Hello and welcome to this week’s newsletter.

I know Sarah has written a report about last night’s presentation and an email has gone out from the club congratulating her. I would like to add my congratulations and support for this too. In the two years that she has been here Sarah's contribution to the shop, the club and golf in the community, particularly development golf has been superb. She does it with expertise, passion and a smile on her face. Out of the two awards she was up for last night I'm pleased she won this one as I thought it was more personable and tailored to her and reflected what she's achieved in her time here.

As well as Sarah doing this I know I have other good staff here in Aaron and Fabian is settling in well and shaping up nicely too. All are a credit to their profession, to me, to the club and to themselves.

Slade November Meeting

It’s been a busy week on the course as you will see from the seniors report. On Wednesday the Slade met for the November meeting, 19 played and the course was presented perfectly for scoring with quick greens and no wind.

I played with Mike Price, somebody has to, against Tony Brown and Eric Fordham. The game got off to a slowish start with both teams on 11 points through five. Things then started to get going as Mike and Tony both got nett birdies on six, I then had three on the spin from the eighth as we nicked the front nine. Tony was not to be outdone as he birdied nine then stuck a three wood to three feet in two on the tenth. Eric then kept things going with a nett birdie on 11. What this meant was that we were both safe from the dreaded PPPP as we were averaging 2.5 points per hole, chance to relax and enjoy the back nine you'd have thought.

Mr. Price had other ideas as he birdied 12. Eric and Tony had the right plan as they blobbed 13 and only managed a point on 14. I managed 2 pars which kept us ticking along. Par in and we'd finish on 42 points, top end but little chance of winning unless we were really unlucky. Again Pricey couldn't help himself, after stinging a fairway wood (maybe slightly thin) to ten foot on 15 he then holed the putt for 4 points. Not content with that he nearly holed out from the fairway on 16 for another birdie. I parred 17 and Mike stuck his approach on the last to 3 feet below the hole. Thankfully he missed it but we had foolishly amassed 45 points. It was quite a game we had and despite their obvious stumbling on the back half our playing partners got to 40 points and we had 18 bits between us in the match.

Shot of the day goes to Terry Wilby. Having that day picked up his new PING irons he went for the all bets are off if I hit the clubhouse shot on 18. Having duly succeeded he then chipped in. What can I say, we take pride in our custom fitting and those new irons obviously go further as you wouldn't have hit the clubhouse with your old set! Well done Terry.

18 hole Alliance Stableford Competition

On Monday, 13 November 36 Seniors played in the 18 hole Alliance Stableford Competition. Each team of 4 players has 2 x sub 18 handicap and 2 x 19 to 28. The best two Stapleford scores for the first 9 holes count and the best 3 scores for the second 9 holes.

The Competition was won by - Bill Sandford, Barry Kingsley, Keith Willey and Nick Rouse with 90 points.

In second place was Tony Gomes, Chris Martin, Ian Hassall, and Roger Cowen with 89 points.

There was a prize for nearest the pin on the 18th which was won by Ian Hassall - he missed his birdie putt!

A good day was enjoyed by all.

Sarah Smith - Cambridgeshire Golf Awards

Yesterday evening was the Cambridgeshire Golf Awards, as you may know I was the only person to be kindly nominated for two awards out of the 5 in total, PGA Professional of the Year & Golfing Ambassador of the Year. This is the first year Cambridgeshire have held an awards presentation, supported by England Golf, CAGU, Cambs & Hunts Ladies and kindly sponsored by Encompass Safety Solutions.

The two categories I was nominated for were:

PGA Professional of the Year with the main criteria being:
‘An individual who has shown commitment and dedication over and above what is expected in their normal role as a PGA Professional’

And for Golfing Ambassador of the Year sponsored by encompass Safety Solutions, with the main criteria being:
‘A dedicated individual who has represented a group or organisation in an exceptional way both within and outside of the county’

I am very surprised and honoured to have won the Golfing Ambassador of the Year!!

A quote from my nomination:

Sarah has been an absolute breath of fresh air! She works brilliantly with local primary schools and coaches at the SWGC Academy. Her ability to motivate children and young people is fantastic. Sarah has boundless energy and is generous with her time well beyond the requirements of her contract. She has a tremendous impact on the ladies section; motivating, enthusing and improving both technique and mental approach. She has coached the ladies in a new initiative this year – a development squad for younger / higher handicap and new ladies. Their sessions are interactive, fun and they have all improved their handicap by as much as 29%. The ladies adore her! Sarah is always looking for new ways to improve and encourage. For example she arranged an evening with the Mind Zone for our squads and teams. A fantastic approach to the mental side of golf. I cannot recommend her highly enough for this award.

Blue Smile Charity

Saffron Walden Golf Club's Captains Gary Bonner and Melissa Jones were delighted to be able to present a cheque for £15,000 to Rebecca Wood from the Cambridge children's mental health charity Blue Smile. In addition the Seniors' section has raised an extra £2,000.

Course Management Lesson

As we see our first frosty morning at the Golf Club, we know that winter is soon approaching. Take hold of our 9 hole course management playing lesson offer which is only £60 for 9 holes with a PGA Professional! This is a great way to take what you may have learnt on the range to where you play all your golf. Learn about green reading, club selection and course management all in the 9 holes whilst playing alongside Rob, Aaron or Sarah.

To book just ring, email or pop in the Pro Shop - allow 2 hours for this lesson.

Refreshers Afternoon Practice Sessions @ Saffron Walden Golf Club

Are you looking to improve your golf skills throughout the winter?

Sunday, 10 December 12:30-1:30pm
Short Game Special!

Sunday, 17 December 12:30-1:30pm
Range Session- All Clubs!

The hour will be supervised practice session ran by PGA Professional Sarah Smith, for those who want to improve their game over the winter. During the afternoon your will be at the range having a swing analysis with video technology, using all your clubs!

It’s a fun afternoon, meeting new people, improving your game and you will be refreshed on the skills of improving your golf game.

To Secure Your Place, Maximum Of 8 In A Group:

Sarah Smith, PGA Professional’s Email- sarah@smithperformancegolf.co.uk | Telephone- 01799 522786

Junior Coaching Programme

Saturdays 10:00,11:00 & 12noon
18th, 25th November | 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd December

Sundays 10:00 & 11:00am
26th November | 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st December

6 Week Programme At Saffron Walden Golf Club

The first 5 weeks will involve learning, long game, short game, putting & skills based challenges. The final week includes an exciting competition!

Only £40 For 6 Weeks! £8 per session for roll up on the day.

Book Now To Secure Your Place, Maximum Of 10 In A Group:

Rob McNicholas, Aaron Howard & Sarah Smith, PGA Professional’s Email- rob@swgc.com | sarah@smithperformancegolf.co.uk | Telephone- 01799 522786