Bizgolf December Issue 2017

DECEMBER 2017

A NOVEMBER TO REMEMBER

GOLFING IN VOGUE! STYLE GUIDE 2018 GOLF APPAREL AND ACCESSORY TRENDS FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR /32

BGGLOBAL122017

DUBAI DELIGHT FOR TOMMY FLEETWOOD AND JON RAHM AT SEASON ENDING DP WORLD TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP WHILE BRENDEN GRACE BAGS BIG HOME WIN

INTERCEPT A completely new approach to endpoint security.

Sophos Intercept X is a next-generation endpoint detection and response

Sophos Intercept X is a next-generation endpoint detectionand platform designed to stop ransomware, zero-day exploits, provide detailed intelligence. response platformand designed to stopthreat ransomware, zero-day exploits,

and provide detailed threat intelligence.

• Stop ransomware before it can take hostages • Block zero-day attacks with signatureless anti-exploit technology

• Stop ransomware before it can take hostages • Get easy to understand threat insight and root cause analysis • Block zero-day attacksremediation with signatureless anti-exploit • Automate and malware removal technology • Get easy to understand threat insight and root cause analysis Learn more and try for free at

· Automate remediation and malware removal www.sophos.com/intercept-x

Learn more and try for free at

www.sophos.com/intercept-x SOPH_0050_61_Intercept_220x310_5_he_ENG.indd 1

05.10.2016 18:54:21

sleek and clean

Protection

Gripper Tape inside waist

M oisture-wicking

C HASE54.COM

FOR THE PURSUIT CHASE54, the perfect blend of golf and lifestyle apparel, designed with performance technology to keep you cool, dry a n d fl e x i b l e s o y o u c a n t a k e o n w h a t e v e r l i f e t h r o w s y o u r w a y.

SWING LOCAL, CONNECT GLOBAL!

18

PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES

TURKEY AUGUST

UAE SEPTEMBER

START

29

GHANA AUGUST

NEPAL AUGUST

ROUNDS OF GOLF

2400 C-LEVEL EXECUTIVES

THAILAND NOVEMBER

GRAND FINAL

DUBAI

DECEMBER

C NOV MAURITIUS NOVEMBER

BE PART OF THE JOURNEY REGISTER NOW

www.gecopen.com

SOUTH AFRICA OCTOBER AZERBAIJAN SEPTEMBER

BATSWANA OCTOBER KENYA OCTOBER

INDONESIA SEPTEMBER

EGYPT OCTOBER

UAE OCTOBER

OMAN NOVEMBER INDIA OCTOBER BAHRAIN NOVEMBER

EGYPT NOVEMBER

CHINA NOVEMBER

SINGAPORE NOVEMBER INDIA NOVEMBER

SAUDI ARABIA NOVEMBER

DECEMBER 2017 VOLUME 05 ISSUE 01

contents FOLLOW US:

bizgolfsea

bizgolfsea

bizgolfsea.com

48 OFF COURSE

Make a statement off the

course with these luxury products

50 GEAR UP

Topped Tee shot? No More!

18

12

GOLFSCAPES

MAURITIUS:

A TROPICAL GOLFING PARADISE

COVER STORY

Amazing Grace scripts history at ‘Africa’s Major’

MORE GOLF

SOCIAL MEDIA

36

What a season for Jon Rahm and Tommy Fleetwood! congratulations!

TEE TIME

Auburn alum Patton Kizzire earns first PGA Tour win

40 BUSINESS NEWS

44 JUNIOR GOLF

Tru-Turf releases JUNIORS new greens WITNESS NAIL roller BITING ACTION AT THE HERO WOMEN’S INDIAN OPEN

COVER: SHUT TERS TOCK

10

Limits can be, well, limiting. So we ignored them and created the highest performing iron imaginable – Epic. Precision-crafted in painstaking detail with ultra-premium materials, Epic is the most beautiful and technically advanced iron possible. Powered by 360 Face Cup Technology, you’ll get tremendous ball speed with maximum distance. With Epic, there’s no limit to how far you can take your game.

#1 Irons in Golf claim based on retail sales for Q1 2017 as reported by Golf Datatech across US, UK, Sweden, French & German markets. ©2017 CaAllaway Golf Company. Callaway, the Chevron Device, Epic, Great Big Bertha, Exo-Cage, Speed Step and Jailbreak Technology are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Callaway Golf Company. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

8

BIZGOLF DECEMBER 2017 EDITOR’S NOTE

A turnaround of extraordinary proportions At this time last year, how many of us even heard of Tommy Fleetwood. In all honesty, he wasn’t that popular in England itself, his home country and was ranked well outside top 100. But how things change. Tommy Fleetwood is 2017 Race to Dubai champion, winning the Harry Vardon trophy for this achievement. One hell of a story if you consider that the success came only 18 months after Wentworth 2016 where he wanted to pull out a tournament because he was embarrassed by how he was hitting. A turnaround of extraordinary proportions indeed! Jon Rahm also had a wonderful 2017 and won DP World Tour Championship in Dubai as his 3rd tour victory in 11 months; things are looking good for the young Spaniard. Relive the action in our ‘issue special’ inside.

Our lead story of the month is on South African Brenden Grace’s epic victory at home. Our SA representative Charles Williams was camped up in the Sun City for the ‘African Major’- Nedbank Golf Championship to bring you the exclusive.

The month is December is special for corporate golf as well. After 29 qualifying golf rounds in 18 countries, GEC Open international golf tour is finally culminating in the World Final – Dubai Corporate Golf World Cup. The event is being held at Jumeirah Golf Estates (Earth) and Emirates Golf Club (Majlis), and we are keeping a close eye on this one. We are also bringing you a comprehensive coverage on the national qualifying rounds in this issue.

We have also brought you our pick of golf courses from Mauritius, tournament and business news from all over the world, a special feature by Aman Misra on junior golf clinics at Women’s Indian Open. Also, watch out for best fairways woods in Gear Up and a lifestyle section to satiate your luxury needs.

Read on.

VINEET MANN vineet@gecmediagroup.com @vineetmann

PUBLISHER & MANAGING DIRECTOR TUSHAR SAHOO CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER BHARATH ARVIND MANAGING EDITOR VINEET MANN vineet@gecmediagroup.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT NIKITA SHARMA nikita@gecmediagroup.com GUEST WRITER AMAN MISRA LEAD VISUALIZER NEHA DESIGNER AJAY ARYA ASSISTANT DESIGNER RAHUL ARYA SUBSCRIPTIONS info@gecmediagroup.com SALES AND ADVERTISING RONAK SAMANTARAY MARKETING DIRECTOR ronak@gecmediagroup.com GLOBAL EVENT SALES SHOUVICK DUTTA shouvick@gecmediagroup.com VIKRAM SINGH vikram@gecmediagroup.com SOCIAL MARKETING & DIGITAL COMMUNICATION YASOBANT MISHRA yasobant@gecmediagroup.com PRODUCTION & CIRCULATION RICHA SAMANTARAY richa@gecmediagroup.com

DESIGNED BY

PUBLISHED BY CONQUEST INFOMEDIA PRIVATE LIMITED 207, TOWER NO.3, SARASWATI BLOCK, D-6, VASANT KUNJ, NEW DELHI -110070 @COPYRIGHT 2017 GEC MEDIA GROUP ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

PO BOX : 500653, DUBAI, UAE 223, BUILDING 9, DUBAI MEDIA CITY, DUBAI, UAE PHONE : +971 (0) 4368 8523 WHILE THE PUBLISHERS HAVE MADE EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE THE ACCURACY OF ALL INFORMATION IN THIS MAGAZINE, THEY WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS THEREIN.

SUBSCRIPTION

LIKE WHAT YOU READ?

SUBSCRIBE TODAY AND JOIN A NETWORK OF GLOBAL GOLF INDUSTRY STALWARTS

A PREMIUM GOLF INDUSTRY PUBLICATION Drop us an email on info@gecmediagroup.com and we’ll get in touch.

Visit www.bizgolfsea.com for more details

Bizgolf is available for print and digital subscription on request

10

BIZGOLF DECEMBER 2017 SOCIAL MEDIA

TRENDING MID ROUND SNACKS FOR THE LOCALS, COURTESY GOOD GUY IAN A NEW LOOK RACE TO DUBAI

WHAT A SEASON FOR JON RAHM AND TOMMY FLEETWOOD! CONGRATULATIONS!

JUST TIGER THINGS

TIGER WOODS RETURNED TO ACTION AT HERO WORLD CHALLENGE

WE KNOW, DJ. WE KNOW

NANDI HILLS BANGALORE

Stay & Play!

Fully serviced ultra-luxury mansions available for short stays.

Championship Golf Course Corporate Conferencing Food and Beverage Guest Villas

For an ultra-luxury stay on the greens,

Call: 080 2801 5800

golfreservations@golfshire.com frontoffice@golfshire.com

Prestige Golfshire,Nandi Hills Road, Karahalli Post, Kundana Hobil, Devanahalli Taluk, Bangalore - 562 110 Contact:+91 80 2801 5804 www.golfshire.com /prestige.golfshire

@p_golfshire

/PrestigeGolfshire

/prestige_golfshire_club

12

BIZGOLF DECEMBER 2017 COVER STORY

AMAZING GRACE SCRIPTS HISTORY AT

‘AFRICA’S MAJOR’

BY: VINEET MANN, CHARLES WILLIAMS

W

hen South Africa’s most celebrated golfer and global legend Gary Player jumps out to hug you on your victory, then you’ve achieved something special.

