Bizgolf April 2018 by GEC MEDIA GROUP

APRIL 2018

NERVES OF STEEL

PATRICK REED WINS 2018

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APRIL 2018 VOLUME 01 ISSUE 08

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COVER STORY

Nerves of Steel: Patrick Reed Wins 2018 US Master

46 OFF COURSE

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10 SOCIAL MEDIA

First PGA Tour Victory for Brice Garnett

30 TEE TIME

Brooke Henderson wins Lotte Championship for sixth LPGA title

34 BUSINESS NEWS

Leadbetter To Open European Academy at Stoke ParK

38 INTERVIEW

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BIZGOLF APRIL 2018 EDITOR’S NOTE

An Unpopular Champion Dear Readers, When a potential Masters’ champion approaches the 18th green on a Sunday, the cheers of fans and spectators are usually a sight to behold and a sound to give you goosebumps. This year it was different. It was scattered; ‘silent’ in a manner of speaking. The 2018 Green Jacket did end up on Captain America Patrick Reed’s shoulders but he was clearly an unpopular choice. Whether it’s his alienating attitude, or famous “top five” comment in 2014, or the comments he made against the fans at Bethpage in New York, Reed was definitely the fan’s second choice going into the final behind Major Grand Slam chasing Rory McIlroy. The hopes of a Ryder Cup recap between the two quickly vanquished same as Rory on the first nine. Reed held his nerves of steel and went onto win his maiden major title fair and square. That’s 2-0. More on this inside as the cover story of the month with some exclusive shots of the tournament. Spotlight of the month talks about a revolutionary new product that bridges the gap between top golf technology and amateur golfers at a reasonable price point followed by an interview with Ashwani Khurana, owner of Karma Lakelands – a 9 hole layout outside New Delhi, India. Update yourself with newsworthy stories from the world of professional golf in Tee Time and do flip through the lifestyle page to make a statement off the course! Read On!

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BIZGOLF APRIL 2018 COVER STORY

NERVES OF STE

PATRICK REED WINS 2018

US MASTERS

COVER STORY APRIL 2018 BIZGOLF

BY: VINEET MANN

ugusta National Golf Club in Georgia recently hosted the 82nd edition of the prestigious Masters Tournament. Comprising of a strong field of leading professional golfers from around the world, the first major of the year boasts of a massive US $ 11 million prize money purse. The 2018 edition belonged to American Patrick Reed, often fondly referred as ‘Captain America’. Reed claimed the Green Jacket after shooting a final-round 71 to earn a one-shot victory over compatriot Rickie Fowler. Reed finished at 15 under, holding off charges by Fowler (67/14 under) and Jordan Spieth (64/13 under). At 14-under, Reed started the final day with a three-stroke lead over Rory McIlroy who shot a round of 7-under 65 on the third day in his pursuit for a career grand slam. Rickie Fowler, at nine under,

BIZGOLF APRIL 2018 COVER STORY

“Every time you think about it as a kid growing up, it’s always, you know, this putt is to win a green jacket; this putt’s to win the Masters. I think that’s just because of the history and everything that’s gone on here at Augusta National and how special it is to all the golfers and special it is to just golf in general around the world.”

“Of course, it’s frustrating. But it’s hard to take any positives from it right now, but at least I put myself in the position. That’s all I wanted to do. The last four years I’ve had top‑10s, but I haven’t been close enough to the lead. Today I got myself there. I didn’t quite do enough. But, you know, come back again next year and try.”

“I gave it my all. I left everything out there on the golf course. Like I was talk‑ ing about, I was just a little too far back. And to go out there and leave everything out there, it would have been nice to have a few more coming in and give it a real chance. But we did everything we could.”

– Patrick Reed

– Rory McIlroy

– Rickie Fowler

COVER STORY APRIL 2018 BIZGOLF

was placed further down at third place. While everyone was hoping for a 2016 Ryder Cup drama between the duo, McIlroy disappointed with a bogey-laden final round of two-over 74 for a Tied 5th finish. Reed, on the other hand, kept a cool head to finish with an under-par round. Rickie Fowler, also chasing his maiden Masters title, produced a back-nine birdie blitz but failed to catch up with Reed by one stroke. Jordan Spieth who was Tied 9th after 54 holes at five- under was the biggest mover on the final day as he carded nine birdies against a single bogey for an eight-under 64 to secure the third place.

Spaniard Jon Rahm finished fourth at 11-under. Defending Champion Sergio Garcia failed to make the cut after a first-round 81 where he shot 8-over 13 on the 15th hole in a nightmarish fiasco in which he buried five shots in the water hazard in front of the green. The meltdown continued on the second day as he shot a round of six-over- 78. He finished 15-over 159 for the tournament, tied at 82nd place. Four-time winner Tiger Woods who played his fist competitive round in 1,089 rounds continued on a steady path to recovery with a Tied 32nd place finish for a tournament total score of one- over 289.

Masters final leaderboard -15 P Reed (US); -14 R Fowler (US); -13 J Spieth (US); -11 J Rahm (Sp); -9 C Smith (Aus), B Watson (US), H Stenson (Swe), R McIlroy (NI); -8 M Leishman (Aus); -7 T Finau (US), D Johnson (US); -6 C Hoffman (US), J Rose (Eng), L Oosthuizen (SA) Selected others: -5 P Casey (Eng); -4 T Fleetwood (Eng), J Thomas (US); +1 T Woods(US); +2 P Mickelson (US); +3 M Fitzpatrick (Eng); +4 T Hatton (Eng), I Poulter (Eng)

“The first time I saw the leaderboard was after I tapped in on 18. Honest to God. Didn’t look once today. That was my plan going in. I’m nine back. Go out and just have fun. Don’t worry about the golf tournament itself, worry about playing Augusta National. I heard roars. I knew somebody was playing well. With eight people, ahead of me starting the day, to get that much help and shoot a fantastic round was nearly impossible. But I almost pulled off the impossible.”

“There weren’t many downs. The only down I would say is the second shot on 15. You know, it’s sad, it’s sad too, because I played so good the last three days and that one shot, one shot where I feel like I made a perfect swing and wound up in the water…I wish I would have made a couple more putts, but it is what it is, it’s hard to win a major championship.”

“My swing is slightly off. I was pleased with the way I was able to drive it, but I just could not convert with my irons. I struggled with obviously controlling the shape. Can’t control the shape. Can’t control the distance. And it was one of those weeks in that regard.”

– Jordan Spieth

– Jon Rahm

– Tiger Woods

What’s in the Bag The clubs that Patrick Reed used to win his maiden Masters Driver: Ping G400 LST 10° with an Aldila 70 Tour X shaft Fairway: Nike VR Pro Ltd. Edition 15° with an Aldila 80 Tour X shaft Driving Iron: Titleist 716 T-MB (3-iron) with a True Temper Dynamic Gold 120 X100 shaft Irons: Callaway X Forged 2013 (4), Callaway MB-1 (5-PW) with True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 shafts Wedges: Artisan (51 and 56°), Titleist Vokey SM5 (61°) with True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 shafts Putter: Odyssey White Hot Pro 3 Ball: Titleist Pro V1

BIZGOLF APRIL 2018 GOLFSCAPES

WESTERN AUSTRALIA:

GOLF DOWN UNDER

GOLF

CLUB HOUSE

HOSPITALITY

BY: VINEET MANN

estern Australia is one of the most amazing places on earth if you love golf. Tee-it-up in dry and sunny weather all year long with plenty of world class facilities with breathtaking views and finger smacking gastronomy to satiate your palate.

Joondalup Golf Resort Joondalup Golf Resort is our personal recommendation to start. Located in Connolly, about a half-hour’s drive from downtown Perth, this comprehensive development includes 27 holes designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Each of the three nines – Lake, Dune, and Quarry – have their own distinctions, but all three are strong, scenic layouts that test every part of your game. The Quarry/Dune combination is often considered to be the toughest one at Joondalup and the wonderful par-3s are its signature holes. The 136m 3rd hole at Quarry is a star that requires a shot to sail all across a chasm to find a small green that’s partially hidden. The 4th hole at Dunes, a thumping 224m in length, is a monster that will eat up your balls if you

happen to slice it off the tee. Whether cutting through the steep cliffs of former limestone quarries, or skirting picturesque lakes, each hole carries its own identity and challenge That is not to say that the Lake nine is any slouch. Links-like in nature, the holes here can play tough when the wind kicks up. But the benefit is that, on a few of them, you get a glimpse of the ocean in the distance. The Dune course contains a similar feast of elevation changes, wonderfully sculpted holes, “wildly” rolling fairways and plenty more limestone cliffs. The Lake-nine, although not as revered as the Quarry-Dune combination, presents another loop of excellently maintained golf holes, full of intrigue and challenge. In keeping with its siblings, the

fabulously bunkered holes occupy folding terrain, flanked by bushland, towering eucalyptus and occasional, large, unobtrusive villas.

