Mens Team News
2020 Season
Quarter final of the North Durham 5 man knockout v Washington (home)
A tough game against Washington who were promoted last season with Houghton.
The young guns went out first Houghton’s club champion v Washington’s club champion (Dan v Duran) top quality game and a halved match.
Next up Dave Pringle , Dave fought hard however lost on the night 2&1 to Anthony Black who had to play under par to win.
Mister dependable Derek (dipper) Goldsmith had a great win 4&3 never put a foot wrong .
Greg Southwick at number 4 came back from 2 down after 8 with a fine run of birdies to run out with a comfortable 4&3 win .
That left Sean Foster needing a half to secure Houghton’s passage to the semi’s . Sean duly delivered with a 3 &1 victory.
Thanks again to all the members who came along to support the team and Washington who were gracious in defeat.
We await the semi final draw.
Ian Baxter
Captain
Tuesday 22nd June
North Durham league knockout round 2 v Whitburn (home)
Great night for playing golf and the team were again well supported by our members.
For the 3rd game in succession it finished 3-2 this time in our favour.
Dan Ellison inflicted the dog licence on his opponent winning 7&6. Derek (dipper) Goldsmith also won 2&1 and 2 halved matches by Dave Pringle and Sean Foster secured the victory meaning we are now into round 3 .
Well done team
Ian Baxter – Captain
Saturday 20th June
Team v Wynyard (home) – Clark Cup
The sun was shining and the golf course was looking very tidy thanks to all the hard work the green staff and member volunteers have contributed.
Dan Ellison gave the current Durham County stroke player champion Jack Ainscough who plays off a plus 4 handicap a great game taking him to the 18th before being narrowly defeated . It was a similar story for Sean Foster who also lost on 18 despite being under par.
However it was better news for Greg Southwick and Dave Pringle who both won by a score of 2&1 .
The game was tied at 2-2 leaving John Ellison to go down the 19th after coming back from 3 down after 12. John pushed his tee shot on the extra hole and the ball was not found meaning wynyard had won 3-2.
Although disappointing we should take heart in our defeat , Wynyard had fielded a full team of players playing off plus handicaps.
Great effort lads
Ian Baxter
Club Captain
The cut area around those bushes not the swing!
Great to see Greg Southwick back playing team golf
Tuesday 9th June
North Durham league 5 man knockout v City of Newcastle (Away)
The team started their defence of the trophy ironically against the same team away in the 1st round as last year . Again we triumphed by the same score 3-2 .
Our club champion Dan Ellison led the way with a comfortable 4&3 win , Sean Foster also had a resounding victory . Our third point was secured by 2 halved games from Dave Pringle and Derek Goldsmith, Derek battled back from 3 down .Finally John Ellison narrowly lost however we are through to the next round a home draw to look forward to against Whitburn .
The team was well supported on the night , i know it makes a difference to the lads to have you there.
Looking good in the new team tops
Many Thanks
Ian Baxter
Captain
2019 Season
Back Row Left to Right : Rio Jones; Adam Laidler; Ryan Mackie; Dan Ellison; Sean Foster; Derek Goldsmith
Front Row Left to Right : John Ellison; Dave Pringle; Lucy Elliott of Team Sponsors Elliott Westland; Dave Bryson ( Club Captain); Graeme Foster;
Missing-Ian Baxter (Vice Captain)
Congratulations to the Men’s team on winning the North Durham Knockout Cup beating Beamish Park yesterday at Hexham Golf Club .
FINAL of the NORTH DURHAM UNION KNOCKOUT COMPETITION.
HEXHAM GOLF CLUB
SUNDAY 25th AUGUST 2019.
The team. Rio Jones, Derek Goldsmith, Ryan Mackie, Ian Baxter and Sean Foster.
What a day. What a team !
Hexham Golf Club provided a magnificent venue for the final against Beamish Park Golf Club who had beaten current Clark Cup holders Heworth to reach the final.
In the early stages the matches swung one way then the other with no particular pattern emerging however Ian Baxter was the first to come good with a very good win finishing on the 14th.
Just prior to this Ryan was 3 down and struggling with his game however by the time he reached 14 he has turned things around and was now 2 up.
