You are viewing April, 2012

HEAD GREENKEEPER’S COURSE REPORT

Posted on: April 26th, 2012 by nathan No Comments

What a strange month April has been. After hinting at the potential of an early summer, Mother Nature has angered golfers across the country with a more-than-generous dose of April showers – torrential at times, in fact!

In light of the ongoing threat of drought this summer, recent rainfall has actually been very welcome. Yes, it’s delayed some of the Wike Ridge course redevelopment work a little – however, it’s definitely better in greenkeeping terms to have too much as opposed to too little of the wet stuff.

Soil temperatures on the greens are currently fluctuating between 6.75 and 8.5 degrees-Centigrade, largely due to the occasional overnight frosts and generally cool conditions throughout this month. In real terms, we need a steady soil temperature of around 10 degrees-C and above to promote steady turf growth – which of course results in good, uniform putting surfaces. We are now cutting greens to 6mm twice a week and turf ironing once each week – this frequency will increase as time and temperatures moves on.

Other planned works include a process of ‘chain arrowing’ worn areas – this involves roughing up areas of turf that have seen high traffic before overseeding and fertilising – as well as spraying greens, tees and collars for worms, turfing The Oaks’ tenth tee extension and slit tyning the greens. All of this – of course – is ‘weather permitting’!

At this point, may I please request that members and visitors kindly repair all pitchmarks and divots and remember to rake bunkers – this is good course etiquette and should be conscientiously observed here at Leeds Golf Centre. Hope to see you on the course soon!

Brian D Carr
Head Greenkeeper

NEWS IN BRIEF

Posted on: April 26th, 2012 by nathan No Comments

GOLF FASHION EXCLUSIVES AT LGC PRO SHOP!

Regular recipients of this email newsletter will know all about the quality on offer at Leeds Golf Centre’s impressive Pro Shop – however, many of you may not be aware that we have exclusive rights to sell several hugely-desirable golf fashion labels!

If you haven’t got your fix of the latest apparel yet, now would be an excellent time to visit – our shelves and displays are now complete with market-leading collections from:

  • IJP Design (Ian Poulter’s range)
  • Adidas Performance (mens only)
  • Lyle & Scott
  • Puma
  • Ivanhoe (ladies only)

Be the envy of your playing partners and make a statement on-course this season!

Aside from clothing ranges, the Pro Shop is now fully-stocked with the latest 2012 hardware models from leading brands such as Ping, TaylorMade, Callaway, Mizuno, Titleist, Nike and Odyssey. With Internet prices across the store, you won’t find them any cheaper anywhere in Yorkshire!

Visit us today or call 0113 288 6000 for a quote – we look forward to hearing from you!

Cobra Fitting DayCOBRA DEMO DAY – APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

Experience the awesome new Cobra hardware range at Leeds Golf Centre next month – and get custom-fitted to ensure your optimum performance on-course!

After the tremendous success of comparable initiatives in partnership with Ping, TaylorMade and Mizuno in recent weeks, Cobra is the next brand to hold a demo day at Leeds Golf Centre and we’re very proud to have them!

The event takes place on Friday 11 May between 3pm and 7pm. Custom fitting appointments are available at a cost of £20 (payable when making the appointment booking), a sum that is refunded if a customer purchases new clubs from Leeds Golf Centre within a fortnight of their session. Should you wish to buy, don’t forget that our Pro Shop even offers part-exchange against your outgoing gear – amazing!

Profiling the all-new AMP irons and ZL Encore drivers amongst other products, the event is sure to be well-subscribed – please contact the Pro Shop on 0113 288 6000 to book your 30-minute appointment.

LGC SPONSORS POLE POSITION KARTING LEAGUE

Leeds Golf Centre has agreed a sponsorship deal with local indoor go-karting operator, Pole Position Indoor Karting (PPiK), to support its forthcoming Junior League series.

Boasting Yorkshire’s biggest indoor karting arena at its venue on the outskirts of Leeds city centre (with a second site in Wetherby), PPiK has an excellent reputation for delivering quality racing. Regular customers include large businesses with corporate hospitality budgets, weekend break stag parties, small groups of friends and family and even individuals seeking the thrill of wheel-to-wheel action.

PPiK’s Junior League is the best subscribed series of its kind anywhere in The North – Leeds Golf Centre is delighted to have offered a course of six one-hour golf lessons to each of the six victorious drivers when they are revealed later this year.

For information on how to enter (please note, the series is only available to children aged between 8 and 15), contact PPiK Leeds by calling 08712 88 33 88 or visit the new ‘Junior League’ page of their website.

NEWSLETTER FEEDBACK…AND THE WINNER IS?

