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I wish I was a ‘smart’ golfer

H

ands up if this reminds you of someone. You’re playing well, a couple over after six holes, when you push your drive into the right-hand rough.

You’ve got 180 to the flag, and you fancy it. Yes, it’s a naff lie (awful, in fact), but there’s clear sight of the green. You grab your hybrid, lunge at it like a caveman trying to kill a woolly mammoth, catch it on the top and watch as it dives into even deeper grass 10 yards in front of you.

Crestfallen, you chip out sideways, miss the green, duff a chip and three-putt.

“Good eight!” says your partner. It’s another scorecard that’s been blighted by a bad hole. A bad hole that wasn’t caused by a ropey swing, but by bad decision-making.

I’ve got my hand up right now, as that’s me down to a tee. If there’s a simple option and a difficult option, I’m taking the latter every time.

It’s stupid, I know. I’ve got to stop doing it.

“Only smart golf will ever get your handicap to

come down,” says Dominic Bott, a Tour caddie since the early 1990s and one of six bagmen who share their strategy secrets this month (from page 48). It’s part of a package of tips – including gear advice and a Tour pro’s practice routine – designed to help you save shots without touching your swing.

SUBSCRIBE Have the magazine delivered straight to your door or download the digital edition AND receive 24 Srixon balls.

Turn to page 80 for our Christmas offer

You might notice some changes in this issue – new designs, new sections and new features. It’s all been created to make Today’s Golfer – already the UK’s best-selling golf magazine – even more useful, with more tips, more gear and more course reviews. I’d love to know what you think, so please drop me an email at chris.jones@bauermedia.co.uk

VISIT OUR WEBSITE Here to help you play better, buy better and choose better... every day www.todaysgolfer.co.uk

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Contents

Save shots!

Without changing your swing, with 20 pages of expert advice.

47

JANUARY 2018

42

1

FEATURES 6 First tee Including the course of the year, a slow play crackdown, a club designer’s office and tons more.

20 Opinion

Your letters, plus our columnists Nick Dougherty and Andrew Cotter look back on the 2017 season.

Hatton’s story Tyrrell Hatton has dreamt of being a pro golfer since he was this big!

6 IS SUE 3 6 8 TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK

47 Cover feature

Caddies, gear experts and Tour pros tell you how to save shots.

78 My Life in Golf

Heavyweight legend Wladimir Klitschko on his passion for golf.

Tips from the stat leaders Best drivers, iron players, putters and scramblers.

FREE LUXURY GOLF GUIDE Stay and play in style at some of Troon Golf’s most spectacular venues.

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PP

Irons test The real difference between the latest blades and cavity-backs.

93

PLAY BETTER 28 Learn a new shot...

Shift pressure, not weight, for a more powerful impact.

30 Fault fixer...

Calm down a handsy takeaway by practising with a football.

31 Your gear is telling you...

What you can learn from the way the driver hits the tee.

34 Picture this...

Chop down on your irons for more consistent contact.

36 How to master...

The hardest shot in golf... the 40-yard bunker blast.

39 Try this drill to...

Improve your putting touch.

8 IS SUE 3 6 8 TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK

Contents JANUARY 2018

EQUIPMENT 83 New Cobras revealed Milled-face King F8 driver, plus two new sets of irons.

88 Tested: One Length hybrid Cobra’s new design proves incredibly easy to hit.

90 Tested: Gore-Tex jackets Three Galvin Green tops that all offer different benefits.

93 Tested: Two types of irons The performance difference between blade and cavity-back.

97 Reader test

What four club golfers make of Cleveland’s cavity-back wedges.

100 TG Top 10s

Our pick of the best kit on sale.

SUBSCRIBE GET 13 ISSUES OF TG AND 24 OF SRIXON’S NEW AD333 BALLS FROM JUST £35 TURN TO PAGE 80

COURSES 105 Regional course guide More than 50 places to play in seven different GB&I regions.

122 South of France

There are hidden gems galore in this undiscovered destination.

126 Win a Marbella holiday

Bag a four-night stay, plus golf, for you and three friends.

105

RESPECT THE GAME.

APPROACH® S60 The authentic GPS golf watch that elevates your game and style, both on and off the course.

©2017 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries

Wille Schauman, PGA Golf Pro

Now that’s a daunting tee shot!

The Eiffel Tower turned into a driving range for one day only.

On October 14, 1976, Arnold Palmer smashed balls from the second deck of the Eiffel Tower into the Parisian skyline.

p g balls off elevated tees, but only one has ever used the Eiffel Tower as a temporary driving range.

That was until Thomas Bjorn and Jim Furyk recreated the famous scene of Arnold Palmer striking balls off the famous landmark 41 years ago.

Perched 187ft above the ground, the two Ryder Cup captains used the Champs de Mars square as target practice in a special stunt to promote next year’s Ryder Cup at Le Golf National.

Fittingly, one of Palmer’s Ryder Cup golf bags stood beside those belonging to the two current captains as the duo paid tribute to ‘The King’, who passed away on the eve of the 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine.

“It was an amazing experience for 10 IS SUE 3 6 8 TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK

J , id Bjorn. “It’s going to take a while to sink in, and every time you see that photograph now it will remind you. It will stick with you for the rest of your career.”

Furyk added: “We had dinner at the Palace of Versailles last night, we had breakfast with the President this morning and now we’ve hit a drive from the Eiffel Tower. I’m pinching myself – it seems a bit storybook, but it shows how big the Ryder Cup is and how important it is to a country like France.”

‘PERCHED 187FT ABOVE THE GROUND, THE TWO RYDER CUP CAPTAINS USED THE CHAMPS DE MARS SQUARE AS TARGET PRACTICE’

TIGE RET

ES FES

He’s b track

CLOCK WATCH

from the kes of 2017

The event where slo play will be punishe

4 MORE BONKERS TEE SHOTS

As part of a $1m appearance fee to play in the 2004 Dubai Desert Classic, Tiger Woods struck balls from the helipad of the world’s tallest hotel.

Justin Rose and singer Mick Hucknall scaled the roof of the 02 Arena to practise their long game ahead of the 2008 BMW PGA Championship.

325m

Briny Baird raised $25,000 for charity after flushing 9-irons from a San Diego hotel roof to a flag 268 yards away in Petco Park stadium.

57.63m

Don’t look down!

The synchronised long drive stunt was part of the 2018 Ryder Cup Year to Go celebrations in Paris.

To warm up for the 2012 Ryder Cup, captains Jose Maria Olazabal and David Love III struck tee shots from the 16th floor of Trump Tower in Chicago.

TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK IS SUE 3 6 8 11

FIRST TEE

HAVE YOU SEEN...

JUSTIN THOMAS’ NEW SHOES?

Not content with pulling off a tie and cardigan combo at The Open, Justin Thomas turned plenty of heads at the PGA Tour awards bash by wearing these custom FootJoy kicks. The design even referenced some of JT’s season highlights, including his US PGA triumph and FedEx Cup win. John Daly would be so proud.

THE MAIN EVENT

Shot Clock Masters Diamond Country Club, Austria, June 7-10

Say goodbye to slow play NewShotClockMasterswillfinallypenaliseslowcoaches T HOW YOU VOTED ON he days of Kevin Na and Co playing at a snail’s pace could be over. That’s if Keith Pelley has anything to do about it. The European Tour chief has announced a new tournament for next year which will penalise players for slow play.

Formerly known as the Lyoness Open, the aptly-named Shot Clock Masters in Austria will be the first of its kind to use a shot clock across 72 holes.

In accordance with the Tour’s official timing policy, each player in the 120-man field will be given 40 seconds to complete a stroke and an extra 10 seconds if they are

TWITTER It’s the European

Tour’s answer to speed golf, but do you welcome the idea?

81% YES

19% NO

first to play. Each pro will have the right to call two “time-outs” during a round, which will permit them double the amount of time to play the shot. Failure to adhere to these time limits will result in a penalty stroke, which will be shown as a red card against the player’s name.

“Not only will it help us combat slow play and reduce round times, it is also further evidence of our desire to embrace innovation,” says Pelley.

Rules officials anticipate the move will cut round times by around 45 minutes.

Hallelujah!

CASEY CUP U Paul Casey himself av for Ryder selection a after elect rejoin the Eu Tour next Casey relin card in 20 dictate that members a wear blue a comprise, tee it up on tours, just Rosey. If o that two

VOTE FOR EDDIE!

WHATTHEPLAYERSS

“I approve of it.

It’s actually pretty lenient. Forty seconds is still a long time to hit a golf shot, so it’s a good idea.”

Padraig Harrington

“I think it’s great. I could have done it in 20 seconds. I don’t like waiting on the golf course.

I think pace of play has become a concern in golf, especially Major championships.

I’m just glad The European Tour is trying to do something about it.”

“I think it’s definitely going to speed everything up, which is great.

It’s going to be interesting to see the reaction of not only the players, but the people and the Tour itself. It might be the way forward to make the game a little bit faster.”

Jon Rahm

Sergio Garcia

12 IS SUE 3 6 8 TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK

“After 30 years it’s a deterrent that will work.

Pace of play has been determined by the slowest player for too long.”

Colin Montgomerie

The new Shot Clock format is an ideal way to focus on the issue of pace of play. The game of golf should definitely be faster and therefore this is a step in the right direction.”

Bernd Wiesberger

Eddie Pepperrell is becoming something of a comedy act on social media, and caused a stir when he shared his election manifesto to join the European Tour committee. Among his proposed changes include vegan options at all events for Australians, maths and English exam retake options for caddies and a one-minute silence when three or more Spanish players are present in the players’ lounge. Our favourite has to be putting a 24/7 camera on Tyrrell Hatton. One can only imagine what the TV cameras don’t pick up!

DINNER OF CHAMPIONS After winning twice and pocketing nearly $2 million in a week, Tyrrell Hatton celebrated like a King – a Burger King that is – by wolfing down a big whopper and fries.

Inside the golf club of the year Ian Bonser, the man behind the UK’s Golf Facility &

T

of the Year, reveals the secrets of his success

he Belfry may be considered the home of golf in the Midlands, but there’s another facility 20 miles away which is making a name for itself as a breeding ground for stars of the future. 3 Hammers Golf Complex won the Golf Foundation’s Critchley Award in recognition of delivering lessons to over 3,500 youngsters.

European Tour pro Aaron Rai learned his trade at 3 Hammers and warmed up there for this year’s US Open by using the 23-bay driving range and 18-hole par-3 course. He is one of at least 30 PGA pros who were homegrown at 3 Hammers, including Me and My Golf star Andy Proudman. Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, the complex has already welcomed more than 200,000 people through its doors in 2017 and was just named Golf Facility of the Year at the American Golf Awards in September.

Owner Ian Bonser gave us an insight into what makes 3 Hammers tick.

What’s the big attraction?

We have an award-winning academy, six full-time teaching pros and the facilities to practice your long and short game in an affordable, family-friendly environment. Since I bought the premises in the mid 1980s, we’ve developed the complex so people can now eat and drink in the bar, shop at American Golf and then enjoy themselves playing golf on our short course or driving range.

We’ve got all bases covered really.

Do you just cater for beginners?

We create golfers, but we also take good golfers and make them better.

The total yardage of the golf course is 1,384 yards. The shortest hole is 45 yards; the longest hole is 122. It’s very much like playing a full-sized course, but with the first 300 yards missing on each hole. What you’re left with are those awkward little distances, so it’s a good test for all standards.

3

KEYS TO SUCCESS Create an environment that your staff enjoy working in and as a result your customers will enjoy experiencing it.

First impressions are so important.

Surround yourself with people who share your passion and your commitment to being the best, and then make sure that you take care to maintain high standards at every turn.

Innovate. I am always looking for ways to enhance the customer experience.

Ask visitors what they want and then do your best to give it to them.

How would you describe your business model?

We create our customers of the future. We take youngsters aged four or five and they stay with us until they are 15 or 16. It’s a natural progression and we’ve built links with 15 local golf courses so we act as a feeder club. But even when they outgrow us, they still come back because they’ve got such a close affinity with the place.

How many former students have now gone into the pro ranks?

At least 30 juniors have progressed through our various schemes and gone on to become full-time pros.

Aaron Rai is one of them. He’s now got his European Tour card, but he started playing here as a four-yearold. Andy Proudman, of Me and My Golf, went through our junior programme. He did his PGA qualifications with us and taught in the academy for five years alongside Piers [Ward], the other half of Me and My Golf.

What differentiates 3 Hammers from other golf clubs in the UK? We self-fund what we do and we are trendsetters. When I went to New York, I visited Chelsea Piers and found a three-tier driving range overlooking the Hudson which is completely enclosed. I adapted the concept for our Learn to Play Zone, which is basically a fully netted, practice and putting area. The space allows us to double up on lessons at peak time. Without that, we wouldn’t be able to teach 350 kids a week during the busy summer period.

‘WE DELIVERED LESSONS TO OVER 3,500 CHILDREN LAST YEAR’ TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK IS SUE 3 6 8 13

FIRST TEE

NAME Tomo Bystedt EMPLOYER TaylorMade JOB TITLE Senior Director of Product Creation CLIENTS Dustin Johnson; Rory McIlroy; Jon Rahm; Jason Day; Justin Rose; Tiger Woods.

Behind the scenes at TaylorMade HQ TomoBystedt,themanbehindTaylorMade’s

Tomo’s office is off-limits to prying eyes.

latestirons,givesusaguidedtourofhisoffice

E

verywhere you look, there’s a Tour bag overflowing with TaylorMade clubs. The latest range is within arm’s reach of Tomo Bystedt’s desk, which on any other day would be scattered with sketches and 3D prints. For confidentiality purposes, these have been hidden among a collection of prototypes and

I have about 15 bags full of golf clubs. Most of the ones I keep are for inspiration and referencing. When I’m working on a new product, there may be a small detail on an old model – like a blast finish, number or badge – which I want to go back to and adapt.

1

I actually have a set of Dustin Johnson’s muscleback irons which he hit about 50 shots with. They’re just sitting pristine in a cardboard box.

2

I collect scorecards from every place I’ve played. I’ve grouped them by country so I’ve got separate boards for the US, Asia, Japan, Europe and Australia. As I’m on the

3

half-finished sets. As the selfconfessed “iron guy” at TaylorMade, Bystedt has been the brains behind some of the firm’s best irons – all of which were approved right here in his office. We were given an exclusive tour to find out where he gets his inspiration from and why he’s still hoarding clubs from the early 2000s.

I get to visit some cool places and try to squeeze a round in when I can.

This is where I store all the clubheads. I’ve worked at TaylorMade for more than 10 years so I’ve got hundreds which I’ve inherited or been heavily involved in. I’ve also got a pretty nice putter collection in there.

4

I’m a big Formula 1 fan and I’ve got a replica of Kimi Raikkonen’s helmet. I had it custom-made so that’s a pretty cool keepsake.

5

I’ve framed a thank you note from Jason Day after we made a commemorative putter for t is a

6

6

Jason Day got to world No.1 using Tomo’s clubs.

peg board that lists the top 100 courses in the US. I’ve played very few so that’s why I got the board so I can tick off as many as possible.

These are all TaylorMade Masters commemorative hats, dating back from 2003 to 2011. On the wall, I have a flag from The Open at St Andrews in 2015 and a bunch of bag panels belonging to players like Dustin Johnson, Justin Rose and Retief Goosen.

7

I work with Justin Rose a lot to get his take on a prototype or new iron. He’s extremely accurate and analytical in his feedback.

We then incorporate what he says into the product.

He’s my main go-to guy for that stuff.

iger back

8

ck, in!

So let’s remind ourselves what’s happened to him

Special-edition Augusta caps sit on display.

‘I WORK WITH JUSTIN ROSE A LOT TO GET HIS TAKE ON A PROTOTYPE OR NEW IRON’ FEB 3, 2017

Shoots a first-round five-over 77 at the Dubai Desert Classic, before withdrawing an hour before his second-round tee time citing back spasms.

APRIL 20

Woods announces that he has undergone yet another back operation (his fourth), keeping him out of action for the rest of the 2016/17 PGA Tour season.

DID YOU KNOW? Phil Mickelson is actually right-handed, and on golfs as a lefty because he used to mirror his dad’s swing as a chil

It’s the tiny details that players tend to pick up on.

3

7

2

5

Tomo has a fort of 15 golf bags around his desk.

4 8

1

WHAT’S IN HIS BAG? • M1 DRIVER (10.5°) • M1 FAIRWAY WOOD (17°) ) W) 0°) TTER

MAY 29

Charged with driving under the influence after being found asleep at the wheel of his Mercedes at 2am.

He sen pro ple rec

JUNE 20

Updates followers on Twitter that he is receiving “professional help” to manage medication for back pain and a sleep disorder.

AUGUST 31

Teases a video of him hitting pitch shots again. He would release another three more, including one which he captions as the ‘Return of the Stinger’. Oh, how we’ve eing that!

SEPT

Sends fa frenzy af he may n competit “I don’t k future ho “We’re t step at a process hurry. I’m doing wh says.”

30

that he er will spots t, the llenge, urn to f after ths e t 18 eld and about.

E 3 6 8 15

FIRST TEE PAT PEREZ Pat Perez doesn’t look like your typical athlete. H k h drinks and he prefers to sit th go to the gym.

But it’s a recipe which has earn him two wins and more than $6 million in th There’s hope for us all!

MINIGOLF Minigolf is often classified as kids play in the UK, but it’s turning into a big business stateside. The winner of the Minigolf Masters last month took home $5,000. There are now plans to increase the prize fund from $20,000 to 0,000, plus there are umours minigolf could be added to the 2021 World Games.

IL MICKELSON Phil has always been a man of the people, but even he probably didn’t expect someone to fork out a six figure sum to play a round of golf with him. All proceeds have since been donated to Operation Healing Forces. Great gesture.

& TIGER WOODS Good news! The Big Cat is fit and healthy again. The bad ose reckons golf esperate to have m back. “So many ng players have me through and d the void.” sh, but true.

PAIGE SPIRANAC We’re big fans of the Instagram sensation, but the decision to name her the official starter of the Dubai Desert Classic smacks of a PR stunt by o Surely she’d be better off focusin on her own game she wants to be taken seriously as an LPGA golfer?

Rory’s raking it in!

There are 50 million reasons McIlroy can enjoy his winter break

A

s if four Majors, a fleet of supercars and a stunning wife wasn’t enough, Rory McIlroy is officially the UK’s highest-earning sportsman after banking $50 million from winnings and endorsements last year. Forbes places the Irishman sixth among the world’s top-paid athletes of 2017, thanks in part to raking in $34 million from sponsors such as TaylorMade, Omega and EA. Just outside the top 10 is Phil Mickelson who, despite being winless since the 2013 Open, still took home $43.5 million – more than Lewis Hamilton, Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal and Conor McGregor. Even Tiger Woods managed to pocket $37 million, and he’s barely swung a club all year. World No.1 Dustin Johnson cashed the biggest cheques on the PGA Tour, but still found himself lagging behind Rory, Tiger, Phil and Jordan Spieth in the sponsorship stakes. Not that we’d be complaining if we pocketed $27.6 million for 12 months’ work...

Rank

Name

YOU DON’T HAVE TO WIN TO MAKE A FORTUNE We all know you lose more than you win in golf; just try telling that to perennial nearly man Brian Davis.

The Englishman has been waiting 12 years for that elusive win on the PGA Tour, but has still amassed more than $13 million in prize money.

Mind you, that’s nothing compared to Charles Howell III, who has won nearly three times that amount in 17 years. In that e has just ins to his and yet he nd on the e PGA Tour list. Proof haps that ning isn’t erything…

Earnings

Salary/winnings

Endorsements

$93 million

$58 million

$35 million

$86.2 million

$31.2 million

$55 million

1

Cristiano Ronaldo

2

LeBron James

3

Lionel Messi

$80 million

$53 million

$27 million

4

Roger Federe

$64 million

$6 million

$58 million

5

Kevin Durant

$60.6 million

$26.6 million

$34 million

6

Andrew Luck

$50 million

$47 million

$3 million

6

Rory McIlroy

$50 million

$16 million

$34 million

8

Stephen Curr

$47.3 million

$12.3 million

$35 million

SPENCER LEVIN

9

James Harde

$46.6 million

$26.6 million

$20 million

Levin has “learned the hard way” that chasing a quick buck doesn’t always pay off. He says he “took the money” when he switched to Callaway in January, only to struggle and miss eight straight cuts. He ended up losing his PGA Tour card and has since reverted back to his old TaylorMade sticks.

10

Lewis Hami

$46 million

$38 million

$8 million

12

Phil Mickels

43.5 million

$3.5 million

$40 million

17

Tiger Wood

37.1 million

$107,000

$37 million

21

Jordan Spie

34.5 million

$5.5 million

$29 million

48

Dustin John

27.6 million

$16.6 million

$11 million

16 IS SUE 3 6 8 TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK

HOT STREAK Justin Rose has now tasted victory at least once every year since 2010.

You can learn f these rules erro Plenty of pros have fallenfouloftherulesthisye N

eed a rules refresher? We’ve reviewed a host of penalties administered this year and found plenty of incidents on Tour that millions of club golfers need to be wary of. Of course, everyone remembers Lexi Thompson’s “trial by TV” at the Ana Inspiration, which ended up costing her the first women’s Major of the year after she

N NUMBERS

incorrectly replaced her ball. But did you hear about Ben Crane’s sticky situation? Or the Matthew Southgate leafgate saga? They both feature as part of our selection of ridiculous rules infringements which should hopefully make you think twice when you’re about to tee it up, take a putt or pack your bag the night before!

3 YEARS, 11 MONTHS ND 11 DAYS e of Chinese Amateur Li nqiang, who became the ungest player to make a cut on e Challenge Tour at the Hainan Open in China.

TWO

Female friends defied odds of 17 million to one to hit holes-in-one on the same hole, on the same day, in consecutive strokes at East Berkshire Golf Club. Bravo Jayne Mattey and Clair Shine.

$363 MILLION Combined prize fund of all 49 FedEx Cup events across eight countries.

THREE

Top 25s in his last two seasons on the PGA Tour saw 2014 Ryder Cup star Hunter Mahan lose his card for the 2017/18 season.

13

Asian players are now competing on the PGA Tour full-time, with South Korea fielding more pros than Australia.

CULPRIT BEN CRANE BOISE OPEN THE INCIDENT

Standing on the 11th tee, Crane noticed a dot sticker decal on his driver and incurred a four-stroke penalty for carrying a nonconforming club (Rule 4-2b). Three holes later, he found another sticker on his 6-iron which then went down as a separate offence. Cue a second four-shot penalty. He escaped a DQ because he hadn’t used either club, but later revealed that he knew his 6-iron was non-conforming as soon as he saw his driver was.

An instant DQ followed for failing to declare it out of play immediately.

CULPRIT MATTHEW SOUTHGATE WEB.COM TOUR FINALS THE INCIDENT

The Englishman made a quadruple-bogey eight at the Web.com Tour Finals – and it was all because of a leaf deflecting his birdie putt wide of the 15th hole. He tapped in for par and signed for what he thought was his correct score. But according to Rule 19-1, Southgate should have replaced the ball to its original position with no penalty. But because he played the ball AND signed for the wrong score, he was issued with a four-shot penalty instead.

CULPRIT WILLY WILCOX WELLS FARGO CHAMPIONSHIP

CULPRIT DAVID HOWELL DUNHILL LINKS CHAMPIONSHIP

THE INCIDENT

THE INCIDENT

Wilcox was three-over with five to play during the second round of the Wells Fargo before play was suspended. He changed putters overnight, taking him over the 14-club limit (Rule 4-4a), but didn’t realise until he was teeing it up again the next day. He notified a rules official, who incorrectly told him he was DQd. The PGA Tour called 20 minutes later to say it was actually a four-shot penalty, but Wilcox had already left the course, meaning he had a WD against his name instead.

The former Ryder Cup player had just hit his drive on the final hole when his caddie (who was carrying his bag for the first time) noticed he had teed up in front of the markers. A simple mistake many of us have made, but it still resulted in a double-bogey rather than a par thanks to a two-shot penalty (Rule 11-4b). Afterwards, Howell tweeted: My Caddy noticed I’d teed up in front of tee marker on 18 today, 2 shot penalty, 1st day with me, honest as the day is long. #Integrity

461 YARDS Distance of Justin Thomas’s monster drive (with the help of a cart path) at the CJ Cup in Japan.

50-1

Sky Bet odds of Tiger winning the Hero World Challenge.

11

The number of countries Justin Rose has celebrated winning a professional tournament in. The only continent he hasn’t won on is Antarctica!

TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK IS SUE 3 6 8 17

FIRST T Hedid

Lahiri made on his Op at Royal St Annes

he Golf Test

e European Tour winner Anirban Lahiri ur-shot penalties, air shots, breaking clubs sing out on prizes for each of his four aces...

Have you ever hit a shot that’s finished further away from the hole than it started?

Many times, especially on golf courses that have big slopes at th the green. The last one I can remember was on the 3rd hole at Au the final round of the 2015 Masters.

TG SCORE BIRDIE

Have you ever rushed onto the 1st tee just before your tee time?

One time I ran up to the tee and there was only 70 seconds left o the clock. I wasn’t stuck in traffic or anything like that. I had to, h shall I put this, attend to nature’s call at the last minute.

TG SCORE BIRDIE

Have you ever found you ball in an unusual place?

Have you ever gone to hig five your playing partner and missed?

was a junior, I tried to hit a chip past a tree and failed. It hit ee, went straight up and somehow managed to land in my bag. I think I got a four-shot penalty. It was not pretty.

TG SCORE BIRDIE

Not my partner, but there is photographic evidence of me missing a high-five with my caddie. It was when I won a tournament in Indonesia. I blame him.

TG SCORE BIRDIE

Have you ever had an air shot?

I can’t remember one recently, but I do recall a lot in the past. It has usually happened when I have been close to a tree and caught a branch o you off completely.

TG SCORE BIRDIE

Have you ever answered your phone during a round?

In a tournament? No. But it did once go off when I had forgotten to put it on silent or vibrate. That was pretty embarrassing.

Have you ever forgotten to pack your waterproofs and ended up regretting it?

No, but at last year’s Presidents Cup my caddie forgot t pack my umbrella and it started pouring. I had to ask th captain to fetch me one.

Have you ever lost a bet to a high-handicapper?

TG SCORE PAR

TG SCORE PAR

Yes, but only when I have given him lots of shots. When someone is taking 15 strokes off you it can be pretty tough to come out on top.

Have you ever broken a club in anger?

en one by mistake. It was about seven years ago. I leaned on aft broke. It didn’t snap, but it was bent and unusable.

Have you ever had a hole-in-one?

ofessional career, but I have not won a prize for any of them!

Impressive shooting from the Presidents Cup star, who has been down to his last ball “once or twice,” but has never actually run out. Next month, two-time Ryder Cup winner Paul Casey falls under the spotlight.

18 IS SUE 3 6 8 TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK

TG SCORE BIRDIE

TG SCORE PAR

TG SCORE BIRDIE

TOTAL:-7

THEY DID WHAT? A group of 47 Aussies have beaten the world record for the most people playing mini golf completely starkers.

See it, play it, do it

What to look out for over the next month...

PLAYIT Le Golf National You need to get in quick, but you won’t regret seeing what’s in store for Bjorn’s boys when the Ryder Cup comes to Paris next September. Brittany Ferries is offering a £599 sail-andstay package to play the Ryder Cup course, as well as 18 holes at Golf de Courson and Golf de Rochefort. The deal also includes two nights on board (including cabins) and two nights B&B stay at the Hotel le Versailles. To book, call 0330 159 5418 or visit www.brittany-ferries. co.uk/golf.

SEE IT Hero World Challenge Golf’s biggest soap opera will return to TV screens when Tiger juggles playing and hosting duties at the invitation-only PGA Tour event in Albany, Bahamas.

Hideki Matsuyama is the defending champion and will be part of a star-studded field featuring Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas. Tune into

Sky Sports from November 30-December 3 to see if Tiger’s back holds up.

PLAY IT Ghetto Golf, Birmingham Putt your way to victory while sipping cocktails and sampling BBQ street food at this new over 18s-only crazy golf course in Birmingham.

Just be warned: all 18 holes are themed, including one which is a little raunchy and another which features an appearance by Regan from the Exorcist. Open seven days a week until 1am; one round costs £10. www.ghettogolf.co.uk

DO IT Black Friday and Cyber Monday Don’t leave your Christmas shopping to the last minute.

Get it all done early on Friday 24 November and Monday November 27 when you can save yourself a fortune.

American Golf and Online Golf have told us they’ll be running bargain deals on everything from clubs and balls to apparel and shoes.

Just let your other half know and you might get that driver you’ve been banging on about all year.

DO IT Pay £25 to win a luxury mansion and private golf course It may sound too good to be true, but a six-bedroom Georgian mansion is being offered as a competition prize for charity. Valued at £1.7 million, Johnston Lodge in Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire sits across 32 acres and comes complete with a nine-hole golf course, wine cellar and helicopter landing pad. Entrants for the draw must complete a Christmas crossword puzzle and pay a £25 entry fee. Closing date is Dec 1. www.winamansion forchristmas.com

SEE IT A masterclass in golf psychology Learn how to perform better under pressure with the help of sports psychologist James Lambdon. Wells Golf Club in Somerset is hosting a 90-minute seminar on November 29 which will explore the impact of stress on your game and provide tips on thinking clearly before, during and after your round. Tickets cost £10 per person. To book your place, call 01749 679059.

FIRST TEE

Yourchosenspecialist subjectis…allthingsgolf 1

Who became the first player in European Tour history to post a 20-under-par total in successive tournaments without victory?

2

True or false: Dustin Johnson tied the record at the WGCHSBC Champions for the biggest blown 54-hole lead (six shots) in PGA Tour history.

3

When and where did Tiger Woods win the last of his 79 titles on the PGA Tour?

4

In 2010, the Race to Dubai trophy was shared by two players. Can you name them?

5

Which course has been chosen to host the 2028 US PGA Championship and 2032 Ryder Cup?

6

Who am I? I am a former world No.1 and have won three Major Championships, including The Masters. I was also named PGA Tour and European Tour Player of the Year in 2004.

7

Which American admitted to losing a golf match against former US President Barack Obama?

8

Which country will host the 2019 Presidents Cup?

9

How many senior Major championships has Bernhard Langer won?

10

Which pro threw his putter into the woods after missing a birdie putt at the Panasonic Open India?

ANSWERS 1 Ross Fisher 2 True 3 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational 2013 4 Martin Kaymer and Graeme McDowell

5 Olympic Club 6 Vijay Singh 7 Jordan Spieth 8 Australia 9 10 10 Terry Pilkadaris

20 IS SUE 3 6 8 TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK

WE MUST DO MORE TO ENTICE JUNIORS LETTER OF THE MONTH

I find it sad that the youth of today do not seem to be taking up golf in the numbers of previous years.

I’ve just come back from spending a couple of hours with my five-year-old son on the practice green and he loved it. The head pro couldn’t have been more welcoming, and every single person who passed by was shouting encouragement to him, and made him feel great. I couldn’t help but notice, though, that during this time, I only saw one junior going out to play. The weather was great,

A record-breaking crowd of 235,000 attended The Open at Royal Birkdale.

so you think they would be coming out in their droves. I remember the course where I was brought up playing, down in Ayrshire, being jam packed with juniors during the school holidays. It saddens me to see a lack of junior golfers, and I just hope it can get back to somewhere near the glory days of old. I also think that there is a misconception that older golfers don’t want juniors around. Every single person who saw my son on the green could not have been more encouraging, and I know he left desperate to return. I certainly won’t feel intimidated by anyone in taking him back.

MARK BONE, SCOTLAND

tour, and then promote and relegate pros between the rest of the tiers? The top 128 players for instance would accumulate points and money like they do now, but a set number of players at the bottom of the table would face relegation to the second tier. The top money earners in the ‘second division’ would then get promoted to the main global tour, with the pros at the bottom being relegated to a third tier and so on. That way the pros wouldn’t lose their cards and wouldn’t have to go through Qualifying School, which really does seem like a harrowing experience even for the strongest player. It might not be popular with everyone, but it could give golf the kick up the backside I think it needs.

JAMES WORLD, HAMPSHIRE

LANCASHIRE DESERVES A EUROPEAN TOUR EVENT

Following on from Nick Dougherty’s column last month, I completely support his argument that there are four exceptional links courses in Lancashire fit to host a European Tour event. Having attended The Open at Royal Birkdale, which had record crowds, I certainly believe there is the appetite for a new tournament in the county, perhaps The Lancashire Open or The North of England Open. Now is the time for some innovative thinking from the golfing authorities to tap into the obvious interest in this part of the world.

DAVID JOHNSON, PRESTON

TIME FOR A GLOBAL TOUR

I sometimes wonder if there are too many tours and too many events just for the sake of TV money and commercial revenue. Why not just merge the European, Asian and PGA Tours together to make one global

CLUB CONUNDRUM

‘OUT OF MY WILSON STAFF IRONS (5 TO SW), I C NLY U OF

I’d like to see a change to Rule 4-4: Maximum of 14 Clubs. With the market flooded by all sorts of wedges and rescue/ utility clubs, you can now find in my bag 60, 56, 52 & 46-degree Callaway wedges, 21 & 25 degree TaylorMade rescues, Callaway three & five woods, an M2 driver & a Spider putter. That is 10 clubs. So out of my Wilson Staff irons (5 to SW), I can only use four of the seven! Currently, I’m playing with the 5, 7, 9 & PW, but I would like to have the 6 and 8 irons in the bag at all times. I am sure there are loads of golfers out there who have a similar dilemma and would love at least a couple of extra clubs. Time for a change?

GERRY CAMPBELL, RENFREWSHIRE

BALLS TO HEALTH AND SAFETY Reading the article in the November issue (366) about the British Golf Museum reminded me of something my father told me when we were playing together some

THE BIG QUESTION WHEREDOYOUTHINK TIGERWILLFINISHINHIS FIRSTTOURNAMENTBACK?

CONTACT US...

HERE’S HOW YOU VOTED 16% 1st. He’s the GOAT! 18% Inside the top 10 56% Near the bottom 10% Last. He’s past it!

18%

SOURC

56%

LETTER OF THE WINS

By post... Today’s Golfer, Media House, Lynchwood, Peterborough Business Park, Peterborough, PE2 6EA. By phone... 01733 468000 By email... editorial@todaysgolfer.co.uk EDITORIAL Editor Chris Jones Courses Editor Kevin Brown Equipment Editor Simon Daddow Staff Writer Michael Catling Group Art Director Hakan Simsek Senior Production Editor Rob Jerram Art Director Paul Ridley Art Editor Calum Booth Digital Editor Camilla Tait Senior Digital Marketing Executive Sarah Pyett Editorial Assistant Stephanie Etchells

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CONTRIBUTORS Nick Dougherty, Andrew Cotter, Chris Ryan, Lee Scarbrow, Gary Casey, Ben Emerson, Scott Cranfield, Gareth Johnston, Andy Taylor, Richard Lambert, Jon Wallett, Ian Clark, Karl Morris, Duncan Lennard, Chris Bertram, Howard Boylan, Bob Atkins, Isobel Sampson, Jacques Portal, Gary Lees. Pictures by Getty Images unless stated.

years ago. Dad’s dad was a professional golfer around the turn of the 20th century and used to make clubs and balls. My father’s involvement started when the balls needed their white coating. This is where the health and safety people would be horrified today. The process was very simple: Dad and his sister were given a quantity of balls and some white lead paint.

