I was impressed enough with the Bishop & New layouts that I decided to stop in again at Seaton Carew to see the Micklem course. This 18 hole iteration was of course named for famous English amateur golfer, Gerald Micklem. Micklem came into prominence after winning the 1947 English Amateur hosted by Ganton. He was a member of the 1947 & 1949 Walker Cup squads. Off the back of another English Amateur win, this time at Royal Birkdale in 1953, and a President's Putter victory in the same year, Micklem was once again selected for the Walker Cup 1953 & 1955 sides. Additionally, Micklem captained the 1957 & 1959 teams. Well known as a golf administrator, Micklem chaired the R&A Rules Committee and eventually was Captain of the R&A in 1968. A long time member of Sunningdale (it was his home club), the club rightfully saw fit to establish the Gerald Micklem Cup in his honour. Perhaps most importantly, it was Micklem, as a member of the R&A Rules Committee, who guided the process to adopting the larger 1.68 inch ball. The R&A mandated the use of the larger ball in the 1974 Open and this ball became the world-wide standard.
With its heavy cape of industry it may sound unlikely to many people, but Seaton Carew is first and foremost a resort. Although, one of the most famous, or infamous, incidents of the area occurred when a ship wrecked monkey was hanged as a French Spy! It seems far fetched, but by the time of the Napoleanic Wars, many people from the Hartlepool area had never seen a Frenchman before. Some biting cartoons of the day depicted the French with tails and claws. It was more likely a small boy unable to answer questions in English was hung. It was sometimes the case that young boys were put to work priming the canons and thus called "powder monkies". Be that as it may, to this day folks from Hartlepool are sometimes referred to as monkey hangers. Indeed, Hartlepool United's mascot is called H'Angus the Monkey! Below is the statue at the town marina.
The founding of Durham and Yorkshire GC in 1874 was a direct result of the tourism which was dependant on the limitless beach. Like many Victorian seaside resorts, Seaton Carew has seen better days, however, the course remains! When founded it was the first golf club in Durham and Yorkshire, hence the sweeping title. While an 18 hole course existed long before Dr Mackenzie came on the scene in 1925, it is the work of the famous architect which endures.
Unusually, the course has 22 holes for in the mid 70s Frank Pennink designed four extra holes because the land was there! The result is the club has five routings with the New Couse being the most recent addition. At least four of the layouts are measured and rated for competitive play. It is the Brabazon Course on which the big events are played and indeed the Brabazon was staged at Seaton Carew in 1985 and 2014. I believe the main course remains the Old Course which is Mackenzie’s layout with a few changes. For whatever reason, the day we turned up the Micklem Course was in play. Fifteen of the Old Course holes are used on this card; Micklem holes 1-5, 7-11 & 14-18.
RocketA shortish two-shotter starts the round.
The interest at the green end of the course is immediately apparent.
Long Trail A longish par five, the 2nd features another good green. The club has been working on the bunkers recently. Some of these are the best looking in GB&I I have seen since the old Aberdovey bunkers.
DoctorThis hole predates Dr Mac's work and is named for another person. Cutting back toward the house, the short 3rd is quite an intimidating hole.
DunesWell into the dunes, the 4th is another modest length par 4 and very attractive at that.
PondThere is an odd walk over to reach the 5th tee on the land-side boarder of the property. A pond is not far off the tee, hence the name of the hole. There is a large bunker up the left, but once again, it is the two-tier green which provides the interest.
MashieA tightly guarded semi-blind short hole, the 6th.
Sand HillsA lovely hole somewhat similar to Dunes (4th). The narrow 7th fairway hugs the lea of the sand hills down the right and leads to another wonderful green.
RoadStill heading toward Cleveland GC across the Teesmouth, the 8th is a severe legger right over largely flat ground. Big hitters will certainly be tempted to take on the marshy like terrain out right.
The bunker scheme around the front to back sloping green has been drastically altered.
Jimmy KayNot a long par 4, the ninth is dead straight and a good birdie opportunity.
More to follow.
Ciao