SLALEY Hall staff member Rhys Thompson is the toast of the golf club - and the winner of the Durham County Golf Union Order of Merit is just one of several success stories enjoyed by the head of the club's Academy Steven Fawcitt.

Fawcitt, who has worked at Slaley Hall for three years, has been working with his colleague on the latter's game … and to good effect as it turns out.

Fawcitt said: "Rhys had been struggling with his short game a little this season so we've been concentrating on that. And, as results indicate, he's really turned a corner now. He's cooking with gas!

"He was already able to hit long, it was just the short game that was letting him down on occasions, but he's certainly turned it round. He won the Big Six at Delamere Golf Club, in August, and then went on to extend his lead in the order of merit by winning the Ravensworth Bowl."

Thompson, 21, works in the membership department at Slaley Hall and will now play in the English Amateur Championship. It has been a good year for Fawcitt too.

Fawcitt said: "Sara Mather won seven of the 20 club tournaments she played in, while 17-year-old Xan Milligan reduced his handicap from ten to five on the way to winning his junior club championship.

“There were other successes too, such as Scott Davies reducing his handicap from 27 to 19, and Chris Pearson, who went from total beginner to scoring his first hole-in-one in six months.”

THE R&A and the USGA have announced the introduction of a new local rule that eliminates the penalty when a ball is accidentally moved on the putting green.

The rule has been available for any committee in charge of a competition to use from January 1. It will be adopted by The R&A and the USGA in all of their championships, qualifying competitions and international matches.

The Local Rule has been welcomed by all of the major Tours worldwide, and the PGA TOUR, European Tour, LPGA, PGA of America and the Masters Tournament are among the golf organisations implementing the local rule for all future events, beginning 1 January 2017.

This local rule applies only when the player’s ball or ball-marker lies on the putting green and any movement is accidental.

If it is determined that a player’s ball on the putting green was moved as a result of wind, water or some other natural cause such as the effects of gravity, the ball must be played as it lies from its new location. A ball-marker moved in such circumstances is replaced.

BARNARD Castle have introduced a new membership category, charging an annual fee of £250 plus £10 per round.

Secretary Lawrie Swiers said: “Like most clubs, we have to look at ways of attracting new members.

“This deal comes with full membership rights and there is no entrance fee. It should appeal to those who play less than once a week. Anyone who plays fewer than 40 rounds a year will make a saving on our full membership fee.”