They’d put a dob of paint in the palm of one hand and then proceed to roll a ball around in their hands until it was covered and completely white. They then put it onto a series of upturned nails to dry. Can you imagine the state they were in when they had finished? It wasn’t just the balls that were covered in paint. I believe dad was under 10 years of age at the time.

DON WALKER

LEARNING FROM THE BEST

As a high handicap golfer, your magazine has helped me a lot with improving my game. A few months ago, I was lucky enough to win a competition through American Golf and my prize, courtesy of Golf Pride, was 18 Holes at Royal Lytham &

Peter Steel was one of four lucky winners to receive a free lesson off David Leadbetter.

St Annes followed by a 60-minute lesson from the great David Leadbetter. So, imagine my surprise when I was reading your interview with him in the December issue (367) and came face to face with a photograph of me! In the picture, David is drawing some reference points on my glove to encourage me to grip the club in my fingers, rather than my palms.

PETER STEEL

A DIFFERENT KIND OF BIRDIE

Playing his approach shot to the green, my friend’s ball hit a moor deflected into the wate fine, but my partner wa dumbfounded. On returning home, I told m wife, who asked: “I’ve h of a birdie and an eagle what is a moorhen?” I lost for words.

CARL HARRIS, CARD

SPITTING MAD

I watched the WGC in China last month and though there was much to applaud in the quality of golf on show, I was appalled by the behaviour of a number of pros.

Dustin Johnson may be the world’s No.1 golfer, but I would also place him as the No.1 spitter with Brooks Koepka a close second. Are these golfers not aware that they are role models for the younger generation? I’d also suggest that Tyrrell Hatton stops acting like a spoilt child and learns to control his emotions. Throwing his golf ball into a lake because he missed a short putt and thumping the ground because he hit a wayward shot does nothing for his image and is another bad example.

ADVERTISING Commercial Director Donna Harris Key Account Director Tom Lee Sales Account Manager Ben Peck Travel Director Ken Gill Telesales Executive Iain Henderson Telesales Executive Jordan Paylor Telesales Executive Josh Kerley Project Manager Gabriella Challis Inserts contact Howard Foster

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Today’s Golfer is published 13 times a year in the UK by Bauer Consumer Media Ltd, registered address Media House, Peterborough Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6EA. Registered number 01176085. No part of the magazine maybe reproduced in any form in whole or in part, without prior permission of the publisher. All material published remains the copyright of Bauer Consumer Media Ltd. We reserve the right to edit letters, copy or images submitted to the magazine without further consent. The submission of material to Bauer Media whether unsolicited or requested, is taken as permission to publish in the magazine, including any licensed editions throughout the world. Any fees paid in the UK include remuneration for any use in any other licensed editions. We cannot accept any responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, images or materials lost or damaged in the post. Whilst every reasonable care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher is not responsible for any errors or omissions nor do we accept any liability for any loss or damage, howsoever caused, resulting from the use of the magazine. Complaints: Bauer Consumer Media Limited is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (www.ipso.co.uk) and endeavours to respond to and resolve your concerns quickly. Our Editorial Complaints Policy (including full details of how to contact us about editorial complaints and IPSO’s contact details) can be found at www.bauermediacomplaints.co.uk. Our email address for editorial complaints covered by the Editorial Complaints Policy is complaints@bauermedia.co.uk.

A GRIFFITHS, NOTTINGHA MemberofAudit BureauofCirculation

FIRST TEE ANDREW COTTER

Drumroll please... let’s find out who’s won the 2017 Cotters

S

IncludingShotoftheYear,ComebackoftheYearand...JustinoftheYear

o it’s awards season again! You can see that I write this with the exclamation mark of someone desperately trying to sound excited, but failing. And no, this isn’t due to any bitterness, just because the one award for which I was nominated went elsewhere and I failed to master my gracious loser face, instead mouthing a quizzical and angry ‘Whaaaaaat?!??’ and starting to cry. But I understand the need for awards and everybody likes a bit of glamour. So settle back in your black tie or evening gown, sip on some moderatelypriced prosecco and enjoy the 2017 Cotters, for notable achievements in golf...

only to see a leaf hurl itself, kamikaze-style, at his ball and knock it off line. Cruel luck. Even more cruel was the two-shot penalty for tapping it in without replacing his ball and a further two-shot penalty for then signing for a wrong score.

JUSTIN OF THE YEAR

SHOT OF THE YEAR Perhaps a controversial choice as it didn’t bring an eagle or a birdie, or even finish that close to the pin. But this has to go to Spieth’s 3-iron on the 13th at Birkdale in the final round of The Open. It’s more for the two-hour deliberations beforehand, for the sequence of scoring that it triggered in the next few holes and for the fact that he had to get a yardage and line from the outskirts of Bootle.

PHOTO OF THE YEAR

MOST TALKED ABOUT INJURY Dustin Johnson was close to this one after he failed to successfully walk down some stairs just before the Masters. So too Rory McIlroy for his various ailments. But there is only one winner. Tiger’s back injury has been examined and picked apart by everybody, but most notably by surgeons in multiple operations. With subsequent painkiller use and a snooze in his car it also very nearly won him photo of the year courtesy of the Florida Police.

But he still generates headlines more than any other golfer.

Which leads us neatly to our final award…

‘WE HOPE NEXT SEASON TIGER CAN PLAY, CONTEND AND PERHAPS EVEN WIN, JUST ONE MORE TIME’

An honourable mention would go to Garcia’s howl of relief and joy at winning The Masters. But the prize goes to the triumphant American team surrounding their leader after a crushing victory in The President’s Cup. The players are beaming, The Trump is beaming – all is right in their world.

It brings to mind a picture of smiling North Korean soldiers clamouring around a laughing Kim Jong-Un after another missile test. Except in their case they know that they have to look happy otherwise they’re heading off on a ‘long business trip’ with dissident members of the Kim family. I like to think that there is some unseen terror likewise compelling the American golfers. But sadly there probably isn’t.

RULING OF THE YEAR In the past the stringent rules of golf were simply accepted as part of the game in a s of Victorian, masochistic fashion: ‘Playin the incorrect ball – Rule 14.3(a) His hous shall be repossessed and offspring sold slavery’. Harsh, but fair. Things are improving, but there are still moments make us wonder. Step forward Matth Southgate. Playing in the Web.com To Finals and heading for a PGA Tour c the Englishman rolled a five-footer to 22 IS SUE 3 6 8 TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK

Part of the BBC commentary team, Andrew Cotter grew up tackling Ayrshire’s links and plays off 3. Follow him on Twitter @MrAndrewCotter

A niche award, I grant you, but all you have to do is look at the performances of golfers called Justin to realise that they deserve their own category. Justin Rose has once again been superb – so close at The Masters and recently winning in Turkey, the week after claiming the WGC event in China. But it’s Justin Thomas who takes the award, having won five times including his first Major at the US PGA. He also shot 59 in Hawaii on his way to a sevenshot victory from the other one. And what with the popularity of Bieber and Timberlake, as well as children’s entertainer Justin Fletcher – AKA “Mr Tumble” – the future is clear. Experts predict that by 2075 around three-quarters of the world’s population will be called Justin. Possibly.

Justin, Tiger, Jordan...

I’d give each of them an award after 2017.

COMEBACK OF THE YEAR Yes, we could have given this to Greg Norman, for posting a picture of himself boldly cutting his way through a tree branch with a chainsaw a couple of years after boldly cutting ugh his own arm. But it has to go to the man we e God of golf. We have been teased edia postings of Tiger hitting shots o driver, drip-fed over the months. re the inconvenient truth that while e, they have none of the power of old. ow making his comeback, in his own nament in December. But we hope that t season he can play and contend and rhaps even win, just one more time. nd that would be an award which ally mattered.

you k you’r If you want clubs that lau farther, and have a sweet Texas, visit Golf Addiction for PXG - the world’s fines

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FIRST TEE NICK DOUGHERTY

Pros are like F1 cars... finely-tuned, but susceptible to break downs Soinordertopeakattherighttime,theyneedtoplayacarefully-craftedschedule

H

ow amazing to think that the 2017 Race to Dubai has only just finished, and yet we’ve already witnessed the start of the 2018 European Tour season. As a golf fan, I’m not complaining, but I can understand why some players may be worried about burnout come the summer. When I was competing on Tour – and way back before then – players would disappear for months on end and enjoy plenty of mid-season and winter breaks.

Now, you can barely afford to take a couple of weeks off without missing a big tournament on the calendar. Being a PGA or European Tour golfer is virtually a 24/7, 365-day job, so it’s not an easy thing to down tools for any length of time.

Of course, there’s an argument to keep playing every week. If you want to follow the money, there are enough lucrative events all over the world to safeguard your family’s future for life. But if you want to reach the top of the game, you need to set aside some time to recharge the batteries so you’re fresh and ready to come out for the start of the new season.

Justin Thomas is a prime example of someone who needs to put his feet up and reflect on what has been an incredible year. He’s played a lot of very good golf, with the highlight being his Major breakthrough at the US PGA Championship. The difficulty will come in taking that form into next year. He’s been through a lot, both mentally and physically, which will have taken its toll. Now, he needs to take stock of what’s he’s achieved and reassess his goals to go again.

Rory McIlroy, on the other hand, may need to take a different approach to rediscover his best form. For a player of his incredible ability, he hasn’t contended nearly enough this year and needs to use his off season to really graft and work on his game and fitness.

From what I believe, he’ll be basing himself in Dubai with coach Michael Bannon in the hope of returning to action at the Abu Dhabi Championship in January. Only then will he find out whether the hard work has paid off, but I expect to see the Rory of old next year. As long as he can improve his wedge play and find some consistency on the putting green, I really think he could be the man to beat.

It will be fascinating to see how Rory and Justin fare in 2018 because they are two very different players in very different form right now. But then you’ve also got the nearly rans of 2017 who are looking to emerge from the middle of the pack. What they do between now and January could define the following 12 months, so a lot of careful thought

Nick Dougherty is a three-time European Tour winner and now a presenter on Sky Sports’ golf coverage. Follow him on Twitter @NickDougherty5

and planning will go into working out a schedule of events with a team of advisors. And believe me, it’s not an easy thing to do because everyone is different. When I first started out on Tour, I was playing 33 events, whereas Tiger was playing just 18 times a year. I was probably playing too much – I think 25 or 26 was the usual average – but I could never understand how anyone could play just 18 times a year and remain competitive in every single tournament.

If you look at the top players now, there is a real correlation between how many events they play.

On average, they tend to settle on 20 or 21, but the clever players will pick and choose which tournaments they play so they are not over or under playing at any one time. It’s quite common to hear pros complaining about being jaded after playing three tournaments in a row, so getting the right blend is critical. The aim is to make sure you arrive in peak condition ahead of the Majors and WGCs. It isn’t easy, but you’ve got to be ready, willing and able to do the work away from the TV cameras so you can perform at the highest level in front of them. In many ways, Tour pros are a bit like Formula One cars. When everything is hooked up and performing at full speed, they can deliver special performances which stick in the memory for years.

The problem is that F1 cars are also temperamental and susceptible to breaking down at the worst moment. Only the best are able to bounce back and find a speedy solution to their problems – and it’s exactly the same for the best golfers on the planet. Everyone has experienced a dip in form at some point, and it just happens that Rory has hit a road block while Justin, Jordan Spieth and Dustin Johnson have found another gear. But when you are blessed ith th lit R h I ld ’t b t i t hi

‘IF YOU LOOK AT THE TOP PLAYERS NOW, THERE IS A REAL CORRELATION BETWEEN HOW MANY EVENTS THEY PLAY’

24 IS SUE 3 6 8 TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK

I’m predicting a return to the Rory of old in 2018 after pressing the reset button on ’17.

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What you can learn from Paul Casey

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THE SPINNING SOFT PITCH n every round of golf you’ll face a greenside shot where you need the ball to carry an obstacle, but settle quickly on landing. Here is a different way of looking at this shot, that uses traits you see in some of the Tour’s best pitchers… and one that removes a lot of the risk.

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KEY CONCEPT: HANDLE STAYS CLOSER TO THE BODY Whenweplayatraditionalpitch,theclubtends toworkupwardsandawayfromthebody.While thiscanworkfine,itpromotestheriskofasteep, deloftedattackthattakesheightandspinoutofthe shot. It also courts heavy contactbyencouraging ground contact with the sharp,leadingedge.The shot you will learn here sees theclubstaymuch closer to your body back and through,promotinga more rounded action and a shallowerdelivery.This helps you present loft and spinatimpact,while encouraging ground contact withtheforgiving, rounded part of the wedge’s sole.

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TOP 50 TEACHER Scott Cranfield Cranfield Golf Academy, PGA Master Professional and Tour coach with 30 years’ experience.

ADDRESS: VERTICAL SHAFT Play the ball underyourshirtbuttons.Allowyourleadwristtokinktocreatea vertical shaft.Splayyourelbowstocreateafeelingofsoftness,andfeelboth are close to yourside.Checkyourset-upfeelsrelaxedandfreeoftension.

THROUGHSWING: BUTT TO HIP Instead of letting the clubdrivetotheflag,feelyourhandsstayclosetoyour lead pocket. Keep your elbowsclosetoyourhips,andallowyourtrailhandto work ‘under’ the ball throughimpact.

BACKSWING: GRIP STAYS CLOSE Swingbackwithquietwrists.Keepthoseelbowssoftandclosetoyoursides.

Allowthebuttoftheclubtoworkbackclosetoyourtrailthigh.Theclubhead willfeel‘outside’yourhands,itsleadingedgesimilartoyourspineangle.

SHALLOWER STRIKE Finishwiththebuttclosetoyourleadhipandyou’llfindtherounded,shallower deliveryandfaceloftthatcreatesheightwithspin.Keeptherhythmoftheswing unhurriedtocementthefeelingofsoftnessthatunderpinsthistechnique.

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TOP 50 TEACHER Lee Scarbrow John O’Gaunt GC. John Jacobs Teaching and Coaching Award winner, coaches Jamie Rutherford and HannahBurke

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CALM DOWN A HANDSY TAKEAWAY 1

SHOULDERS ENGAGED

As you work on this drill, you will begin to feel how the energy you create to sweep the football back comes more from your arms and shoulders and less from your hands.

UNCOORDINATED It’salltooeasytobeginthe swing simply by ‘picking’theclubheadup with a handsy, quick wristcock.Yes,itgetssome early momentum intotheclubhead,butitcreates an early disconnect between the arms and body and encourages damaging forearm roll.

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2 FOOTBALL BRAKE Tohelpyouescapethisstart,place afootballbehindtheclubheadat address.Theballisheavyenoughto resistthehead,quieteningthehands and wrists and promoting more of a one-piece move away from the ball.

REMOVE THE BALL Practisewiththeballuntilyou feel those bigger shouldermusclesrecruitinginstinctively. Then removeitandmakeatakeaway. You should witnessawider,morecontrolled motion, the wrists much more subdued and the chest rotating to face the clubhead.

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TOP 50 TEACHER Richard Lambert PGA Director of Golf and head professional at Crosland Heath GC

THREE FAST FIXES Attackangleisstro–nglyinfluencedbyyour set-up.Makesurethesethreeelementsarepart ofyourdriveraddress...

BODYANGLESBACK Moveyourtrailfootwider.Thishelpsputyour trailshoulderandhiplowerthantheleadside.

Thishelpscreateaspineanglethatpromotesan upwardattack.

BALLPOSITIONFORWARD Theclubbottomsoutunderyourleadchest.

Playtheballunderyourleftshoulder–usually oppositetheleadinstep–topromotethat sweepingimpact.

LET THE SHAFT LEAN BACK Do not lean the shaft forward as it further promotes a downward angle of attack. Remember the saying ‘take a divot with your irons, sweep away your woods’.

My gear reveals…

I’M CHOPPING DOWN WITH MY DRIVER he fate of your tee peg can tell you a lot about how you are delivering your driver to the ball.

With its limited loft the driver works best when it catches the ball on its upward arc, after it has bottomed out.

With an ascending angle of attack, the driver will clip the top of the peg instead of breaking it.

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The danger sign is when you keep breaking tee pegs. This happens when the angle of attack is too steep.

Hitting down is a problem for the driver because it delofts an already straight-faced club and promotes an open clubface, causing the dreaded slice. Learn to hit up with your driver and you’ll see big improvements.

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CHECK THE SHAFT ANGLE

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FIND MORE SHOULDER ROTATION W

e’ve all been told to turn our shoulders through 90º… or perhaps get our lead shoulder under our chin at the top. It’s good advice – a full shoulder turn ensures good upper body rotation and keeps your arms and body correctly interrelated. But the fact is that many club golfers do not have the flexibility to achieve it.

Your ability to turn your shoulders fully depends on the mobility you have in your mid-spine. If you are limited here, you simply won’t be able to rotate fully. To find out if this is your problem, try this simple test… indoors or out.

SEATED ROTATION TEST Find threeironsandaseatthatkeepsyourknees level withyourhips.Sitdownonitwithyour feet together.Crosstwooftheironsinfront of you on thegroundtoformarightangle,as shown. Place the third across the back of your shoulders and hold it in position.

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Keepingtheclubincontact withbothshoulders,turnasfaras youcanasforabackswing.Seated,your abilitytorotateisdictatedbyyourmid-spine flexibility.Youshouldbeabletogettheshaft behindyourbackatorpasttheangleof theclubontheground.Ifyoucan’t,you donothavethemobilitytomake afullshoulderturn.

TOP 50 TEACHER Ben Emerson Elite PGA Teaching Professional based at BowoodHotel, Spa and Golf Resort in Wiltshire. AdvancedTPI.

DRILL: IMPROVE YOUR SHOULDER TURN

DANGER SIGNS Whenyourspineistoo inflexible to allowthe shoulderstorotate,you will instinctivelyfind anotherwaytocomplete your backswing…and noneofthemaregood. Watch out inparticularfor: LIFTING YOUR ARMS UP If your shoulders won’t turn, you can find yourself simply placing your arms into position at the top – a false position that creates disconnection between arms and body.

CHEST TURN Pin a clubacrossyour chest. Take your golfing stancebeforewithdrawing your lead foot. Now rotate yourupperbody against the resistance of yourtrailleg.See how far you can go.

LOSS OF POSTURE If you can’t turn though the chest you will often unconsciously straighten up as you reach the top.

This leads to loss of spine angle, a flat shoulder turn and early extension in the downswing, your hips moving towards the ball.

REVERSE SPINE ANGLE We often see golfers with limited shoulder rotation lean towards the target in an effort to complete the backswing. It causes poor weight movement, tilted shoulders and puts the back into a dangerously weak position.

SWAYING When we sense a short backswing we can drift away from the target in an attempt to create more hitting room. Watch for the trail hip moving away from the target, and weight in the outside of your trail foot.

LEAN INTO IT Now leanbackintothe side you are rotating – that’s the rightsideforright-handers. This side bend opens andfreesupthe spine. Return to your start position and turn again. Do this exercise regularly and you’ll start to see more shoulder rotation.

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TOP 50 TEACHER Jon Wallett Has coached seven European Tour players and is Directorof the Elite Coaching Golf Academy. www.elitecoaching.com

Picture this…

GIVE POOR IRON SHOTS THE CHOP! A

s a coach, my starting point with any student is clarity with concepts – and how you release the club is one concept that is very much misunderstood.

When I was young I was told ‘let the arms cross, to show the ball whose boss!’. Instructions like this have given many players the misconception they have to ‘roll’ or aggressively rotate their forearms through impact in order to square the clubface and stop the ball slicing.

However, the correct concept is to feel that the right wrist and right arm are ‘loaded’ or ‘cocked’ like a gun or a catapult pre-impact, and then from this loaded position you just release the right wrist and arm in a ‘karate chop’ motion. Centrifugal force created through the rotation of your body will automatically square the face. You should not consciously try to roll or rotate your arms.

PRACTISE THE ‘1-2’ DRILL Here’sadrillwithoutaballforyoutotry.

Startbyallowingyourlowerbodytoshift towardsthetarget.Yourheadremains fractionallybehindtheball.Makesure your trail arm and wrist are loaded, the palm facing in front of you.

LATER RELEASE

Nowdelivertheblowwithakaratechop of the right arm, allowing the momentumtotakeyouthroughtoafull follow through. This drill helps you topositionyourbodybeforedelivering the clubhead with the release of the rightarm–asequencethatmeansyou don’t need the physique of Bruce Lee tohititlongandstrong!

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TOP 50 TEACHER Karl Morris Karl has worked with major winners including McDowell and Oosthuizen. www.themindfactor.com

Mind games…

GOLF ISN’T A GAME OF PERFECT very golfer reading this will have hit a shot that could legitimately be described as perfect. Ok, some of you might have to raid your memory banks more than others… but think back and it will be there, that one moment when you felt the ball flush against the sweetspot and looked up to see it soaring straight down the fairway, or at the pin.

While the memory of that shot gives us pleasure, it can also be the cause of pain. The fact the ideal shot is not only real, but also within our grasp, can lead us into some tricky mental areas involving expectation and perfectionism. After all, Golfing perfectionists try to apply absolute rules to a situation that isn’t bound by them.

This is a question that has tortured golfers of all levels since the game began. The great range session that evaporates on the course, the sudden and inexplicable lack of form mid-round, the familiar circus of ‘having it‘ then ‘losing it’ while apparently doing nothing differently… all of these have contributed to a vast amount of disappointment and disillusionment. And all have some level of perfectionism at their root.

In life, there are spheres of activity where perfectionism is unquestionably a good thing. I quite like the idea of an engineer or an accountant being a perfectionist. But these are for the most part contained activities, taking place in controllable environments. They allow perfectionism.

Compare this to golf… perhaps the ultimate game of variables. Each shot takes place in a different location, with a different implement. Ground conditions, weather, even your playing partners and your physical condition, all change from one round to the next. The golf course is the very opposite of a controlled environment, and that’s why golf is not a game of perfect.

Golfing perfectionists try to apply absolute rules to a situation that isn’t bound by them. And that engineer, that accountant, are the types of people that are most at risk.

After all, why wouldn’t they try to use the mindset that has given them success in their daily lives and careers?

Also at risk are the so-called ‘left-brainers’, people who tend to be more verbal, logical, analytical. This type of person is most likely to follow the linear logic of “I’ve hit this shot before, so I should be able to do it again.” And when

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golf doesn’t let that transfer over, the game seems so frustrating. So how can you change your attitude to perfectionism in a way that makes you a happier and more effective golfer? Here are two ways that will help you understand it, and apply it in a beneficial way: 1: Harness the positive side of perfectionism One of the most confusing things about golfing perfectionism is those who seek it most ardently – tour pros – are the best players. This indicates it can be force for good, as well as evil. I think the key to grasping how to harness perfectionism lies in a quote from eight-time LPGA Tour major winner Betsy Rawls. “I have always had a drive that pushed me to try for perfection,” she once said, “and golf is a game in which perfection stays just out of reach.”

Striving for something you know to be unattainable might sound a futile endeavour, yet it is precisely this quality that helps tour pros use perfectionism. They aspire to be perfect, but don’t expect it. Betsy fell in love with the idea of mastering the game you will never master. If you can do the same, you will feel the quest for perfection only as a positive driving force, pushing you to keep improving.

‘GOLFING PERFECTIONISTS TRY TO APPLY ABSOLUTE RULES TO A SITUATION THAT ISN’T BOUND BY THEM’

2: Be a perfectionist where you can You may not be able to be a perfectionist about where your golf ball ends up. But there are more controllable parts of the game where you can demand and expect a perfect performance.

O Pre-round The way you prepare for your round is under your control; once you find out what works for you, you can turn the process into a ritual in which you can be as precise as you please.

O Pre-shot Work out the routine that gives you your best chance of success and work it into a fine art. Annika Sorenstam timed her routine at 24 seconds every time; can you be that consistent?

O Post-shot Your reaction to your shots is one other area that allows control and the chance for perfectionism. Take pride in how well you react to shots, both good and bad; it will help put you in the best possible frame of mind for the next one.

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THE 40-YARD BUNKER SHOT

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favourite trick of course architects is to place bunkers 30 or 40 yards short of the green. It creates visual confusion by foreshortening the approach, and leaves one of golf’s smelliest shots for anyone unfortunate enough to be caught out. Here is some sage advice designed to help you stop a drama becoming a crisis…

PLAY SAFE

Ifthelipishigh,thelie ispoororthepiniswellprotected.Formanygolfers, justgettingtheballthefront edgeofthegreenfromhere wouldbearesult.

SHOULD I TRY TO TAKE THE BALL CLEAN? No.Nippingtheballoffthetopisan attractiveoptionbutneedsprohibitive precision:afractionheavyandtheball goesaquarterofthedistance;afraction toocleanandyoucanthintheballinto thelip.Themoresensibleoptionisto playitlikeanynormalbunkershot,aiming to catch the sand an inch or two behind the ball.

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BUT IF I DO THAT, I CAN’T SEND THE BALL 40 YARDS… Notwithasandwedge,no.That’swhyyoushould useastraighter-facedclub,andletthelackofloft dotheworkintermsofdistance.Ofcourseyou needtotakethesteepnessofthelipintoaccount here,butyoucanstillplayaneffectivelongbunker shotwithanythingrightdowntoa7-iron.

TOP 50 TEACHER Gareth Johnston PGA Professional and Director of Golf at Calcot Park, Berkshire

GO FOR IT

That depends on the lie, the height of the lip and your skill level. This is one of golf’s hardest shots, for all but the elite player anything that gets you putting is a satisfactory result.

BUT MY SAND WEDGE HAS BOUNCE; WON’T OTHER IRONS JUST DIG INTO THE SAND? In fact all your lofted irons have a reasonable degree of bounce – that is to say the trailing edge of the sole is slightly lower than the leading edge. It is designed to provide the same anti-dig protection on fairways that your sand wedge’s sole does in bunkers. As such, your lofted irons are equipped to strike the sand without digging.

HOW AMBITIOUS SHOULD I BE? DO I NEED TO CHANGE MY TECHNIQUE FOR THIS LENGTH OF SHOT? You can use your regular bunker technique.

Keep feet, hips and shoulders square, and open the face a touch to accentuate loft and bounce. Keep the shaft vertical, hands level with clubhead. Then, as with any bunker shot, the key is commitment; use a crisp rhythm, strike the sand with purpose and be sure to follow through.

That depends on the lie, the height of the lip and of course your skill set. But remember this is one of golf’s hardest shots, and for all but the elite player anything that gets you putting is a satisfactory result. That can even mean shooting away from the pin if the lip is high, the lie is poor or the pin is well protected.

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STRIKE PUTTS CONSISTENTLY

TOP 50 TEACHER Gary Casey Creator of the “Instant Golfer” Lesson program. www.garycaseygolf.com

TOO WRISTY Fullshotsneedpower,sowegriptheclubmostlyinthefingerstoallowwristmobility and toencouragethecockandhingethathelpsbuildclubspeed.Butwhenputting,we need precision;activewristsonlycompromisearc,pathandfaceangle.

DOWN AT HEEL Ifyou’restrugglingonthe greens with a poor strike and a poor roll, check your lead hand grip.

Thisregularlonggame hold – mostly in the fingers and butt under the hand’s heel – works fineforthefullswing;but for putting it’s a common cause of pain.

STRONGER LEAD WRIST Yourleadhandgripneedstofirmup and immobilise the wrists. Do this by running the putter moreverticallythroughthehand,the grip against the fleshy groove between its thumb pad andheel.Thisholdlocksthewristand helps the putter become an extension of the arm.

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LOCK AND ROLL Withthewristslockedout of the stroke, you will naturally start using the bigger and more reliablemusclesinthearms and shoulders to power the putter. That gives your stroke far bettercontrol,stabilityand rhythm… adding up to a smoother roll.

TOP 50 TEACHER Andy Taylor Kirtlington Golf Club, Oxford. Directorof coaching at the Andy Taylor GolfAcademy

MIND THE GAPS

Try this drill to...

Ifyourputtgoespast the ballbefore,startagain. Can youfitallnineballsbetween thefurthestballand your puttingposition?

IMPROVE YOUR PUTTING TOUCH I

f you can sharpen your awareness of how the power you are applying translates into how far the ball goes, you can really start to improve your putting feel. Here is a simple game that will help.

Gather 10 balls – ideally the same brand and model you use in competition. Strike the first one 20ft or so away.

Your goal for the next ball is to get it as close to the first ball as possible while leaving it short of it. Repeat that task for each subsequent putt.

Ultimately, your goal is to fit all nine balls between that first one and the point you are putting from.

To achieve that, you’ll need to keep each gap down to no more than a couple of feet. That demands pure touch and feel. Make this game a regular part of your putting practice and your touch will dramatically improve.

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TOP 50 TEACHER Ian Clark WorldofGolf,NewMalden.AdvancedFellowof thePGA.MasterProfessionalatWorldofGolf.

Role model...

PAUL CASEY’S ROCK SOLID IRONS ow fortunate Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjorn is that Paul Casey has decided to rejoin the European Tour in a bid to make the team.

The 40-year-old Englishman may not have found his way into the winner’s circle since the KLM Open in 2014, but his consistency in 2017 has been remarkable. Through the entire PGA Tour season he missed just one cut – and that after shooting 73-67 in Hawaii back in January – on

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his way to a sub 70 scoring average, just shy of $4m in earnings, an 11th spot in the FedEx rankings and a world ranking of 15.

Underpinning Casey’s consistency is his ironplay. His Strokes Gained: Approach to the green figure of .826 for 2017 put him 2nd in the PGA Tour’s rankings. Here, we look at what has made him such a machine from the fairway… and what you can learn from his crisp and compact action.

BALANCED

Look at Paul’s hips. Even though his left arm is well past parallel, they are only back to where they would have been at address, square to the target. His right heel is also still on the floor at this point. I like to see this; it shows he has not jumped off his right foot, nor has he ‘spun out’ of the shot. Because of this his feet are still able to support his motion, giving him great balance.

KEEP CHEST DOWN

A prerequisite of good irons is to hit the ball with a slightly downward strike.

To do that the chest needs to feel like it faces down through impact, like Paul here.

Imagine you have a torch stuck in your chest, and that through impact you are going to keep the torchlight pointing directly at the ball. It will help the quality of your strike.

STRONG LEAD WRIST

ARMED FOR ACCURACY

I really like how Paul has his left arm and hand looking underneath him as the club approaches impact; a far cry from the classic over-the-top motion, which sees the arm thrown out and away from the body. Sense your lead arm coming down more under your chest, rather than out and in front of your face. It’ll help you move the club closer to a neutral attack.

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Look at Paul’s left wrist action, which is bowed somewhat. This helps square up the clubface, which means no last-minute flipping of the face is needed at impact. It is one of the real keys to Paul’s consistency. To find this motion, feel you are turning the back of your lead hand slightly down to face the ground as you swing down.

CASEY’S 2017

BY NUMBERS Driving distance: 297.5 yards (58th) GIR percentage: 70.06% (3rd) Birdie average: 3.87 (19th) Stroke average: 69.46 (5th) World ranking: 15th

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BIG INTERVIEW

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The

atton eist Since the age of six, England’s Tyrrell Hatton has only wanted to be a Tour golfer. He’d achieved that goal by the time he was 20, and now he’s raking it in as a back-to-back winner in 2017

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WO R D S K E V IN B R OWN P I C T U R E S H OWA RD B OY L A N , G E T T Y IM AG ES

yrrell Hatton knew he wanted to be a golfer from a ridiculously early age. He was born to play, and that’s all he ever wanted to do from the moment dad Jeff first placed a cut-down club in his hands in the back garden when he was still in nappies, a mere 13 months old.

He showed promise, and natural talent – plenty of both in fact – and over the ensuing years they were developed by Hatton senior.

It was golf, golf and more golf as far as Tyrrell was concerned – he freely admits he didn’t enjoy school and got funny looks when he told teachers he was going to be a pro golfer.

He knew deep down they didn’t believe like he believed.

Hatton has turned his dream into reality,

stunning back-to-back wins in the Dunhill Links and Italian Open not only thrusting him to 22nd in the world rankings, but making him a multi-millionaire, a potential Major champion and virtually a dead cert to make Europe’s Ryder Cup team in Paris next year. Oh, and he’s the proud owner of a £200,000 Lamborghini!

Hatton admits he is largely indebted to father Jeff, who is still his coach after he sacrificed his own career when his son was 11 to pass his PGA exams enabling him to focus on Tyrrell’s talent.

Clearly it was a gamble that could have backfired, prompting Jeff to tell us: “I discovered a love of teaching through Tyrrell and I owe a lot to him. His talent and drive have taken us a long way.” And there’s undoubtedly more to come…

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BIG INTERVIEW How did you first get into golf?

My parents got me into golf straight away, and I was in the back garden playing at 13 months old. My first time on a golf course was aged 3 on the par-3 course at Wycombe Heights so I played that and dad made up three little clubs for me to go out and play with. And then I played my first tournament when I was five so I’ve been playing tournament golf since then and all the way through till I turned pro at 19.

How fast did you improve?

I think I was about 11 when I played county golf in the under-14s set-up and then – I’m struggling to remember – I got called up to the England under-18s squad which was a bit of a surprise! But I enjoyed that in my last year as a junior and went to Canada for my last junior event and managed to win which was a nice way to close out my junior career.

Then you were mixing it with the big boys.

I then went into men’s golf, though I wasn’t in the England squad, not even in the A-squad. I had a really good first full year in men’s golf, finishing sixth in the Lytham Trophy and stuff like that. That got me into the England Elite set-up the following year and I played in the men’s Home Internationals, but just missed out on the Walker Cup, so I decided to turn pro in August 2011 and went to Q-School later in the year.

How did that pan out?

I got all the way through to the finals, but then missed the cut there. I hadn’t a great ranking on Challenge Tour, but it got me into a few events and my management company got me seven invites, which is what I needed.

Then 2012 was my first full year as a pro and I was playing EuroPro and Challenge Tours and I was fortunate enough to win the qualifying school for EuroPro and then won the third event at Bovey Castle in Devon and that helped me get more invites on the Challenge Tour: I did alright with the

invites and just managed to keep my card, playing 11 events and finishing 77th in the rankings. So for 2013 I had a full category on the Challenge Tour.

That was great because I could play pretty much every event I wanted to and was fortunate to have a good run at the end to get my European Tour card. I’ve wanted to play on the European Tour since I was six-yearsold walking around Wycombe Heights…

Is it everything you expected?

Golf is all I’ve done really. I played a little bit of football, but wasn’t any good and to be honest I didn’t really enjoy school. After leaving at 16 I was happy to focus on golf and hope it would work out. Luckily it has so far.

How confident were you it would work out?

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Teeing off in the Dubai Desert Classic. Hatton admits he’s not a technical player, and lets dad Jeff worry about his swing.

Hatton celebrates after canning a 20-footer on the last at the Italian Open to seal his second European Tour win in two weeks.

He’s won at the Home of Golf twice, going back-toback in the Dunhill Links Championship in 2016 and 2017.

Tyrrell’s dad Jeff encouraged his son into the game at a young age, making him his first clubs at the age of three, and coaching him since the age of 11.

but nothing is guaranteed, is it? I guess I was fortunate I played well at the right times in the big events on Challenge Tour – finishing 2nd in Kazakhstan, the biggest event of that year. That was the big thing for me, playing well at the right times.