Course Architect and Designer Robert Trent Jones Jnr

Green Fee AUD$ 128 (includes twin share motor cart) to play 18 holes

Contact: Joondalup Resort & Country Club Country Club Boulevard, Connolly, WA 6027 +61 8 9400 8888 joondalupresort.com.au

GOLFSCAPES APRIL 2018 BIZGOLF

GOLF

CLUB HOUSE

HOSPITALITY

Lake Karrinyup Country Club Often ranked as the best in Western Australia, the course has been the home venue for professional tournaments like the Perth International and the ISPS Handa World Super Six. This is as traditional a club as you’ll find in Australia. It’s lovely single-storey clubhouse sits on top of a hill overlooking the holes that start out at its doorstep. Alex Russell, Dr Alister Mackenzie’s Australian partner, is credited to have designed the original layout, which was renovated in 2008 by Michael Clayton. Although Clayton’s redesign was met with some controversy, the course still retains much of the character of Russell’s wonderful accomplishment, and remains a delight to play.Superbly laid out, immaculately maintained and pleasingly natural on the eye, the course here is well worth trying to play, even though it

is generally reserved for members and their guests. The drivable, downhill par-4 1st immediately impresses on you that undulating terrain, tree-lined fairways and large stylish bunkers are integral elements in the course defenses. Nearly ninety years old since it opened in 1928, Lake Karrinyup still stands shoulder to shoulder with the best in the country. Its commune with nature is its strongest suit and each hole is nestled between mature trees that offer refuge for a wide variety of wildlife. Being a parkland design, trees are Lake Karrinyup’s main defense. Fairways have some movement in them so being able to shape your drives can come in handy. There is water on some of the holes, the 200m par-3 eighth being one that requires you to take on a large pond to get onto a

raised green protected by bunkers.

Course Architect and Designer Alex Russell

Green Fee A private club, open to members and invited guests only. Members of Golf Clubs from overseas and interstate may apply to the Manager to establish playing conditions. Introduction from home club required.

Contact: Lake Karrinyup Country Club North Beach Road Karrinyup WA 6018 (08) 9422 8222 www.lkcc.com.au

BIZGOLF APRIL 2018 GOLFSCAPES

GOLF

CLUB HOUSE

HOSPITALITY

Meadow Springs Golf & Country Club If you find yourself south of Perth, one course that you shouldn’t miss is Meadow Springs Golf and Country Club. It also offers a Robert Trent Jones Jr design that will make for an enjoyable round. This tree-lined parkland layout should not disappoint, with many attractive features and several excellent holes to enjoy. Plenty of golfing challenge, a wellcrafted design and usually good upkeep all contribute to the appeal of this course. In fact, after playing the course, you get a

sense that Meadow Springs is very similar to Joondalup. The exquisite bunkering with its gentle edges give a softness to the course that makes it fun to play and easy on the eye at the same time. Tall Tuart trees frame the fairways providing needed shade on this bush land course especially when playing in the summer months. You won’t find many holes playing along each other here, affording a sense of seclusion that adds to the enjoyment.

Course Architect and Designer Robert Trent Jones Jr

Green Fee AUD$ 64/ 74 (weekdays/ weekends)

Contact: Meadow Springs Golf & Country Club Meadow Springs Drive, Mandurah, WA 6210 +61 8 9581 6002 www.msgcc.com.au

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CLUB HOUSE

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The Cut Golf Club The two nines at The Cut are a bit different in nature. The course starts out gently on the front nine but once you make the turn, the course starts to impress. All of a sudden, you’re taken on a ride through fairways cut through thick bush to high points where the ocean forms a backdrop to the greens. You will have to bring you’re A-game here, especially if the wind starts wafting in from the sea. Irrespective your score, your will be treated

with some of the most breathtaking views anywhere. At 6,385m from the black tees, the course isn’t that long and a refined short game will get you success. You won’t refute that the back nine at The Cut is one of the best sets of holes you’ll see in Western Australia.

Course Architect and Designer James Wilcher

Green Fees AUD$ 85

Contact: The Cut Country Club Drive, Dawesville, WA 6211 +61 8 9582 4444 www.the-cut.com.au

GOLFSCAPES APRIL 2018 BIZGOLF

WHERE TO DINE

Must Wine Bar The Northbridge neighbourhood has earned a reputation of being the eating and drinking centre of Perth. Must Wine Bar is situated in a quieter part of the area, which suits those who prefer a more relaxed ambience. This bistro cum wine bar is a laid-back, classy place to enjoy a meal with friends. Interesting entrees like

the Heirloom Beetroot Salad, Goats Curd with Candied Walnuts and Duck Ham, or the Slow Cooked Pork Belly with Esperance Scallops, Pumpkin Puree and Apple Salad are creative ways to start. Daily specials may include blood sausages, or grilled octopus, but if you prefer something predictable, the 28-day aged sirloin

steak is a pretty good bet. As its name suggests, Must has a nice bar that serves an international selection of wines by the glass or bottle, as well as intoxicating cocktails. 519 Beaufort Street, Highgate, WA 6003; +61-8-9328-8255; www.must.com.au

The Standard If you prefer to be smack in the middle of the Northbridge action, this hip and trendy, modern-Australian restaurant will fit your desires. There is a lively buzz about The Standard, and its indoor and outdoor spaces make for a great

place to hold events. The highly creative menu is made for sharing. Caramelised Kangaroo with Sesame Soy Custard, Creamy Mozzarella with Turmeric and Blood Orange Gremolata, and Korean BBQ Chicken with Rice Noodle and Herb

Salad reflects a global accent to the menu. 28 Roe St, Northbridge WA 6003; +618-9228-1331; www.thestandardperth. com.au

Sushia Izakaya This stylish, if rather dimly lit, Japanese restaurant is owned by Elleo Group, an Australian food and beverage concern that is committed to providing nutritious offerings with premium produce. The sushi and izakaya (Japanese small dishes)

choices here reflect their motto. One good way to construct a meal is to put together your own selection of nigiri sushi or maki rolls, then add other several dishes to be shared. Sharing options can include tempura, soft shell crab, teppanyaki, and

robatayaki (skewered items grilled over fire) dishes. Top it off with their unique Unagi Fried Rice and you’ll be looking forward to returning for more. 125 St Georges Terrace, WA 6000; +61-89322-7771; www.sushia.com.au

BIZGOLF APRIL 2018 GOLFSCAPES

WHERE TO STAY

Joondalup Resort +61-8-9400-8888; info@joondalupresort.com.au; joondalupresort.com.au If you don’t want to travel too far to get from your room to the golf course, then Joondalup Resort is a fine option. This full-service resort offers a wide variety of rooms, food and beverage choices, and a spa to massage away your aches. Other facilities like a heated-swimming pool, tennis courts and gym further makes Joondalup a destination in itself.

Pan Pacific Perth +61-8-9224-7777 www.panpacific.com But if you’d rather be in the thick of the city action, then you can’t get better located than Pan Pacific Perth. This internationally branded hotel offers a wide variety of rooms from Deluxe Doubles to the River Suites that provide great views of Swan River and the parklands. For something more exclusive, the Club Rooms and Suites give something extra and come with complimentary daily breakfast, evening drinks and canapés. A business centre lets you keep in touch with the office and the swimming pool and gym will help you stick to your exercise regime. The best thing is that you’re smack in the heart of the city with the commercial district and the retail stretch of Hay Street Mall just steps away.

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BIZGOLF APRIL 2018 SPOTLIGHT

Golfication X AI Powered Golf Wearable Technology plays a critical role in our daily lives. Innovations help save lives, increase productivity and improve quality of life. Technological advancements have also brought tremendous changes to the game of golf.

SPOTLIGHT APRIL 2018 BIZGOLF

From golf simulators and smartphone apps to slow-motion video analyzers, there is a seemingly endless array of new software programs designed to help golfers improve their game. In today’s fast-paced world, making practice time as productive as possible is precisely what makes these technologies popular.

Today, we talk about one such nifty piece of ‘wearable’ innovation that is designed to be a Swing Analyzer, Automated Shot Tracker, GPS Range Finder and Augmented Reality interface- all bundled up in a lightweight, glove-mounted device. Golfication X by Golfication Labs India provides holistic insights into one’s game and makes ultimate sense of game stats.