Derek then lost to put the match score at one all and Ryan completed an excellent comeback to put the match score at 2-1 up.
However in the other 2 games both Rio and Sean were one down.
Rio arrives on the 18th tee one down. His opponent hit a nice drive down the right side. Rio hits a magnificent drive down the middle. Opponent hits the back of the green with his second. Rio pitches up to about 8 feet. Opponent lags it up but Rio rams in the birdie put to half the match.
Crowd on the 18th tee go mad !
Match score 2 and a half one and a half to Houghton.
Sean heads down 15 still one down. Halves 15 so on the 16thtee still one down. However wins 16 to go all square. If he can keep it all square for the final 2 holes we win the match.
Off the 17th tee Sean hits the better drive but after 2nd shots opponent is handily placed at the back of the green and Sean has hit through the green with a very tough chip back which he hits 20 feet past. He then strokes in the 20 footer to half the hole. Wow !
18th tee all square with a half on the hole being good enough to win the match overall. Sean hits a magnificent drive almost reaching the greenside bunker. Opponent hits a good drive down the right hand side.
Opponent chunks approach only half way to the green
Sean chunks approach into the greenside bunker
Opponent then chunks approach into the same bunker.
Both play good bunker shots with Sean finishing closer. Opponent misses first putt and Sean holes his to ecstatic scenes from the watching gallery.
The final match score is 3 and a half to one and a half to Houghton.
What a day. What a team !
Thanks must also go to the magnificent team of caddies. Graeme Foster, Eddie Mackie, Geoff O’Hara, Ray Garden and Gary Jones and of course to the ever present Team Captain Manager, Jan Foster.
Congratulations also to Dan and John Ellison who both played for the team in the lead up to the final.
Congratulations to the North Durham Union led by Noel Warke and to Hexham Golf Club for staging a magnificent final.
And finally commiserations to Beamish Park Golf Club who were true gentlemen upholding the best traditions of the game.
MEN’S TEAM MATCH
AWAY at WHITBURN
TUESDAY 6th AUGUST
The final league game at unbeaten at home, Whitburn. A very tough night with a slender margin separating us from Washington in the battle for the overall league win.
In the end an 11-3 loss for us at Whitburn and an 8-6 win for Washington at Beamish saw us home by 3 points.
On the night at Whitburn there was a win for Derek Goldsmith and a half for Graeme Foster with a very tight loss on the 18th for Eddie Mackie.
Losses also for Sean Foster, Dave Pringle, Rio Jones and Ryan Mackie.
Jack Laidler, fresh from his win at the Tyneside Junior Open (best gross, 71 and best nett 66) was included in the squad for the first time
So the end of a great league season with the league win and promotion to the 2nd Division.
The team finishing with a 13 wins from 14 matches record in current handicap order was
SEAN FOSTER 2.0 , JOHN ELLISON 2.5 , DAVE PRINGLE 2.6 , DAN ELLISON 3.0 , RYAN MACKIE 3.2 , RIO JONES 3.6 , GRAEME FOSTER 3.6 , ADAM LAIDLER 4.6 , EDDIE MACKIE 4.6 , IAN BAXTER 4.7 ,DEREK GOLDSMITH 4.9 , JACK LAIDLER 4.9
Many congratulations to all the players and many thanks to the support team through the season particularly the caddies and to Team Captain Manager, Jan Foster.
In addition to team players who provided excellent support as caddies, regular caddies were Keith Purvis, Bernie Munroe, Gary Jones, Ray Garden and Geoff O’Hara.
The second division awaits.
Onward and upward !
Dave Bryson
Club Captain 2019
Final League match at Whitburn tonight at 5.00pm.
Support very welcome.
Also volunteer caddies even more welcome.
Hope to see you there !
FINAL HOME MATCH V GARESFIELD 30/07/19
Last night saw the final home match of a very successful season with the main objective of promotion to the second division being achieved with one game to spare.
The team won 12-2 with wins for Sean Foster, John Ellison, Dave Pringle, Ian Baxter, Ryan Mackie, Derek Goldsmith and a loss for Rio Jones.
The record currently reads played 13 won 13.
The two remaining league targets are to win the league and with a 100% record.