The likes of Tiger, Rory and Jordan would say the same…

It probably stems from the Junior Masters when I was about six or seven. I was in a play-off and hit a punched 8-iron to a foot – I can still vividly remember that shot – and there was a crowd of about 80 watching. I guess some people, especially at that age, would have been intimidated by playing in front of so many people. But I enjoyed it.

Maybe that was a kind of platform for me.

Tell us about dad Jeff’s role in your career.

You know what you want to do, and it’s important to believe in your own ability to be able to make that happen,

He’s been coaching me since I was 10

THE RISE & RISE OF TYRRELL HATTON 1997...AGE5

1998...AGE6

1999...AGE7

2000...AGE8

2001...AGE9

2002...AGE10

2003...AGE11

9thinDailyTelegraph Qualifier at WexhamPark with gross 111.

FourjuniorMedalwinsat Wycombe Heights GC before his sixth birthday and 18-hole par-3 at Wycombe (18-holepar-3) with gross 65.

Wonwithacourserecord gross 55 in the U12s National Short Course Cha Gun Par

Wonfiveeventsincluding the Redbourn JuniorOpen (U12s) with a new course

WonPGAWeeWonders Qualifier at Foxhills.

IndividualwinneratBHF team qualifier at Mentmore with 44 points.

Twomen’sMedalwinsat Harleyford, gross 79 and 81; Wycombe Heights Junior Masters winner with gross 56 and Little Aston Junior Masters (U-14s) nett winner.

‘I WAS ABOUT SIX OR SEVEN. I WAS IN A PLAY-OFF AND HIT A PUNCHED 8-IRON TO A FOOT’

or 11 and, like anything, that has its positives and negatives. We’ve done really well together which is obviously reflected in the results we’ve had.

Has he instilled this self-belief or is that natural?

You’ve got to have belief in your own ability, but obviously everyone is human and you can have negative thoughts about whether you’re going to do well or not. Everyone is going to battle that, but that’s how it is. You try and deal with it the best way you can, but everyone out here is confident. Everyone knows if they have a good week and play well, they’ve got a chance of winning. That’s how good it is.

Dunhill Links and Italian Open).

How special was your first Tour win, especially as it was at the Home of Golf?

It was a big one! And a cool place to get my first win. To tie the course record of 62 (broken by Ross Fisher’s 61 at this year’s event) was a bit of a surprise as well. It was amazing, especially considering I’d struggled at St Andrews before and hadn’t had great results there, so it wasn’t a course I necessarily enjoy going back to. But I guess now I have good reason to enjoy it!

What do you remember most about that first victory?

It’s not easy to win. I’d like to win more… but it’s easier said than done (this interview was conducted before Hatton went back-to-back in the

I just felt like I was going to have a good week. I had some ground to make up after 36 holes, but shot a really low one on Saturday and it was a whole new experience for me, going out on Sunday with a threeshot lead.

2004...AGE12

2006...AGE14

You seem to have done OK!

RetainedJuniorMasters title at Wycombe with a new course record (gross 51) and won Captain’s Cup at Harleyford w 78.

2005...AGE13

Juniorclubchampionat Harleyford and Men’s Scratch knockout winner.

Equalledcourserecordat Harleyford with a gross 68 and came 2nd grossin the Men’s Club Championship.

Scored third ace atthe British Boys at Worthing.

2007...AGE15

WonLukeDonaldSalverat Beaconsfield by four shots; won Harleyford Men’s Club Championship andbecame the club’s first-everscratch player.

HATTON’S EXCLUSIVE CLUBS Victory at the recent Italian Open made Tyrrell Hatton just the 34th player to win back-to-back European Tour events, joining the likes of Seve, Faldo, Langer, Ian Woosnam, Tiger, Garcia, Mickelson and Rory McIlroy.

The youngest was: Jeunghun Wang (2016) aged 20 years and 263 days; the oldest Phil Mickelson (2013) 43 years and 35 days. And since 1972, just 40 players have managed retain a trophy they won the previous year with Hatton’s Dunhill Links success the most recent. He might struggle to beat Tiger, though, who made 10 successful title defences.

2008...AGE16

CalledintotheEngland U18s squad, retained the Luke Donald Salver,won Harleyford men’s and junior club championshipsand won the Faldo Series South of England regionalfinal at Walton Heath with scores of 66 (equalled course record) and 68.

Did you feel comfortable about that?

I had experiences earlier that year where I didn’t maybe deal with being in the final group or being around the lead that well, because I just wanted to win. I probably put a bit too much pressure on myself. I like getting off to a pretty fast start, not to calm everything down, but get confidence as opposed to getting off to a slow start and feeling like I’ve got to chase it. But I got off to the fast start I’m always looking to make and was -3 through five or six which made me hard to catch.

How was that walk down 18?

They say it’s one of the easiest tee shots, but at that moment you’ve still got it to hit it fairly straight. You’ve got to be disciplined, pick your target and just make a swing because it’s easy to stand on a hole like that and not really focus and the next thing you know you’ve hit it out of bounds… I’ve

2009

MemberofEnglandU18s squad and individualwinner in World Team Junior Challenge in Canada.

2010

Wonabun includingt qualifierat theBB&O C’Ships,a CzechAm Also,youn amateurto the2010O Andrews.

BIG INTERVIEW done that before and have stuck it into the Rusack’s Hotel!

You’ve been accused of spitting out the dummy a bit this year – is that fair?

I’m a passionate person. I just try my best to win a tournament.

Occasionally that spills over. I’m human. I’m going to make mistakes from time to time… nobody’s perfect and everyone goes about their ways differently. It’s not to say one way is right and another way is wrong. I’m just trying to win, and in the heat of battle, sometimes you can do the wrong thing. That’s just how it is.

Has 2017 surpassed your expectations?

I started off really good which was nice because last year was such a great year for me and one which exceeded my expectations. So to start off this year as I left the previous

or things like that. I like to keep things really simple. My strength at the start of the year was putting and I had a really good run where I was putting really well, especially in the States – I think I was No.1 in the strokes gained putting stats – and that is the main reason why I went on the run I did. I don’t think my long game was any better, I was just holing a lot more putts. Obviously I had a spell in the summer where I was missing a few cuts and wasn’t too happy with my swing, but I didn’t hole a single putt and when you can’t hole a putt you’re not going to score.

Have you got an eye on the Ryder Cup team in Paris?

Who knows? It would be nice to play in the Ryder Cup, but I wouldn’t say it’s a goal. Every European would love to play in the Ryder Cup and I’m no different. But if I play like I know I can and have

‘I’M A PASSIONATE PERSON. I JUST TRY MY BEST TO WIN A TOURNAMENT. OCCASIONALLY THAT SPILLS OVER’ season was really important. I went into Sunday at Abu Dhabi leading by one and then had a bad day, then a couple of weeks later I finished third in Dubai. I then went out to the States and finished fourth in the Honda Classic, 10th in Mexico and fourth at Bay Hill, so I played five events and my worst finish was 13th and I was really happy with that. After finishing 3rd in Switzerland, it was nice to be back up there again after a run of six missed cuts in a row which was frustrating, especially at such a big time of the year to not feel great with your swing and not holing any putts. With the Rolex Series and three Majors, it wasn’t a good time for me…

done over the past year, then I should have a good chance of making the team. I’m now striving for consistency more than anything.

Any plans to join the PGA Tour?

I enjoyed it out in the States earlier this year and I think I have got a card for next year, so I’ll be doing a similar schedule to this year. I’ll do the desert swing on the European Tour and will then be in the US until Wentworth, so I’m looking forward to that again and hopefully I can play well.

What motivates you – the money or the titles?

What are the strengths and weaknesses of your game?

I’m not very technical with my swing

Titles. Money is great, but at end of the day you’re not remembered for that. You don’t just turn up at a tournament to take part do you? You turn up to try and win every week.

THE RISE & RISE OF TYRRELL HATTON 2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Turnedpro;3rdinEuropean Tour Q School stageone at Frilford Heath; full England cap in Home Internationals in Co. Sligo; Tied 2nd in English Am Strokeplay and had first pro win onthe

WonEuroProfinalstage Q School and won EuroPro Tour title at Bovey Castle; Won on the Jamegaagain at Caversham Heath witha new course record;EuroPro Rookie of the Year and 77th

Firstfullseasonon Challenge Tour, making 15

Finished36thinETOOM Race to Dubai after shing runner-upin erg Open and tied 3rd in ega European Masters. nd in world rankings.

34thintheRacetoDubai after a handful of top 10s.

4thintheRacetoDubaiand 24th in world rankings.

Winner of the Dunhill Links and runner-up in the Scottish Open and DP W ld fi l i D b i 5th i

Jumpsintotheworld’stop 20 after finishing the campaign in a blaze of glory following wins in the Dunhill Links and Italian Open which followed several impressive outings on the PGA Tour.

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SHOTS WITHOUT TOUCHING

ELIMINATE THE BIG MISTAKES

Just thinking your way around a course, and cutting out those costly doubles, triples or worse, will have a dramatic impact on your scores.

CADDIE STRATEGY p48

BUY A BETTER GAME p61

PRACTISE LIKE A PRO p64

‘Our l -u are preci , li playing to i ’ Adam Marrow

Current player: Thomas Pieters (Belgium) Past players: Ross Fisher, Oliver Wilson and Lucas Bjerregaard

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n the two years since I started working for Thomas, he’s gone from being rough around the edges to almost being easy to work for. He’s now a much better thinker around the golf course and manages his game a lot better. It’s got to the stage now where I’m there to catch his mistakes. It might only be once or twice a round, or even once a week, where I might step in and tell him his club choice is wrong. But I’m really there to make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid.

The big thing is working out lay-up numbers on par 5s. I think that is really overlooked by amateurs, and it’s actually become quite important on Tour. These guys are so precise that our lay-ups are like playing to a pin. You can’t afford to be one or two yards out.

I like to have a Plan A or a Plan B. Sometimes the weather can turn or the wind can switch, so I like to have a “just in case” number and always write the abbreviation in my book.

If we’re playing a new course, I’ll turn up on the Monday with my Bushnell laser and book, and walk the course. I’ll then go through my yardage book with post-it notes and have a checklist of things I need to do when I walk it again or play the pro-am. Come Wednesday night, everything will be done and ready to go. I always prefer to be over prepared, rather than underprepared.

Augusta is the hardest place to caddie because the margins are so small. The width of an office table can be the difference between being two feet away from the hole or off the green. We played the 14th hole this year and we were hitting a wedge in. One day, it cleared a ridge by 10 inches and ended up within tap-in distance. The next day, the ball pitched six inches short of that ridge and rolled back off the green. The difference was 16 inches, yet the outcomes were so extreme. You walk off Augusta and you feel broken.

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When Thomas needs to hit a wedge, I tend to back off because everything comes down to feel. If he needs me to tell him what to do from inside 100 yards, we’ve got problems.

Working for Thomas Pieters now as opposed to working with Thomas Pieters two years ago is very different. He’s a lot more aware and has matured and improved as a golfer. He doesn’t need as much reassurance.

He’s won three times and has done well in the Majors, WGCs and The Ryder Cup. He represented his country in the Olympics. He’s got no reason not to be confident.

Thomas isn’t playing for second or third. He’s there to win. If he’s got a chance to bomb a drive and hole a pitch shot from 80 or 90 metres to win, then I’d back him to do that. Even coming up the final few holes of the Masters, he wasn’t settling. He finished fourth, but had he holed some more putts on the back nine, he’d have been close to challenging Sergio and Rosey.

Professional golfers are essentially failing 99 per

HOW TO PLAY... A SHORT PAR 3 HOW A PRO WOULD PLAY IT HOW YOU SHOULD PLAY IT

cent of the time because they always have more losses than wins. As a caddie, manager or coach, you are always trying to pick them up. They can finish second three times and not be happy. Thomas is slightly frustrated this season that he hasn’t won, but I keep telling him that he’s putted well and put himself in contention. It’s just been one of those years.

Even when I play golf, I try and draw on positives and think of good shots I’ve hit. The key is being able to stay positive when you’ve had a bad run of results or holes.

This is my 13th year of caddieing on Tour, but I do think it’s an uncertain time for caddies. Having a friend on the bag is starting to take precedent over someone who has years of experience as a caddie. The yardage books are a lot more user friendly so I think you might see a rise in the number of players having friends on their bag.

If you’ve got the opportunity to have a caddie and can afford it, invest in one because you’ll probably enjoy the course a lot more. It will enhance the experience.

No.13, Glen Golf Club, North Berwick, 112-148 yards

During practice days, Thomas will hit different shots – high and low; full or three quarters – so we can see how the ball and greens reacts.

My eyes are drawn to the hazard cutting around the back so there’s a lot of risk involved by being overly aggressive. Unless the conditions are calm (which is unlikely for links golf), Thomas would be looking to hit the centre of the green regardless of where the flag is. No putt from there would be any more than 10 yards, which is certainly still makable.

I know it’s not a very long par 3 but the green isn’t very big. If there was a tournament there, we would be looking to hit anywhere on that green, four days in a row, and walk off with our score still intact.

Usually with links golf, we try to play towards the front portion of the green. Typically, they are quite firm and the ball will release so straight away I will be looking at the yardage to the front or maybe five up the green.

I think a common mistake in the amateur game is that people aren’t very target specific. Most course guides show the slopes and undulations, and you can see here it feeds in a little from the left. Alignment wise, you’d probably want to land the ball on the left side of the green to give yourself a bit more space.

If you’re capable of hitting a cut-down or three-quarter shot, I would suggest clubbing up and hitting a low punch in there. Looking at the direction of the flag, with the wind blowing towards the sea, there is a danger that a full shot could stall in the air or find trouble on the right.

If you get a chance to play a practice round at a new course before a competition, have a look at the rough and run off areas, and try to figure out where – and where not – to miss it. The same applies to your home course.

You can book a course strategy session with Adam Marrow, Dominic Bott, Mick Doran and Tom Ayling through Tour Caddy Experience (www.tourcaddyexperience.co.uk).

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‘There’s no reason why you shouldn’t go for this green’ Dermot Byrne

Current player: Shane Lowry Past players: Peter Lawrie, Stephen Gallacher

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SHO TS WI THOU T TOUC HING YOUR SW ING!

y early memories include caddying for Stephen Gallacher at Slaley Hall in 2001 when he came second to Andrew Coltart, but this is my ninth year with Shane and I’ve been lucky… he’s done very we he’s played at the highest level for a time now.

BELOW Byrne has been on Lowry's bag for nine years and helped guide the Irishman to a WGC and a rise into the world's top 20.

The high spot was winning the World Golf Championship at Akron. Winning a title of that mag is massive. It’s pretty unusual to caddie for one playe long, so I must be doing something right. I think I’m easy-going person who takes everything in his strid and I think you have to be – you’re meeting these gu at the highest point of their lives and careers as well the lowest part of course.

No.17, Close House (13th in the British Masters) 477-526 yards

HOW A PRO WOULD PLAY IT HOW YOU SHOULD PLAY IT It’s a very birdieable hole and I’d expect to play this hole in the British Masters something under par.

dies these days are more professional and there’s responsibility which comes with playing huge naments virtually every week with so much money lved. And where there’s money there’s fessionalism and it’s all about the fellow who wants money the most. urite tournaments and venues? If I wanted to h a golf tournament I’d go to the Masters, but to go and fun I’d go to the Phoenix Open in Arizona – it’s an ing experience. The par-3 16th at TPC Scottsdale is dible and I was lucky enough to be involved in the group there two years ago. I haven’t taken part in the es’ race on it though I think I’d stand a good chance – would have to be a fast caddie to beat me!

For a golfer, where else would you rather be?

We’re very lucky to find ourselves in such a privileg position – we’re all keen golfers after all and have tri to play, but unfortunately weren’t good enough to ea

HOW TO PLAY... A SHORT PAR 5

a living from it. But we’re doing the next best thing for sure.

I’m not playing much these days even though I live at Killeen Castle Golf Club – that hasn’t transformed my game into anything better than mediocre. I don’t get any tips Shane either – he plays a different game to me.

Shane is going to try and hit it short of the trap down the left side, leaving 294 yards to reach the green. The wind is likely to be coming from the right and if it’s firm, we’d maybe take a 5-wood off the tee leaving around 215 yards to the front and 230 to the middle of the green with a long iron.

The trap on the left, especially if the flag is on the left, wouldn’t be great but it’s do-able. You really want to avoid back left – the toughest place to make your birdie attempt from.

You don’t want to hit the approach long or left – you want to be looking at short right of the green which is the easiest place to chip from.

The big thing is to take the 294-yard trap out of play and for me personally and for most golfers that means taking out the driver before pulling out a lofted wood, say a 5-wood, and making sure you get it over the trees and give yourself a chip onto the green. It’s one I’d be hoping to make a par on – at least.

There’s no reason why you shouldn’t go for the green in two. There are no hazards around and you’ve got a little bale-out area on the right-hand side, which gives you a miss.

Dermot Byrne is a member of Team Bushnell Golf (www.bushnellgolf.eu/uk/teams) which includes Rickie Fowler and fellow caddie Darren Reynolds (Paul Dunne).

The key to the hole is getting your tee shot in a good position, giving you a chance to hit a lofted wood down the right side and above the trees. Get over the trees in two and you’ve got to be hoping to make at least a par. It’s pretty straightforward from there and anywhere middle to front right is very two puttable to all the flags.

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‘Onl golf gets r handica own’ Dominic Bott

Current player: Thorbjorn Olesen (Denmark) Past players: Howard Clark, Garry Evans, Thomas Bjorn, Paul Casey, Graeme Storm, Paul Eales.

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started caddieing back in ‘93 when Paul Eales offered me a job. Originally, I thought I’d only do a year but here I am, still going, in 2017. I’ve nearly packed it in twice, but I’ve also had some great times and celebrated nine wins with various players. My first victory came in ’94 with Paul. It was at the Extremadura Open. It was only held that year; we haven’t had it again since. I remember getting a cheque for £4,000 and felt like a millionaire.

In 1994, my stomach was going because I had never been in that environment before. But over the years, that nervousness has changed to excitement. There’s a real buzz now whenever we’re in contention on a Sunday. My best win was with Thorbjorn at St Andrews. To walk up that 18th on a Sunday with a three-shot lead in the last match was so special. Let’s just say the goosepimples starting appearing.

I know Steve Williams got some stick for saying he’d won 13 Majors, but as a caddie you are part of a team; part of the unit. If you’re not getting on, these victories won’t happen.

I see Thorbjorn more than my wife. We get on well; we laugh and I enjoy his company, but he’s the boss. He pays the wages and writes the cheques. He might rely on me in some ways but at the end of the day, he hits the golf ball.

Thorbjorn doesn’t like to talk about golf during tournaments. He likes to talk about what’s in the news, girlfriends or sports. Very rarely will golf be a topic of conversation.

Sometimes if a pro starts behaving like a child, they need to be told. I’m not afraid to do that. But you’ve got to remember that you are the closest person to them on the golf course. And if things start going wrong, you will get it in the neck believe me.

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Golfers are a different breed of human beings. They have mood swings. I’ve had some great bosses. I worked for Thomas Bjorn four times and Paul Casey. But they are two very difficult guys to work for. Thomas and I had so many arguments that they were calling us Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor! In 2013, we won in Qatar on the Sunday and then on the 6th hole in Dubai on the Thursday I was fired. I then got reinstated on the 7th tee!

The downside to caddieing is the travelling. It’s not as glamorous as everyone thinks. We see a lot of hotels and airports, and you’ve got to have a very thoughtful wife or partner.

When we go to a new golf course, I’ll typically walk the course on the Monday and try to plot how Thorbjorn would ideally like to play it. I like to get a couple of strategies for each hole, weather and wind depending.

Thorbjorn might go to a course and play just three holes on the Tuesday to get a feel for it. Normally though,

HOW TO PLAY... A DOG-LEG PAR 4 HOW THE PRO SHOULD PLAY IT HOW THE AVERAGE PLAYER SHOULD PLAY IT If you’ve cut the corner, the likelihood is you’ll be left with a wedge. If that’s the case, you’ve got to go straight at the pin. Sometimes you’ve got be aggressive, but that’s the difference between pros and amateurs. A pro knows when to do it, whereas a lot of amateurs go pin-seeking on every shot.

we will go out and play nine and then work out a strategy for the week. Sometimes we might have a different plan for Sunday afternoon if we’re in the pack or chasing someone down.

There’s nothing wrong with aiming for the centre of the green on every hole. That was our mindset playing in the Open Championship this year. If you hit the middle of the green at Birkdale, you had 18 decent chances to make birdie.

The best advice I can give a mid-handicapper is to keep the ball in play as much as you possibly can. If you can give yourself the chance to two putt for par on every hole, you’ll keep the big numbers off your scorecard.

So many guys in pro-am competitions hit their driver 200 yards. But when they reach a par 3 which is the same distance, they are almost frightened to hit a wood. It’s an ego thing, but only smart golf will ever get your handicap to come down.

No.15, The Grove 324-408 yards

The conservative route towards the widest part of the fairway maybe an option for Thor if he’s got a lead to protect on the Sunday. He’d probably be hitting a 5-wood which would still leave an eight iron in. It’s a tougher second shot, but it minimises the risk with the tee shot.

This is a really good hole because there are two options: cutting the corner or taking the smart play.

Knowing that most 27-year-olds like to attack, Thor’s line would be straight over the bunker with a driver. It’s only 236 yards to clear the them and Thorbjorn carries his driver further than that.

The first thing to look at with the approach would be the flag position. The hollow looks pretty deep back left so I would recommend setting up towards the right half of the green. You’ve also got to carry a tier in front of the green so I would be giving Thor a yardage as if the pin was located at the back.

The smart play is to go straight up the right and give yourself an opportunity to get on the green. Play the percentages. At certain golf courses, you can give it a tally-ho but you make your scoring from the middle of the fairway.

If you tug your tee shot into the rough, you’ve got to bear in mind that, barring a flier, your second shot is going to come out lower with next-to-no spin.

To allow for that happening, you should really take aim towards the right portion of the green and try to run the ball up. If you leave it short, you could still realistically putt up the hill and two putt for par.

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‘Beat up the course... not yourself’ Mick Doran

Current player: Eddie Pepperell (Eng Past players: Costantino Rocca, Lee Westwood, Justin Rose (twice), David Howell and in the US Camillo Villegas, Brendan Steele and Cameron Tringale.

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his is my 30th year caddieing. You can tell by looking at my weathered face I’ve been out here for a good while! I started when I was 12 at Wentworth and a group of us went on Tour… four of us are still caddieing today. I’ve been fortunate because I’ve worked for a lot of fantastic golfers on both sides of the Atlantic and won 34 tournaments with different golfers and caddied in six Ryder Cups.

Winning at Wentworth with Costantino Rocca and David Howell has been the highlight so far because, for me, that’s where it all started as a young kid. Watching Rocca hole out from the Valley of Sin to get into a play-off with John Daly in the 1995 Open at St Andrews was special, too.

Of course we’re living off their (the players) talent, but you can make a big difference especially over the last nine holes, whether it’s to make the cut or winning the tournament. It’s all about getting them over that line.

Sometimes when the heat is on, golfers aren’t thinking right and you’re there to provide a guiding hand.

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Sometimes saying little is good, just not getting in their way and bombarding their mind with so much information. It’s quite simple at the end of the day, it’s just common sense.

It’s a fantastic job though when we started ou all about travelling throughout Europe. Every time Tiger Woods I thank him because he made the gam it is today. Sure, there’s a lot of travelling but you’re for fantastic purses.

BELOW Doran and Pepperell have enjoyed an excellent run of form in late 2017, with six top-10s in seven events.

not going to employ you. That’s the bottom line. Some come out and try but struggle week in, week out. I would say go to the Challenge Tour and start from there. Be out with experienced caddies and listen to what they say. That’s at I did when I was young and I’m very confident on the rse, I talk loudly – that strikes a chord with most ers. I like to think I’m a pretty strong caddie. lways say ‘don’t be scared of using the tee box.’ you’re on a par 3, the green is quite firm, the flag is at he back and you’re going in with a 4-iron that is coming flat, remember you’re allowed to go back two club ngths on the tee. In professional golf two yards is ssive. That’s worked well over the years, especially in erica where the greens are really firm. Left or right, ending on where the wind is, just use the tee box…

To be honest, I can’t think of too many disaste though losing Ryder Cups is a nightmare – you don want to lose those. Ryder Cup victory celebrations fantastic. After one victory, Billy Foster and myself emptied the locker room on Sunday and gave all th equipment and clothes to Europe’s fans and afterw remember the players asking where everything wa

ay off a 12 handicap and like hitting balls on the ge but only play about six times a year owing to the velling involved in this game. In my weeks off I just nt to chill out.

It’s very hard to come straight out onto the ma Tour and caddie – if the golfer doesn’t know you, h

HOW TO PLAY... A DOG-LEG PAR 5 HOW A PRO WOULD PLAY IT HOW YOU SHOULD PLAY IT If it is downwind off the tee, you just rip a driver down there on the right side of the fairway. This green is quite narrow and you’re never taking the flag on when it’s at the back, but you’re trying to find the front edge with, say, a 4-iron which would give you a putt for eagle.

No.12, Kingsbarns, 538-606 yards It depends on where the wind is coming from, but if it’s coming off the sea, ideally Eddie would tee it up more on the left so his eyesight is taking the trouble on the left out of play.

If the wind is into and we can’t reach, and say the flag is on 10 (yards), we’re looking to leave ourselves 90 yards, which will play around 100 yards, to the narrow green. This allows you to hit a smooth 56° wedge so that you're not adding spin.

Tee it up on the left again and, depending on how you shape the ball, pick a safe target in the distance and commit to the shot. That done, there’s a fairway bunker way on the right, but that’s a good line so just going inside that bunker and try to give yourself around 110 yards or so... you want to leave yourself a short iron on. It’s all about getting it on in three – manage that and you’ve done your work.

If the flag is at the back, try and find the middle of the green and give yourself a putt for birdie. Don’t take it on because if you pull it you’re in trouble. It’s all about playing sensible and simple golf: fairway, fairway, green… and giving yourself a birdie putt.

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‘Th thing is t the tr

i i l’

Phil ‘Wobbly’ Morby

Current player: Chris Wood Past players: Ian Baker-Finch, Howard Clark, Ian Woosnam, Jose Maria Olazabal (two stints), Justin Rose.

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’ve been on Tour 36 years and it’s been quite a memorable 36 years. I started at 16 just after I’d left school and at my local club, Selby. David Jagger was the pro there, and he said ‘do you fancy caddieing for me in the summer?’ So I did and it became a sort of apprenticeship as I carried on the next year. There weren’t so many caddies around and I got a few breaks, worked up the ladder and my first big bag was Ian Baker-Finch in 1984 – I started just before St Andrews when he was leading The Open there. That’s when you tend to get your face known and I kicked on from there.

I had a season- and-a-half with him, then teamed-up with Howard Clark and obviously my main man after that was Woosie. That was the catalyst of my career. I did over 14 years with Woosie and won 27 tournaments with him, including the 1991 Masters, which was fantastic. We played with Tom Watson on the last two days and that was special.

I had a spell where I had jobs with three players in 21 years including Woosie, three with Jose Maria Olazabal, a year with Justin Rose and then another three with Olly. I don’t like to chop and change players, though I’ve had a few over the past few years, recently starting with Chris Wood.

Hopefully I’ll stay on his bag for a few years.

I won three tournaments with Olly and was in contention for the Masters a couple of times but won the Buick at Torrey Pines with him despite only making the cut on the number which was unbelievable. Overall, I’ve had 41 wins with nine different golfers and I’m trying to get to 10 because I think that would be a record – Pete Coleman and Andy Prodger have had 10 which takes some doing, so I’d like to do that before I retire.

At the end of the day, it’s the players who are still hitting the shots. You can only advise them. You’re trying to save them shots and if you can save them a shot a round, even a shot in a week now, that could be the difference between winning and losing.

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There’s a great camaraderie among the caddies. I’ve travelled with Billy Foster (Lee Westwood) and Ken Comboy (Graeme McDowell) for the past 20 years and we always have a good laugh. There’s lots of banter – everyone finds out if you make a mistake and lets you know about it!

We’re looked after a lot better now with better food and have somewhere to go and sit when it’s raining, but the main thing that’s changed and is a little bit disappointing, is the technology with the yardage and greens books. Look at it – there are five players in the world’s top 10 who have friends on their bags. And that’s because of how easy it is. You can just look at a book and go, whereas before there were just pictures in books and you had to go out and pick your own lines. So it’s easier to become a caddie now because you can rely on your greens books; buy one of those and if a player comes in you just look at the book.

There’s definitely an art to green reading – some players and caddies are better than others – so the sooner I

think they get away from this, I think it will make it more competitive again.

A successful caddie? One who makes the fewest mistakes. Obviously when you get in the rough you’ve got to try and call the lie and, when it’s windy, suss out how far the ball is going to go. Also, you’ve got to know when to step in and say something. The more you know a player, the more you get to know his mannerisms etc.

There have been many highlights including winning the Masters with Woosie, and eight Ryder Cup appearances – most of them successful. Me and Woosie were like brothers. We travelled everywhere together and I used to stay with him. We’d go and have a pint after we’d finished.

It’s been a colourful career and I can be a little bit outspoken. But overall I’ve had more decent relationships than poor relationships. In reality, you’re spending more time with your player than you your wife, so you have to get on otherwise you’ve got no chance.

HOW TO PLAY... A MEDIUM-TO-LONG PAR 3 HOW A PRO WOULD PLAY IT HOW YOU SHOULD PLAY IT

No.3, Trump International, 143-205 yards

The right bunker could pose problems for the pros with a tight right pin and especially if the ball plugs… it depends on how much sand they’ve got in there.

With 220 yards to the flag and playing a little down breeze, it will be like a 6-iron if the green is firm.

That’s the thing with links golf, you’re trying to hit a fade and pitch the ball on the front third and bounce it up there. If the pin is back right, you’re just trying to get it to the middle of the green.

The main thing is to avoid the trouble. With a sloping right-to-left green, get in the greenside bunker and you’re not going to have much of a shot. Pull it long and left it looks like you’re going to end up on the beach, so what you should be doing is using a club that’s not going to get you too long, but is capable of finding the front third left of the green.

I’m not sure whether you’ve got the room to bounce it up there, but I’d try to keep the trajectory down a little bit and get the ball running forwards to avoid bringing that bunker into play. The bunker is below the green and that’s a hard shot for an amateur to execute, especially if the pin is on the right side.

You’re dead there, and dead long left, so it’s best to aim for the front left – even if you don’t find the green, there’s a good chance of having a putt.

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‘Play to your strengths... and weaknesses’ Tom Ayling

Current player: Alexander Levy (France) Past players: Benjamin Hebert, Christian Cevaer, Jose-Filipe Lima, Victor Dubuisson.

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t 27 I suppose I’m not far off being the youngest caddie on Tour, though this is my seventh season out here. I was doing my golf PGA degree and a friend of mine playing on the Challenge Tour, Benjamin Hebert, asked me if I wanted to give it a try for a few weeks. That was it, seven years later I’m still here!

I was with Victor Dubuisson for about 17 months including the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles when he was a rookie, but stood up to the plate. I’ve been with Alexander Levy for just over two years now and he’s a brilliant player, a mad Frenchman but good fun on the course.

A player looks for different things in a caddie, but I think more than anything there needs to be a good relationship because you’re spending so much time together. You’ve got to have a good time and a bit of fun out there to take away some of the pressures. If you can’t do that with the person you’re with, I find the job becomes a bit more difficult. You learn to know what’s good and what’s not good for your player and how to make the team work, that’s really important.

The Ryder Cup at Gleneagles was my best golfing week ever. It doesn’t get much better than that for a caddie or player – one of the highlights of any golfing career.

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The fun part about caddieing is coming down the stretch when you’re in contention with the crowds around and you feel the players are under pressure. It’s just an enjoyable moment. Sure, you can earn good money, but it depends on the player you’re working with. If you’re with somebody who is doing well, you’ll be doing well too and you do your best to help your player as much as you can.

BELOW Ayling is hoping to help guide his man Levy to a Ryder Cup debut in his native France next year.

It’s the next best thing to playing. Just being in the mix and feeling the pressure of everything going on in a tournament is good fun and, at the end of the day, I enjoy it because it’s the nearest thing to playing golf professionally.

The first job is always tough because you’ve got your point of view and sometimes it can be tough to speak your mind.

But when you’ve thought something over and there’s something you can contribute that is important, you should say it as it is. That’s the most important thing. The worst thing is to have regrets just because you didn’t speak up – the intelligent part is to find a way of delivering that message without causing any harm or sending any negative vibes to the player. Just be as straightforward and honest as possible.

It’s great to travel all over the world and discover different cities and cultures – it’s a luxury and we are lucky to do that. But when you’re doing it 25-30 times a year sometimes you think I can do without travelling as much.

Caddieing has become more structured now. Back i the day you used to struggle just to get a hotel or get to the event with not a lot of money in your pocket. It’s changed much over the years and everything is made easier for us week in, week out. It’s evolved with the times. We’re treat really well, have better facilities and overall the relationships with players is really good, too.

HOW TO PLAY... A SHORT PAR 4

No.14, Gleneagles PGA Centenary, 269-320 yards

HOW A PRO WOULD PLAY IT HOW YOU SHOULD PLAY IT

The fairway is pretty wide for an iron off the tee so that’s a good back-up with a wedge in. But if the wind and pin are favourable, this would be the last option – in the Ryder Cup we played it downwind every day and hit a 3-wood to the front. So there’s a good chance to play this hole aggressively and on a normal day with nothing happening, you’ll be trying to get it as near to the front bunker as possible and leave an uphill chip to all the pins.

The best caddie? Probably the guy who has the best player! It’s tough to call, but there are a lot of very good caddies who haven’t had the opportunities to get the best jobs and therefore not shine as well. There are so many who do a good job but don’t get as recognised as other caddies do.

If it’s downwind you’re looking to carry the bunker 20 yards short of the green and playing to around the front bunker – the up and down from there would be pretty easy to most of the pins. Anything into the wind means you probably can’t make the carry, so you’ve got to leave a good wedge number, something the player likes.

The most important thing you see before you play the hole are the two things which can potentially change the difficulty of the hole: wind direction on the day, which would encourage you to play it a bit more aggressively or defensively, and secondly the pin position.

Club golfers are playing off a forward tee so if you’re a decent driver you can stick to an aggressive play – though that’s something you wouldn’t recommend to everyone. If you’re not such a good driver, try and leave yourself with the best yardage so you’re looking to put the ball into the biggest spot possible on the fairway. That may mean taking an iron off the tee.

Always try to locate the biggest landing spots on the fairway – and on the course in general – and work to your strengths and weaknesses. So if you’ve got a big landing spot around the green and you’re a good driver, then why not go for it? If you’re not a good driver, lay back to somewhere where there’s a decent landing place, a bit of room, and where you’re comfortable to play from. It’s important to play to your strengths… and know your weaknesses.

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17 WAYS TO...

BUY A BETTER GAME

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If you’re in the market for any new gear in 2018, here are some key things that will help you choose f you’ve got the time and patience to dedicate to your game, a course of lessons with a PGA pro is the best thing to buy if you want really to improve.

But many of us don’t have the time and patience to rebuild our swing – and that’s where the latest gear can help.

Want more yards? Chop in your old driver. Want more control? Look at new wedges. Iffy putting stroke?

Get a fitting. Can’t choose a ball? Get another fitting.

We’ve seen time and time again the difference the right gear – packed with the latest tech – can make to an average golfer’s scores, be it more distance or greater consistency. So based on our test experiences this year, here are 17 ways to buy a better game in 2018.