Homeboy Branden Grace became the first South African winner of the Nedbank Golf Challenge in a decade at Sun City and ending a winning drought for South Africans in this event stretching back to Trevor Immelman’s triumph in 2007. Naturally, the host of the “Africa’s Major”, ‘The Black Knight’ was ecstatic.

The seventh Rolex Series event of the 2017 season had brought an elite field to Gary Player Country Club, and the enthralling final-day battle between Grace, Victor

Dubuisson and Scott Jamieson did not disappoint.

The event did not start well for Grace as he was two-over through first four holes but overcame the shaky start with four birdies and an eagle to finish opening day at four-under and one behind leader Bernd Wiesberger. It got cruel on the weatheraffected second day for both of them as Branden carded 3-over 75 for a two-day total of one-under par 143 to slip to 10th place. Wiesberger slid further down the leaderboard due to his 5-over 77 to the 17th position.

It was Victor Dubuisson who took advantage and consolidated on his first day 4-under 68 with another 2-under 70 to open

up a two-shot lead at 6-under 138 with local favourite Darren Fichardt, who got his invite the morning of the first day, and two-time champion Lee Westwood on his heels.

One day three, Scotland’s Scott Jamieson threw his hat in the mix as he fired a brilliant bogey-free 67 for a three-day total of 8-under 208 to take a one-shot lead into the closing round of the Nedbank Golf Challenge hosted by Gary Player. At this point, all protagonists of this remarkable tale had assumed their positions with Victor Dubuisson one stroke behind at 7-under 209 and Brenden Grace at 5-under 211; tied with Martin Kaymer.

To cancel out any advantage, Grace scored three birdies in the front nine

COVER STORY DECEMBER 2017 BIZGOLF

13

-Brenden Grace “This is awesome! This is the one event that as a South African you want to win. It’s Africa’s Major for a reason and what a special place it is.

“There’s a lot of history and a lot of great winners on the trophy and I’m very glad to be able to put my name on the trophy as well. I had to stay patient and I had to take the chances when they came my way. I missed a couple of short ones but I think the big key was the putt on 16.”

against two birdies and a double by overnight leader Jamieson and two birdies by Dubuisson. With all three tied for the lead at 10-under with four holes to play. Dubuisson made a disappointing double-bogey on the par 5 - 15th, and the tournament became a two-horse race.

With so many Nedbank Golf Challenge’s having been decided on the par-three 16th hole, the 2017 edition was no different and made for another grand spectacle.

After a mishit tee shot that hit the grandstand, Jamieson got some respite as the ball bounced back out into the greenside rough and he almost holed his chip shot from there, which eventually lipped the hole, and he tapped in for par.

Grace was left with an almost 50-foot putt which he rolled straight in to take a onestroke lead.

He then carried his lead to 18th and scripted his name in the history books.

With a final round 66, Grace won

“I got off to a nice start and things were looking good. Got a little blip on number eight. Branden got off to a fast start, all three of us were going along nicely there. On 16, perhaps if my chip had gone in, it might have been a different story. I’m sure I’ll look back and take great pride with that. Played with some of the best players in the world this week and proved that I can compete with them. So hopefully I can take something out of it. Second’s pretty good.”

PHOTO CREDITS: CHARLES WILLIAM S | BIZGOLF

-Scott Jamieson

14

BIZGOLF DECEMBER 2017 COVER STORY

WHAT’S IN THE

BAG

Irons: Callaway Apex UT (3-4), Callaway X Forged ’13 (5-PW) Shaft: Project X 6.5

Wedges: Callaway Mack Daddy Prototype (52, 56 and 60 degrees) Shaft: Project X 6.5

BRENDEN GRACE Golf Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

Driver: Callaway GBB Epic Sub Zero (9 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura SIX

3 Wood: Callaway XR 16 Pro (16 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura SIX Tour

Putter: Odyssey Works Jailbird

GRACE’S VICTORY IN NUMBERS

8 st 1 th 7 th 6

th

European Tour win in his 167th appearance for Grace

South African winner of this event since Trevor Immelman in 2007

1 th 9 st

Climbs to 9th on the Race to Dubai Rakings presented by Rolex with 1,972,695, up from 34th

He becomes 7th different Rolex Series winner this season, following Alex Noren (BMW PGA Championship), Tommy Fleetwood (HNA Open de France), Jon Rahm (Dubai Duty Free Irish Open hosted by the Rory Foundation), Rafa Cabrera Bello (Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open), Tyrrell Hatton (Italian Open) and Justin Rose (Turkish Airlines Open)

European Tour title by a player from South Africa this season, following Brandon Stone (Alfred Dunhill Championship), Darren Fichardt (Joburg Open), Dean Burmester (Tshwane Open), Dylan Frittelli (Lyoness Open) and Haydn Porteous (Czech Masters)

“Africa’s Major” by a single shot on 11-under par. Jamieson took second place on 10-under with a closing 70, left to rue the double-bogey six on the tough eighth hole that most certainly hampered his title push.

143

Frenchman Dubuisson was then at nine under, two shots ahead of China’s Li Haotong - scored final round 64 to produce the lowest round of the week.

Grace hit all 18 greens in regulation

29 st 1 st 1

th

victory since the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters in 2016

rd

in the Official Golf World Rankings from 44th

player to win a Rolex Series event on home soil

winner to hit all 18 greens in regulation since Paul Casey on the 2014 KLM Open

European Tour title by a player from South Africa

in his final round as he matched Louis Oosthuizen to become the fourth all-time South African European Tour winner, behind only Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and Charl Schwartzel.

ISSUE SPECIAL DECEMBER 2017 BIZGOLF

15

B Y : B H A R AT H A R V I N D

The European tour 2016-17 season came to a close in dramatic fashion at the Jumeirah Golf Estates- Earth Course in Dubai. The DP World Tour Championship was the last event of the season and of the rolex series events, and as expected, gave a thriller of a finish. Justin Rose was seemingly in control of his destiny to win the Race to Dubai (Order of Merit) and trump fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood, who had been leading the rankings

from the start of the season. However, the golfing gods has other plans and lot of drama was to unfold.

Standing on the 12th tee, 37-year old Rose looked in command. He was four under par for the day and 19 under for the tournament giving him a two-shot lead over the rest of the field. The Englishman had previously won the European Tour Order of Money in 2007, then made a bogey after a poor bunker shot. That

seemed to shift the momentum away from him as a total three bogeys in fives holes cost him dearly.

Meanwhile, Spanish rookie- John Rahm- played some scintillating golf to close the door on Rose. He began the final round, a shot behind Rose and was three back at the turn and made a birdie on the tenth to close the gap to two. While Rose bogeyed the 12th, the Spaniard managed a brilliant up and down birdie from the

PHOTO CREDIT: GETT Y IMAGES

RAHM WINS BUT FLEETWOOD STAY AT THE TOP

16

BIZGOLF DECEMBER 2017 ISSUE SPECIAL

bunker at the 14th to tie the lead.

While Rose continued to bogey, Rahm secured his fifth birdie of the day on the 16th by sticking a stellar recovery from the rough to within eight feet. That gave him the outright lead and made him the eventual winner of the DP World Tour Championship. He finished one shot ahead of Irishman Shane Lowry, who had shot a magnificent 63 with ten birdies and a bogey to grab T2 with Thailand Kiradech Aphibarnrat.

Tommy Fleetwood left lots to desire on his final round of two over par, but was holding on to his Race to Dubai ranking. Rose still needed to finish at the very least in solo fourth in order to trump Fleetwood and win the money list.

ISSUE SPECIAL DECEMBER 2017 BIZGOLF

WHAT’S IN THE

BAG

Driver: TaylorMade M2 10.5° (Aldila Tour Green 75TX)

17

3 wood: TaylorMade M1 15° (Aldila Tour Green 75TX)

JON RAHM 5 wood:TaylorMade M1 19° (Graphite Design Tour AD-DI 8X)

Irons:TaylorMade P750 (4-PW) (True Temper Project X 6.5) Putter:TaylorMade Spider Tour Red

Ball:TaylorMade TP5x

Ranking

Player

Tournaments Played

RTD Points

1

Tommy Fleetwood

24

5,420,530

2

Justin Rose

12

4,921,062

3

Jon Rahm

13

4,602,281

4

Sergio Garcia

13

3,906,072

5

Tyrrell Hatton

21

3,237,346

6

Ross Fisher

23

2,942,728

7

Rafa Cabrera-Bello

19

2,770,297

8

Alex Noren

20

2,483,867

9

Francesco Molinari

13

2,282,706

10

Branden Grace

15

2,252,135

Total (US$)

Wedges:TaylorMade Milled Grind 52°, 56°, Hi-Toe 60° (True Temper Project X 6.5)

5,000,000

It all boiled down to Rose needing an eagle on the Par 5- 18th but he could only manage a birdie. The tied fourth finish for Justin Rose ensured that he was €58,821 short of Fleetwood on the money list at the close of the year.

