North West Round-up: West Lancs appoints top greenkeeper

West Lancashire has appointed Stuart Hogg as course manager, replacing long-serving greenkeeper John Muir who passed away in September.

Hogg’s greenkeeping career began at West Kilbride in 1988 and while working at Fortrose and Rosemarkie, he achieved ‘Master Greenkeeper’ status.

“I am honoured to become the course manager of this championship course,” said Hogg. “To be taking over from a gentleman who was well-respected both at the club and within the industry is an honour, and I am looking forward to working with the staff to ensure that West Lancashire not only remains on the Must Play list, but increases its ranking as one of the best links courses in the world.”

Hogg will lead a three-five year plan at the Blundellsands course, which hosted Open qualifying last June and will stage the English Ladies’ Strokeplay Championship next year.
‘To be taking over from a gentleman who was well-respected is an honour.’ Initiative to help Burnley golfers

A £50,000 initiative to aid young golfers and first-time players has seen an academy centre constructed at Burnley.

The plans have been in the pipeline since February 2014 and the work was completed thanks to support from Sport England.

Club trustee Joyce Green MBE told the Lancashire Telegraph: “We have been working so hard on improving our course and clubhouse and this building completes the package, offering the latest in golf teaching technology, unique to our area.”

Residents had expressed concerns about loss of light and whether students would be under constant supervision, but borough councillor Gordon Birtwistle said the £50,000 investment is “fantastic for Burnley”.

He added: “This investment in training and tuition facilities will encourage local people, particularly young people, into this very active and skilful game.”

Illegal teeth whitening took place at club

Chorley woman Jemma Knox has pleaded guilty to offering illegal teeth whitening at Shaw Hill Golf and Country Club.

Knox had been conducting teeth whitening at Sparkle Whites, a separate business located at the club. However, she had never registered with the General Dental Council, which regulates dental practice in the UK, and was successfully prosecuted.

Knox was given an 18-month conditional discharge, a £15 victim surcharge and costs of £2,2271.40.

Professional to run marathon in memory of grandfather

Jamie Tipper of Werneth Low is to run the 10km Manchester Marathon in memory of his grandfather Fred Garvey, who introduced him to the game.

Tipper is raising money for Willow Wood Hospice, which cared for his grandfather who passed away four years ago aged 74.

“They provided wonderful care and I’m only too pleased to help them out so other families can benefit from their support and services,” the 28-year-old Tipper told the Manchester Evening News.

Tipper has been preparing for the marathon with the assistance of ex-boxer Ricky Hatton.

He has already donated more than £8,000 to the hospice from golf days.

For more golf news, discussion and videos follow @NCGmagazine on Twitter, like us on Facebook, subscribe to our YouTube video channel, and sign up to our newsletter