BIZGOLF APRIL 2018 SPOTLIGHT

The device uses Golfication’s patent-pending Swing & Shot Sensing Technology, to combine swing and game analytics seamlessly. Engineered in India under the “Make In India” initiative, the wearable combines an inbuilt GPS, 9-axis Motion Sensor, Bluetooth 4.0 pairing and a powerful Texas Instruments microcontroller.

Golfication helps you identify problems you never knew you had (e.g. you’re coming from over the top with a 7-iron, only to miss the Green right), track your game in great depth, and suggest the best possible next shot – wherever you are. It accounts for elevation, wind speed – no need to pluck grass now, save the Earth – and also your shot-history.

The device captures your swing, your shots, and even your intent seamlessly, in real time. It then uses Artificial Intelligence to help you make better decisions on course, and build better practice routines and the range. But what takes the cake is its Augmented Reality Protracers. Visualizations of your favourite shots, best

swings, hole-outs, and rounds are an elegant touch. It picks up your gamestyle and tailors your insights. Moreover, you better your on-course recommendations by the shot. You can even pit yourself against a pro, and play a virtual round against renowned golfers such as Tiger Woods or Rory McIlroy, who are simulated by the AI.

SPOTLIGHT APRIL 2018 BIZGOLF

Feature packed with highest civilian-grade GPS, a 0.96” OLED Display and a rechargeable battery that runs for 8-hours effectively, it fits perfectly on the golf glove, and weighs half as much as an Apple watch! Golfication X can be paired with the Golfication App, which is trusted for Stats & Game-Analysis by a community of over 7,000 golfers from across the globe.

It is designed to function without taps, manual input or even a smartphone while playing. Golfication X allows for a hassle-free experience on the course, and doubles up with one of the world’s most efficient post-game analysis tools.

BIZGOLF APRIL 2018 SPOTLIGHT

Competing for market share with the likes of Arcoss 360, Golf Pad and Game Golf, Golfication X manages to pack almost all available features at a very competitive price of US $169. "We saw many limitations with the

current game-stats and technology," said Anirudh Arun, co-founder, and CEO of Golfication. “Some solutions track your shots but don't measure your swing; many provide driving distances & accuracy but fail to

maintain your short game stats in a meaningful way. Golfication X is a onestop platform that covers it all — and it’s wrapped up in a slim, lightweight and stylish design that would make you brag.” he adds.

SPOTLIGHT APRIL 2018 BIZGOLF

Golfication X went live on Indiegogo for crowdfunding in March 2018 and has amassed the attention of golf lovers from around the world. With rave reviews from beta testers, things are looking good for

Golfication X. Right now, it appears to be a pocket-friendly solution to everyone who is looking to better their game using the best technologies available. Check them out here https://www.

indiegogo.com/projects/golfication-xai-powered-golf-super-wearable-appssports#/ http://www.golfication.com/product. php

BIZGOLF APRIL 2018 TEE TIME

LPGA TOUR

Brooke Henderson wins Lotte Championship for sixth LPGA title Canadian Brooke Henderson pulled away at gusty Ko Olina Golf Club to win the Lotte Championship for her sixth LPGA Tour victory. The 20-year-old from Smiths Falls, Ont., closed with a 3-under 69 for a four-stroke victory. She moved within two victories of tying Sandra Post’s LPGA Tour record for Canadians. A stroke ahead entering the round after late putting trouble in a third-round 73,

Henderson finished at 12-under 276. Spain’s Azahara Munoz had a 67, the low round of the day, to finish second. Top-ranked Shanshan Feng (71), thirdranked Inbee Park (72) and sixth-ranked Ariya Jutanugarn (69) tied for third at 7 under. With rain squalls and wind gusting to 30 mph, Munoz and Jutanugarn put together the only serious charges of the final round. Both came up a few holes

short. Munoz climbed 13 places and was two shots back after her fifth birdie of the day, at the 14th. But she parred in for her best finish in more than four years. Jutanugarn, from Thailand, secured her fifth top 10 this year but couldn’t get the eighth victory of her career. She parred her final 11 holes. Henderson was the only other player in the 60s.

ASIAN TOUR

Siddikur gears up for AB Golf Bangladesh Open Siddikur Rahman has hailed the strong support for professional golf in Bangladesh as he prepares for the BTI Open on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) and AB Golf Bangladesh Open on the Asian Tour. Bangladesh will stage three professional golf events in the country for the first time ever. Siddikur won the

inaugural Dhaka Open in January on the ADT and he will be part of the talented field at the BTI Open. His National Open, which will welcome AB Bank as the new title sponsor, will also return on the Asian Tour Schedule for its fourth consecutive edition from May 9 to 12 at the Kurmitola Golf Club, which is also the venue for the ADT

events. Siddikur is the trailblazer for professional golf in Bangladesh. He rose through the ranks to become a two-time Asian Tour winner and his rise to fame has been an inspiration to many in his country and in Asia. “I’m really excited to be playing in so many events in Bangladesh” said Siddikur.

TEE TIME APRIL 2018 BIZGOLF

EUROPEAN TOUR

Rahm victorious at Open de Espana 2018 in Madrid

LPGA TOUR

Michelle Wie clinches LPGA’s Women’s World Championship in Singapore Michelle Wie holed a 36-foot putt from off the green on the final hole to win the Women’s World Championship by one stroke in March and captured her first LPGA tournament since the 2014 U.S. Women’s Open. With four players in

Jon Rahm, The world No. 4 became the sixth Spaniard to win the tournament since it achieved European Tour status in 1972, finishing at 20 under overall and two shots clear of Ireland’s Paul Dunne. And Rahm -- who follows the likes of Seve Ballesteros and Sergio Garcia in winning his home event -- admitted that he found it difficult to handle the expectations placed on him. “I’m just happy to play the way I did and to get it done,” Rahm told Sky Sports after his third European Tour victory. “It’s probably the hardest Sunday I’ve ever had to play because the amount of crowds I was carrying. “I saw the willingness and the feeling that everybody had to want me to win. They were pushing so hard and I felt that. As a golfer it’s hard to deal with the public’s emotions, so I tried to isolate myself, and that’s perhaps why I didn’t play my best golf. “I’ve been blessed to be national champion with the Spanish Golf Federation many times, European champion and world champion representing them. “So being able to win this as a pro and do this for them and the Spanish people feels great.”

contention to win on the last hole, Wie managed to separate herself from the pack when she drained her lengthy birdie putt on the 72nd hole at the Sentosa Golf Club for a final round of 7-under 65 to finish at 17-under 271. The 28-year-old Wie,

who led the tournament after three rounds a year ago before fading on the last day, leaped into the air and clenched her fist in celebration as the ball disappeared into the bottom of the cup. But she still faced an anxious wait before being declared the winner.

CHENNAI OPEN

Sri Lankas Perera wins Chennai Open in India

Sri Lankas Mithun Perera ended a fouryear winless streak with a hard-earned one-shot victory at the Chennai Open 2018 Golf Championship. Perera, the overnight leader by three shots, came up with a tenacious even-par-70 in the final round to sign off with a winning total of 14-under-266.

Gurgaon-based Digvijay Singh posted the days best score, a scorching eightunder-62, to finish joint runner-up at 13-under-267 along with Mukesh Kumar (66) of Mhow, the winner of the last edition of the Chennai Open. Perera had an unexpectedly quiet final day as he managed only two birdies and two bogeys. But the 31-year-old came through after his closest rival, N Thangarajas challenge faded away on the back-nine. “I was really hungry to win and break my victory drought. This means a lot for me. My family has supported me throughout my lean phase and so have my sponsors,” said Perera, who bagged his sixth title on the PGTI. Perera took home a cheque of Rs 4,84,950 and climbed from 21st position to second place on the PGTI Order of Merit.

BIZGOLF APRIL 2018 TEE TIME

PGA TOUR

Phil Mickelson ends longest drought of his career at WGC Mexico Championship After the longest drought of his professional career, Phil Mickelson is once again a winner on the PGA Tour. The American golfer edged out Justin Thomas in the playoff round at the WGCMexico Championship to earn his first victory since the 2013 British Open at Muirfield. It has taken 101 tournaments over the

course of almost five years, but the 47-yearold never doubted himself for a second. The oldest man in the field is now the oldest ever winner of a World Golf Championship event. “I don’t know what to say,” said Mickelson. “It’s been a tough go the last four years not playing my best, but to have the belief that I was going to get there and to finally

break through and do it was incredible. “I believe that more is to come, and I feel like I’m starting to play some of my best golf. To culminate here in Mexico City with a World Golf Championship victory is exciting to me beyond words because it just validates the hard work I put in and the struggle for the last few years to finally get my game back.”