Remarkable what one shot can do.

“I hit the wall a little bit today,” said Rose. “But I’m pleased for Tommy. He deserved to win. He’s been ahead for most of the year and it was good for him to finish it off.

“It’s kind of amazing,” said Tommy Fleetwood. “It’s not sunk in yet. It was great being out there today trying to win it. It was really out of my control over the last few holes.”

By topping the European Tour money list, the 26-year old Fleetowood also broke into the Top 20 in the World Rankings.

18

BIZGOLF DECEMBER 2017 GOLFSCAPES

MAURITIUS:

A TROPICAL GOLFING PARADISE

B Y : N I K I TA S H A R M A

P

icturesque, picture-postcard beaches, warm tropical setting and plenty breathtaking views to immerse yourself into, Mauritius not only is a paradise for vacationers but it also provides a seamless setting for a perfect golfing sojourn. We take you on a tour of the best golf courses in the island nation that will make you want to never go back home!

Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club A spectacular course that is nestled amidst naturally undulating topography, volcanic rock outcrops, lakes and gullies, and a variety of tropical trees and plants which together constitute to make the golf club breathtakingly beautiful. Designed by the famous golfer, Bernhard Langer, one of Europe’s all time greats, the golf club is accessible to players of all levels.

The emerald greens offer a stunning view on the turquoise lagoon, requiring truly exciting approach shots.

The course covers 38 hectares on the southern half of the Ile aux Cerfs island with the holes snaking up and down the length of the island. This championship golf club went through major changes since 2013 to ensure a greater experience in terms of playability and spectacular views. Most holes have views of the ocean – some with glimpses across clearings through the trees; others by coming close to the shore. With water playing an essential role of the course, there are a total of

nine lakes in the area. Three of the holes require tee shots across sea inlets to the fairways. The course boasts luscious turf, Salam Seashore Paspalum grass, which is resilient in the tropical climate and allows the highest standards of course conditioning. The club has been recognised to be the no. 1 golf club to play in a lifetime by Golf World.

Course Architect and Designer Bernhard Langer

GOLFSCAPES DECEMBER 2017 BIZGOLF

GOLF

CLUB HOUSE

HOSPITALITY

Fun Fact Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club was formerly part of the Le Touessrok resort, which is located on the Mauritius mainland on a beautiful stretch of white-sand coastline overlooking the tranquil Trou d’Eau Douce bay. At the resort you’ll find the suites and rooms, pools, restaurants and bars, a Givenchy Spa, tennis and the kids club.

Accessed by private resort ferry boats are the resort’s two islands - Ile aux Cerfs, with its championship golf course, and Ilot

Mangénie, an island retreat exclusive to guests.

Green Fee The 2017 visitor green fee for 18-holes is $ 202; Junior (Under 17 year-old) $120 Twilight (as from 2.10 p.m.) $134 Green fee includes a Ferry boat shuttle to and from the golf jetty on the island of Ile aux Cerfs, 1 bottle of water 50cl and one pyramid of practice balls, per person.

Contact Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club, lle aux Cerfs, Trou D’eau Douce, Mauritius +230 402 7720 info@iacgolf.mu Where to stay Shangri-La Le Touessrok Resort & Spa Coastal Road, Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius Phone: +230 402 7400

19

20

BIZGOLF DECEMBER 2017 GOLFSCAPES

Avalon Golf Estate

Avalon Golf Estate

Avalon Golf Estate is sculpted into the lush forested central plateau of Mauritius with utmost finesse and precision. Designed by internationally renowned golf course architect and ex-European Tour professional, Peter Matkovich, this 18 Hole Championship course, par 72 and 6318 metres in length has 4 teeing options to suit players of all levels.

Set on the volcanic slopes of the dormant Grand Bassin volcano at 400m above sea level and surrounded by tea plantations, Avalon is the highest place where one can play golf in Mauritius. The views of the southern coastline, lagoon and azure Indian Ocean are simply unprecedented and, on a clear day, are visible from all 18 holes.

The course also boasts a restaurant, which is considered one of the finest in the South of Mauritius, Magic Spoon attracts many visitors simply for its delicious offerings. A nice cold beer and lunch after your round of golf in this spectacular restaurant is an absolute must!

Course Architect and Designer Peter Matkovich

GOLFSCAPES DECEMBER 2017 BIZGOLF

GOLF

CLUB HOUSE

HOSPITALITY

Green Fee The 2017 visitor green fee for18 hole is $ 43; 9 hole green fee is $ 29 The green fee is inclusive of golf cart.

Contact Avalon Golf Country Club Bois Sec, Savanne, Mauritius

Phone: +230 430 5800 Email: golf@avalongolf.mu www.avalongolf.mu

Where to Stay Shanti Maurice Resort and Spa St Felix 60422 Mauritius reservation@shantimaurice.com Phone: +230 603 7200

21

22

BIZGOLF DECEMBER 2017 GOLFSCAPES

CLUB MANAGEMENT SPEAKS

GOLF

Various initiatives taken by club to appeal to millennials Millennial represents around 15% in terms of total golf rounds (36,000 yearly) and we also work closely with the Mauritius Golf Federation to promote the game among the juniors.

CLUB HOUSE

Non-golfers tourists are offered a weekly free golf initiation program.

HOSPITALITY

Heritage Golf Club

Technology at Course We have introduced the latest GPS technology on the buggies in five languages.

The skate caddies are available and are quite successful among young golfers.

We also offer the night golf on our Par 3 nine hole course.

Engaging through Social Media We are officially present on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and since we hosted the 1st & 3rd edition of the European, Asian & Sunshine Tours Mauritius Open, our number of visitors have nearly tripled in the last two years.

Source of Revenue

4% Membership The Heritage Golf Club is situated at an unspoiled spot in the south of Mauritius, with over 2500 hectares of lush green land. Open 365 days a year, this spectacular 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course has won many awards and includes exceptional panoramas in its challenging design to create a truly memorable golfing experience.

The course has been an official host venue of the first ever tri-sanctioned tournament by the European, Asian & Sunshine tours, known as the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open. This club is also designed by ace architect Peter Maktovich and stretches out over 100 hectares between the green hills and turquoise lagoon. The Heritage Golf Club offers both professional golfers and amateurs a good test, yet very fair and enjoyable time for all. It is interestingly the only golf course in the region that even offers a night adventure (night golf). So, golf enthusiasts, the next time you are in Mauritius and are unable to sleep, you know where to head for a perfect night out!

Course Architect and Designer Peter Matkovich

Contact Heritage Golf Club, Domaine de Bel Ombre Coastal Rd, Belombre, Mauritius Office: +230 623 5600 www.heritagegolfclub.mu

Where to Stay Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort Domaine De Bel Ombre 61002, Bel Ombre – Mauritius Phone: +230-266-9768

Events revenue

fee

Fun Fact The club located in the Domaine de Bel Ombre, which takes its name from the “ombre”, a sweet water fish found in this historic region. Around the emerald waters of the Bel Ombre lagoon, the early 18th century saw the birth of large sugar estates in the wild South of Mauritius. The reputation of the Domaine is attributed to an Irish botanist, Charles Telfair, who from 1816 to 1833 substantially enhanced the region with his social, botanical and engineering innovations.

“In the small Eden of Bel Ombre” as he called it, Telfair nurtured new species of cane and botanical plants, while introducing many new social and mechanised concepts that reformed Mauritius.

2% Tournament/

12% Catering

and F&B

1% Driving Range

15%

58%

Guest and Green Fee

Shop 8% Pro merchandising

Lessons, cart & rental (equip)

Tourist Friendliness Being mainly a GC within an integrated Golf Resorts business model, 80% of our golfers are visiting tourists golfers, and which represents around 28 800 rounds played by tourist golfers.

Marketing initiatives to promote the club l Promote golf through major golf event such at the AfrAsia Mauritius Open tri-sanctioned by the European, Asian & Sunshine Tours (May 2015 & Nov 2017) l The coming Amateur Golf World Cup (June 2018) l Sponsoring and co-sponsoring various golf events worldwide l Selection of Tour PROs to be our brand ambassadors l Marketing and promotion through various (online & off-line) golf Tour Operators worldwide l Advertorials in various golf magazines mainly on rooms barter l On-line adverts (less expensive than paper)

GOLFSCAPES DECEMBER 2017 BIZGOLF

23

bizgolf ratings GOLF

CLUB HOUSE

HOSPITALITY

Paradis Golf Club

Treat yourself with the finest golf experience in the most enchanting of settings while you are in the island nation. The Paradis Golf Course offers a tropical feel along with a sense of luxury. Fringed by the crystal-clear lagoon of Black River on one side and backed by the legendary Morne Brabant Mountain on the other, the course offers a peerless combination of stunning scenery and challenging play.

