GOLF NEWS MARCH 2020

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ISSUE 285 | MARCH 2020 | TWITTER: @GOLFNEWSMAG | WEB: GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

COMPETITION

INTERVIEWS

Win a Motocaddy Power trolley worth £600!

Oliver Fisher Lee Westwood

EQUIPMENT TRAVEL Amendoeira Qatar Charleston

Callaway’s Mavrik range Mallet putter showcase

THE DISTANCE DEBATE: Should equipment rules be split?

M A T T W A L L A C E "I’m going back to playing like the younger me did”

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NEWS | MARCH 2020 GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

EDITOR'S LETTER

DOES PRO GOLF NEED A PREMIER LEAGUE? If you were looking to reinvent the world of professional golf, and attempting to make it a more attractive product for global TV audiences and for the players themselves, it’s highly unlikely that you’d come up with golf in its current state.

With the PGA Tour and the European Tour fighting it out for the attentions of the world’s best players, and the Ladies European Tour serving as little more than a satellite training ground for the LPGA Tour, and the other tours merely serving their domestic markets – it’s fair to say that elite professional golf, with its bloated schedules and limited number of genuine stars – is currently a heavily diluted product.

Given the chance to rip it up and start again, you’d probably come up ■ I’M OUT’: with something closely RORY MCILROY resembling the current HAS POURED COLD schedule being bandied WATER OVER THE IDEA OF JOINING THE about by a new operation PREMIER GOLF LEAGUE that goes by the name of the ‘Premier Golf League’.

In simple terms, Premier Golf League wants to sign up the top 48 players in the world to a new tour that would feature 18 tournaments from January to September – 10 of which would be in the US. With each event played over just 54 holes, with no cut, and offering a guaranteed $10 million prize fund, if I were a top player, those kind of numbers would certainly get my attention. It’s worked for cricket with the Indian Premier League, the ATP Tour Masters in tennis, and F1 for motorsport, so why not golf?

Well, for lots of reasons as it turns out. While the PGA Tour and the European Tour have been judiciously tightlipped about the wolf at their door, it goes without saying that they will fight tooth and nail to cling on to what they’ve got, and will no doubt be warning

NICK BAYLY

any potential ship jumpers that they will be ruling themselves out of tour membership, WGC events and Ryder Cup consideration should they sign up to the PGL. And it’s not like the world’s top players aren’t already swilling in cash. The PGA Tour is about to sign a new TV deal that will further swell the prize fund coffers still further, some events by almost 50%, while the Rolex Series is offering European Tour players rewards that they could only have dreamed about a few years ago.

Brooks Koepka, who is fast earning a reputation for speaking his mind, just about summed it up when he said: “If somebody gave me $200 million tomorrow it’s not going to change my life. I already have enough money to retire on, but I just want to play golf.”

The success or failure of the PGL venture will clearly not hang on the participation of one player. Tiger Woods, golf’s needle mover for the last 25 years, will be 47 should it get off the ground in 2022 – hardily in the prime of his golfing life – and judging by his recent schedule, Woods doesn’t look in the kind of shape to handle 18 events in eight months, let alone 12.

Of more relevance was world No.1 Rory McIIroy’s complete rejection of the Premier Golf League’s advances.

As a freelancer, he objected to the idea of being told when and where to play, and as someone with more cash in the bank than he could already ever spend, he, like most of the top 20 players the world, hardily need put themselves out to serve the needs of others. Those lower down the world rankings might take a different view, but few are prepared to air them quite so publicly at this early stage of negotiations.

Either way, it feels inevitable that the landscape at the top level of the professional game will change in the not-so-distant future, whether it be through the PGL or a coming together of the various existing tours, so that golf fans get to see the world’s best players play against each other more often.

Whatever the outcome, the fairways will soon be paved with even more gold, with the rich getting ever richer. T’was ever thus.

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TEL: 01273 381794 EMAIL: info@golfnews.co.uk WEBSITE: golfnews.co.uk FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @golfnewsmag INSTAGRAM: golfnewsmagazine MANAGING DIRECTOR Matt Nicholson matt@golfnews.co.uk

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PHOTOGRAPHY Getty Images, Kevin Murray, Andy Hiseman

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PUBLISHED BY BlueGreen Media REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS Sarah Stirk, Clive Agran

© Copyright 2020.

2019. No No part part of this publication may be copied, photocopied or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in anyway or means, either by recording or otherwise, without permission of the publishers in writing.

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MARCH 2020 | NEWS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Royal Blackheath breaks new ground

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Royal Blackheath Golf Club is to host the UK’s first amateur handicap singles competition open to both men and women this summer.

Under the competition's format, men and women will compete against each other, under handicap, at the same time, on the same course, for the same trophy. The club is inviting entries from all over world, not just the UK. Various sets of tees will be individually SSS-rated for the trophy, thereby facilitating any handicap adjustments necessary to ensure that men and women are able to compete against each other on an equal footing.

The inaugural Open Royal Blackheath Trophy will take place on June 24 as part of a week’s celebration of the completion of six years’ extensive course redevelopment at the historic south-east London venue. The parkland course has recently undergone a substantial redesign under the guidance of architect Ken Moodie, with work including the building or re-modelling of 77 bunkers, the construction of two new greens, the extension of five putting surfaces, and the building of four new tees.

Club captain Alastair McFarlane said: “Throughout its long history, Royal Blackheath Golf Club has been committed to bringing the game of golf to new audiences, both in the UK and abroad, and we see this initiative as emblematic of our ongoing commitment to inclusivity in the sport. We are genuinely excited to have pioneered this inaugural event in the UK and are confident that its popularity will see it develop into an enduring fixture within the Royal Blackheath and all handicap golfers’ calendar.”

For more details and entry forms, visit www.rbgc.com/open_competitions. The closing date for entries is June 15.

‘Golf must change’ says R&A chief The challenge of converting the UK’s casual golfers into club members must one of golf’s major priorities if it is to continue to thrive in the years ahead, says R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers.

Speaking at his annual media briefing, Slumbers said that five times as many people play golf as are members of golf clubs, and the R&A’s next shift towards increasing participation iis going to target those people.

“Grass‑roots golf is going to struggle unless the game changes,” Slumbers said. “The traditional way of looking at the health of golf in the UK is the number of club members, and that’s about a million. We had independent research done to look at how many people consume golf, which means 18-hole golf, 9-hole golf, driving ranges, par-3 courses, adventure golf, Top Golf, all of those things.

That group adds up to 10.2 million people; it’s much more diverse, and it’s younger than the golf club membership.

"So why aren’t those five million joining

■ HI-TECH DRIVING RA NGES ARE PROVING A BIG DR AW FOR NON-CLUB MEMB ERS

golf clubs? I would argue it’s because the golf clubs are not providing a product they want to buy.”

He added. “Clubs which deliver non‑traditional forms of the game are busy.

They're very family orientated, have fitness facilities, creches, coffee shops, free WiFi, no dress codes, a par-three course, or an adventure putting course – those are the ones that are going to succeed.”

"There are probably too many clubs delivering the same product, so golf has to diversify and evolve.”

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Sophie Kennard Sussex lost one of its most talented young amateur players last month when 24-yearold Sophie Kennard died in a car accident near her home in Brighton.

Sophie, who was on her way to work in the pro shop at Dyke Golf Club, died on February 16 when the car she was driving skidded on the wet roads caused by Storm Dennis and hit a lamppost on the A27 near Patcham.

Among the many tributes paid to the popular young player, Pat Johns, chairwoman of the Sussex County Ladies Golf Association said: “Sophie was incredibly talented. She could have done anything. She took up professional golf, but went back to being an amateur because she decided it wasn’t what

she wanted to do with her life.

“We have had so many people making such wonderful comments about her. She was so popular with everyone, so calm with the young players, and always incredibly encouraging. She will be hugely missed by everyone who knew her, and especially the staff and members at the Dyke.”

Sophie won the Dyke’s Club Championship in 2015 and played for the Sussex County first team that same year, when they won the South Region section and qualified for the National Finals.

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MARCH 2020 | NEWS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

■ WALTON HE ATH IS LOCATED ON PROTECTED LAND

Planners block Walton Heath’s new clubhouse plans Walton Heath Golf Club has been refused permission to build a new clubhouse on protected heathland.

The Surrey club was also refused permission to demolish its existing clubhouse and build 13 homes on that site to fund the new base. The proposed new clubhouse would have overlooked the course and removed the need for golfers to cross the busy B3032 Dorking Road.

Addressing Reigate and Banstead Borough Council’s Planning Committee on January 22, club chairman Dr Alistair Wells intimated the move was vital for the club’s

future success. He said: “My job as chairman is to secure the future of the club for the next 100 years for the benefit of the golfers and enjoyment of all who walk on the heath. However, we need to make sure this continues by adapting to a declining and changing golf market which is increasingly competitive.”

Dr Wells added: “We need to improve the quality and efficiency of the clubhouse to secure a sustainable social and financial future for the club and everyone who uses the heath. Our current clubhouse will cost over £3 million over

the next 10 years just to maintain the fabric of the building, as opposed to an environmentally-efficient building proposed.”

The two planning applications encompassed a new glassfronted clubhouse with staff accommodation, an artisans’ clubhouse, 171-space car park and access road on the heath, plus three detached houses and 10 flats on the site of the current base. The council turned the application down on the basis that they were not considered appropriate for green belt land, and would cause ‘further habitat fragmentation of the woodland’.

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British Golf Show returns to Wycombe Air Park Golfers will have the chance to test out the latest equipment, take part in challenges and competitions, have a golf lesson, at the British Golf Show, which is being held at Wycombe Air Park in Buckinghamshire from May 15-16.

Following the show’s launch last year, which attracted around 4,000 golfers and an overall combined audience of 6,500, the show organisers are hoping to beat that number in May by adding a number of new exhibitors and attractions. This year’s show will see a group of six PGA Professionals on hand to give lessons, spread between the indoor greens, launch monitor bays and on the venue’s 300-yard driving range.

Over 60 golf brands will be exhibiting in the main hall, with equipment manufacturers demonstrating their 2020 ranges and holding custom fitting events on the outdoor range. A fleet of golf buggies will ferry visitors between the exhibition halls and the range, where there will be a marquee serving refreshments.

The two-day event takes place simultaneously with The Elite London, a luxury lifestyle show which covers aviation, marine, motoring, shooting & country, and luxury brands. There are also interactive attractions such as a bookable Sommelier Experience and Beauty & Wellness treatments. The British Golf Show and The Elite London exhibition halls are adjacent to each other, and all visitors can access both shows, which opens at 10am and closes at 5pm on both days.

Early-bird tickets are now on sale for £15 (children under 16 are free) at www.britishgolfshow.co.uk.

■ OVER 60 BRANDS WILL BE EXHIBITING AT THE BRITISH GOLF SHOW

NEWS | MARCH 2020

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GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Canterbury appoints

Prize fund boost

new Director of Golf

for Senior Open at Sunningdale The stars of the senior tours bidding to win the coveted Senior Open Championship at Sunningdale Golf Club this summer can look forward to putting a few more pennies in the bank after it was announced that the prize fund for this year’s event has been given a significant boost.

The R&A and the Staysure Tour have increased the prize fund for the 2020 Senior Open Presented by Rolex to $2.5 million, up $500,000 from last year’s figure won by Bernhard Langer at Royal Lytham & St Annes last year.

Taking place from July 23-26, the star-studded field returns to the Old Course at Sunningdale for the first time since 2015, having hosted the tournament for the first time in 2009. Langer, who won his fourth Senior Open in 2019, will be back will defend his title at the venue where he was beaten to the trophy by American Marco Dawson in 2015.

Langer, who won his 116th professional title last month at the age of 61, will be joined by an array of former major champions and Ryder Cup players, with Phil Mickelson, who turns 50 in May, being a huge potential draw for fans should he decide to stay on following his appearance at the Open Championship at Royal St George’s, which concludes the week before.

Tickets to watch the action cost from £80 for a season ticket and £25/£30 for day ticket.

For advance bookings, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Canterbury Golf Club in Kent has announced a series of key appointments to its management team.

As part of a major reorganisation of resources, the club is taking over the running of the pro shop and golf services and has introduced a new position of director of golf.

That post will be filled by 41-year-old Aaron Galbraith, who has been the head pro at Sene Valley for almost six years.

Canterbury general manager Roger Hyder said: “We are establishing a team that reflects the status that we are keen to achieve. As the club approaches full membership, we want the best possible service for our members and guests and these appointments are key to us achieving that aim.”

He added: “We are blessed with having a beautiful Harry Colt-designed course and Aaron’s appointment will enable us to provide a quality experience for golfers that matches that of the course. Aaron will be responsible for overseeing the shop and golf

services. This includes tee starting and marshalling, as well as the floodlit driving range and teaching programmes.”

A former Canterbury member and past junior captain, Galbraith said: “It’s great to come back after 25 years to take on this newly-created role. I enjoyed my time at Sene Valley, but this move gives me the opportunity to head into golf operations management, which is something I have wanted to do for some time.”

Other key new staff include husband and wife team Eleanor and Tony Walton, who have taken on roles of clubhouse manager and head chef respectively. The club has several other major developments in the pipeline, including the construction of extension to the clubhouse and a complete refurbishment to the pro shop.

■ NINE NEW TEES HAVE BEEN BUILT AT LECKFORD TO CREATE AN 18-HOLE EXPERIENCE

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Hewson secures LET card at first attempt

Hertfordshire Alice Hewson has completed her journey from Berkhamsted Golf Club junior to Tour professional by securing her Ladies European Tour card at the first attempt.

The 22-year-old finished inside the top 15 the tour’s final qualifying school held in Spain in January, firing a final round 69 at La Manga to finish five shots inside the cut mark to earn her card for the 2020 LET schedule.

British golfers dominated the final places, with Scotland’s Alison Muirhead and Welsh golfer Amy Boulden – this year’s overall LET Q School winner – also getting their cards.

Hewson, who turned professional last summer after winning the European Ladies Amateur Champion, is already targeting early-season events in Abu Dhabi, South Africa, Saudi Arabia and California.

With 24 events to enter, including 15 in Europe, a total prize fund of almost €18 million, and a recent partnership announced between the LET and the LPGA Tour in the USA, the Hertfordshire golfer is thrilled to be joining Europe’s most prestigious Tour for female professionals at such an exciting time.

“I couldn’t have picked a better moment to turn pro, and I

09/03/2020 16:04

am so excited to have gained my LET card on my first visit to Q School,” she said. “I’ll be spoilt for choice in this first year. By performing well at La Manga I have opened the Hewson also plans to take that positive mindset to the USA in 2020, where she will compete on the Symetra Tour, the official qualifying Tour to the LPGA Tour. But first, she plans to spend three weeks intensive training in South Carolina at her alma mater, Clemson University, where she graduated last year with an accountancy degree and a minor in Legal Studies.

And Berkhamsted members are now looking forward to April 17, when Hewson will return to her home club to host a golf day for her supporters and friends there.

PGA Professional Rob Watts has been Hewson’s performance coach for over six years. He said: “Alice keeps getting better. Her attitude to competing, desire to improve and work-rate are exemplary. Statistically her game is getting close to the best players on Tour, she has a massive heart too which means she usually delivers in a pressure situation. To prepare her for life on the LET we’re going to be working on some new routines in the gym, and on adding more aggression to her game –

which is what you need to win on Tour.”

Berkhamsted Golf Club Captain Henry Tse said: “Alice has been at the club since she was a seven year-old, and has been winning things ever since. In fact she is our current ladies course record holder, although that may change soon as women are competing in our Berkhamsted Trophy for the first time in 2020.

“But most of all we’re proud that she has always returned frequently to Berkhamsted Golf Club, even when she was at college in the USA. Alice sets an amazing example to young golfers everywhere, and we’ll all be riveted when she heads out on Tour.”

Hewson said: “When I returned straight after getting my card I spent the week back at the golf club. People have been absolutely lovely, and I will always have a piece of Berkhamsted in my heart wherever I play in the world.”

To help support Alice during her first year on tour, visit www.gofundme.com/f/first-yearlpga-funds

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MARCH 2020 | NEWS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

England take title in Spain England’s resilient men’s squad splashed their way to success at a rain-soaked Costa Ballena with a dramatic and deserved 5-4 win against Ireland.

Despite miserable conditions, the England squad were able to ward off the elements as well as a battling Irish side to claim victory in the Costa Ballena Octangular International Challenge for the sixth time in the tournament’s 19-year history.

Wins against Germany, Italy and Holland in the group stages teed up a final against a strong Irish team.

An England side comprising Warwickshire duo Sam Broadhurst and Max Martin, Gloucestershire’s Joe Harvey, Cheshire’s Jack Brooks, Yorkshire’s Sam Bairstow and Arron Edwards-Hill from Essex then finished the job in a dramatic finale against the team from the Emerald Isle.

A 2-1 win in the morning foursomes meant that a share of the spoils in the six afternoon singles would be good enough for an overall England win.

Broadhurst secured the first point before Brooks added a second – leaving the way for Edwards-Hill to spark wild scenes with the decisive win in fading light after monsoon weather hit the Spanish resort.

Team manager Paul Ashwell heaped praise on his squad for a remarkable week’s golf. “I couldn’t be prouder of the lads,”

said Ashwell. “I’m actually quite emotional thinking about how much the team has fought for this moment all week. To win all four of our games is remarkable and the guts the team showed in quite brutal weather conditions against Ireland sums these boys up.”

Before the worst of the rains, a solid foundation for the win was laid in the Friday foursomes. Edwards-Hill and Harvey notched a point while Bairstow and Martin ensured that England held a narrow lunchtime lead. But as the storm clouds gathered and the greens and fairways flooded, Ireland battled back and the match result hung in the balance.

Ashwell added: “Ireland were a strong side, but every single member of our squad made a telling contribution at times in the week and that’s what makes this moment so sweet for them all. They bonded like a team and played like a team and it’s a fantastic result.”

England started the week in fine fashion with a 5-4 win against Germany. Harvey and Edwards-Hill secured a point in the morning foursomes as did Martin and Bairstow. The afternoon singles were halved 3-3 to give England the overall team victory.

Brooks and Edwards-Hill both picked up vital half points while Broadhurst and Bairstow won got England over the line.

A repeat of the 5-4 winning margin against Italy on day two put the squad in a strong position.

The combinations of Harvey and Edwards-Hill and Martin and Bairstow once again came up trumps in the morning

foursomes to give England a 2-1 lunchtime lead.

Afternoon singles wins for Broadhurst, Edwards-Hill and Bairstow edged England over the line and heading into day three against the Netherlands in fine spirits.

Heavy overnight rain meant that Thursday’s play was reduced to six singles matches. However, the squad coped well with the soggy conditions to make it three wins out of three thanks to a 3.5-2.5 winning margin. Broadhurst, Edwards-Hill and Bairstow all chipped in with a full point while another half from Brooks took England on to a final day of drama against Ireland.

England’s victory follows on from previous triumphs in this event in 2001, 2005, 2006, 2014 and 2016.

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Berkhamsted breaks down barriers with new mixed gender event Berkhamsted Golf Club has overturned over 60 years of history to open up its famous Berkhamsted Trophy to male and female competitors for the first time in 2020.

The landmark decision by the Hertfordshire-based club, which has the support of the R&A and England Golf, represents the first time that one of amateur golf’s longestrunning prestige tournaments – the Berkhamsted Trophy is entering its 61st year – has transformed from being a men-only tournament, into one which invites both sexes to compete for the same prize.

Entry for the 72-hole event, which takes place over Berkhamsted’s heathland course from April 2-4, is open to golfers with handicaps of 1 or better, with invitations being sent to a number of elite female players. The club is working on a flexible teeing system that will ensure that both sexes compete on an equal footing. The event will be eligible

for World Amateur Golf Ranking points for both men and women.

Club manager Howard Craft said: “There is a lot of talk in golf about embracing change, but the pace at which things fundamentally change in the sport can be a little slow. We are enthusiastic supporters of The R&A’s Women In Golf Charter, and what could be a more shining example of this than allowing men and women to play golf together in competition at the very top of the amateur game?”

Joss Gosling, the 27-year-old winner of the 2019 Berkhamsted Trophy, who will defend his title in April, said: “I believe strongly in inclusion and equality throughout our game, and I know that the majority of my fellow male competitors feel the same. This is brilliant news, and I welcome Berkhamsted’s decision. The fact that an event as prestigious as the Berkhamsted Trophy has made this change will go a long way in showing people that golf is a game for everyone. I am looking forward to competing, for

NEWS | MARCH 2020

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GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Clubs count the cost of record rainfall

AND ■ A THICK LAY ER OF SILT OSS ACR N EW STR S WA D SAN BRECON GC'S GREENS

While the south of England has experienced one its wettest ever winters, causing the closure of many courses for extended periods, spare a thought for the golfers and greenstaff at clubs in the Midlands, Wales and the north of the country, many of whose courses have been completely submerged as rivers burst banks and water tables rose to record levels.

A barrage of storms ­– Ciara, Dennis and Jorge – have seen over 200mm of rain fall on in the north west, south Wales and the Severn valley, causing misery to thousands of home owners and businesses in the worst hit areas. While for golf courses, this meant entire holes were submerged and the clubs have been left counting the cost of the recovery operation.

At Mond Valley Golf Club, above the River Tawe in Wales, the club revealed it would close ‘indefinitely’ while the cleanup operation got under way, while at nearby Brecon Golf Club, a nine-hole course that sits beside the River Usk, four

■ THE FOURTH HOLE AT ALDWARK MANOR WAS COMPLETELY SUBMERGED

of the club’s nine holes were submerged under three feet of water and when the flooding subsided, the course was buried beneath a layer of silt and debris.

