From The Ashes ...
Nov 4 2009 The Journal
THE phoenix is a beautiful mythical sacred firebird when near to the end of its life-cycle builds a nest of myrrh twigs then ignites - as the nest and bird are reduced to ashes, a new young phoenix is reborn to live again. Many years ago, the area around Bedlington in Northumberland was certainly reduced to ashes. And on what was once an ugly, filthy open-cast mining site, golf course architect Frank Penninck has delivered his own phoenix, a wonderful championship length golf course.
Penninck's dream has become a reality, the sweeping fairways and large undulating greens all combine to provide a top quality lay-out and a very fine test of golf.
Since profiling Bedlingtonshire Golf Club in 2006, the Club has made significant steps forward. Last year it purchased the course from Wansbeck District Council and embarked on a comprehensive clubhouse refurbishment programme. New ladies and men's lockers have been fitted along with a complete renewal of the cloakroom and changing facilities.
The improvements have also included the relocation of the club's administrative base to a new first floor office and the addition of a new boardroom. The clubhouse has been redecorated and an automatic fire alarm system and emergency lighting installed to comply with current legislation.
This focus on the clubhouse does not appear to have distracted the Club from its commitment to members to carry out an ongoing planned programme of course improvements.
These include the purchase of more buggies, new specialised machinery, additional tree planting, further drainage work and the creation of a new water feature designed to enhance the appearance of the course and at the same time encourage more wildlife.
There is certainly no air of complacency at Bedlingtonshire; its website is in the process of being replaced with a more modern, user friendly, interactive site and the Club is constantly looking to effect changes that will benefit members and visitors alike.
The club is conscious of the economic problems with which the game of golf is particularly exposed and it is attempting to add value for money for all golfers. It is actively trying to recruit new members; both those new to the game and those whose membership may have lapsed.
Like several Golf Clubs in the area, Bedlingtonshire has obtained Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) status. This initiative was introduced in 2001 and has proved to be of a real financial benefit to the Club, enabling it to receive, automatically, 80% relief on its business rates. Since joining the scheme the club has not experienced any interference from either the Local Authority or HMRC.
The club's two long serving professionals, Marcus Webb and Richard West, provide a valuable service to members and visitors with a well stocked shop and a coaching programme, using the club's excellent practice facilities, designed for seasoned golfers to improve their game and for players new to the sport to learn both how it is played and the etiquette of the game.
Last year the club achieved EGU Golfmark status and the increased coaching grant has provided additional coaching for the junior section - after all, they are the future of the club! In addition to the juniors, the senior and ladies sections enthusiastically participate in all county activities.
Visitors and golf societies are made welcome with competitive prices for both golf and catering.
The future looks bright for Bedlingtonshire Golf Club.
THE COURSE
At 6,813 yards from the back tees and with a par of 73, Bedlingtonshire is not short and in windy conditions it can be difficult but saying that, the course is generally flat and if you hit it straight, you'll score well
The opening two holes are par 5s, both under 500 yards and within range for the longer hitters. Avoid the fairway bunkers and the traps defending the greens and you should be walking towards the third tee level par or better.