Built within Paradis & Dinarobin resort’s grounds, the 18-hole Par 72 golf course stretches along 5,924 meters and offers 5 different tees. Much of the creative competitive design is attributable to international golf legend Tony Johnstone who has spent several years playing the course through its many evolutionary stages. The rich, smooth green fairways are adorned with the bright colors of bougainvillea, flame trees, poinsettias and araucarias,

while the royal palms, casuarinas and a variety of indigenous palm trees give it a typical tropical island outlook. The greens are planted with Seashore Paspalum, an ideal turf for the climate in the tropics.

Each hole is unique at the Paradis Golf Club, presenting the golfer with a different experience and gives a golfer a perfect chance to use all 14 clubs in the bag.

the first of an impressive array of courses that have made Mauritius a “must visit” golf destination for the well travelled golfer.

Two flagship Beachcomber hotels are located alongside (although barely visible from) the golf course: the Paradis Hotel & Golf Club and Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa.

Contact

Green Fee

Paradis Golf Club Le Morne Peninsula, Indian Ocean, Mauritius Phone: +230 401 5050, paradis@bchot.com www.beachcomber-hotels.com

The 2017 green fee for the residents of the Paradis resort is $ 21

Where to Stay

Course Architect and Designer David Dutton with enhancements by Tony Johnstone

Fun Fact Paradis was the first 18-hole championship golf course established on Mauritius;

Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa Le Morne Peninsula, Black River, Mauritius Phone: +230 401 5050

24

BIZGOLF DECEMBER 2017 GOLFSCAPES

GOLF

CLUB HOUSE

HOSPITALITY

Belle Mare Plage Golf Club (Links) Another gem situated on the Island, the Links is a Championship Golf Course designed by ace golf-course architects Rodney Wright and Peter Allis. Spread along with the picturesque beaches, the 18-hole, Par 72 is spread out in 5942 metres. Said to be a twin of the Legend Golf Club, the Links offers a Golf Academy by professional and qualified instructors.

The natural setting of the course, over rolling links style terrain, is complemented by excellent fairways and firm greens. The course even possesses a special volcanic rock, piled high to form pyramid like structures that dot the course. Plenty of water bodies in and around the area make for many challenges and the afternoon sea breezes can make a difference of 2 or 3 clubs to your selection. The clubhouse

at the Links sits above the course and faces the mountains and setting sun and also gives panoramic views to the ocean making your experience at this beautiful property worthwhile.

Course Architect and Designer Rodney Wright & Peter Alliss

Green Fee The 2017 visitor green fee is $170

Fun Fact The Constance Hotels group has built its success on a unique collection of luxury hotels on the paradise island of Mauritius (Constance Le Prince Maurice and Constance Belle Mare Plage), in the Seychelles (Constance Lémuria Resort), in Madagas-

car (Constance Lodge Tsarabanjina) and in the Maldives (Constance Halaveli Resort).

The Constance Hotels Experience has recently been expanded with the addition of the Constance Ephélia Resort at Mahé in the Seychelles and the Constance Moofushi Resort in the Maldives.

Contact Constance Belle Mare Plage Poste de Flaco, Flaco, Mauritius Office: +230 4022600

Where to Stay: Constance Belle Mare Plage Poste de Flacq, Mauritius Phone: +230 402 2600 www.bellemareplagehotel.com

SWING FOR LIGHT

Reaching the Green is Tough Going Green is simple.

OneEarth OneLight aims to leave an environmental and social impact on the urban and rural parts of the world.

OneLight Solar powered | All-weather | Portable source of light | Lightweight | waterproof Provides light for up to 12 hours once fully charged

How can you help?

Individuals Golfers registering in the GEC Open 2017 can purchase OneLight with the proceeds going to a charity of their choice. They can choose to donate the light as well.

Visit gecopen.com/csr for more details Contact: info@gecmediagroup.com

Corporates OneLight is available for bulk purchase for corporates who want to give the gift of light as part of their own CSR programs.

Help make a difference

26

BIZGOLF DECEMBER 2017 CORPORATE GOLF

THE G ‘ROAD TO DUBAI’

EC Open, organised in association with the OMA Emirates is a global golf tour for amateur golfers and leading corporates. 2014 marked the debut year for this muchrevered golf tournament in which the first-ever golf round was organized at Address Montgomerie in Dubai. With massive encouragement from sponsors and participants alike, in 2015 and 2016, the event grew in popularity and was played in six and eight countries respectively connecting over 1100 corporates in the GEC ecosystem.

Over time, the nascent GEC Open has matured into a global platform for competitive amateur golf, networking, forging everlasting friendships and business relations.

The year 2017 edition took the event to unprecedented heights as between August and December as many as 29 national qualifying golf rounds were held in 18 countries. During this journey, the GEC community welcomed over 2400 corporate leaders under the aegis of 800+ global organisations!

The Dubai Corporate Golf World Cup is set to be played at Jumeirah Golf Estates – Earth Course and Emirates Golf Club – Majlis Course over two days on December 13-14 where national champions from 18 countries will vie for the coveted championship and bragging rights as global champion.

Here’s is a quick recap..

CORPORATE GOLF DECEMBER 2017 BIZGOLF

27

GHANA FAMOUS FOR

Cocoa, Football TOTAL GOLF COURSES

16

NATIONAL FEDERATION

Ghana Golf Association (ghanagolfassociation.org) REGISTERED GOLFERS

3000

GEC Open in Ghana was a wonderful event, very well organized.

GEC Open national qualifying in Ghana marked the official kick-off of the GEC Open global golf tour for 2017 season when it returned to the ‘Gateway to Africa’ for second consecutive year. GEC Open Ghana was held on August 26, 2017 at Celebrity Golf Club in Tema. Over 100 top corporates and industry leaders came together for fun filled yet competitive round of golf. George Amoah, a business and investment consultant, Samuel Koranteng from MTN Telecom and Elizabeth Aku Yabah who works in the hospitality industry emerged victorious in their respective handicap classes to book their berth at the World Final.

With the support of our generous participants in Ghana, the event raised approx. GHC 3000 to support our local charity partner ‘The Girl in Need Foundation’.

GEORGE AMOAH

TURKEY

ABU DHABI FAMOUS FOR

Yas Marina

TOTAL GOLF COURSES

4

NATIONAL FEDERATION

Emirates Golf Federation (www.egfgolf. com) TOTAL GOLF COURSES

18

The Par 73, 6208 yards Kemer Golf & Country Club in Istanbul hosted the inaugural edition of round of GEC Open concurrently to Ghana on August 26. Staving off stiff challenge from over 60 avid golfers of the region, Serhan Çökelek, playing off a handicap of 20 secured 42 stableford points while Ali Fidanboy, playing off a handicap of 33 scored 38 points to finish top in their respective classes.

Nursel Çökelek scored 40 points in the ladies’ category to emerge victorious.

NATIONAL FEDERATION

Turkish Golf Association (www.tgf.org.tr) REGISTERED GOLFERS

1500

On October 14, the picturesque Saadiyat Beach Golf Club played host to a formidable gathering of golfers for the GEC Open qualifying round. The golf round was played in stableford format amongst some of the top amateur golfers of the region. Blanca Rivollier, Alain Rivollier, Alberta Lagorio-Serra, Kevin Moore, Mike Parks and Ping Li secured top positions in their respective handicap categories to qualify for the world final- Dubai Corporate Golf World Cup. In the other prizes up for grabs, Ping Li also claimed the nearest to the pin contest while Roy Gurner snapped up Longest Drive award.

28

BIZGOLF DECEMBER 2017 CORPORATE GOLF

AZERBAIJAN

NEPAL

FAMOUS FOR

The Burning Mountain TOTAL GOLF COURSES

3

NATIONAL FEDERATION

Azerbaijan Golf Federation (www.agf.az) REGISTERED GOLFERS

500

FAMOUS FOR

Casinos, Adventure Sports TOTAL GOLF COURSES

5

NATIONAL FEDERATION

Nepal Golf Association (www.npga.net)

100 top corporates and industry leaders from the Azerbaijan business community were in action at the Dreamland Golf Club in Baku on September 9, 2017. It was the 2nd annual edition of GEC Open in the region hosted in collaboration with the national Azerbaijan Open.

Playing in stableford format, Yerlan Duissenbin carded 42 points, Eldar Kerimov scored 40 and Susan Drummond bagged 39 points for the win. In a mix of business and sports, GEC Open Azerbaijan was concluded with a lavish wine and dine affair. Azerbaijan is one of the fastest growing economy in South Caucasus region touted as the one of the emerging commercial destination for business in both Asia and Europe.

BOTSWANA FAMOUS FOR

Safari Destinations TOTAL GOLF COURSES

6

NATIONAL FEDERATION

Botswana Golf Union (www. botswanagolfunion. org.bw)

REGISTERED GOLFERS

2000

I thoroughly enjoyed the GEC Azerbaijan Open, it was a great weekend of golf. I am really excited to represent this wonderful country in Dubai. I have been playing a lot and even arranged special lessons with my professional to prepare for the World Final.

Nepal is known to the world for its mountain peaks. The small country contains eight of the 10 highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga - the world’s tallest and third tallest respectively.

The golfers at Gokarna Forest resort on September 23 had a very different mountain to climb, however.