In last month’s newsletter, we offered a prize of discounted tuition and golf vouchers for those sending comments or feedback – the lucky winner is Leeds Golf Centre member, Anne Cunnington!

Anne made some excellent remarks regarding the continued hard work of our greenkeeping team in preparing the course despite redevelopment work. However, the prize was duly awarded for her plea to visitors in connection with their responsibility to repair pitchmarks and divots – an excellent point well made, Anne, thank you!

UPCOMING OPEN COMPETITIONS

Posted on: April 26th, 2012 by nathan No Comments

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For those that are not already aware, Leeds Golf Centre and Wike Ridge Golf Club are this year holding the first full series of open competitions in almost a decade thanks to unprecedented demand from Yorkshire’s golfing public. Indeed, with news of our incredible transformation spreading like wildfire, many are jumping at the opportunity to play the newly-defined course under tournament conditions – or simply just to be nosy!

The season kicks off with resident professional, Joe Feather, and his popular annual golf day on Sunday 20 May. An 18-hole betterball Stableford event with excellent prizes from Srixon (the winning pair both receiving a Cleveland CG Black driver worth £329), the day concludes with dinner and a charity auction hosted by Leeds Rhinos and England Rugby League player, Keith Senior. Entry is £80 per pair.
Download an entry form here.

Next up, on Jubilee Bank Holiday Tuesday (5 June), is the first round of Parklane’s inaugural Junior Masters Series. Open to all juniors aged 18 and below, the series of three events will be played in medal format over the full Wike Ridge championship layout. Nett and gross winners will receive prizes on each day, but the real scoop is on offer for the best aggregate scores (best 2 of 3 rounds) – complimentary tuition at the impressive LGC Junior Academy. Entries cost £10 per round or £25 for all three tournaments (remaining dates are Monday 23 July and Monday 13 August).
Download an entry form here.

Also just around the corner is our unique ‘Father & Child’ challenge on Father’s Day (Sunday 17 June). Open to all ages, this fun competition is a unique 12-hole par-3 competition on The Oaks costing just £15 per pair to enter and taking no longer than 2 hours to complete the round (so that others can enjoy some of dad’s time too). Finally – at least in this newsletter – is the Ladies Open on Thursday 5 July (another betterball Stableford event costing £30 per pair).
Download an entry form here. 

As with all Leeds Golf Centre open competitions, handicap certificates will be required for those finishing in the prizes.

For further information on any of the above events or to see the full schedule, please visit leedsgolfcentre.com/opens. You can download application forms for all events from here or contact the Pro Shop on 0113 288 6000 to have one sent in the post.

 

SPECIAL OFFER GREEN FEES IN MAY

Posted on: April 26th, 2012 by nathan No Comments

Continuing our theme of great value green fees to start the season at Leeds Golf Centre, we’re extending yet more special offers for pay-and-play visitors next month (May). The course redevelopment work is all but complete now but areas of ground under repair (GUR) remain in play – for this reason, we’re able to make a significant concession over our full green fee rates…meaning that you, our loyal customers, enjoy the benefit!

Weekday green fees are available from £15 per person (assuming a minimum of two players), whilst weekend slots are available for £80 per fourball or £22.50 per person. Why not be the first of your friends and family to see the incredible transformation of our Wike Ridge championship course? Or seize the opportunity to book an inexpensive tee time over the forthcoming May Bank Holiday weekend?

As our excellent 12-hole par-3 course (The Oaks) is totally unaffected by construction work, green fees here remain at the full summer rate of £10 weekdays and £13 at weekends.

These promotions apply until 31 May 2012 – call the Pro Shop on 0113 288 6000 to enquire further or to book!

EXPERIENCE THE FULL COBRA RANGE AT LEEDS GOLF CENTRE

Posted on: April 19th, 2012 by nathan No Comments

Experience the awesome Cobra golf range from AMP irons to the awesome ZL Encore driver at Leeds Golf Centre this May.

We are offering half-hour sessions to those seeking new irons and/or woods:

When: Friday 11 May, 3 to 7pm

Where: Leeds Golf Centre

Custom fitting demo appointments are available at a cost of £20 (payable when making the appointment booking) – in the event that a customer purchases new clubs from Leeds Golf Centre within a fortnight of their session, this sum will be refunded against the order.

Should you wish to buy, don’t forget that the Leeds Golf Centre Pro Shop even offers part-exchange even against our amazingly low priced clubs!

To book your 30-minute slot, please visit us or contact the Pro Shop on 0113 288 6000.

TWO-MONTH TASTER MEMBERSHIP NOW AVAILABLE!

Posted on: April 19th, 2012 by nathan No Comments
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Ever thought about joining a golf club but never quite took the plunge? This summer you can try two months’ full membership at one of Yorkshire’s best all-round golf facilities – Leeds Golf Centre – without committing to the expense of a full year’s subscription!

