A Q&A with Patricia Jordan

Patricia was Lady captain in 2000, Lady Hon. Sec 2001/3, Lady President 2009/11 and became an Honorary Life Member in 2013. She has captained and played on many interclub teams. 

Patricia has worked (as a volunteer) within the ILGU for 15 years in the following roles;

- Northern Executive 2007-11 
- Chair of Northern District 2011-12
- Director on ILGU Board  2014-17
- ILGU Ulster Manager of Course Rating
- Chair of ILGU / GUI National Course Rating Committee

Question 1 - What do you miss most about the club during lockdown?
Meeting up with my Knock golfing “family” and the exercise golf provides.

Question 2 - What is your favourite hole at Knock and why?
6th, love the views, the shape of the hole and bluebell hill. 

Question 3 - When golf restarts what's the first thing you are looking forward to doing?
To meet up with friends and see if I can remember how to play the game!

Question 4 - Who would be your dream fourball ... past and present players?
Annika Sorenstam, Laura Davies, Charley Hull, In Bee Park

Question 5 - How long have you been a member of Knock?
57 years

Question 6  - What is your favourite memories of your membership at Knock?
My Lady Captain and Lady President days.

Question 7 - Best experience whilst working with the ILGU?
Working at the Ryder Cup at the K Club.

Question 8 - Slope rating is a very new term for many members of Knock. I know you have been rating courses for years. In your own words describe how you rate a golf course? 

A team of trained raters spends approximately 4 hours on course, going  to every landing zone, on every hole for both scratch and bogey players, determined by the average distance they hit tee shots etc, (These distances are specified in the system)

Detailed measurements and notes are taken at each landing zone, the width of the fairway, height of rough, any penalty areas, any bunkers, any out of bounds, any trees and recovery from these. Also their stance and visibility to the next landing zone.

Any carries or layups are measured. Size of greens measured, percentage of green protected by bunkers and depth of bunkers. The slope of green and speed of the green surface.

Also the effect of wind and elevation on holes considered.

All these measurements are then calculated using tables and software to determine the course and slope ratings.

Question 9 - What's the one rule you would change in golf and why? 
Can’t think of one as the review of rules in 2019 improved many. I do, however, think clubs should do more to educate their members on the rules.

Question 10 - Strokeplay or Stableford? 
Stableford

Thanks for your time and answers. I for one have learnt a lot from Patricia when it comes to course rating and for anyone who has played golf with her, she would be top of anyone's list to partner her in foursomes... I have never seen a player hit the ball so straight!