EUROPEAN TOUR

Coetzee claims fourth European Tour title at the Tshwane Open South African George Coetzee carded four birdies on the back nine to claim the European Tour’s Tshwane Open with a tournament total of 18 under par on his home course at the Pretoria Country Club. Coetzee secured a fourth victory on the tour, all of them on the African continent, with a final-round 67 after play had twice been suspended due to the threat of lightning. He ended two shots clear of 21-year-old Englishman Sam Horsfield (67), who managed the best finish of his career, and three ahead of Finland’s Mikko Korhonen (68), having at one stage trailed the latter by two shots in the final round. Korhonen, 37, was a runner-up at the Tshwane Open in 2017 but, after bogeys at the par-four 15th and 17th, will have to wait a while longer for a first tour victory having come up agonisingly short again in what was his 140th attempt.

TEE TIME APRIL 2018 BIZGOLF

PGA TOUR

Casey wins Valspar Championship

PGA TOUR

A long victory drought on the PGA TOUR finally ended, just not the one a raucous crowd was expecting. Paul Casey closed with a 6-under 65 and won the Valspar Championship, but only after watching from the locker room as Tiger Woods came up one putt short of forcing a playoff. It was the closest Woods has come to winning in nearly five years. Casey, who started the final round five shots behind, ran off three straight birdies early on the back nine at Innisbrook to take the lead, and he closed with four par saves to post at 10-under 274. No one caught him, giving him his second PGA TOUR title and his first since the Houston Open in 2009. Woods and his massive following went dormant after an opening birdie to briefly share the lead. He went 15 holes without a birdie until he brought Innisbrook to life with a birdie putt from just inside 45 feet that died into the cup at the par-3 17th, leaving him one shot behind with one hole to play. Justin Rose, among six players who had a share of the lead at some point in the final round, had back-to-back bogeys on the back nine and never atoned for his mistakes. He closed with a 72 and finished three shots behind.

From despair, to resignation, to joy, to Augusta: Poulter’s rollercoaster ride pays off with Houston Open win Ian Poulter delivered another big moment for himself at the recently concluded Houston Open. Down to his last putt, Poulter made a 20-foot birdie on the 18th hole to force a playoff with Beau Hossler, and then he won the Houston Open with a par on the first extra hole to earn the last spot in the Masters. One week after Poulter was mistakenly told he had locked up a spot at Augusta National through the world ranking, he left no doubt by winning with a clutch moment reminiscent of his Ryder Cup heroics from Medinah in 2012. “I had to dig deep today,” said Poulter, who closed with a 5-under 67. Hossler, who also shot 67, overcame a three-shot deficit with four straight birdies on the back nine. He had a chance to win on the 18th in regulation with a 30-foot birdie putt that trickled over the right edge of the cup.

That set the stage for Poulter, and the 42-year-old from England lived up to his nickname, “The Postman,” by delivering his biggest putt in years. Poulter pounded his chest five times when the putt dropped, and all Hossler could do was smile. In the sudden-death playoff on the 18th, one of the more daunting finishing holes off the tee with water down the left side and a bunker to the right, Hossler found the bunker for the second time. He hit into a greenside bunker, and his third shot caught way too much ball and went over the green and into the water. Poulter was safely on the green as Hossler took his penalty drop, chipped onto the green and took two putts for a triple-bogey.They finished at 19-under 269. Poulter won for the third time on the PGA Tour and his first in America since the Match Play in 2010 at Arizona.

BIZGOLF APRIL 2018 BUSINESS NEWS

GROWING THE GAME

Leadbetter To Open European Academy Headquarters At Stoke ParK David Leadbetter, who has coached players to 22 Major championships and more than 100 individual worldwide tournament victories and has more than 30 academies across the globe, is set to open the Leadbetter Golf Academy European Headquarters at Stoke Park Country Club & Hotel, in Buckinghamshire.

The Stoke Park Academy will be the 13th to open in Europe. Many of the world’s top golf coaches have gone through The Leadbetter Golf Academy certification and Stoke Park’s team of dedicated professionals is already undergoing the training programme. Sussex-born Leadbetter will be at Stoke Park next month to

officially launch the academy that will bear his name, and the five-star venue’s director of golf, Stuart Collier, believes the Stoke Poges resort has pulled off a coup in partnering with a man for whom the oftenoverused sobriquet ‘legend’ is surely deserved. Collier said, “Few people in the world game can

match David Leadbetter’s track record in golf coaching – or the success his students have achieved. Leadbetter added, “I am looking forward to May, when The Leadbetter Golf Academy at Stoke Park will officially open to the public. The Academy is located at a fabulous resort that I am very familiar with.”

NEW VENTURE

Andy Herridge’s venture Harewood Asset Finance to help golf clubs with funding

PGA Professional Andy Herridge, formerly Director of Golf at Leeds Golf Centre, has vast experience in running golf clubs. He is also still the European Record holder for the lowest 18-hole total by a Profes-

sional in a tournament, shooting 58 at West Bowling Golf Club in a Mizuno Order of Merit Event back in 2004. Through his new venture, Harewood Asset Finance, he will

be specifically working with Golf Clubs to provide finance and funding options for equipment and installations. “I’ve done a lot of research into how golf clubs work and use finance. I came to the conclusion that many clubs are not utilising the resources available to them. A lot of clubs seem unaware that the right finance product can really help them improve cashflow, budget-

ing and growth.” Andy remarked. “We are here to advise and consult to see if there is an opportunity where we can help clubs in the UK. As a finance Broker Harewood has access to over 70 different funders who look at a whole range of assets. We can fund projects from purchasing ground care machinery to clubhouse refurbishments. We can also help PGA Professionals fund their shops and teaching facilities.”

BUSINESS NEWS APRIL 2018 BIZGOLF

LAUNCH

Bridgestone Golf Launches TOUR B XS Tiger Woods Edition Golf Balls LAUNCH

Be ready to be amazed with ‘U-Try’ an Online Club Trial Program! Global Value Commerce (GVC) – owner and operator of the world’s largest e-commerce platform for new and pre-owned golf gear – has launched U-try, the golf industry’s first exclusively online club trial program at Globalgolf.com. Golfers have to simply select up to two clubs on the portal and once selected, the portal ships the clubs for a $25 trial fee per item. Within 14 days, customers either keep the club(s) and pay the current list price – less the trial fee – or return them with a prepaid shipping label. Hybrids, iron sets and additional brands will be offered by late spring. A complimentary Arccos Driver unit will be sent with each U-try driver. The small sensor attaches to the grip-end of the club, pairs with a free app for iOS or Android smartphones and automatically records distance, accuracy and more.

PARTNERSHIP

Rigby Taylor In PowerGrass Partnership To Introduce Innovative Hybrid Playing Surface

Rigby Taylor is working with PowerGrass UK to introduce to UK users the innovative PowerGrass hybrid surface. This combination synthetic-natural pitch hybrid boasts all the advantages of natural grass as well as the strength and resistance of a synthetic surface. PowerGrass has been developed with the aim of providing a surface with more playing hours during the year – up to 1,200 hours – even when natural grass is not yet grown or damaged for any reason. The system can be tailor-made to provide softness, air circulation in the growth layer and quick water penetration to the drainage layer. The PowerGrass surface also has the benefit of reduced and simpler installation costs compared to other alternative hybrid options. On-going projects include football (full and part-pitch installations), rugby and golf.

Bridgestone Golf – innovator of premium golf balls, clubs and accessories – unveils the TOUR B XS Tiger Woods Edition golf balls, a collaboration with the 14-time major championship winner that benefits the TGR Foundation, which receives a portion of all proceeds. The golf balls feature a custom “TIGER” logo that replicates how Woods marks his competition golf balls and distinct packaging to highlight the charitable benefits and limited, special-edition product. From a performance perspective, the Tiger Woods Edition ball is identical to the standard TOUR B XS model, which Woods currently uses on the PGA Tour. The new line ($49.99/ dozen) will be carried at participating U.S. national retailers beginning April 1st. “We worked closely with the Bridgestone team to come up with a concept that benefits both golfers and my TGR Foundation, which is very important to me,” says Woods. “The TOUR B XS easily outperforms any ball I’ve ever played. It is incredibly long, but offers excellent feel and spin around the green, which makes me confident in any situation.” During development, company engineers used data from more than three million in-person and online ball fittings, combined with insights from leading thirdparty industry sources, to identify needs of specific player types. They then drew on more than 800 golf ball patents to determine which proprietary technologies would most benefit each golfer persona identified. The line consists of the TOUR B X, XS, RX and RXS (each $44.99) – which provide unmatched feel, accuracy and distance.