As with our conventional ‘full’ membership package, benefits include unrestricted access to both the Wike Ridge championship layout and The Oaks par-3 course (tee time availability permitting) plus great deals on tuition, range balls and the awesome FlightScope swing studios (not to mention enjoying the convenience of our gorgeous clubhouse bar and restaurant, Nineteen Bar & Grill, as well as our fantastic Pro Shop).

Join for May & June, June & July or July & August and enjoy all of this for less than an average cost of £20 per week for the duration of your trial membership period!

Please note, customers seeking to join as an annual member are advised that joining fees are still suspended (saving of up to £200) and that a pro-rata pricing policy is in place for the remainder of our membership season. This means that new members joining on 1 May will only pay 11-months subscription, 1 June will be 10-month subscription charge etc (all playing memberships are calculated with an end of March 2013 end-date).

Call 0113 288 6000 now or visit us to obtain an application form. Alternatively, email members@leedsgolfcentre.com to request one in the post. The final deadline for Taster Membership applications will be 30 June 2012 (relating to play in July & August).

T&C Offer applies to new members only, ie those that have NOT been a member at Leeds Golf Centre since February 2011. Taster Membership application can be made at any time, but start dates will be strictly the first day of month (membership period therefore ending on the final day of following month). Full payment must be made at the time of application. NB Taster Membership does not permit play in club competitions or receipt of an official Leeds Golf Centre handicap.

HEAD GREENKEEPER’S COURSE REPORT

Posted on: April 12th, 2012 by nathan No Comments
The newly turfed lake surround by 18th green

It’s been a busy few weeks for the greenkeeping team, with the long-awaited rainfall and generally milder weather contributing significantly to our programme of works but also the general appearance and preparation of the course.

Last week saw a fair amount of new grass seed going down, particularly on areas of the course that have seen most traffic during winter as well as the driving range. As mentioned previously, the rainfall helped this activity enormously – and the ‘knitting’ of newly-laid turf around our incredible new water features too.

This week, weather permitting, the greens will be getting their first application of fertiliser for this season. Essentially a spring/summer mix rich in iron, the treatment will help ‘green up’ the putting surfaces and promote growth providing the right weather conditions prevail. We also plan to fertilise the newly-planted trees – again, this will encourage strong and vigorous growth when the temperatures climb further.

In a first here at Leeds Golf Centre, we are soon to embark on ‘divoting’ the fairways – filling holes in common landing areas with a sand/seed mix to improve the appearance and reduce the likelihood of finding that perfect drive with a less-than-perfect lie. Can I please remind all members that replacing divots is essential if we are to maintain excellent fairways throughout the season.

Finally for this edition, you’ll perhaps be interested to learn that we have purchased a new Toro hand mower which will help enormously with the presentation and playability of our greens – especially when summer is in full swing. The height of cut is now set at 6mm but this will be lowered gradually over the coming months – putting practice will have never been so important for you all as the greens get faster and faster this year!

Thanks for reading – look forward to seeing you on the fairways sometime very soon!

Brian D Carr
Head Greenkeeper

NEWS IN BRIEF

Posted on: April 12th, 2012 by nathan No Comments

DEMO DAYS PROVE HUGELY POPULAR
After a fantastically successful series of demo days here at Leeds Golf Centre – where top brands including Mizuno, Ping and Callaway have profiled their new-for-2012 ranges – we are delighted to reveal early details for forthcoming events in May and June.

Offering half-hour sessions to those seeking new irons and/or woods, we have appointments available with manufacturer-approved custom-fitters as follows:

  • Cobra – Friday 11 May 
  • Cleveland – Friday 8 June 
  • Mizuno – Wednesday 20 June 

Appointments are available at a cost of £20 (payable when making the appointment booking) – in the event that a customer purchases new clubs from Leeds Golf Centre within a fortnight of their session, this sum will be refunded against the order.

Sessions run from 3pm until 7pm – to book your 30-minute slot, please visit us or contact the Pro Shop on 0113 288 6000. NB Just 1 space remains for today’s Taylor Made session (Friday 13 April) at 7.30pm – call now to get custom-fitted Rocketballz!

PAR-3 CLUB RAISES £250 FOR LOCAL CHARITY
The Par-3 Club held a charity trophy match last week in honour of long-standing member, Mr Dougie Gibson (aged 89 yrs), who has terminal cancer.

Mr Gibson is at present in Wheatfields Hospice, Headingley – indeed, he purchased the trophy himself in order to raise funds for the organisation as a mark of thanks for the quality of care he has received there.

