Thanks to the Easter Bunny and a tricky egg hunt, everyone went home smiling. Watch the notice board for the next Parent and Child competition.

Competitors and winners

19 young golfers enjoyed the spring sunshine, to compete in the first competition of the year.

Three age divisions separated the players as everybody strived to get their first Academy handicaps.

A gross 35 from Shanil Shah secured him first place in the U14s and left him with a handicap of just 5!!

He was closely followed by Jonny Ellis on 39.

10 year old Callum Jackson shot 40 to win the U12s section with Michael Turner in 2nd place.

8 year old Olivia Hirschfield won the 8s and under and a most improved performance award, with Henry Garnett close on her heels in 2nd.

Six girls played in total, representing nearly a third of all entrants and include fine performances from, Charlotte Chamberlain, Bethany Jenkins, Chelsey Stewart and Lara & Ella Berndes.

Bethany Jenkins and Adam Chamberlain won most improved performance awards

All participants now have Academy handicaps ready for the first Rookie Handicap Medal on Sunday April 26th.

Despite the Winter freeze and arctic like conditions, some eighteen parents and children gathered for the Easter foursomes.

As the snow blew across the course and the greens turned white the eagerly awaited completion commenced.

Shortened to a 6 hole event, to prevent hypothermia and frostbite, Sophie and Scott Randall and Dean and Luke Jansen managed to tie on 24 strokes with the former winning on countback over the last three holes.

Carlos and Francesca, playing together in their first Major, won first place in division two.

A huge Easter bunny watched proceedings on a sledge positioned on the ninth whilst a strange wire goose could be seen emerging from the lake behind the first.

Thanks to a generous rabbit, nobody went home empty handed.

The Seve
School of Natural Golf Rookie Club

I am delighted to announce the launching of the The Seve School of Natural Golf Rookie Club. The club is now open to all aspiring junior golfers aged between 4 and 14 years old.

The Club will consist of a rotating, structured ten week course with monthly competitions. Our emphasis during lessons will be on “Fun for all, in a safe and friendly environment”. During the ten week course, there will be an opportunity to try for all of the nine Certificates. In reality most certificates require more than one attempt, so membership should be seen as an investment in learning for the next eighteen months to 2 years. Certificates Hold, Stance and Posture, Rules and Etiquette, Putting, Chipping, Pitching, Woods, Bunker shot and Swing. A comprehensive guide on how to attain these is included in your Membership pack.All members will receive a starting pack consisting of:

• Welcoming letter
• 1 x Joining Certificate
• 1 x Pitch repair/ ball marker
• 1 x Membership bag tag 10 week course itinerary

All members can take part in monthly medals/competitions and qualify for the monthly Most improved Performance Award. Membership costs £85.00 annually and lesson rates £7.00 per session.Membership forms are available from the golf reception. A discounted rate is available for siblings. Please note that Membership is not a requirement for attending lessons. By providing incentives and rewards within the structure of the club, it will create the necessary environment to improve and progress.

For more information please speak to Chris or e-mail at Chris@theshirelondon.com.

Adult and Junior Christmas Greensomes - Friday 28th December 2007

Despite the threat of hangovers and a particularly virulent flu bug doing the rounds, 13 adults and 13 Juniors lined up together for a morning of fun and competition on the Academy short course. Mild, but windy conditions prevailed over the 9 holes, but the rain thankfully stayed away.

A late change of format introduced a new tactical dimension to the competition,Each pair was limited to the use of 4 tee shots each, consequently many players were seen playing 2nd shots from some very strange places!!

The competition was played with a tremendous spirit and goodwill by everybody who took part.

Curtis Whitelegg kindly presented the trophies to the following

Div 1 1st B Bailey and A Alderman, 2nd N and S Dale, 3rd K Hayes and C Jackson

Div 2 1st D Rowson and D Tucker , 2nd J Stanley and K Potier, 3rd B Farrell and T Rose

Happy New Year

Watch this Space for the next one.

Junior update

Only two months into junior coaching at the Shire and Certificates for hard work and improvement have already been awarded. Christopher Sanjay, Ben and Harry Thompson all collected awards for outstanding performances in July, whilst brother and sister, Adam and Charlotte Chamberlain picked up the “Most Improved Performance Certificates” for August. Rookie Club Membership and monthly medals will commence with the opening of the Challenge Course. I hope you enjoy the photos.

Happy golfing

Chris and Ceri

At long last we are delighted to announce the opening of the new reception area, to celebrate we are offering Members a 10% discount on all our classic range of Ralph Lauren clothing.For the connoisseurs amongst you The Shire London are exclusive stockists of the Ian Poulter clothing range, keeping you a step ahead in fairway fashion.Visit reception at the earliest opportunity to book your free golf assessment.Many of our Founder Members are still to book your complimentary assessment with one of our Professionals, for further information please contact The Shire on 0208 440 4009.

Please remember The Shire Rookies to repair your pitch marks and replace any divots. We will be actively reminding all our visitors and societies to do the same.

Hourly Junior sessions are now available:

Saturday10.00 - 11.00am., 11.00 - 12.00 pm, 2.00 - 3.00 pm

Sunday11.00 - 12.00 pm

Lessons are informal, friendly and great fun.

For more information please speak to Chris or Ceri.

After your game, why not relax in our restaurant bar area, order from our extensive snack menu or just have a drink and enjoy the views.

Despite an unusually wet July, the Masters course has remained open and in fine playing condition. This is a testimony to the advanced drainage system installed during construction.

The course is now playable to green fee players and tee times may be booked up to one week in advance for non-members.

The driving range is now open, allowing members and their visitors to warm up prior to playing and fine tune their swings, or why not book a lesson with one of our professionals?

As members, Don’t forget to book your free Golf assessments with Professionals Lee, Ceri or Chris

The gym is also now open to help improve your strength and durability !

The Shire has recently launched the Rookie Club with coaches Chris Whitelegg and Ceri Menai-Davis at the Seve School of Natural Golf Saturday mornings and afternoons. The program enables children up to 16 years of age to learn how to play the ‘ Seve ‘ way.

For more details please contact either Chris or Ceri on 0208 440 4009.

Members Competition Updates;

Sunday 29th July - Mens Stableford - Draw has been put on the noticeboard at The Shire.

Saturday 11th August - Mens Medal - Closing date for entries 27th July.

Sunday 26th August - Mens Stableford - Closing date 12th August .

DO NOT FORGET 21st JULY MID SUMMER PARTY WITH HEATWAVE PERFORMING LIVE AT THE SHIRE.

For ticket information please contact The Shire on 0208 441 7649.

The Shire London opened to its members on June 2nd. The weather was great and so was the course. The clubhouse will be opening on June 29th. The driving range and short game center are nearing completion so shall be opening within the next few weeks.

As of the 1st July Founder members are invited to book their complimentary assessment with one of our qualified professionals. Please contact The Shire on 0208 440 4009 for more information about The Seve School of Natural Golf or to arrange an assessment.

Forthcoming Events For Members Of The Shire

23rd June - Stableford Competition - 18 holes on the Seve Masters Course.

26th June - Tuesday Night Stableford - 3 entry for a fun 9 hole competition on The Seve Masters Course run over several weeks.

For more information please contact The Shire on 0208 441 7649 or 0208 440 4009.