BIZGOLF APRIL 2018 BUSINESS NEWS

APPOINTMENT

Jim Nantz named Ambassador of Golf Award 2018

One of the most recognisable voices and storytellers in golf, legendary broadcaster Jim Nantz has been named the 2018 recipient of the Ambassador of Golf Award. The Ambassador of Golf Award is presented annually by Northern Ohio Golf Charities to a person who has fostered the ideals of the game on an international level and whose

concern for others extends beyond the golf course. Nantz joins two former CBS colleagues, Frank Chirkinian (1989), and Ken Venturi (1998), as recipients of the Ambassador of Golf Award. “I truly consider this to be one of the greatest honors of my career,” Nantz said. “I’ve attended this celebration many times and will never forget being there to see how much it meant to Frank and Kenny. The game of golf has been a blessing in my life and to be able to live out the childhood dream of covering the PGA Tour, well, I’m a lucky man. There are no words to express the depth of my gratitude for this recognition.”

APPOINTMENT

Volvik USA appoints Wes Whittingham as the Vice President of Sales

Volvik USA, a rapidly-growing, top class high-performance golfing ball corporate, has named Wes Whittingham as VP of gross sales. “We welcome Wes Whittingham to Volvik,” mentioned Don Shin, president of Volvik USA. “We’re assured that his experience and veteran gross sales management will toughen our ongoing enlargement national.” Whittingham, who has 26 years of a success control revel in within the golfing

business, spent 12 years with Bridgestone Golfing in a lot of control roles. His revel in within the golfing ball class is proving advisable as he assumes his government place with Volvik. “Volvik is a logo that has stuck the eye and creativeness of golfers coast to coast, and certainly international,” Whittingham mentioned. “I stay up for contributing to the strategic making plans and implementation that may proceed to propel the corporate’s growth.”

ANNOUNCEMENT

Junior Golfers Across Europe Set To Experience GolfSixes League

Young golfers in Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands are set to experience GolfSixes, the European Tour’s innovative short form of golf, as the junior GolfSixes League expands through new partnerships across Europe.

GolfSixes was launched in 2017 with the aim of attracting new and younger audiences to golf and engaging players in the game early in their sporting development is a key part of the long term strategy. During the first GolfSixes

tournament in 2017 the Golf Foundation launched a pilot project introducing six leagues of junior players to the fast and fun six-hole concept, which resulted in a 65% increase in affiliated membership among participants, while 80% of kids said they wanted to play more golf. Thanks to new partnerships with the PGA of Belgium, PGA Holland and Danish Golf Union, the GolfSixes League is now being rolled out across Europe, while the Golf Foundation is expanding the concept in the UK ahead of the European Tour’s second staging of GolfSixes at Centurion Club in St Albans, near London, on May 5-6, 2018. Keith Pelley, Chief Executive

of the European Tour, said: “One of the main aims of GolfSixes is to bring golf to new and younger audiences, and what better way to engage young people than to get them involved in playing this exciting new short format of golf themselves? “With the second GolfSixes event taking place in May this year, it’s fantastic to see that the concept is already beginning to leave a legacy. The event at Centurion Club is continuing to evolve, this year with the introduction of wildcard teams and female players. If we can further build on this innovation by getting young people excited about playing and watching golf, then that is a true test of the success of the concept.

BUSINESS NEWS APRIL 2018 BIZGOLF

LAUNCH

PGA Tour converting regular event into WGC tourney for 2nd time For the second time since the World Golf Championships began in 1999, the PGA Tour is converting one of its regular tournaments into one of the four WGCs with a big purse ($10 million this year) and a limited field with no cut. Doral had been longestrunning PGA Tour event on the Florida Swing until it morphed into the WGC-CA Championship in 2007. Now it’s happening in Memphis, Tennessee. Bridgestone chose not to renew its increasingly expensive title sponsorship

of the WGC at Firestone, which had hosted an elite event since 1976. Starting next year, the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational will be held at the TPC Southwind in Memphis. That will assure the strongest field for Memphis, which dates to 1958. But much like Doral in 2007, it becomes off-limits to PGA Tour regulars. Based on the latest world ranking, only 16 players in the field for the St. Jude Classic last year would be eligible at a World Golf Championship.

PARTNERSHIP

Topgolf Partners With The BMW PGA Championship Topgolf will once again partnered with the BMW PGA Championship to present Topgolf Shootout. Shootout, the competitive golfing contest, in association with the BMW PGA Championship, invites players to tee-off against one another in their efforts to earn maximum points for weekly prizes playing Topgolf’s unique game. The ever-popular European Tour player, Andrew ‘BEEF’ Johnston, will be the face of Topgolf Shootout in association with the BMW PGA Championship. This year however, guests will have the opportunity to win

tickets to the Championship and play alongside ’BEEF’ in a brand new ‘Ultimate Drive’ competition in association with the BMW PGA Championship. The 2016 Open de Espana winner, and Topgolf enthusiast, will be heading to Topgolf Watford on Monday 14th May to put his skills to the test alongside the winners of the ‘Ultimate Drive’ from each venue who will compete to win a VIP upgrade and be crowned the ‘Ultimate Driver’. ‘BEEF’ will then participate in a Live Q&A that will also be available on Topgolf’s social platforms.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Fred Ridley Announces Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, announced the establishment of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship, which will be held annually the week prior to the Masters and will culminate

with the final round taking place at Augusta National. “Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts left behind a legacy of always trying to contribute meaningfully to the game of golf,” Ridley said. “The Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship embodies

that principle, and we believe this event will have a significant and lasting impact on the future of the women’s game. Our hope and expectation is that this event will further energize those who already love the sport and inspire others through the dream of competing at Augusta National.” The 54-hole, stroke play tournament will feature an international field of 72 players. Invitees will be determined by awarding winners

of other recognized championships and using the Women’s World Amateur Golf Ranking. The Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship is now the latest effort announced by the Masters to inspire interest and participation in the game of golf, joining the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, the Latin America Amateur Championship and Drive, Chip and Putt, all of which are supported by the Tournament.

BIZGOLF APRIL 2018 INTERVIEW

‘GREENING LIKE CHARITY begins at home but it shouldn’t end there’ Ashwani Khurana from New Delhi, India has set an example of how being determined can re-shape your destiny. Being a strong believer of Karma, Ashwani dons the hat of tree-man and environmentalist besides being the proud owner of Karma Lakelands- a picturesque nine-hole layout at the outskirts of Gurgaon.

INTERVIEW APRIL 2018 BIZGOLF

How did you come about the thought of building a golf course? It all started in 1989 when my friends and I acquired land on the outskirts of Gurgaon to make a farmer’s community. There was never a plan we had in mind on what was to be done with the land and hence I eventually bought their share with just one thought that I will plant lots and lots of trees there. Typically, this was the story of a horse before the cart. I had no business plan for the property at that time but I have always been a firm believer in karma. That karma has its own way around things and its most powerful than anything else. Eventually with my lottery business doing wonders, I acquired a lot of neighbouring lands with the sole aim of planting more trees. Then at one point we came to know that Haryana Govt. has a huge parcel of land adjacent to our property where they had plans of a development, now called IMT and on the other side we were flanked by National Security Guard (NSG) black cat commando facility. There was a clear plan of the Govt. to acquire abutting lands to expand the IMT. One of the ways to keep the Govt. at bay from acquisition was to build a low density, low rise development such as a golf course resort and that’s how Karma Lakelands came into existence.

What are some of the key challenges faced during the development at Karma? There has been immense amount of challenges but I have sailed through them with a smile on my face. There were major attempts by Govt. to acquire the land even after the approval. The Govt. wanted to build a high tension power line that would bisect the existing and completed golf course to supply IMT with electricity. We proposed if they can look at re-routing the power lines but we eventually had to get a court restraining order against the Electricity department. The Govt. at one point responded by invoking section 4 which meant that they intended to acquire. Those were tough times as a lot of investment had gone into it. But I was not going to lose Karma Lakelands as I am very passionate about what I do & eventually, Govt. saw sense in what we said and backed out.