‘WE’VE SEEN TIME AND TIME AGAIN THE DIFFERENCE THE RIGHT GEAR CAN MAKE TO AN AVERAGE GOLFER’S SCORES’ TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK IS SUE 3 6 8 61

FROM

£369

Consider a drawbiased driver

This has been a breakthrough year for draw drivers, when they’ve become the star of the show rather than the doorman. The TaylorMade M2 D-Type, and Ping G400 SFT are the two best draw specific drivers we’ve seen, and their heel weighting really can help steer the ball away from the right rough.

FROM

£40

Worn wedge grooves will cost you spin Our rec

worn gro average b 1200rpm.

That’s mor than enoug to make a significant difference when it comes to cosying up delicate approaches closer to the flag. If your wedges are more than a few years old, invest in new ones – and watch your scores drop.

FROM

£149

Take advantage of the latest driver tech

We’ve seen TG readers who, when properly fitted for a driver (when their previous driver wasn’t), can gain over 40 yards.

It’s not the norm, but it can be done.

When we tested five-year-old drivers against their latest equivalents, we saw an instant average gain of six yards in carry, thanks to their more flexible faces and speed-boosting features.

Technology never stands still.

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£70

Better traction

New spikes or shoes can really help when it comes to building a stable foundation for your swing. Our recent test pitted wearing golf shoes against bare feet – and we saw a 62 IS SUE 3 6 8 TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK

12-yard carry distance gain for shoeclad feet. Admittedly, a new set of pikes won’t have quite the same mpact on distance. But it proves how portant a decent pair of stable oes really are.

FROM

£99

Improve alignment

If a putter’s blade is one degree off target at impact, you’ll miss. That says correct alignment is absolutely vital. There’s tons of different sight line options and alignment aids on the market, from golf ball-sized discs on the head to putters that stand up on their own (so you can accurately align whilst not addressing a putt).

The key is finding one that not only inspires confidence, but helps you aim squarely at the target, too.

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£22

Get the right golf ball

Even we were astonished at some of the distance gains TG readers got when they were fitted for a Srixon ball over the summer – one guy added 40 yards to his driver tee shots over his regular, popular ball.

Srixon also told us that tour balls are not for everyone – indeed, the very spin better players crave can really hinder av players off the te Our advice? Get fitted for your ball.

FROM

£249 Ge yourself a caddie

Selecting the right shot on the golf course saves strokes. Where caddies until now have been human and needed paying (and feeding at the halfway hut), there’s now an alternative on the scene. Shottracking brand Arccos have developed an electronic caddie on their app, which will make club recommendations (only from the tee at present) based on your previous performances.

Arccos say golfers using shot-tracking improve 36 times faster than the average golfer.

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£79

Give me forgiveness

Many manufacturers admit hybrid heads are more forgiving than traditional irons, so if you’re prepared to leave your ego on the first tee and put more hybrids in the bag you will see an improvement.

Hybrids are available nowadays right the way down to 7-iron lofts. Think maximum playability and high enjoyment levels.

shaped, high MOI heads, as well as counter-balancing (in the grip) to help iron out kinks. Oversized putter grips can also play a role in improving control over the putter face, too.

FROM

£99

Launch woods off the fairway

Getting close to, or on, par 5s in two shots can really help lower your scores. But many golfers, thanks to modern balls spinning less, find launching long distance fairway woods off the deck a challenge. High-launch fairways, where a 3-wood has a 16.5° loft instead of a traditional 15°, are an excellent option. They launch higher, ncrease air time, which is great for arrying hazards and maximising ow far you hit shots from the turf.

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£249

Go easy launc

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£149

Golf is played by all ages, but thankfully equipment brands cater for slower swings and have developed specific lighter and softer shafted ranges to help. Cobra’s F-Max for example is lighter, faster and more fun. Each club within the range is capable of increasing club speed, launch angle and carry distance for golfers who don’t quite flight shots from the turf lik th dt

Stay fresh

Electric trolley specialists Motocaddy reckon carrying your bag can put game at risk coming down the ch. They insist staying fresh and ed for the last few holes helps

you make better decisions and consequently score better. An electric trolley could have just as much impact on your score as a new driver.

FROM

£350

Get fitted for your next set of irons

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Get more accurate with your wedges

An iron head that suits your ability, a shaft that suits your swing speed and a grip matched to your hand size all lead to lower handicaps and extra enjoyment of the game. When we tested new blades against their cavity cousins (see page 93), we saw distance gains of up to 20+ yards and lots more forgiveness.

£109

FROM

£389

Get speed for free

It’s a common phrase among driver designers. By reducing drag you maximise club and ball speed with absolutely no trade-offs. Ping say their latest G400 driver is so well optimised it generates ball speeds over 1mph faster (which equates to about five more yards) than the previous G driver, which was already very aerodynamic compared to the competition.

Cleveland say their new cavity-back CBX wedges cut dispersion by almost half when compared to their bladed RTX-3.

With 84% of golfers playing cavityback irons, it’s a no-brainer that our wedges should match our ability. A tighter dispersion means hitting shots closer to the flag more often, which only helps shoot lower scores.

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Get fitted for a putter

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Plot your way around

£99

You use your putter more than any other club, so it makes sense to get one matched to your stroke. Putter fitting (thanks to the introduction of launch monitors that measure putts) is on the increase, and a no-brainer to us.

FREE

The caddies in this issue (page 48) all talk about playing “smart, stressfree golf” – keeping your ball away from the trouble and leaving yourself the easiest shots. They use detailed yardage books; we use lasers, handheld GPSs, GPS watches or even free apps.

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CTI A

BY BRENDAN STEELE Three-time PGA Tour winner, 2017 Safeway Open champion

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orget beating balls on the driving range and trying to beat your longest drive. You need to practise with a purpose, which means using the winter months to fine tune every aspect of your game ready for the summer.

Brendan Steele had just three weeks to get his game in shape for the start of the 2017/18 PGA Tour season, and he did it by slogging away on the course and in the gym nearly every day. The American was rewarded by winning the season opener at the Safeway Open for a second year in a row and taking top spot in the FedEx Cup standings. We sat down with the 34-year-old to find out what it takes to hit the ground running on the PGA Tour.

W O R D S M I C H A E L C AT L I N G PICTURES GETTY IMAGES

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My practice diary...

When I’m practising at home, I like to workout in the morning. I will get up around 7am, eat breakfast and then hit the gym around 8am. My workouts tend to be non-golf specific and based around strength training. My coach’s theory is that when all else is equal, the strongest athlete wins. He changes up my routines based on where we are in the season and how much time off I have. During the off season, I work out really hard four days a week, but I don’t do any cardio. The only stuff I

do is short explosive exercises like medicine ball throwing or pushing a sled.

When I get to the course, l head straight for the practice green.

I start off by unwinding a piece of string with knitting needles on each end, and measure out a straight, 10-foot putt from the hole. I’ll then work on my stroke using just my left hand from three feet and then six feet.

I’ll also stick an alignment rod under my arms to make sure I’m feeling connected, and then I’ll go back to 10ft and work on drilling putts from there.

‘MY COACH’S THEORY IS THAT WHEN ALL ELSE IS EQUAL, THE STRONGEST ATHLETE WINS’ TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK IS SUE 3 6 8 65

The next 45 minutes I spend alternating between different drills. One of my favourites is a star drill, in which you set five tees around the hole from about 4ft and try to hole the putt from each position. There’s another version from 12 feet where you have three balls and score points according to how many putts you hole. So, if you miss all three putts, you get minus one. If you make one, you get one point. If you make two out of three, it’s three points and if you make all three then it’s five points. The aim is to get to 20 as quickly as possible. I tend to draw a circle using six tees around the hole and work in between them to experience different types of breaks and reads.

I’ll go to the chipping green for half-an-hour and start with some block practice by placing a Tour stick along my feet to make sure my alignment is good. From there, I like to do more random practice around the greens, focusing on lie assessment and landing spots and experimenting with different flights. But I don’t like to stay in the same place for too long; I like to throw balls down in different spots and then play to different holes to replicate on-course shots. I’m lucky enough to have a short game area where I can hit wedges back from 90 yards so I’ll crunch some numbers from there for another half an hour.

Break for an early lunch.

I’ll start with some wedges on the range to loosen up again and then go straight into some swing work. I am prone to swinging too long, which means I then come into the ball too narrow and end up getting stuck behind. To help me feel like I’m swinging short and wide, my coach has got me swinging to a three o’clock and nine o’clock position on a clubface. I tend to hit 20 balls swinging like that, which really helps to keep my arms paralle lower body stable.

QUESTIONS FOR BRENDAN...

How much does your routine differ during a tournament week?

My coach Chris Mason dictates everything and puts a practice plan together. Wherever we go, the first thing I always do is some speed drills on the green. I try to play at least nine holes during every practice day, and then the rest of my time is spent fine-tuning things.

Often, I’ll work on my distance control on the range and my coach will call out different numbers. I will then try to see how close I can get using TrackMan.

ou a technical golfer or a feel golfer? ot very technical, but I always have different feels h I am trying to work through. Sometimes things h work well one week won’t necessarily work rrow. What I’ve really tried to do is limit the nt of swing thoughts I have. I try to keep things imple.

Once my swing st feel mor tune, I’ll my way my bag and practise diff ball flights. For the Ope Championship, I was tr flight the ball down a lit more and work on shot were going to work aga wind. Other times, I mi focus on shaping drives need to hit a lot of draw drivers or fade drivers.

Before I finish, I tend to throw about 10 balls into a fairway bunker. I’m lucky that I’m able to do that on the range at Shady Canyon Golf Club [in Irvine, California], but I think it’s important that you practise all kinds of shots because anything can happen on the golf course. You’ve got to be prepared for every eventualit Finally, if the weather is good, I like to play at least nine holes with my buddies. There is no substitute for getting out on the course and hitting off different lies.

do you structure your warm-up before a d? got an 8am tee time for example, I will be on the ng green at 7am. I will do my string drill to start, hen take two balls and work on my speed and That takes about 15 minutes, and then I’ll head to nge and hit about 40 balls for the next 20 to 25 tes. Usually, I’ll start with a few wedges and then o the nine o’clock to three o’clock drill to promote eeling of swinging short and wide. From there, ork my way up to the driver, hit a few chips and head back to the putting green and run process p

How do you stay fuelled and hydrated during a round?

When I get on the first tee, I normally grab an Amino Vital sports drink, which is an amino acid complex and gives me a boost before my round. When I reach the turn, I have a whey protein shake, but I tend to eat something every three or four holes. Normally I stock my bag with beef jerky, nuts and a few energy bars.

What advice would you give to an amateur looking to improve their game?

Always work on your short game. People don’t spend nearly enough time on their chipping, and don’t have a clear idea what they want to do. First, you need to assess the lie; then you need to identify a landing spot and figure out what trajectory is needed. If possible, you alwa feet on. T decision t when to b number y too bad, b and go fo

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EXERCISE LIKE A PRO

By JUSTIN BUCKTHORP Performance consultant to Justin Rose, Chris Wood and Charley Hull FLOOR90/90 HIPSTRETCH

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’ve worked with European and PGA Tour pros since 2007 and in that time, there have been big improvements in the quality of care given to players. This has become even more important with the game becoming more competitive – and potentially depleting – than ever before. Courses are longer and seasons are tougher, so exercise must be used very strategically. Sometimes, we structure a training programme to aid recovery and offset muscle imbalances from travel. On other occasions, exercise is designed to stress the system and build specific components of fitness, such as strength, power and speed. Exercise is medicine, so dosage is important. If a player cannot access a position in the swing due to tissue tightness, they are going to either deviate from that position (and experience swing faults) or work too hard to get to that position (and experience injury through micro trauma of the muscles). We all know golf is hard enough without needing to compensate for poor mobility and stability. Below, I’ve illustrated four exercises which are tailored to gaining distance, improving dispersion and preventing injury.

SIDE LYING QUAD AND T-SPINE STRETCH

Sets:One-two Reps:Sixwithatwosecondpause

Sets: One-two Reps: Six with a two second pause

Set up: Start with the lead leg bent at 90 degrees on the floor. The trail leg can be extended behind you or more flexed at the knee if needed. Use the arm to support your body weight.

Movement: Lean forward until you feel a stretch in the hips and glutes without rounding the lower back. Maintain a long spine throughout, like a waiter’s bow.

Tip: To increase the stretch into the hip and help with thoracic spine mobility, rotate the chest toward the lead hip. Chris Wood likes to keep the hand in the air and reach across, while others like Justin Rose place both hands on the floor and work around a stable base.

Great for: Improving your ability to load into the hips in the backswing and through impact.

Set up: Start in a side-lying position with the left hand supporting the right knee in the air, and the right hand holding the left foot.

Movement: Inhale to prepare, then exhale and open up the chest to the sky whilst pulling the heel to the glute with your hand. This will create a stretch on the front of the trail leg. You may feel a stretch through the chest as you open up the thoracic spine.

Tip: Breathe into and out of the stretch. Let your breath dictate when to pause and when to sink into a deeper stretch. Do not force the stretch; the reps will do the work for you over time.

Great for: Improving hip and thoracic mobility during the swing.

MINIBANDWALKS

FLOORBALLCRUSH

Sets:One-three Reps:12-15atacontrolledtempo.

Sets:One-three Reps:Eight-12atacontrolledtempo

Set up: Place two mini bands at the ankles and knees, with a stronger band at the knees. Set up in a slight hip hinge position with the ankles, knees and hips flexed, and a slight forward lean from the hips. For feedback on posture, place one arm on the chest and the other on the lower back. The lower back should be in a neutral spine position (neither rounded, nor hyperextended).

Movement: Step sideways, keeping the ankles and knees at hip-width apart and the upper body still. This will keep the mini bands under tension and activate the glutes.

Tip: Imagine you are side-stepping under a low ceiling.

This stops the head moving up and down as you perform the exercise. Try to feel like you are pushing into the ground, whilst keeping the upper body quiet. This helps to get the right muscles firing in the glutes.

Great for: Improving hip stability in the swing and preventing unnecessary sway and slide.

Set up: Lie on your back with a stability ball between the hands and knees. The legs will be raised in a triple flexed position (ankles, knees and hips flexed).

Movement: Draw the belly button in towards the spine, and then try to “crush” the stability ball with your hand and knee as you slowly lengthen one arm and the opposite leg a few inches away from you.

Tip: Work within a small range of motion and then slowly increase the difficulty by extending your arm and leg as far as possible. Feeling that you “crush” the stability ball helps activate the abs and prevent excessive arching of the lower back.

Great for: Preventing excessive spinal extension in the backswing and finish.

TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK IS SUE 3 6 8 67

Meet Mitsubishi’s new Eclipse Cross And win England Rugby tickets!

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ITSUBISHI MOTORS, the official performance partner of England Rugby, is introducing the Eclipse Cross.

The first mid-size SUV from Japan’s pioneering 4x4 brand, the Eclipse Cross is packed with cutting-edge technology as standard, all wrapped in a sporty, coupe-like design. As you’d expect from a company that blazed a trail in rallying, the compact crossover is available with intelligent all-wheel drive, coupled to modern, fuel-efficient engines. Priced from £21,275 on the road, here are five standout features that set the refined Eclipse Cross apart from the SUV crowd.

SMARTPHONES AT YOUR COMMAND With Mitsubishi’s standard Smartphone Link Display Audio, safely interact with your smartphone* to make calls, play music or access maps, using the 7-inch touchscreen.

You can even dictate a text message on the go.

WIN!

INTELLIGENTLY ASSISTS THE DRIVER The Eclipse Cross brims with standard safe atures.

Forward Colli n uses a came to scan the road ahead for vehicles or pedestrians: if it senses an impending collision, it will sound a warning, or even brake the car automatically. Lane Departure Warning triggers an alert if the car starts straying out of lane.

A month in a Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and England Rugby tickets

Fancy attending England’s final game in the RBS 6 Nations 2018? The clash with Ireland takes place on 17 March at Twickenham, and you could be there!

Bauer Media, publishers of Today’s Golfer and Car, has teamed up with Mitsub-

ishi Motors in the UK, the official performance partner of England Rugby, for a fantastic prize draw.

First prize is the loan of the new Eclipse Cross for a month, two tickets to England vs Ireland at Twickenham, an overnight stay at the nearby

Park Hotel in Teddington and £100 to spend at the hotel. The runner’s up prize is two tickets to the match, plus an overnight stay at the Park Hotel and £100 to spend on dinner/drinks.

For full terms and conditions and to enter, go to: Car-mag.uk/Mitsubishi

To enter the draw for these fantastic prizes, go to Car-mag.uk/Mitsubishi Rugby Football Union. The RFU Rose and the words ‘England Rugby’ are official registered trademarks of the Rugby Football Union. *Smartphone Link Display Audio requires a compatible smartphone connected via USB to provide navigation and other additional services. Ask your Mitsubishi dealer for more information.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

MAKES PARKING EASY A rear-view camera is standard, to take the strain out of reversing. Top-spec Eclipse Cross 4 models piece together the view from four cameras, to create an ingenious bird’s-eye view of the car in its surroundings.

Ultrasonic sensors also detect objects in close proximity during low-speed manoeuvres.

BOLD, BRILLIANT DESIGN Heralding a new era of Mitsubishi design, the Eclipse Cross mixes the tough stance of an SUV with a coupe’s sporty lines. The bold face blends into a chiselled side, characterised by a swooping roofline that doesn’t compromise rear cabin space.

The back is crowned with a distinctive light bar bisecting the rear screen.

THE PRACTICALITY YOU NEED The rear backrests recline, and the back seats slide back and forth, to either maximise legroom for passengers or cargo space: choose between 341 or 448 litres of luggage capacity accordingly.

The rear parcel shelf can be stowed beneath the boot floor in a wider recess suitable for longer items – such as that all-important golf bag!

V I DE O !

To see th e Cross’s vEclipse adventu ideo re Car-mag , go to: .u Mitsubis k/ hi

STAT LEADERS

SECRETS OF THE TOUR STAT LEADERS What you can learn from the European Tour’s best drivers, green-hitters, scramblers and putters

S

and where the weaknesses are. Then it’s all about using the numbers effectively and being sensible about what you want to find out.” Stats also reveal who’s best at what on Tour – distance, hitting greens, hitting fairways, getting up and down, bunkers, putting...

Over the next six pages, you’ll find exclusive advice from some of the men at, or very near, the top of these categories.

They’ll reveal how they’ve become so skilled in one particular part of the game, before revealing what you can do to improve your own success rates.

tats play an increasingly important role in the world of a professional golfer. They reveal what players are good at, what they’re bad at, how they compare to the field and – crucially – areas they can improve.

Former US Open champion Graeme McDowell told us: “My caddie fills in a pretty extensive sheet after every round with every club and every yardage where we missed it, where the wind was, what the conditions were etc. We’ll get a good selection of stats together over three or four months and then we’ll sit down and find out what we’re trending

GIR

68.08%

DRIVING ACCURACY

67.2%

DRIVING DISTANCE

SCRAMBLING

64.2%

309.4yds

PUTTS PER ROUND

SANDSAVES

68.8%

28.1

WORDS KEVIN BROWN P I C T U R E S H OWA RD B OY L A N

Stats were correct at the time of going to press and were up-to-date pre-Dunhill Links.

STROKE AVERAGE

13.2per round

STAT LEADERS

PUTTING

Paul Dunne Ireland

2017 highlights: Won British Masters and runner-up in Trophee Hassan II His putter: Scotty Cameron GoLo S2 (centre-shafted) I’ve always been a good putter, and this year has been a special year. I’ve holed out well and made my fair share of mid-range birdie putts. But I’ve been working hard on it and it’s something that’s improved over the years.

The basics are to make sure the putter is feeling comfortable in my hands – that’s the most important thing – and my forearms are relaxed; my posture needs to be consistent and my alignment needs to be good. Those things are easy to practice. They’re the basics and I try and practise them until I feel comfortable and once I feel comfortable, all I think about is the speed.

Strike is so important and if you’re striking it consistently, you’re speed is going to be good. And once you get dialled in with your speed you just don’t think about it anymore, it becomes automatic.

The idea is to try and make it as reactionary as possible, like throwing keys into a bucket. But first you’ve got to make sure the fundamentals are there and once you’re confident with those, it’s a case of doing the same things over and over.

When I feel I’m set up square, that’s when I’m going to putt well. I have the same rhythm to every stroke, just changing the length of it. Generally it will be fairly short and quick and that’s just how I’ve done it naturally and I don’t envisage that changing.

How you can hole more: Everyone should have one go-to putting drill – not technical, because putting isn’t technical, but say put two tees either side of your putter like a gate and work on your strike.

I work with a ruler – I put my ball on that – and I do that every day. I can match up the putter alignment to the line on the ruler and I can see a straight true line and I know that my ball is starting on the right line, otherwise it will fall off.

You can also try some simple performance drills such as throwing some tees around a hole and see if you can make 36 in a row or whatever.

Or throw eight to 10 in a circle and try and make them all with two or three balls.

It’s good fun and meaningful practice – if you miss the last one, you’ve got to start again.

You could be trying to win a tournament or just making the cut, there’s just fewer people watching.

STATS LIFE...

Averageputts

Putts per GIR

1st

1st

28.1 per round

1.71

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One-putts

1st

6.04 per round

SCRAMBLING

Mike Lorenzo-Vera France 2017 highlights: Five top 10s including 3rd in the French Open His clubs: Titleist Vokey SM6 (52° and 58°); Toulon San Diego putter

I have a passion for chipping, but a big thing for me is that I’m not trying to short-side myself too much with my approach shot. I’m pretty good at scrambling mainly because I have easy chip shots!

With normal chip and runs from about 15-20 yards, I’m just trying to stand the shaft a bit straighter. My stance will see my feet just inside the width of my shoulders which will be aiming a bit left with the club stood a bit on the toe. Then I just drop the club and you should find the sweet spot every time – it’s just physics, and you don’t have to do anything else but just the toe bounce of the club.

My speciality is downhill bunker shots, so don’t put a coin on that and bet against me. I love short-sided bunker shots down the

STATS LIFE...

3rd

64.2%

slope – it’s like red wine for me!

How you can get down in two: My short game has developed since I was young, probably around 10, when I worked on a really small chipping green at my local course in Biarritz. I was there at least two hours a day just loving to try to hole the ball from various lies, good and bad, opening the clubface to the maximum and understanding how it works until I got pretty good at it. Remember, your best friend is the putter, your second best is your sand wedge. Around the greens I’m always taking a 58° sand wedge – I love it. But that’s my personal preference – practice and work out what’s best for you and it’s likely it will be something with a lot less loft.

DRIVING DISTANCE

Lucas Bjerregaard Denmark 2017 highlights: Won Portugal Masters and T8 in British Masters His driver: Titleist 917 D2 Long hitting has always come naturally to me. Since I was teenager I was quite big and have always been able to create power and hit the ball a long way. It’s not something I’ve ever worked at, which is nice – you see a few guys who aren’t that big when they’re growing up and they struggle to find distance. But luckily I’ve always had it so, for me, I try and concentrate more on accuracy.

There’s no doubt it’s an advantage because I’m usually hitting shorter irons into the green. But distance is only an advantage if you can hit it straight, so in an ideal world you want a bit of both. There are a lot of courses where it’s definitely an advantage and when I hit it straight, I’m definitely set up a bit better than a lot of the other

guys – it’s easier to hit it from the fairways as you’ve got more control.

I tee it up quite high and I hit about 3-4 degrees up on it which gives me a high launch, low spin and lets it go forward – virtually the very opposite of many amateurs who hit 4-5 degrees down on it, meaning it’ll come out quite low with a lot of spin.

How you can bomb it: Go and see a fitter who will fix you up with the right driver – I’m sure you’ll quickly find an extra 10-15 yards. It’s the most expensive solution, but the easiest one! You need to make sure you’re flexible enough to hit it hard as well but the big key is to hit up on the ball and don’t be afraid to hit it high –

that’s how you’ll get the furthest carry. You see a lot of players that try to control it and hit down on it, trying to steer it, but tee it high, put it opposite your front foot and just hit up on it.

That’s the best tip I can give.

Also, if you’re looking to hit it hard, don’t grip the club too hard and try and do so straight from the address position.

Remember, the most speed you want is when you actually hit the ball – the quicker you take the club back, the more energy you’ve used so you want it to be nice and smooth.

Build, build, build... and then bingo!

STATS LIFE...

3rd

309.4yards

STAT LEADERS

DRIVING ACCURACY

Wade Ormsby Australia 2017 highlights: 5th in Andalucia Valderrama Masters and tied 5th in Fiji International.

His driver: Titleist 917 D2 (8.5°) My accuracy is a bit of a by-product of not having so much power – if you don’t have a lot of power you have to be straight, so I’ve always had to hit it pretty straight to compete.

I’ve never been a great ball striker, but driving accuracy is something I’ve had to do well along with chipping and putting, which I’m also quite strong at. I’ve always hit draws which I think are probably more reliable to hit off the tee because you’re hitting up on the ball, and with the technology these days and from a driving point of view, hitting up on it is more beneficial. We’ve got a lot of information these days so you know where you have to be within those windows in order to play your best.

With the driver I’m looking to strike it a little bit up, a little bit from the inside and that gives me a little draw.

STATS LIFE...

3rd

67.2%

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How you can hit more fairways: You can’t really change your D&A as a player – you’ve got to keep working at it and try to work on your weaknesses.

You just play within your ability I guess and what feels comfortable to you. Some weeks you drive it better than others, and I feel most comfortable when I just draw it without trying to draw it and not trying to fight it. There’s a difference between finding every fairway and driving it really well – you can actually scatter it down there – and, for me, a combination of both is what you’re looking for.

Hitting fairways is a big part of the game and I think driving has become easier thanks to the big booming drivers, the ball and everything else.

When the courses are set up tough

and the tight fairways are lined by thick, tangly rough, there’s still a big emphasis on hitting fairways regardless of how long you can hit it.

If, like me, you don’t have that ability you really need to do whatever it takes – and with whatever club – to find as many fairways as possible.

Achieve that and you’ll not only have more control over your shots, you’ll have a better chance of scoring par or better.

STATS LIFE...

4th

68.08%

STROKE AVERAGE

Graeme McDowell Northern Ireland

2017 highlights: Just outside top 10 in Dubai Desert Classic, Dunhill Links, Valspar Championship and Honda Classic.

His clubs: Driver: TaylorMade M1 440 (10.5°); Fairway: Srixon Z F45 17°; Hybrid: Adams Idea A7 19°; Irons: Srixon Z 745; Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX; Putter: Odyssey White Hot #7 Scoring average is the result of a lot of different things – playing well, and hanging in there when you’re not playing well. It’s really important to keep big numbers off the card and being able to dig in when the round gets away from you.

It’s been a good putting year for me and I feel like my putting is close to my best again which is exciting as that’s taken a bit of a dip over the past three or four years. I think I’m fourth in strokes gained putting in the PGA Tour stats and ninth in driving accuracy, so two of my big keys are back where I need them to be. Now I’m working on the physical stuff to get a bit of ball speed back though I’ve

resigned myself to never being able to match Dustin Johnson or Rory McIlroy. But ideally I can find an extra 3-4mph.

I’ve gone back to doing things I used to do – we’re not very good at continuing to do the things that made us good! I went back to an old mirror I used to use and set up my own little putting gate with some tees on the mirror and that’s the drill I go to. If you’re great inside ten feet and your speed is good, you can be a great putter. It’s just down to reading after that…

How you can go lower: Firstly, you should look at your putting, especially

inside 10 feet – you can analyse your putting simply by looking at your speed, how many putts you’re holing and you look at your short putt percentages.

After that, distance control is one of the big keys – if you can be pin high more often than not, that’s a good sign your distance control is where it’s at.

Then it’s about driving accuracy, though I’m not sure whether the old ‘drive for show, putt for dough adage’ holds up anymore.

Depending on the course set-up there may be an opportunity to use your stroke and if you’re playing a tree-lined parkland course, we all know you’ve got to keep it in play.

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STATS LIFE...

3rd

13.2greensper round

GREENS IN REGULATION

Graeme Storm England

2017 highlights: Won South African Open, beating Rory McIlroy in a play-off, and four other top 10s His irons: TaylorMade P770 (3-PW) and Titleist Vokey SM6 wedges (52° and 58°) I’m swinging it better than I probably ever have at the moment. I know what I’m doing, I know where I need to be, so I’m striking the ball better.

I’ve always been pretty consistent hitting greens with my 3-5 irons though I might not always get it close enough at times. Plus I’ve improved with my shorter irons so I’m able to attack more pins and give myself more chances.

Swinging well breeds confidence, which gives you a more aggressive outlook when playing to flags. And when you are chipping and putting nicely as well, you’ve got even more confidence so you relax a bit thinking ‘if I miss that green, I can get up and 76 IS SUE 3 6 8 TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK

down.’ Obviously to find the green you’ve got to hit the fairways and obviously there are courses where you can get away with more wayward shots. There are times when you have to drive the ball well to be able to hit the greens – the courses themselves, especially the size of the fairways and greens, are contributory factors.

How you can hit more greens: What I say to club golfers when I play with them in pro-ams is that you get shots, so make sure you use your shots. So if you can’t reach a par-4 in two, give yourself a chance to get it up there and give yourself a chance to

pitch it within 15-20ft and have a putt for a nett birdie. Use your shot as opposed to wasting it by making a five or six. If you play off 12, use your 12 shots and you can drop your handicap to 10 quite quickly. It’s not all about smashing it down there and getting it on the green and making birdies all the time. It comes down to strategy at the end of the day and in a lot of cases, club golfers don’t use strategy.

Another thing I would say to club golfers is if you’re striving to score better, look at the stat showing how many times you’ve hit the ball to within 20ft of the hole. That’s something I’m looking to improve at and so should you…

SAND SAVES

George Coetzee South Africa 2017 highlights: Seven top 10s including T3 in KLM Open.

My wedges: Titleist Vokey SM6 (50°, 56°, 60°)

unker play is bad t in front of the ball good bunker ds are always ball at impact with aning back. ecause hand position he clubface dictates t of the sand wedge’s contact with the en your hands are resents the sharp ge of the club into causing a digging, tact; when your correctly behind, it he curved trailing sole, or the bounce, which gives a more nd more controllable bit technical but if e behind the ball, the nderneath the sand up. mprove from you’ve got to r lie. Taking your

stance is key: when you see guys waggling their feet in the bunker, it’s not for gripping, but for feeling how much sand you’ve got to play with.

The old interpretation of bunker play would be to aim 45° left (righthanders) with the clubface 45° open.

But the new way is to aim square to the target because it’s easier to get your hands behind the ball. Play the ball forward in your stance and keep your weight on the lead foot throughout the swing. Keep the clubface open because once you set your hands behind the ball at address, it actually points the clubface at the target.

Bunker play is an art form, but you’ve got to spend time working on it. As a kid I spent a lot of time messing around in the sand, working out what the sand and the ball does and how to play shots better from all kinds of lies. So take a bucket of balls, get in a bunker and work things out for yourself for a couple of hours – two hours once a week will drastically change your bunker game... I guarantee it.

STATS LIFE...

2nd 68.8%

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MY LIFE IN GOLF

WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO

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‘I’m not playing as well as I want. But it’s a process so don’t judge me yet!’

Boxing legend Wladimir Klitschko is spending more time trying to improve his 18 handicap after hanging up his gloves this summer

F

WORDS KEVIN BROWN

ormer world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko will go down in history as a true King of the Ring. After his dramatic defeat against Brit Anthony Joshua at Wembley in April, the 6ft 6ins Ukrainian decided to retire following a 21-year career in which he won 64 of his 69 fights and at various times held the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO world heavyweight titles.

Klitschko is the second longest serving champion of all time behind Joe Louis with 23 title defences to Louis’s 25, including a nine-year period of 18 consecutive defences. He also won the super-heavyweight Gold medal in the 1996 Olympics before he turned professional. He discovered golf after one of his rare defeats in the ring. He lost to South African Corrie Sanders, a fine golfer himself, in 2003 – a huge upset at the time – and set about studying everything about his opponent. That’s when he found a link to golf...

It’s true, I started playing golf as a result of a fight against the late Corrie Sanders. I thought to myself ‘how did he manage it, he was so good and his hands were lightning fast.’ I wanted to understand and study Corrie better. It’s like in chess: to see what they see, sit where they sit.

The next year I got clubs as a birthday gift and started playing.

What I didn’t realise at the time was that my first clubs were two inches short for me! Not surprisingly, I struggled to hit them properly. But the important thing was I enjoyed it… and had been bitten by the golf bug.

I think my game is gradually improving – I have a few good

P I C T U R E S H OWA RD B OY L A N

days followed by a few bad days.

That’s golf. To be honest, I haven’t really practised a lot – probably only playing about three times in the past year or so, but that was because I was in training, making it tough to fit any golf in. I’m not playing as well as I want. But it’s a process so don’t judge me yet.

Now having retired from boxing I should be able to manage my time better and set a few days aside for some golf. I have got the chance to become a member of PGA National in Florida where there are a lot of great golf courses. I also have homes in Germany and the Ukraine, where you will also find a lot of very good courses – my fellow countryman, footballer Andriy Shevchenko is so good at golf he’s virtually a professional!

As an amateur and a professional boxer, I have achieved everything I dreamed of, and now I want to start my second sporting career.

But I’m definitely not going to become a pro golfer! Golf is probably the most complicated sport you could choose to play... and I’m so happy I’m not doing it for a living. I just want to treat it as a hobby, have fun and enjoy it. I see it as a stepping stone to bringing more enjoyment to my life and that, for me, is what the sport of golf is all about. It’s a great way to relax and unwind from the pressu involved in my career.

I do have a good swing, but it’s about the precision… and that’ what I am looking for. What I fi most challenging is consistency, bu that applies to all levels of golfer whether you’re an amateur or professional. Sure, I have some weaknesses in my game, but I am

SWAPPING GLOVESFOR CLUBS… JOE LOUIS The legendary heavyweight champion was introduced to golf in 1935, a year before he lost for the first time as a pro to Germany’s Max Schmeling – a shock his son partly blamed on his father’s golfing obsession.

SUGAR RAY LEONARD Often regarded as the best boxer of all time, Leonard also has a passion for golf and says “when I play, it is wonderful.”

JOHN CONTEH One of Britain’s best, the former World light heavyweight champ runs his own Golf Classic Series in aid of charity.

going to try to work and improve on them. I can hit a good long ball but the only problem is that it doesn’t always go in the right direction!

Distance-wise I’m not sure, let’s just say pretty far.

When I have adrenaline in my blood I perform better, as I found out at the Dunhill Links in Scotland. You’re on the first tee, trying to make the perfect swing even though there are a lot of people and cameras around. I’m used to that... but not on a golf course! St Andrews is the mecca of golf, and it is an honour to play there with the pros.

I was super-proud and excited to play there again and I don’t think I hit any spectators with my ball!

It was a fantastic experience with plenty of sunshine and good weather.

Unfortunately, my golf wasn’t so hot, though I still had so much fun. I wished I could have played better than I did over the three days, but I now have plenty of time to prepare for the next one.

You know, the best thing about it was the reaction from the crowds. I loved the courteous behaviour of the galleries which makes golf so easy compared to other sports. I mean easy in that I received so many compliments from the people whether I hit an occasional good shot or even a bad shot. I was very surprised that they were so complimentary and that really impressed me and made my week…I need all the help I can get with my game at the moment.