“There’s not really a lot we can do to prevent this,” said Stuart Ross, the only full-time greenkeeper at the 118-yearold venue. “We could build up the banking around the greens, but the water came over so high this time that I don’t think a bank would have stopped anything. There’s absolutely nothing we can do about it, so we just have to crack on.”

When submerged by water, grass has no access to oxygen, and if trapped for more than a week it will essentially drown.

If it does, the time it takes for the course to recover and the costs involved are huge.

When the waters subside the layers of silt and debris have to be scraped off by hand – a time-consuming job requiring snow shovels and wheelbarrows. Ross added: “It took me all day to remove the top layer on our smallest green and I’ve got to go back and have another go on that green to clear the rest off, but I needed to let the grass breathe because it was being smothered. The only fortunate thing is that this has happened in February, so we haven’t lost too many green fees and the members aren’t in a rush to play in this weather anyway.”

■ NINE NEW TEES HAVE BEEN BUILT AT LECKFORD TO CREATE AN 18-HOLE EXPERIENCE

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Immobigolf aims to shut down stolen clubs market

American Golf has brought together industry experts together to launch a new initiative aimed at combating the rising tide of golf equipment thefts.

Golf equipment crime is estimated to cost golfers and the golf industry over £10 million a year, with stolen goods often coming back into the marketplace through trade-ins and the second-hand club business.

The new initiative, called Immobigolf, calls on golfers to register their golf clubs for free on a national database. This database is already be used by the police to return stolen goods to their rightful owners, but will also allow retailers and traders to track the ownership history of any golf club, quickly identifying stolen and counterfeit products.

While the club register service is free, for just £14.99, golfers can also buy an Immobigolf pack at American Golf that will give golfers the means to show potential thieves that their products are protected. The pack includes identifier labels for golf clubs and deterrent markers that can be placed in car windows and on a golf bag.

Any retailers, golf clubs or PGA Pros wishing to be part of the initiative should email support@immobilise.com. For more details, visit www.immobigolf.com.

Goddard wins Portguese Amateur

Hertfordshire’s Harry Goddard fired four birdies in his final five holes to claim a stunning victory in the 90th Portuguese Amateur Championship held at Montado Golf Resort.

The England ‘A’ squad player carded a sixunder-par final round of 66 to win the event by one shot from Spain’s Eduard Rousaud and Portugal’s Pedro Lencart Silva.

After opening up with rounds of 71, 65 and 67 to head into final 18 holes at Montado in a tie for third, Goddard was still in contention after a solid front nine, but thought he’d blown his chances of victory with back-to-back bogeys at 12 and 13.

However, showing a steely resolve, he fought back with three birdies in a row from the 14th, and then a

09/03/2020 16:04

nerveless ten-foot putt for a birdie on the 72nd hole was good enough to earn the 20-year-old the biggest win of his career.

“I didn’t know at the time that my putt on 18 was for a win,” said Goddard, who plays his golf at Hanbury Manor. “I thought I would have to hole it to get into a play-off. But as it turned out my nearest rivals could only manage a par and a bogey at the last and my score was good enough to win.”

He added: “I’m thrilled to get over the line. I had a chance to win the Lytham Trophy last year, but came up just short, and it feels as if a win has been a long time coming and is really special moment for me.

Goddard – a former England boys’ international – is part of the England men’s squad set-up for 2020 and hopes this win is a launch pad for his season. He added: “I hope I can kick on now and enjoy a really good year.”

Kent duo Joshua Bristow and Mason Essam also enjoyed a good week in Portugal – Bristow finished fifth on 14 under, while Essam was two shots further back in tenth.

[10] MARCH 2020 | NEWS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Sandwich to receive £100,000 windfall from Open fund The town of Sandwich in Kent, home to 2020 Open Championship venue Royal St George’s, is set to benefit from a £100,000 windfall from a fund set up by the R&A to support local communities in which The Open is staged.

The R&A will provide £75,000 towards the redevelopment of the town’s Guildhall Market Square, alongside additional investment from Dover District Council, Sandwich Town Council, Prince’s Golf Club and Discovery Park.

The redevelopment project will transform the town’s market square and will include resurfacing of the current square along with the installation of new features such as improved seating, lighting and a water fountain.

A Green Initiatives Grant Programme (GIGP) will also be launched by the R&A, Dover District Council and Sandwich Town Council to enable community groups and organisations in Sandwich to apply for funding to support initiatives that provide social,

■ GUILDHALL MARKET SQUARE, SANDWICH

environmental and health and wellbeing benefits for the town and its residents.

A total of £52,500 is to be made available to community groups and organizations, with funding applications to Dover District Council assessed by the local authority using funding criteria agreed with the R&A. The GIGP includes £25,000 each from The R&A and Dover District Council, and £2,500 from Sandwich Town Council.

Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Executive Director of Championships at the R&A, said: “We are making this legacy investment because we believe that it is important for the towns and communities in which The Open is played to receive a positive and lasting benefit from the staging of the Championship.

We are excited about the project to transform the appearance of the Guildhall Market Square in Sandwich and we look forward to working with Dover District Council and Sandwich Town Council to identify local community projects that can be supported by the Green Initiatives Grant Programme.”

Craig Mackinlay, MP for South Thanet, said: “We are really proud to be hosting The 149th Open this year and very grateful to the R&A for being such a magnificent friend to Sandwich for so many years. This very generous investment to improve our market square will help us to ensure that Sandwich continues to be the most beautifully preserved medieval town in the UK.”

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Brighton courses face contrasting futures

It was very much a case of good news and bad news for Brighton-based golfers last month, as the East Sussex city’s council decided to keep open one of its publicly-owned golf courses, but close the other.

Hollingbury Golf Course in Brighton was given a reprieve, with Brighton & Hove City Council agreeing to extend the lease on the site for golfing purposes; while over at Waterhall Golf Course in Hove, the venue’s users were dismayed to be told that the course is to shut and the site to be returned to chalk grasslands.

Environmentalists had campaigned for Hollingbury to be left for rewilding too, but Brighton & Hove City Council approved the re-letting of the site on a three-year lease to leisure management company MyTime Active, with the potential to extend that to a 25-year lease.

The charity would take on the course for up to three years rent-free, while it worked with a golf course architect to obtain planning permission to change the existing layout and put in a new driving range. There are also plans to extend the clubhouse to create a space for ‘sport, health, mindfulness and education’, including a holistic health centre, fitness studios and consultation rooms.

Hollingbury Golf Club captain Steve Garrioch said: “It’s fantastic news. I would personally like to thank everyone for all their hard work to get us where we are. We’re very happy we don’t have to close the course. Going forward, we’re going to form a management committee with all interested parties. We want to all make sure the right thing is being done for everyone.”

Councillor Alan Robins, chairman of Brighton & Hove Council’s tourism, equalities, communities and culture committee, said: “The leasing of Waterhall and Hollingbury Park golf courses offers opportunities for people to invest in our city, it continues golf in the city as well as rewilding public land, and this is good news for continuing access for everyone – at both locations.”

LF COURSE IS TO ■ WATERHALL GO CK TO NATURE BA ED RN BE RE TU

■ HOLLINGBURY HAS EARNED A REPRIEVE FROM CLOSURE

NEWS | MARCH 2020

[11]

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Wentworth posts £2m loss

■ WENTWORTH IS TO BECOME A DEBENTURE-ONLY MEMBERS CLUB

but ploughs ahead with £150,000 membership plan Wentworth Club, the Surrey home of the BMW PGA Championship, has posted an operating loss of £2 million for 2019.

Despite the red figures, the latest losses mark a significant improvement on the Virginia Water-based venue’s losses for the previous year, which were nearly three times that sum, with the 2018 accounts showing losses of £5.8m.

More efficient operational processes and strong interest in its new debenture membership programme were cited as reasons for the ‘better than expected’ financial results, as Wentworth’s owners, the Reignwood Group, pushes forward with plans to become a debenture-only members club.

Neil Coulson, who took over the role of general manager at the club in May last year, said: “What pleases me most about these results is that while we have made significant progress in improving how the club is operated, we have also continued to add value to our debenture and enhance

the overall membership experience. Going into 2020, we believe we are now on track with our ambitious plan to make Wentworth one of the leading private member golf and country clubs in the world.”

The club has so far sold 400 of its 550 debentures, each of which costs £150,000 and entitles an entire family access to all of the golf and leisure facilities at the club.

The Chinese-owned Reignwood Group spent over £7 million upgrading the West Course since it bought the club from Richard Caring in 2014, while the final bill for refurbishing the iconic clubhouse coming in at £13 million.

A significant number of the existing membership moved to other clubs in the area when Wentworth brought in the new membership programme following the change of ownership.

■ NINE NEW TEES HAVE BEEN BUILT AT LECKFORD TO CREATE AN 18-HOLE EXPERIENCE

ADVANCED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE HAS CREATED THE NEXT LEVEL OF DISTANCE

New era begins at Charts Hills as club changes hands Chart Hills Golf Club has changed hands for the third time in its 27-year history, with its new owners pledging to invest significant sums in the Kent venue’s Nick Faldo-designed championship course.

The Biddenden-based club was sold by Hampshire businessman Martin Shaw to Ramac Holdings, which already owns Prince’s Golf Club in Sandwich. Shaw bought Chart Hills from the Leaderboard Group in 2017.

Chart Hills is situated 40 miles inland from Prince’s, affording potential synergies between the two clubs. Chart Hills is well known by Prince’s senior management team, with Robert McGuirk, the general manager at Prince’s, being a former member, and its club champion in 1996.

A spokesperson for Ramac Holdings Ltd said: “We’re delighted to announce this acquisition and see a very bright future ahead for Chart Hills and its members. It’s a club and course that holds a fine

09/03/2020 16:04

modern history and upholds a strong reputation – not just in Kent, but nationally. It’s a long-term project that we’re all thoroughly excited to commence.”

The new owners have committed to investing significantly in the venue and are working on an extensive development strategy alongside the in-house team, led by general manager James Cornish and director of golf Ant Tarchetti.

Two new greenkeeping staff have been added to the existing team to help the club carry out plans for improvements to course, which will include some major drainage works, as well as the completion of a number of previously-planned renovation projects.

Course manager Neil Lowther, who has worked at Chart Hills for 18 years, is committed to restoring the course to its full potential.

He said: “After initial conversations with the new owners it became clear that it was paramount for us to add resources and build a new greenkeeping team in order to take the golf course forward Investment has already begun, and we are now able to complete unfinished projects, such as the renovation of the 10th and 12th tees, which are now under way. There is a very positive vibe among the whole team, and we are all looking forward to being part of a new era for Chart Hills."

■ THE GREENKEEPIN G TEAM IS CARRYING OUT PLENT Y OF COURSE IMPROVEMENTS AT CH ART HILLS

[12] MARCH 2020 | NEWS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

InBrief DRIFT TO OPEN NEW HI-TECH RANGE ★ Drift Golf Club in Surrey is to open a new driving range later this year that will significantly elevate the facilities at the popular East Horsley-based venue. The state-ofthe-art range will feature 30 covered bays, two dedicated coaching studios and an additional VIP area allowing group practice and entertainment.

Available for members and visitors to use, the facility will offer the very latest technology, with TrackMan ball-tracking systems fitted in all 30 bays. Trackman uses a system of radars to accurately measure a wide range of ball data, including total carry and distance, launch angle, spin rates and dispersion. A personal app and in-range screens will also offer a selection of games and virtual courses to add an element of fun to practice sessions.

TEWKESBURY PARK TO HOST PGA SUPER 60S ★ Tewkesbury Park in Gloucestershire has been chosen to host the PGA Super 60s Championship from 2020-2022.

Entries are now open for the 2020 event, which will take place on August 5-6 on Tewkesbury Park's 6,554-yard Deerpark course.

Eighty pairs, comprising a PGA Professional and amateur, are expected to compete in the 36-hole fourball strokeplay event, which boasts a £10,300 prize fund for professionals. It costs £90 per pair to enter, and competitors can do so by visiting www.pga.info.

Groves to tee it up at GolfSixes George Groves, the Surrey-based world’s top-ranked golfer with a disability, is set to tee it up in European Tour event in May. Groves, who is a member of the European Disabled Golfers Association, has been invited to take part in GolfSixes Cascais, a limited field European Tour event which returns to Oitavos Dunes Golf Club in Portugal for its second staging from May 9-10.

Groves, who has Erbs Palsy, a condition that he has had from birth which left him with 20 per cent strength in his left arm, works at Horne Park Golf Club in Surrey. He will be joined in Portugal by fellow disabled golfer Brendan Lawlor, with the pair teaming up in the competitive match play format to form the inaugural ‘EDGA Team’, as one of four wildcard selections on offer.

It also marks the first time that golfers with disabilities will compete alongside European Tour professionals in a regular season event. GolfSixes Cascais will follow the same format as the 2019 edition, with four wildcard teams – featuring stars of male and female golf – joining 12 other twoman teams of European Tour players representing their home nations.

Groves, who is top of the World Rankings for Golfers with Disability, won the inaugural EDGA Dubai finale in November, a 36-hole event took place alongside the European Tour’s seasonending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

Speaking about his next tour date, he said: “I’m really looking forward to competing in the European Tour’s GolfSixes in Cascais. To be able to tee it up and play against the Tour professionals is exactly what inclusivity is all about. I’m excited to represent all players with a disability alongside Brendan and we hope to do them proud.”

As an amateur, Groves will be unable to claim any winnings from the tournament, although the European Tour has agreed to donate the team’s prize money from the event to the EDGA to help encourage more people with disability to try golf.

All change at Goodwood’s Gazebo Golf at Goodwood’s infamous halfway hut, the Gazebo, is set to re-open next month following a change of management and a minor refurbishment.

Ken Phillips, who has served members and visitors to the club’s Downs Course for many a year, has recently retired from manning the hut, and the club has appointed Tom Barnes, who runs The

Lobster Pot Café in Felpham and the Hotham Park Café in Bognor Regis, to take on the management of this vital element of the Goodwood experience.

Tom and his team will be serving up wide selection of hot and cold refreshments seven days a week. The Gazebo is currently undergoing some renovation work, with reopening date set for the beginning of April.

UFFORD GOLF DAY PACKS A PUNCH ★ Ufford Park Hotel, Golf & Spa is to host a special charity golf day in May to raise funds for the Suffolk Punch horse. The event, which was set up

by Ufford Park owner Colin Aldous, is being held on May 25, and is set to attract golfers from across the region to play two rounds at the resort's 18hole course in Woodbridge. The day costs £45pp, with guests enjoying breakfast, 18 holes, a BBQ lunch, and a further 18 holes and a prize giving ceremony. A donation from each entry fee will be collected to support charities for the benefit of all owners and breeders of the rare Suffolk Punch horse. For bookings, visit www.uffordpark.co.uk.

KINGS HILL APPOINTS NEW GENERAL MANAGER ★ Kings Hill Golf Club in Kent has announced the appointment of experienced golf club manager Melanie Drake as its new general manager. Drake, who has held similar roles at Birchwood Park and Nizels, takes up this role with immediate effect. She arrives an exciting time for the club, with developments planned for both the clubhouse and the 8-hole course over the coming years.

Tourneybury pro takes on PGA South Region captaincy Tourneybury Golf Club PGA Professional Philip Bryden is looking forward to playing a lot more competitive golf this season as he steps into the role of captain of The PGA in England (South) for 2020.

Bryden, who has enjoyed two spells at Tournebury during his 35-year career, is also excited about the prospect of finding out the issues affecting the PGA Professionals and golf clubs across the region during his year in office.

He said: “While I’m a Hampshire PGA Professional through and through, I’m very excited to have been elected as regional captain, although It’ll be a tough act to follow Ant Tarchetti from Prince’s.”

He added: “I’m looking forward to playing in more Pro-Ams and events, and especially to meeting lots more regional members. Golf is experiencing some very interesting times right now, whether it’s the clubs or the PGA Professionals, and so I really want to listen to our members’ opinions, see what they think and what we feel could be better, or what we can do to improve things.”

Van’s the man to learn from at Stoke Park

Former European Tour player Van Phillips has set himself up as a fulltime coach at Stoke Park in Buckinghamshire, where he hopes to pass on the skills and experience he learned during his 15 years playing at the highest level.

A fully qualified PGA Professional, Phillips has been coaching elite amateurs since retiring from the tour in 2008, and served as academy director at Dukes Meadows in West London for five years from 2009-2014.

During his time there he coached Sammy Fuller to three European girls titles, as well as her sister Annabell, who is now England’s top female amateur, and he also helped with Alfie Curbishley’s development en route to winning the World U14’s title.

Speaking about his new coaching operation at Stoke Park, Phillips, who won the Portuguese Open in 1996, said: “I have been mixing playing, teaching and commentary work for Sky for a while, but due to an on-going back injury I’ve chosen to focus more on coaching now. I have been at Stoke Park for 36 years and was made an honourary member in recognition of my European Tour achievements ten years ago, so I am very privileged that the club allows me to use the wonderful facilities for my coaching.”

He added: “Having won on tour and worked with the best coaches in the world, as well as being a qualified gym instructor, I really know I can help anyone to get better at golf, but especially high level amateurs and aspiring professionals.”

Among Phillips’ current coaching programmes is the Elite Scoring School, where pupils receive a minimum of 18 hours of contact time spread out over three six-hour sessions. Using state-of-the-art swing and ball tracking technology, as well as Stoke Park’s tour-standard practice facilities, while oncourse lessons on Stoke Park’s 27-hole layout are also offered.

Phillips also offers standalone full and half-day coaching programmes, as well as one-hour sessions, where he will focus on one specific area of the game that the client wishes to work on.

For more details, visit www.vanphillips.co.uk

NEWS | MARCH 2020 GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

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[13]

[14] MARCH 2020 | NEWS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

InBrief

The Shire unveils vision of ‘Affordable Luxury’ future

FOXHILLS ON THE HUNT FOR NEW SCHOLARS ★ Foxhills Club & Resort in Surrey is on the hunt for the next generation of scholars to join the Foundation scheme which set both Paul Casey and Anthony Wall on their way to stellar careers on the European Tour and beyond. The club is inviting talented applicants to join the scheme to benefit from the firstclass coaching team and impressive golf course and practice facilities available at the Ottershaw-based venue. As part of the programme, which has tutored more than 300 children to date, there is mentoring from Tour professionals, equipment support and everything required to gain a deep understanding of the game, on and off the course. The Foundation is also keen to attract keen golfers from disadvantaged backgrounds and to take the sport to disabled young golfers too. Chris

The Shire London is hoping to move into the big leagues in both the golfing and footballing terms this season, as it unveils a range of new developments and new signings that look set to propel the club to higher levels in 2020.

The north-west London club, which is located near Potters Bar, has long boasted strong sporting connections, but it has taken its footing with the other ‘beautiful game’ to a new level following the signing of a deal with Brentford Football Club, which has made it one of the promotion-chasing EFL Championship club’s official club suppliers.

With Brentford Football Club moving stadiums this summer from Griffin Park to a new home near Kew Bridge, the West London club will be even closer to The Shire London, making it handy for when the club hosts its official golf day at the club, in May. Other big golf days in the diary for 2020 at The Shire London include Andy Cole’s golf day in September, Trevor Nelson’s annual golf day on June 26 and Darren Barker’s Boxing golf day in August.

This year, The Shire London has elevated its golf day experience with a raft of new extras; including VPAR scoring for all days with over 40 players, exclusive use of the club’s new conservatory, which has its own bar, selfcatering kitchen and a covered BBQ area and use of TrackMan ball-flight monitoring technology which can be used whilst warming up on the range before their rounds.

With golf day packages starting from £80pp, Ceri Menai-Davis, Director at The Shire London, says the club’s golf days are all about adding value, rather than elevating the price. “We believe that everyone’s pound is the same and therefore everyone should be able to enjoy the same high-end

quality on and off the course. Last year attracted more visitors and members, but this year is set to be our best year yet, with exciting golf days already in the calendar.

The additional offerings of VPAR and TrackMan will really help golfers hone their game and take our golf day experiences to the next level.”

He added: “There is a limit on what golfers are prepared to pay for a golf day, so rather than hiking up the cost, we’ve held our prices for 2020 and added in extras to offer golfers more value for money. We call it ’Affordable Luxury’.”

Ahead of the new season, the superb Seve Ballesteros-designed layout has never looked in better condition, with new Head Greenkeeper George Stillwell ensuring that all playing surfaces are first-class. One of the recent enhancements include the use of Pure Distinction Bentgrass interseeded on the greens, meaning the uniquely bright green grass has exceptionally strong resistance to disease, extreme temperature changes and general wear. This allows golfers the opportunity to play the course in excellent condition all-year round with no temporary greens.

The club also boasts a nine-hole academy course, a driving range and a brand new tour-standard 750sq m short game area, which is ideal for private practice or for having a course of lessons from the club’s expert team of PGA-qualified coaches, which include Lee Cox and Tom Phillips.

The club has also recently taken on former Challenge Tour player Harry Casey to coach the junior section at the club.

For more information, visit www.theshirelondon.com or email golf@theshirelondon.com

Fitt , Foxhills’ Director of golf and leisure, said: “The Foundation was established in 1986 to afford a limited number of local children the opportunity to learn, develop and excel in golf when they might not have ordinarily had that opportunity. And it’s not just the talented children who can’t afford coaching we want to target – we want to take golf to everyone.

