SOFT SPIKES ONLY FROM 1 MARCH 2012

In a new initiative to protect our fabulous facilities from heavy foot-flow, we will be operating a new ‘soft spikes only’ policy for golf shoes as of 1 March. Indoors and out, steel spikes can easily ‘scar’ greens or damage flooring – the decision to ban them has already been taken by thousands of golf clubs around the world and is commonplace at courses across the Yorkshire region.

Anyone reading this who would like to acquire new footwear for the forthcoming golf season should contact the Pro Shop on 0113 288 6000 – some great deals available while stocks last!

YORKSHIRE PGA MATCHPLAY AT WIKE RIDGE

In what is a tremendous honour for Leeds Golf Centre, the Yorkshire PGA has announced that each of the last four rounds (including the grand final) of its 2012 matchplay competition for professional golfers will be held on the Wike Ridge course during Summer and early Autumn.

This news is an incredible testament not only to the improving reputation and image of Leeds Golf Centre but also to the work that Brian Carr and his greenkeeping team have done on course preparation and maintenance. In a statement to Academy Manager and Head Professional, Andy Herridge, the Yorkshire PGA commented that Wike Ridge had been selected because of its forward-thinking attitude – we’re absolutely delighted and I’m sure you’ll all echo this sentiment too.

Spectators are encouraged to attend – for information, the matches will be held on Sunday 15 July (last 16), Weds 19 September (quarter finals) and Thursday 18 October (semi-finals and final).

2012 STOCK ARRIVING AT LGC PRO SHOP

Now in store are clothing lines from IJP Design (Ian Poulter’s label) plus hardware including Ping i20, Nike VRS irons & drivers and Nike Method putters, Luke Donald’s Mizuno ‘MP’ wedges and TaylorMade Rocketballz & R11S drivers at unbeatable prices. A host of incredible deals remain on 2011 ranges although stock is now in short supply.

Contact 0113 288 6000 for details or visit the Pro Shop, open 8am to 8pm seven days-a-week, for details or to reserve items.

NINETEEN BAR & GRILL GETS RAVE REVIEWS
Marking the first anniversary of Parklane Properties’ acquisition of Leeds Golf Centre, its superb new bar & restaurant – Nineteen Bar & Grill – is now open.

As the latest addition to our impressive multi-million pound transformation, Nineteen Bar & Grill is far from ‘just a clubhouse’. Boasting a newly-created menu featuring hand-crafted drinks, prime cuts of meat and fish, choice local ingredients and sumptuous home-made desserts, the new 100-seat restaurant offers an environment more typical of a city centre brasserie – complete with a vibrant atmosphere day or night.

Diners have already been arriving in their hundreds; with excellent feedback about not only the chic interior but the culinary proposition too, it would seem the new venue has a very bright and successful future ahead.
To reserve a table or enquire about hosting an event at Nineteen Bar & Grill, please call the new General Manager, Charlotte Mills, on
0113 288 6160.

LEEDS CORPORATE GOLF LEAGUE UNVEILED

News of the latest exciting initiative at Leeds Golf Centre was unveiled last week – the inaugural Leeds Corporate Golf League will see 16 teams from the professional services and property sectors competing for top honours in a unique round robin competition format on The Oaks par-3 course.

Utilising the highly acclaimed PowerPlay Golf format – where two flags are sited on each green (one ‘easy’ and one ‘hard’) – players use a modified version of the Stableford scoring system to try and avenge their opponents. By selecting up to 4 ‘PowerPlays’ during each match, competitors are able to score double Stableford points for nett birdies or better – the differences in strategies and outcomes often resulting in contests full of drama and suspense.

Leeds Corporate Golf League matches will be held fortnightly on Wednesdays evenings from May to August. For further information or to enquire about entering a team on behalf of your company, please contact Leeds Golf Centre’s Business Development Manager, Leigh Tasker, on 07590 950217 or by email leigh@parklaneproperties.com.

Further to our last newsletter two weeks ago where we announced a new ‘Intermediate’ membership for youths aged 18 to 21, we’re delighted to reveal an amendment to our former ‘Junior Oaks’ category and an end to speculation about the now defunct ‘Silver Card’ package.

By combining the former ‘Practice’ membership with some of the privileges offered to Silver Card customers, we have created a new low-cost membership package for occasional players who may also wish to frequent the Academy’s practice facilities. The new ‘Academy’ subscription comprises the following benefits at an excellent £149 per annum (no joining fee):

As some of you will know already, Parklane are celebrating its first anniversary of ownership here at Leeds Golf Centre and what a year it has been! Better golf courses, new car park, new landscaping, new Pro Shop, new swing studios, new changing rooms and WC facilities – and now the new Nineteen Bar & Grill!

This kind of investment really is unprecedented across the region in terms of golf course redevelopment projects – if you’ve not visited recently, we’re sure you’ll discover that the transformation is mind-blowing, especially when you consider that the club was more or less on its knees just twelve short months ago.