Next week the challenge will be to secure a minimum of 8 points at the currently unbeaten at home Whitburn. Support will be very welcome for that one.
Many thanks to the team support last night and throughout the season. In particular from caddies, Graeme Foster, Keith Purvis, Bernie Munroe, Geoff O’Hara, Eddie Mackie, Ray Garden and Gary Jones.
Special thanks to Team Captain Manager Jan Foster.
Thanks also to Wayne and the boys for excellent course preparation throughout the season, to Chef, Dave Stockton for the much appreciated post match meals and to Judith and the staff for the liquid replenishment.
Whitburn awaits !
Congratulations to Beamish Park on reaching the final of the North Durham Knockout Cup to be played at Hexham Golf Club against HLSGC at 1pm on Sunday 25th August. Hoping for a big turnout of supporters for that one !
Mens Team away to Ramside B, Tuesday 23rd July 2019. Another outstanding win(10-4) for the team off the blue tees at Ramside. Tremendous fighting spirit shown by the team in coming back when things looked bleak. Wins for Sean Foster, Dave Pringle, Rio Jones, Ian Baxter, Derek Goldsmith and losses for Ryan Mackie and Adam Laidler. 12 matches 12 wins. Excellent support provided by caddies Graeme Foster, Bernie Munroe, Gary Jones, Geoff O’Hara, Keith Purvis, Eddie Mackie, Team Captain Manager, Jan Foster and Chairman Jack. With two matches remaining, home to Garesfield and away to unbeaten at home Whitburn we lead Washington by 9 points with 28 points still to play for. If we can get 20 points in the final 2 games we can guarantee winning the league. All support would be welcome next Tuesday at home to Garesfield.
MEN’S TEAM v CONSETT SEMI FINAL of the NORTH DURHAM KNOCKOUT CUP A brilliant win for out team against a strong Consett team vying for promotion in Division 2. Wins for Derek Goldsmith, Rio Jones, Dan Ellison, and Sean Foster. Ian Baxter agreed to a half when the match was already won but decided to play down 15. He then slam dunked a hole in one (his 3rd) and then very kindly bought both teams a drink in the bar. The final of the North Durham Knockout Cup will take place at Hexham Golf Club on Sunday 25th August. First tee time 1.00pm. It would be great to see a large Houghton support at the final. The other semi final between Beamish and Heworth takes place on Wednesday.night.
Home to Beamish Park Tuesday 16th July. Congratulations on another team win by 8 points to 6 with wins for Sean Foster, John Ellison, Dave Pringle, halves for Derek Goldsmith, Dan Ellison and a loss for Ian Baxter and Adam Laidler. The team now lead the league by 8 points with 3 games remaining. The next league match is away to Ramside on Tuesday 23rd July. Many thanks to caddies, Graeme Foster, Keith Purvis, Bernie Munroe, Ray Garden, Geoff O’Hara and Rio Jones. Special thanks to Team Captain Manager, Jan Foster. A reminder that on Friday at 5.00pm the team host Consett in the semi finals of the North Durham Knockout Trophy.
MENS TEAM AWAY to RYTON Tuesday 9th JULY The 10th match of the season and an excellent 10th win for the team at a tricky away venue. Wins for John Ellison, Ian Baxter, Derek Goldsmith, and Dan Ellison. A half for Rio Jones and first losses for Sean Foster and Dave Pringle. So a 9-5 win away from home would normally be an excellent result however Washington won 13-1 and so have gained 4 points on us on the night reducing our lead to only 12 points. With 4 games remaining we lead Washington by 12 points and theoretically they could score 56 points in the remaining 4 games. To guarantee us winning the league at this stage we need to score 45 points in our last 4 games. Our next league game is at home to Beamish on Tuesday 16th July 5.00pm start. Please come along and support. Our team has also reached the Semi Final of the North Durham Knockout Cup (5 man team handicap) and will play at home to Consett on Friday 19th July.5.00pm start. Please come along and support that one too.
MENS TEAM at BIRTLEY Tuesday 2nd July. 