Which course designers did you consider for the Karma project? There were couple of American & European golf course designers before I met Phil Ryan & his team from Pacific Coast Design. I saw a genuine respect for existing site conditions and a drive to improve the environment. They clearly understood the dynamics of the feasibility of a golf course against the feasibility of the holistic project. They wanted to utilise minimum water and be a minimal burden on natural resources and that’s where I saw the fit. I even met a few signature golf course designers as well and realised that “signature: charges, let’s say, $1 million and then another half a million for the design part. So, if you do a similar design without the signature it

will cost you a million less. Interestingly Phil has been the backbone designer for a few “signature” designers and had all the qualification & capabilities to come up with a world class design. We know Karma Lakelands is one of the eco-friendliest courses in the country. What eco-friendly practices have you undertaken at the course? The entire property at Karma Lakelands, be it the golf course, the residential properties, the clubhouse and other aspects that exist on the site are all incidental to the larger purpose of having an eco-responsible community. First of all, there are numerous full grown trees on the property, and I believe trees are of utmost importance given the atmosphere in this region. The entire campus is a no-horn zone as part of the eco theme. The guards respond to sight and not sound and this makes them even more alert. In addition, the entire golf course at Karma Lakelands is a smoke free zone. Even the staff before they are hired are asked to declare if they indulge themselves in smoking, pan masala etc because we don’t want cigarette butts and pan masala sachets flying around the property. There is complete rainwater harvesting, which means that not a single drop of rain is wasted and all rainfall is channeled into collection points for use across the campus and course. There is wastewater and green waste (fallen leaves and grass) composting. Bio-treated sewage from the property is combined with green waste to encourage and speed up the creation of compost for use.

When did environmental preservation become a lifestyle choice for you? It started in my younger years. As my family had moved from Pakistan after the separation, I grew up in a resettlement colony in Lajpat Nagar in Delhi. There were numerous instances especially during festivals like Holi and Diwali where I felt that our way of celebrating these events was not respectful of nature. We see this even today. However, as a 14-year-old, it made a lasting impression on me. Somewhere around 1985, I met Nek Chand, the gentleman who created the fabulous Rock Garden in Chandigarh and I invited him to this piece of land that I had recently acquired – 8 acres in Vasant Kunj, Delhi which is my home-cum-office now. It was in bad shape with clayish soil and infinite holes in the ground. I requested him to help me plan the landscaping and plant trees etc. as I had no practical knowledge at the time. When I saw the plants growing in the next few months, I was blown. Something overwhelmed me immensely. Looking at these trees, my reaction was the same as when you see your child grow. The joy, the bliss, it can’t be put into words and this is how I became the lover of trees. Not too long after that I vowed that I will give myself 10 years’ time to grow 100,000 trees… and I did achieve that goal! I kind of coined a self-guiding principle – Greening like

BIZGOLF APRIL 2018 INTERVIEW

charity begins at home but it shouldn’t end there. So, I started adding trees to my driveway, then opposite my home, there is a public park, which was a piece of brown earth. I adopted it for greening and today it is a mini forest. I settled on doing something that is closest to my heart – the environment. It all started with trees but I soon moved on to water harvesting, bio degradation of compostable city waste- the other aspects of environment. I am blessed that this is what I practically do for a living today.

Do you have more golfrelated projects in the pipeline?

What plans do you have for Karma Lakelands?

What advice or learnings would you share with other developers looking to build golf-related properties?

Karma Lakelands in the near future will have 1000+ apartments and 270 villas with complete water and waste management. The motto is eco responsible community living. We have not sold out many villas for the 10 years that we’ve been in the market. There was a time when we signed up with a Real Estate developer, one of the most popular ones in the country, but it turned out to be a bad marriage. When you are in bad marriage, you don’t make more babies. We have just ended that relationship and currently are on our own but plan to tie up with a developer with the same core values. I don’t really view optimisation of return on investment as a value; it can be a reward for your values. We are very clear on this.

We are a single project company and this is how I always intended it to be. Every other property or investment has been diluted with a single-minded focus on Karma Lakelands project. But my beautiful children are growing up and they are starting their own things. I will not stop them in their individual pursuit but I am very set and satisfied with this one project that I have. I will continue to work towards it with the fullest intensity possible.

The only advice to the entire golf course community of the country and beyond is to understand that it makes aesthetic as well as commercial sense to adopt green practices and that’s what we represent. The satisfaction that you get when your green practices come to fruition is much more than any ROI can ever be. When you work with passion, rewards are instantaneous, you don’t have to wait till the end of a financial year for your rewards.

Earlier you ran a successful lottery business, which resulted in you becoming the highest individual tax payer of

the country. How did all that start? Mine was a difficult childhood. My father somehow put resources together and sent me to an English medium school – St. Anthony Public School — which was a big deal at the time. While I was from the low rung society of Lajpat Nagar, most of my peers in the school came from far more elite places in Delhi. I was equally put down by the peer group and judgmental behaviour of teachers. Things like, family not speaking English at home, hailing from a resettlement area of Lajpat Nagar, dad’s business of selling lottery tickets on a bicycle — all this worked against me in school and I was treated badly. The teachers made fun of me, calling me a raffle-man. They used to threaten me to give them a winning lottery ticket otherwise I’d be caned. There was this nasty teacher who meant it and he actually did cane me as I didn’t get the raffle ticket for him. It took some time but I was resolute despite all adversity. I decided that I am going to grow up and be in the lottery business. I entered the business with great passion and succeeded. I believe that it is not what you do for a living but your true motivation to do it that makes a difference. These are the few episodes that shaped me to grow up into an internally strong person that I am today. I am also a devout follower of Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev who has been my guiding force.

BIZGOLF ANNOUNCES

HOLE-INONE CLUB REGISTER TODAY!

If you are one of the select few to have achieved this elusive and colossal feat on the greens, bizgolf helps you commemorate your ace with a special mention in this magazine. Register at www.bizgolfsea.com/ace and be part of an exclusive club!

BIZGOLF APRIL 2018 GEAR UP

PLAY EN-VOGUE

2018 promises to be a revolutionary year in terms of golf merchandise and equipment technologies. Below is our pick of equipment that can take your game a notch higher.

CHIPPO

PHOTOS: DOM FURORE

PRICE: $189.99

A new golf game that combines the joys of cornhole with chipping. Chippo involves a board, similar to the kind used in cornhole, with three holes for scoring. Two artificial turf mats come with each Chippo set, so you can play the game on any surface. Chippo’s balls are made of foam, and are designed not to break or damage cars or windows. Players score by chipping into the three holes on the board, with different point values for each one.

Ellwee is a Swedish company that has proto-typed an incredible-looking 4-wheel single rider golf cart. And Ellwee still calls them carts, too, even though they look like futuristic quad-sports. Their cart is not yet in production, but the company ELLWEE GOLF is taking CART pre-orders. PRICE: $4,900. The price is higher than a scooter but less than a board, starting at $4,900.

GEAR UP APRIL 2018 BIZGOLF

This nifty trainer comprises a sliding golf ball which travels over a perfectly level, toughened glass surface. These revolutionary features work together to create a putting platform which strips away all the inconsistent variables inherent in conventional practice mats and greens; instead providing true, accurate and immediate feedback. THE LINE & LENGTH It also provides scale to the element of distance putting, shrinking PUTTING TRAINER the longer putts into a compact manageable size so that you can PRICE: $350 practice up to 10 meters of putts. All distances measurable via the Backswing Meter.

Brainchild of innovative entrepreneur Thinh Tran from Elk Grove, California, Transrover is the ‘next big thing’ in the multi utility golf bag domain. The Transrover folds up into the shape of a standard golf bag and can easily fit on the back of a golf cart, if desired. It has a 15-club slot configuration, an adjustable push bar, wide wheel base, a removable utility bag, 12 side pockets, and even an TRANSROVER insulated PRICE: TBA center storage compartment that can hold up to six cans of beer or other beverages.