There are some similarities between golf and boxing, as strange as it seems. You have to be mentally and physically in tune, fully concentrated and focussing your mind all the time. Lapse, drop your guard for a split second, and you could be in trouble. That is not an easy thing to do.

Boxing is called the sweet science for a reason. Like golf it’s a complex sport in some ways, but the rules haven’t altered much. But whereas in lf balls can be made softer and are improved with technology, xing little has changed over the , except the number of rounds. he sanctioning bodies, managers romoters can help to ensure the larity of the sport, while others estroy boxing through selfest. Some managers and moters think about the income y are generating rather than the gevity of the sport.

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HE T O H ER E YOU B L P BETT UY ER

Every club tested and rated at www.todaysgolfer.co.uk

EQUIPMENT

NEW LAUNCHES TESTS TG TOP 10s BUYING ADVICE COMPETITIONS

First look at Cobra’s new F8 driver It has a milled face like a top-end putter

INSIDE THIS NEW-LOOK SECTION...

GEAR NEWS

irst look at the full 2018 Cobra line-up

THE TESTS

Blades v cavity backs + Which Gore-Tex?

READER TEST

Cleveland’s all-new CBX wedges

TOP 10s

Featuring the best coloured winter balls

EQUIPMENT NEW LAUNCH

100s more reviews at www.todaysgolfer.co.uk

The new face of Cobra’s drivers The King F8 is the first driver to get milled face just like a premium putte

V

irtually all premium modern drivers make claims about aerodynamic performance, ball speed retention, forgiveness, spin optimisation and adjustability. But none has suggested that a CNC milled face, just like a premium putter, could be the key to hitting shots further and straighter. That is until the launch of Cobra’s King F8.

Cobra say the faces of virtually all premium titanium drivers are handground, which makes it difficult to control the thickness between each head (tolerance). The idea explains why some drivers of the same model feel hotter than others.

Cobra’s research suggests that by precisely CNC milling the F8’s face they’re able to produce the thinnest, hottest and most precise driver face he tech’s off1.5mph. so more or e face to nd hould and

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100% CNC MILLED FACE

Cobra say it’s the first time a CNC milled face has been used in a driver, and thanks to the tech the F8’s face is the thinnest, hottest and most precise they’ve ever created. The tech is so complex there’s three different angles of curve from toe to heel, as well as more/less curve higher/ lower on the face.

NO MORE BRIGHT CROWNS The King F8 is only available in “nardo grey”. Cobra say it’s a popular colour for the latest premium cars.

360° AERO TRIPS Cobra have optimised aerodynamic performance from all angles. It means there’s aerodynamic trips on the crown and sole, and Cobra have specifically shaped the toe area to reduce drag. Better aerodynamics mean you get extra speed for free, with absolutely no trade-offs.

5

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW...

SIMPLE 1 REALLY ADJUSTABILITY

While the previous F7 driver had three sole weights, the F8 has just two. T idea is tha of the F8 a neutral ( g draw bias shot shape, which switching the 12g and 2g sole weights lets you dial in.

2 360° AERO TRIPS SHOT BIAS WEIGHTING Positioning the 12g weight in the heel creates a draw-biased driver, helping square the face at impact and straighten out a slice. Switching the weight to the back port gets you a more neutral set-up, which generates slightly more spin and plenty of forgiveness.

THE DETAILS Price: £329 Lofts: 9-12° Stock shafts: Mitsubishi Tensei CK 50, Aldila NV 2KXV Blue 60, Aldila NV 2KXV Green 65.

Adjustable hosel: Yes Loft change: Eight settings from 9-12° (3 draw settings)

Cobra say the aerodynamics have been optimised for all angles of attack; from the top of the backswing, during the downswing and at impact. Where other brands form aero fins from titanium, Cobra use polymer. It’s 10% of the weight of titanium, which means no mass is positioned inefficiently at the extremities of the head. Cobra reckon the edges of the head have also been rounded out to gain more speed with no trade-offs.

3 ULTRA-LIGHT CARBON-FIBRE Carbon is the mater moment when it co drivers and fairway say the F8’s crow lightweight, and o layers thick. It fre inefficient weigh can be put to be use, improving forgiveness and stability.

4 SHOT-TRACKING TECH

Cobra are sure shot-tracking tech represents the game’s future, so they’re including Arccos sensors with every F8 in 2018. A sensor in the grip talks to your phone app and records where you hit every drive.

Cobra and Arccos say golfers who use it improve by three to five shots (on average) – this might just be the tipping point to convince players to give it a go.

5 THERE’S AN F7+

The model Rickie Fowler will be using in 2018. The head’s a little more compact and there’s front and back sole weights (12g and 2g) to lower/raise launch and/or spin.

Switching the weights will see a 500rpm reduction in spin.

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EQUIPMENT NEW LAUNCH

Watch our video review at www.todaysgolfer.co.uk

Every base is covered in Cobra’s King F8 irons They even come fitted with shot tracking sensors in the grip and two shaft lengths

P

rogressive is a term used way too much in golf. But when it comes to irons, Cobra’s new F8s are as progressive as they come.

Cobra’s engineers have optimised every last spec and component in each iron for a specific purpose on the golf course.

The longer irons have lower profile, hollow heads (4-7-irons) and shorter hosels to get weight low, deep and as far from the face as possible. It means added forgiveness and playability (below).

From the 8-PW the set becomes cavity-backed, with longer hosels to increase control over shot trajectory and spin, while the gap, sand and lob wedges morph into familiar muscleback shapes.

It all adds up to a package that’s more playable, and like last year both models are available in standard or One Length options.

THE DETAILS

Price: £649 (s) £749 (g) for seven clubs (F8 and F8 One Length) Availability: 5-PW, GW Stock shafts: F8: True Temper XP 90 (s), Aldila Rogue Pro 65 (g) F8 One Length: True Temper One Flighted (s), Aldila One Rogue 65 (s)

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INSPIRED BY DECHAMBEAU Cobra pro Bryson racked up a PGA Tour win and more than $1.8 million in 2017, all using One Length irons.

5

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW...

1 FLIGHT D HEAD TECH

WIDE SOLES Cobra engineers have used all the tricks of the trade to ensure the F8s are super-playable and forgiving.

Soles are wider in the longer irons and narrower towards the short.

Different-shaped grooves optimise ball flight and control across the set and lighter shafts help launch shots higher and further.

Flighted long irons go hi and short irons low have bee around f years, b Cobra h the ide the whole c the F8s. It means h bodied 4-7 irons for maxim forgiveness, a cavity-backed 8, 9 and PW as well as a muscleback GW to more closely match your wedges.

2 CARBON DAMPENER

When it comes to golf clubs carbon-fibre doesn’t just remove weight, it’s also excellent for dampening shock and vibration.

The F8’s carbon-fibre badges help dampen vibrations, improving feel and feedback to levels you wouldn’t expect in a game improvement iron.

3 COBRA CONNECT

Cobra are fitting Arccos shot tracking sensors in the grips of every F8 product in 2018. To buy a 14-club pack costs £249 in the UK and you’re getting this for free with a set of irons! The sensors track every shot you play and give access to tour level analytics, which Arccos say helps golfers improve on average by three-five shots a round.

AND 4 TRADITIONAL ONE LENGTH SHAFTS

F8 ONE LENGTH By having every club in the set the same length as your 7-iron, Cobra reckon strike consistency and accuracy are both improved. It’s an idea developed with tour pro Bryson DeChambeau. Flighted shafts help launch long irons higher and further, expect additional control with the short irons.

The choice is yours. Cobra say One Length is a winner and means you can focus on just reproducing one swing for every iron in your bag. It’s a really simple concept, but if it’s not your cup of tea the F8s are available in traditional lengths, too.

ONE LENGTH 5 FIRST HYBR A hybrid th length of y 7-iron soun bonkers, right? It’s trying to p with your n year-old’s but the ide legs. See o test on pag

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EQUIPMENT THE TEST

100s more reviews at www.todaysgolfer.co.uk

The hybrid t t thi it’s a

First verdict on Cobra’s new One Length King F8

G

olf is a breeding ground for eccentric ideas.

Remember Callaway’s square driver? Or Cleveland raving about an “anti-shank” hosel-less VAS iron?

Cobra unveiled their own novel idea in 2017 – One Length irons – and now the concept has been rolled into hybrids.

The new King F8 One Length, launched alongside a new driver and irons (see page 84) features three lofts (19°, 22° and 25°), but each is the length of a 7-iron. It won’t be hitting the shops until February 2018, but we arranged a sneak early test to see how it performed.

COBRA KING F8 ONE LENGTH HYBRID www.cobragolf.co.uk Standing over a hybrid the length of a 7-iron is just plain weird; it’s like playing with your nine-year-old’s clubs. I thinned shots initially as I struggled to get such a short-shafted club down to the bottom of the ball. Crucially, though, I was intrigued enough to keep going as the F8 gave the impression it could do a job for me. I’m glad I stuck at it; within half a basket of balls, shots were pinging higher into the air and more consistently than I ever would expect with a 5/4 iron from the deck. This, say Cobra, is thanks to how the hybrid has a centre of gravity 3.4mm lower and 3.5mm further back from the face than a typical 4-iron, which in club design is substantial.

Recently I’ve realised I carry a 5-iron only six yards further than my 6-iron when hitting shots off the turf, which isn’t a big enough distance gap. The 5-iron only stays in my bag for longer par 3s; essentially it’s a wasted club. After initial reservations at how bonkers an idea a 88 IS SUE 3 6 8 TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK

hybrid the length of my 7-iron is, I’m really shocked how quickly and how much I came to like the F8. It’s a great looking head shape, with neutral cosmetics and the very short shaft generates confidence like no 4- or 5-iron I’ve ever hit. To my mind, it can do a job for golfers who don’t typically generate enough club speed to hit a midiron successfully from the turf.

VERDICT: Where addressing a 4- and 5-iron (including One Length models) gives the sensation of having to swing faster to generate club speed and launch, the shorter-shafted One Length hybrid (after a bit of bedding in) just feels more natural. I certainly didn’t feel I needed my Sunday best swing to get shots airborne or generate the carry required. We certainly aren’t saying One Length hybrids are for everyone, they aren’t. If you don’t have an issue launching and flighting a 5-iron from the turf, move along now, there’s nothing more to see here. But if you do struggle, the F8 One Length is seriously worth exploring. I didn’t think I’d ever say it, but I want one!

THE KEY NUMBERS Ball speed 113mph

Launch Backspin Height angle 3,177 20 16.3º rpm yards

Carry 179 yards

SIMON DADDOW TG Equipment Ed Handicap: 10

WHERE IT FITS INTO THE BAG...

Simon usually carries a 21° 7-wood (195 yards), 23° 4-hybrid (180) and a 23.5° lofted 5-iron in his bag. This is how the 22° One Length hybrid would in

THE TESTER

COBRA BAFFLER 4H 23°

PING G400 5-IRON

Cobra always said loft has a bigger effect on carry distance than shaft length, and that plays out here.

The One Length ball speed is 3mph slower than a traditional hybrid with similar loft, but carry distance is virtually identical.

Simon would replace this hybrid with the One Length model.

Crucially, even though backspin is reduced with the single-length hybrid, shot height is a fraction higher than a 5-iron. It means shots will still stop on a green.

With a 14-yard gap (from the One Length hybrid) to a 6-iron (165 yards) there might be a case for carrying a 5H and 3H instead.

Ball Launch speed angle Backspin Height Carry 25 181 116mph 16.8º 4,514 rpm yards yards

Ball Launch speed angle Backspin Height Carry 19 173 111mph 16.3° 3,384 rpm yards yards

PRACTICE...

‘CARPET CUP’ PORTABLE HOLE

PRACTICE...

‘DOUGHNUT’ HOLE REDUCER

THE DETAILS

Price: £169 Lofts: 3H-19° / 4H-22º / 5H -25º Stock shafts: Aldila Rogue Pro One Length

MORE WEIGHT

Extra internal weight increases shot trajectory.

PRACTICE...

SHOT TRACKER

‘RIGHT ANGLE’ PUTTING ALIGNMENT

An Arccos sensor in the grip tracks where you hit every shot.

PRACTICE...

‘PURE PUTT” PUTTING GATE

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EQUIPMENT THE TEST

100s more reviews at www.todaysgolfer.co.uk

Galvin Green Gore-Tex v Paclite v Stretch C-Knit

It’s all waterproof. It’s all breathable. So which Gore-Tex jacket should you buy?

G

alvin Green are clear market leaders when it comes to waterproofs. They don’t make shoes, or gloves or balls – just clothing that’s been designed to perform on the course. And as clothing is their No.1 priority – and waterproofs in particular – Galvin’s design team spend every waking hour thinking of nothing else. They scour the globe for new fabrics.

They obsess over zips that keep water out. They spent

months creating the perfect pocket that won’t collect water. This quest to find the ideal outwear means Galvin now offers three different Gore-Tex fabrics in 2017, all of which boast of their own tech and price point. That led us to ask – which is best? How different are they? And how do you go about choosing one? We spoke to their lead designer Mats Lundqvist to find out.

THE DETAILS Price: £340 (example jacket Allen) Medium sized jacket weight: 420g

GORE-TEX SHELL LAYER WITH MESH Designed for... Golfers wanting a high performance breathable waterproof jacket, but who also desire the extra comfort a liner delivers. They’re perfect as a multi-function jacket, for those who do outdoor pursuits like walking. TG equipment Ed Simon Daddow has even climbed mountains in his.

Galvin Green says... The shell layer is Galvin’s original Gore-Tex fabric. It’s completely waterproof, windproof and breathable. The weight’s heavier than later fabrics (Paclite and Stretch with C-Knit), but most of that extra weight comes down to the mesh liner inside the jacket, not the Gore-Tex. The loose inner liner gives a softer feel (which lots of golfers prefer), and because it’s another layer more body heat is trapped to keep you warmer.

Our verdict: If we’re splitting hairs the liner adds a little extra bulk and inhibits breathability a fraction over a non-lined garment. But it’s the comfort and durability a liner delivers that for many golfers is a trade-off worth making to be comfortable. A shell-layer jacket is truly an all-rounder that’s just as at home off the golf course as it is on it.

WHY THIS IS MY CHOICE...

CAMILLA TAIT: “I’ve had a shell layer Galvin Green jacket for years and it just keeps on giving. I put a premium on warmth, but also want the lightest, least swing inhibiting waterproof jacket I can get my hands on. I like to use my waterproof jacket away from the golf course (country walking), so the Shell layer offers everything I need in a single jacket.”

WHAT IS GORE-TEX? Gore-Tex was invented in 1969 by a guy called Bob Gore. He realised he could create a micro-porous membrane that was 70% air and contained over 1.4 billion microscopic pores per square cm. Every pore is 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet, but 700 times larger than a water vapour molecule. That means

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rain water is kept outside the membrane while sweat inside is able to escape. They don’t just make waterproofs, either – Gore-Tex is used in everything from space suits to heart surgery.

Galvin Green believe Gore-Tex is so good it’s the only membrane they’ve ever used to create their waterproofs since starting out in 1990.

CHRIS JONES TG Editor Handicap: 11

SIMON DADDOW TG Equipment Ed Handicap: 10

CAMILLA TAIT TG Online Editor Handicap: 10

THE TESTERS

GORE-TEX PACLITE Designed for... Thanks to being lighter and less bulky Paclite jackets are perfect for golfers who want to take up as small a space in their bag as possible. They’re the ideal choice for golfers who hate wearing waterproof jackets as they’re so lightweight. If you hate fastening cuffs round your wrists, Galvin also offer several half-sleeved models.

THE DETAILS Price: £280 (example jacket Avery) Medium sized jacket weight: 290g

Galvin Green says... Until we launched C-Knit in 2017, Paclite was our lightest Gore-Tex jacket. The whole idea was to create a super-lightweight garment which is guaranteed water and windproof, but combine it with ultimate breathability. Some of the latest Paclite jackets incorporate areas of stretch material (back and elbows) to increase flexibility, too.

Our verdict... The lack of a liner means this jacket’s less bulky making it very much a performance garment for the course. No liner also means the fabric touches your skin if you’re wearing a T-shirt, giving a cooler, harsher feel than a lined alternative. Most golfers layer up properly beneath Paclite jackets to ensure comfort and warmth on the golf course.

WHY THIS IS MY CHOICE...

SIMON DADDOW: “I don’t like wearing a waterproof jacket; no matter how light they are I just feel restricted. Paclite is my choice as I really want the least amount of bulk from a jacket and I’m happy to layer up under a half-sleeved waterproof top. I only carry a pencil bag, so space for packing a waterproof is severely limited, too.”

GORE-TEX STRETCH (WITH C-KNIT BACKER) Designed for... Primarily down to the cost the C-Knit will find its place on the backs of serious golfers who demand to play in all conditions and don’t mind shelling out for the privilege. Galvin realises there’s a market for this type of jacket, but it’s only available at selected stockists.

Galvin Green says... The lightest waterproof jacket in Galvin’s range has a revolutionary Japanese fabric inside which delivers a silky-smooth feel, eliminating the cooler, rougher feel of Gore-Tex Paclite. This is the material that was given to the European Ryder Cup team at Hazeltine.

Our verdict... Thanks to some serious R&D work the C-Knit backer barely impacts on breathability and because it’s the only jacket made entirely from stretch material you get a more personalised fit to you and your swing than any other. For us the C-Knit is the ultimate waterproof jacket when it comes to keeping out the wind, staying dry and being comfortable on the golf course, but it does come at a cost.

THE DETAILS Price: £380 (example jacket Achilles) Medium sized jacket weight: 275g

WHY THIS IS MY CHOICE...

CHRIS JONES: “I’ve owned both other types of Galvin Green Gore-Tex jackets, but for me the C-Knit is the ultimate. It is the most lightweight, natural feeling waterproof jacket I’ve owned, and the stretch fabric (over the whole jacket) is a bonus. The best part for me is that you can wear it over a T-shirt and it doesn’t feel clammy or sticky, like other waterproof jackets.”

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EQUIPMENT PRIZE DRAW

Win an Under Armour ColdGear Infrared Reactor jacket worth £125 Get your hands on the latest cold-weather clothing featuring UA’s groundbreaking innovation

W

e’ve teamed up with Under Armour to offer eight lucky readers the chance to get their hands on an Under Armour ColdGear Reactor jacket, which uses the same technology worn by Jordan Spieth when he hit “that” shot from the practice ground at The Open.

Under Armour, who have been dominant in the UK’s winter apparel market thanks to their groundbreaking innovations, say their ColdGear Reactor is the next great cold-weather innovation. Developed in-house, ColdGear Reactor is a brand-

new technology which acts as your own personal thermostat out on the course, responding to your climate and effort level to warm you up when you’re less active, cool you down as you heat up and maintain your body temperature at an optimum level.

The ColdGear Reactor’s adaptive fabric traps warmth, whilst releasing excess heat and moisture so you stay comfortable, with no damp feeling. To make sure you stay dry, warm and comfortable on the course this winter go to the TG website and enter today.

HOW TO ENT R

ADAPTS

The fabric traps the warmth, but releases excess heat to keep you comfortable.

INNOVATIVE

UA say their ColdGear Reactor tech is the next great cold-weather innovation.

E N T E R N O W AT W W W

O D AY S G O L F E R . C O . U K / W I N

THE TEST

For

Find your perfect irons at www.todaysgolfer.co.uk

l e

i y-b ck irons

One is for Tour stars, the other’s for the rest of us... but what’s the difference in the real world?

B

lades or cavity-backs? It’s a debate that’s raged over a pint in golf club bars ever since Ping invented the first Ping Eye cavity iron in the 1960s. Forged blades, with their smaller, sleeker heads often catch the eye of golfers prone to buying with the heart, not the head.

Such beautifully designed models tug at the heart strings, yet for most of us (particularly those who are realistic about our own ability), a larger, chunkier plus-sized cavityback iron would represent a much

sounder investment in performance.

This has been a stellar year for new forged blades. TaylorMade were first to the party, unveiling Rory’s new P730s. Then Mizuno lifted the lid on their MP-18s, and recently Callaway revealed the new Apex MB. With such high-profile sets featuring in the bags of Tour stars in 2018, now felt like the perfect time to put the newest forged blades up against their cavity-back cousins.

The idea was to show how different the performance really is, and prove

whether blades are really only for the best ball strikers in the game.

How we did it To ensure an accurate and repeatable strike TG test pro Chris Ryan hit shots with the blade and cavity back model from each brand (using a premium ball) on our launch monitor. We collected data for each shot hit, rejecting major misses.

After analysing the data and considering feedback from Chris we came up with our verdict on each. ➔

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EQUIPMENT THE TEST CALLAWAY APEX MB www.callawaygolf.com OUR VERDICT: Callaway haven’t launched a new forged blade for years. In fact, it wasn’t until Rory became a free equipment agent that a new muscleback first appeared on the scene. To any eye the Apex is a thing of beauty, a sleek, slender and beautifully flowing muscleback design. Some will say the polished chrome finish glares in bright sunshine, but when it comes to head shape and raw blade appeal, the MB is top of the pile. Our test pro reckons less

than one per cent of golfers need blades, which sort of bears itself out on tour.

Forged irons are hands down preferred by tour players, but only 10 per cent put blades in play. With a 7-iron loft 4° weaker (that’s a whole club of difference), and no speed face tech to speak of, it’s no surprise the Apex MB had a ball speed 9mph slower (which is huge) than the Big Bertha OS. There aren’t many golfers who can give up 15 yards of carry distance with a 7-iron just for a nicer looking club, but it shows brilliantly what’s on the line when choosing a set of irons designed for the world’s best golfers.

7-IRON DATA...

Ball speed 127mph Launch angle

15°

Backspin 5,476rpm Height

31 yards

Carry distance 184 yards

APEX MB

Price: £1,049 Availability: 2-PW, AW Stock shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold 7-iron loft and length: 34° /37”

BIG BERTHA OS

Price: £849 (s) £1,099 (g) Availability: 4-PW, AW, SW (stock set 4-PW or 5-SW) Stock shaft: True Temper Speed Step 80 (s), UST Recoil ES 460 (g) 7-iron loft and length: 30° / 37.25”

If these two are too extreme...

CALLAWAY BIG BERTHA OS www.callawaygolf.com OUR VERDICT: Hollow-head irons are trending up quicker than Justin Thomas’ rise to global golf superstar. Callaway are ahead of the curve as the hollow OS launched 18 months ago and we’ve been big fans of them ever since. And that’s because the benefits of creating an internal cavity iron, like a hybrid, are huge.

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Like never before, it’s possible to increase forgiveness without making the head the size of a shovel. Inside the OS head there’s a cage like structure which removes inefficient weight from every conceivable corner. Yes, the OS has a stronger loft than the MB, which is in part where the extra ball speed and distance come from. But what’s really impressive is how shots peak out higher than the blade, meaning shots not only go further, with increased consistency, they also stop on a green, too.

7-IRON DATA...

Ball speed 136mph Launch angle

13°

Backspin 5,165rpm Height

32 yards

Carry distance 199 yards

Callaway’s new X Forged irons aren’t quite in the middle of the range between the OS and MB, but they give an excellent indicator how much more forgiveness a cavity back brings to the party over a blade.

2mph of ball speed, five yards of carry distance w likelyhood of hit more greens in regulation more often should be the factor in choosing a forge cavity over a bla Ball speed

Launch Backspin Height Carry angle 32 189 129mph 15° 4,958rpm yards yards

CHRIS RYAN Director at the HIT Academy at Forest of Arden, Warks.

TAYLORMADE P730 www.taylormadegolf.com OUR VERDICT: With Dustin Johnson and Justin Rose still playing TaylorMade’s 2014 forged blade, iron supremo Tomo Bystedt must of felt some serious pressure when he sat down to design the P730s. Rumour has it Justin Rose helped out with the shaping, DJ told him what not to change and Rory came in at the end and put a set in play before either of them. Forget forgiveness – there simply isn’t any. The best ball strikers in the game want a centre of gravity close to the

face so they can think about shaping shots (and it happens) without worrying about changing their swing to loop shots into tight flag positions. In our opinion there’s very little to choose between the three blades on test (though the P730 is the only one to have CNC milled faces), they’re all stunning. But 24 yards of difference in carry distance from the P730 7-iron to the M2 should set alarm bells ringing if you had any aspirations at all of putting a set of the gorgeous P730s in the bag. DJ, Rory and Rosey get away with it because of their incredible skill levels. The rest of us can only dream.

THE TESTER

7-IRON DATA...

Ball speed 124mph Launch angle

15°

Backspin 5,932rpm Height

31 yards

Carry distance 176 yards

P730

Price: £1,049 Availability: 3-PW Stock shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold 7- iron loft and length: 35°/ 36.75”

M2

Price:£699 (s), £799 (g) Availability: 4-PW, AW, SW, LW Stock shaft: TM REAX HL 88 (s) TM REAX (g) 7-iron loft and length: 28.5° / 37”

If these two are too extreme...

TAYLORMADE M2 www.taylormadegolf.com OUR VERDICT: TaylorMade have taken plenty of stick for de-lofting irons to help golfers hit shots further. Unbelievably, the 28.5° M2 7-iron would be a 5.5 iron in a P730 – that’s how much difference there is between these two sets. At the outset of pitting blades against cavities we had no idea the results would be so damning – 24 yards of carry distance difference between P730 and M2 is enormous, and

speaks for itself. But an extra 10mph of ball speed from two 7-irons is just light years apart. Our test pro reckoned the M2 and other cavity irons felt more explosive at impact, which validates at least some of the brand’s fast face tech claims. Even though the M2 has undergone some serious acoustic engineering, sound is very different to the P730. But in our opinion, any average golfer putting such a precedent on sound and feel to give up 24 yards of carry distance with a 7-iron would be absolutely bonkers.

7-IRON DATA...

Ball speed 134mph Launch angle

14°

Backspin 4785rpm Height

34 yards

Carry distance 200 yards

TaylorMade’s P790s sit right between better player irons and a game improver model. They look great at address, but thanks to the hollow heads rammed full of tech they’re almost as forgiving as a full-on cavity.

With ball speed and distance numbers much closer to th muscleback, golf are making much less of a trade-off A great choice fo anyone wanting move up the ladd to a game improv Ball speed

Launch Backspin Height Carry angle 33 196 133mph 14° 5,112rpm yards yards

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EQUIPMENT THE TEST MIZUNO MP-18 MB golf.mizunoeurope.com OUR VERDICT: Tour player equipment contracts are getting harder and harder to come by, with the upshot being more pros are playing the gear they like, rather than the gear they’re paid to play. For Mizuno (who never like splashing big bucks on a huge tour staff) it’s been a revelation, as the likes of Paul Casey and US Open champ Brooks Koepka have put Mizuno irons in the bag through choice. The longawaited MP-18s were launched in August and judging by the number of forum

posts, tweets and Facebook likes there’s some serious love out there for them.

They’re a stunning reincarnation of some of Mizuno’s best blades of the past. Even though the sole and top edge are almost half the size of the JPX 900 Hot Metal, our test pro hit them really nicely into a tight dispersion circle. We reckon though if you buy a set of blades you’re highly likely to be guided by brand. Our test shows how musclebacks, made from very similar materials, have little or no game improving tech and very often come with the same Dynamic Gold shaft, so performance is very similarly matched.

BUY WHAT YOU USE Mizuno are the only brand in this test to sell individual irons, meaning you only pay for the clubs you actually need.

7-IRON DATA...

Ball speed 125mph Launch angle

15°

Backspin 4,864rpm Height

31 yards

Carry distance 184 yards

MP-18

Price: £135 per iron Availability: 3-PW Stock shaft: Choose from 16 leading models 7- iron loft and length: 34° / 36.75”

JPX 900 HOT METAL

Price: £105 per iron Availability: 4-LW Stock shaft: 16 options 7-iron loft and length: 31° / 36.75”

If these two are too extreme...

MIZUNO JPX 900 HOT METAL golf.mizunoeurope.com OUR VERDICT: Mizuno’s heritage is forged irons; it’s the product they’re known for making and as such they probably don’t get quite the recognition they deserve for their game improver cast irons. The JPX 900 Hot Metal is certainly nothing like the longest or most forgiving iron out there, but what it does have that 96 IS SUE 3 6 8 TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK

many don’t is a great looking head, a sound which is well above average for the category and the option of tons of premium shafts (16 to be precise) at no extra cost. For us, all of the above, no matter what the hard numbers say, make the Mizuno a very attractive proposition for club golfers looking to role together good looks and as much performance enhancing tech as they can get their hands on. Plus, it’s a Mizuno – a brand that still has a high level of desire among serious golfers.

7-IRON DATA...

Ball speed 126mph Launch angle

15°

Backspin 4,751rpm Height

30 yards

Carry distance 186 yards

Mizuno reckon the MMCs deliver similar levels of forgiveness as the Ping Eye 2 iron, which two decades ago was one of the most forgiving irons available. Though the head is forged, with a very bladey like look, tungsten improves playability and forgiveness to a decent level. From a similar 7-iron loft (2° difference to the MB) the MMC offered eight yards more carry and more forgiveness Ball speed

Launch Backspin Height Carry angle 28 192 127mph 14º 3,972rpm yards yards

READER TEST

More reviews of the CBX at www.todaysgolfer.co.uk

‘I was surprised how good they feel’ Four regular golfers put Cleveland’s brand-new cavity-back CBX wedges to the test

C

leveland reckon 84 per cent of golfers play cavity-back irons.

Yet most of those golfers use tour-style bladed wedges, which are heavier and less forgiving than their irons. It makes no sense, so Cleveland recently launched a brand-new cavity-back CBX wedge which is said to be more accurate, more forgiving and boasts the same high-spin tech as their tourstyle RTX-3. We asked four TG readers to put them to the test.

Q What do you think to the idea and look of cavity-backed wedges?

KN: If they give golfers extra confidence and match their irons more closely I think they’re a sound idea. These look good at address, I’d struggle to notice a difference in size to my usual wedges.

DD: It’s a sensible idea. Most golfers use cavity irons, so why not wedges? These look virtually identical to the RTX-3 at address, they’re good looking clubs that inspire confidence. I reckon other golfers would be surprised, too.

MD: The idea is so simple and makes complete sense. I think the concept will benefit lots of club golfers; I can’t believe somebody hasn’t thought of it before.

BT: The wider sole is a huge advantage as it stops the head digging into the turf. Side by side I wouldn’t be able to spot which was the cavity CBX. Poor shots with my wedges usually fall short of the flag which is down to a poor connection; the CBX seems to be eliminating this from my game.

certainly recommend it.

BT: There’s not as many bounce options with the CBX, but I still think a proper fitting is recommended. It’s worth taking the opportunity to figure out your wedge distances and gapping, for me it just breeds confidence.

KN: Feel was really good; I’d say the CBX are probably a fraction softer than my Vokeys. I can’t say I was more accurate with them, but I was no further away than I’d expect to be with my own wedges.

DD: The CBX was much more forgiving and consistent than my previous Nike wedges. I feel they generated more spin too. They’ve increased confidence in my approach play and chipping.

BT: I can’t say feel was any different compared to my RTX-2 wedges, which is good. During the fitting I saw spin was higher, and this was down to the strike and connection being better,

KEVIN NORTH Handicap eight

which has to prove the CBX works.

Q What’s your overall opinion on them?

Q How did the CBX perform for accuracy, spin and feel?

Cleveland CBX wedges £109 Lofts: 46° / 48° / 50° / 52° / 54° / 56° / 58° / 60° clevelandgolf.co.uk

KN: I like them. The weight and feel are great. They don’t look big at address, shots feel good off the face and if you have cavity-back irons I reckon these are an ideal addition to a club golfer’s set.

DD: They’re excellent. The fitting has really sorted out my gapping, the CBX look and feel great. My biggest gain has been consistency.

I was surprised how good they feel, I’d definitely recommend them.

MD: What I’ve taken from this is just how important proper fitting really is. It could be argued as there’s such a premium on accuracy in the short game, having the right lie angle and shaft length is even more important.

BT: I’ve seen my approach and bunker play improve already. If you can convince yourself results are more important than having pretty bladed wedges, you’ll benefit, too.

DARREL DALEY Handicap 13

BRIAN TRACY Handicap six

Q Cleveland insisted on fitting you for these – what did you think of the process, and would you recommend a wedge fitting to other golfers?

KN: Martin the fitter was very thorough and professional, which gave me confidence that what I was fitted for was going to suit me. I’ve never been fitted before, but I now understand how important being fitted for each part of your game is.

DD: The fitting showed how far out my gapping was, 40 yards between my PW and GW was way off. Martin also spotted how different the shaft weights were between my own irons and wedges.

MD: The process was invaluable and the fitter’s knowledge was a real eye-opener. Within hitting a few shots he spotted where my weaknesses lay. I’ve never been fitted for wedges before, but I’d

THE

MARK DOODY Handicap eight

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EQUIPMENT SHOWCASE

Watch our video review at www.todaysgolfer.co.uk

The arrival of a warm front

High performance jackets designed to keep you cosy in the cold this winter

Ping Norse £140 Full zip lightweight insulation, with quilted front. The Norse is also breathable, water resistant and has stretch properties. www.pingcollection.co.uk

Galvin Green Doyle £99.95 We’re big fans of full zip jackets, it makes garments easier to get on and off. The Doyle’s premium Insula fabric means you’ll look the part and be ultra warm and comfortable. www.galvingreen.com

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LAYER UP FOR ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE Wear several thinner layers and you’ll stay warmer and be more comfortable. Plus you can take a layer off should the temperature rise.

Galvin Green Insula Dash £125

Puma PWRWarm Reversible Gilet £95

UA ColdGear Reactor Hybrid £65

Pullover style ¼ zip jacket with exceptional breathability. Insula fabric has built-in air chambers to trap body heat and keep you warm. www.galvingreen.com

Perfect for golfers who hate wearing long sleeves. Super lightweight down, offering wind and cold weather protection. www.cobragolf.co.uk/pumagolf

Under Armour reckon the Reactor responds to your activity to maintain an even temperature.

The fabric is low profile, so it’s not bulky. www.underarmour.co.uk

adidas climaheat quilted £89

Callaway Thermal Pullover £49.99

Pro Quip Therma-Tour £79.99

The hollow-core Climaheat fabric is inspired by natural fur to trap your body heat and dry faster.

It also looks the business, too. www.adidas.co.uk

Much more jumper than jacket, a fitted cut and ¼ zip means your swing won’t be inhibited. www.callawayeuropeapparel.com

A windproof jacket with quilted body and microfleece inner to keep you comfortable in all conditions. Also available as a gilet. www.proquipgolf.com

Sunderland Front Padded £79.95

Mizuno Breath Thermo Gilet £90

FootJoy Thermal Fleece £120

A full-zip stylish jacket capable of keeping out the cold and a light shower. It’s breathable with plenty of padded insulation to keep you toasty. www.glenmuir.com

Mizuno reckon the printed pattern on the outer converts UV rays from the outer into warmth inside the jacket. Ingenious. golf.mizunoeurope.com

A versatile jacket perfect for the British climate.

A DWR finish means it’s capable of keeping you dry in a mist or light rain. www.footjoy.co.uk TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK IS SUE 3 6 8 99

TOP 10s Our no-nonsense verdicts on the best clubs of 2017. More at todaysgolfer.co.uk TOP 10 DRIVERS UNDER £280 Benross HTX Compressor £149 I www.benrossgolf.com Our verdict: Benross has been the king of “value” drivers for 10 years and the Compressor continues the trend. Its whole design shouts forgiveness and playability, and has an impressive package of components for less than £150.