For further details, email aburwood@foxhills.co.uk, visit foxhills.co.uk or call 01932 704465.

POULT WOOD OPEN DAY ★ Poult Wood Golf in Kent is hosting an open weekend on April 18-19, where visitors will be offered the chance to try their hand on its two golf courses for discounted green

Felixstowe Ferry submits housing plan to safeguard future Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club in Suffolk is in the early stages of embarking on a multi-million pound housing project that will safeguard its future.

The 130-year-old club has applied for planning permission to build five detached homes on site which would fund improvements to the club, including the construction of a new clubhouse and a café, a new putting green, toilets and a viewing platform open to the public.

The club, which counted former British Prime Minister AJ Balfour and former Open Champion Willie Fernie as members, aims ‘to provide a functional, attractive and efficient clubhouse and facilities fit for the 21st century’.

Architect Wincer Kievenaar, who drew up

the plans for the new buildings, said: “The redevelopment seeks to safeguard the club’s medium and long-term future now that the current facilities are no longer fit for purpose and at the end of their useful life. The proposed clubhouse is the way in which the future of the golf club can be secured, and the proposed five residential dwellings proposed alongside the clubhouse are essential in order to viably enable the clubhouse to be built.”

He added: “The current clubhouse is an original farmhouse building which does not best serve the needs of its members, or attract new players into the game, while the detached pro shop creates a separation between the club’s PGA Professional and the members.

A pre-application meeting has been

■ FELIXS TOWE FERRY 'S CLUBHOUSE IS TO BE CONVERTED INTO FLATS

held between the design team and council officers and the project is said to have received ‘positive and constructive feedback’.

If approved, the development will take up four acres of the club’s land, which includes two courses either side of the Tomline Wall floodbank on the links between Old Felixstowe and Felixstowe Ferry. The new public viewing platform at the top of the beach steps will give views across the area, and information about the local Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

fees (£10 for 18 holes, £5 for 9), enjoy free balls on the driving range, and watch a coaching clinic given by the venue’s PGA Professional staff. To

Senior stars return to Trevose

sign up for this free event call 01732 364039.

HEVER PLAYS IT SAFE ★ Hever Castle Golf & Wellbeing in Kent achieved the SafeGolf club accreditation from England Golf.

The award demonstrates the club’s commitment to safeguarding children and young people, as well as adults. PGA Head Professional Peter Parks said: “The entire team of PGA coaches along with all the club staff are delighted to receive this accreditation. We are committed to delivering both a fun and enjoyable experience to all that visit and safeguarding is very important part in enabling us to do so.”

Topflight professional tournament golf will be returning to Trevose Golf & Country Club in Cornwall this summer, after it was confirmed that the Farmfoods European Legends Links Championship is on the Staysure Tour’s schedule for the 2020 season.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, the four-day tournament will see some of the most iconic names in golf take on the picturesque and challenging course, which is located five miles west of Padstow, between June 18-21.

Last summer marked the championship’s successful debut on Europe’s over-50s tour, which saw Frenchman Jean-François Remésy scoop the title and a €50,000 first prize. Ian Woosnam returns as event host and

some of the star names likely to play include Paul Lawrie, Paul McGinley, Costantino Rocca, Peter Baker and Jean van de Velde.

Nick Gammon, managing director at Trevose, said: “Everyone at Trevose Golf and Country Club is delighted that the Farmfoods European Legends Links Championship is returning to the Staysure Tour this year. Last year’s event was a roaring success, and it was fantastic to see so many golfing legends playing out on our course.

“We are excited to welcome back several Ryder Cup and Major-winning players as we look to make the 2020 edition even bigger and better than last year. The team here at Trevose is already working extremely hard in preparation for the event.”

■ IAN WOOSNAM IS TO RETURN AS TOURNAMENT HOST AT TREVOSE

INTERVIEW | MARCH 2020

[15]

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Open Championship week at

NORTH FORE L AND GOLF CLU B OPEN WEEK VISITOR OFFER Sunday 12th July - Monday 20th July inclusive.

Reserved tee - times available The wait is over! The Open returns, once more, to Royal St Georges, Sandwich.

It’s going to be a fantastic celebration of golf with visitors arriving from around the World to watch the spectacle unfold.

And... it’s going to be super busy in East Kent with keen golfers eagerly searching out tee times on the many golf courses surrounding the Open venue.

Special prices apply for the week of the Open Golf Championship including reserved tee times, available at just £125.00 per person per round, or as a package for a 4 ball £450.00.

Breakfast and free range balls followed by 18 holes (tee time before 11am) or Lunch and free range balls followed by 18 holes (tee time after 11am)

To reserve your tee time simply call our office on (+44)1843 862140 Caution though - Tee times are already in high demand for the The Open week, so don’t miss your chance, book your North Foreland Golf day today.

[16] MARCH 2020

COURSE REVIEW

Top draw golfing experience Credited as the first golf club to open 36 holes close to central London more than one hundred years ago, Royal Mid-Surrey at Old Deer Park in Richmond offers visitors a first-class experience both on and off its two superb championship courses.

Often described as London’s ‘hidden gem’ in golfing terms, Royal Mid-Surrey is situated a decent drive and mid-iron away from Richmond station, tucked neatly between Kew Gardens and The Thames. Spanning the Middlesex/Surrey county border, the Old Deer Park turf on which it was created was once recorded as the place where Prince Henry, son of James I, played the first game of golf in England in 1606.

The club’s impressive regal lineage includes a Royal designation conferred by the then Prince of Wales in 1926 when he was Club Captain. It’s also been the proud golfing home for prime ministers, corporate giants and several greats of the English game, such as Open champions JH Taylor, Sir Henry Cotton and Max Faulkner, plus Pam Barton, the former British and US Amateur

champion.

JH Taylor, the club’s famous first head professional, who won five Open titles, designed both the course named after him and the Pam Barton course. “They each offer very different tests of golf, but a common feature to both are the true, undulating and fast greens,” said the current PGA head professional Matthew Paget.

FAST GREENS “We often hear from accomplished scratch players competing here in national or regional tournaments, that they’re very impressed with the conditioning of the courses and the standard of the greens in particular,” added Matthew, who heads up a team of nine PGA Professionals at the club, including one of the country's busiest female

coaches.

In recent years, the greens on the JH Taylor course have been raised to USGA specifications in order to attract the most prestigious tournaments and events – as well as provide the members with a top-quality challenge every time they play.

According to Courses Manager Gavin Kinsella, who manages a team of 18 experienced greenkeepers and gardeners: “The greens on the JH Taylor course are among the best around now they match the USGA standards.

A lot of work has been done over a 5-year period to ensure they stay in great shape throughout the season.

We aim for a stimp reading between 10.5 and 11.5 from May to October.”

Among the prestigious tournaments the club is hosting this year are the Surrey Ladies’ County Championships played over three days in April, followed by the annual Mothers & Daughters Open. In June, it will be staging The Antlers 36-hole foursomes event for scratch pairings first played in 1933, plus the latest instalment of the oldest inter-club match in England – a contest against local rival Richmond Golf Club played on both courses on the same day that dates back to 1872.

■ ROYAL MID SURREY 'S TW 18-HOLE CHAM O PIONSHIP CO URSE S ARE ALWAYS PRESENTED IN SUPERB CO NDITION

close to central London CLUBHOUSE FACILITIES “While both courses are in regular use across the year, there are still opportunities for society and corporate golf days to take place and we have a very good retention rate among those who put on events at the club for the first time,” said Membership & Marketing Manager Paul Crowe. “Among the conferences and meetings being catered for this year are a series of events for the R&A as part of its Women’s Charter

initiative and they are making the most of all the facilities and catering available within the clubhouse,” he added.

The lodge-style clubhouse was built for £5.5m in 2003 and includes three main function rooms – the Viscount dining room, named after Viscount Cave of Richmond who was club captain in 1905 and served as home secretary under Lloyd George; the Henry Cotton room and the Pam Barton room overlooking the course. The team of top-class chefs can provide bespoke banqueting menus for up to 150 guests, as well as buffets and BBQ’s served inside, on the outside piazza or at the popular half-way house close to the 11th green.

The inclusive club, which boasts a relaxed dress code, has gone from strength to strength since it celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2017. It has reciprocal arrangements with 33 clubs from 15 countries, including more than 20 other Royal clubs, such as Royal Melbourne and Royal Cape.

One of only 8% of golf clubs in the UK to have a waiting list for membership, it boasts the largest women’s section in the country (365), 800 full members and 80 juniors. Among its active playing membership are 120 Associate members aged under 30, Ladies European Tour player Inci Mehmet and England Girls international Rafiah Banday.

GOLF NEWS SPECIAL OFFER Golf News readers can book a mid-week 4-ball on the JH Taylor course and enjoy a lunch afterwards for £125 per person.

The round must be pre-booked.

For bookings, call 020 8393 0146 or email proshop@rmsgc.co.uk quoting 'GN20'.

For membership enquiries and society bookings, email Paul Crowe at membership@ rmsgc.co.uk or call 020 8940 1894.

Web: www.rmsgc.co.uk

[18] MARCH 2020 | INTERVIEW GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

A QUICK-FIRE ROUND WITH...

THOMAS SKINNER The 29-year-old star of the most recent series of BBC’s The Apprentice loves nothing more than ‘boshing’ a ball around a golf course to escape the pressures of running his luxury bedding business n I LOVE GOLF BECAUSE… it’s a good place to get away from the stresses of work and enjoy the countryside. I’m a bit of a fair-weather golfer and love going out for game in the summer – shorts on, crate of beers in the buggy, and some good mates to play with. n MY FAVOURITE HOLIDAY GOLF COURSE IS… Pinheiros Altos in Portugal. I’ve not played hundreds of courses, but I always have a good time there and anywhere feels nice when you’ve got the sun on your back. Back in the UK, I always enjoy my games at Toot Hill Golf Club in Essex, and also had some good rounds at Northampton Golf Club.

n MY MOST MEMORABLE ROUND WAS AT… Bentley Golf Club in Essex, where I once drove a 400-yard hole. I don’t know how, and I’ll probably never manage it again! I had a memorable round for all the wrong reason when I was playing with a mate and we were chatting in the buggy so much that he didn’t look where he was going and drove us both into a ditch in the middle of the fairway. It was fun trying to explain that away when we got back to the pro shop!

■ PINHEIROS ALTOS IN PORTUGAL

n MY LOWEST SCORE FOR 18 HOLES IS… a two-over-par 74. I play off 11, so I’m no hacker, but golf can be very frustrating game, especially when you don’t practice and you expect to be able to just pick up where you left off. n MY WORST ROUND OF GOLF WAS… usually the most recent one!

■ BURHILL BOASTS TWO 18-HOLE CHAMPIONSHIP COURSES - THE OLD AND THE NEW

n MY MOST RECENT GOLF HOLIDAY WAS TO… Portugal. It’s been a while since I’ve had to the time for golf holiday, but the Algarve never lets you down.

with your mind. I’ve lost count of the number of balls I’ve lost in the drink over the years.

n MY DREAM FOURBALL WOULD INCLUDE… Donald Trump, Tiger Woods, John Daly and Harry Redknapp. Oh, that’s five, including me. Well, I think they’d let us play! n MY FAVOURITE TOUR PLAYER IS… Ernie Els. He was a bit of a legend of mine when I was younger. I love his smooth swing and the way he wandered about the course so casually. Ian Poulter has always impressed me to. He gets every ounce out of his game and I reckon he would be a good laugh to play with. n MY IDEAL POST-ROUND MEAL WOULD BE… a medium-rare sirloin steak with peppercorn sauce and chips.

n THE FAVOURITE CLUB IN MY BAG IS… my 60-degree Vokey wedge. I can get some proper backspin on that bad boy when I catch it right.

n MY GO-TO POST-ROUND DRINK IS… a nice cold pint of Stella Artois.

n THE SHOT I LEAST FANCY HITTING IS… anything over water. It really messes

n THE COURSE I’D MOST LIKE TO PLAY IS… Augusta. Got to be done.

1889 1889 1889 1889 1889

1889

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11/12/2019 16:02

NEWS | MARCH 2020 GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Kent club membership on the rise Despite the closure of a number of clubs in Kent over the last few years, Kent Golf has reported that membership of its 80 affiliated clubs has actually risen over the last 12 months, with numbers up by over 400 from 2018, to 27,723 at the end of 2019.

Kent Golf chairman Peter Long said: “Where we have seen clubs close we have sought to help their members move to other clubs, so there isn’t actually a reduction in the number of golfers, and there are, of course, many people playing golf in the region who are not members of clubs.” We cannot be complacent though. There are plenty of choices for youngsters in the leisure industry and we readily acknowledge there are pressures on clubs for a number of reasons.“ Long admits that golf has to continue working hard to change some perceptions over its cost, club structure and rules, saying: “Both England Golf and county unions such as ours have been making huge efforts to help clubs build their memberships and grow the game. As an organisation, we have to get out there and

London Golf Club

is open for business

London Golf Club has unveiled a series of Open competitions throughout 2020 for which entries are welcomed from members and non-members alike.

The Open season tees off the LGC Masters on April 12, before

Sand Martins submits plans to build hotel & health club

visit all our clubs to demonstrate what we have to offer to clubs and to the ordinary member and also to understand what is happening on the ground and what the clubs want. The bottom line is that we are a service industry, and if a club isn’t providing the right service, or a warm welcome for potential new members, then people will vote with their feet.”

Long highlighted the efforts that Kent Golf was making to encourage more youngsters to take up the game, saying: “Last year we established five Approved Junior Academies across the county, and these will be continuing in 2020, and we are also embarking on a new venture this year, the Invicta 10s – a series of competitions for 6-10 year olds who are beginners or relatively new to golf.”

moving on the hugelu popular Construction Cup on May 7. The LCG Open day competition is being staged on August 9, while that same month sees the Championship Tee Challenge take place on August 23.

The season of Open events concludes with the Remembrance Day Open on November 8.

For details on packages for each event and how to enter, call 01474 875729, email events@londongolf.co.uk, or visit www. londongolf.co.uk.

The owners of Sand Martins Golf Club in Berkshire have submitted plans to build a hotel and health club, as the venue seeks to broaden its appeal to the local community.

The Wokingham-based club has also proposed building a swimming pool, and an extension to the existing 200-year-old Georgian clubhouse to include a new restaurant and function site, while 200 new car parking spaces will be added to the site to join the other 110 bays already at the club.

A statement from the club in its planning application said: “The provision of guest accommodation, with associated function and leisure facilities, at Sand Martins Golf Club is essential to future-proofing the business and ensuring long-term access to golf as a sport. The local community will also be able to utilise the proposed facilities at the club, and as such, the proposed development will have benefits for the local community, not only through the retention of the existing golf club on site, but also through the additional facilities available.”

The development would create up to 15 full-time jobs and 12 part-time posts.

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[19]

[20] MARCH 2020 | NEWS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

a lot of people are far less fortunate. If things are going wrong, I don’t really lose my temper anymore. I’ve never been a club breaker, but I don’t really get wound up too much. I’ve become much more analytical and less emotional on the golf course.

I think that’s just spreading through my whole game, especially my putting, and I’m on a very even keel. If the ball doesn’t go in, the ball doesn’t go in. The only thing I can control are the movements and the actions I’m doing to roll it on line to the hole. It might hit something or I might misread it, but I’m now able to brush it off and move on to the next hole, and it’s served me well.

I think I’m quite a dangerous golfer at the moment because I’m playing golf like I don’t care. Greg Norman told me to do that years ago.

ROARING

Forties

One of the most successful players of his generation, 46-year-old Lee Westwood is defying his age and the odds as he bids to build on a record-breaking career that is now entering its fourth decade Winning in four different decades is a tremendous achievement, given that you’ve only been on tour since 1993. Does it feel that long and how proud does that make you feel?

It did make me feel really old when I first heard that, but, you know, I’ve been out here a long time, this is my 28th season. So yeah, I’d like to add a few more wins to that tally. But I think it just shows the level I’ve played at for such a long time.

Longevity in sport is difficult to achieve.

It gives me a lot of pride to set new sort of targets for everybody. That’s what sport is about, isn’t it? If I’ve got that kind of drive, then I feel like I can continue to move on like this.

I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve never been a finely tuned athlete, but I honestly feel as healthy now as I ever have during my golf career.

I don’t groan too much when I get out of bed in the morning to put my socks on, I’ve got new commitment to the gym now, and it’s really helped keep my golf game in decent shape.

How well did you feel you were swinging it coming into Abu Dhabi?

To be honest, I was trying to keep a lid on how I felt I’d been swinging it – especially my putter. I felt really comfortable with where my game was at, and wondered whether I could translate into a tournament environment. Mentally I’m a lot calmer now, and I put that down to working Ben Davis on the psychological part of it.

You also look very comfortable on the greens.

How much of that is down to the new claw grip?

I went to see putting coach Phil Kenyon over the winter and he said we had to make a ‘distract’

change. We decided the claw was my best option. All the figures on the computer in his lab said that was the best strike and the best roll I was getting. Since then, I’ve continued to persevere and it’s gotten more comfortable as time has gone on.

If you could sum it up in a few words, what’s been the key to your success?

Hard work. You’ve got to be dedicated, and you’ve got to love it and you’ve got to love practicing. There are no shortcuts. It’s just hard work. You know, when you think about leaving the range one afternoon and going to sit by the pool and have a beer or something like that, you’ve got to stay on the range for another hour. A few years back, there would be Tiger, Vijay [Singh] and me as the last three players on the range, and it isn’t a coincidence that some of the most successful people, whatever line of work they’re in, are the hardest workers.

With age, hopefully comes a bit of wisdom. Do you think that has played some part in your longevity at the top level?

I don’t know about wisdom, but experience certainly counts for a lot. Ben [Davis], my psychologist, has instilled in me the fact that I’m playing the game I love for a living, and I should enjoy it, and sometimes it gets to the point where you don’t enjoy it enough.

You know, we’re lucky to be doing what we’re doing, and

WHAT’S IN LEE’S BAG? DRIVER: PING G410 (10) FAIRWAY WOOD: PING G410 (14.5) HYBRID: PING G410 (19) IRONS: PING I210 (4-SW) WEDGES: PING GLIDE FORGED (60) PUTTER: PING SIGMA 2 FETCH BALL: TITLEIST PRO V1X

I THINK I’M QUITE A DANGEROUS GOLFER AT THE MOMENT BECAUSE I’M PLAYING GOLF LIKE I DON’T CARE He said, ‘Try your balls off and don’t give a bleep about the outcome or the result.’ So that’s what I’m trying to do. I’m playing like I did when I was a kid really. That doesn’t mean I’m not trying, but I don’t care – there’s a big difference.”

You hit a golden patch around the turn of the millennium that no-one else has really come close to matching. Do you remember what it was like when you were winning for fun?

Yeah, I think I won seven tournaments in ‘99 and eight in 2000, something stupid like that.

They were coming along like taxis, and I didn’t appreciate it enough, I don’t think, as it was just like a big merry-go-round. Looking back now, I appreciate it much more, and I understand all the hard work that had to go into it. I was working hard back then, but winning came easy, and I think that’s just because I was a young man and I was rolling with the momentum of it all.

How amazing would it be to win another Ryder Cup on US soil, especially after the somewhat jarring experience of Hazeltine?

I didn’t really feel that jarred by Hazeltine. You know, I’ve been on losing Ryder Cup teams, and I’ve been on seven winning ones. It’s a big honour to represent Europe in the Ryder Cup, whatever the result. I was joking when I said I would love to play another Ryder Cup as long as I’m good enough. I wouldn’t want a captain’s pick, but if I qualified, I would definitely play. So, you know, I’ll be trying my hardest, there’s no doubt about that, but you can’t control qualifying for a Ryder Cup team. You can only control what you do each week you tee it up. I’ll just be trying to do the small things right and it will lead on to the big things, and hopefully one of them will be qualifying for the Ryder Cup. So we might have to wait a few more years before we see you in the captain’s job then?

Well, it might well be a few – I’ll be 49 in 2022, so I’ll be amazed if I’m still competing for a place in the team as a player. I’d love to captain in Italy. Other people will want to do it, but I’ll definitely be throwing my hat in. To my mind, that’s the ideal time to be captain. I’ll still be playing out here and I’ll still be in touch with the players.

NEWS | MARCH 2020

[21]

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

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[22] MARCH 2020 | NEWS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Brocket Hall

Epsom celebrates Founders Day

battles back from the brink Brocket Hall has been sold out of administration for the second time in five years.

The Hertfordshire country club, which boasts two 18-hole golf courses, two restaurants, and a 16-bedroom lodge, is owned by Chinese billionaire Yu Songbo, who called in administrators in January after being presented with a winding-up petition by HM Revenue & Customs.

The club has been sold to a new company called Brocket Hall (Holding) Limited, which is controlled by Chinese director Meng Xu. It is unclear if the new company or Mr Xu are connected to Mr Songbo.

Michael Longshaw, who manages Brocket Hall, said trading had showed strong growth in recent months, but it was tipped into administration over an undisclosed tax bill. Latest accounts for the operating company, covering the year to August 2018, show debts of £6.16 million. The club avoided being wound in December 2018 up over the sum of £134,306 after it paid up and the petition was dismissed.

