A HOST of new faces have played their way into the two England men’s squads for 2019 – but there will be no new additions from the North-East.

While Spanish amateur champion Billy McKenzie (pictured) and Tom Plumb, who was recently third in the South American amateur, have shot straight into the men’s squad, there is a clear absence of golfers from this area.

David Hague, an international and established A squad member, is the nearest player included to have come from this region as he is a product of the same Malton & Norton Golf Club where York’s European Tour star Simon Dyson hails.

TIME and places are running out to secure a place in the annual Festival of Golf at one of the oldest courses in the country.

Seaton Carew Golf Club, which has enjoyed something of a renaissance in recent years in terms of numbers, have reported that three of the five festival days between August 11-16 are now full.

Festival week is always a hugely popular time of the year at the legendary links which has played host to numerous top amateur events such as the Brabazon Trophy, twice. It was designed by famed course designer Dr Alister MacKenzie, who designed Augusta National.

Golfers from across the land are invited to take on the testing course during festival week, when there are a variety of competitions available to take part at a reasonable price.

Dave Turner, chairman of the club’s marketing committee, said: “The 23rd Annual Festival Week at Seaton Carew Golf Club starts on Sunday, August 11 and runs through to Friday, August 16.

“As usual many of the more popular open competitions are filling up fast, so visit our website to secure your tee-off time to take on the challenge of the links at the tenth oldest Golf Club in England.”

Anyone wanting to play can book online at the club’s website at www.seatoncarewgolfclub.co.uk. The cost for each day is £20 per person, making it a highly attractive package.

THE first Winter Open of 2019 at Richmond Golf Club was won by Seaham members Craig Mayes and M Knight, who pipped a host of pairs who posted 45 points by one.

Stephen Bell and Stewart Thompson won the members division with 45 on countback ahead of Paul Russell and Stuart Blease in second and John Lancaster and Stuart Dozey behind.

Overall winners Mayes and Knight triumphed by one point ahead of Bishop Auckland pair Jason Budd and Richard James.

The Mixed prize was won by Elaine and Brian Wood, with the best gross being an impressive eight-under par 63 by Ash Green and Michael Henson. The next Open will be staged this Saturday with places now available to book.