Scarified, top dressed and fed with granular feed at the same time as tees.
In addition to this maintenance there will be spiking across various greens, aprons,
fairways, and tees with various thickness of tines at varying depths to improve the structure
of the soil and reduce compaction. A penetrant wetting agent will be applied, and selective
herbicides used only where really needed. This maintenance is important for the health and
quality of the grass growth on the course. There may be some disruption to the playing
surfaces in the short term to help the course in the long term through the winter and into
next year.
Thank you again for your patience as we carry out these necessary tasks to keep improving
the standard of the golf course.
Simon Corrigan
Head Greenkeeper
For all the latest news and announcements follow @linksgolfclub18 on TwitterYou can also read