46 members played in the event – the winner being ex-Chairman, Colin Asher, who received his prize and the trophy from Dougie’s wife, Marilyn. Second prize went to the current Chairperson, Mrs Shirley Etherington, who in return presented Mrs Gibson with the competition proceeds (which included money raised from a raffle with prizes kindly donated by members).

The trophy match will be held every two years. Additional competitions take place throughout the year on behalf of worthy charities such as St Gemmas Hospice (The Gray Trophy), Leeds General Infirmary’s ‘Take Heart’ appeal and Help for Heroes (both benefitting from The Ticker Trophy).

The continued hard work and support of those Leeds Golf Centre members taking part in such events is sincerely appreciated – thanks very much to all concerned.

LADY CAPTAIN DRIVES IN
Linda Mortimer celebrated the start of her Captain’s year with not one but two ‘drive ins’ at the end of last month – brave by any standards!

Playing a ‘Stableford Waltz’ format – where the number of counting scores is determined by par (ie one score to count on par-5’s, two to count on par-4’s and all three to score on par-3’s) – the Saturday winners were Sheila Rose, Deborah Spry and Jan Ryrie with 77 points (nearest-the-pin was Sheila Rose) and on Tuesday Lynne Handley, Margaret Laeubli and Hilary Temple were victorious with 78 points (Shirley Etherington winning nearest-the-pin).

Linda thoroughly enjoyed both days and has asked for her thanks to be sent to the many lady members that took part.

NEW SOCIETIES PACKAGES NOW ON OFFER
Leeds Golf Centre is an excellent venue for society golf, especially now that the stunning Nineteen Bar & Grill is up and running. Of course, once the primary course construction works are completed in a few weeks’ time, the Wike Ridge championship course will be similarly impressive.

This year’s society rates are now in effect and we would welcome support from all members in distributing this information to family, friends and colleagues – especially where golf societies are a regular fixture.

Please visit the website at www.leedsgolfcentre.com/visitors/society-golf for package details and pricing – alternatively, contact the Pro Shop on 0113 288 6000 to enquire about bespoke arrangements or email groupgolf@leedsgolfcentre.com for information.

SPECIAL ‘OLYMPIC’ COMPETITION ANNOUNCED

Posted on: April 12th, 2012 by nathan No Comments

Richard Allen and Linda Mortimer, your new 2012/13 captains, have announced details of a special one-off competition in celebration of the forthcoming Olympic Games.

Taking place on Sunday 5 August, this handicap non-qualifier will be played over 18 holes using the standard Stableford scoring format but promises to be great fun. The competition will be played in teams – each team representing a country.

During the round, there will be five ‘activities’ to represent the five Olympic rings – but beware, they’ll either help or hinder scoring ability! Each player’s score will then count towards the overall ‘national’ score and the country accumulating most Stableford points will be declared the gold medal-winner! Prizes will also be on offer for bronze and silver-winning teams with the presentation ceremony taking place immediately after the conclusion of play.

Watch out for more details in the coming weeks or speak to Richard/Linda at your convenience.

YET MORE 2012 STOCK AT THE PRO SHOP NOW!

Posted on: April 12th, 2012 by nathan No Comments

Regular recipients of our email newsletters (and regular visitors too) will be very aware of the continued development of our fantastic Pro Shop. In keeping with our claim of being ‘The home of modern golf’, the range of stock we now have in store is without question amongst the nation’s finest!

Recently arrived are:
  • Shorts and trousers by Dwyers
  • Full 2012 range of Lyle & Scott clothing
  • Limited edition ‘Fashion Performance’ range by Adidas – as worn by Jason Day
  • FootJoy performance apparel
  • Extensive juniors and ladies clothing lines
  • All Ping G20 and I20 hardware

Furthermore – and in light of the new season having started – we’re enjoying a real push on ‘short game’ hardware. Experienced players will know all too well that it’s the final third of every hole that makes a good score – hence a truly comprehensive array of putters and wedges are on sale now!

Highlights include: 

  • Belly putters from Odyssey, Nike & Rife (including custom-fitted Rife models) 
  • Full branded concession of Odyssey putters 
  • Great selection of Nike ‘Method’ putters 
  • All-new TaylorMade ‘Ghost’ and ‘White Smoke’ putters 
  • Mizuno MP series wedges – as used by Luke Donald 
  • Callaway ‘V-Forged’ wedges – as used by Phil Mickelson 
  • Nike Vr-PRO wedges as well as Ping ‘Anser’ and ‘Tour-S’ models 
  • Cobra’s ‘Trust Rusty’ wedge series – as used by Ian Poulter & Rickie Fowler 
  • Titleist ‘Vokey’ wedges 
  • Cleveland wedges as used by Graeme McDowell 

New stock is still arriving – visit the Pro Shop soon and see for yourself or call 0113 288 6000 for details.

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