Lofts: 10.5°, 12°, 14° Stock shaft: Kuro Kage Black TiNi Adjustable hosel: No

Cobra King F7 £279 I www.cobragolf.co.uk Our verdict: At a time when prices have sky-rocketed, the King F7 is remarkable value. It produced one of the longest single shots of our test (316 yards carry), so it’s no slouch. The ability to track drives via Cobra Connect is brilliant. Soon to be replaced.

Lofts: 9-12° Stock shaft: Fujikura Pro 60 Adjustable hosel: Yes How much loft change: Eight settings from 9-12°

Lynx Black Cat £259 I www.lynxgolf.co.uk Our verdict: The Black Cat is the best driver Lynx has made for some time. The deep face won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re looking for a sensibly priced, powerful driver with a reasonable degree of forgiveness, you’ve found one.

Lofts: 8.5°-12.5° Stock shaft: Grafalloy ProLaunch Adjustable hosel: Yes How much loft change: +/-2°

Wilson Staff D300 £279 I www.wilson.com Our verdict: Wilson’s idea of going super-light with every component is an interesting concept. In our minds there’s no doubt the concept’s sound, as long as you’re able to “time” shots on a consistent basis.

Lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 13° Stock shaft: Matrix Speed Rulz A-Type Adjustable hosel: Yes How much loft change: +/-1°

P100 / DRIVERS FROM £149-£479 P101 / FAIRWAY WOODS P102 / BETTER PLAYER IRONS P103 / WEDGES P104 / PUTTERS

IN MY BAG BACK-TO-BACKWINS TYRRELLHATTON The Englishman romped up the Race to Dubai rankings with consecutive wins in the Dunhill Links and Italian Open, this is what he had in his bag.

Driver: Ping G400 LST 8.5º, Mitsubishi Fubuki K 60X shaft Fairway wood: TaylorMade M2 16.5º, Graphite Design Tour AD-BB 7X shaft Utility iron: Ping G400 Crossover #4, Project X 6.0 shaft Irons: Ping i200 5 – PW, Project X 6.0 shafts Wedges: Ping Glide 2.0 (50º and 54º) Titleist Vokey SM6 (58º), Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 shafts Putter: Ping Vault Oslo

Yonex EZONE Elite £199 I www.yonex.co.uk Our verdict: The Elite looks huge from front to back, and because it’s so big it’s not as deep as many of the drivers we tested. For plenty of golfers that will mean extra confidence and much-needed launch.

Lofts: 10°, 12° Stock shaft: Yonex M60 Adjustable hosel: Yes How much loft change: +/-1.5°

TOP 5 DRIVERS OVER £380 Callaway GBB Epic £469 I www.callawaygolf.com Our verdict: There’s no doubt Callaway has hit on something with their new Jailbreak tech. All three testers saw some impressive numbers from the Epic. And we don’t think you’ll find a better sounding driver in 2017 – muted, yet powerful.

Lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 13.5° Stock shafts: Aldila Rogue Max, Project X HZRDUS T800, Fujikura Pro Green, Diamana Adjustable hosel: Yes

Callaway GBB Epic Sub Zero £469 I www.callawaygolf.com Our verdict: If you’ve thought “Sub Zero” CG drivers are just for hard hitters, think again. Our amateur testers saw slightly better results with the SZ over Epic. If you’ve the club speed to launch it, you can seriously benefit from the extra forgiveness.

Lofts: 9°, 10.5° Stock shafts: Aldila Rogue MAX, Project X HZRDUS, Fujikura Pro Green Adjustable hosel: Yes How much loft change: -1° / +2°

Mizuno JPX900 £399 I Golf.mizunoeurope.com Our verdict: The JPX900 is by some way the best driver Mizuno has ever made. Yes, it has so many different settings you’ll need a physics degree to set it up correctly. But take the time with a fitter to dial it in; the JPX900 is seriously good.

Lofts: 7.5°-11.5° Stock shaft: Fujikura Speeder Evolution 2 (custom fit shafts at no extra cost) Adjustable hosel: Yes How much loft change: 8 settings

TaylorMade M1 £479 I www.taylormadegolf.com Our verdict: For our consistent pro, it was his longest driver of 2017. His repeatable swing delivered an average 171mph of ball speed and a 300-yard average carry; 5mph faster and 14 yards longer than his test average.

Lofts: 8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5°, 12° Stock shaft: Project X HZRDUS / Fujikura Pro XLR8 / Mitsubishi Kuro Kage & 30+ options Adjustable hosel: Yes

Titleist 917 D2 £450 I www.titleist.co.uk Our verdict: You can’t fault the D2, it’s a really solid driver.

Some will say it lacks the “wow factor”, and its head shape is pretty wide. But as long as you get fitted it’s more than capable.

A range of premium shafts at no extra charge is fantastic.

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Lofts: 8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5°, 12° Stock shafts: Aldila Rogue Max / Fujikura Speeder Pro / Mitsubishi Diamana Adjustable hosel: Yes

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FREE POWAKADDY BAG Powakaddy are giving away a free cart bag (worth £219.99) with all lithium powered electric trolleys bought between Nov 7 and December 24.

TOP 10 FAIRWAY WOODS Callaway GBB Epic £279 I www.callawaygolf.com Our verdict: Epic fairways don’t have the same “jailbreak” tech as the drivers, but that doesn’t mean they’re a slouch when it comes to power. A ball speed 2mph quicker and carry 10 yards further than our test average is seriously impressive.

T O U R S TAT S WHICHDRIVERWON THEMOSTTOUR EVENTSIN2017?

Lofts:3+/14°;3/14°;5/18°;H’wood/20.5°; 7/21°, 9/24° Stock shaft: Project X HZRDUS, Fujikura Pro, Diamana M+ Green, Aldila Rogue Adjustable hosel: Yes

Callaway XR 16 £189 I www.callawaygolf.com

Our verdict: A very good fairway with a face depth that’s just as useful from the tee as it is the fairway. Thanks to the forgiveness you don’t need to be the world’s best ball-striker to get a decent performance from its well-engineered head.

Lofts: 3+/14°; 3/15°; 4/17°; 5/19°; 7/21°; 9/23°; 11/25° Stock shaft: Fujikura Speeder Evolution 565 Adjustable hosel: No

Cobra King F7 £189 I www.cobragolf.co.uk

Our verdict: Our test pro wasn’t sold on the squashed, wide head, but for amateurs it’s a really good design. Baffler rails help you get shots airborne, because lots of mass is located very low in the head.

Lofts: 3-4/13-16°; 5-6/17°-20°; 7-8/21°-24° Stock shaft: Fujikura Pro 65 Adjustable hosel: Yes How much loft change: 3° (three draw settings)

Mizuno JPX900 £279 I Golf.mizunoeurope.com

Our verdict: A really nice fairway that will perform at its best in the hands of mid to fast swing speeds. In the hands of a serious golfer, and with the right set-up, it’s workable and versatile off fairway or tee.

Lofts: 3/15°; 5/18°; 7/21° Stock shaft: Fujikura Speeder Evolution 2 Adjustable hosel: Yes How much loft change: +/-2°

Ping G400 £240 I www.ping.com

Our verdict: Extra ball speed boosting tech over the previous G model thanks to a new maraging steel face. If you’re not a fan of hybrids the 7 and 9 wood fill loft gaps to a set of irons really nicely. A powerful and forgiving fairway wood.

Lofts: 3/14.5°; 5/17.5°; 7/20.5°; 9/23.5° plus 13° Stretch Stock shaft: Alta CB High Balance Point Adjustable hosel: Yes How much loft change: +/-1°

8 WINS EACH TaylorMade M1 (winning $17,107,000)

TaylorMade M2 (winning $10,584,000)

4 WINS EACH Callaway Epic (winning $5,400,000)

Titleist 917 D2 (winning $6,291,000)

3 WINS EACH Callaway Great Big Bertha

Ping G400 SFT £240 I www.ping.com

Our verdict: Higher lofts and slighty lighter swingweigts help launch shots higher and further. Extra heel weighting helps if you struggle to stay away from the right side of the course.

Doesn’t look like an all out game-improvement model either.

Lofts: 3/16°; 5/19°; 7/22° Stock shafts: Alta CB High Balance Point Adjustable hosel: Yes How much loft change: +/- 1°

Srixon Z F65 £229 I www.srixon.co.uk

Our verdict: The F65 is more punishing on off-centre hits than some of the competition, but we can’t take anything away from its powerful performance. If you only carry one fairway the 17° 4-wood would be an excellent option.

Lofts: 3+/13.5°, 3/15°, 4/17°, 5/19° Stock shaft: Miyazaki Kaula Mizu 6 Adjustable hosel: No

Titleist 915 D2 (winning $4,365,000)

1 WIN EACH Cobra F7+ (winning $1,152,000) PXG 0811X (winning $1,350,000) Cobra King Ltd Pro (winning $1,008,000)

Titleist 917 D3 (winning $1,080,000)

TaylorMade M1 £279 I www.taylormadegolf.com

Our verdict: The M1 was an absolutely top performer in our test in the hands of our pro. It is 25cc smaller (150cc) than the M2 and as much as that makes for a cute little head sat behind the ball, it does mean slightly less forgiveness.

(winning $4,108,000)

Lofts: 3/15°; 3HL/17°; 5/19° Stock shaft: Mitsubishi Kuro Kage TiNi Adjustable hosel: Yes How much loft change: +/- 2°

TaylorMade M2 £229 I www.taylormadegolf.com

Our verdict: The M2 really is pimped for distance and forgiveness in the hands of the club golfer. Both amateurs found it a much better fit than M1, so it was no surprise it delivered the longest carry – 12 yards further than average.

Lofts: 3/15°, 3HL/16.5°, 5/18°, 5HL/21°, 7HL/24° Stock shaft: TM REAX Adjustable hosel: No

Titleist 917 F2 £280 I www.titleist.co.uk

Our verdict: It’s really simple and unfussy, which slightly better golfers often prefer. If you’re going to pay this much for a fairway make sure you get properly fitted, Titleist offers an excellent shaft choice at no extra cost.

Lofts: 13.5°/15°/16.5°/ 18°/21° Stock shafts: Aldila Rogue Max, Fujikura Speeder Pro TS 84, Mitsubishi Diamana Blue 70/Red 60 Adjustable hosel: Yes

TaylorMade’s M1 and M2 drivers banked 16 wins between them.

FIVEPAIRSOFTROUSERSTHATWILLKEEPYOUWARM…

Under Armour ColdGear Infrared £70

www.underarmour.co.uk

A thermo-conductive coating absorbs and retains body heat.

Callaway Thermal £64.99

www.callawayeurope apparel.com

Wind and water resistant, plus there’s a thermal layer.

Galvin Green Nevan £99.95

www.galvingreen.com

Soft, light and breathable.

Thermal tech adds warmth.

Glenmuir Compression leggings £29.95

www.glenmuir.com

Breathable, thermally protective and moisture wicking.

Ping Verve £75

www.pingcollection.co.uk Lightweight, insulated (thermolite fabric), water resistant and breathable.

TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK IS SUE 3 6 8 101

EQUIPMENT TOP 10s

100s more reviews at www.todaysgolfer.co.uk

TOP 10 BETTER PLAYER IRONS Callaway Apex Pro 16 £879 (s) £1,099 (g) I www.callawaygolf.com Our verdict: A lovely looking iron that’s aimed at the very best, but with an extra degree of forgiveness. The sole and leading edge shaping is also a little more friendly than some previous Callaway players’ irons.

FITTING

Availability: 3-AW (stock set 3-PW) Stock shaft: Project X (s), UST Mamiya Recoil (g) 7i loft/length: 34° / 37in

Cobra King Forged Tour £649-£749 I www.cobragolf.co.uk

Our verdict: Thanks to work with guys like Rickie Fowler, Cobra has taken huge steps forward with these irons. The whole set is made up of really desirable head shapes, with sleek top and leading edges which appeal to decent golfers.

Availability: 4-PW (stock set 5-PW / 4-PW) Stock shaft: KBS Tour FLT 7i loft/length: 33° / 37.25in

Mizuno JPX900 Tour £120 per club I Golf.mizunoeurope.com

Our verdict: Who wouldn’t want to play a set of these? They look and feel fantastic, and perform just as well. Plus, 16 premium shaft options all at no extra cost is a huge fitting benefit.

Availability: 3-PW Stock shaft: Choose from 16 steel and graphite options 7i loft/length: 34° / 36.75in

Mizuno MP-25 £120 per club I Golf.mizunoeurope.com

Our verdict: The MP-25s have been around for a couple of years now; it was Mizuno’s first boron-infused MP better player iron. If you must have the look of a better player iron, but aren’t the best ball-striker, they are right up your street.

Availability: 3-PW Stock shaft: Pick from 16 steel and graphite options 7i loft/length: 34° / 36.75in

Ping i200 £120 (s) £130 (g) per club I www.ping.com

Our verdict: Our pro’s numbers were bang on the test average for ball speed and carry, but a joint-lowest carry drop-off (three yards) means it will make for some accurate shot making. A fantastic all-rounder.

Availability: 3-UW Stock shaft: Choose from seven premium steel and one graphite option 7i loft/length: 33° / 37in

Ping iBlade £130 (s) £140 (g) per club I www.ping.com

Our verdict: Ping openly admits the iBlade will make up a tiny proportion of its iron sales, but that doesn’t mean the iBlade isn’t good. It is. But the extra forgiveness from the bigger-cavity i200s will be much more satisfying for most of us.

Availability: 3-PW Stock shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold (plus four premium options) 7i loft/length: 34° / 37in

Srixon Z 765 £770 I www.srixon.co.uk

Our verdict: Japanese tecchies pour over every detail and that makes these irons stand out. Laser-face milling, a beautiful satin finish, the sole detailing, a new heat treatment to improve feel and grooves that are just a tiny bit bigger... Brilliant.

Availability: 3-SW (stock set 4-PW) Stock shaft: Nippon NS Pro Modus3 Tour 120 (s) 7i loft/length: 32° / 37in

HOLLOW BODY IRONS: WHAT’S ALL THE FUSSABOUT? Keen-eyed equipment geeks will have seen the fuss around hollow body irons recently, in particular those with foam-filled heads. Following the release of TaylorMade’s P790 irons, Bob Parsons (owner of PXG) decided to sue TaylorMade for “many patent infringements”. The case is likely to rumble on for months, but the lawsuit highlights how important hollow headed tech is to the future of iron performance. Here’s five hollow-head irons which show how versatile the tech is for all level of golfer.

Callaway Big Bertha OS £849 (s) £1099 (g) Category: Super game improver TaylorMade P790 £1049 (s) £1299 (g) Category: Game improver/better player PXG 0311 from £240 pi Category: All as there’s a T (Tour model) and XF (Extreme forgiveness) Cobra King Oversize £699 (s) £799 (g) Category: Super game improver Titleist AP3 £150 (s) £175 (g) Category: Game improver/better player

TaylorMade P770 £1,049 I www.taylormadegolf.com

Our verdict: They’re a superbly simple, unfussy design which are more forgiving than you’d expect. It’s no surprise their ball speed was 5mph quicker and carry distance eight yards further than test average for a 7-iron.

Availability: 3-AW (stock set 4-PW or seven irons) Stock shaft: KBS Tour FLT 7i loft/length: 33° / 36.75in

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Wilson Staff FG Tour V6 £699 I www.wilson.com

Our verdict: If you look at the V6s in the cold light of day, they’re a really decent set of forged irons, with just enough tech to aid, rather than punish, your enjoyment of the game.

Availability: 3-PW (4-PW) Stock shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold AMT 7i loft/length: 35° / 37.25in

Yonex N1-CB £1,199 (s) £1,249 (g) I www.yonex.co.uk

Our verdict: Yonex are keen to stress these are designed and made in Japan to very exacting standards, which if you’re a fan of all things Japanese you’ll love. This is a lovely set which marries a degree of forgiveness with a really nice looking head.

Availability: 4-PW Stock shaft: Nippon 950 (s), Yonex NST310 (g) 7i loft/length: 32° / 36.75in

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FIVE OF OUR FAVOURITE HIGH-VISIBILITY GOLFBALLS

Callaway Chrome Soft Truvis Yellow £34.99 www.callawaygolf.com 102 IS SUE 3 6 8 TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK

Volvik Vivid Red £39 www.volvik.com

Srixon AD333 Yellow £25 www.srixon.co.uk

Volvik Vivid Blue £39 www.volvik.com

Wilson Staff DX2 Optix £19.99 www.wilson.com

TITLEIST TRIAL SOFTER PREMIUM AVX BALL Titleist dip their toes in the soft premium golf ball market in the USA, rolling out a softer AVX for the same price as the Pro V1.

TOP 10 WEDGES Callaway Mack Daddy Forged £139 I www.callawaygolf.com Our verdict: We like the Forged (like lots of Callaway’s Tour players), but hit it alongside a Mack Daddy 3 and decide for yourself if the forged head and Tour Issue Dynamic Gold shaft are worth an additional £30.

ON TOUR

Lofts: 50° / 52° / 54° / 56° / 58° / 60° Head options: Nickel Chrome, Brushed Slate Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue

WHICHBALLWONTHE MOSTTOUREVENTS IN2017?

Callaway MD3 £109 (s) £119 (g) I www.callawaygolf.com

Our verdict: We love how there’s enough groove and CG tech to convince you it’s not just “another traditional wedge” but not so much to radically change the look of this classic club.

Lofts: 46° – 64° Head options: S, C and W Grind Soles. Matt black, chrome and gold nickel finishes Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold

Cleveland RTX-3 £99 I www.clevelandgolf.co.uk

Our verdict: Cleveland obsessed over the RTX-3. Tiny things like the direction of the face milling to maximise grip when opening the face, and protecting every groove from the finishing process (so it’s razor sharp) means it is right at the top of the pile.

Lofts: 46° / 48° / 50° / 52° / 54° / 56° / 58° / 60° / 62° / 64° Head options: Three bounce. Black Satin, Tour Satin. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold

Cobra King PUR £89 I www.cobragolf.co.uk

Our verdict: Remember the PUR’s head is raw, which means it’s not plated, so it will rust. If you’re a lover of a more rounded head shape and want decent value for money, then the PUR is an excellent option in 2017.

Lofts: 52° / 54° / 56° / 58° / 60° Head options: Versatile, Classic and Wide Low sole Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold S200

Lynx Predator £40 I www.lynxgolf.co.uk

Our verdict: A set of three Predator wedges will set you back £20 less than a single Titleist SM6 (the most expensive wedge on test) and for that reason alone we reckon it’s worth further attention if you’re shopping on a budget.

Lofts: 52° / 56° / 60° / 64° Head options: Loft and paint fill colours only Shaft: True Temper

Mizuno T7 £120 I golf.mizunoeurope.com

Our verdict: The T7 didn’t come out right at the very top of the tree for spin, but it was right among the premium brand pack.

For us the attractiveness lies in the options the T7 is available in.

Lofts: 46° / 48° / 50° / 52° / 54° / 56° / 58° / 60° / 62° Head options: Finishes; White Satin or Blue IP Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold

Ping Glide 2.0 £130 (s) £140 (g) I www.ping.com

Our verdict: Yes, the blade’s a fraction longer than some, but the head looks great and because there’s plenty of options we reckon anyone looking at spending over £100 on a wedge should try these.

Lofts: 46° / 50° / 52° / 54° / 56° / 58° / 60° Head options: TS; Thin Sole, SS; Standard, WS; Wide, ES; Eye Sole Shaft: Ping AWT 2.0 Wedge

TaylorMade Milled Grind £139 I www.taylormadegolf.com

Our verdict: A nice quality wedge, generates lovely feel and oodles of spin. With plenty of loft and bounce options and two finishes they can fit into anyone’s bag for 2017.

Lofts: 50° / 52° / 54° / 56° / 58° / 60° Head options: Three bounce, Satin and antique bronze finishes Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold

Titleist Vokey SM6 £140 (s) £155 (g) I www.titleist.co.uk

Our verdict: An absolutely top drawer wedge, which should be expected as they’re the priciest here. We love the new groove and CG tech; it demonstrates how far manufacturers are going to improve your game.

Lofts: 46° / 48° / 50° / 52° / 54° / 56° / 58° / 60° / 62° Head options: 5 sole grinds, Tour Chrome, Gold Nickel and Raw Black Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold

Wilson Staff PMP £85-£110 I www.wilson.com

Our verdict: A lovely no-fuss, no-frills wedge. We particularly liked the two dots on the longer-than-standard grip, which mean you can alter your grip position consistently to cover off various yardage gaps, which has to help your scoring.

Lofts: 48° / 50° / 52° / 54° / 56° / 58° / 60° / 62° Head options: 3 sole grinds, Tour Frosted, Gun Blue, and Oil Can Shaft: KBS Hi-Rev 2.0

11 WINS Titleist Pro V1x 7 WINS TaylorMade TP5x 6 WINS Titleist Pro V1 4 WINS Callaway Chrome Soft X 2 WINS EACH Srixon Z-Star XV Bridgestone Tour B330 1 WIN EACH TaylorMade TP5 Nike RZN Tour Platinum TaylorMade Tour Preferred X

BRANDNEWREDPUTTERS

TaylorMade TP Collection Red Chaska £239 www.taylormadegolf.com

Odyssey O-Works 2-Ball £199 www.odysseygolf.com

Cure Red RX3 £269.95 www.cureputters.co.uk

EVNRoll ER6R £300 www.evnnroll.com

TaylorMade TO Collection Ardmore CTR £239 www.taylormadegolf.com TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK IS SUE 3 6 8 103

EQUIPMENT TOP 10s

100s more reviews at www.todaysgolfer.co.uk

TOP 10 MOI PUTTERS Benross Tribe MDJ2 £99 I www.benrossgolf.com Our verdict: The Tribe’s fanged head may look similar to Odyssey’s #7, which was involved in our test, but thanks to its hollow head delivering a higher-pitched impact sound, performance against the premium brands was very different.

A N D F I N A L LY Headweight: 370g Grip: Lamkin Sink RND 11 Toe hang: Face Balanced

THEBESTOFTHEBEST ONTHEPGATOUR

Bettinardi Inovai 3.0 £249 I www.bettinardi.com Our verdict: If you’re after a top, milled MOI putter, the Inovai won’t let you down and because it’s available in centre-shafted and counter-balanced designs there’s an option to suit everyone.

Headweight: 358g Grip: Lamkin Deep Etched Toe hang: Slight

Cleveland TFi 2135 Elevado £129 I www.clevelandgolf.co.uk Our verdict: A very solid MOI putter and with a price tag under £130 it won’t bust the bank. Thanks to the soft insert and polymer backer it feels good, and its circular groove tech has the capability to roll putts alongside the best.

Headweight: 370g Grip: Lamkin TFi Toe hang: Face balanced

EVNRoll ER7 £275 I www.evnroll.com Our verdict: We were really impressed with how putts interacted with the face and rolled across the green. All three testers loved the head’s simplicity, the overall weight (heavier than some) and the cracking oversized Winn grip.

Headweight: 370g Grip: Winn Pro 1.18 Toe hang: Slight

Odyssey O-Works 2-Ball £199 I www.odysseygolf.com Our verdict: The new “microhinge” insert makes this iconic design better than ever before. For us, a straight red line across the centre of the discs on the top would raise this design up to a whole new level.

Headweight: 350g Grip: SuperStroke Pistol GT Tour or SuperStroke Slim 2.0 (Counter Core) Toe hang: Face Balanced

Odyssey O-Works Tank #7 £179 I www.odysseygolf.com Our verdict: It’s a cracking head shape; the Versa alignment system is enhanced by some simple red highlights; and there’s a brand-new insert, which feels amazing and rolls putts super smoothly. A lot of putter for £179!

Headweight: 375g Grip: SuperStroke Tank Toe hang: Face Balanced

Ping Sigma G Wolverine T £175 (fixed) £199 (adjust) I www.ping.com Our verdict: Ping has obviously worked hard on the Sigma G range and the updates over previous Ping MOI putters are notable. The new PP60 flat-fronted grip is a great size and its sharp, defined edges mean you feel when the blade is square.

Headweight: 370g Grip: Ping Pistol PP60 Toe hang: Face Balanced

Scotty Cameron New Futura 6M £335 I www.titleist.co.uk Our verdict: If you’re after super-stability you’ll struggle to find better. And if you’ve found in the past that high MOI putters usually mean some wacky, far-out head shapes, the 6M is relatively simple.

Headweight: Depends on the length Grip: Matador Midsize Toe hang: Face Balanced

With the 2017 PGA Tour season over these are our favourite five stats of the year – they’re our inspiration to practice harder in 2018!

1.905 The total strokes gained leader was Dustin Johnson. He gained nearly 2 shots a round on the field. Jordan Spieth was ranked #2 on 1.871.

67.36% Ian Poulter was the best scrambler on tour in 2017. Just imagine how good you’d be if you got up and down two thirds of the time you missed a green?

317 yards The longest driver on tour in 2017 was Rory McIlroy, averaging 317 yards. The Northern Irishman didn’t manage to bag himself a trophy though, which has to say length isn’t always everything.

1.694 putts per hole The title of best putter is hotly contested on tour. Justin Thomas edged it, closely followed by Jordan Spieth, Jason Day and Rickie Fowler

12.89%

TaylorMade Spider Tour red £269 I www.taylormadegolf.com Our verdict: A high-quality MOI putter that, in the right hands and matched to the right stroke, really performs. But you need to take time getting to know it before taking the plunge on one as it is so tailored to Jason Day’s eye and stroke.

Headweight: 355g Grip: Winn Medallist or AVS Mid-Size Toe hang: Moderate

Wilson Staff The Bean From £95 I www.wilson.com Our verdict: The head is cast and then its face is milled. But it doesn’t mean the Bean lacked feel or roll performance; it didn’t. If you’re open-minded regarding brand and factor in the £95 price tag, this is a solid option.

Headweight: 365g Grip: Wilson Infinite Toe hang: Face Balanced

Unsurprisingly J Spieth makes fe bogeys than any else on tour. Bo account for just 12.89% of his scores. That’s ju 2.3 bogeys per round! Worth remembering w you’re three ove three in your ne

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HE T O H ER E YOU C L P B E T TH O O S E ER

THE PLAYLIST COURSE REVIEWS GREEN FEE DEALS STAY & PLAYS HOLIDAY IDEAS

Over 70 courses TG recommended

THE REGIONS South-west 106 South-east 108 The Midlands 110 The North 112 Scotland 114 Ireland 116 Wales 118

We know they’re good because we’ve played them all

INSIDE THIS NEW-LOOK SECTION...

REGIONAL GUIDE

Great places to play, from £10 to £250

TEN OF THE BEST

Winter deals at Open Championship hosts

TRAVEL

he insider’s guide to the south of France

COMPETITION

Win a four-night Marbella break for four

THE PLAYLIST SOUTH WEST STENODOC,CORNWALL

More SW courses at www.todaysgolfer.co.uk

MUST PLAY

Architect: James Braid (1907).

Yardage: 6,108-6,557 yards (par 69).

Green fees: Winter rate £45 (Oct 23-Mar 28).

In a nutshell… A magical, mystical and memorable links draped across breathtaking coastline overlooking the Camel Estuary and guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Fully deserves its many plaudits, including being placed England’s sixth best course and 99th in the world.

To play well you need to… Keep it straight and be fully focussed at all times is the advice of pro Nick Williams, who has been at St Enodoc for over 30 years. It’s fairly short, but underestimate it at your peril.

You’ll love the… Amazing views, the towering Himalaya bunker dominating the 6th hole (but not if you find it!) and the tee shot on the stroke index one 10th, where you need to take careful aim at the spire on the 11th century church in the distance.

01208 863216 www.st-enodoc.co.uk

THURLESTONE,DEVON

Architect: Harry Colt (1897).

Yardage: 5,918-6,230 (par 71).

Green fees: £30-£42 Nov & Dec. In a nutshell… An underrated clifftop links which runs alongside Bigbury Bay and is plotted within an Area of Outstanding Beauty. It’s probably as close as you’ll get to playing America’s legendary Pebble Beach, but at a tenth of the price.

To play well you need to… Be able to keep the ball under the wind, which will almost certainly be blowing, although in fairness Thurlestone still provides fun and entertaining holiday golf thanks to its generous fairways... and look at that view!

You’ll love the… Glorious coastal views of Thurlestone Rock, the Avon estuary and Burgh Island, plus the fact the course is always in top condition and playable year-round.

01548 560405, www.thurlestonegolfclub.co.uk 106 IS SUE 3 6 8 TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK

BEST VIEWS

TOUGH TEST THEPLAYERSCLUB,BRISTOL

Architect: Adrian Stiff (2002).

Yardage: 7,106 (par 72).

Green fees: £28 midweek, £36 w/e (Nov 1-Mar 31).

In a nutshell… The Codrington is a modern championship course which is both long and demanding, with water – you twice hit over it on the par-4 4th – and bunkers galore.

You’ll love the… Challenge of tackling one of England’s longest layouts, putting out on the huge USGA greens and the par-3s – you fire over water on three of them.

01454 313029 www.theplayersgolfclub.com

STAY AND SAVE...

Stay at Sidmouth’s four-star Belmont Hotel, part of the Brend Hotels Group, and you’ll get a 25% discount on green fees at nearby Sidmouth GC. Call 01395 512555.

GREAT NICK

WESTON-SUPER-MARE, SOMERSET

Architect: Tom Dunn/Alister Mackenzie (1892).

Yardage: 6,002-6,245 (par 70).

Green fees: £60 midweek, £80 weekends & fourball Mon/Thurs Special for £140.

In a nutshell… A true traditional links, flat and easy walking on the firm, fast-running – whatever time of the year – fairways leading to pacey, smooth greens.

You’ll love the… Wide horizons and the fact it’s a yearround venue and rarely closes. You’ll also be putting out on some of the best greens around.

01934 626968 www.westonesupermaregolfclub.com

ST MELLION (KERNOW COURSE), CORNWALL

Architect: J. Hamilton Stutt/Mike Bush (1976).

Yardage: 5,297-5,606 (par 70).

Green fees: From £40 midweek, £50 weekends.

In a nutshell… About 250,000 tonnes of earth was moved to ensure the Kernow, which plays second fiddle to superstar neighbour the Nicklaus, offered a more intriguing challenge. Job accomplished.

You’ll love the… wonderful par-3 14th, which is arguably the best hole on the whole resort. The Kernow provides the ideal warm-up for the Nicklaus.

01579 352004 www.st-mellion.co.uk

BROADSTONE, DORSET

Architect: Tom Dunn (1898).

Yardage: 6,097-6,424 (par 70).

Green fees: Winter rates £50 Dec-Feb, £58 Nov & Mar. In a nutshell… Broadstone is one of the finest examples of an unspoilt heathland layout in the UK, if not the world, with gorgeous views of the Purbeck Hills and Poole Harbour.

To play well... Use all your nous to combat the par-70 beauty, which weaves through natural heathland between towering stands of pine and swathes of heather and gorse.

You’ll love the… Tight, running, linksstyle playing surfaces (in year-round good nick), playing in total peace and serenity and getting to grips with an outstanding variety of holes with the par-4 7th, involving a blind drive, the pick. “Par here is always a good score,” says pro Adrian Harris.

01202 692595 www.broadstonegolfclub.com

EXETER G&CC, DEVON

Architect: James Braid (1929).

Yardage: 6,018 (par 69).

Green fees: £45 midweek, £55 weekends.

In a nutshell… The oldest club in east Devon is the proud home of a mature parkland layout on 120 acres and now featuring four new holes with Mackenzie and Ebert carrying out a hugely successful redesign.

You’ll love the... New-look course, the classy Georgian manor clubhouse and the equally classy on-site facilities.

01392 874139 www.exetergcc.co.uk TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK IS SUE 3 6 8 107

THE PLAYLIST SOUTH EAST ROYALASHDOWNFOREST, EASTSUSSEX

CAMBERLEYHEATH,SURREY

Architect: Harry Colt (1913).

Yardage: 4,945-6,426 (par 71).

Green fees: Winter rate £50.

In a nutshell… One of Surrey’s finest – and best value – layouts is plotted amid 135 acres of heathland and framed by towering pines. Tons of history, too.

You’ll love the… 144-yard par-3 2nd known as Harry Colt’s “little gem”. Club selection is everything with the three-tiered green scarily guarded at the front by deep bunkers.

01276 23258 www.camberleyheathgolfclub.co.uk

MOST SAND!

CHARTHILLS,KENT

Architect: Sir Nick Faldo (1993).

Yardage: 5,891-7,132 (par 72).

Green fees: £45 midweek, £50 weekends.

In a nutshell… A beauty and a beast created by the six-times major champion and guaranteed to provide plenty of thrills and spills with about 130 bunkers.

You’ll love the… Need to carefully plot your way around water hazards and bunkers aplenty, most notably the island green at the par-3 17th and the ‘Anaconda’ trap which dominates the 5th hole.

01580 292148 www.charthills.co.uk

BEST VALUE

FARLEIGH,SURREY

Architect: John Jacobs (1997).

Yardage: 5,886-6,122 (par 72).

Green fees: From £25 midweek, from £30 weekends.

In a nutshell… 27 holes of excellent downland golf close to Croydon suburbia... though you’d never know. It sits in 350 acres surrounded by ancient woodland.

You’ll love the… Recent changes and improvements not only to the course, but the smashing clubhouse, too. Within the M25, that green fee is astonishing for a free-draining layout that’s always in good nick.

01883 627711 www.farleighfox.co.uk 108 IS SUE 3 6 8 TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK

More SE courses at www.todaysgolfer.co.uk

MUST PLAY

Architect: W.R. Lee (1888).

Yardage: 6,238-6,502 (par 72).

Green fees: Winter £50 midweek, £65 weekends.

In a nutshell… The wonderful Old Course is heathland golf at its best and a round here will forever live in the memory bank - as much as for the unbelievably scenic and natural surroundings as the test of golf. Unusually, it’s bunkerless – as is the neighbouring West course.

To play well you need to… Start well and that means not underestimating the short par-4 opener with its two-tiered green. Any wayward strikes will be punished too. Avoid going past the hole on the 2nd, 7th and 9th greens otherwise slippery downhill putts await.

You’ll love the… Absence of bunkers and the magnificence of the scenery, especially from the elevated tee at the 11th – the longest par-3 in the county.

01342 822018 www.royalashdown.co.uk

IT’S ELEMENTA Author and Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was golfer and was club captain at Sussex’s Crowborough Beacon in

CANTERBURY,KENT

Architect: Harry Colt (1927).

Yardage: 6,020-6,272 (par 71).

Green fees: £40 midweek, £55 weekends.

In a nutshell… Splendid, undulating layout worthy of Kent’s ancient capital and providing a fine mix of open par 5s, tight par 4s and challenging short holes.

You’ll love the… Layout of the front nine, as it weaves through mature woodland, while the short holes are particularly strong with the 2nd and 11th the pick of the par-3 crop.

01227 453532 www.canterburygolfclub.co.uk

BERKHAMSTED,HERTFORDSHIRE

Architect: GH Gowring (1890).

Yardage: 6,220-6,605 (par 71).

Green fees: £55 midweek, £60 weekends.

In a nutshell… Short, testing, natural heathland course on protected land and not featuring any man-made hazards. In other words, it’s bunkerless…

You’ll love the… Testing natural layout, where you need to display all your course management nous. Though there aren’t any sand traps to avoid, many greens are guarded by grassy bunkers and mounds.