Mr Longshaw said: “It is business as usual at the golf club, conference centre, restaurants and accommodation facilities on the Brocket Hall estate. A sale of the company’s business and assets

with Hickory Challenge

■ BROCKET HALL IS OPERATING AS NORMAL FOLLOWING A CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP

was completed to Brocket Hall (Holding) Limited on January 30. The sale secures 160 jobs and the purchaser has agreed to honour the current golf memberships and carry out the corporate and wedding events that have been booked."

He added: “Current personnel have all been retained and will provide all services as normal. Memberships of The Melbourne Club will not be affected in any way. All events booked with the acquired business will be honoured as part of the sale, with deposits previously paid available to use against the remaining balance of each respective event.”

Brokenhurst opens new fitting studio Brokenhurst Manor Golf Club in Hampshire has opened a new club fitting and coaching studio which is being run by experienced PGA Professional Jason MacNiven.

MacNiven, the founder of the independent Golf Principles fitting studio in Basingstoke, has set up the new studio at the popular New Forest-based club, and is looking forward to helping golfers of all abilities get the most out of their game from having properly fitted equipment.

The studio is kitted out with 14 different brands of clubs, and uses to the latest ball tracking technology in pursuit of the

perfect combination of shaft, loft and flex that will work in harmony with a golfer's swing.

MacNiven said: “The studio will focus on fitting, because we’ve demonstrated that club fitting has a very wide appeal and attracts hundreds of golfers from all around the region, but we’ll also enable it to be turned into a teaching studio for lessons, as we’re also taking over the club’s pro shop as part of this deal.”

Besides it Harry Colt-designed heathland course, Brokenhurst Manor also boasts a 90-100 yard short game facility, with Huxley surfaced target greens and

North Foreland’s open for business Golfers looking to get a taste of classic Kent links golf during the Open Championship being held at Royal St George’s are being invited to book a tee time at North Foreland Golf Club.

Between July 12-20, golfers visiting the Open Championship at Royal St George’s (July 16-19), can secure guaranteed tee times at North Foreland, one Kent’s finest links layouts, which offers sea vietws from every tee. Tee times are available at a special price of

Two members at Puttenham Golf Club in Surrey have passed the PGA’s Level 1 coaching course as part of a bid to encourage more juniors to take up the game at the club.

Epsom Golf Club celebrated its official Founders Day in January with its annual Hickory Challenge, which saw over 80 members take to the course dressed in period clothing and playing with hickory-shafted wooden clubs.

The course at the Surrey-based club, which celebrates its 131st anniversary in 2020, proved a tough challenge for competitors, with the unforgiving equipment and cumbersome attire adding to the difficulties of compiling a a dent score off three-quarters handicap.

Epsom’s own head PGA professional Stuart Walker knocked it around in an impressive 80 to set the target, with everyone who managed to beat his total on handicap receiving a commemorative ball marker as a reward for their efforts. Declan O’Brien won the individual prize on countback from Kimberley Munro.

tees, and a putting lab.

Club manager Kevin Light said: “This is a very exciting time for Brokenhurst Manor.

Golf is looking for different ways to adapt to the fundamental changes and trends, and we think that by combining Golf Principles with our progressively-minded club, we’re all really onto something different.”

£125 per person per round, or as a four-ball package for £450. The package includes breakfast, free range balls and 18 holes of golf for those teeing off before 11am, or lunch, free range balls and 18 holes for those teeing off after 11am.

Earlier in the summer, the club’s popular Open Week takes place between June 20-25, with 19 competitions being hosted across the six days, including a Men’s Open, a Texas Scramble, a team event and a Stableford betterball.

To reserve a tee time, or to enter one of the Open Week competitions, call 01843 862140 or visit www.northforeland.co.uk.

Golf club available to lease in Southern France Golf de la Grande Bastide, an established golf club located in the beautiful region of Châteauneuf-de-Grasse in the south of France, is seeking an operator to lease the venue on a 15-year basis.

The club, which is owned by the towns of Grasse and Châteauneufde-Grasse, is located on a 50-hectare site in the foothills of the Niçoise hinterland, 15km north of Cannes.

The club, which first opened in 1990, boasts an 18-hole championship golf course designed by renowned American architect Cabell B Robinson; a spacious clubhouse with a bar ; a 130-seater restaurant and terrace; modern changing rooms ; pro shop ; eight-bay driving range, and a maintenance area. Accommodation is offered in two separate three-bedroom apartments.

The entire club and its facilities are available on a 15-year lease.

All interested parties can obtain full details of the property and the leasehold requirements by visiting www.marches-securises.fr before May 15, 2020.

NEWS | MARCH 2020 GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

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[24] MARCH 2020

TRAVEL & BREAKS

MR 59’S NO BACK

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

NUMBER Oliver Fisher hit the headlines 18 months ago when became the first player to break the magic 60 barrier on the European Tour, but life on tour hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the man who was tipped for greatness when he turned pro 14 years ago Words by Nick Bayly

W

hile few professional golfers would like their career to be defined by 18 holes of golf, Oliver Fisher is a name that is sure to pop up in pub quizzes in the years to come should ever the subject of record-breaking rounds of golf come up.

After 46 years, and over 690,000 rounds of golf, the European Tour finally got its ‘Mr 59’ when Fisher skipped round the Victoria Course at the 2018 Portugal Masters in 12 under the card. It wasn’t good enough to achieve a muchneeded win, but it helped him make the TV evening news bulletins and earn a place in golfing history.

There had previously been 19 rounds of 60 on the European Tour, starting with David Llewellyn in 1988, and with the most recent coming from Brandon Stone at the 2018 Scottish Open, but no-one had managed to breakthrough to the magical fifties. That the heroic feat should have fallen to Fisher, who, at 30, and with just one tour win to his name – and a world ranking of 265 – shows the fine line that divides those who toil away in the mid-division of professional golf and those who float along in the rarified atmosphere of the world’s top 50.

Although blessed with a rare talent, Fisher, now aged 31, has certainly had to toil to earn his spot in golfing history.

When he turned pro in 2006, at the almost ridiculously young age of 17, he seemed to have the golfing world at his feet. In claiming fifth place at that year’s European Tour Qualifying School – where he played as an amateur – he became the youngest British player to ever win a card to play on Europe’s elite tour. Unable to buy a beer and probably not in the possession of a razor, let alone a driving license, Fisher was precociousness personified.

Coached by Crowlands Heath’s club professional Chris Jenkins since the age of nine, Fisher had star quality stamped on him from the moment he lifted his first cut-down driver.

I’M CERTAINLY NOT ONE OF THE YOUNG GUYS OUT HERE ANY MORE, BUT I STILL FEEL LIKE I’VE GOT PLENTY OF MILES LEFT ON THE CLOCK AND STILL FEEL HUNGRY TO COMPETE

Representing his club (West Essex), county (Essex), and country (England) at all levels, the Chingford-born youngster rose to wider fame when winning the Faldo Series Final in three consecutive years from 2003-2005, bringing himself to the attention of the six-time major winner in no uncertain fashion, and in the process cementing a relationship that has carried on to this day.

After winning the Essex Men’s Amateur in 2004, aged 15, the following year he became the youngest ever Walker Cup player, where he went unbeaten in his two singles matches in a narrow 12.5-11.5 defeat for GB&I. The professional game could wait no longer, and Fisher’s first full season on tour in 2007 was a tough challenge, but one he rose to admirably, finishing a respectable 76th in the European Tour’s Order of Merit. Jetting all over the world in search of starts took its toll, but it was all money in the mental bank, if not the one on the high street.

The following season he began to turn that promise into results, and came agonisingly close to claiming his first victory at the Open de Andalucia. After tying the lead with Thomas Levet over 72 holes, the pair went into a sudden play-off. Fisher chose to hit what he hoped would be a conservative 3-iron off the tee on the dangerous 18th hole, which featured water down the right-hand side, but the adrenalin coursing through his veins led him to flush it off the middle, and he watched in horror as the ball bounced through the fairway and into the lake. The wily Levet took advantage to claim his umpteenth career title, while Fisher was left to rue a missed opportunity.

Unbowed, he finished 51st in the money list in 2008, and looked set to solidify his place as a regular on tour. But then, in 2009, he inexplicably crashed. A total of 21 missed cuts saw him lose his card in a flash, and, after struggling at Tour School, he fell back to earth, and the Challenge Tour, with a

INTERVIEW | MARCH 2020 [25] GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

physically, to do the job. “Having a brand as strong as Callaway bang. It was a lesson – if it needed learning – that nothing in come for me has been a real boost to my confidence, and I'm golf is guaranteed. really impressed with the clubs that I've got in my bag. I feel “There are players like Rory [McIlroy] who have glittering like I’ve got an awful lot to look forward to, as I’ve built up all amateur careers and move straight into glittering this experience and I’m still only 31. The most important thing professional careers, but you have to be realisitic,” says is where I want to go, not what’s in the past.

Fisher. “It’s not something that happens very often. Myself, I Having got married at the end of 2018, Fisher is enjoying have my share of hiccups.” the second stage of his career with a new-found balance in The reason for Fisher’s ‘hiccup’ back in 2009 was actually his life. “If you look around the tour there are some guys that rather straightforward. Respected coach Pete Cowen was have been knocking around for over 25 years, so you’ve got approached at The Open that year to have a look at Fisher’s to find ways, not so much of reinventing yourself, but ways swing, and was shocked at how bad the young man’s of keeping things feeling fresh,” he says. “I’m now in my 14th technique had become. “He’s a tremendous player, but year, and although I’m certainly not one of the young guys unfortunately he was going down the wrong road, and the any more, I still feel like I’ve got plenty of miles left on the harder he worked the worse he was getting,” Cowen said clock and still feel hungry to compete, and I certainly don’t at the time. “There’s nothing more soul-destroying than feel like I’m on a treadmill or a conveyor belt. that, but I think it was a case of misinterpreting information, “I like to think I know myself better as a person and as a rather than getting wrong information, and he had to player, and I know where I’m at with my game, what I need understand what he was trying to achieve.” to work on, and how to cope better mentally with certain Most of the re-building of Fisher’s swing was done by Mike situations. I’m less hard on myself when things don’t go my Walker, one of Cowen’s assistants, and a rise of 170 places on the world rankings in the following six months told its own story. He bounced back in 2010 by finishing 81st in the money list. But then the wheels fell off again. He missed another 20 consecutive cuts from the end of 2010 until August, until, from completely out of the blue, he popped up to win the Czech Open – making only his fourth cut of the year in the process. With €250,000 in the bank and a two-year exemption secured, Fisher could set about getting his career back on track.

It’s a measure of Fisher’s popularity that there wasn’t a more celebrated winner on the European Tour that year. His victory was greeted with a good deal of backslapping from players and caddies alike, and the Champagne that doused him on the final green was drunk in even more quantities in the bars of Prague later that night, as the tour made its way back to the airport. Some even missed their flights home as the celebrations ran long into the night.

Fisher’s popularity is a much to do with his refusal to moan about his misfortune during those dark days and the positive attitude he has showed in the face of such adversity.

“Having got my card at the age of 18, it’s fair to say I had very different expectations to DRIVER: CALLAWAY what I have subsequently achieved,” he says.

MAVRIK SUB ZERO “I would certainly have hoped to won more DRIVER than one tournament, but it’s a tough school FAIRWAY WOODS: out here. Every week there are 150-odd CALLAWAY MAVRIK losers, and you quickly realise there’s an awful SUB ZERO lot more goes into doing well out here than IRONS: CALLAWAY simply hitting the ball.

APEX MB “It took me a while to get to grips with all WEDGES: CALLAWAY that’s involved in becoming a good player.

JAWS MD5 There were times when I was way too hard on myself, always looking to change things in the PUTTER: ODYSSEY TOULON SAN DIEGO search for perfection, and it only made things worse. So these days I’m working on some different things to try to make myself better, and to score better – that’s the main thing.”

Although he confesses to having thought about giving it all up during his lowest ebb, golf is pretty much all he knows, so there was nothing to fall back on – there was no Plan B. “The more I thought about it, the more I realised there was nothing else I could do,” he says. “It was a terrible time. There I was, working my butt off, and asking myself over and over, “Why isn’t anything happening?”

The answer was to believe in his abilities, and to trust that the spark that Faldo, and so many other knowledgeable observers had seen during his early career, was still there.

After retaining his card through 2014 and 2015, he kept his card by the skin of his teeth at the end of 2016, bagging a top-ten finish at the season-ending Portugal Masters to secure his playing rights for 2017 at the very last gasp. 2018 was a much more consistent season, with 21 cuts made form 27 events and a respectable 84th on the money list, while last season was more of a struggle, with 15 missed cuts from 28 events, but a runner-up finish in the Qatar Masters in March, where he was pipped to the title by Eddie Pepperell, all but sealed his card for the season in a single week.

Having been knocking around the pro circuit since 2006, Fisher is hoping that his time at the coalface will soon start to pay off. And with a new set of clubs in the bag following his signing of a new equipment contract with Callaway, he certainly feels that he's got the tools, both mentally and

way. Ultimately, I know my job.”

He adds: “It’s certainly a great time to be on tour, with all the new opportunities to play and the great crop of exciting new players that keep pushing you on to raise your own game. I may not have achieved as much as many people thought I might have at this stage of my career, but I’m proud of the fact that I’ve competing at the top level of the game for the past 13 or 14 seasons, and that I’ve only lost my card once during that time. A lot of the guys I grew up playing golf with never made it tour, or are no longer on tour, so I can’t always compare myself with what Rory McIlroy or other players that I played with are doing.

"I love my life, and I’m happy, so I’ve got no complaints.

You just have to keep asking yourself questions about what it is that makes you want to get up in the morning and keep playing golf, and as along as I keep having the answers, I’ll keep chipping away.”

Few would deny him that chance. Certainly not the man they call ‘Mr 59’ – although thankfully he also still answers to Oli.

“A LOT OF THE GUYS I GREW UP PLAYING GOLF WITH NEVER MADE IT TOUR, OR ARE NO LONGER ON TOUR, SO I CAN’T ALWAYS COMPARE MYSELF WITH RORY MCILROY

WHAT’S IN OLI’S BAG?

[26] MARCH 2020 | INTERVIEW GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

DESIGNED BY CRAFTSMEN FOR CRAFTSMEN.

honmagolf.com

COMPETITION FEATURE | MARCH 2020 GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

WIN MOTOCADDY’S NEW-LOOK M1 ELECTRIC TROLLEY! We’ve teamed up with the world’s top-selling trolley brand, Motocaddy, to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a brand new M1 electric trolley with a lithium battery worth almost £600!

Quick and easy to fold, the new-look M1 is the simplest‑to‑use compact trolley in the world and boasts a boot-friendly profile for optimum storage when travelling to and from the golf course.

Packed with game-enhancing features, including an anti-glare LCD screen, nine speed settings, adjustable distance control (up to 45m), speed indicator & battery meter, and new USB charging port on the handle.

In addition, the M1 includes a super-light Lithium battery – 33% smaller than its nearest competitor – which can be left in the battery tray for charging and transportation, plus the brand’s innovative EASILOCK bag-totrolley connection system, which removes the need for a lower bag strap.

The M1 also features a high-powered 28V system, a whisper-quiet 230W motor, oversize tubing for ultimate handle stability, maneuverable inverting wheels and a height-adjustable handle. The trolley also comes with a free accessory station to attach a range of Motocaddy accessories, including its popular Hot Mitts, as well umbrella and drinks holders, andsmartphone/ GPS cradles.

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[27]

[28] MARCH 2020 | INTERVIEW GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

A

MR

motivated

With four European Tour titles already to his name, Matt Wallace knows a thing or two about getting his head in front, but the 29-year-old Londoner is hungry for more success, and a coveted place in the Europe’s Ryder Cup

sk Matt Wallace what represent his goals for this season and the answer comes back before the question has time to settle.

“Win,” says the 29-year-old Londoner. “Pretty simple.”

In truth, it felt the only thing missing from the season just past. Wallace’s 2019 might not have been highlighted by three victories like the year before, but it was another season of golfing growth.

Finishing third at the US PGA Championship was the standout result of the season, to go with the runner-up spots at both the Dubai Desert Classic and the British Masters, which, along with half-a-dozen other top-10 finishes, plus a tied 12th at the US Open, took Wallace to a careerhigh 23rd in the world rankings midway through the year.

And although the absence of a win still smarts with Wallace somewhat, improvements have been made during the off-season, such that it is for global tour players these days, and he is able to look back on 2019 in a generally positive light.

Ask to sum it up, he says: “There was good consistency all year, some good results, which was nice, but I am always striving to win. You want to get over the line and hold the trophy.”

He adds: “I guess it [2019] just wasn’t my year.

But if I look at the overall position of where my game’s at – I finished seventh on the Race to Dubai and I was 10th in 2018. I was 29th in the world at the end of the year, improving on my world ranking from 44th at the end of 2018, so I’m very happy with how I’m progressing. It was just a shame I couldn’t capitalise on a really good start to the season with the Rolex Series events, and some of the other big tournaments at the end.

Overall, I’d give myself a B+ grade for my efforts.”

Indeed, Wallace’s best performance at the business end of the year came in the European Tour finale, a tied 28th at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. Having been keen to finish the campaign on a high, he puts the disappointing run – 60th China, 50th in Turkey and 44th in South Africa – down to sheer exhaustion. With 28 events, Wallace may have played one fewer tournaments than last year, but the four competitive weeks on the bounce were a culmination of a season spent trekking around the world to compete – a sign of his relatively newfound place among the game’s elite.

“That was the biggest frustration – the last five weeks,” he says. “I was very, very tired and played a lot of golf. I was feeling fine, but just not being able to play the golf I know I can was very disappointing.”

Still, the highlights came earlier in the year.

At the Open in July, Wallace was paired for the opening two rounds with Tiger Woods and, after initially coming to terms with playing alongside one of his golfing heroes, he outperformed the 15-time major champion.

Wallace shot rounds of 73 and 70 at Royal Portrush to sit a one-over par, while Woods, a three-time winner of the Claret Jug, missed the cut. It’s just one of the experiences in 2019 that he looks back at fondly.

“Playing with Tiger at the Open was really special. Apart from my own results, it was the highlight of my year,” Wallace says. “He’s a super nice guy and great to play with. His aura, and the impact he has on the crowds, is amazing to see first-hand. As soon as I got over the initial ‘I’m playing with Tiger’ thoughts, it was then fully focused on how I was going to perform as best as I could. I think actually playing with him helped me to focus better. On the first tee, he hit it up the left hand side, and I remember saying to myself ‘he is human after all’ and I hit mine down the middle. I was happy with how I performed with Tiger and it’s a great story to have for the rest of my life, but hopefully I’ll get to play with him again before he calls it a day.”

He continues: “The other highlight for me was

INTERVIEW | MARCH 2020 [29] GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

■ EYES ON THE PRIZE: WALLACE IS HOPING TO ADD TO HIS FOUR CAREER WINS IN 2020

playing in all the majors; playing the Masters; coming third at the PGA; playing in the US Open at Pebble Beach, another course I’ve always wanted to play, and doing well there, was really special.”

All those experiences has provided added motivation for what Wallace hopes to be an even better 2020. Other than a return to the winner’s circle, cracking the world’s top ten ranks as a priority. So, too, does a debut appearance for Europe at the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in September.

Back in 2018, Wallace came agonisingly close to making Thomas Bjørn’s team for Paris, with a third win of season at the Made in Denmark tournament, just days before the end of the qualification process, putting the Englishman firmly in the running for a captain’s pick. In the end, the Dane plumped for the experience of Ian Poulter, Paul Casey, Sergio Garcia and Henrik Stenson.

At the time, many thought Wallace should have been given the nod. The frustration at missing out, though, will drive him on to qualify automatically for Padraig Harrington’s side.

“Getting on that team will be massive,” he says.

“I play with all of the guys pretty much every week who have been part of Ryder Cups, and who played in Paris, and it’s pushing me forward so much – especially given how close I came last time. So I want to be there. And hopefully I won’t give Padraig the choice to have to pick me, and I’ll be there on merit.”

It makes a fast start to 2020 all the more important, so a missed cut in Dubai, sandwiched either side of a 64th in Abu Dhabi, 44th in Saudi Arabia and 58th at the WGC-Mexico Championship, falls some way short of ideal.

However, Wallace is not downhearted and knows where he’s got to improve. “I’ve got to work on my technique a little bit more. I need to work on my driving and get it back to where it was at the start of the last season. I’ve improved my iron

THIS SEASON I’M GOING TO GET BACK TO THE AMBITIOUS YOUNGER MATT WALLACE THAT I WAS A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, WHEN I DIDN’T REALLY CARE AND I TRIED TO WIN AS MANY TOURNAMENTS AS POSSIBLE WHAT’S IN MATT’S BAG? DRIVER: CALLAWAY MAVRIK SUB ZERO FAIRWAY WOOD: CALLAWAY MAVRIK SUB ZERO IRONS: CALLAWAY APEX PRO WEDGES: CALLAWAY JAWS MD5 (50, 55, 60) PUTTER: ODYSSEY PROTOTYPE BALL: TITLEIST PRO V1X

■ WALLACE HAS TAKEN ON THE SERVICES OF EXPERIENCED CADDY JON SMART, WHO HELPED DANNY WILLETT TO MASTERS GLORY

play, but that can still be improved. Short game, putting as well – it all can get better.”

Helping him to do just that is a new bag of equipment, following Wallace signing a staff contract with Callaway at the beginning of the season. The Londoner teed off his 2020 campaign with the recently-launched Mavrik driver and fairway woods in the bag, as well as the Apex Pro irons, the Jaws MD5 wedges and a prototype Odyssey putter.