To mark the first birthday, we are opening up our wonderful facilities to the public on Sunday 4 March. Offering free golf on The Oaks, free range balls, free access to the TruSim Simulator and free 10-minute clinics in the Academy swing studios and driving range – not to mention a few free nibbles and drinks at the fabulous Nineteen Bar & Grill – there’s never been a better time to rediscover ‘The home of modern golf’.

The Oaks will be offered free-of-charge to new customers ONLY and tee times will need to be reserved in advance – the remaining facilities will be made available to visitors without the need to pre-book. Call the Pro Shop on 0113 288 6000 for information or to book!

This week’s report marks an exciting milestone here at Leeds Golf Centre as the main heavy machinery work kicks in on the course redevelopment – it’s wonderful to see the proposals becoming reality and to see the enthusiasm of our members and visitors.

In terms of general maintenance, we have been continuing with vertidraining the greens, tees and collars but also spraying greens to prevent Fusarium (as well as with a measure of iron sulphate and seaweed extract to help harden the greens). As we approach springtime, we’re working extremely hard to ensure that our putting surfaces rival other local clubs come the start of the season and this plan is very much on schedule weather permitting.

The process of reinstating all the fallen trees has almost drawn to a close and we now wait to see what the weather brings to establish the take-up of growth. Fingers crossed, the vast majority will have survived their journey and the strong winds around Christmas.

Being part of the transformation here is just fantastic and I’m sure all members and visitors will agree that the facility is now becoming one of the region’s best. Can I please ask for continued patience and cooperation as work progresses in all areas on the course – thanks very much in advance.

Brian D Carr
Head Greenkeeper

LEEDS GOLF CENTRE REDEVELOPMENT CONTINUES AT PACE

Less than three months ago, we revealed details of the proposed Wike Ridge championship course redesign; received with open arms and genuine enthusiasm by all that witnessed drawings of the stunning new layout, it gives us great pleasure to say that work is now underway!

Forming part of a £2million project to totally transform the entire facility, the Wike Ridge course redesign is very much the ‘jewel in the crown’. Many commentators have already indicated their belief that it will catapult the course into a different league of playability and engagement – a fantastic testament to the work of Jonathan Gaunt (course architect) and a number of Leeds Golf Centre staff that have contributed significantly to the design.

Works completed to date include initial preparation of the new fourth green and fifth tees, excavation works on a new pond protecting the sixth green and construction of a new pathway to the seventh tee. Watch out for a more detailed update to include the impact of changes to the overall design in your next newsletter!

PRO SHOP OFFERS
Priding itself on being more price competitive than any of its ‘high street’ rivals, the Leeds Golf Centre Pro Shop sale has been extended until the end of February! Visit now and enjoy huge savings across outgoing 2011 stock, especially on Cleveland wedges and drivers!

Even more excitingly, come and take a look at fresh-in 2012 stock from Titleist (bags), Footjoy (shoes) and Nike (VRS drivers/fairway woods and the all-new 20XI balls)…plus check out these ridiculous prices on the latest TaylorMade drivers (cheaper than Direct Golf!):

• New for 2012 model – ‘Rocketballz’
  MRRP £249, our price £189! 
• Latest evolution ‘R11S’
  MRRP £349, our price £289! 

Call now to reserve items on 0113 2886000 – or better still, pay us a visit (open 7 days-a-week from 8am until 8pm)!

Continuing the theme of great value golf, yet more superb packages have been announced for the month of February at Leeds Golf Centre’s tremendous Academy.

If like many Leeds Golf Centre regulars you’ve got children or grandchildren at a loose end during half term, why not book them onto the latest series of the renowned YMG programme hosted by Josh Hirst. The junior camp will take place daily between 10am and 3pm from Monday 13 February to Friday 17 February inclusive at a cost of £130 for the week or £30 per day – all standards of player are welcome although sessions are most appropriate for beginners and intermediates. Alternatively, Marilyn Brand will be available for private junior tuition during the week at a cost of £13 for half an hour. 

To mark the first anniversary of Parklane’s acquisition of Leeds Golf Centre, we are delighted to announce the opening of our superb new clubhouse bar & restaurant – Nineteen Bar & Grill.

Anyone having visited the facility in the last 12 months will have surely noted the huge impact brought about by the £2million transformation. Now, the Nineteen Bar & Grill is the latest significant improvement to capture the spotlight.

By extending and totally refurbishing the former Wike Ridge Inn, Parklane have created a fabulous 100-plus seat restaurant and coffee lounge to be enjoyed by members, visitors and residents of North Leeds alike. Far from being ‘just a clubhouse’, Nineteen Bar & Grill is positioned as a destination restaurant in its own right – one which those involved in the project sincerely believe will appeal to the wider community and not just golfers.

Nineteen Bar & Grill will commence full daytime and evening service from Thursday 16th February. A number of private events are taking place in the run-up to the formal opening – however, Ged Sugden and his new team will no doubt be delighted to welcome you thereafter to sample the newly-created menu featuring a wider selection of dishes and more competitive pricing.

Please support this fantastic addition to the facilities at Leeds Golf Centre – we look forward to seeing you there soon!