01442 865832 www.berkhamstedgolfclub.co.uk

STONEHAM,HAMPSHIRE

Architect: Willie Park Jnr (1908).

Yardage: 5,956-6,392 (par 72).

Green fees: (Nov-Mar) - £40 Mon-Thurs, £50 Fri-Sun. In a nutshell… Quality if under-rated layout nestled among some of Hampshire’s finest heathland.

You’ll love the… Serene surroundings. It’s laid out on land plotted by Capability Brown and it twists and turns and tests accuracy… with 10 genuine two-shot holes, you need to be precise. Fairways are lined by mature woodland and there are plenty of hazards.

023 8076 9272 www.stonehamgolfclub.org.uk TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK IS SUE 3 6 8 109

THE PLAYLIST MIDLANDS & EAST SHERINGHAM,NORFOLK

MUST PLAY

Architect: Tom Dunn (1891).

Yardage: 5,838-6,558 (par 70).

Green fees: From £45.

In a nutshell… Spectacular clifftop layout sandwiched between the North Norfolk preserved railway line and the coast and breathtakingly plotted on a strip of undulating, gorse-laden clifftop terrain in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

To play well you need to… Somehow remain fully focused and ignore the dramatic coastal views provided by the sensational elevated tees hugging the cliffs at the SS1 par-4 5th and 200-yard par-3 6th holes.

You’ll love the… Combination of a classic, charming clifftop layout in terrific condition year-round which, according to Sir Henry Cotton, “is one of the best secrets in golf”, and the wonderfully cosy clubhouse.

01263 823488 www.sheringhamgolfclub.co.uk

More courses at www.todaysgolfer.co.uk

DID YOU NOW? The statuesque main building at Leicestershire’s Stapleford Park – whose history stretches back to the days of King Arthur – is a Grade I listed mansion.

STAPLEFORDPARK,LEICS

Architect: Donald Steel & Tom Mackenzie (2000).

Yardage: 6,423-6,979 (par 73).

Green fees: From £30.

In a nutshell… Modern, relatively flat, open and challenging – it has proved a worthy European Senior Tour venue - parkland layout surrounded by 500 acres of Capability Brown landscaped grounds within an impressive estate which includes a luxury hotel.

To play well... You need to keep going to the end! Coming down the stretch is fraught with danger and you’ll do well to avoid a watery grave, with the closing four holes featuring water.

You’ll love the… Peace and quiet of the Leicestershire countryside; Olympic champion Justin Rose told us: “I can’t think of anywhere more relaxing to come and get away from the pressures of everyday life on the tour.”

01572 787044 www.staplefordpark.com

PLAY& STAY

THE ASTBURY, SHROPSHIRE

FOREST OF ARDEN, WARWICKSHIRE

Architect: Donald Steel (1992).

Yardage: 6,451-7,213 (par 72).

Green fees: From £35 (Nov onwards).

In a nutshell… Home to two 18-hole courses with the ultra-demanding Arden, which has staged the British Masters and English Open, the chief attraction.

You’ll love the… Deer roaming the course and that you’ll be following in the footsteps of the likes of Colin Montgomerie, Darren Clarke and Thomas Bjorn, who have all tasted European Tour success here.

01676 522335 www.marriott.co.uk

COLLINGTREE PARK, NORTHANTS

Architect: Johnny Miller (1990).

Yardage: 6,277-6,908 (par 72).

Green fees: £35 midweek, £40 weekends.

In a nutshell… Parkland golf created by two-time major champion Johnny Miller, so is very much in the ‘American target-golf’ bracket. It has staged a string of European Tour events including the British Masters. Once infamously lost its greens but you can be assured of top-class conditioning these days.

To play well... Make sure you’ve got plenty of ammunition left for the infamous 18th, a par-5 finale which is played to an island green.

You’ll love the… Collingtree boasts a great mix of holes, with plenty of riskreward challenges and a really good set of greens.

01604 700000 www.collingtreeparkgolf.com

Architect: KK Downing (2010).

Yardage: 5,485-6,517 (par 71).

Green fees: £35 midweek, £45 w/e.

In a nutshell… The Astbury is owned, run and part-designed by Judas Priest’s guitarist and co-founder.

It’s parkland is one of the best new courses to emerge in England in recent years and while it recently went into administration it is business as usual playing-wise.

To play well... You need to cope with an impressive layout featuring a combination of open and tightly tree-lined holes.

You’ll love the… Subtly-contoured USGA-spec greens, the pulsating 200-yard par-3 finale over a lake, the stunning Georgian-designed stately home clubhouse and that former Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke represents the venue on Tour.

01746 767394 www.theastbury.co.uk

GREAT FINISH

THETFORD, NORFOLK

Architect: James Braid (1912).

Yardage: 6,672-6,849 (par 72).

Green fees: From £30 midweek, £40 weekends.

In a nutshell…. Under-rated heathland course that has weaved through Breckland Forest for over a century.

It has a great combination of holes, unusually starting with a 186-yard downhill par 3.

You’ll love the… Superb natural drainage that means the course is playable year-round off that springy, links-style turf.

01842 752169 www.thetfordgolfclub.co.uk TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK IS SUE 3 6 8 111

THE PLAYLIST NORTH CLOSEHOUSE,NORTHUMBERLAND

More northern courses at www.todaysgolfer.co.uk

MUST PLAY

Architect: Scott McPherson (2011).

Yardage: 5,133-6,813 (par 71).

Green fees: Winter rate £70.

In a nutshell… Superb venue set within the beautiful and serene Tyne Valley and boasting 45 holes with the main attraction, the Colt course, having recently staged the popular British Masters. A modern classic.

To play well... You need to take note of the venue’s Tour representative Lee Westwood’s advice: “You’ll struggle to beat it. But if you avoid the forest on the left of the 1st and the Old Roman Fort left on No.11, at least you’ll have a chance!”

You’ll love the… Chance to follow in the footsteps of the British Masters stars, including Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia and Westy of course, and that the 250-year-old Close House estate is skirted by the remains of Hadrian’s Wall.

Immaculately conditioned, too.

01661 852255 www.closehouse.com

112 IS SUE 3 6 8 TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK

JURASSIC LARK Life-sized dinosaurs have taken up residence at Manchester’s Trafford Golf Centre as part of a new Jurassic-themed DinoFalls course being built there.

STAY& PLAY

ALWOODLEY, WEST YORKSHIRE

Architect: Alister MacKenzie (1907).

Yardage: 6,338-6,900 (par 70-72).

Green fees: Nov & Dec £55 midweek & Sun, £75 Sat. In a nutshell… Augusta designer Alister Mackenzie’s first course, with springy fairways cutting through a profusion of heather, whins and shrubs and large, often undulating, greens.

You’ll love the… Great mix of scoreable and tough holes including the 10th, a left dog-leg and a prototype for Augusta’s famous 13th.

0113 268 1680 www.alwoodley.co.uk

THEMERE,CHESHIRE

Architect: James Braid, George Duncan (1934).

Yardage: 6,330-6,882 (par 71).

Green fees: Winter rate - from £30 In a nutshell… A classy, undulating parkland with a terrific combination of holes, fittingly ending with a thrilling par-5 finale with the 18th green next to the lake.

You’ll love the… Superb conditioning of the entire course and the fact that you can warm-up for the challenge by hitting floating balls into the novel driving range – the Mere itself!

01565 830219 www.themereresort.co.uk

BEST VALUE

GANTON,NORTHYORKSHIRE

Architect: Tom Chisholm (1891).

Yardage: 6,445-6,998 (par 72).

Green fees: Nov-Feb £55 midweek, £60 weekends.

In a nutshell… One of the best heathland and inland courses in the UK – think of Turnberry without the sea. Ganton has staged some of golf’s biggest events including the Ryder and Walker Cups.

You’ll love… It’s a rare mix of sandy, heathland bliss with a hint of links appeal, being littered with punishing bunkers and wrapped in gorse and heather.

01944 710329 www.gantongolfclub.com

ALNMOUTHVILLAGE,NORTHUMBERLAND

Architect: Mungo Park (1905).

Yardage: 2,584-2,782 (par 35).

Green fees: £20.

In a nutshell… This quirky nine-holer is steeped in history, as England’s oldest nine-hole links having been created by 1874 Open winner Mungo Park in 1905.

You’ll love the… Unforgettable views, especially from the elevated tee atop Bracken Hill at the par-4 7th.

It’s ideal holiday golfing fun and you could be done and dusted within 90 minutes.

01665 830370 http://avgc.azurewebsites.net/

BEST VIEWS

ORMSKIRK, LANCASHIRE

Architect: Harold Hilton (1903).

Yardage: 6,172-6,533 (par 70).

Green fees: £50 midweek, £75 Sat, £60 Sun. In a nutshell… An unsung hero of England’s Golf Coast, this magical, mature heathland is flat and easy-walking and has a great variety of holes within its 125 acres.

You’ll love the… Fact that brain rules over brawn, with the emphasis on accuracy rather than brute force. Good course management is a must. There’s a beautiful collection of par 3s, too, with wonderful bunkering.

01695 572227 www.ormskirkgolfclub.com

APPLEBY,CUMBRIA

Architect: Willie Fernie (1903).

Yardage: 5,993 (par 68).

Green fees: Winter rate £20 (Nov 1-Mar 31).

In a nutshell… A short but testing and well-drained moorland par-68 layout. You won’t find any par 5s, but several tough par 4s will keep you on your toes. Has been described as ‘Gleneagles in the raw’.

You’ll love the… Nature and remoteness, the stunning upland views and the fact it’s playable throughout the year and very rarely closes to bad weather.

017683 51432 www.applebygolfclub.co.uk TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK IS SUE 3 6 8 113

THE PLAYLIST SCOTLAND

More Scottish courses at www.todaysgolfer.co.uk

BEST HISTORY

CRAIL(BALCOMIE),FIFE

Architect: Old Tom Morris.

Yardage: 5,402-5,861 (par 67/69).

Green fees: Winter £40 (Nov 1- Dec 31), £36 midweek, £40 weekends (Jan 1-Feb 28).

In a nutshell… The seventh oldest club in the world.

It’s pretty short, but there are still testing par-4s, shots from clifftops (notably the 1st) and plenty of wind.

You’ll love the… Sea views from every hole. Watch out for the aptly-named par-4 5th Hell’s Hole, and enjoy the tricky but fun back-to-back par-3s.

01333 450960 www.crailgolfingsociety.co.uk 114 IS SUE 3 6 8 TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK

MONTROSE,ANGUS

Architect: Willie Park Jnr (1903).

Yardage: 6,203-6,585 (par 71).

Green fees: £35-£70.

In a nutshell… A magical links steeped in history just north of Carnoustie. The Medal is the fifth oldest course in the world and will host final Open qualifying.

You’ll love the... History galore, with the crusty old links dating back to the 16th century. There are two parts to the modern Medal, the first following the lines of the dunes and beach while the second plays back to town.

01674 672634 www.montroselinks.com

TOUR STOP

DUNDONALD,AYRSHIRE

Architect: Kyle Phillips (2003).

Yardage: 6,340-7,100 (par 72).

Green fees: £50 until Dec 31 In a nutshell… American architect Kyle Phillips followed up Kingsbarns with this modern links gem three years later. Earlier this year it staged the men’s and women’s Scottish Opens in consecutive weeks.

You’ll love the… Great variety of holes – long, short, wide, tight... It’s guaranteed to be in terrific condition and is at the heart of Ayrshire’s brilliant golf coast.

01294 314000 www.dundonaldlinks.com

THREE GONGS FOR GLENEAGLES Gleneagles won big at the Scottish Golf Tourism Awards. It was named Best Golf Experience, Best Pro Shop and Best Large Hotel. The awards were decided by 33,000 votes from golfers across Scotland.

CRUDEN BAY, ABERDEENSHIRE

Architect: Tom Morris, Archie Simpson (1899).

Yardage: 5,862-6,609 yards (par 70).

Green fees: Half-price rates until Apr 1 (mat play).

In a nutshell… One of the purest links in the world, that’s barely changed since Old Tom laid it out. It gets off to a fairly innocuous start, but comes alive at the par-3 4th with its picturesque tidal creek down the left. Stunning holes with beach views, bubbling burns and bright yellow gorse galore just keep coming. It’s all in immaculate condition, too.

To play well you need to… Know your way around; there are ‘blind’ shots galore, and some cheeky

MUST PLAY

lines off tees; caddies come in handy, or get a course planner. We hit a shot into the par-3 18th that we thought was way left… only to find it three feet from the hole!

You’ll love the… Stretch of holes from nine to 16; climb the steep hill after the short par-4 8th and you’re treated to one of the best views in golf, with the course ahead and behind you, the beach and the ruins of Slains Castle (of Dracula fame)… then refocus for the tricky index three par-4 ahead with clifftop OB down the left. The clubhouse is special, too, with lots of history and sea views over a pint.

01779 812285 www.crudenbaygolfclub.co.uk

BEST VALUE

THE GLEN, EASTLOTHIAN

Architect: James Braid & Ben Sayers (1906).

Yardage: 6,048-6,275 (par 70).

Green fees: £25 midweek, £35 weekends until Mar 31 In a nutshell… Humble clifftop classic neighbouring North Berwick’s famed West Links. A memorable round features the blind par-3 Sea hole and climaxes with the fittingly dramatic downhill par-4 18th backdropped by the historic town.

You’ll love the… Firth of Forth and Bass Rock views that are worth the modest green fee alone.

01620 892726 www.glengolfclub.co.uk

THE ROXBURGHE,BORDERS

Architect: Dave Thomas (1997).

Yardage: 6,546-7,111 (par 72).

Green fees: £65 or £200 per fourball.

In a nutshell… This outstanding parkland crosses glorious rolling Borders country next to the River Teviot, which lurks alongside par-5 signature hole the ‘Viaduct’. Has hosted several professional events.

You’ll love that… It’s one of the best – and most challenging – Thomas creations. You probably won’t threaten Sergio’s course-record 66 carded in 2000!

01573 450333 roxburghe-hotel.net/golf/

COMRIE, PERTHSHIRE

Architect: James Braid (1891).

Yardage: 5,398-6,016 (par 70).

Green fees: £15 for nine holes.

In a nutshell… This memorable nine-holer not only provides amazing value, but sensational views mean it’s one of the most scenic short courses you’re ever likely to play.

You’ll love the… Distinctive character of each hole, plus the fact it only requires 90 minutes to play. And did we mention the views?

01764 670055 www.comriegolf.co.uk TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK IS SUE 3 6 8 115

THE PLAYLIST IRELAND

ENNISCRONE, COUNTY SLIGO

More Irish courses at www.todaysgolfer.co.uk

MUST PLAY

Founded: 1918 as a nine holer becoming an 18-hole layout in 1974 (Eddie Hackett).

Yardage: 6,372-7,033 (par 73).

Green fees: Nov 1-Mar 16 €35 midweek, €40 weekends.

In a nutshell… The beguiling Dunes links is sensational. It rightly receives some acclaim after Donald Steel improved weaker sections of the original layout.

To play well you need to… In true links fashion, it’s nine holes out and nine back and, more than anything, you’ve got to be patient. The combination of wind, links lies and firm, elevated greens reward those who can hold a line, hit fairways and execute bump and runs...

You’ll love that… You can tee it up, albeit in winter, for €90 less than the main season. Plus it will almost certainly be in great shape and blessed with gorgeous views with the course plotted on a promontory that juts into Killala Bay at the mouth of the River Moy. 00353 96 36297 www.enniscronegolf.com

PORTMARNOCKHOTELLINKS, DUBLIN

Architect: Bernhard Langer (1995).

Yardage: 5,667-6,444 (par 71).

Green fees: Nov & Dec – €45. midweek, €55 weekends.

In a nutshell… Top links with nearly 100 bunkers to avoid and which is a worthy neighbour of the fabled Old Course. Creators Bernhard Langer and Stan Eby of European Golf Design have taken full advantage of the striking dunes and natural terrain plotted within the grounds of the old Jameson estate of St Marnocks.

You’ll love… Everything about this proper links, especially the elevated tees, gently undulating fairways and firm, fast greens, which puts much better-known seaside courses in the shade. Terrific value-for-money, too, and a great spot to stay.

003531 866 6592 www.portmarnock.com 116 IS SUE 3 6 8 TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK

STAY& PLAY

ARDGLASS,COUNTYDOWN

Opened: Seven holes created by members in 1896.

Yardage: 5,814-6,268 (par 70).

Green fees: Nov 1-Apr 30 £55 midweek, £65 w/e.

In a nutshell… Clifftop course with eight holes running alongside the Irish Sea and providing stunning coastal views to the Isle of Man visible on a clear day.

You’ll love the… 2nd, 11th and 12th holes, which all require nerve-jangling shots over the cliffs. Coastal and Mourne mountains views to-die-for from the 12th tee, too, and the 9th is a Pebble-like par 5 around a bay.

028 4484 1219 www.ardglassgolfclub.com

TO THE MANOR REBORN Adare Manor, which has been undergoing major restoration and expansion work for the last 21 months, has reopened, with 42 new rooms.

SPANISHPOINT,COUNTYCLARE

Founded: (1896).

Yardage: 5,080-5,330 (par 68).

Green fees: €20 midweek, €25 w/e.

In a nutshell… Breathtaking par-32 nine-hole links with sensational views over a dangerous stretch of coastline, as the Spanish Armada found to their cost in 1601 (hence the name).

You’ll love the… Quirkiness, especially the final three holes which meander around and across a giant dune.

00353 065 7084198 www.spanishpointgolfing.com

TOUR VENUE

KCLUB,COUNTYKILDARE

Architect: Arnold Palmer (1991).

Yardage: 6,240-7,350 (par 72).

Green fees: From €120.

In a nutshell… Luxury resort with two superb courses (Arnold Palmer & Smurfit); the former staged the 2006 Ryder Cup and last year’s Irish Open.

You’ll love the… Challenge of tackling one of Ireland’s best and most demanding inland layouts and, of course, following in the footsteps of many of the greats of the modern game including Tiger and Rory.

003531 6017242 www.kclub.ie

DOOKS, COUNTY KERRY

Architect: Original nine-holer laid out by the Royal Ordnance Corps (1889).

Yardage: 5,979-6,586 (par 71).

Green fees: €50 Nov & Dec. In a nutshell… Still an unsung links hero, even though the club celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2014. It was a quirky nine-holer for well over a century, but was extended to 18 holes in the 1970s and has benefited from Martin Hawtree improvements carried out a decade ago. Enjoys a more sheltered location in parts of the course so is a great option on a blustery day... while still enjoying a spectacular setting.

You’ll love the… Majestic location: the towering dunesland mean it’s not as exposed as many links, the majestic backdrop of mountains, bays and beaches, the upgraded clubhouse and facilities and the bargain green fee.

00353 6697 68205 www.dooks.com

CORK,COUNTYCORK

Architect: Harry Vardon/David Brown (1911). Later upgraded by Alister Mackenzie.

Yardage: 6,239-6,813 (par 72).

Green fees: From €60.

In a nutshell… A fun, quirky heathland/parkland hybrid chiefly created by Alistair McKenzie but significantly upgraded, including re-bunkering, four years ago.

You’ll love the… Location within Cork harbour, while the delightful start becomes even more scenic and challenging as it progresses out to the lough.

00353 21435 3451 www.corkgolfclub.ie TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK IS SUE 3 6 8 117

THE PLAYLIST WALES

ABERDOVEY, GWYNEDD

MUST PLAY

Architect: Col. Arthur Ruck (1886).

Yardage: 6,091-6,535 (par 71).

Green fees: From £35 (winter).

In a nutshell… Absolutely awesome links, right up there with Royals Porthcawl and St David’s among Wales’ top tracks. It’s sandwiched between the scenic dunes of Cardigan Bay and the coastal road and railway.

To play well... Get your club selection spot on. You’ve got ever-changing coastal winds to deal with along with a quartet of par 3s facing different directions. With a cluster of par 4s playing over 400 yards, you need to be a pretty solid ball striker, too.

You’ll love that… It’s been around for well over a century and is a true links thoroughbred set amid the stunning scenery of Snowdonia National Park. One of Ian Woosnam’s favourite tracks.

01654 767493 www.aberdoveygolf.co.uk

More Welsh courses at www.todaysgolfer.co.uk

BALE’S GARDEN HOLE Mad-keen golfer Gareth Bale has built a full-size replica of Sawgrass’ iconic island green 17th hole in his Cardiff back garden.

BRAID DESIGN

GROVE,MID-GLAMORGAN

Architect: Mike Thomas (1997).

Yardage: 6,128 (par 70).

Green fees: £25 midweek, £30 weekends.

In a nutshell… Porthcawl’s parkland is 20 years old and belies its tender years. Water hazards and mature trees punctuate this classic and fun layout.

You’ll love the… Views from the clubhouse balcony overlooking the 18th – a cracking par 3 with water lurking just off the back of the green and the fact that nine of the 12 par 4s play less than 400 yards.

01656 788771 www.grovegolf.com

MAESTEG,BRIDGEND

Architect: James Braid (1912).

Yardage: 5,623-5,889 (par 70).

Green fees: £20 midweek, £25 weekends.

In a nutshell: James Braid’s rugged hilltop design is sculpted out of the picturesque Llynfi Valley. The undulating layout provides a fair test and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. “Longer than it looks,” say the pro-shop staff. They’re right. Be sure to pull the right club on the par 3s. Of the five, all are affected by the wind and most play up or downhill.

The 6th – with a hint of the 12th at Augusta – is our pick.

You’ll love the... Peace, tranquillity and breathtaking scenery, particularly from the quirky and driveable par-4 12th and long par-3 13th. Members and staff afford a warm welcome to the cosy clubhouse.

01656 812003 www.maesteg-golf.co.uk

BEST VIEWS

NORTHWALES,LLANDUDNO

Architect: Tancred Cummins (1894).

Yardage: 5,883-6,254 (par 71).

Green fees: From £20-£35 midweek & Sundays.

In a nutshell… Outstanding links among the West Shore dunes in the popular seaside resort!

You’ll love the… Fact it’s one of the driest courses in the region, the club having splashed out £60,000 to guarantee great year-round golf. The glorious views over the Conwy Estuary to Anglesey and Snowdonia will blow you away, too.

01492 876878 www.northwalesgolfclub.org.uk

THEVALERESORT (LAKECOURSE), SOUTHGLAMORGAN

Architect: Peter Johnson (1993).

Yardage: 5,986-6,304 (par 72).

Green fees: From £17.50 (online).

In a nutshell… Fun, mature parkland and a fine foil for the formidable neighbouring Wales National.

Unusually starts with a downhill par 3, but it picks up after that being dominated by a 20-acre lake with water in play on 12 holes.

You’ll love the… Signature par-4 12th, where you need to take careful approach aim to find the island green and there’s a nerve-jangling finale, involving more water. A short drive from capital Cardiff, it’s a cracking all-round resort with a fine four-star 143-bedroom hotel with outstanding facilities on site. A great place to stay.

01443 665827 www.vale-hotel.com

STAY & PLAY

ROLLSOFMONMOUTH,NEWPORT

Architect: Urbis Planning (1982).

Yardage: 6,283-6,733 (par 72).

Green fees: Winter special - £42 midweek & £47 weekends, including bacon bap & coffee and lunch.

In a nutshell… A gently undulating parkland layout designed in two halves separated by wooded hills.

You’ll love the… History attached to the venue. Not only did Greg Norman represent the club in his early days but the striking mansion clubhouse is the former home of Charles Stewart Rolls, co-founder of Rolls Royce.

01600 715353 www.therollsgolfclub.co.uk

PWLLHELI,GWYNEDD

Architect: Old Tom Morris (1900).

Yardage: 5,881-6,108 (par 69).

Green fees: £34 midweek, £37 weekends.

In a nutshell… An underrated part-links, part-parkland par-69 hybrid overlooking Cardigan Bay. You’ll love the… Chance to play seaside and parkland golf in a single round. While it’s set on the south-facing coastline of Cardigan Bay, Pwllheli benefits from the Llyn Peninsula’s microclimate so there’s a good chance the sun will be shining down on you.

01758 701644 www.clwbgolffpwllheli.com

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PLUS TOP 100 RANKINGS + DESTINATION GUIDES + COUNTY TOP 10s WWW.TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK

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THE PLAYLIST TOP 10...

More courses at www.todaysgolfer.co.uk

IT’S OPEN SEASON

Now is the time to play an Open venue for far less than summer 1

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STANDREWSOLDCOURSE,FIFE

Open history: The Old Course has hosted the most championships with 29 in total, most recently in 2015 when American Zach Johnson triumphed.

Why you should do it: It’s the history, it’s the most famous course in the world and it’s the Home of Golf.

No matter how many times you’ve played the Old Course, standing on the first tee in front of the R&A clubhouse makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. Every time. Also, not only are you virtually guaranteed a round on the hallowed turf – it’s literally a lottery in the summer – you’ll be experiencing the Old Course for half-price even though winter tees and fairway mats may be in use.

The deal: £88 till March 31.

01334 466718 www.standrews.com

ROYAL PORTRUSH PREPARES FOR THE 148TH OPEN In 2019 Ireland’s Portrush returns to the Open rota; and you can play it this winter from £70. Book at www.royalportrushgolfclub.com

2

CARNOUSTIE, ANGUS

Open history: Set to stage its eighth Open in 2018, having hosted its last in 2007 (Padraig Harrington).

Why you should do it: This is arguably the most demanding of all the Open rota courses with the last three holes, starting with the 250-yard par-3 16th, fraught with danger. Expect to play the full course depending on weather conditions though you’ll be hitting off mats on the fairways.

The deal: 50% off the normal £175 green fee.

01241 802270 www.carnoustiegolflinks.co.uk

5

ROYAL LYTHAM & ST ANNES, LANCS

Open history: The scene of 11 Opens since 1926.

Why you should do it: Firstly, it’s a true top links and will test you from the opening tee shot, unusually a par 3. It’s not the prettiest Open host, but it is pretty demanding with a really tricky final five holes and 206 bunkers guarding the fairways and greens.

On-site dormy house is worth a stay.

The deal: Until Feb 28 - £133 weekday & Sunday, includes a superb lunch.

01253 724206 www.royallytham.org

8

PRESTWICK, AYRSHIRE

Open history: This is where the Open started with Prestwick staging 24 from 1860-1925.

Why you should do it: Old Tom Morris, the club’s first greenkeeper, laid out the original 12-hole course and six of his original greens are still in use today.

It’s a step back in time, an unforgettable experience, while a guided tour of the club’s unique array of golfing memorabilia is recommended.

The deal: Nov-Mar - £95 a round or £115 per day.

01292 477404 www.prestwickgc.co.uk

3

ROYAL ST GEORGE’S, KENT

Open history: Has held 14 Opens since 1894 and will host number 15 in 2020.

Why you should do it: It guarantees a memorable and classic links test and is steeped in history. It’s already preparing to stage the 149th Open in three years. It’s right up there among England’s premier courses and boasts a magical set of short holes. The 6th, superbly guarded by bunkers, is our pick.

The deal: £100 Dec-Feb. 01304 613090 www.royalstgeorges.com

6

ROYAL LIVERPOOL, MERSEYSIDE

Open history: Has staged 12 Opens, last in 2014.

Why you should do it: Hoylake, as it is better known, is fairly flat apart from gently rolling and subtle bumps and slopes. Like Lytham, it’s not eye-catching but this is a gem of a course that only unveils its full character once you are underway. Beware of the fast but fairly flat greens and you’ll adore the stunning par-3 13th right on the Dee Estuary.

The deal: Until Feb 28 - £90.

0151 632 3101 www.royal-liverpool-golf.com

9

ROYAL CINQUE PORTS, KENT

Open history: Hosted the 1909 and 1920 Opens.

Why you should do it: Wonderful old out-and-back links overlooked by an equally wonderful clubhouse.

Cinque Ports possesses a fine collection of par 3s played in various directions, all of different yardages and all presenting their own difficulties. The demanding last five holes usually play into the wind, but even on a calm day it’s a stern test.

The deal: Until Feb 28 - £80 midweek, £115 w/e.

01304 374007 www.royalcinqueports.com

4

PRINCE’S, KENT

Open history: Had its one and only moment in the Open limelight in 1932, when Gene Sarazen won.

Why you should do it: It’s in top condition and playable year-round. There’s 27 holes of quality links golf (Dunes, Shore & Himalayas nines) with leading architects Mackenzie & Ebert currently carrying out significant improvements to the latter.

The deal: Until Mar 31 - £50 Mon-Thurs, £60 Fri-Sun and includes one-course golfers’ lunch.

01304 611118 www.princesgolfclub.co.uk

7

MUSSELBURGH OLD LINKS, EAST LOTHIAN

Open history: Held six Opens from 1874-1889.

Why you should do it: It’s officially recognised as the oldest course in the world - a game took place here in 1672! The nine-hole layout is plotted within the town’s racecourse and is a fascinating step back in time especially if you tee it up with original hickory clubs which can be hired on site for £38 per set.

The deal: Until Mar 31 - £14.70 midweek, £15.70 weekends.

0131 653 5122 www.musselburgholdlinks.

10

MUIRFIELD, EAST LOTHIAN

Open history: It’s hosted 16 Opens.

Why you should do it: Not so long ago visiting golfers were rarely spotted in these parts. Thankfully now they’re welcomed with open arms. Muirfield provides an unforgettable experience on and off the course – the legendary lunch is special, too, as is the immaculate course conditioning and combination of holes with no holes being the same.

The deal: £110 until Mar 15.

01620 842123 www.muirfield.org.uk

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THE PLAYLIST INSIDER’S GUIDE TO...

O

Just a short hop from the UK, this year-round destination boasts some of the finest golf resorts in the world, Top 100 courses and a setting fit for the world’s rich and famous.

Terre Blanche Two of Europe’s finest courses and one of its best golf resorts.

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More French courses at www.todaysgolfer.co.uk

S

lowly but surely, golf in France is gaining a foothold and following the staging of next year’s Ryder Cup in Paris, that grip is sure to tighten further.

Lots of Brits know the famous links courses of the northern coast, while Ryder Cup venue Le Golf National is the familiar home of the French Open. But that’s often where our appreciation of French courses ends...

That’s a shame, because if you venture to the deep south – the little known region of Var in particular –

you’ll discover courses just as good… if not better.

Var is very much a hidden gem of a golfing destination, even though it’s part of, and on the doorstep of, the millionaire’s playground that is the Cote d’Azur, French Riviera and Provence. And therein lies part of the problem – there’s so much razzmatazz going on elsewhere, the golf courses struggle to get a decent look in.

They tend to get overlooked, but they shouldn’t; Var

alone boasts a dozen 18-hole layouts, a magical mix of coastal and inland courses, and there’s barely a weak track among them. We experienced three of them in the summer and were blown away by each of them.

As you’d expect in this corner of the world, you’ll be parting company with extra euros for both staying and playing. An additional burden of course, but to be fair that’s just about the only minus point from the moment you land at Nice airport – just a two-hour £60 (return)

‘VAR BOASTS A DOZEN 18-HOLE COURSES AND THERE’S BARELY A WEAK TRACK AMONG THEM’ TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK IS SUE 3 6 8 123

THE PLAYLIST INSIDER’S GUIDE TO...

Terre Blanche Dave Thomas’ Riou course – an immaculate, undulating thriller.

Royal Mougins Waterfalls and spectacular short holes close to the airport.

flight away. And the outlay is balanced out when you take into account the quality of golf available and the fact there’s every chance you’ll be taking to the course with very few fellow golfers around. Another major plus is the weather – considerably better in the south compared to the north, it’s a year-round destination where sun is virtually guaranteed.

For golfers, the astounding quality - and quantity of golf resorts and courses on offer would be top of the list with world-class Terre Blanche, not surprisingly, leading the way. Then again, the three other venues we visited – Royal Mougins, St Endreol and Dolce Fregate Provence – are all outstanding resorts in their own right. The former is actually the odd one out as it is outside Var, though it is the closest to Nice airport (20 minutes) and provided the perfect starting point.

Dolce Fregate Overlooking the Med, this tranquil resort has perfect holiday golf.

THE COURSES…

First port of call, mainly because it’s on the French Riviera close to Cannes and the closest to Nice airport, was Royal Mougins, home of a fast maturing layout which opened in 1993 and is the handiwork of American architect Robert Von Hagge.

It is a fascinating course, opening with a par 4 on the side of a mountain and followed by the most spectacular of short holes – from the most elevated of tees you need to take careful aim to find the green, well guarded by cascading waterfalls, way below.

There’s plenty of water to negotiate – not unlike the designer’s more famous project, Paris National. There’s plenty of match-play action going on here, too, with the 4th green beyond a lake, while a brook threatens shots failing to find the huge two-tier green at the 6th.

The back nine has its moments, too, and again you need to take great care to avoid the water short and right of the par-4 16th green. The 18th is a classic par 5 – take your pick from two fairways... the left route is shorter but it brings water into play.

If you can then take advantage of the fine practice facilities here and it’s worth checking out head pro Stephane Damiano, who set Victor Dubuisson on the road to European Tour and Ryder Cup star status.

There’s thrills and spills galore at St Endreol, too, with the dramatic par-72 layout carved out of a thick pine forest in an unbelievably peaceful setting alongside the River Endre. Once again the star of the show is a par 3 played from the highest of tees and demanding the most precise of shots to a virtual-island green. It will take your breath your away.

Next up was Dolce Fregate Provence which can be found in Bandol between Marseille and Toulon and was created by Ronald Fream in 1992. It overlooks the 124 IS SUE 3 6 8 TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK

Mediterranean and presents superb holiday golf. Once again it is full of outstanding holes, the downhill par-4 10th being our pick. Most of the thrills occur on the back nine and the 15th is a superb short par 4 – its downhill all the way – while the par-4 penultimate hole is a pulsating, twisting downhiller leading to a green way below the fairway. You’ll need to take care on the big rolling greens and you’ll love the peace and quiet – the only things you’re likely to hear is the wind and noisy crickets – and the excellent practice facilities include a nine-hole par-29 layout.

We saved the best to last – the legendary Terre Blanche, which has developed into one of Europe’s best golf resorts with two Dave Thomas courses (Chateau and Riou) always – and quite rightly so – prominently placed in nearly all Continental Europe Top 100 courses rankings.

The classy courses are a joy to play. Always immaculate, you’ll do well to find courses in better

shape in Europe, if not the world. The Riou in particular was pristine tee to green – so much so it seemed a shame to hit off the silky smooth turf! That owes something to the fact it’s a members/guests and hotel residents course…a huge bonus if you’re staying on site!

To be honest, Terre Blanche doesn’t do weak holes – all 36 are pretty special – but the beauty of the venue is that they’re two completely different layouts: the Riou is very undulating and signs off with a trio of thrilling downhillers, while the flatter, longer Chateau features more water and there’s a bit more room off the tee. Tee it up morning and afternoon and you’ve got yourself the perfect 36-hole day out. Oh, and then there’s the amazing Albatross two-tier driving range with David Leadbetter Academy…

But there’s much more and other Var belters include the likes of Pete Dye’s Barbaroux, 94-years-old GC de Beauvallon and the internationally-acclaimed L’Esterel near St Raphael.

More French courses at www.todaysgolfer.co.uk

OFF-COURSEGUIDE

FOOD AND DRINK All four resorts have excellent restaurants and views.

