There is much to welcome at most friendly of clubs
Dec 10 2009 by Tim Taylor, The Journal
Former Gosforth and Scotland rugby union player Duncan Madsen joined The Northumberland Golf Club near his Gosforth home five years ago. An ex-sports writer with the Evening Chronicle, he explains why he is enjoying retirement at the Park
OUR secretary at the Northumberland club Jamie Forteath is proud of reciting the club’s motto which runs as follows: “Golfers will go wherever they are welcome, members will stay where they are appreciated.”
Having enjoyed lengthy spells as a member of Morpeth, Newcastle United and Linden Hall, where I was captain, I feel reasonably well qualified to comment on whether the club lives up to those words of Jamie’s.
It does. Everybody who plays at the Park, and we have Alan Shearer, Steve Harper and Jonathan Edwards among our membership, is always given the warmest of welcomes.
This is a contradiction of its unfair reputation in some, dare I suggest, slightly jealous circles, as “an elitist snobby club.”
At this time of doom and gloom in the recession-hit golf club world, this is one North East club bucking the depressing trend and honing its game both on and off the course.
After securing its long-term future on our magnificent course at High Gosforth Park, the club has embarked on an ambitious plan to propel it into the 21st century, while at the same time exploding many of the myths which seem to have surrounded the club since the mists of time.
The first phase, recently completed, has seen a major extension to the main lounge, coupled with a total refurbishment and upgrading of the changing, shower and toilet facilities – all to a four-star standard.