Over 70 club golfers came out in full force for the inaugural edition of GEC Open in the nation.

Surendra Phuyal returned the best Nett score of the day at 40 points to emerge champion alongside Prithvi Malla who claimed top spot in ‘Best Gross’ category with a score of 34.

SUSAN DRUMMOND

The crème-de-la-crème of Botswana corporate leaders and socialites came together to participate in the inaugural edition of GEC Open global golf tour in the country on October 6.

The coveted event held at Phakalane Golf Estate in Gaborone saw over 50 amateur golfers vying for the podium finish to qualify for the world final.

The qualifying round was played in stableford format in three handicap categories – 0 -9, 10-18 & 18-24.

Tumelo Silekane with 40 points, Coram Mushuta (43 pts) and Kate Senye (37 pts) emerged victorious in respective categories to seal their berth at the Dubai Corporate Golf World Cup.

CORPORATE GOLF DECEMBER 2017 BIZGOLF

29

DELHI NCR FAMOUS FOR

Street Food

TOTAL GOLF COURSES

INDIA

10

NATIONAL FEDERATION

Indian Golf Union (www. indiangolfunion.org) REGISTERED GOLFERS

MUMBAI

12000

FAMOUS FOR

Gateway of India TOTAL GOLF COURSES

4

SOUTH AFRICA

NATIONAL FEDERATION

Indian Golf Union

REGISTERED GOLFERS

The ‘Rainbow Nation’ hosted GEC Open global golf tour on October 15 at the Ruimsig Country Club in the Westrand Roodepoort territory. Competing in stableford format in three handicap classes, Freddy Greaver, Donald Khuse and Busi Kubayi claimed podium finish to secure coveted world final FAMOUS FOR spots.

Exotic wildlife Zack Rasego, caddie for ET TOTAL GOLF COURSES pro Brendon Grace was present 456 as a guest speaker at the prize NATIONAL FEDERATION presentation.

Zack has also South African Golf Association caddied for Gary Player and REGISTERED GOLFERS Louis Ooosthuizen in the past.

140000 The winners Dodo Khuse and Freddy Greaver are associated with football clubs Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns FC. Busi Kubayi has learned her golf from the legendary Vincent Tshabalala and also runs a golf development program in Johannesburg’s suburb Alexander.

8000

BANGALORE FAMOUS FOR

IT Start ups

TOTAL GOLF COURSES

8

NATIONAL FEDERATION

JAMSHEDPUR

Indian Golf Union

Steel Industry

10000

FAMOUS FOR

REGISTERED GOLFERS

TOTAL GOLF COURSES

2

NATIONAL FEDERATION

Indian Golf Union

REGISTERED GOLFERS

1800

BHUBANESWAR FAMOUS FOR

MAURITIUS

Temples

TOTAL GOLF COURSES

1

NATIONAL FEDERATION

FAMOUS FOR

Tourism

TOTAL GOLF COURSES

10

NATIONAL FEDERATION

Mauritius Golf Federation REGISTERED GOLFERS

1100

In a pleasant yet gripping setting adjacent to the Indian Ocean at the Heritage Golf Resort, GEC Open, in association with the OMA Emirates, was hosted for the first time in the region on October 28.

Playing in Stableford format, Christophe Callaou carded 34 points, Paul Ferreira managed 29 and Ishtiaq Hajee Adam bagged 34 points to claim victory in their respective handicap classes.

Indian Golf Union

REGISTERED GOLFERS

1600

GEC Open in India organized more qualifying rounds than any other country on the Roll. Golden Greens Golf Resort in Delhi NCR hosted the inaugural golf round of 2017 GEC Open Indian tour on November 4th amongst over 110 business leaders and industry stalwarts. Anmol Puri, Director, Monitor Deloitte returned with only under par round of the day to emerge champion with 44 Nett points.

The Mumbai edition was held at The Willingdon Sports Club on Nov 12th where Hassanali Bulsara from Pune carded 36 Nett points to claim Dubai berth.

The Bengaluru leg of GEC Open was organized in collaboration with The Prestige Masters Series on Nov 11 at Prestige Golfshire. After six preliminary rounds, the Prestige Masters Series 2017 grand finale came to a commemorative end when Naveen Wahi emerged victorious to take home the coveted title with 35 points. Jamshedpur and Bhubaneswar hosted the final qualifying rounds of GEC Open’s Indian swing at Golmuri GC and Bhubaneswar GC respectively.

Vipul Amin, Rishad Chinoy and VP Srivastava returned the best scores in their respective categories to be crowned champions from Jamshedpur while JB Pany and PK Jena won from Bhubaneswar

30

BIZGOLF DECEMBER 2017 CORPORATE GOLF

EGYPT SAUDI ARABIA

FAMOUS FOR

Pyramids

TOTAL GOLF COURSES

25 FAMOUS FOR

Holy Mosques TOTAL GOLF COURSES

6

NATIONAL FEDERATION

Egyptian Golf Federation REGISTERED GOLFERS

Just two wordsI’m Ready!

6000

NATIONAL FEDERATION

Saudi Arabia Golf Federation

REGISTERED GOLFERS

5000

I am very excited and looking forward to playing in the GEC Open - Dubai Corporate Golf World Cup 2017.

It will be a wonderful opportunity to enjoy golf in Dubai and to meet people from so many different countries.

DAVID GUERRINI

The country known in the world for its Pyramids and Pharaohs hosted the GEC Open national qualifying round at The Westin Cairo Golf Resort & Spa, Katameya Dunes in Cairo on November 11.

The trio of David Guerrini, Khaled Khorshid and Lee Jung returned the best score of the day in their respective handicap categories to seal podium finish and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of world final qualification.

INDONESIA

EDWARD O’REILLY

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia encompasses most of the Arabian Peninsula, with Red Sea and Persian (Arabian) Gulf coastlines. It us known as the birthplace of Islam and is home to the religion’s two most sacred mosques: Masjid al-Haram, in Mecca, destination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, and Medina’s Masjid an-Nabawi, burial site of the prophet Muhammad.

On Nov 11, GEC Open national qualifying was held at Dirab Golf & Country Club in the capital city of Riyadh amongst 90 corporates and avid golfers.

The golf gods however smiled on Edward O’Reilly, Julian Bennett and Verlito Quindoza who played superb golf and edged out the rest for world final qualification.

FAMOUS FOR

Active Volcanoes TOTAL GOLF COURSES

163

NATIONAL FEDERATION

Indonesia Golf Association (www.pbpgi.org)

Bali National Golf Club hosted the maiden edition of GEC Open qualifying round in Indonesia on November 12th.

In Men’s competition, I Putu Srimawan playing off a handicap of 10 secured 41 points while Made Subyukta, playing off a handicap of 13 scored 38 points to finish top in their respective classes. Caroline Selins scored 35 points with an 18 handicap in the ladies’ category to claim victory and book her berth along with the gents at the World Final.

CORPORATE GOLF DECEMBER 2017 BIZGOLF

THAILAND

31

RAK

FAMOUS FOR

Hajar Mountains, Luxury Resorts 3

TOTAL GOLF COURSES

Emirates Golf Federation (www.egfgolf. com)

NATIONAL FEDERATION

GEC Open qualifying round in Ras Al-Khaimah was held at Al Hamra Golf Club on December 9, 2017. It marked the official completion of the 18 country GEC Open golf tour.

RAK has a different vibe then the rest of Gulf cities, gifted with a sandy coastline, green wadis, and rugged desert mountainside.

Nightlife, Entertainment

The crème-de-la-crème of Thailand corporate leaders and socialites participated in the inaugural edition of GEC Open. The coveted event held at Nikanti Golf Club in Bangkok on November 17, saw over 110 amateur golfers vying for the podium finish to qualify for the world final.

The qualifying round was played in individual Stableford format in three handicap categories – 0 -12, 13-24 for Men & 0-24 for Ladies. Samran Tiwalai with 44 points, Yukol Yingyongkij (40 pts) and Puttida Thongphen (39 pts) emerged victorious in respective categories

247

Thailand Golf Association (www.tga.or.th) REGISTERED GOLFERS

15000

DUBAI

OMAN

TOTAL GOLF COURSES

FAMOUS FOR

NATIONAL FEDERATION

KENYA

FAMOUS FOR

FAMOUS FOR

Purebred Arab horses

FAMOUS FOR

TOTAL GOLF COURSES

Skyscrapers Burj Al Arab, Burj Al Khalifa

NATIONAL FEDERATION

16

5

Oman Golf Committee (www.golfoman.com) REGISTERED GOLFERS

1100

Al Mouj Golf in Muscat hosted the GEC Open national qualifying round amongst a select participation of top corporates and avid golfers of the region on November 25.

Played in individual Stableford format with full handicap allowance, the competition was divided into three handicap categories – 0-9, 10-18, 19-24.

The trio of Mark McCarthy, David Henderson and Alan McInnes played top golf to claim the world-final berths.

TOTAL GOLF COURSES NATIONAL FEDERATION

Emirates Golf Federation (www.egfgolf.com)

Tenna Student, Paul Pitman, Joon Eun and Chris Roberts are the fab four who have qualified from the Dubai qualifying round held at the Par 72, 7396 yards long Address Montgomerie on December 1 after they emerged winners in their respective categories.

