Burgham Park Ladies Member Sam Allen put in a fantastic performance at the Northumberland Ladies County Championship held at Bedlington over the May Bank Holiday weekend. Battling windy conditions and a strong field, Sam delivered two consistent rounds of golf to finish in an impressive 7th place after the 36-hole stroke play qualifier – a brilliant achievement at such a competitive event.

Her top-eight finish secured her a place in the knockout matchplay quarter-finals, which will take place on Bank Holiday Monday. Everyone at Burgham is incredibly proud of Sam for representing the club at this prestigious championship and we wish her the very best of luck in the next stage of the competition.

The Ladies Section competed for the Swartridge Flag Trophy in late May, with challenging windy conditions making for a tough but enjoyable round. In this unique format, players continue until they run out of strokes—calculated as par plus their handicap—planting a flag where their final shot lands.

It was a testament to the quality of golf on display that many flags made it all the way to the 18th green, with three players even returning their flags to the clubhouse. The winner was Captain Mandy Scott (left), who had an impressive four shots remaining. She narrowly edged out Angela Gawthorpe (middle), who finished with three shots left, while Cora Gray took third place with two.

Well done to everyone who took part and produced such fabulous golf.

Next up is the Ping Pairs competition—best of luck to all those entered

We love hearing great golf stories from our members, and this one is something special!

Gary Temperley was playing with the NEAS Ambulance Golf Society on Friday 16th May when something unforgettable happened on the 10th hole. Facing a slight headwind, he watched as his three playing partners all came up short. With a bit of local knowledge he'd already gleaned in his short time as a member (and a smart club choice), he pulled out a 6 iron, knowing how much the breeze can affect the shot on that hole.

“I hit it so sweet,” he said, “it bounced on the front edge and disappeared. I joked to the others, ‘I hope it’s not in the hole!’”

As the group walked up to the green, there was no sign of his ball. Expecting it to have run through the back, he was shocked when one of his partners peered into the hole and confirmed what they all hoped—a hole-in-one!

“It was such a shock. I’ve had one before at Longhirst in March 2020, but this one was special,” he added. “The lads all took their hats off and congratulated me—and yes, they gave me a bit of stick too!”

Gary addied “ I've not long been a member at Burgham, but I've had a great welcome, it’s like a family club—so friendly and welcoming. I’m so pleased I joined and this hole-in-one is the icing on the cake' .

We’re delighted to hear how welcome you've felt Gary, here’s to many more memorable moments out on the course for you and well done again.

Congratulations to Tim Bellamy, who scored a superb hole-in-one during a Seniors Friendly at Stocksfield in early May. Playing alongside his partner Mike Starkey, Tim stepped up to the 152-yard 3rd hole with the pin at the front of the green. Selecting his 8-iron, he struck a glorious shot. “We all watched it,” said Tim, “and Mike shouted, ‘It’s all over it, Tim!’ – and then it dropped straight in. We saw it all the way.”

Tim added, “There were high fives all round after I got over the initial shock. I’ve had a hole-in-one before, but didn’t see that one go in – so this second one was very special.”

Well done, Tim – a fantastic achievement!