A golf club has marked 125 years of play — and brought the community together as it looks forward to the next century.
Newark Golf Club marked its milestone anniversary last week with a series of tournaments, outreach, and social events.
Having recently been saved from administration and acquired by Stellar Asset Management, which has also invested significantly in the facilities on site, the landmark year also heralds a new chapter for the historic club.
Children on the putting green with Newark Golf Club’s head pro, Matt Buckley. Photo: Iliffe Media/David Dawson
General manager Kelvin Stanford said: “We’re celebrating the history and heritage of the club, but now also looking forward to the next 125 years – how do we get people in, how do we make sure people understand we’re here?
“We’re inclusive, and we’re open to all.
“It’s also a thank you to everyone who’s been involved in the last 125 years as we step into the next 125.”
Newark Golf Club general manager, Kelvin Stanford. Photo: Iliffe Media/David Dawson
On Wednesday last week, the club hosted a community day and welcomed the Handigolf Foundation for its annual national tournament — the second time it has been held at the course — which saw 19 disabled golfers play in teams alongside 13 members of the Newark club.
As it is a fairly flat golf course, and has had drainage improvements to keep the ground from becoming boggy in rain, it makes for ideal conditions for the Handigolf Foundation players’ buggies.
Then, in the afternoon, children from Newark Rugby Club, The Minster School, Bleasby C of E Primary School and Winthorpe Primary School visited the club to take part in a taster session with club pro Matt Buckley.
Phil Meadows, Paul Meadows, Newark Golf Club senior captain Chris Davies, Mayor of Newark Lynn Roulstone, and Newark Golf Club Seniors Vice Captain Paul Thompson. Photo: Iliffe Media/David Dawson
He said: “We’ve reached out to schools and junior activities — we want to run ‘try golf’ sessions, so young people can come along and see the facilities and give this great game a go.
“It’s one of the only individual sports children can play — at that age a lot of the options are team-based.”
The special anniversary session followed extensive outreach work delivered at school and youth organisations by the club’s coaches, who are aiming to attract the next generation of golfers and encourage more people to have a go at the sport — with a junior annual membership now also available at the club.
The young people who attended took part in putting and chipping drills, as well as testing how far they could hit balls on the driving range.
Children on the putting green with Newark Golf Club’s head pro, Matt Buckley. Photo: Iliffe Media/David Dawson
Newark mayor Lynn Roulstone also attended to see the celebrations get under way, and said: “I’m delighted to be here on the 125th anniversary, and it’s wonderful to find out more about the golf club and what they actually do here.
“They’re doing things with schools and with the Handigolf Foundation, and it’s a lovely friendly atmosphere. I hope more people find out about it and come and have a go.”
Also in attendance were European Disabled Golf Association members Iain Millar and Jake Taylor, who have represented the UK around the world.
“We’ve been shown around by the members here. There’s a lot of work going on, it’s a lovely course,” Iain said.
Members of Newark Golf Club Sue Wells and Sue Dowen, with Iain Millar of Alton Golf Club, and Jake Taylor of Mid Harts Golf Club. Photo: Iliffe Media/David Dawson
The day was completed with a social barbeque outside the clubhouse, which brought all those present together to mingle.
An invitational followed on Thursday in which teams from 14 golf clubs with connections to the Newark club came together for a ‘shotgun start’ tournament followed by socialisation in the refurbished clubhouse.
Rounding off the celebrations was a gala dinner — open to both golf club members and the wider community — on Saturday evening.
Paul Meadows of Fenstanton, St Ives, who plays on the Edga Tour and Handigolf Foundation. Photo: Iliffe Media/David Dawson
Children on the putting green with Newark Golf Club’s head pro, Matt Buckley. Photo: Iliffe Media/David Dawson
Children on the putting green with community golf instructor, Doug. Photo: Iliffe Media/David Dawson
Mayor of Newark, Lynn Roulstone with group general manager, Molly Pavey. Photo: Iliffe Media/David Dawson
Keith Roberts, of Cardiff, a Handigolf Foundation player. Photo: Iliffe Media/David Dawson
Children on the putting green with community golf instructor, Doug. Photo: Iliffe Media/David Dawson
The community afternoon saw school children have a go at golf. Photo: Iliffe Media/David Dawson
Children try their hand at golf on the driving range at Newark Golf Club. Photo: Iliffe Media/David Dawson
Mayor of Newark, Lynn Roulstone, joined the 125th anniversary celebrations. Photo: Iliffe Media/David Dawson
The Mayor’s consort, Nick Roulstone, tries the golf simulator. Photo: Iliffe Media/David Dawson
Children on the driving range with head pro, Matt Buckley. Photo: Iliffe Media/David Dawson