Plying their trade on familiar grounds, the quartet will compete with the home advantage in the World Final.

National parks, Wildlife sanctuaries TOTAL GOLF COURSES

41

NATIONAL FEDERATION

Kenya Golf Union (www. kgu.or.ke) REGISTERED GOLFERS

8000

GEC Open Kenya was held at Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi on December 7. Over 130 avid golfers and leading corporates of the region got together for the GEC Open’s debut event in Kenya. Competing for the coveted world final spots, the trio of Vipin Rajani, David Muthusi and Terry Obath emerged victorious and will be seen in action at the Dubai Corporate Golf World Cup 2017 in Dubai!

32

BIZGOLF DECEMBER 2017 SPOTLIGHT

GOLFING IN VOGUE! Watch out for these golf apparel and accessory trends for the upcoming year

Brands are constantly innovating when it comes to style and technology. From Chase54 introducing COOLFuze, a cooling fabric to Nike’s Aeroreact, a responsive, lightweight fabric designed to adapt to an athele’s body temperature, there is something exciting, trendy and new that hit the stores often.

As we approach the New Year, many of us feel the urge to update our wardrobe according to the latest trends.

Like seasons, the trends also change every few months and there is no better time than now to prep your closet for what’s to come! Start planning next season’s style with these trendsetters for 2018 that are sure to catch everyone’s eye the moment you step into a course for your next game. We bring you the best golf apparel and accessory trends to look out for in 2018!

Combining fashion with comfort, the upcoming ‘Luxe in Motion’ collection by Chase 54 blends luxury with inspiring movement types such as speed, athletics and the fluid movement of nature. The collection includes a balanced collection of lifestyle and performance pieces. The brand has come up with a men’s collection that features two groups, while the women’s collection features three. Throughout the collections, new fabric technologies are introduced such as COOLFuze, a cooling fabric, and 3D translucent materials. These selections can be mixed and matched into each grouping. There are also some timeless pieces that can be worn for any occasion.

Designer and Creative Director, Lulu Faddis, describes the inspiration behind the line as “a blend of movement and luxury blurring the lines of what is style and what is performance. All of the styles in the collection include features that enhance your performance such as moisture-wicking, cooling and flexible materials, while the prints, patterns and designs elevate the look making them pieces you can wear anywhere. As a company, we are always moving, changing and evolving, we want our apparel to do the same. Wear it to the office, or on vacation at the golf course. We have you covered. We want you to live out your pursuits focusing on what’s important, and feeling comfortable and confident while doing so”.

SPOTLIGHT DECEMBER 2017 BIZGOLF

33

NEW LAUNCHES 2018

Urban Athlete

Digital Blur

Inspired by an active market that has no borders, this group was designed in celebration of fitness and sports with an emphasis on performance. Bold colours and athletic stripes in contrasting weights and textures bring depth to the collection and embody the true urban athlete.

Stream : $73.00

With shifting patterns and prints, this group blurs the lines between physical and digital making it seem like the designs are always in motion.

Hacked Polo : $76.00

Liquid Opulence Fusing beauty with cutting edge, this group is sleek and clean with hints of ornate details giving it a luxurious feel. Linear etching and details add a look of craftsmanship, while also allowing for ventilation to keep you looking and feeling cool.

Excess : $64.00

Rock The Boat

Aqua Luxe

With taping details that embrace the nautical life, this group transports your spirit to the open sea. Pleated details add movement, while the coral, navy and white colours add a layer of depth.

Coastal : $68.00

With shades of dappled waters and undersea textures, this group captures the beauty of the underwater world.

The blues, greens, whites and charcoals are inspired by bioluminescent creatures, while the prints have monochromic markings that appear to have the glow of the sea.

Vapor : $80.00

34

BIZGOLF DECEMBER 2017 SPOTLIGHT

A major trend that has created a stir at the greens is mixing deep vibrant Colours and quirky prints with soft pastel hues. This Colouron-Colour trend makes a basic polo suddenly original and contemporary. When we talk about quirk and vibrancy, Loudmouth’s outrageous and fun apparel for men and women are a perfect fit. The line features bright Colours in striking patterns in pants, shorts, shirts, skorts, jackets, belts and more, all designed by the founder, Woody! Loudmouth provides personal customer service and quality products that people love to wear. Their products are sold worldwide at many shops and are also available online. They are perfect for a game and are sure to make you stand out.

Outfit #1 Stix Men’s Short - $75

Outfit #2 A Patenting White Leather Belt

Men’s Essential Polo Shirts Loudmouth Golfs bright essential polo shirts are the perfect complement to your Loudmouth pants and shorts.

They also look great with your favorite jeans.

Essential Fiery Red Shirt - $56

Six Visor - $19

Doodle-Doo Men’s Trouser - $100

Caps & Visors

Men’s Trousers & Shorts

White Hat Adjustable - $25

Loudmouth’s new cutto-size patent leather belt has a buckle that detaches easily so you can cut the belt to your perfect length.

The inside of the strap provides easy to read length guides to cut along, from 30” to 40” maximum.

A Polished White Patent Leather Belt - $54

Why let your pants have all the fun!

Loudmouth’s all-over hats and visors are bright, fun and easy to wear. They are comfortable and look cool. Great for everyday wear.

Loudmouth Golf trousers and shorts are fun! A cottonspandex blend, they deliver comfort and style like no other golf pant. Perfect for a round of golf and night on the town.

Men’s Premium Golf Shirt

It’s all about looking good and feeling good, promotes the brand.

Longball promises to deliver highest quality and uniquely designed performance apparel and accessories that are far from the regular.The brand has an exciting lineup for the upcoming year and their designs continue to bridge the gap between sport, work and daily chores. The brand is focusing on creating masterpieces that are not just specific to the game but can be carried everywhere. Longball continues to apply advanced technology and forward thinking in to each design, delivering the best to the athletics community. The brand boasts its100% unique sublimation designs that won’t be found anywhere else. The fabric used in the garments provides more airflow and generated greater, natural moisture evaporation of sweat. The anti-bacterial fabric function of the fabrics used in designing pants and shorts keeps from smelling over time. Hence, it’s a perfect fit for any game!

Top of the line shirts possess unique sublimation designs and attention to detail: Metal snap buttons, perfectly fitted collars, bold Colours, Longball athletic fit and fabric functions – Antibacterial, UV35 & sweat wicking.

• Price: $66

Men’s Performance Pants / Shorts Built to perform under pressure.

They’re made to enhance any performance golf outfit and look professional on the links.

• Price: $63

SPOTLIGHT DECEMBER 2017 BIZGOLF

35

Adidas Golf has recently unveiled a new on- and off-course line extension – adicross – which features urbaninspired and non-traditional apparel and footwear specifically designed for the lifestyle of the modern golfer.

The new adicross apparel line is highlighted by Anorak jackets, Henley shirts, hoodies and joggers. The introduction of an Oxford brings a fresh take on a classic piece, featuring the stretch and flexibility needed on the range or course. Each piece in the adicross line is designed to be adaptable; helping golfers transition back and forth from the first tee to their everyday lives.

To complete the head-to-toe look, adicross also pushes the boundaries with new footwear, led by the adicross Bounce which would hit the stores from January 1, 2018. The adicross Bounce features an ergonomic fit, offset wrapped saddle with multiple eyelet rows for customisable lacing, and a non-marking adiwear™ rubber spikeless outsole that features 181 strategically-placed lugs for optimal grip that are green-friendly. Additional adicross footwear styles will be released in February 2018.

Dylan Moore, creative director, adidas Golf said, “adicross was designed as a result of the feedback we were hearing from our core consumer”. “Like everyone else, golfers live in a complex, busy world with many diverse interests. They expect more from less and demand performance out of what they wear. adicross provides it all; performance, comfort and versatility.”

Highlights ofadicross apparel line include: • No-show technology (featured in the Henley, t-shirt and pique polo): For the guy that’s breaking a sweat hitting balls at the driving range during his lunch hour, no one will notice. This technology offers a sweat-wicking, double-knit material that eliminates the appearance of sweat before it even gets to the surface. Look good, stay cool.

• Nylon-spandex blend (featured in the five-pocket pant and short) This material combines stretch and comfort to increase ease of movement, all while being highly durable. Pants are designed with modern tapered fit, perfect to wear anywhere.

• Primeknit (featured in Icon Polo and Jacket) This proprietary material from adidas is soft and stretchy while providing a balanced weight; ideal for enhancing mobility and providing premium comfort and feel.

Longball Tour Golf Bag

Men’s Premium Hat Built for any occasion; sports, business casual, standing out from the crowd. They feature compression strip arch support and classic designs you won’t find anywhere else.

• Price: $22

Men’s Performance Belt Built in two distinct styles that accent any outfit perfectly. A braided full stretch style will give some extra room to make it a perfect fit. While out classic cut-to-fit style offers an additional reversible colour.

• Price: $24

They have built a tour golf bag, backpack and duffle bag to take you to the golf course, gym or traveling around the world.