Wallace said: “I’ve been a Callaway fan since I was young, so it’s a thrill and an honour to become a member of the Callaway Tour Staff. I've been working with the tour team to get my new equipment dialed and I'm really pleased with the numbers I'm getting.

"With the new gear in the bag, I’m looking forward to getting back to the ambitious younger Matt Wallace that I was a couple of years ago when I tried to win as many tournaments as possible. I’ll be heading into every single event this year with lots of energy because I have my schedule planned a bit better, so I’m going to be giving my best in every single tournament.”

[30] MARCH 2020 | PRODUCT REVIEW GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

PR A K-T I S

M A K E S

PE R F E C T

The award-winning range of Prak-tis training aids will improve your technique and save you shots around every part of the course

T

hey say that that simple ideas are often the best, and this is certainly true of Prak-tis, which won Golf Monthly’s award for best training aid in 2019. Designed by former European Tour player and respected tour coach Jeremy Bennett, who worked with Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros and Bernhard Langer, and now with the current generation of European Tour players including Oli 'Mr 59' Fisher. Prak-tis was created to help golfers of all skill levels perfect every shot in the bag.

Suitable for right and left-handers of any age and gender, the versatile and easily transportable Prak-tis offers a set of tools that can help you find greater consistency in your game by establishing a more reliable set-up.

Made in the UK from recyclable polypropylene, Prak-tis can be used at the driving range or even at home indoors – in fact, wherever you can swing a club safely or have space to pull out a putter.

The aid lays flat on the ground and uses a vertical and horizontal system of extended two-dimensional guidelines to help consistently guide a player into their perfect set up. There are recommended distances from the ball ‘zones’ on the vertical rule, whilst the ball position, width of stance and foot angles are provided on the horizontal rule. It gives you instant feedback on your stance and alignment and makes it very easy to correct any faults swiftly and effectively.

Prak-tis is available in a variety of options to suit the areas of the game you want to work on – Prak-tis Consistent is ideal for creating the perfect set-up, for use in

practising tee to green; Prak-tis Putting Template and Perfect Putting Kit for use on the practice green, and the Prak-tis Pro complete Kit for long game, pitching, chipping, bunker play and putting.

The Perfect Putting kit allows you to check that backswing and follow through are online and it allows you to carry out a range of drills at strategically-placed holes. Simple to use, it will enable you to set up identically and optimally every time, perfect the path of stroke, and help with pace control and green reading.

The kit comes with two dummy holes to use indoors or outside and nine ball markers to help visualise the break of any putt. It also comes with a handy storage wallet to keep your template flat.

Bennett said: “I’ve been using these tools to coach my clients for over a year now, and the transformation I’ve seen in players has been incredible. Getting the basic set up and posture for each shot is so important, and once that has been ingrained through using the Prak-tis templates, players have shown vast improvements.”

■ PRAK-TIS IS DESIGNED TO INGRAIN THE IDEAL SET UP FOR EVERY CLUB IN THE BAG

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NEWS | MARCH 2020

[31]

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Horsham elevates range experience with FlightScope Horsham Golf in West Sussex has become first golf club in the UK to install FlightScope Range, a new ball flight monitoring system that also features game play to add a fun element to practice sessions.

The software caters for serious golfers looking to monitor their ball flight and impact positions, as well as players who just want to hit balls for fun and play games. It’s also ideal for friends and groups for competitive gaming. Featuring software provided by Awesome Golf, FlightScope Range includes high visibility outdoor screens and bays that cater for left and right-handed players.

Horsham Golf’s owner Neil Burke has expressed his delight with the FlightScope system, which has only been for a couple of months, but has already had a significant impact on range use.

“We have already seen footfall increases, and, for the first time, we are seeing more than one person in a bay. Families and dads and daughters are playing games together, and we’re also seeing teenagers playing in groups. The ability to track short shots and the fun games from Awesome Golf make it perfect for beginners and juniors, but our serious golfers also love the depth of ball and club data and the accessible presentation of their stats.”

Gavin Hamer, founder of Awesome Golf, has been working in conjunction with MIA, the UK distributor of FlightScope, to bring the system to Horsham. He said: “I created Awesome Golf for my son, so when the PGA Pros here tell me about the fun they are having coaching their juniors

using Awesome Golf it makes the hard work worthwhile. But fun isn’t just for the kids and I’m delighted that every type of golfer is really having fun using it. We’re already getting range users coming up with ideas for new games, which is brilliant.”

Q-School Q-School

Q-School

Q-School

Q-School

Old Course tops hashtag hotlist The Old Course at St Andrews has topped a chart of golf courses that have been received the most hashtags on social media platform Instagram.

According to research carried out by online equipment retailer GolfSupport. com, the iconic links at the Home of Golf featured in 42,159 posts from data gathered from Instagram on February 14. The love for the Old Course was more than three times its nearest rival, Muirfield, which received 13,185 hashtags.

The much-photographed Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand took third place in the list, with 11,305, while Pebble Beach, a bucket-list course for so many golfers, was the first of four US layouts to make the top 15, with 8,546 postings.

Bandon Dunes (5th), Augusta National (8th) and Oakmont (9th) were the other three American layouts featured.

Scotland bagged three other course s in the top 15, with Royal Dornoch (11th) attracting 3,685 hashtags, Castle Stuart (14th) garnering 915, and Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeen taking the final spot in the hashtag hotllist with 637 links.

Australian courses also featured strongly, with Royal Melbourne taking 7th, Barnbougle Dunes 12th, and Barnbougle Lost Farms 13th. Cabot Cliffs flew the flag for Canada in sixth spot, while Royal County Down in Northern Ireland took tenth place with 3,963 hashtags.

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[32] MARCH 2020 | NEWS GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

InBrief CAMPILLO WINS QATAR MASTERS

TOURNEWS

★ Jorge Campillo beat David Drysdale in a play-off to win his second European Tour title at the Qatar Masters. The Spaniard held a two shot lead with two holes to play at Education City Golf Club in Doha, but a double bogey on the 17th dropped him back into a tie with the Scot, and five extra holes were required for the 33-year-old Spaniard to shake off the persistent attentions of Drysdale, who had to settle for his five runner-up finish in his so far winless career.

OPEN RETURNS TO TROON ★ Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland has been chosen to host the 152nd Open Championship in 2023, exactly 100 years after the tournament was first staged at the Ayrshire links course. The tournament, which was last held at Troon in 2016, will be played from July 20-23.

WESTY’S BACK TO HIS BEST ★ Lee Westwood captured his 25th European Tour event with victory at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. The 46-year-old entered the final day at Abu Dhabi Golf Club with a one-shot lead and, while he was briefly caught, he was never headed, carding a closing 67 to get to 19 under par and finish two shots ahead of Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood and Victor Perez. Victory moved Westwood back inside the world’s top 30, automatically qualifying him for all this season’s majors and World Golf Championship events.

REED RETURNS TO WINNING WAYS ★ Patrick Reed claimed his second World Golf Championship triumph at the WGC-Mexico at Chapultepec Golf Club. The 29-year-old American fired a closing 67 for an 18-under-par total. He finished a shot clear of Bryson DeChambeau, with Jon Rahm and Eric van Rooyen a further stroke back in third.

VIKTOR’S THE VICTOR IN PUERTO RICO ★ Norway’s Viktor Hovland won his first event as a professional in only his 17th start after he captured the PGA Tour’s Puerto Rico Open by a single shot. The 22-year-old from Oslo shot a final round 70, including a birdie at the final hole, to become the first Norwegian to win on the PGA Tour. His 20 under par total saw him finish one shot ahead of America’s Josh Teater.

GMAC’S BACK IN BUSINESS ★ Graeme McDowell carded a closing 70 to win the Saudi International at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club to and claim his first tournament victory since the French Open in 2014.

The 40-year-old from Northern Ireland finished two shots clear of defending champion Dustin Johnson. McDowell’s 11th European Tour victory took him back into the top 50 in world rankings for the first time since June 2015.

HATTON BAGS FIRST PGA TOUR TITLE AT BAY HILL Tyrrell Hatton became the first Englishman to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational with a stunning one-shot victory at Bay Hill in Florida.

The 28-year-old from Buckinghamshire, who was also winning his first PGA Tour title, held a two-stroke lead going into the final round, but that advantage disappeared in the first five holes after two bogeys on lightning-fast greens.

He repaired the damage with back-toback birdies on 7 and 8, to go out in level par, but a double bogey on 11, after finding water off the tee, saw his chances of a win look in doubt once more as he slipped back into a tie with Sungjae Im, who won last week’s Honda Classic.

But with the wind swirling around Bay Hill, scoring was difficult for the chasing back too, with Rory McIlroy, who started the final day just two behind, struggling to a closing 76, which left Australia’s Marc Leishman, who won this event in 2017, to apply the most pressure on Hatton.

However the Englishman knuckled down on the closing stretch, grinding out seven

consecutive pars from the 12th to finish with a two-over par 74, and a four-under-par total to take the title by the minimum margin from Leishman and collect the €1.5m first prize.

“It was such a tough day,” said Hatton, who only returned to action at the WGC in Mexico two weeks ago, after time spent recovering from a wrist operation before Christmas. “After the double on 11 I thought I’d played my way out of it, but when I got to the 13th I found I still had a two-shot lead, so I was thankful that I was able to par my way in. It’s incredible to get my first win at such an iconic venue, and it’s amazing to win so soon after coming back from wrist surgery. That putt at 18 - I have never been so nervous. I won’t ever forget this week.”

In a tough week for scoring, there were 44 players under par after Thursday’s first round, but only four by the end of the tournament. Saturday’s scoring average of 75.91 was the highest of any round at Bay Hill since 1983 - with only one player under par - and it was the first non-major not to have a round in the 60’s since 2014.

CORONAVIRUS HITS TOUR SCHEDULES The impact of the global coronavirus epidemic has had a significant impact on golf tournament schedules across the world, with several events already cancelled and the likelihood of many more postponements and cancellations to come, as governments attempt to spread the impact of a virus that has already resulted in over 5,000 deaths.

The European Tour called off the Kenya Open, which was scheduled for March 12-15, and has already postponed the Maybank Championship in Malaysia, scheduled for 16-19 April, and the following week's China Open.

All three events could be rescheduled for later in the year, although it is unlikely that there will be space in what is already a packed calendar to allow for such contingencies.

Elsewhere, the PGA Tour cancelled The Players Championship after just one round, and it has cancelled the Valspar Championship, Texas Open, and the WGC in Texas.

The LPGA Tour cancelled its first three

■ TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE S HAVE BEEN DECIMATED BY THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

events of the year in the US, including the first major of the year, the ANA Inspiration, having already cancelled three tournaments in the Far East scheduled for February.

As Golf News went to press, The Masters, scheduled for April 9-12 at Augusta, is looking likely to be postponed, while the US PGA Championship, scheduled for May 14-17 at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco, also remains in doubt, although the PGA of America has yet to issue a statement.

The future of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo remains up in the air, although the IOC has said that it is determined that they should go ahead.

MCILROY REJECTS PREMIER GOLF LEAGUE’S ADVANCES World No.1 Rory McIlroy has rejected the idea of committing to the Premier Golf League, a new venture seeking to take on the current set up of the pro tours.

The Premier Golf League is proposing 18 tournaments from January to September, each with a limited 48-player field. Played over three rounds, with no cut, each event would have a prize fund of $10 million.

Under the proposed rules of the PGL, all 48 players in the league would be required to play all 18 scheduled events to receive their guaranteed money, which for some players reportedly could be upwards of nine figures. Players would be allowed to play in the four majors, but both the PGL and PGA Tour have acknowledged that players would not be able to play both circuits.

“The more I’ve thought about it, the more I don’t like it,” McIlroy said. “The one thing as a professional golfer in my position that I value is the fact that I have autonomy and freedom over everything I do. This tournament is a perfect example – some guys this week made the choice not to come to Mexico. If you go and play this other golf league, you’re not going to have that choice.

“I read a thing the other day that said if you take the money, they can tell you what to do, so if you don’t take the money, they can’t tell you what to do. I’ve never been one for being told what to do, and I’d like to have that autonomy and freedom over my career, and I feel like I would give that up going to play for the other league.”

McIlroy did, however, acknowledge a possible scenario that leaves him no choice but to join the PGL. “For me, I’m out. My position is I’m against it until there may come a day where I can’t be against it. If everyone else goes, I might not have a choice. But at this point, I don’t like what they’re proposing.”

McIlroy, who took over the world no.1 spot from Brooks Koepka on February 10, is one of the first high-profile players to commit one-way or the other on the Premier Golf League. Koepka has said that the money alone would not be enough of an incentive to switch from his current schedule, while Tiger Woods said that he was listening to proposals regarding any initiatives that would bring the world’s top players together more often, although he stopped short of endorsing the PGL.

MARCH 2020 | WWW.GOLFNEWS.CO.UK/EQUIPMENT

MAKE IT A MALLET Your guide to the best high MOI putters

STREET TALK

Ecco Golf celebrates 10 years of its best-selling hybrid shoe

DRIVING DEBATE

Is distance destroying the game or making it more fun?

MEET THE MAVRIKS! Callaway unveils all-new family of woods and irons

[34] MARCH 2020

EQUIPMENT & GEAR

THE PRO’S VIEW ON DISTANCE “I don’t think long hitters should be stopped from doing something they do better than the rest of us.”

LUKE DONALD “I would roll the ball back 10% and let the manufacturers have another race to the top.”

PADRAIG HARRINGTON “If you’ve worked hard to be able to hit the ball far, you should be able to use that advantage” HAROLD VARNER III “I want the golf ball to be more like the old balls – then you’d see more separation between the top players and the merely good ones.”

BRANDEN GRACE

THE DISTANCE DIVIDE The R&A’s report into the impact of distance on the game looks set to strengthen the growing divide between tours pros and club amateurs

T

he possibility of the introduction of two separate sets of equipment rules – one for tour pros and one for club golfers – looks closer than ever following the publication of a report into the impact of distance in all sectors of the game.

The Distance Insights Project, a 102-page report published by the R&A and the USGA at the beginning of February, is the result of 12 months of research and testimony from all the game’s major stakeholders.

Drawing on detailed shot data from all the main pro tours and from the amateur game, the report stopped short of calling for an immediate split in the rules, but issued a strongly worded summary contesting that ‘the continuing cycle of increases in distance is undesirable and detrimental to golf’s long-term future’ and that direct action was required in order to ensure the sustainability of the game.

The report frames the debate in terms that few would argue with: “An enduring foundation of golf is that success in getting a ball from the tee to the hole in the fewest strokes should depend on using many different skills and judgments, rather than be dominated by only one or a few. In our view, it is essential for this to remain true for play at the diverse golf courses across the world, without the need for them to keep getting longer.”

Offering his personal assessment of the report’s findings, Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said: “We believe we have reached a pivotal moment in golf. The impact of longterm hitting distance increases on some of golf’s essential elements are now clear – including changing the strategic challenge of the sport, altering the balance of skills needed to be successful, and risking courses being less challenging or obsolete. Our objective as governing bodies is to work with the key stakeholders in golf to address this issue in a way that brings the sport together and which ensures it continues to thrive for many years to come.”

According to Mike Davis, the USGA’s chief executive, the two reasons cited for the belief that distance is harming the game at all levels is firstly that the strategic challenge of

many courses that have not or cannot extend their length has been comprised by long hitting; and secondly, that the trend towards longer courses is having an adverse consequences that effect golfers at all levels of the game.

He said: “In our view, these continuing trends have also helped create an unnecessary degree of emphasis on distance, with an expectation that each new generation of golfers will hit a golf ball farther than before. We believe that a golfer’s hitting distance is fundamentally relative to hole length and the distance of those he or she competes against; golf’s essential character and skill challenge do not depend on the absolute length of a shot or a course, and golf does not become a better game each time distances and course lengths increase.”

Davis added: “We could make the game more enjoyable for everyone by exposing that courses do not have short enough forward tees. For beginners, seniors and some women, many courses are just too long and golfers don’t have the opportunity to hit greens in regulation. Additional length also adds operational and maintenance costs. This ongoing chase for distance it is a cycle we’d like to see broken.”

While the report offers no direct solutions to the perceived problems, the R&A and the USGA will now enter the next consultation phase, with the main topic for research will be potential changes in the rules governing equipment, specifically whether a split in the rules between pros and amateurs is required, along with further enquiry into the effects of course design, conditions and setup on hitting distance.

There is no sense in report that the R&A or the USGA has any plans to curb the hitting power of the club golfer, as the data shows that average hitting distances have barely moved among handicap golfers in the last 20 years, but it seems certain that local rules for professional tournaments might well be altered to reign in the big hitters.

Davis said: “We anticipate it will take nine to 12 months to get feedback from manufacturers and constituencies within the industry. Among the topics out there will certainly be about balls and about clubs. After that, we will decide what

“It’s not like the scores are lower than they used to be. I don’t think the ball goes too far, and I don’t think we make this game too easy.”

DUSTIN JOHNSON “Playing by the same set of rules helps golf fans identify with us. They realise when they play the same equipment that we do that golf is hard.”

STEWART CINK

kind of specifications we want in place. To be clear, we’re not at that stage. The whole purpose is to present that we do have a problem here that we want to serve for the long term. We felt that the way to handle this is to have the most comprehensive set of data possible and make decisions from there.”

KEY FINDINGS OF THE DISTANCE INSIGHTS REPORT 1) The strategic challenge presented by courses that cannot or have not been extended has been compromised, leading to their obsoletion as tournament venues.

2) Increased driving distance is undermining the importance of the broader range of skills required to play the game.

3) Longer courses take longer to play and are not necessary for a challenging, enjoyable and sustainable game.

4) Many recreational golfers are playing from tees are not reflective of their skill level, while forward tees are often not forward enough.

To read the 15-page conclusions report and the full 102-page report, visit www.randa.org/distanceinsights

DRIVING BY NUMBERS (AVERAGE DRIVING DISTANCE IN YARDS, 2019 FIGURES)

199 – Male amateurs (18+) 216 – Male amateurs (0-24 handicap) 237 – Male amateurs (0-9) 293 – PGA Tour 305 – Korn Ferry Tour 317 – Cameron Champ (longest driver on PGA Tour) 320 – Min Woo Lee (longest driver on European Tour) 331 – Brandon Matthews (longest driver on Korn Ferry Tour)

EQUIPMENT & GEAR MARCH 2020

[35]

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

THESE STREETS ARE MADE FOR GOLFING ECCO Golf is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of its spikeless Ecco Street shoes with the STREET 10, while moving its hybrid footwear forward with the all-new S-THREE Ten years ago, we’d only just seen the first iPad. Avatar had turned the box office blue, and Tiger Woods was dealing with the consequences of crashing into a fire hydrant. And while that little accident may have changed the face of golf, someone else was about to change the feet of the game at the 2010 Masters.

Fred Couples turned back the clock at Augusta National, shooting a first round 65 to take a share of the lead at 50, and would be right in the mix all week, eventually finishing sixth. And despite his tremendous golf, the biggest talking point from the commentator was the shoes on his feet. With his Ecco Street shoes on it looked like he’d rocked up to the course late and didn’t have time to change into his spikes.

When actually he was at the forefront of a revolution. Spikeless golf shoes weren’t entirely new, but you can trace their mainstream acceptance it back to that first round at The Masters.

“It was ECCO that started this ball rolling. At the time, people were saying to me ‘What are those?’ They thought they were tennis shoes or something,” Couples recalled. “The shoes are a big deal, because if you look at every pro tournament that’s played, I think 80 per cent of the guys are wearing hybrids, and that’s amazing.

The footwear in golf has completely changed in the last 10 years, and that’s because of ECCO. The hybrid shoe has caught on fast. Just a few years ago, no-one was wearing shoes like these.”

“When Monday came, our call centre was in meltdown because everybody in the world was ringing and asking for the shoes,” explained Michael Waack, ECCO’s head of Global Golf. “We were totally sold out.

That Monday, the words ‘Fred Couples’ and ‘ECCO’ were the 11th most Googled words around the word. On eBay, a pair of the shoes was selling for $500, around four times the recommended retail price. It was really crazy. We couldn’t supply the shoes to everyone who was asking for them. For three years, our hybrid shoes were sold out. There’s not a marketing campaign in the world that could have made this grow any quicker than Freddie did with his performances at the Masters. The world was watching, and saw it was possible to play golf without cleats at the highest level.”

To celebrate that success, ECCO is releasing a super limited-edition Golf Street 10. An almost completely white shoe, it’s set off by bronze detailing on the lace tips and eyelets, and a bronze screen-printed HYBRID 10 logo. Crafted from leather sourced from ECCO’s own tanneries these feel silky to the touch. An updated PU Fluidform midsole ads comfort and extra bounce to the step, but essentially this is the same shoe, including the same Dynamic Traction System outsole as the original pair. “I’ve never stood over a shot and worried about slipping,” Couples said of his shoes. Nor should you.

ECCO S-THREE And it’s not just the throwback limited edition pair that still uses this outsole. The latest ECCO S-THREE (RRP £180) model use that same E-DTS outsole. The design has stood the test of time, with over 100 traction bars, and 800 traction angles, keeping you attached to the ground and steady in all playing conditions. ECCO are the instigators of the hybrid shoe revolution, and while some technology is still relevant, they haven’t just rested on their laurels.

While the S-THREE look very different to the STREET, it is still built around comfort. And with its Zonal Fluidform Midsole, maybe the best combination of comfort and stability yet.

Three materials are injection moulded at the same time, each setting together to from the midsole.

