New Rules for 2017 

The R&A and the USGA last week announced the introduction of a new Local Rule to the Rules of Golf that eliminates the penalty when a ball is accidentally moved on the putting green. 

We all remember the shambles that was the US Open when Dustin Johnson's ball moved very slightly after he had addressed the ball. On the day nobody seemed to know the ruling and there was a debate on whether Johnson had impeded the ball. Johnson was left in the dark as to whether he was to get a penalty until after he had finished his round. This was not only unfair on the American but the other players who were competing around him, as nobody knew what the score to beat was. Johnson eventually was penalised but was far enough ahead to claim the crown anyway, but certainly not in the fashion he or anybody would have liked to have seen. This confusion in particular has led to this rule change so this sort of calamity will be avoided in the future. 

Hopefully the club will adopt this new local rule for next year (watch this space) 

Please click here to view a video explaining the new local rule.

 

Stenson European Tour Player of the Year 

Henrik Stenson, the reigning Open and Race to Dubai Champion, has been named The 2016 European Tour Golfer of the Year, receiving the prestigious annual award for the second time in four years. Stenson has enjoyed a magnificent 12 months on the global stage, winning the BMW International Open in June before lifting the Claret Jug less than a month later at The 145th Open Championship, becoming the first Swedish man to win a Major Championship. His epic battle with Phil Mickelson at Royal Troon will go down as one of the greatest duels in golfing history, with Stenson producing a stunning closing 63 - the joint lowest final round in a Major by a champion - to win by three shots, breaking the record low score of a Major Championship with a winning total of 20 under par 264.

Callaway Winner in Hong Kong 

Sam Brazel, a Callaway staffer got his first win on the European tour to finish off any incredible calendar year for Callaway. The 37-year-old had never previously finished inside the top-three of a professional event and came in to the week ranked world No 480, but upstaged a strong field in Fanling to claim a one-shot victory. Brazel birdied the last to card a four-under-68 and top the leader board ahead of Rafa Cabrera Bello, with victory giving the Australian the option of a two-year exemption on the European Tour. He is relishing the prospect of appearing more frequently on the European Tour in 2017 after a career-changing victory.

 

Ladies Competition 

On Tuesday the ladies played in their Christmas teams of 3 competition, in a 3-2-1 format. We are going to give a special mention to Jean Duncan, Linda Worsley and Lynne Cameron who managed 51 points but missed out on the top 3 on a card play-off. In 3rd place were Lindsey English, Pam Johnson, and Margaret Fairhurst also scored 51 and made 3rd place on the card play-off. A further 2 points ahead with a score of 53 points Myra Penkethman, Sue Bolam and Margaret Simons to come runners up on the day. But out in front with a great score of 55 points were Carole Riley, Linda Buckley and Elaine Fawkes. Well done to all the winners in the ladies competition.

   

Pennies To Pounds 

This is the last newsletter before Christmas so we thought we would give you some more ideas for your late Christmas shopping. Some great presents that we have in store are: 

- Balls 
- Layering Garments 
- Practice Bags 
- Waterproof Bags 
- Logo Gear 
- Lessons 

We have plenty more great gift ideas so just come to the shop and see what we have got!

 

Winter is here, the clocks have changed and the temperature has plummeted. This means that any bad weather could bring limitations on the course. 

The best way to know whether you are allowed to use your buggy or trolley or just know what time the tee is free is online! All you do if you have facebook or twitter is go to www.facebook.com/prestbury.proshop or www.twitter.com/PGCProShop to find out the latest course info. Or, if you have a social media phobia you can visit my website www.nicksummerfield.co.uk  

Up until Christmas we are running a competition. Any new followers will be entered into a prize draw! The winner of the prize draw will win a brand new Cobra Bag! Remember, if you recommend a friend you are also entered so if you were to follow us then recommend 3 friends you would be entered 4 times!!

 

We also have a Click and Collect service available on my website www.nicksummerfield.co.uk 

With click and collect you can but items that I don't stock, for example the TaylorMade M1 driver is a popular club that I don't have in stock but is available on my website. 

You but it on my website and it will be delivered to the shop within 48 hours for you to come and collect. 

 

A Night with the Pro's 

As you probably all know at the end of January I do a night where I try to teach you all how to improve your golf, and have a bit of fun in the process. The night will involve a nice meal cooked by our resident chef, a quiz, a presentation (where I make you better golfers) and of course the prize draw. Tickets will go on sale soon and will be available in the shop. We are limited to 60 people and it is usually a sell out, so get down to the shop quick to book yourself a spot!

  

Denis Bain 

Finish off the unfortunate news that long time member Denis Bain passed away last week. He passed away suddenly at the age of 72 and was a member of the club for 33 years. Our thoughts are with his wife Kay and his family. Details of the funeral will be available on further notice.