All the bags offer more pockets than you can handle and a functional structure you’ll love. The tour golf bag hastons of room and plenty of pockets. Use this bag to turn heads at the country club or while chasing the top of the leaderboard. It is made with technical finished leather and custom molded, long last, high-density plastics.The rubber reinforced zippers are perfect for weatherproofing.It even has insulation lined pocket to keep a drink cool.

• Price: $235

36

BIZGOLF DECEMBER 2017 TEE TIME

PGA TOUR

Auburn alum Patton Kizzire earns first PGA Tour win When the final putt dropped at the event, Patton Kizzire picked his ball out of the hole, gave a subtle fist pump, and looked up in amazement to acknowledge the crowd that had cheered him on as he finally realized his dream of winning on the PGA Tour.

Kizzire had come close – he finished second at the Safeway Open to open the 2016-17 season and was coming off

two consecutive top-10 finishes – before finally breaking through to win the OHL Classic at Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

“A feeling of satisfaction, really,” Kizzire said. “I’m really pleased with this past week and how I’ve been playing. A lot of the hard work has been paying off.

But I’m hungry for more.”

As just about any Tour player will tell

you, winning a PGA Tour event for the first time is one of the toughest tasks in golf, and Kizzire’s inaugural victory didn’t come easy. After shooting a 76 to fall out of the lead in Las Vegas, the Auburn alum bounced back to post a 64 on the very next day and finished in a tie for fourth. That momentum carried over to Mexico, where Kizzire carded a career-low round of 62.

LPGA TOUR

Ariya Jutanugarn outlasts Lexi Thompson to win LPGA Tour Championship Thailand's former world number one Ariya Jutanugarn birdied the final two holes to win the Tour Championship by a shot at Tiburon Golf Club in Florida. The 21-year-old world number nine, one of four joint overnight leaders, holed successive putts from in excess of 20 feet for a 67 and a 15-under total.

Jutanugarn, the former Women's British Open champion, made one of only four birdies at the 18th hole in the final round to claim her seventh career LPGA title and her second of the year after the Manulife Classic in June, having won five in 2016. Ariya was exhilarated on her win.

TEE TIME DECEMBER 2017 BIZGOLF

37

PGTI

Udayan Mane takes home the Bengaluru Open Golf Championship

WEB.COM TOUR

Hadley named 2017 Web. com Tour Player of the Year Chesson Hadley of Raleigh, North Carolina, was named 2017 Web. com Tour Player of the Year in a vote of his fellow competitors, announced recently by PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan

and Web.com Tour President Dan Glod.

Hadley competed on the Web.com Tour in 2013, winning the Rex Hospital Open and Web. com Tour Championship to earn his PGA TOUR card for the

2013-14 season. Once on TOUR, the former Georgia Tech golfer broke through with a win at the 2014 Puerto Rico Open, which delivered Rookie of the Year honors later that same year.

ASIAN TOUR The huge galleries at the Karnataka Golf Association (KGA) course were witness to a fascinating battle between two of the brightest prospects on the Indian golfing horizon, Udayan Mane and Honey Baisoya.

Neither of the two contenders was in the mood to yield an inch to the other till the last round of the Bengaluru Open Golf Championship.

Finally, it was Udayan Mane, who prevailed by one shot at the INR 1 crore PGTI event for his third title of the season, as Honey Baisoya missed a two feet par putt on the last hole. Mane totaled 20-under268 for the week while Baisoya’s tally read 19-under-269.

Udayan bagged INR 15 lakh to move up from second to first in the PGTI Order of Merit as his season’s earnings went up.

With his tournament tally of 20-under-268, Mane also broke Bengaluru lad Chikkarangappa’s previous 72-hole course record of 13-under-275, set at last year’s TAKE Open.

Shiv Kapur wins first Asian Tour Title at home ground Indian golfer Shiv Kapur claimed the Panasonic Open with three strokes to win his first Asian Tour title at home and second of the year. Playing on his home course at the Delhi Golf Club, the 35-year-old Kapur carded a final-round four-under-par 68 for a winning total of 17-under 271.

“It’s an amazing feeling”, an emotional Kapur told reporters. “This victory has not really sunk in yet but when I was walking down the 18th, I

was really trying to hold back the emotions. I was telling myself just finish the race, finish the race and it’s just amazing to be able to do it.”

Only a shot separated the players at the top of the leaderboard before Kapur pulled away from the chasing pack with four birdies in five holes, starting from the 11th. Kapur’s two previous Asian Tour titles came at the Volvo Masters of Asia in Thailand in 2005 and at the Yeangder Heritage in Taiwan this year.

38

BIZGOLF DECEMBER 2017 TEE TIME

LET

Boutier bags the Ladies European Tour Title in Sanya Ladies Open Céline Boutier, France’s ace golfer took home her first Ladies European Tour title by a four-stroke margin at the Sanya Ladies Open, held in Hainan, China.

With a final round of 68, played in warm and breezy conditions, the 24-year-old Parisienne recorded a 54-hole total of 12-under-par and became the second French rookie to win in a fortnight after Camille Chevalier’s victory at the Hero Women’s Indian Open.

She opened with rounds of 67 and 69

to take a one-stroke advantage into the final round at Yalong Bay Golf Club. She bogeyed the fourth and fifth holes, handing a one-stroke lead to Valdis Thora Jonsdottir from Iceland, who then birdied the eighth, but Boutier made her first birdie at the ninth, where Jonsdottir dropped a shot.

Tied for the lead on seven-under at the turn, Boutier then made four straight birdies from the 11th and added another at the 16th in a back nine of 32, to finish four

shots clear of Solar Lee from South Korea.

Boutier earned 45,000 euros for the victory, her third of the year after two wins on the US Symetra Tour, as well as a two-year exemption to the LET and a place in the Evian Championship.

“It’s amazing. It’s my first time playing in this event and my first time in China, so I couldn’t have expected the week to have gone any better. My putting was on fire on the back nine, so that helped me to get birdies. It was a lot of fun”.

PGA TOUR

Fowler surges to Hero World Challenge win on Woods’ return

Rickie Fowler and Tiger Woods each had cause for celebrations large and small in the Hero World Challenge.

Fowler rallied from a seven-shot shortage by starting his final round with seven straight birdies at Albany Golf Club and closing

with an 11-under 61 for a four-shot victory over Charley Hoffman. It was the second victory of the year for Fowler, and the second time he has ended a year with multiple victories worldwide.

“Finally just kind of got everything to piece together,” said Fowler, who moves to No. 7 in the world.

In a week that began with so much curiosity over how Woods would perform, he had his best result in four years.

Playing for the first time in 10 months while recovering from fusion surgery on his lower back -- his fourth back surgery in three years -- Woods shot another 31 on the front

nine, closed with back-to-back bogeys and shot a 68. He tied for ninth in the 18-man field, his best result since a playoff loss at this holiday event in 2013 at Sherwood Country Club in California.

“I’m excited,” Woods said.

“This is the way I’ve been playing at home.”

Fowler didn’t give anyone much of a chance. He holed birdie putts of about 12 feet on the first two holes, hit a gap wedge to 3 feet on the par-5 third, made his toughest putt into the green. He went out in 28 and then added birdies on the 11th and 13th holes to stretch his lead and finished at 14-under 274.

TEE TIME DECEMBER 2017 BIZGOLF

39

EUROPEAN TOUR

Garcia bags the European Tour ‘Golfer of The Year’ title

PGA TOUR

Sergio Garcia has been named the European Tour Golfer of the Year for the first time in his career. He received the honour in recognition of his three victories during the season, one of which was his outstanding win at the Masters in April - his first at a major championship.

Garcia claimed the green jacket after edging out Ryder Cup team-mate Justin Rose in a thrilling final-round duel at Augusta, clinching victory with a birdie at the first play-off hole.

Fittingly, the win came on the day his idol and countryman, Seve Ballesteros, would have celebrated his 60th birthday. Prior to his Masters triumph, Garcia beat the field at Dubai Desert Classic in February, while he also captured the Andalucia Valderrama Masters in his native country in October.

Wade Ormsby’s earns his maiden European Tour title at the Hong Kong Open It took Wade Ormsby 264 starts, but he finally got his hands on a European Tour trophy. The 37-year-old Australian is the 2017 UBS Hong Kong Open champion after edging out a strong host of challengers including Americans Julian Suri and John Peterson.

Ormsby has been trying to win a European trophy since 2004 when he made his European Tour debut after earning his card via the European Tour Qualifying School. He’s made four other visits to the school and has suffered from various injuries in the last 13 years. A closing 2-under 68 in Hong Kong made it all

worthwhile.

S.S.P. Chawrasia had held the lead since the first round and looked on course for his fifth European Tour win through eight holes of the final round. Ormsby was four behind at that point but suddenly found himself just one adrift when Chawrasia triple bogeyed the ninth hole.

Ormsby made three birdies on the back nine and could even afford to bogey the 18th and still walk away with the title.

His 11-under 269 gave him a one-shot victory over Suri, Peterson, Spain’s Rafa Cabrera-Bello and Alexander Bjork of Sweden.

Tommy Fleetwood started the defense of his 2017 European No. 1 title with a sixth-place finish.