2 18

FEBRUARY

JANUARY

GOLF SCHEDULE

18 -21

25-28

PGA TOUR: SONY OPEN IN HAWAII

PGA TO U R : C A R E E R B U I LD E R C H A LLE N GE , C A

LP G A TO U R : P U R E S I LK - B A H A M A S LP G A

1 1 -14

18 -21

1 1 -14

EUROPEAN TOUR: BMW SA OPEN, S.AFRICA

MARCH

E U RO P E A N TO U R : O M E G A D U B A I D E S E RT CLASSIC, DUBAI

2 5 -28

EUROPEAN TOUR/ASIAN TOUR: EUR ASIA CUP, KUAL A LUMPUR

PGA TO U R : FA R M E R S I N S U R A N C E O P E N, S A N DIEG O, C A

1-4

15 -18

22-25

PGA TO U R : GE N E S I S O P E N, C A

LP G A TO U R : H O N DA LP G A T H A I L A N D, B A N GKO K

PGA TOUR: WASTE MANAGEMENT PHOENIX OPEN, ARIZONA

1-4 EUROPEAN TOUR: MAYBANK CHAMPIONSHIP, KUAL A LUMPUR

15-18 LPGA TO U R : I S P S H A N DA WO M E N ’S AUS T R A L I A N O P E N, A D E L A I D E

8 -1 1

15-18

PGA TOUR: AT&T PEBBLE BEACH PRO-AM, CA

EURO P E A N TO U R : N B O O M A N G O LF CL AS S I C , M U S C AT

EUROPEAN TOUR: ISPS HANDA WORLD SUPER 6 PERTH, AUSTR ALIA

22-25 E U RO P E A N TO U R : CO M M E RC I A L B A N K QATA R MASTERS, DOHA

2 2-25 PGA TO U R : T H E H O N DA C L A S S I C , F L

1-4

15-18

21-25

WORLD GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS: MEXICO CHAMPIONSHIP, MEXICO CIT Y

PGA TO U R : A R N O LD PA L M E R I N V I TAT I O N A L , ORL A N D O

P G A TO U R : CO R A LE S P UN TAC A N A R E S O RT & C LU B C H A M P I O N S H I P, P UN TA C A N A , D.R .

1-4

15 -18

22-25

PGA TOUR: PUERTO RICO OPEN

LPGA TO U R : B A N K O F H O P E FO UN D E R S C U P, PHO E N I X

LP G A TO U R : K I A C L A S S I C , C A R L S B A D, C A

15 -18

MARCH 29 - APRIL 21

1-4 LPGA TOUR: HSBC WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, SINGAPORE

1-4 EUROPEAN TOUR: TSHWANE OPEN, SOUTH AFRICA

APRIL

25-28

1 2 -14

8 -1 1

5-8 MASTERS TOURNAMENT, AUGUSTA, GEORGIA

1 1 -14 LPGA TOUR: LOTTE CHAMPIONSHIP, K APOLEI, HAWAII

EURO P E A N TO U R : P H I L I P P I N E S G O LF CHA M P I O N S H I P, P H I L I P P I N E S

2 1 -25

MARCH 29 - APRIL 21 LP G A TO U R : A N A I N S P I R AT I O N, R A N C H O M I R AGE , C A

19 -22

26-29

PGA TO U R : VA LE RO T E XA S O P E N, S A N ANTO N I O, T X

LP G A TO U R : T B A , S A N F R A N C I S O

19 -22

26-29

LPGA TO U R : H U GE L - J T B C C H A M P I O N S H I P, LOS A N GE LE S

E U RO P E A N TO U R : VO LVO C H I N A O P E N, CHINA

19 -22

PGA TOUR: RBC HERITAGE, HILTON HEAD ISL AND, SOUTH CAROLINA

EURO P E A N TO U R : T RO P H E E H A S S A N I I , R ABAT, M O RO CCO

EUROPEAN TOUR: TBA (EUROPE)

P G A TO U R : H O U S TO N O P E N, H O U S TO N, T X

WOR LD G O LF C H A M P I O N S H I P S : WG C - D E LL MATC H P L AY, AU S T I N, T X

1 2 -15 1 2 -15

MAY

EURO P E A N TO U R : A B U D H A B I H S B C CHA M P I O N S H I P, A B U D H A B I

CLASSIC, BAHAMAS

2 6 -29 PGA TO U R : Z U R I C H C L A S S I C O F N EW ORLE A N S , L A

3-6

17 -20

24-27

PGA TOUR: WELLS FARGO CHAMPIONSHIP, CHARLOTTE, NC

PGA TO U R : AT & T BY RO N N E L S O N, DA LL A S , T X

E U RO P E A N TO U R : B M W P G A C H A M P I O N S H I P, S U R R E Y, E N GL A N D

3-6

17 -20

LPGA TOUR: VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA LPGA TEXAS CL ASSIC, THE COLONY, TEXAS

LPGA TO U R : K I N G S M I LL C H A M P I O N S H I P, WILL I A M S B U RG , VA

5-6

17 -20

EUROPEAN TOUR: GOLFSIXES, TBA

10 -13 PGA OF AMERICA : 32ND PGA MINORIT Y COLLEGIATE GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP, FLORIDA

10 -13 PGA TOUR: THE PL AYERS CHAMPIONSHIP, PONTE VERDE BE ACH, FLORIDA

10 -13 EUROPEAN TOUR: ROCCO FORTE OPEN VERDUR A, SICILY, ITALY

EURO P E A N TO U R : B E LG I A N K N O C KO U T, ANT W E R P, B E LG I UM

24 -27 79TH K I TC H E N A I D S E N I O R P G A CHA M P I O N S H I P, M I C H I G A N

24 -27 PGA TO U R : D E A N & D E LU C A I N V I TAT I O N A L , FORT WO RT H, T X

24 -27 LPGA TO U R : LP G A VO LV I K C H A M P I O N S H I P, ANN A R B O R , M I C H I G A N

MAY 31-JUN. 3 P G A TO U R : T H E M E M O R I A L TO U R N A M E N T, D U B L I N, O H I O

MAY 31-JUN. 3 U S G A : U. S . WO M E N ’S O P E N, S H OA L CREEK, ALASKA

MAY 31-JUN. 3 E U RO P E A N TO U R : I TA L I A N OP E N. T B A

JUNE

7 -10

14 -17

22-24

PGA TOUR: FEXEX ST. JUDE CL ASSIC, MEMPHIS, TN

LPGA TO U R : M E I J E R LP G A C L A S S I C , GR A N D R AP I D, M I C H I G A N

LP G A TO U R : WA L M A RT N W A R K A N S A S C H A M P I O N S H I P, RO GE R S , A R K A N S A S

7 -10

J UN. 17-20

JUNE 26-JULY 1

PGA O F A M E R I C A : 51 S T P G A P RO F E S S I O N A L CHA M P I O N S H I P, S E A S I D E , C A L I FO R N I A

LP G A TO U R / P G A O F A M E R I C A : 6 4 T H K PM G WO M E N ’S P G A C H A M P I O N S HI P, I LL I N O I S

8 -10

2 1 -24

LPGA TOUR: SHO PRITE LPGA CL ASSIC, GALLOWAY, N. J.

PGA TO U R : T R AV E LE R S C H A M P I O N S H I P, CRO M W E LL , C T

JUN. 28-JULY 1

EUROPEAN TOUR: THE 2018 SHOT CLOCK MASTERS, AUSTRIA

JUN. 28-JULY 1

USGA: U.S. OPEN, SOUTHAMPTON, NY

EURO P E A N TO U R : B M W I N T E R N AT I O N A L OPE N, GE R M A N Y

E U RO P E A N TO U R : H N A O P E N D E F R A N C E , PA R I S

5-8

AUGUST

JULY

14 -17

1 2 -15

26-29

PGA TOUR: THE GREENBRIER CL ASSIC, WEST VIRGINIA

LPGA TO U R : M A R AT H O N C L A S S I C , S Y LVA N I A , OHI O

5-8

1 2 -15

LP G A TO U R : A B E R D E E N S TA N DA R D I N V E S TM E N T S L A D I E S S COT T I S H O P E N, S COT L A N D

LPGA TOUR: THORNBERRY CREEK LPGA CL ASSIC, ONEIDA, WIS.

EURO P E A N TO U R : S COT T I S H O P E N, SCOT L A N D

5-8

19 -22

EUROPEAN TOUR: IRISH OPEN, REPUBLIC OF IREL AND

R&A : T H E O P E N C H A M P I O N S H I P, CAR N O U S T I E , S COT L A N D

9 -1 2

19 -22

9-12

PGA OF AMERICA : 43RD GIRLS JUNIOR PGA CHAMPIONSHIP, LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY

PGA TO U R : B A R B A S O L C H A M P I O N S H I P, KENT U C K Y

P G A O F A M E R I C A : 4 3 R D B OY S J UN I O R P G A C H A M P I O N S H I P, LE X I N GTO N, K E N T U C K Y

1 2 -15

2 6 -29

PGA TOUR: JOHN DEERE CL ASSIC, SILVIS, IL

PGA TO U R : R B C C A N A D I A N O P E N, O N TA R I O, CAN A DA

2 -5

16 -19

23-26

PGA TOUR: WGC-BRIDGESTONE INVITATIONAL , AKRON, OHIO

PGA TO U R : W YN D H A M C H A M P I O N S H I P, GRE E N S B O RO, N C

E U RO P E A N TO U R : D + D R E A L C Z E C H M A S T E R S ,

2 -5

16 -19

R&A: RICOH WOMEN’S BRITISH OPEN, LY THAM, ENGL AND.