None more so than the La Terrasse du 18 at Royal Mougins, which in the summer introduced ‘Food & Fire’ outdoor cooking and on the terrace at rustic St Endreol where you’re afforded gorgeous panoramic vistas. You can take your pick from four eateries at Terre Blanche, while Dolce Fregate de Provence boasts a splendid gourmet restaurant along with more relaxed dining in the clubhouse’s La Restanque.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS There’s something for everybody, young and old, from the glitz and glamour – and high prices – of Cannes and St Tropez to the small town of Grasse, which claims to be the birthplace and the capital of the perfume world. You can follow all the stages of perfume creation in a working factory dating from the 19th century. But the pièce de résistance and must visit is the Verdon gorge – France’s very own Grand Canyon is a gigantic chasm seemingly carved by the gods.

St Endreol Drama among the peace as you weave through a pine forest.

GETTING THERE We flew with easyJet (www.easyjet.com) from Luton and the flight time is about two hours with a return fare of just over £60 – about the same price as the airport parking meet & greet service. Golf clubs carriage is extra (£37) per flight if booked online (£47 otherwise).

SAMPLE DEALS Dolce Fregate Provence From €221 per night for two people including B&B, one round of golf each and free access to the outdoor pools, indoor pool, sauna, fitness area and tennis courts. Valid until March 31.

0033 494293830 www.dolcefregate.com Saint Endreol One night’s accommodation in a prestige room, one round and spa access costs from €129pp (double occupancy) and from €258pp for two nights (double occupancy).

0033 494 518980 www.st-endreol.com Royal Mougins Two nights/two adults in a suite with breakfast and one green fee each, access to Royal Spa for three hours and fitness centre costs from £451.

0033 492 924969 www.royalmougins.fr Terre Blanche A typical stay and play package costs from €540 for two per night, inc breakfast and a round each with GPS buggy, entry to the driving range with balls and access to swimming pools and fitness centre.

0033 494 393600 www.terre-blanche.com Your Golf Travel 2018 specials: Dolce Fregate; Two nights’ B&B and two rounds costs from £179pp and five nights with unlimited golf costs from £449pp; Royal Mougins; Two nights B&B and two rounds with buggy and spa access costs from £315pp.

0800 043 6644 www.yourgolftravel.com

WHAT TG READERS SAY MARTIN McGRATH,BRIGHTON It’s the stylish home to some of the best golf courses and resorts in France and Europe. Terre Blanche has won many awards and the resort is always ranked amongst the top 10 best in Europe. Set away from the coast and in rural Provence,

Terre Blanche ticks all the boxes when it comes to a perfect golf holiday: great hotel, amazing rooms and suites, superb views from both courses and Michelin star food served in an award-winning restaurant. For those who want to be closer to the coast, try Royal Mougins. Another great golf resort with a five-star standard hotel just 10 minutes

form Cannes and perfectly situated to give golfers the opportunity to explore the region.

NORMAN DEANE, COLCHESTER At Royal Mougins I was pleasantly surprised to discover a small piece of paradise on the French Riviera. At the heart of the golfing world hides a great spa providing a terrific variety of services.

ALAN JOHNSON, PROVENCE Set among the Bandol vineyard of Fregate with stunning views of the Mediterranean, Dolce Fregate Provence is both testing and enjoyable.

I’ve been playing this course for 20 years and can highly recommend it. The hotel is handily placed to play other courses such as St Baume and Barbaroux.

Dolce Fregate’s accommodation is stunning.

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THE PLAYLIST PRIZE DRAW

Win a magical Marbella break Chance for a fourball to stay and play in style on the Costa del Sol…

The lucky fourball will enjoy golf at the superb Los Naranjos.

W

e’ve teamed up with Vacation Marbella to offer a fantastic prize for one lucky reader – and THREE friends – to win a golf break to the everpopular sun-kissed area of the Costa del Sol. Up for grabs is a four-night stay in one of Vacation Marbella’s luxury two-bedroom apartments, plus a total of eight green fees at two of the region’s best courses – Los Naranjos and Rio Real.

Vacation Marbella, a luxury rental company with extensive knowledge of this region of Spain, is renowned for its exceptional customer service, delivering complete packages to ensure every aspect of a holiday is taken care of.

With a growing portfolio of high-end apartments, it focuses on golf and familybased holidays that can be tailor-made to suit every individual’s needs, from organising green fees, car rentals, fishing charters, airport transfers, private tours and baby-sitting services.

The Costa del Sol is a mecca for golf, with

more than 30 courses sprinkled around – the Marbella area alone boasts 15. With around 320 sunny days you can hit the pristine fairways all-year round too.

Opened in 1977, the Robert Trent Jones Snr-designed Los Naranjos is one of the best in Spain thanks to its gentle, undulating treelined holes that wind their way through orange groves as you try to avoid strategically-placed bunkers and water hazards.

The par-72 course, which plays 6,357 yards off the yellow tees, has hosted several major competitions over the years, including the Spanish Open, and was voted Course of the Year on the Costa del Sol in both 2005 and 2008.

The winner and guests can also enjoy the prestigious Rio Real, a Javier Arana-designed layout and the oldest in the Marbella area that boasts stunning Mediterranean views.

Situated just five minutes from the town centre, the course criss-crosses the Rio Real river as it meanders through a mixture of native and varied woodland.

HOW TO ENTER Log on to www. todaysgolfer. co.uk/win, click on the Vacation Marbella option and enter your email address. Entries close at midnight on December 20.

Full terms and conditions online.

The break must be taken before April 2018, subject to availability.

For more info on Vacation Marbella and a look at all its fabulous accommodation options, visit www.vacation marbella.com

Golf at the Javier Arana-designed Rio Real awaits.

The winner spends four nights in a luxury apartment.

E N T E R N O W AT W W W.T O D AY S G O L F E R . C O . U K / W I N

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Discover St Endreol

Savour this peace and quiet in the south of France

A

s soon as you arrive at the St Endreol Golf & Spa Resort in the south of France you will realise you’re somewhere special and about to savour a unique break.

The St Endreol estate is set within the densely forested hills near Draguignan in the heart of the Var region, just 30k from glitzy St Tropez and Cannes. But in reality it’s a world away from such glamorous places and their madding crowds – St Endreol is all about peace, serenity and nature.

One of the resort’s many attractions is the challenging par-72 golf course - designed by France’s best-known course architect Michel Gayon. The wildly undulating layout cuts through a thick pine forest and is backdropped by mountains and provides a round to remember.

Our highlight was the par-3 13th, which plays from an elevated tee to a lonely green way down below and virtually surrounded by the River Endre.

It may be the 13th, but you’ll feel lucky and privileged to have played it along with a string of other holes on the 25-year-old course. The pick The views are stunning.

of the rest includes the par-3 8th over a lake while holes 1416 precariously follow a bend in the river.

The hotel features 50 bright, contemporary and spacious rooms, each with a kitchenette and a balcony within yards away of a sizeable outdoor pool and a 2,000m square spa comprising a Turkish bath, saunas, a counter current pool, solarium and a comprehensive list of treatments.

The accommodation is a short walk away from the rustic clubhouse which oozes charm and character, while the terrace, providing breathtaking views, is cooled by an ornamental pond. Next door you’ll find the main restaurant where excellent affordable meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner, are served.

If you fancy a change of scenery and a different test, golfers will also be delighted to know that several other superb courses, including the two stunning Dave Thomas layouts at Terre Blanche, Pete Dye’s Barbaroux and Harry Colt classic Cannes Mandelieu, are all within 30km of the magical retreat of St Endreol.

How to get there Many airlines fly into Nice or Marseille from more than 15 UK airports – St Endreol is less than an hour from Nice and about 90 mins from Marseille. Alternatively, you can travel by Eurostar from London to Nice or Marseille – with a TGV connection – from £119 return.

More information To find out more about the golf and facilities at St Endreol, visit www.st-endreol.com/en/

Relax off the course.

Water abounds at St Endreol.

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Issue 368 TODAYS GOLFER 129

CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY BRITAINS BIGGEST-SELLING GOLF MAGAZINE

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LAST WORD 9 Best view in golf?

Seven, eight, nine and 10 at Pebble Beach. You can’t get much better than that.

10 Best mate on Tour?

I have quite a lot who I spend time with, but Thorbjørn Olesen is probably my closest friend.

European Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjorn on his love of tennis and THAT tee shot at the 2003 Open 1 How old were you when you first broke par?

It would have been at my home course in Silkeborg in Denmark.

I was probably 13 or 14, and I think I was one or two-under-par.

2 Highlight of your career so far?

The Ryder Cups are great and give me a lot of memories. But winning the Dubai Desert Classic in 2001 is something that really stands out.

Playing with Tiger for four days, at a time when he was at his peak, and winning the event was pretty special.

3 Best shot to date?

I’ve hit a lot of good shots over the years [laughs]. The most important shot was my tee shot at Loch Lomond in ’96 on the last hole [of the Scottish Open]. I hit a really good drive when I had to. It was a really difficult shot and I can still see the line now.

4 Biggest strength of your game?

I think I’m quite good at working my way around a golf course. I don’t hit it particularly long, but my short game is fairly reliable and I’d say I was a thinking man’s golfer.

5 One mulligan you could have?

It would have to be the tee shot on the 16th at The Open in 2003. It wasn’t a particularly bad shot, but it ended up in the bunker and it became a bit of a nightmare from there.

6 Favourite individual hole?

The 13th at Augusta.

When you sit on that tee, it’s the only place at The Masters where you are away from everything, away from the crowds.

You can hear people 130 IS SUE 3 6 8 TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK

playing behind and the noise from the [Augusta] Country Club. Then you come around the corner and see the trees, the bushes and the azaleas. It makes you want to hit a shot into the green.

Probably Wimbledon. I’ve been a few times and it’s a great event to go to. It has a lot of traditions, a bit like our Open Championship, so I appreciate everything that comes with it.

12 Favourite sports team?

Liverpool.

13 Sportsman you most admire?

When I was young, it was always Michael Johnson. But since I’ve grown older, it would probably be Roger [Federer]. What he’s achieved and the style and class he’s shown doing it is incredible.

7 Favourite course worldwide?

It would be a toss-up between Sawgrass and Augusta. The Masters is totally unique, but I think Sawgrass provides you with a course that asks you a question about every shot you want to play.

14 And sportswoman?

Steffi Graf was always the one. She was magnificent at playing the game and I appreciated the way she ground her opponents down.

8 Favourite course in Europe?

Loch Lomond. I think it’s a fantastic design and really enjoyable to play. I love it. It’s a big, big shame that we don’t play there anymore.

11 Favourite non-golf sports event?

‘PLAYING WITH TIGER FOR FOUR DAYS, AT A TIME WHEN HE WAS AT HIS PEAK, AND WINNING THE EVENT WAS PRETTY SPECIAL’

15 Favourite movie?

It would be between The Shawshank Redemption and Wedding Crashers. I remember watching Wedding Crashers with Ian Poulter and I had never laughed so much in my life.

16 Not to be missed TV show?

One of the best things I watched was the Danish series called The Killing. I thought that was really well done.

17 Favourite musician/band?

I don’t really have one. I’ll listen to pretty much anything but people get fascinated by artists and their lyrics, and associate their lives with different songs, but I’ve never been like that.

18 Favourite holiday destination?

Dubai. The weather is great; the food and the beaches are great. It provides you with everything.

19 Who would be in your dream celebrity fourball?

Good old Winston Churchill, JFK and [Nelson] Mandela.

20 And your ideal Tour fourball?

Jack Nicklaus, Arnie and probably Tiger.

SPORT OPTICS GOLF

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BUILT TO ENHANCE

Experience the finest courses managed by Troon Golf

Savour the Troon experience Since its formation in the United States in 1990, Troon has grown into the world’s leading golf management, development and marketing company, working with over 200 properties in 32 countries worldwide.

To be a Troon venue is a stamp of approval and a symbol of quality. Each of its venues is afforded a professional and systematic approach to golf facility management, offering a level of support which is incomparable.

This fact has not escaped golfers around the globe who have come to know what to expect from a Troon-managed facility; a commitment to maintaining excellent golf course conditioning and ensuring the guest experience is

‘These courses complete an unrivalled Troon portfolio, boasting some of the finest golf experiences on the planet’

always the most important consideration.

Neither has this gone unnoticed by the many golf course owners and operators, who continue to turn to Troon when it comes to gaining an advantage in maximising the potential of their product and return on investment.

Within the UK, Troon’s experience and expertise has been utilised in the Home of Golf at Fairmont St Andrews and at British Masters venue, The Grove, two of the finest golfing experiences and stunning settings for the game imaginable.

Further afield, Troon management specialists are engaged on the Mediterranean coastline at Greece’s Costa Navarino and Cyprus’ Secret

Valley. Moreover, the multiple high-profile championship venues in the United Arab Emirates, including; Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, The Track, Meydan Golf, Arabian Ranches Golf Club, The Els Club Dubai and Al Zorah Golf Club (pictured), all help to complete an unrivalled Troon portfolio, boasting some of the finest golf experiences on the planet.

This special guide – brought to you by Your Golf Travel – focuses on all those resorts, and more. You’ll also find exclusive Your Golf Travel offers to each destination, comprising golf and accommodation. To book a trip to any of them for 2018 or beyond, speak to a travel expert at yourgolftravel.com, or call 0800 043 6644.

Al Zorah Golf Club, Ajman

For more information on these offers, speak to a golf & travel expert at yourgolftravel.com or call 0800 043 6644

ALL THESE COURSES INSIDE...

4 The Grove, England

8 Fairmont St Andrews, Scotland

12 Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Abu Dhabi

16 The Track, Meydan Golf, Dubai

20 Al Zorah Golf Club, Ajman

6 Costa Navarino, Greece

10 Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Abu Dhabi

14 The Els Club, Dubai

18 Arabian Ranches, Dubai

22 Secret Valley Golf Resort, Cyprus

The Grove, England One of England’s finest hotels also has one of the country’s finest parkland courses Why it’s special: Set in 300 acres of picturesque countryside just outside of the capital, The Grove is London’s Country Estate and home to one of England’s finest luxury courses. Immaculately conditioned all year round, The Grove provides golfers with exquisite golf

and a true test on this 2016 British Masters and 2006 World Golf Championship venue. The rolling course was designed by the distinguished international course designer Kyle Philips, who combines modern game strategies with the great traditions of British golf course architecture.

For more information on these offers, speak to a golf & travel expert at yourgolftravel.com or call 0800 043 6644

Playing perfection The Grove is by far one of the best-conditioned inland courses in Britain.

‘The Grove provides a true test on this 2016 British Masters and 2006 World Golf Championship layout’

Chipping challenge Tricky greenside swales are a feature of the Kyle Phillips layout.

DISCOVER IT FOR YOURSELF...

THE GROVE, HERTFORDSHIRE

The offer: 1 night B&B, 1 round of golf Staying at: The Grove The golf: 1 round at The Grove The price: £160 Valid: Nov 1, 2017-Mar 31, 2018 The hotel is a beautiful mix of traditional and modern.

‘Costa Navarino offers a world-class golf experience with its two 18-hole signature courses’

Seaside setting The Bay Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones II.

Beautiful setting Both courses at Costa Navarino benefit from sea views.

For more information on these offers, speak to a golf & travel expert at yourgolftravel.com or call 0800 043 6644

Costa Navarino, Greece The ‘European Golf Resort of the Year 2017’ is blessed with two championship courses right by the sea Why it’s special: The two courses at Costa Navarino form part of a truly extraordinary development in one of Greece’s most attractive and unspoilt locations, complete with panoramic views of the Ionian Sea. Named “European Golf

Resort of the Year 2017” by the global golf tourism association IAGTO, Costa Navarino offers a world-class golf experience with its two 18-hole signature courses. The Dunes Course, set in diverse natural scenery with spectacular

sea and river views, takes its name from the tall dunes that separate several holes from a golden beach, while The Bay Course offers panoramic sea and mountain views, with two holes playing along the historic Bay of Navarino.

DISCOVER IT FOR YOURSELF...

Links-style layout The Dunes Course has been designed

by Bernhard Langer.

COSTA NAVARINO, GREECE

The offer: 5 nights’ B&B, 3 rounds of golf Staying at: The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino The golf: 2 x Navarino Dunes, 1 x Navarino Bay The price: £575 Valid: Feb16-Mar 7, 2018; Nov 18-30, 2018 The clubhouse and accommodation are both luxurious.

Fairmont St Andrews, Fife, Scotland Five-star venue for two clifftop courses overlooking the Home of Golf Why it’s special: The 520-acre five-star Fairmont St Andrews resort encapsulates luxury, elegance and truly breathtaking surroundings in the Home of Golf, and is proud to be recognised as one of the top golf resorts in the world. It is a truly unique and special venue that makes your visit one to remember, with its lavish and

Challenging start There’s water in play on the first hole of the Kittocks Course.

stunning surroundings, peaceful setting and stunning cliff top views of St Andrews and the North Sea. The resort prides itself on an array of fabulous facilities, including two championship golf courses, The Kittocks and The Torrance.

Fairmont St Andrews really is the perfect location to turn your getaway into a treasured memory.

For more information on these offers, speak to a golf & travel expert at yourgolftravel.com or call 0800 043 6644

DISCOVER IT FOR YOURSELF...

The Torrance course offers incredible views down into the Old Town.

FAIRMONT ST ANDREWS, FIFE

The offer: 1 night B&B, 2 rounds of golf Staying at: Fairmont St Andrews The golf: A round on each course (Kittocks & Torrance) The price: £139 Valid: Midweek, Jan and Feb 2018 The five-star Fairmont St Andrews hotel has everything you need in a resort.

Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Abu Dhabi

Follow in the footsteps of the game’s greatest player at this top Tour venue Why it’s special: An emblem of golf in the Middle East and the Home of Champions, Abu Dhabi Golf Club is an oasis of tranquillity carved out of the desert. One of the most luxurious golf resort experiences in the Middle East, and home to the European Tour’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, the 27 holes of championship golf provides a tough but fair challenge, with

lush fairways, strategically-placed bunkers and generous greens. The 162-acre course, designed by Peter Harradine, opened for play back in 1992, accounting for its well-established look and playability. Whether it’s the 18-hole championship National Course or the floodlit nine-hole Garden Course, there is something for everyone.

For more information on these offers, speak to a golf & travel expert at yourgolftravel.com or call 0800 043 6644

As one of the oldest courses in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi has matured into a wonderful golf experience.

Manicured water features have caught everyone out... including the likes of Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.

Abu Dhabi’s iconic Falcon Clubhouse is one of the most recognisable backdrops in the game.

DISCOVERITFORYOURSELF...

‘The 162-acre course opened for play back in 1992, accounting for its well-established look and playability’

ABUDHABIGOLFCLUB,ABUDHABI

The offer: 4 nights’ B&B, 3 rounds of golf Staying at: Westin Abu Dhabi The golf: Abu Dhabi GC, Saadiyat Beach, Yas Links The price: £859 Valid: May 15-Jun 15, 2018

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Abu Dhabi A breathtaking Gary Player design that makes full use of its Arabian Gulf setting

Why it’s special: Saadiyat Beach Golf Club harnesses the stunning natural beauty of Saadiyat Island to create an unparalleled experience. Designed by undisputed sports legend Gary Player, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is one of the world’s most uniquely captivating golf projects. The championship design winds

through natural dunes and along the picturesque Arabian coastline and has been created for all levels of golfers . Home to the first ever Ladies European Tour event in Abu Dhabi – the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open – Saadiyat Beach provides an all-round golfing experience with optimum customer service.

For more information on these offers, speak to a golf & travel expert at yourgolftravel.com or call 0800 043 6644

Keep it in play Giant bunkers and several lakes are waiting to catch you.

‘The championship design winds through natural dunes and along the picturesque Arabian coastline’

Stay and play The development of Saadiyat Island has added to the course.

DISCOVER IT FOR YOURSELF...

SAADIYAT BEACH GC, ABU DHABI

The offer: 4 nights’ B&B, 3 rounds of golf Staying at: Yas Island Rotana The golf: Saadiyat Beach, Abu Dhabi GC, Yas Links The price: £339 Valid: 1 Jun-15 Jul, 1-15 Sept, 2018 The playing surfaces here are as good as you’ll find.

The Els Club, Dubai

The four-time Major Champion has created a green oasis in the desert that tests every level of player Why itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special: The Els Club is the ďŹ&#x201A;agship golf course project by Dubai Sports City and has been in operation since January 2008. Designed by two-time US Open and Open Champion Ernie Els, the course has received international acclaim

Lag it close A solid putting touch is required on some of the enormous greens.

and takes advantage of dramatic topography, resulting in a layout that is aesthetically stunning and exciting to play. Stretching 7,538 yards with four sets of tees, allowing golfers a selection of different lengths from which to play, it has set

a new benchmark for golf in the region. Set on undulating slopes of native desert vegetation, it is a links style layout of a classic design and delivers an extraordinary experience by providing service and superb tournament-spec playing surfaces.

For more information on these offers, speak to a golf & travel expert at yourgolftravel.com or call 0800 043 6644

‘The Els Club has set a new benchmark for golf in the region’

DISCOVER IT FOR YOURSELF...

THE ELS CLUB, DUBAI

The offer: 5 nights’ B&B, 3 rounds of golf Staying at: JA Ocean View The golf: Els Club, Emirates Faldo, Arabian Ranches The price: £939 Valid: Jun 1-Sept 30, 2018 (book by 10/12/17)

Splash it out Cavernous bunkers, designed by one of the best sand players ever.

The clubhouse at the Els Club is one of the best in the region.

The Track, Meydan Golf, Du Where golf meets the other great passion in Dubai... horse racing

Why it’s special: An experience like no other, The Track, Meydan Golf is situated in the heart of Dubai’s famous race course and just a 15-minute drive from the airport, giving you the perfect opportunity to squeeze in some golf before

Night golf A round under floodlights is something to savour.

your flight. It provides a unique challenge that can be enjoyed at day or night. Open until late under floodlights, which turn night to day, the Track course measures 7,412 yards off the Black championship tees but, with four tee boxes to use,

allows every ability of golfer a chance to enjoy the experience of Meydan Golf. Renowned golf course architect Peter Harradine has strategically placed each hole, allowing six natural lakes to come into play on several approaches.

For more information on these offers, speak to a golf & travel expert at yourgolftravel.com or call 0800 043 6644

bai

‘The Track, Meydan Golf – built within a race track – provides a unique challenge enjoyed day or night’

DISCOVER IT FOR YOURSELF...

THE TRACK, MEYDAN GOLF, DUBAI

The offer: 4 nights’ B&B, 3 rounds of golf Staying at: Address Dubai Marina The golf: The Track Meydan Golf, Arabian Ranches, The Els Club The price: £1,345 Valid: Apr 9-May 14, 2018

ArabianRanchesGolf Club, This recently-refurbished layout encapsulates all that’s great about golf in the desert Why it’s special: This 18-hole, par-72 signature course, designed by Ian Baker-Finch in association with Nicklaus Design, was created as a true desert-style grass course. Players here are known

to enjoy the natural flow of holes through the sand dunes and wonderful desert landscape, many of which incorporate some truly great design concepts. In 2014, a two-year enhancement

programme was completed, adding spectacular vistas whilst maintaining the integrity of the original design. Playing up to 7,658 yards, it is a true test of championship golf.

For more information on these offers, speak to a golf & travel expert at yourgolftravel.com or call 0800 043 6644

Dubai

‘Players here enjoy the natural flow of holes through the sand dunes and wonderful desert landscape’ DISCOVER IT FOR YOURSELF...

ARABIAN RANCHES GC, DUBAI

The offer: 4 nights’ B&B, 3 rounds of golf Staying at: Media Rotana The golf: Arabian Ranches, Els Club, Address Montgomerie The price: £779 Valid: Jun 2018 Natural desert waste areas frame the fairways.

The clubhouse is a sumptuous place to relax.

AlZorahGolfClub,Ajman, U An incredible new Nicklaus course, built among the tidal mangroves, which changes character by the hour

Why it’s special: A world-class course set amid a beautiful naturally-preserved environment of striking mangroves and sheer tranquillity – that’s the special proposition that has been created by the famed Nicklaus Design group at Al Zorah, Ajman. This spectacular par-72 offers a truly sensational design with

‘In total, a million square metres of mangroves characterise the Al Zorah Golf Club’

pristinely manicured fairways and greens, but it is the way the Nicklaus Design team has protected the natural environment while creating the layout that really catches the eye.

In total, a million square metres of mangroves characterise the Al Zorah Golf Club and embrace rather than intrude on the natural

layout of the land. A plethora of native sandy areas, an abundance of wildlife and 12km of waterfront add to that sense of rich beauty and biodiversity. Vast coastal areas with a constantly changing tidal system also presents a unique challenge for players, altering the look and feel of the course on an hourly basis.

For more information on these offers, speak to a golf & travel expert at yourgolftravel.com or call 0800 043 6644

AE The beautiful Al Noor Mosque is a spectacular backdrop to many of the holes at Al Zorah.

Many of the water features at Al Zorah rise and fall with the tide, changing the playing characteristics.

Pristine conditioning with no trees and big greens means Al Zorah plays very much like a links course.

DISCOVERITFORYOURSELF...

AL ZORAH GOLF CLUB, UAE

The offer: 4 nights’ B&B, 3 rounds of golf Staying at: Rove Downtown The golf: Al Zorah, Arabian Ranches, Dubai Creek The price: £795 Valid: Jun 2018

Secret Valley Golf Resort, Cyprus Tony Jacklin’s gem combines stunning sea views, fabulous conditioning and lots of history Why it’s special: The Secret Valley Golf Club is a highly prestigious resort located within the renowned area of “Petra tou Romiou”, the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of love. It is set in a scenic valley surrounded by mature trees and beautiful natural rock

formations. Consistently appearing as the preferred course among the island’s many golfers in terms of both its layout and the levels of enjoyment it provides, this signature Tony Jacklin design possesses stunning sea views and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, as

well as offering sheer playability.

Quite simply the Secret Valley Golf Resort is an essential stop for any golfer visiting the beautiful island of Cyprus, and as it’s just a 10-minute drive from Paphos Airport, is easily accessible for all.

For more information on these offers, speak to a golf & travel expert at yourgolftravel.com or call 0800 043 6644

‘This signature Tony Jacklin design has stunning sea views and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere’ DISCOVER IT FOR YOURSELF...

SECRET VALLEY GOLF RESORT, CYPRUS

The Mediterranean is in view from many holes, and several water features are in play.

The offer: 5 nights’ B&B, 3 rounds of golf Staying at: Athena Beach Hotel The golf: Rounds at Secret Valley, Elea Golf and Minthis Hills Golf The price: £359 Valid: Jan 1-Mar 5, 2018

A world of Troon awaits Enjoy all of the Troon golf facilities across Europe, Africa and the Middle East 10 Trump Turnberry Resort, Ayrshire Spain 11 Aloha Golf Club, Marbella, Málaga 12 Las Colinas Golf & Country Club, Alicante 13 Lumine Golf Club, Tarragona Switzerland 14 Golfclub Domat/Ems, Domat/Ems

EUROPEAN COURSES Cyprus 1 Secret Valley Golf Resort, Paphos England 2 Centurion Club, Hemel Hempstead, Herts 3 The Grove, London, Hertfordshire Germany 4 Golfclub Pfalz, Neustadt Greece 5 Costa Navarino, Messinia Norway 6 Lofoten Links, Gimsøysand Russia 7 Agalarov Estate, Moscow 8 Don Golf & Country Club, Stanitsa Starocherkasskaya Scotland 9 Fairmont St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife

MIDDLE EASTERN COURSES Bahrain 15 Royal Golf Club, Riffa Saudi Arabia 16 Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, King Abdullah Economic City Oman 17 Jebel Sifah, As Sifah 18 Ras Al Hamra Golf Club, Muscat

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United Arab Emirates 19 Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Abu Dhabi 20 Al Zorah Golf Club, Ajman 21 Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Dubai 22 Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Abu Dhabi 23 The Address Montgomerie Dubai, Dubai 24 The Els Club, Dubai, Dubai 25 The Track, Meydan Golf, Dubai

AFRICAN COURSES Egypt 26 The Allegria Golf Club, Sheikh Zayed City, Cairo Morocco 27 Golf Du Soleil, Agadir

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For more information on these offers, speak to a golf & travel expert at...

yourgolftravel.com

0800 043 6644

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very warm welcome to the Algarve! Over the course of the next 12 months we hope to show you our region as you’ve never seen it before, with a selection of spectacular aerial images that present just a small taste of what our beautiful region has to offer.

This stunning photography illustrates the Algarve’s diverse landscape, which can be savoured through the huge variety of our golf courses.

If you think you’ve seen everything the Algarve has to offer,

www.pinecliffs.com

Pine Cliffs

Best wishes and happy golfing in 2018 Algarve Tourism Bureau

we hope you might have changed your mind by the time December arrives! We also hope these images inspire you to visit us soon, whether for your first break, or a return trip. As you will see there is something to suit everyone on the course, whether you want lush, green parklands or windswept, sandy seaside links. We also give you a little taste of what else you can expect from your holiday.

Stay in style Visiting golfers are spoilt for choice with the countless accommodation options ranging from great-value guest houses and apartments to five-star hotels and resorts. Many of the hotels and resorts are golfer-friendly.

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It offers AMAZING value The Algarve was voted the Best Value Golf Destination in Europe by Today’s Golfer readers while the Post Office Holiday Costs Barometer named the Algarve as the best-value holiday destination – following price checks on meals, drinks and other holiday essentials – in the eurozone for 2017.

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The variety of golf courses There are 41 courses dotted along the southern coast of Portugal and the differences between them are noteworthy. You never feel you’re playing the same course twice on the Algarve.

Yes, there are lots of classic, pine-framed parklands, but they all have their distinctive elements, and there are also seaside links, clifftop thrillers, dreamy beachside tracks and expansive hillside venues.

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The outstanding weather The climate is fabulous all year round, with the Algarve boasting more than 300 days of sunshine a year. Winters are usually mild and incredibly dry.

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It’s full of brilliant beaches It’s the home of some of the best

Great gastronomy It’s no surprise to learn the Algarve with its extensive coastline and numerous fishing villages – is a haven for the tastiest seafood in Europe. There are also a myriad wines to enjoy with it too and the grills here serve up incredible juicy steaks.

Perfect with a local beer! You can drink in stunning coastal views from numerous outstanding beach-side restaurants.

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The best have played here The Algarve has staged an astonishing 35 European Tour events since 1973.

That figure includes two in 2017, when Morgado hosted the Portugal Open and the Arnold Palmer-designed Victoria the Portugal Masters.

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Something for everyone The Algarve effortlessly caters for couples, same-sex groups and families. Whether you want golf, dining and spa, golf, pool and nightlife, or golf, beach and waterparks, the Algarve offers the perfect break.

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Numerous flight options The Algarve couldn’t be more straightforward to get to. There are flights to Faro airport from virtually all the UK’s international and regional airports. Flight time is around 2hrs 30mins with lots of carrier options.

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Warm & friendly Wherever you are in the Algarve, on or off the course, you’ll receive the hand of friendship and a genuinely warm welcome from super-friendly English-speaking locals who will go out of their way to help out with anything you need. You can say thank you in return with ‘Obrigado’ (men) and ‘Obrigada’ (women).

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The nightlife Whether in glitzy Vilamoura, the city of Faro, lively Albufeira, classy Tavira, Lagos or Portimão, you will be entertained in the evening in a plethora of restaurants, pubs and late bars.

beaches, not only in Europe, but the world: the Algarve is 150 miles of small coves, bays and inlets, with pristine, sandy beaches washed by the surf of the Gulf of Cadiz. The views from the coastline or some of the spectacular inland mountain panoramas are out of this world, too.

Immaculate conditioning You can travel to the Algarve and be assured the courses you play will be superbly presented... no matter what month of the year you choose to play. The weather helps, of course, in creating these manicured tees, fairways and greens.

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Nossa Senhora da Rocha

Onyria Palmares www.onyriapalmares.com

Ponta da Piedade | Lagos

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Quinta da Ria www.quintadaria.com

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www.quintadolago.com

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Ilha do Farol | Faro

Monte Rei www.monte-rei.com

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www.pestanagolf.com

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Praia do Alemão | Portimão

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www.benamorgolf.com

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Vila Real de Santo Antรณnio

BEN HOGAN

‘As you walk down the fairway of life, you must smell the roses, for you only get to play one round’

Castro Marim www.castromarimgolfe.com

PG WODEHOUSE

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Golf... is the infallible test. The man who can go into a patch of rough alone, with the knowledge that only God is watching him, and play his ball where it lies, is the man who will serve you faithfully and wellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Quinta do Vale

www.quintadovalegolf.com

Oceanico Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor

www.amendoeiraresort.com

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Benagil | Lagoa

Espiche www.espiche-golf.com

Cabo de São Vicente | Sagres

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PGA Championship Bellerive CC

PGA Championship Bellerive CC

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www.dompedrogolf.com

Dom Pedro Old Course

Vilamoura | Loulé

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San Lorenzo www.sanlorenzogolfcourse.com

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Salgados

www.nauhotels.com

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Lagoa

www.valedolobo.com

Vale do Lobo Ocean

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Barrinha | Faro

Boavista www.boavistagolf.com

visitgolfalgarve.com

We hope the images weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve brought you over the past 12 months become reality for you in 2019.

We can guarantee one thing (in addition to the sunshine!) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you will be made extremely welcome, just as the hundreds of thousands of golfers who have enjoyed a golf break here have been since 1966.

Algarve Tourism sends you its very warmest wishes for 2019.

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16 Dom Pedro Millennium www.dompedrogolf.com

21 Vale do Lobo Ocean www.valedolobo.com

20 Pestana Vila Sol www.pestanagolf.com

27 Quinta do Lago Laranjal www.quintadolago.com

26 Pinheiros Altos www.pinheirosaltos.com

25 San Lorenzo Golf www.sanlorenzogolfcourse.com

32 Castro Marim Golf www.castromarimgolfe.com

31 Quinta da Ria Golf www.quintadaria.com

30 Quinta de Cima Golf www.quintadaria.com

29 Monte Rei www.monte-rei.com

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11 Oceanico Faldo www.amendoeiraresort.com

17 Dom Pedro Laguna www.dompedrogolf.com

22 Vale do Lobo Royal www.valedolobo.com

28 Benamor Golf www.benamorgolf.com

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6 Morgado Golf www.nauhotels.com

12 Oceanico O’Connor www.amendoeiraresort.com

18 Dom Pedro Old Course www.dompedrogolf.com

23 Quinta do Lago South www.quintadolago.com

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1 Espiche Golf www.espiche-golf.com

7 Alamos Golf www.nauhotels.com

13 Salgados www.nauhotels.com

19 Dom Pedro Pinhal www.dompedrogolf.com

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2 Boavista Golf www.boavistagolf.com

8 Pestana Gramacho www.pestanagolf.com

14 Pine Cliffs www.pinecliffs.com

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3 Onyria Palmares www.onyriapalmares.com

9 Pestana Vale da Pinta www.pestanagolf.com

From west to east... where to find the Algarve’s golf courses

4 Penina Golf www.penina.com

15 Dom Pedro Victoria www.dompedrogolf.com

VISITGOLFALGARVE

33 Quinta do Vale Golf www.quintadovalegolf.com

10 Pestana Silves www.pestanagolf.com

visitgolfalgarve.com

24 Quinta do Lago North www.quintadolago.com

5 Pestana Alto www.pestanagolf.com

Pictures kindly provided by Associação Turismo do Algarve and Região de Turismo do Algarve, from the book “Algarve visto do ar | From the air”. All rights reserved.