A ninth successive league win was achieved at previously unbeaten at home Birtley last night. Wins for Sean Foster, John Ellison, Dave Pringle, Dan Ellison a half for Derek Goldsmith and losses for Rio Jones and Adam Laidler. Many thanks to caddies Ian Baxter, Bernie Munroe, Keith Purvis, Ray Garden, Gary Jones, Team Captain Manager Jan Foster and to supporters. The team top the league with 9 wins from 9 games and sit 16 points ahead of Washington in second place. Next Tuesdays match is away at Ryton. In the semi final of the North Durham Knockout Cup the team have been drawn at home to Consett to be played by Sunday 28th July. The final will be staged on Sunday 25th August at Hexham Golf Club.
Durham County Mens Club Championship. 3 man scratch team. The qualifying event for this competition took place at Crook on Saturday morning. The top 12 teams qualified for the finals. Unfortunately we just missed out finishing 2 shots behind in 13th place. Scores were John Ellison (74), Rio Jones (76) and Ian Baxter (80).
North Durham Knockout Trophy 5 man team (handicap) On Friday night the team played in the quarter finals of the competition at Boldon. All did not go to plan when it was realised at a very late stage that Sean Foster was not going to make it due to work commitments. However despite the old man stepping in at the last minute and playing very badly the team still pulled off an excellent win with wins for Derek Goldsmith, Dan Ellison, Rio Jones and a narrow loss for Ian Baxter. The draw for the semi finals takes place on Tuesday night and the other 3 teams in the semi finals are Heworth, Beamish Park and Consett.
MENS TEAM REPORT WASHINGTON at HOME 25/6/19
At the halfway point of the season the top versus second clash. There were excellent wins for Sean Foster, John Ellison(having been 4 down at one stage), Dave Pringle, Rio Jones, Ian Baxter, Derek Goldsmith and a first loss for Ryan Mackie . 12-2 result. Many thanks to the caddie support from Keith Purvis, Geoff O’Hara, Graeme Foster, Bernie Munroe, Eddie Mackie and Gary Jones. Additional team support from Jan Foster much appreciated as always as was the support from Chairman Jack. Played 8 won 8 and currently lead the league by 12 points. The next league match is away at Birtley next Tuesday. Birtley are undefeated at home so far this season. The North Durham Knockout 5 man handicap team play at Boldon this Friday at 5pm.Team. Derek Goldsmith, Rio Jones, Dan Ellison, Ian Baxter and Sean Foster. The Durham County 3 man scratch Club Championship qualifier takes place at Crook on Saturday at 9.00am. Team John Ellison, Rio Jones and Ian Baxter Dave Bryson Club Captain 2019
DURHAM COUNTY GOLF UNION 3 MAN SCRATCH TEAM CLUBS CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER CROOK GOLF CLUB Saturday 29th June 2019 Tee times 9.00, 9.10 and 9.20. JOHN ELLISON RIO JONES IAN BAXTER The top 12 teams from Durham County will qualify for the Clubs Championships (36 holes)at Heworth Golf Club on Saturday 3rd August.
Match Report v Whitburn (h) 18/06/19 Houghton 10 Whitburn 4 The summer weather finally arrived on a beautiful evening at Houghton. The 18th green no longer resembling a fishing lake and the course in fine condition. Another great team effort wins for Sean Foster, Dave Pringle, Rio Jones, Ian Baxter and Ryan Mackie with narrow defeats for John Ellison and Adam Laidler. The support the team received again by members is much appreciated. We have now reached the half way stage in the season and the table looks like this :- Houghton 73 Washington 66 Whitburn 63 Ramside B 47 Beamish 43 Birtley 38 Garesfield 31 Ryton 30 Next Tuesday is Washington at home another big game. Ian Baxter – Vice Captain
MENS TEAM REPORT V GARESFIELD AWAY 11/6/19
Another great win tonight by 10 points to 4 at Garesfield. Particularly with Garesfield being a challenging course to play on and with some of the team not having experienced it before. The league record is now played 6 won 6. However the league system is based on points gained through individual results. As a result the league is still finely balanced with the second team, Whitburn only 4 points behind us. Interestingly we play Whitburn at home next Tuesday which will take us to the half way point of the season. Wins tonight for Sean Foster, John Ellison, Dave Pringle, Ian Baxter and Ryan Mackie with losses for Rio Jones and Derek Goldsmith. Superb caddie support tonight with all 7 players having caddies. Many thanks to Graeme Foster, Keith Purvis, Bernie Munroe, Gary Jones, Adam Laidler, Ray Garden and Eddie Mackie. Many thanks as always to Jan Foster for the excellent team support and the Bovril ! Dave Bryson Club Captain 2019