2 -5 PGA TOUR: BARR ACUDA CHAMPIONSHIP, RENO, NEVADA

6 -1 2 PGA OF AMERICA : 100TH PGA CHAMPIONSHIP, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

8 -1 2

OCTOBER

SEPTEMBER

EUROPEAN TOUR: EUROPEAN GOLF TEAM

NOVEMBER

P G A TO U R : T H E N AT I O N A L , T B A

2 1 -24

LPGA TO U R : I N DY WO M E N I N T E C H CHA M P I O N S H I P, I N D I A N A P O L I S .

16 -19 EURO P E A N TO U R : N O R D E A M A S T E R S , GOT H E N B U RG , S W E D E N

2 3 -26 PGA TO U R : T H E N O RT H E R N T R U S T, RIDGEWO O D, N J

2 3 -26

26-29 E U RO P E A N TO U R : P O R S C H E E U RO P E A N O P E N, H A M B U RG , GE R M A N Y

P R AGU E , C Z E C H R E P U B L I C

AUG. 30-SEPT. 2 E U RO P E A N TO U R : M A D E I N D E N M A R K , AARHUS, DENMARK

AUG. 30-SEPT. 2 LP G A TO U R : C A M B I A P O RT L A N D C L A S S I C , P O RT L A N D, O R E .

AUG. 31-SEPT. 3 P G A TO U R : D E LL T E C H N O LO G I E S C H A M P I O N S H I P, B O S TO N, M A

CHAMPIONSHIPS, SCOTL AND

LPGA TO U R : C P WO M E N ’S O P E N, R E G I N A , SASK ATC H EWA N

6 -9

20 -23

27-30

PGA TO U R : TO U R C H A M P I O N S H I P, ATL A N TA , G A

LP G A TO U R : D I M E DA R BY LP G A M A L AY S I A , K UA L A LUM P U R , M A L AY S I A .

PGA TOUR: BMW CHAMPIONSHIP, NEW TOWN SQUARE, PA

6 -9

20 -23

EUROPEAN TOUR: OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS, CR ANS MONTANA, SWITZERL AND

EURO P E A N TO U R : P O RT U G A L M A S T E R S , VIL A M O U R A , P O RT U G A L

13 -16

24 -25

EUROPEAN TOUR: KLM OPEN, NETHERL ANDS

PGA O F A M E R I C A / E U RO P E A N TO U R : 1 1 T H JUN I O R RY D E R C U P, D I S N E Y L A N D PA R I S

13 -16

2 5 -30

LPGA TOUR: THE EVIAN CHAMPIONSHIP, EVIAN-LES-BAINS, FR ANCE

PGA O F A M E R I C A / E U RO P E A N TO U R : 4 2 N D RYDE R C U P, PA R I S

4 -7

18 -21

25-28

LPGA TO U R : T B A , S H A N GH A I .

LP G A TO U R : S W I N G I N G S K I RT S LP G A TA I WA N

18 -21

C H A M P I O N S H I P, N EW TA I P E I C I T Y, TA I WA N

EURO P E A N TO U R : A N DA LU C I A VA LD E R R A M A MAS T E R S , S OTO GR A N D E , S PA I N

29-31

LPGA TOUR: UL INTERNATIONAL CROWN, INCHEON, SOUTH KOREA

4 -7 EUROPEAN TOUR: ALFRED DUNHILL LINKS CHAMPIONSHIP, SCOTL AND

1 1 -14

2 5 -28

P G A O F A M E R I C A : 17 T H P G A J O N E S C U P, P O RT S T. LU C I E , F LO R I DA

LPGA TOUR: LPGA KEB HANA BANK CHAMPIONSHIP, INCHEON, SOUTH KOREA

PGA O F A M E R I C A : 3 0 T H S E N I O R P G A PRO F E S S I O N A L C H A M P I O N S H I P, F LO R I DA

1 1 -14

2 5 -28

EUROPEAN TOUR: BRITISH MASTERS SUPPORTED BY SKY SPORTS, TBA

WOR LD G O LF C H A M P I O N S H I P S : H S B C CHA M P I O N S , S H A N GH A I , C H I N A

1-4

7 -10

15-18

EUROPEAN TOUR: TURKISH AIRLINES OPEN, ANTALYA, TURKEY

LPGA TO U R : B LU E B AY LP G A , H A I N A N ISL A N D, C H I N A

LP G A TO U R : C M E GRO U P TO U R C H A M P I O N S H I P, N A P LE S , F L A .

8 -11

15-18

2-4 LPGA TOUR: TOTO JAPAN CL ASSIC, SHIGA, JAPAN

EURO P E A N TO U R : N E D B A N K G O LF CHA LLE N GE BY G A RY P L AY E R , S O U T H A F R I C A

5 -9

15 -18

PGA OF AMERICA : 102ND PGA ANNUAL MEETING, PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA

PGA O F A M E R I C A : 4 2 N D N C R A PRO F E S S I O N A L C H A M P I O N S H I P, F LO R I DA

E U RO P E A N TO U R : D P WO R LD TO U R C H A M P I O N S H I P, D U B A I

16-19 P G A O F A M E R I C A : 8 T H P G A J R . LE AGU E C H A M P I O N S H I P, S COT T S DA LE , A R I Z O N A

BIZGOLF APRIL 2018 OFF COURSE

Lifestyle To share news on your products or updates on new launches, please email nikita@gecmediagroup.com

Boston Bag An amalgamation of luxurious and sporty, the bag is crafted in dark brown embossed deerskin leather with black detailing. All the metal parts come in an ultra-modern titanium finish. There are two practical side pockets with buckles. The bag comes with leather handles and a sporty two-tone detachable shoulder strap Interior: two open pockets and one zip pocket and Maserati Blue lining. It comes with a protective dustproof bag in dark blue cotton, branded Maserati. Price: USD 1,078

Équilibre d’Hermès

LOTR Theme Chess Set Curated to give fans an exacting LOTR experience, the game details the story of Frodo and the characters he meets on his journey to destroy the One Ring. The Chess board showcases a map of the Middle-Earth with the base containing images of the most memorable characters and scenes from the movie. Further, the set comes with 32 playing pieces, each aping miniature sculptures of the film’s characters. The exclusive Chess set is designed and manufactured to perfection by Noble Collection and is officially licensed by Warner Bros. So if you’re looking for some exciting summer fun, buying the LOTR Chess set may probably be a good idea! Price: $495

Before the bags and scarves, luxury brand Hermès got its start in 1837 as a manufacturer of horse equipment. Even from its equestrian beginnings, the company has always specialized in elevating the utilitarian to the sublime. This magazine rack, part of the Équilibred’Hermès home goods collection, is no exception: Paying homage to the 19th-century saddles that started it all, the rack’s careful proportions of natural maple and leather evoke balance and simplicity. And in the same way boxed mac ’n’ cheese tastes a little better on heirloom china, it’s sure to class up even your trashiest tabloid. Price: $23,400

Montante for Maserati 8CTF bicycle Gear up with a limited-edition Italian bicycle modeled after a Maserati winner. In celebration of their famous 1940 win at the Indianapolis 500 known as the “Boyle Special,” Maserati teamed up with cult Italian bike builder CicliMontante to create a limited-edition bicycle resembling the victorious fixed head, eight-cylinder 8CTF race car. Integrally chromed and painted by the original coloured of Maserati 8CTF. Can only be delivered two months from receipt of order payment. Price: USD 4,026

AUSTRALIA AZERBAIJAN BAHRAIN BOTSWANA CANADA CHINA EGYPT FRANCE GHANA

INDIA INDONESIA ITALY KAZAKHSTAN KENYA MALAYSIA MAURITIUS NEW ZEALAND NEPAL

PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES

NIGERIA OMAN RUSSIA SAUDI ARABIA SCOTLAND SINGAPORE SRI LANKA SPAIN SOUTH AFRICA

50 QUALIFYING ROUNDS

3,700 C-LEVEL EXECUTIVES

SWITZERLAND THAILAND TURKEY UAE UNITED KINGDOM US ZIMBABWE