Perth City Golf Championships
I grew up as a member of King James VI Golf Club in Perth. In the years running up to when I turned Pro in 1991 as a sprightly 18 year old, I would play every year in the Perth City Golf Championships on the North Inch. I used to love playing in these Championships and they mean a lot to me. I also did pretty well in my few years of playing, with 3 consecutive wins of the Perth City Boys Championship and a team win of the Hay Robertson Trophy with King Jimmy in 1991.
I've included a few photo's below from back in the day. The Hay Robertson trophy is a beautiful and we look very professional in the picture below. The night however went on a bit longer than expected and that lovely big trophy was paraded around the pubs of Perth before ending up in the infamous Electric Whispers nightclub.
You may recognise the golfer with me in the City Boys Championship final picture…. And I don't mean Garfield! Yes, that's Craigie Hill's Malcolm Davidson (with hair), looking very like his son Sean! These 1st tee pictures were taken every year by North Inch stalwart Ashley Booth.
As part of my role as the Golf Course Officer for Perth & Kinross Council, I've been tasked with trying to resurrect these famous old Championships. As such, I am asking that you please help support these Championships and come along and play at North Inch.
The Perth City Golf Championships comprise the following events
Campbell & Dickson - Sunday, 7 June - 8.30am - 12 noon
Gent's 18 Hole Stroke Play (Scratch & Handicap)
Cameron & Valentine Trophies - Wednesday, 10 & Friday, 12 June
Ladies 36 Hole Stroke Play (Scratch & Handicap)
Hay Robertson Trophy - 4 Man Team - Sunday, 21 June
Gent's Foursomes Stroke Play (Scratch)
Ladies & Gent's Senior Open - Tuesday, 4 August
18 Hole Strokeplay (Scratch & Handicap)
Open Mixed Foursomes - Sunday, 9 August
18 Holes Stroke Play (Scratch & Handicap)
Perth City Golf Championships are open to all golfers who play within the Perth & Kinross County Golf Union area. For more information about the City Golf Championships and to find out how to enter, please visit www.northinchgolf.co.uk/fixtures
We've got a great range of clothing in store this season. Along with our forever favourite Under Armour, we also have FJ clothing, Oscar Jacobson, Callaway, Stromberg, Glenmuir and are just about to take delivery of the latest Tommy Hilfiger Range.
Shoes have been selling fast and we've got a large range of FootJoy and Adidas, along with some great value shoes from Stuburt starting at just £39.99.
Early next week, we should be taking delivery of Ping re-positioned G25 range. Ping have reduced the price of the G25's and they are now going to be available at not to be missed prices.
G25 drivers £169
G25 fairways £119
G25 Hybrids £99
G25 irons, 5-SW £349
Scottish PGA Championship at Gleneagles
Unfortunately the weather conditions severely affected this weeks SPGA Championship at Gleneagles, reducing it from a 72 Hole event to just 36 holes. With the first day being completely abandoned due to heavy rain, Andrew finally got out on Monday morning and managed to get 34 holes played, before played was halted due to bad light.
In tough conditions, Andrew managed to shoot 78 in his morning round, hitting the ball well, but struggling on the infamous large and tricky Gleneagles greens. In his second round that he had to complete at 7.30am on Tuesday morning, Andrew once again hit the ball solidly, but it looks like a putting lesson is on the cards!
As the Golf Course where it all began in Perthshire back in the 15th century, we felt it was really important that we got involved in National Golf Month.
As such, we'll be holding a few events throughout May, in an effort to help grow the game of golf in Perthshire and on North Inch Golf Course.
Open Day - Sunday, 10 May
Our Open Day will be a great opportunity for golfers to come and play at North Inch. Whether you're looking to join a club, would like to find a great value course to play green fee golf, or would just like to try the Inch again after a long break, then this day is for you.
Tee times will be available from 9am till 12 noon for full course bookings, then from 12-1pm we'll be taking bookings on our new 6 hole 'Wee Course'.
The Wee course will be perfect for families and young children to play, with the 6 holes being created from the first 3 holes of the main course. The longest hole will be 230 yards and the shortest 95 yards.
To book tee times for our Open Day, Please call 01738 636481 or email northinchgolf@pkc.gov.uk
Tee times are completely Free on the day and there will be some great deals for joining the course on the day.
4-Man Team Texas Scramble - Sunday, 17 May
On Sunday, 17 May, we'll be holding the first of many FUN days at North Inch Golf Course. The format for the day will be 4-Man Team Texas Scramble, which is a great format to get out on the course, play aggressive golf and have some great fun.
The cost for the Team will be Free for members and only £5 for visitors. Teams can be made up of members, visitors or can be mixed. Members can book their times via the Online Booking System and visitors can book by calling the starters box on 01738 636481 or emailing northinchgolf@pkc.gov.uk
Play Better Golf - Step on the Power
If you ever wonder how the pro's can hit the ball such long distances, it's because all of the forces in their golf swing are working in sync and there is no restriction in movement caused by poor technique.
Poor weight transference is one of the most common faults I see on the downswing, and can cause many bad shots including poor ball striking, directional errors, and a loss of distance.
Address the ball, pegged on a low tee and move your left foot and club over until they are beside your right foot. Now make your backswing with your feet together ensuring that you fully pivot your shoulders.
To initiate your downswing you should step your left foot, (and your body weight) over to its original position producing an impact position where almost all of your weight is on your left foot and your body has begun to open up to target. Continue your swing through to a full finish and with a little practice you should see your ball striking improve and produce some more powerful shots.
This is a great exercise to promote efficient weight transference and will really help you to initiate your downswing using your body rather than your hands.
Jobs at Noah's Ark Golf Centre
We've currently got a few job opportunities at the golf centre.
Driving Range Assistant's
We've got opportunities for two driving range assistants who's job will be to collect and wash golf balls from the driving range. Each position is for 2 nights per week, approx. 4.5hrs per shift and 9 hrs per week. This position would suit someone at school looking for a part time job (minimum 17yrs).
Rate of pay meets national minimum wage. If you're interested, then please email niall@noahsarkgolf.com
Grounds man
We're looking for a part time seasonal grounds person, to help cut the grass on our driving range and other areas. The post will run from May till mid October and will be two mornings per week 7am - 11am, 8hrs per week.
Rate of pay meets national minimum wage. If you're interested, then please email niall@noahsarkgolf.com
If you'd like more information on our range membership, then check out our website, give us a call on 01738 440678 or email info@noahsarkgolf.com.