MEN’S TEAM REPORT HOME v RAMSIDE B TUESDAY 4th JUNE
The worst weather match so far with persistent rain and low temperatures throughout. So well done to everyone who braved the conditions, players, caddies and supporters. This was a very tight match indeed with 3 of the matches being halved and another going to the 18th. The match started well with good early wins for Dave Pringle and Rio Jones . There then followed a very tight period with 3 halves for Ian Baxter, Sean Foster and Ryan Mackie and a lossfor Derek Goldsmith. With the match score standing at 7-5 to Houghton only Dan Ellison was left on the course. The prospects were not good with Dan 4 down after 10 but only one over par. However the fighting spirit kicked in and he was back to level by the 18th tee. The approach shots to the 18thgreen were the key. Harry Etherington, Ramside hitting just to the left of the left hand bunker and Dan hitting a great approach pin high on the right side of the green but unfortunately by this time with a puddle between him and the hole. Harry hit a good approach but not dead. Dan was now faced with a tough putt through the puddle which he rammed in to win the hole and the match. What a finish. 9-5 to Houghton and still top of the league with 5 wins from 5 matches. Big thanks to dedicated caddies, Graeme Foster, Bernie Munroe, Norman Baxter, Keith Purvis, Ray Garden, and Eddie Mackie. Great support as always provided by Jan Foster. Finally everyone much appreciated the tremendous effort by Chef, Dave, in turning up to feed the teams following such a recent bereavement.
Men’s North Durham Team Championships Sunday 2nd June 2019 Durham City Golf Club
All 24 league teams turned up at Durham City yesterday for the North Durham Team Championships. 8 first division, 8 second division and 8 third division. Our team finished an excellent 5th equal ahead some much lower handicapped teams. Individual scores were as follows John Ellison 74 Derek Goldsmith 76 Rio Jones 77 Ian Baxter 77 Graeme Foster. Strong start to the season continued.
MENS TEAM MATCH REPORT HLSGC v BEAMISH PARK (A) 28/5/19
Possibly the best win of the season so far with an 8-6 away win at Beamish Park Without doubt one of the top hometown courses with many blind shots particularly off the tee. Wins for Rio Jones, Derek Goldsmith, Sean Foster and Dan Ellison and losses for John Ellison, Ian Baxter and Graeme Foster. Many thanks to the caddie support from Keith Purvis, Ray Garden, Dave Stockton and Sean Foster. Additional team support from Jan Foster much appreciated as always as was the support from Chairman Jack. The team lead the league with 4 wins from 4 matches and are currently leading the league by 7 points. Next match on Tuesday. Ramside B at home teeing off between 5 and 6pm. Why not come along and support. Dave Bryson Club Captain 2019
Clark Cup Match Report HLSGC v Wynyard GC (a)
5 man team Durham County Knockout. No halves are possible in this competition with each match continuing until there is a winner. Very tough draw away to last years runners up Wynyard. With very tight losses for Derek Goldsmith and John Ellison we needed to win the other 3. Vice Captain, Ian Baxter came in with a good win. Dave Pringle fought back with a great birdie on 18 to get the match level at 18 however a wayward drive on 19 cost him the hole. Sean Foster played a great match against Jack Ainscough, 2 years into a scholarship at Colorado State. The match was all square on 18 and 19 was halved so they decided to call it a half at that stage as the team match result was settled. Final result three and a half to one and a half to Wynyard but an excellent show from the boys. Thanks again to caddies Ray Garden, Keith Purvis, and Graeme Foster and to the team support from Jan Foster. Next match back to league action next Tuesday away at Beamish Park.