The polyurethane in the heel is medium soft for comfort, the central part is firmer for stability, while the forefoot is softer for flexibility when walking.

Made from ECCO’s Soft Calf Nappa leather they are GORE-TEX lined, making them fully waterproof and totally breathable. Worn on tour by Erik van Rooyen and Henrik Stenson, it’s yet more proof of the acceptance of spikeless golf shoes at a tour level.

Some golfers still prefer spiked golf shoes. ECCO, despite being the spikeless pioneers still make them. But the market shifted forever that Masters weekend 10 years ago, when a 50 year old stepped out in his Streets.

■ ECCO STAFF PLAYER HERNIK STENSON IS WEARING THE S-THREE SHOES ON TOUR THIS SEASON

[36] MARCH 2020

EQUIPMENT & GEAR GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

THE GEAR EFFECT INSIDES THE BAGS OF RECENT WINNERS ON TOUR SUNGJAE IM

HONDA CLASSIC DRIVER: Titleist TS3 (8.75) 3-WOOD: Titleist TS2 (13.5) HYBRID: Titleist 818H2 (19) IRONS: Titleist T100 (4-PW) WEDGES: Titleist Vokey Design SM8 (52), (56), SM7 (60) PUTTER: Scotty Cameron Phantom T6 STR BALL: Titleist Pro V1x

PATRICK REED

WGC-MEXICO CHAMPIONSHIP DRIVER: Ping G400 (9) 3-WOOD: Callaway Mavrik Sub Zero (15) HYBRID: Callaway Apex (20) IRONS: Grindworks Patrick Reed Prototype (4-PW) WEDGES: Titleist Vokey Design SM7 (50), SM8 (56, 60) PUTTER: Scotty Cameron Tour Rat I BALL: Titleist Pro V1

ADAM SCOTT

GENESIS INVITATIONAL DRIVER: Titleist TS4 (10.5) 3-WOOD: Titleist TS2 (16.5) IRONS: Titleist 716 T-MB (3), Titleist 680 (4-9) WEDGES: Titleist Vokey Design SM8 (48, 52, 56, 60) PUTTER: Scotty Cameron Xperimental Prototype Rev X11 BALL: Titleist Pro V1

SAMI VALIMAKI OMAN OPEN

DRIVER: TaylorMade SIM (9) 3-WOOD: TaylorMade SIM Max (15) IRONS: TaylorMade P790 (2), TaylorMade P750 (4-PW) WEDGES: TaylorMade MG2 (50, 54), MG Hi-Toe (58) PUTTER: TaylorMade Spider X Copper BALL: TaylorMade TP5X

EQUIPMENT NEWS POWAKADDY POWERS UP NEW TROLLEY RANGES PowaKaddy has launched two new trolley ranges for 2020, with the new FX Collection replacing the Freeway range – in both name and design – while it has shaken up its compact offering with the launch of the CT6, which replaces the CT2i.

In addition to the new branding and styling, the FX collection has literally been shrunk, with the new trolleys being 20% smaller than the previous Freeway model. They also feature a new ‘1-Click’ fold system to make them much easier to put up and down, while a new PowaFrame chassis removes the central strut to give it a more streamlined overall look.

The FX7 GPS (£799) is the flagship model and features a 3.5-inch, full-colour touch screen.

Touch screens in golf are difficult to get right, but these work while wearing a glove, and are designed to not be affected by rain. The screen shows distances to the front, middle, and back of the green for over 40,000 courses worldwide. An optional electronic braking system can be added to help automatically slow the trolley on steep inclines, with this model costing £849.99.

Even the entry-level FX3 (£549) features a colour screen and comes with a 30v Max battery used throughout the range that is 40% smaller than the previous model, while retaining 100% of its power capacity.

For golfers looking to save on space in the

boot of the car, the CT6 (649.99) folds down 20% smaller than the previous C2i , and is 5% lighter. It folds down in two simple steps and the wheels invert to make the trolley even more compact. The CT6 GPS (£799) doesn’t have a touch screen, however if offers the same distance measurements as the FX7 GPS. It also shares the same 30v Max battery as the FX range, which is smaller and more efficient than previous power pack.

MIN WOO LEE

ISPS HANDS VIC OPEN DRIVER: Callaway Epic Flash (9) 3-WOOD: Callaway Epic Flash (15) DRIVING IRON: Callaway X-Forged UT (18) IRONS: Callaway Apex MB (4-9) WEDGES: Callaway Jaws MD5 (46, 52, 56, 60) PUTTER: Odyssey Stroke Lab Black 10 BALL: Callaway Chrome Soft X

GRAEME MCDOWELL SAUDI INTERNATIONAL

DRIVER: Srixon Z 785 (9.5) FAIRWAY WOODS: Callaway Mavrik Sub Zero (15), Titleist TS3 (18) IRONS: Srixon Z 585 (3), Z745 (4-9) WEDGES: Cleveland RTX 2.0 (46, 52), Cleveland RTX 4 (58) PUTTER: Odyssey White Hot #7 BALL: Srixon Z-Star XV

RIFE STEPS INTO THE SHOE BUSINESS Rife Golf, which is best known for its range of premium putters, has branched out footwear business with a new collection that is exclusively available at American Golf.

The collection comprises four models, three with moulded spikeless soles and one with cleats, with prices between £49.99 and £74.99. For fans of spikeless shoes, the RF-02 Blade (£64.99) boasts multi-direction spikeless outsole that will keep you secure on the course, while the Micro PU upper is 100% waterproof.

For cleat wearers, the RF-05 The Element (£74.99) has a low profile phylon midsole for cushioning and stability, plus a durable rubber outsole fitted with Pridesport Pulsar cleats for extra grip.

JUCAD HITS UK TROLLEY MARKET German trolley manufacturer JuCad is launching into the UK market for the first time this year with a range premium models that are available with a choice of steel, titanium or carbon fibre frames.

The titanium-framed JuCad Travel, the brand’s biggest selling electric model, is light enough to carry in one hand and features two rear wheels, a pivoting front wheel, double-sided parking brake, height-adjustable handle and air-cushioned tyres.

Other features include a push-button control for set distances and the option to add full remote control with forward, reverse and on-the-spot turning. A 1.5kg lithium battery, which tucks into any golf bag pocket – JuCad’s own bags have a dedicated battery

pocket – has enough juice to last 45 holes.

Measuring 65cm x 35cm x 15cm when folded down, it will fit into the smallest of car boots and comes with its own travel case. It has a RRP of €3,990 (£3,360 approx), and comes with a five-year warranty.

Also coming to the UK is the JuStar range, which promises JuCad-style quality for the slightly more price-conscious golfer, with the JuStar Silver electric trolley having an RRP of €1,590 (£1,340 approx).

The company also offers a full range of accessories, including cart, trolley and stand bags, scorecard holders, GPS and mobile device holders, branded umbrellas and coloured wheel trims.

EQUIPMENT & GEAR MARCH 2020 GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

FIT FOR PURPOSE Equipment Editor Dan Owen went to Callaway Golf’s Performance Centre in Surrey to see if his game could be improved with a custom fitting session for a new driver and a set of irons

While we always keep banging about how all golfers will benefit for having their equipment custom fitted, we don’t always priactice what we preach, so I went through the process at Callaway’s Performance Centre at its UK headquarters in Chessington to get the full fitting experience.

In recent years I’ve not played as much golf as I used to.

Combine that with getting older, and I’m not hit the ball as far or as consistently. As a single-figure golfer, it’s OK using player’s irons when you’re out on the course twice a week, but when you’re getting out once or twice a month, that’s not going to cut it. Following some bad golf to start the year I knew I needed more help.

When going into a custom fitting you need to go in with an open mind, but also have a clear idea on what you want to achieve. I wanted forgiveness. Distance would be a bonus. But I also need to like what I’m looking down at, especially with the irons.

Senior custom fit specialist Matt Judd got me to hit some baseline numbers with my own clubs. It made for pretty feeble reading, however I was striking the ball well and knew that 138 yards with my 7-iron was pretty accurate. I have a tendency to launch the ball too high, with too much spin. He also measured the length, and lie so he could make more accurate comparisons.

First up were the Mavrik Pro irons. Great looking at address, they felt powerful and more forgiving than my current set. But while the front to back dispersion was better – miss-hits lose less ball speed so the shot dispersion improved – there weren’t any real gains in distance. I launched the ball high, and spin the

ball too much.

Next, we tried the standard Mavrik. A much bigger iron than I’ve ever played, shots were powerful, there was 6mph jump in ball speed and nearly 13 yards gained through the air with the 7-iron. But ball and launch rate both still needed dropping. And importantly I didn’t like the look behind the ball.

Straight off the bat, things picked up when we tried the Epic Forged. The stock set up was 10 yards longer than my starting point. The dispersion was better, and most importantly I felt

spin, and found another five yards, but shot dispersion wasn’t as good. Then we found our winner. The Aerotech SteelFiber 95 Stiff jumped my ball speed 10mph higher than my own irons. My launch angle was higher than the Catalyst, but two degrees lower than my irons, my spin rate had dropped 900rpm from my original irons, and I was now averaging 157 yards with a 7-iron. But as well as 19 yards of distance gained, I also tightened up my shot dispersion, and the spin deviation between shots was just 229rpm, compared to 549rpm.

We went through a similar process with the driver, where Matt helped me find 12.2 yards more carry, and more consistent spin rates, so my drives were consistently going the same distance and a much tighter shot dispersion side to side.

There are three Marvik driver heads, and we found by far the best results for me in the Sub Zero. In theory that’s the least forgiving driver. Go into a fitting with an open mind, Tour players are being fit into the Mavrik Max, a chopper like me is in the Sub Zero. Who knows what will work for you.

Longer, straighter, more consistent. The irons were Epic.

And by going with the Sub Zero driver, I was being a Mavrik.

Custom fitting is key to unlocking your potential, and if you’re a Callaway fan, there’s arguably no better place to test the product than the Callaway Performance Centre.

THINGS PICKED UP WHEN WE TRIED THE EPIC FORGED. THE STOCK SET UP WAS 10 YARDS LONGER, DISPERSION WAS BETTER, AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, I FELT COMFORTABLE WITH THE CLUB BEHIND THE BALL” comfortable with the club behind the ball. It felt the best, it looked the best, it was time to dial it in.

Stronger lofts are something many people question in an iron, and these Epic Forged irons have some of the strongest lofts on the market. As Matt explained: “It’s a case by case basis. You needed to reduce your launch and spin to improve your shots.

Another golfer will gain control from adding loft and spin.

That’s why we’re offering the Mavrik Max irons this year that have more loft, and really low centres of gravity. Let the fitter do their job and trust the process.”

A switch to the Catalyst 100 shaft dropped the launch and

The Callaway Performance Centre is located at the companys' European headquarters in Chessington, Surrey.

Book an appointment through your Callaway retailer.

2020­02­17

2020­02­17

7i

Own Club

7i

Club Speed Mph

Ball Speed Mph

Smash Fac.

1.

76.2

101.3

2.

77.2

3.

76.9

4.

Club Speed Mph

Ball Speed Mph

Smash Fac.

Launch Ang. Deg

Spin Rate

Attack Ang. Deg

Club Path

Face Ang.

Deg

Deg

Launch Dir. Deg

Carry

Rpm

1.

81.7

114.1

1.40

17.3

5050

­1.6

­2.8

­6.6

­5.6

163.0

136.7

2.

79.6

141.6

3.

80.5

110.1

1.38

19.5

4858

­1.8

­2.8

­1.5

­1.7

157.0

112.0

1.39

18.2

4937

0.0

­5.2

­2.2

­2.9

159.9

­3.1

142.0

4.

80.9

110.1

1.36

18.6

4780

­2.8

­3.2

­1.5

­1.5

157.3

­5.6

­5.4

144.3

5.

­2.4

­2.3

134.9

6.

81.0

110.4

1.36

18.4

4785

­2.4

­3.0

­2.2

­2.0

157.9

80.5

108.0

1.34

16.3

4741

­3.2

­4.2

­4.2

­4.0

­3.8

­1.3

­1.9

127.6

152.1

7.

81.2

108.1

1.33

19.3

4899

­3.3

­0.9

­0.5

­0.2

­0.8

­2.0

­1.4

­1.5

153.3

136.1

8.

79.9

107.8

1.35

19.2

4232

­1.4

­1.8

­2.0

­2.0

5987

­2.0

­4.0

­2.0

155.9

­2.1

140.9

Average

80.7

110.1

1.36

18.4

4785

­2.1

­3.0

­2.6

­2.5

157.1

21.7

5646

­1.6

­2.8

1.0

549

1.0

1.3

­3.4

­3.2

138.4

Consistency

0.6

2.0

0.02

1.0

229

1.0

1.2

1.8

1.5

3.2

1.6

1.3

4.8

Launch Ang. Deg

Spin Rate

Attack Ang. Deg

Club Path

Face Ang.

Deg

Deg

Launch Dir. Deg

Carry

Rpm

1.33

21.8

4730

­1.0

­0.4

­4.1

­3.3

141.5

100.9

1.31

21.4

5920

0.2

­5.0

­4.1

­4.2

102.8

1.34

20.2

5356

­1.0

­2.8

­6.0

­5.0

77.6

103.2

1.33

22.0

5515

­1.6

­1.8

­3.6

5.

78.7

104.5

1.33

21.4

5539

­1.4

­3.8

6.

77.1

100.0

1.30

20.9

5970

­3.2

­2.0

7.

77.9

96.8

1.24

20.8

6718

­3.2

8.

76.3

99.2

1.30

23.5

5080

9.

78.7

103.5

1.32

22.8

Average

77.4

101.4

1.31

Consistency

0.9

2.3

0.03

Yds/Ft, Mph

■ OWN CLUB STATS

EPIC Forged AEROTECH i95

Yds

Yds/Ft, Mph

■ EPIC FORGED STATS

Yds

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EQUIPMENT & GEAR GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

MAVRIK

Moments

To outperform the Rogue driver, it needed to be more than Epic, so Callaway has gone full Mavrik. One name, three drivers, and three separate ways to get that Chrome Soft ball bounding down the fairway

EQUIPMENT & GEAR MARCH 2020 [39] GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

“I love the sound - it feels hot and the numbers have been great, so it has gone straight into the bag.”

“It’s a beautiful club, I love the way it sits on the ground and really like the sound.”

“The driver is very good, it’s very consistent, easy to control and easy to hit the fairway with.”

BRANDEN GRACE

ERIK VAN ROOYEN

GUIDO MIGLIOZZI

THREE DRIVERS, ALL MAVRIK

MAVRIK

Callaway has launched three Mavrik drivers for 2020, all targeted towards different golfers. But before we tell you how they differ, we need to tell you how they’re all the same.

As well as all that tech, the standard Mavrik driver features a unique Cyclone Aero head shape. Shallower from front to back, with a flatter crown and dramatically swept sole design, the Mavrik understands the need for speed. By reducing drag, you should be able to swing this faster, which in turn produces more ball speed for longer drives.

EVEN MORE AI Callaway introduced artificial intelligence to its driver design with the Epic Flash. This year they’ve invested in a more powerful supercomputer to crunch the numbers.

Thousands of virtual prototypes were looked at until they settled on the final result.

Callaway has learned to utilise the technology better and Flash Face SS20 is the result. The faces are thinner across the entire face and produce faster ball speeds wherever it is struck. The faces the computer designed required a stronger titanium to produce the performance they had unlocked. Callaway went with FS2S titanium, which is also 6g lighter than traditional titaniums.

But that’s not all. Each loft, in each of the different driver heads, features a unique face design. And this time Callaway also got the supercomputer to look at the sound of the club. The design team never tasked the supercomputer to make Epic Flash sound good. And it didn’t. This time the AI-designed acoustic ribs make this sound and feel much better than the last few generations of Callaway drivers.

TRIED & TESTED TECHNOLOGIES: JAILBREAK, CARBON CROWNS, OPTIFIT ADJUSTABLE HOSELS Callaway has brought back three technologies for the Mavrik drivers. The T2C carbon crown is much lighter than a titanium crown. Jailbreak bars behind the face connect the sole and crown, strengthening the head to produce faster ball speed, while the OptiFit hosel allows the drivers to be adjusted for launch and shot shape, with a 4-degree loft range, and neutral and draw hosel settings.

MAVRIK SUB ZERO Some golfers will produce more distance from controlling their spin rates. If that’s you, then you’ll need the Sub Zero driver.

Offering a slightly smaller head at 450cc, the Sub Zero features interchangeable front and back weights to fine-tune spin. The Cyclone shaping is gone because the golfer this is suited to will improve his launch numbers through lower spin rather than more clubhead speed. For a driver aimed at the better player this is surprisingly easy to hit, with a relatively high MOI for a low spin driver.

MAVRIK MAX The most forgiving model of the three, the Max also features two sole weights.

This time one is in the rear of the club for maximum forgiveness, one is in the heel to promote a draw.

It’s the biggest head at address, it’s the most forgiving, and it’s the easiest to get in the air. If the Sub Zero maximises distance through controlling spin, the Max gets there for players who need help getting the ball in the air. Early testing has proven the Max to be much more popular across the board than maybe Callaway first anticipated, and it’s proving its versatility by being used by multiple tour players.

PUSHING BOUNDARIES, DEFYING CONVENTION Dr Alan Hocknell, Callaway Golf’s head of R&D, provides an insight into the thinking behind the new Mavrik range of drivers “We consciously adopted a maverick’s rebellious and disruptive spirit to aid in our pursuit of better-performing equipment. Using Artificial Intelliegence is a great example of that approach. Since we started using A.I. to help us design better golf equipment, we’ve increased our understanding of its capabilities and power. That’s helped us to create innovative new features and technologies, like those in Mavrik equipment, that defy convention and promote performance beyond the golfer’s expectation. As we embark on a new decade, we’re confident in our ability to use A.I. to continue pushing boundaries through innovation.

We think the use of A.I. allows us to explore areas of design that are maybe unconventional to us and to the standard ways of thinking about golf club performance. It’s not just about buying a big fancy computer and doing lots of calculations, it’s about how we integrate that into our design process to produce a tool that is not only extremely capable of doing the more advanced forms of analysis to produce a new design, but it’s also about manipulating those designs to the needs of different golfers.

We’ve tried to do that better than we’ve ever done before. We want to take performance and individualise it.

So in that sense it’s not the computer takes over, it’s more that the computer stretches our way of thinking and not only does it stretch our way of thinking it stretches our way of manufacturing golf clubs, as well.”

“I have only started testing it recently, but it’s gone straight into the bag. It sits great and I can shape it really easily”

“I have been hitting it far and straight, and it is really, really stable.”

“I like the looks and I have picked up 2mph of ball speed, and it carries longer. It has gone straight into my bag.”

OLI FISHER

THOMAS DETRY

KIRADECH APHIBARNRAT

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HONMA TR20P IRONS £175/£219 PER CLUB (ST/GR), HONMAGOLF.COM The TR20P irons are a true player’s distance iron built with game improvement help. They feature a forged steel body with an L-cup face for increased ball speeds and a tungsten weighted pocket cavity to create speed-enhancing forgiveness on off-centre strikes, while they feature a low centre of gravity and high MOI for this size of iron. The TR20P is designed to blend with the more traditional TR20V for golfers looking for a combo set.

FOOTJOY TOUR X £179, FOOTJOY.CO.UK FootJoy’s new Tour X shoe combines technologies that features in three of its Tour-proven models – the Tour-S, DNA and Fury – and enhances them with the latest performance technologies and materials to achieve the most feature-laden shoe in the company’s history. The uppers are made from waterproof ChromoSkin leather, while a full TPU PowerPlate outsole, with nine cleated launch pods, boosts stability and traction. They are available in white/blue/lime, black/lime, or white/ silver/red Boa.

ADIDAS CODECHAOS £129, ADIDASGOLF.COM adidas has been playing it safe with their golf shoes for the last few years. The CODECHAOS is anything but. With an upper made from a waterproof-coated layered mesh, and a full-length Boost midsole, these are extremely light and soft underfoot – like walking on highly sprung marshmallows. A torsion bar helps with stability, while the outsole has been designed to produce maximum traction throughout the swing. Looks-wise they aren’t for everyone, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more comfortable golf shoe.

PRO SHOP

YOUR GUIDE TO THE LATEST GEAR

TAYLORMADE SIM DRIVERS £479, TAYLORMADEGOLF.COM TaylorMade’s new SIM (Shape in Motion) drivers place a new emphasis on aerodynamics to improve clubhead speed. In order to boost clubhead speed by reducing drag, TaylorMade designed the heads of the SIM, SIM Max and SIM Max D drivers to improve airflow as the club enters the impact zone. A fixed steel weight in the rear portion of the sole moves weight lower and further back and is positioned at a 30-degree angle to reduce drag as the clubhead makes contact with the ball.

CALLAWAY MAVRIK FAIRWAY WOOD £269, EU.CALLAWAYGOLF.COM Callaway has long made some of the best fairway woods in golf. This year they’ve made three of them – Mavrik, Mavrik Sub Zero, and Mavrik Max. Each specific loft in all three models has its own unique AI-designed maraging steel Flash Face for more ball speed across the face. On top of this, they all feature carbon crowns and Jailbreak technology. The Sub Zero is a lower spin model with adjustable weighting, while the Max features a bigger head and can be adjusted for a draw bias.

The drivers borrow technologies from the M driver range, such as multi-material crowns, TwistFace, and titanium faces with Inverted Cone Technology. While the SIM driver has CG adjustability, the T-track from the M5 has been replaced with a simplified draw-fade bias track that creates +/- 20 yards of draw/fade bias.