Team Match Report v Ryton (h) 21/05/19
Another very successful night with wins for all 7 payers. Sean Foster, John Ellison, Dave Pringle, Ian Baxter, Rio Jones, Derek Goldsmith and Ryan Mackie. Apparently a 14-0 win brings with it a special treat from the Captain and the record books are currently being scrutinised for a precedent. Great support provided by caddies Graeme Foster, Keith Purvis, Bernie Munroe, Michael Thomas Cowie and Eddie Mackie. Many thanks as always to Jan Foster for the brilliant support. Finally the team are really grateful to the number of supporters who are regularly turning out on these winter evenings. Next match away at Wynyard on Thursday in the Clark Cup. 5.15. Followed by away at Beamish Park next Tuesday in the league. The team currently lead the league with 3 wins from 3 games. 
Team Match Report v Birtley GC (H) 14/05/19 A great 13-1 team win at home to Birtley tonight takes the team to the top of the table as the only team with 100% record to date. Wins for Sean Foster, John Ellison, Dave Pringle, Rio Jones, Ian Baxter, Derek Goldsmith and a half for Dan Ellison making his debut for the men’s team. Many thanks to the supporters who turned up and particularly to the caddies, Keith Purvis, Graeme Foster, Ray Garden, Bernie Munroe, Norman Baxter and Ryan Mackie. Many thanks also to Jan Foster for general team support. The next match is next Tuesday at home to Ryton 5pm. This is followed by the Clark Cup match away at Wynyard at 5.15 on Thursday 23rd May.
Team V City of Newcastle 11/05/19
Another great away win for the men’s team. Drawn away to City of Newcastle in the North Durham Knockout Cup none of the 5 man team had played the course before. However a really good team performance with 4 of the 5 matches going to the 18th green led to an excellent 3-2 win. Wins for Rio Jones 3&2, Dan Ellison 2up, Ryan Mackie 1 up and very narrow losses for Ian Baxter one down and John Ellison also one down. Another great show of caddie support from Gary Jones, Keith Purvis, Eddie Mackie and Joanna Ellison.
Match Report 07/05/19 – George Washington (A)
Great start to the men’s league last night with a 9-5 win at Washington. Wins for John Ellison, Dave Pringle, Ian Baxter and halves for Rio Jones, Derek Goldsmith and Adam Laidler. Great team spirit shown by Graeme Foster who continued to play through the pain of an ankle injury. Many thanks to the caddie support from Keith Purvis, Bernie Munroe, Gary Jones, and Ray Garden. Dan Ellison also caddied having turned up as a reserve. Completing the support team was Jan Foster whose team/course knowledge is invaluable. Next match on Tuesday. Birtley at home teeing off between 5 and 6pm. Why not come along and support. Dave Bryson Club Captain 2019
Sunday 2nd June 1.00pm Tee Time
North Durham Team Championships @ Durham City. 5 man team. 4 to count. John Ellison Ian Baxter Graeme Foster Rio Jones Ryan Mackie Reserve Derek Goldsmith
HLSGC Drawn away to Wynyard in the first round of the Clark Cup. Match to be played by Monday 27th May
Warm up complete with two good sessions with Bradley and a very honourable draw away at Brancepeth. League campaign starts next Tuesday ..
HLSGC TEAM V WASHINGTON (A) TUES 7TH MAY 2019 1. John Ellison 2. Dave Pringle 3. Ian Baxter 4. Derek Goldsmith 5. Graeme Foster 6. Rio Jones 7. Adam Laidler Reserves 1. Dan Ellison 2. Ryan Mackie All supporters and caddies very welcome
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT
The men’s team for the 2nd round of the North Durham Knockout Cup (handicap matchplay) To be played at City of Newcastle on Saturday 11th May at 3.00pm.
- Rio Jones
- Dan Ellison
- Ryan Mackie
- Derek Goldsmith
- Ian Baxter
Reserves
- John Ellison
- Sean Foster
- Graeme Foster
Friendly Warm Up Match v Brancepeth (A) 26/04/19
Well done to the Mens Team following their warm up pre season friendly against the reigning Division One champions Brancepeth. The match result finished 4-4 with wins for John Ellison, Rio Jones and Dan Ellison and halves from Dave Pringle and Adam Laidler. Well done to the whole team {Sean Foster, Derek Goldsmith and Graeme Foster) and supporters.