The SIM is the lowest spinning model, with the shallowest face, while the SIM Max has an 8% larger face and is built for maximum forgiveness. The SIM Max D has 18% larger face than the SIM and has built-in draw bias. All three have a loft sleeve to allow for loft, lie and face angle adjustments.

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CALLAWAY CHILL OUT ¼-ZIP PULLOVER £54.99, CALLAWAYEUROPEAPPAREL.COM Callaway’s apparel designers have concentrated on producing clothing designed to be swung in. SWING TECH is the culmination of years of experience of choosing the right fabrics and adding stretch materials where it is needed on the garment to perform throughout the swing. This Digital Print Chillout Pullover is produced from a lightweight thermal fabric, keeping you warm on course without adding excess bulk.

BENROSS DELTA DRIVER £179, AMERICANGOLF.CO.UK Benross has proved that you don’t need to break the bank to get your hands on a decent driver. The Delta is its most forgiving driver ever, powered by a unique heat treatment and a variable face thickness design. The 460cc head comes with a Fujikura Atmos shaft and a Lamkin UTX grip usually found in much more expensive drivers. At £179, it’s half the price of most of its competition.

PXG 0311 GEN 3 IRONS £440 PER IRON, PXG.COM PXG irons have had the thinnest face in golf since they launched at just 1.5mm thick, and such a thin face needs support. PXG is using what it calls ‘Impact Reactor Generator’ in the Gen 3 models.

An extremely high COR soft inner polymer core stores and returns more energy to the ball, while a lower COR outer material reinforces the face. They feel amazing, and ball speed jumps are huge over the previous models. There are three models in the lineup – T is for the better player, P for the low-to-mid handicap golfer, and the XP is suitable for everyone else.

PING G710 IRONS £169/£179 (ST/GR), PING.COM An update to the G700 irons, the most obvious change is the new black hydropearl finish. Straightaway this gives the irons a smaller appearance, even though they are exactly same size, while also improving their performance in wet conditions.

The faces feature maraging steel for more ball speed, and more tungsten weight gives them a higher MOI than the irons they replace. The biggest addition is Arccos Caddie Smart grips as standard, which come complete with a 90-day trial for the Arccos Caddie App. They even throw in the sensors for the rest of your set so you can dial in your game by tracking your stats.

MIZUNO S200 DRIVER £349, GOLF.MIZUNOEUROPE.COM Last year’s ST190 driver was the best Mizuno driver in a long time, getting their first driver tour win in 19 years. It was also one of the best looking. The ST200 has taken the best aspects of that and improved on it. A 17% stronger type of titanium in the face allows for better performance across the whole face, while other changes include a flatter crown for a better look at address, as well as a flatter lie angle. as requested by their tour players. Plus, they’ve improved the sound for a more powerful solid feel.

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ODYSSEY TRIPLE TRACK TEN

BETTINARDI INOVAI 6.0

TAYLORMADE SPIDER S

£269, CALLAWAYGOLF.EU

£339, BETTINARDI.CO.UK

£299, TAYLORMADEGOLF.CO.UK

Callaway introduced Triple Track to its golf ball range last season. The trio of red and blue alignment lines is based on Vernier Hyper Acuity, a proven scientific method on how the eyes see straight lines which is used for landing planes on aircraft carriers. By adding the same Triple Track alignment to its putters, it has extended the length of the lines which automatically make them easier to line up, but also in combination with the golf ball you’ve now got a foolproof system for lining up your ball and putter.

Bettinardi has long been known for its beautiful classic milled putters, but in recent years they have been building some interesting high MOI models. The Inovai 6.0 looks very much like the previous Inovai models, however, they’ve switched the construction around. A stainless steel face is used for a more solid feel as preferred by Bettinardi’s tour staff, while aluminium is now used in the wings to produce a high MOI design.

TaylorMade has steadily built its share of the putter market with its high MOI Spider putters. The Spider S is the latest edition to the range and features a simpler shape than most Spider putters, but maintains the forgiveness. A huge tungsten weight in the rear of the head and tungsten heel and toe weights bring this putters MOI to over 6,000.

Available in interesting chalk and navy colour options, this might be this season’s best-looking high MOI putter.

PING HEPPLER TOMCAT 14

MIZUNO M.CRAFT

£275, PING.COM

£249, GOLF.MIZUNOEUROPE.COM

The Heppler Tomcat is a high MOI bi-metal mallet putter manufactured via an all-new pressure casting technique. It has allowed Ping’s engineers to make more forgiving putters than they’ve been able to before. The Tomcat 14 is one of nine head designs and features an aluminium body with steel weights in the wings. It features two rows of alignment dots that are inspired by runway landing lights to help track the ball to the hole. Ping has also significantly stiffened the adjustable shaft design for more stability in the stroke.

Mizuno has introduced a putter range this year for the first time in ages so that players can capture that forged blade feel on the greens. Three classic simple putter designs make up the line – two heel and toe Anser style blades, plus a face-balanced mallet. Forged from the same 1025 grain flow forged steel as the irons, they are CNC milled and feature adjustable weights and come with the weight kits. Three finishes are available – white satin, blue ION or black ION.

ODYSSEY TOULON DESIGN LAS VEGAS

TAYLORMADE TRUSS

CLEVELAND FRONTLINE

£269, TAYLORMADEGOLF.CO.UK

£149, CLEVELANDGOLF.CO.UK

£429, ODYSSEYGOLF.COM

The unusual-looking Truss range boosts its resistance to twisting with dual contact points on the topline, delivering the performance of a high-MOI design with the look of a blade or mallet. It is offered in four models – TB1, a heelshafted blade; TB2, a centre-shafted blade with the hosel stretching across the centre of the face; TM1, a heel-shafted mallet that features the Truss hosel, and TM2, a centreshafted mallet with the hosel stretching across the entire topline. Each features an additional 8g weight in the toe to counterbalance the hosel.

Cleveland is bucking industry trends with its Frontline putters, forgoing high MOI in favour of extreme heel and toe face weights. While MOI helps with resistance to twisting at impact, high MOI putters tend to have a deep centre of gravity, which has a tendency to push putts offline if not hit out the middle. Frontline putters feature heavy tungsten weights in the face to provide a high MOI, without the deep CG. They also feature ‘Speed Optimized Face Technology, a milling process that helps regulate distance control wherever the putt is struck on the face.

BALANCING ACTS Hole out for fun with our pick of the best balanced mallet putters money can buy

The fully CNC-milled stainless steel Toulon Design putter heads are designed for the player who wants the direct feedback you can only get from a solid putter face. The deep diamond milled face is designed primarily to fine-tune sound and vibration, while the groove inside each diamond encourage a smooth roll. The Las Vegas is Toulon’s take on the popular #7 model, and, like all of Odyssey’s putters, comes with the Stroke Lab graphite and steel shaft that relocates the weight in the shaft for a smoother stroke.

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MARCH 2020 | WWW.GOLFNEWS.CO.UK/TRAVEL

D O H A

S O

G O O D

G O L F I N G I N QATA R ’ S C A P I TA L

ME & MY TRAVELS

AMENDOEIRA AWAITS

CHARLESTON’S CALLING

RUGBY STAR TOM SHANKLIN PICKS HIS FAVOURITE PLACES

GOLF NEWS HITS THE FAIRWAYS AT ONE OF THE ALGARVE’S TOP RESORTS

THE GATEWAY TO AMERICA’S FINEST SOUTHERN RESORTS

GOLF BREAK DEALS AT HOME & ABROAD

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LOOKING TO BO • D E TA I L E D D E S C R I P T I O N O N E A C H C LU B • T H E L AT E S T PA C K A G E S • G R E AT I M A G E R Y • V I D E O F O O TA G E ( O N S E L E C T E D C LU B S ) • EVERY THING YOU NEED TO KNOW

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O K A G O L F D AY ?

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DORSET RESORT SERVES UP TEMPTING SPRING BREAKS

BOWOOD SERVES UP A ROYAL RETREAT

THE DORSET GOLF RESORT in Bere Regis has long held a reputation for being a top quality golf break destination, thanks to its 27 holes of championship golf spread across its acclaimed Lakeland, Parkland and Woodland Courses, combined with its wide range of five-star accommodation.

The choice of quality accommodation, which includes 14 five-star eco lodge homes, two luxury cottages, and a 16-bedroom hotel, has been attracting stay-and-play golfers for many years, while the condition of the golf courses, and superb catering and hospitality, is clearly a winning combination for visitors.

The Woodland Course, which is cut through a forest of rhododendrons, boasts banks of pink, red and purple flowers through the summer, sparking thoughts of Augusta.

The Lakeland and Parkland nine are also blessed with flourishes of rhododendron and cherry blossom, and the views across the huge lakes are spectacular. With a promise of no winter tees or temporary greens, and excellent drainage, the courses are always presented in great condition all year round.

Ideally located to explore Poole and Bournemouth, as well as the wilder parts of the Jurassic Coast, there plenty to do within just a few miles of the resort, including, clay pigeon shooting, Bovington Tank Museum and Monkey World.

A two-night stay in a luxury lodge this spring starts from £104.95pp (Sun-Thurs), with three rounds of golf, two three-course dinners and breakfast. Hotel breaks start from £89.95pp. There is a 15% discount on quoted prices for breaks taken in March.

Queenwood is a private Georgian lodge, which offers a very special bolt hole, where at least two days of top-notch golfing can be blended with a boutique country house hotel. Each of the four bedrooms offers en-suite facilities, and are individually-decorated.

After a restful night’s sleep it’s time to tackle the Dave Thomas-designed Championship course, which is widely recognised as one of the finest layouts in the South West.

Measuring 7,317 yards off the back tees, it represents a serious test for professionals, although forward tees can reduce its length to a more manageable 5,682 yards, making it suitable for golfers of all standards.

There are also great practice facilities, including a three-hole academy course, an undercover floodlit driving range and two putting greens. Three PGA-qualified teaching pros are also on hand, while a former farmhouse has been converted into a smart clubhouse, with a pro shop and a tempting restaurant and bar.

DISCERNING GOLFERS looking to add an extra element of privacy to a golf trip away with family or friends should take a closer look at Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort in Wiltshire, where a private lodge offers the perfect retreat for a weekend golfing break.

A one-night golf break, enjoying exclusive use of Queenwood Lodge, is available from £199 per person for groups of eight people, with the package including two rounds of golf, a private three-course dinner, full English breakfast and full use of the hotel’s spa facilities.

For reservations, call 01249 822228 or visit www.bowood.org.

For more details, call 01929 472244 or visit www.dorsetgolfresort.com

2020 03 Golf News QP Golf Breaks.qxp_160mm h x 136mm w 04/03/2020 17:42 Page 1

Time for a break?

Golf Breaks from as little as

£125.00 per person

MAKE A DATE WITH DE VERE CELEBRATING

Looking for the perfect all year round venue for your golf break? Set in the heart of Suffolk and located just off the A12, our 18 hole, par 71 award-winning course is ideal for all abilities.

Contact our Golf Department to find our more information.

17

YEARS 1992-2

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DE VERE IS TEMPTING GOLFERS to take a trip to their range of golf venues across the UK with a range of great value spring packages.

Golfers can take their pick from Wokefield, Selsdon and Staverton, all of which boast championship golf courses and quality off-course facilities.

De Vere Wokefield, near Reading, has recently undergone a £20 million refurbishment, and in addition to the golf course, facilities include the new 1560 Restaurant & Bar and Whiskey Lounge.

De Vere Selsdon in Croydon, has an 18-hole course which designed by British open champion JH Taylor in the 1920s. The resort’s 1042 Restaurant & Bar and the Orangery both overlook the 200acre estate.

Surrounded by 150-acres of parkland, De Vere Staverton, in Northamptonshire, boasts an 18hole European Tour standard course, while after a round guests can enjoy The Steam, Bake & Grill restaurant, and a contemporary bar which has just undergone a major refurbishment.

One-night breaks taken on Sundays start from £89. The packages include two rounds of golf, dinner, bed and breakfast.

For more details and bookings, visit www.devere.co.uk.

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SPRING BREAKS AT OLD THORNS GOLFERS CAN ENJOY The fabulous facilities on offer at Old Thorns Manor Hotel Golf & Country Estate in Hampshire for as little as £99 this spring, when booking directly with the resort.

Tucked away in 400 acres of stunning countryside just off the A3, Old Thorns is one of southern England’s most picturesque country-house-style hotels, and offers four-star accommodation in 160 bedrooms, relaxing health spa facilities, fantastic cuisine, and an outstanding 6,581-yard, 18-hole championship course, designed by the legendary Peter Allliss, who is also the club’s president.

With notoriously fast greens and plenty of natural hazards, the par-72 design is a challenging layout, while the typography of the course creates some wonderful views over the rolling Hampshire countryside from several elevated tees.

Old Thorns has a great range of dining options, including the 250-seater Kings Brasserie, where the hotel’s legendary carvery is served alongside a sumptuous a la carte menu, while more relaxed pub-style food is available in the Sports Bar, where golfers can enjoy a beer and delicious pub-style food in more informal surroundings, while catching live sporting events on TV. For late night drinks, guests can head to the Atrium Champagne and Cocktail Bar, which is open every evening.

Residential breaks at the Liphook-based resort up until the end of March can be booked for just £89 per person (£99 in April), including one night’s bed and breakfast, two rounds of golf on the championship course. A £20 supplement will see dinner added to the package.

For details of the latest stay-and-play rates, visit www.oldthorns.com or call 01428 724555.

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HE R E , T H E SA N D I S T H E

BEST PLACE TO BE.

Now flying direct from Heathrow!

LEGENDARY COURSES. SUPERIOR HOSPITALITY. Golf was played in Charleston more than 100 years before the United States even became a country.

The legendary 1991 Ryder Cup, deemed the “War by the Shore”, was contested at the famed Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, as was the 2012 PGA Championship. Now the stage is set for the PGA Championship to return to the Ocean Course in 2021.

Learn more about playing any of the 20 championship courses in the Charleston area, by visiting EnjoyCharlestonGolf.com.

Find Great Rates at EnjoyCharlestonGolf.com

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6 reasons to visit

Charleston If you’re looking for an American golf holiday with authentic Southern hospitality and a collection of some of the world’s finest courses, then the charming city of Charleston in South Carolina has all the bases covered

1

CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSES

Charleston and the surrounding ‘Lowcountry’ boasts over 20 superb parkland and coastal courses, offering an exceptional variety of golfing challenges. From true links style layouts by the ocean to tree-lined tracks in the forests, there’s a Charleston course to appeal to every type of player.

2

KIAWAH ISLAND GOLF RESORT

Thousands of golfers make the pilgrimage to the region’s showcase resort, Kiawah Island, where the Ocean Course, host of the 1991 Ryder Cup, and no fewer than five other world-class tracks, could occupy a week of any vacation. Indulge in 5-star accommodation, world-class resort amenities, award-winning recreational activities, all in distinctively tranquil natural surroundings. It’s a travel experience you’ll wish would never end.

3

US PGA CHAMPIONSHIP 2021

The 2021 PGA Championship, scheduled for May 17-23, 2021, will be the second staged at Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s famed 7,356-yard Ocean Course. Rory McIlroy won the second his four major titles when winning the PGA here in 2012, and he’ll be hoping to add to his tally in 2021, at a venue which never fails to provide excitement and drama. Combining a visit to watch the season’s second major with a golf holiday seems too good an opportunity to miss.

4

HISTORIC DISTRICT

Charleston celebrates its 350th anniversary in 2020, and there’s never been a better time to visit this most charming of America’s cities.

Take a horse-drawn carriage tour, shop along King Street and Charleston’s famous City Market, stroll The Battery to see beautiful mansions, take in a jazz club, cool off in the famous Pineapple Fountain, and enjoy world-class dining in this beautiful, walkable city.

5

CULINARY DELIGHTS

Many visitors come to Charleston with one thing on their mind: food. Discover the delights of the smoky, slow-cooked BBQ for which the region is famous; savour a dockside oyster roast; hit East Bay Street for a serving of Southern speciality shrimp and grits, or hang out on the rooftop bars on King Street, sipping on a Bourbonlaced cocktail or a locally-brewed craft ale. Every meal in Charleston is an event in itself, prepared to perfection and served with a smile.

6

FLY DIRECT

British Airways now offers two direct flights per week (Thurs/Sun) from Heathrow to Charleston, with a flying time of just nine hours.

Charleston International Airport is only 15 minutes

from the historic district, as well as centrally located to resorts like Kiawah Island and Isle of Palms.

Return fares in World Traveller start from £500, World Traveller Plus from £928, and from £1,920 in Club World. To book, visit www.ba.com.

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g n i z a m A

A M E N D O E I R A With two championship courses and a range of superb private villas and apartments, it’s no wonder Amendoeira Golf Resort is proving a popular destination for golf groups and families visiting in Portugal’s Algarve region

DESPITE BEING a regular visitor to the Algarve over the years, I had never previously visited the much talked about Amendoeira Golf Resort, so when an invitation came my way late last year to experience the resort first-hand, I jumped at the chance to escape the gloomy skies of the UK and head out for some sunshine under cloudless Iberian skies and enjoy some first-class golf.

Hidden away among the picturesque Monchique Mountains in Silves, a 30-minute drive from Faro airport, the Kronos-owned Amendoeira Golf Resort has been making waves ever since it first opened in 2008.

The five-star venue covers a vast swathe of land – 270 hectares if we’re counting – and can sleep up to 1,200 guests across its range of luxury villas and spacious apartments. The crown jewel at the resort, for golfers at least, is the Faldo course, designed by the legendary knight of the realm, which, since opening just over decade ago, features high on lists of top courses in Europe. This signature layout is complemented by a further 18-

hole design fashioned by the late Christy O’Connor Jnr, which provides a perfect foil to Faldo’s more muscular test.

The resort also boasts a floodlit 9-hole, par-three course, which is perfect for beginners and those looking to sharpen up their short game. It is also great for a fun competition at night underneath the floodlights, more of which later. But the sporting fun doesn’t end there, as the resort also offers tennis courts, swimming pools, gym facilities and football pitches – the latter of which have been used by Fulham, West Brom and, most recently, the mighty Mansfield Town, for pre-season training – making it the perfect venue for a family break.

Flying into Faro after an early morning flight from London, a simple 30-minute transfer took us to the resort. After checking into our luxury 3-bed apartment, we grabbed a quick snack in the clubhouse before jumping into our buggies to take on the challenge of the Faldo course.

Four-wheeled transport is almost a prerequisite, as the 6,598-metre layout is carved out of the rugged Algarve landscape and involves several

■ THE O'CONNOR COURSE PROVIDES THE PERFECT CONTRAST TO ITS MORE TESTING PARTNER ■ THE FLOODLIT PAR-THREE COURSE IS WELL WORTH PLAYING DAY OR NIGHT

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■ WITH TWO CHAMPIONSHIP LAYOUTS, AMENDOEIRA IS ONE OF THE ALGARVE'S BEST RESORTS

■ AN IMPOSING STATUE OF SIR ■ AQUI OMNISINT QUE NICK FALDO LOOKS IN SAPELLO RITAQUE ET DOWN IN JUDGEMENT YOU COME OFF PARUM QUIAE AS SEQUAM THE COURSE THAT RESTE POSTRUM ET HE DESIGNED UNTI UT QUAM AUT A DOLESTEM IMINT. RAESEQUATIUM ATIOREPE LACCUSA PISTIUS AMETUR

YOU'LL NEED TO HAVE YOUR DRIVING AND PUTTING BOOTS FIRMLY STRAPPED ON IF YOU'RE GOING TO PLAY ANYTHING NEAR YOUR HANDICAP steep climbs and descents to fairways strewn with large, deep bunkers which jut out just far enough into play to swallow errant drives or loose approaches.

From the back tees there are some carries that might be a stretch for the mid-handicapper, but from the more forward tees most of the ravines and water hazards can be crossed with a decent whack. With hidden bunkers and the odd blind shot, it’s a typical challenging Faldo design. My favourite holes included the par-five 4th, which offers an inviting tee shot to the valley below, while the views from the tee on the par-3 12th are equally impressive. The par-5 13th was another excellent risk-and-reward hole that requires a little thought.

With pristine fairways and smooth-running greens, it was an thoroughly enjoyable test, although you’ll need to have your driving and putting boots firmly strapped on if you’re going to play to anything approaching your handicap.

Without a hotel, the clubhouse acts as base for those staying in the on-site villas and apartments,

providing the hub of activities, as well as the location for the restaurants and bars. For those that prefer a hotel base, the resort has a reciprocal arrangement with the nearby Vila Vita Parc Hotel, a five-star property that offers a luxury package of accommodation, leisure facilities and restaurants, including of the two Michelin-starred Ocean Restaurant and the Adega Restaurant, an authentic Portguese eaterie where we dined in style on the second night.

After dinner in the clubhouse on the first night we got the chance to play the par-three course in the company of European Par 3 champion Hugo

Espirito Santo, who shot the lights out – although thankfully not literally – with his seven-under-par score of 20. With the holes measuring between 75 and 120 yards, it’s a great test of your short game, and a lot of fun.

The following morning, and suitably refreshed after a night in one of the comfortable apartments, we took on the O’Connor Course. While the Faldo course could beat you up if you’re off your game, the O’Connor, like the man himself, is a much more welcoming and genial affair. Built over a much more walkable landscape – although I doubt many give up their buggies to play it –it’s no pushover at 6,708 metres from the back tees, although the 5,640m from the blues makes it much more like the holiday course that is aspires to be. Water, in the shape of ponds, creeks and wetland areas, comes into play at many of the holes, particularly on the front nine. The par threes at the 3rd and 6th are feature holes on the outward half, with pushed shots on either hole resulting in delve back into the golf bag, while the 402-metre par-4 eighth, lives up to its Stroke Index 1 billing with water all the way down and then across to avoid, before reaching the relative safety of a small, but undulating green.

The inward half presents a number of memorable holes, though the first of these at the par-four 10th might be remembered for the wrong reasons because the acute angle of the right dogleg on this par four might be regarded as a little too severe by many. The 374-metre 18th also doglegs, but a little more gently this time, as the fairway rises slowly towards the two-tiered home green. All in all, although it won’t live quite as long in the memory as its neighbour, the O’Connor is an enjoyable way to spend four hours in the company of like-minded souls.

Later on we had a tour around some of the villas and apartments that are available to buy and/or rent. With swimming pools, luxury interiors, BBQ areas, and two great golf courses on your doorstep, it’s quite easy to see the appeal of a long-term investment here, although as place to hole up for a long weekend break or a fortnight’s holiday, it also takes some beating.

BOOKINGS

GETTING THERE

For details of the latest golf and accommodation packages, visit www. amendoeiraresort.com or call 00 351 282 320 820

Direct flights to Faro are available from most UK airports, with carriers including Jet2, Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways and Norwegian Air.

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FINCA CORTESIN TOPS LIST OF BEST RESORTS IN EUROPE

GOLF COURSE REVIEW WEBSITE Leadingcourses.com has published the 2020 update of its 100 Best Golf Resorts in Europe. The ranking is 50% based on the rating of the golf club on Leadingcourses.com and 50% from reviews of the resort on Booking.com.

The Best Golf Resort in Europe in 2019 was Finca Cortesin in Spain, with users on Leadingcourses.com giving the golf club a rating of 9.1 out of a maximum possible 10, while Booking. com’s visitors rated the hotel a 9.7.

Runner-up was Trump Turnberry in Scotland, which dropped to second place from the previous year’s first with an overall rating of a 9.2, while Portugal’s Monte Rei regained third place in the ranking, with its Jack Nicklaus-designed course receiving an overall rating of a 9.1.

Further down the list, Montgomerie Maxx Royal in Turkey (9.05) took fourth, with Gleneagles in Scotland taking fifth with the same score. French resorts filled the next two spots, with Terre Blanche (9.0) in Provence taking sixth and Golf De L’Isle Adam (9.0), near Paris, in seventh.

PGA Cataluyna in Spain, a perennial favorite with UK golfers, took eighth place, while Golf Club Budersand Sylt (8.95) in Germany rated ninth, with Royal Bled (8.95) in Slovenia closing out the top ten. A new feature the Best Golf Resorts in Europe list is that tee times at 50 of the 145 venues listed can be booked directly online at www.leadingcourses.com.

BRITTANY FERRIES LAUNCHES NORMANDY CHARITY CLASSIC GOLFERS LOOKING TO play some of Northern France’s top tracks, and help raise money for good causes in the process, should consider taking part in Brittanny Ferries’ 2020 Normandy Charity Classic this summer.

Held on June 18, the one-day tournament will raise funds for the Lord’s Taverners, a charity that helps disadvantaged youngsters fulfill their potential and build life skills through sport.

With support from Normandy Tourism and its leading golf courses, plus sponsorship from Callaway, Bushnell, Skechers and Q’aja, the tournament costs £129pp to enter and includes return sailings to Normandy from UK ports, a round of golf, a charity donation, and an early evening reception with prize-giving ceremony.

Competitors will play one of a selection of courses, all of which will be an easy drive from their arrival port.

There’s an option to extend stays before or after event, with extra nights and additional golf.

For more information, visit brittanyferries.com/ golfclassic, call 0330 159 5418 or email golf.desk@ brittanyferries.com.

CORONAVIRUS: ABTA ADVICE ON HOLIDAY BOOKINGS GOLFERS WHO ARE WORRIED about future holiday bookings following the outbreak of the coronavirus are being advised to contact their golf tour operator and their insurers to find out their options and ensure they are covered against cancellation fees and booking alteration charges.

While the UK government is currently advising against travel to mainland China, northern Italy and Iran, golfers who have booked trips to mroe traditional golf holiday destinations may have to face cancellation fees if they have not insured themselves against a change of plans.

If the Foreign & Commonwealth Office advises against travel to a certain destination, travel firms will get in touch to discuss your options – this may include rebooking your trip for a later date. Even if you still want to travel, your insurance won’t be valid, so you won’t be covered if you need help.

While flights to affected areas are being cancelled based on FCO advice, some are solely due to a downturn in bookings. If you booked directly with an airline, you are eligible for a refund or to rebook free of charge, although you may still have to pay any fare difference incurred. If you booked through a third party, i.e. a travel agent, you will need to contact them to find out your options.

Some airlines are offering incentives to travel, with flexibility on new bookings, with Virgin Atlantic waiving any penalties on changes to bookings issued throughout March. The current advice is to book travel insurance at the same time as you book your trip, as if you don’t have it in place and your destination is later added to the FCO risk list, then you will not be eligible for compensation.

A spokesman for the Association of British Travels Agents said: “Tour operators can offer alternative holidays if they are able to. If these mean a change to the original arrangements, for example spending the whole or part of the holiday in a different country, you aren’t obliged to accept the alternative and will be entitled to a full refund of the package price.”

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golf holiday experts for 25 years www.chakatravel.com

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ESCORTED GOLF TOURS WITH PGA PRO JACQUES GOUS INCLUDING ONE TO ONE & GROUP TUITION Join us on one of our popular escorted tours. Suitable for golfers and non-golfers alike, our PGA pro will be your guide throughout.

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TO SEE OUR RANGE OF GOLF HOLIDAYS, ESCORTED TOURS AND GOLF TOURNAMENTS VISIT OUR WEBSITE

[54] MARCH 2020

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Dazzling Doha

G

■ EDUCATION CITY GOLF CLUB BOASTS A TRUE CHAMPIONSHIP PEDIGREE HAVING HOSTED LAST MONTH'S QATAR MASTERS

iven the climate crisis and the impending destruction of the planet, it’s becoming increasingly hard to square the idea that building golf courses in regions where grass doesn’t naturally grow is a sensible use of the world’s fast-depleting natural resources. Yet, here we are in 2020, and tournament-standard courses are still springing up in countries whose annual rainfall is less than what fell on Wales in half-anhour during the storms that battered the UK last month.

So it was more than a little odd to find myself forced to take shelter from a torrential downpour in the smart new clubhouse at Education City Golf Club in Qatar during my brief visit there last November. Knowing that this had been the first significant rainfall in Doha for over eight months, the course manager should have been doing a little jig of delight, but unfortunately this was the wrong type of rain, the heavy sort that lands

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Host of a European Tour event since 1998, the oilrich Middle Eastern state of Qatar is ploughing vast resources into broadening its range of sporting, leisure and cultural activities ahead of its staging of the FIFA World Cup in 2022. Nick Bayly went to try out its two world-class golf courses during an action-packed long weekend in Doha

on dry ground and immediately runs down the nearest storm drain, and not the gentle drizzle that nourishes rootzones that greenkeepers love so much.

Thankfully, Education City’s plush fairways and manicured greens and tees are irrigated in a more controlled fashion, with a state-ofthe-art sprinkler system drawing on supplies of desalinated water that are scooped straight out of the Arabian Sea. The course is also sown with something called ‘TE Platinum Paspalam Turf’, a type of grass that requires 20% less water to survive than your standard stuff, so they’re doing their best to mitigate against a climate where summer temperatures nudge 45c on a regular basis.

Fascinating high-tech course management programmes aside, it’s fair to say that Qatar is not the obvious choice for a holiday, let alone a golf holiday. But then again, the same could have been said about near neighbour Dubai 25 years ago, and look at it now. Last year, just over 90,000 UK citizens visited Qatar, with the vast majority no doubt coming to do business in Doha, rather than simply sitting on a beach. That number was 20% up from 2018, and the figures will surely enjoy a further spike in two years time, when England fans head out to Doha to watch Gareth Southgate’s merry men lift the Jules Rimmet trophy for the first time since 1966 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. We can but dream, eh?

Given the aforementioned summer heat, the tournament has been switched to December, which is also a prime time for golf in this part of the world, with daytime temperatures hovering around the pleasant mid-20s. With all eight football stadiums being used for the World Cup located within Doha’s city limits, it’s going to be one of the most compact tournaments ever hosted, with fans able to hop between venues via a newly-built metro system

without having to break sweat.

The gaps between matches will give visiting fans plenty of time to soak up the city’s cultural treasures and sporting pleasures, including its two world-class 18-hole golf courses. Domestic golfers are pretty thin on the ground out here, with the membership of Qatar’s two clubs, Doha, which was founded in 1998, and Education City, which opened just last year, largely drawn from the sizeable expat community that has built up around the oil and gas industry.

Education City, as the new shiny new toy, took over hosting duties for this year’s Qatar Masters, which has been a mainstay on the European Tour’s now somewhat disjointed ‘Desert Swing’ since 1998. Held between March 6-9, José Maria Olazabal’s 7,300-yard layout proved a suitable challenge for Europe’s elite, with Spain's Jorge Campillo winning after a play-off with a score of 13 under. Although not quite the draw that is once was, the tournament still attracts a decent enough field, and the introduction of a new course, built by a legend of the European Tour, has certainly helped to revive its status in the tournament schedule.

The course itself is a tough challenge for the club amateur with a sea of bunkers greeting players off virtually every tee, while water – yes, that rarest of commodities – is a strong feature on the layout, coming into play on ? holes. The huge greens are slower than they look, but you certainly don’t want to be putting on the wrong side of the slopes.

Fulfilling its remit to bring on fledgling domestic talent and live up to its rather ‘does what it says on the tin’ name, Education City boasts of two other courses — a full-length six-hole course, and a nine-hole floodlit par three, while the worldclass academy boasts five indoor swing studios and a putting studio, all featuring the latest swing analysis technology combined with a team of

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PGA-qualified coaches, headed up by Director of Golf Rhys Beecher, a Welshman who took who the role following a stint at Celtic Manor. There’s also double-ended driving range fitted with Toptracer Range, a number of practice greens, a dedicated ladies-only green with its own entrance so that local Muslim women can practice in private.

Doha Golf Club, offers a distinct contrast to its arriviste golfing rival, and has a much more relaxed, lived-in feel that you’d expect given its 20-year head start. No longer the only golf show in town,

■ QATAR'S TWO GOLF CLUBS, DOHA AND EDUCATION CITY, WILL BE A POPULAR OFF-COURSE ATTRACTION DURING THE 2022 FIFA WORLD CUP

VISITORS TO DOHA ARE SPOILT FOR CHOICE WHEN IT COMES TO LUXURY ACCOMMODATION, WITH THE CITY BOASTING OVER 50 FIVE-STAR RATED HOTELS its members will probably enjoy not having their course taken over for a month each year now that the Qatar Masters has switched to Education City.

The 7,374-yard course, which was designed by Peter Harradine, is not quite at the same level of presentation as its neighbour, although we had arrived during the dormant season for grass, so the course was by no means at its best. That said, the layout is excellent, with generous fairways and contoured greens routed through numerous lakes, big bunkers, limestone outcrops, dunes and desert.

Among the highlights were the ninth, a 600-yard par 5 that will test your stamina and patience; the par-4 12th, whose impressive limestone formations guard the entrance to the green; the tough parfour 15th, which requires a lengthy second shot over water; and the drivable 16th, which requires a lusty blow over a huge rocky outcrop to reach the putting surface. The 140-yard 17th requires a pinpoint shot over a deep, duck-filled pond to reach a shallow plateaued green, while the 527-yard 18th is a suitably challenging par-5 with water down the left-hand side. Played off the whites, which take the course down to a more manageable 6,640 yards (the yellows are 6,300 yards), it was very enjoyable test, with a good mix of risk-and-reward holes all played in front of the backdrop of Doha’s impressive city skyline.

In addition to the Championship course, there is a 9-hole floodlit course, which we didn’t have time to play, although we did factor in a lunch in the characterful clubhouse, which boasts an excellent bar (alcohol is served here, although not at Education City) and restaurant, which is popular with golfers and non-golfers alike at weekends – Friday and Saturday in this part of the world – when

the course is buzzing.

Between rounds of golf we were treated to a whistlestop tour of Doha’s many and varied attractions, including a trip to the Waqif Souq, a bustling warren of alleyways housing small shops crammed with everything from spices, perfumes and Arabian coffee pots, to jewelry, leathergoods, and even a live falcon, if that grabs your fancy. These elegant, intelligent birds are highly prized in Qatar, with the best specimens changing hands for five-figure sums.

After a memorable Persian meal at the mosaicbejewelled Parisa restaurant in the souk, we boarded a motorised dhow for an night-time tour of the harbour, which gave us the chance to take in the sheer scale of the city, with our eyes craning up to the vast number of highrise offices, hotels and apartments that have created a skyline that is fast rivaling that of Dubai or Hong Kong.

As a pleasant escape from the bustle of the city, we also enjoyed a desert ‘dune-bashing’ trip an hour’s drive away, to the shores of the Khor Al Adaid inland sea, on the border with Saudi Arabia, where we thundered up, down and occasionally sideways on steep, golden sand dunes in a Toyota Landcruiser. Chaperoned by an experienced driver, it was certainly exhilarating stuff, although I’m not the most relaxed of passengers when hurtling over a sandy precipice!

The cultural highlight for me was a visit to the National Musuem of Doha, which is housed in an award-winning building that resembes dozens of concrete discs that have collided into each

other at varying angles. It’s a jaw-dropping structure, while the art, natural history and culture contained within its sloping walls and floors are equally impressive. Art lovers should also visit the Museum of Islamic Art, whose stunning collection of jewelry, paintings, textiles and ceramics are housed in a magnificent five-storey tower that pays homage to Islamic architecture both inside and out.

Visitors to Doha are spoilt for choice when it comes to luxury accommodation, with the city boasting more than 50 five-star rated hotels, and another 70-odd that fall into lower categories. Our group stayed at the impressive Ritz-Carlton Doha (pictured left), a five-star venue built on its own island with its own 235-berth marina, adjacent to the Lagoona shopping mall. For a more central stay, the Mandarin Oriental, located close to the Corniche, is a suitably luxurious affair, while its eighth-floor Mosaic restaurant, which offers nine different kitchens to take you on culinary journey from countries along the Silk Road, is also well worth a visit in a country that draws its influences from so many different cultures.

■ DOHA OFFERS A HEADY COMBINATION OF MODERN LUXURY HOTELS MIXED WITH TRADITIONAL ARAB CULTURE BELOW: DOHA GOLF CLUB'S 18-HOLE COURSE IS ONE OF THE OLDEST CHAMPIONSHIP LAYOUTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Qatar Airways flies fly direct from London Heathrow to Doha from £670 return (qatarairways.com). For more information visit www.visitqatar.qa.

For the latest green fee rates and tee bookings at Doha GC and Education City GC, visit www. dohagolfclub.com and www.ecgolf.com.

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CLUBS TO HIRE LAUNCHES LOYALTY SCHEME GOLFERS HIRING THEIR CLUBS through golf club rental company Clubs to Hire can now be rewarded with money off their next set following the launch of a new loyalty scheme.

Clubs to Hire’s points-based loyalty system is based on the value of the golfer’s booking, with points earned able to be used against future bookings and purchases. The loyalty scheme is available to all members – registration to which is available during the booking process – and can be redeemed at any point, so golfers have the option to build up their points to a potential free hire in the future. The scheme, which has already given 65,000 clients free loyalty points for past business, also allows members to adjust their bookings and receive bonus points for activating an account.

Clubs to Hire offers a wide choice of rental sets from the major brands, including TaylorMade, Ping, Callaway, Titleist, Mizuno, Wilson and PXG Available in 25 destinations mainly around Europe, sets can be hired from €40 per week.

Clubs to Hire founder Tony Judge said: “We have a lot of repeat business and most of our customers will use us for all of their golf trips. We have been exploring ways to reward our regulars for some time now, and this new loyalty scheme will benefit a lot of golfers who frequently travel abroad to play.”

GET YOUR GAME IN SHAPE AT QUINTA DO LAGO THE START OF THE GOLF SEASON IS FAST APPROACHING, and players can get their games in shape by booking an intensive tuition break at Quinta do Lago in Portugal this month.

Golfers of all levels have the exclusive opportunity to learn to play like the best players in the world at the Algarve resort’s Paul McGinley Golf Academy, with prices starting from €562 per person.

The four-night spring breaks feature expert tuition in all aspects of the game, as well as access to the facilities at Quinta do Lago’s state-of-the-art sports performance centre The Campus.

All packages – which require a minimum of two people – include three hours’ tuition per day on all aspects of the game, a daily nine-hole playing lesson, a custom-fitting experience and swing analysis using the latest technology, Including Trackman, SamPutt Lab and Boditrack.

A personal trainer session and complimentary access to the gym, wellness and recovery areas and swimming pool are also included, together with bed-and breakfast accommodation based at the resort’s boutique The Magnolia Hotel and a welcome dinner.

Located just 15 minutes away from Faro airport, Quinta do Lago boasts three championship golf courses – the North, South and Laranjal – and outstanding practice facilities, while guests can stay in shape at The Campus, a world-class sports hub designed for professionals and amateurs alike to keep fit.

Complementing the facilities is a choice of 13 bars and restaurants, including the Bovino Steakhouse and recently-opened Dano’s Sports Bar & Restaurant.

For more information, email book@ themagnoliahotelqdl.com.

For more details, visit www.clubstohire.com.

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Golf with Accommodation at Sesimbra Hotel & Spa****

Golf with Accommodation at Aroeira Lisbon Hotel****

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4 Nights at Aroeira Lisbon Hotel with 3 golf rounds (1x Quinta do Peru and 2x Aroeira) from 356€

Aroeira Golf Trophy a competition by Orizonte Lisbon Golf

Includes: 4 nights at Aroeira Lisbon Hotel, 3 golf rounds (2xAroeira, 1xQuinta do Peru), warm up at Driving Range, transfer do Quinta do Peru, welcome cocktail

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Tom Shanklin Former Wales and British Lions star Tom Shanklin spends most of his time chasing a small white round ball around since retiring from rugby in 2011

Travel with

The best hotel I’ve ever stayed in was… The Conrad Algarve in Vilamoura. It’s a five-star hotel, but it felt like a six or a seven. It’s just an unbelievable place.

My favourite city in the world is... Sydney.

It’s got everything you want from a city.

My most memorable holiday meal was at…

My first ever golf holiday was to… La Manga Resort in Spain. I was taking part in the Wooden Spoon Tournament, an annual event for rugby’s children’s charity.

■ LOCH LOMOND

My most recent golf trip was to…Palma in Mallorca. I played two rounds at Son Vida and Son Quint, both of which were in great nick. It was another charity event, this time to raise funds for the Cardiff Blues Foundation.

My favourite golf course is... Loch Lomond in Scotland. The whole experience, from the moment you arrive, to the moment you leave, is top class. The course is stunning and the location beautiful. I play there once a year and count myself very lucky to have the privilege.

My ideal holiday fourball would include... Tiger Woods, just because he’s Tiger, and he would be good a dishing out a few tips, and then Steve Coogan and Ricky Gervais, because they are my comedy idols.

■ TOM HELPED THE WELSH TEAM WIN LAST YEAR'S CELEBRITY CUP AT CELTIC MANOR

Carnivore in Nairobi, Kenya. We went there while we on a safari, and we got to try loads of different animals – crocodile, wildebeest, ostrich, kudu, camel, snake – you name it – all roasted on traditional maasai swords over a huge charcoal pit. The all-you-can-eat meat buffet – ‘Beast of a Feast’ – is not for the feinthearted!

My best ever round was at... Celtic Manor

The golf course I most want to play is…

during last year’s Celebrity Cup. I don’t know why, but I was on fire that day and just couldn’t be beaten. I didn’t hit a bad shot all day. Golf’s like that some times.

Augusta. Isn’t it everybody’s?

My next golf holiday will be… back in Vilamoura. I will be playing the Old Course and Vale do Lobo.

My favourite golf resort is... Celtic Manor.

It’s right on my doorstep, so that’s a big bonus, but if offers three superb and contrasting courses, the service is fantastic and I’ve always had a great time there.

I’ve been overseas too often, but I really like Celtic Manor. Your three courses there, the service is fantastic, they really look after you well and it’s very close.

■ CONRAD ALGARVE, VILAMOURA

I always travel with... a four-plug adapter, my iPhone charger and my iPad. I love my tech.

Golf for a good cause

Normandy Charity Classic 18 June 2020

Take part in the Normandy Charity Classic, and enjoy some of the best courses in this delightful corner of France, along with some amazing aprés-golf.

Organised in partnership with Normandy Tourism, this event will be raising money for Lord’s Taverners, helping young people with disabilities build their skills through sport.

• Return sailing from Portsmouth or Poole • A round of golf at a choice of 12 courses • Evening reception and awards presentation • Option to extend your stay before or after the event

Charity tournament in France from

£129

Find out more at

brittanyferries.com/golfclassic 0330 159 5418

pp

*Price based on people 4 people in a standard car and sharing a 4 berth cabin.

For full terms and conditions, see website.

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