“It means a lot to me,” said an emotional Ormsby, who picked up a check for $336,000 and earns a European Tour exemption until 2020.

“I’ve played a lot of golf in Europe, everywhere, and a few bumps along the way but it’s pretty cool to get a win this late in your career”, he added.

Justin Rose and Sergio Garcia, who reportedly received $1.5 million each to play in Hong Kong, finished 10th and 19th, respectively.

40

BIZGOLF DECEMBER 2017 BUSINESS NEWS

RECOVERY

Post Irma, renovation and recovery, Eagle Creek Golf Course is back in action Undergoing a major renovation project by notable Naples golf course architect Gordy Lewis, Eagle Creek Golf & Country Club in Florida is all set to host golf enthusiasts from across the world. The reopening of its golf course after scheduled Summer renovations and Hurricane Irma damage delayed its original opening date. “We started the Summer in renovation mode, then a few months later we were in full recovery mode once Irma hit.” stated Jimmy Alston, Eagle Creek Golf Course

Superintendent.

The course enhancement project started on May 15th with a projected opening date of mid-October. “Then Irma hit, and we had over 1,500 trees down on the golf course and opening was pushed back to November 15th.” stated Alston. With Eagle Creek being nestled within 300

wooded acres of Cypress, Pine and Palm Trees, there was no question that Eagle Creek would have damage, but how extensive was unclear.

The renovations that were completed used multiple turf grass species, which is a unique and rarely utilised approach to turf grass management.

Installation of major drainage systems, renovation of bunkers and a focus of high impact areas with reshaping of landing areas on the fairways and approaches before the greens were done. Over 50 acres of rough were replaced using Celebration grass in addition to cart path work and pitched bunkers.

INNOVATION

Cobra Golf unveils King F8, the first-ever smart set in Golf Cobra Golf and Arccos have partnered to introduce the first smart set of clubs that automatically track and analyse your game like never before. F8 irons, push the boundaries of innovation through the use of electronically enabled grips in each club, allowing golfers to track their performance.

Consumers who purchase a standard 7-piece set of F8 irons in any configuration (iron or combo sets) will also

receive additional Arccos 360 screw-in sensors to round out their 14-club set, ensuring that consumers have a fully connected experience.

“Our 2018 iron offering is truly ground-breaking, as it provides not only innovative technologies to achieve better performance across the board, but also the wherewithal to actually quantify just how much better, thanks to COBRA CONNECT,” said Tom

Olsavsky, Head of R&D for COBRA Golf. “Our F8 line offers an innovative solution for both the players who trust their games to variable length irons and also for the growing contingent of golfers who have realized the benefits of our ONE length set up.”

Headlining COBRA’s 2018 iron lineup are the KING F8 and KING F8 ONE Length™ Irons featuring an all-new E9 PWRSHELL Face Technology that boasts

a 20% thinner forged face.

An E9 elliptical Sweet Zone construction promotes faster ball speeds across a wider area on the face, delivering unparalleled distance and forgiveness. Both models feature Carbon Feel Technology inserts that are strategically positioned to deliver a soft yet solid feel throughout the set. New all Carbon Fiber construction medallions damp vibrations for exceptional sound and feel throughout the set.

BUSINESS NEWS DECEMBER 2017 BIZGOLF

INDUSTRY MEET

ANNOUNCEMENT

Inaugural PGA Conference a huge success!

The conference brought together PGA Members and delegates from 14 countries to one of Asia’s finest fully integrated resorts and home of the first PGA branded facility in Thailand.

While there, they heard leading figures from the golf industry sharing their experiences and passing on invaluable advice.

One of the conference highlights

was a presentation by Paul Gibbons of MST Golf, who spoke about his diversified career in golf.

PGA Master Professional Paul Burley, senior vice president and global head of golf course management – IMG, impressed delegates with his presentation on golf club management in Asia.

Asian Tour winner and PGA Member Simon Yates delivered an entertaining Trackman clinic and was aided by Thomas Tontapanish, the company’s representative in Southeast Asia.

The conference was also an opportunity for PGA chief executive, Robert Maxfield, to outline his vision and plans for the Association.

GREENSKEEPING

Tru-Turf releases new greens roller

Tru-Turf has announced the release of the R50-11 greens roller. Driven by a flexible, full-width contour following drive roller and equipped with TruTurf’s patented triple-offset smoothing rollers, the R50-11 makes it easy to follow contours. Combine this with overlapping roller heads and an innovative new selfcleaning smoothing roller system, the roller can help courses achieve a true,

41

smooth 50-inch wide roll on the most contoured greens without leaving gaps, grass clippings or line-crease marks.

“Because we are always evolving and listening to our market, we have incorporated a new quick release design that allows for a fast, safe and tool free transition between brushing, spiking or slicing attachments,” Tru-Turf managing director Ray Dufty said. “This allows you to spend less time in the workshop and more time on the greens, saving you time and money.”

Dufty added that the R50-11 can help courses elevate their greens. “Tru-Turf’s lightweight rollers create fast, true surfaces without compacting the soil beneath, resulting in healthier greens,” he said.

CGSA and Rain Bird Announce New Award Sponsorship

The Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) and Rain Bird have announced the exclusive sponsorship of the CGSA/Rain Bird Environmental Achievement Award. As a Silver sponsor, Rain Bird will also be a sponsor of The Canadian Golf Course Management Conference (CGCMC).

“With Rain Bird’s sponsorship of this prestigious award for the first time, CGSA can continue its mission to recognise member achievements who contribute to promoting environmentally sustainable practises,” said Jim Flett, AGS, CGSA President. “The added CGCMC sponsorship will contribute to the conference delegate experience.”

The CGSA/Rain Bird Environmental Achievement Award recognises the achievements of golf course superintendents and their staff in promoting and preserving the special relationship between golf course properties and environmentally sustainable business practices. It helps to promote the stewardship role that superintendents play with respect to the environment and it highlights the projects, management practices and innovations that golf course managers are implementing on an ongoing basis.

Award winner will receive an All-Access registration to The Canadian 2018 Golf Course Management Conference; 4 nights’ accommodation at the conference hotel; transportation costs to the conference location and a plaque that will be presented during the awards ceremony.

42

BIZGOLF DECEMBER 2017 BUSINESS NEWS

APPOINTMENT

Redexim adds Troy von Holdt as National Sales Manager Redexim North America has announced the addition of Troy von Holdt as its national sales manager. With an objective to act as the primary support role for Redexim’s wide customer base, he

will be adding value to the company’s dealerships and end-user experiences.

Von Holdt comes to Redexim from Land PrideKubota after having spent over eight years with Redexim

in direct end-user sales and as a regional sales manager.

In total, von Holdt has 18 years of experience in the golf, turf and equipment industry.

“We are excited to have Troy develop the role,”

Redexim executive vice president Paul Hollis said. “His knowledge and eagerness to work with the surrounding team makes this a fun and exciting time for all of us with Redexim.”

PARTNERSHIP

TopGolf to commence operations in Dubai

Following its Australia, Canada and Mexico expansion announcements, Dallas-based Topgolf has revealed its new partnership with Dubai Golf to open a venue in the United Arab Emirates. The partnership

signifies Topgolf’s first location in the Middle East.

“Topgolf is an experience that can be universally enjoyed, and our global expansion is just getting started,” said Topgolf

Entertainment Group Co-Chairman and CEO Erik Anderson. “No matter one’s country of origin, gender or background, there is never a shortage of demand for a fun social activity complemented by great food, drinks and music. Topgolf is a place for everyone.”

Scheduled to open in 2019, the Topgolf Dubai venue will be located in the heart of New Dubai at Emirates Golf Club. The Club is the home of the annual Omega Dubai Desert Classic, one of the flagship events on the European Tour, in addition to the Omega Dubai Ladies Classic, the seasonending Ladies European Tour event. The three-level venue will be 60,000 square feet and situated on approximately 12 acres of land.

Dubai Golf CEO Christopher May said, “We are focused on expanding the reach of golf within the region, and Topgolf will bring an exciting and unique new way of enjoying the game to the residents and visitors of Dubai. We are looking forward to the opening of what will be a very exciting addition to Dubai Golf.”

BUSINESS NEWS DECEMBER 2017 BIZGOLF

43

AWARD

Ken Melrose to receive GCBAA’s Don A. Rossi Award

KEN MELROSE

The Golf Course Builders Association of America has announced Ken Melrose as its recipient of the prestigious Don A. Rossi Award in recognition of his significant contributions to the golf industry.

Melrose was named president of The Toro Company in 1981, and was elected CEO in 1983. Under his leadership, the company furthered its position and growth in the golf industry with innovative products and service support, along with its enduring commitment to many philanthropic and research efforts.

Melrose was also instrumental in helping establish The Toro Foundation, which continues today in supporting many community and industry causes around the world.

Following his retirement from Toro in 2005, Melrose formed Leading by Serving, LLC, whose mission is to advance the principles of servant leadership in organizations. He also remains an active supportive of the golf industry and its future growth. In 2012, he established The Melrose Leadership

Academy with the Environmental Institute for Golf to help support the professional development of GCSAA member superintendents providing scholarships to attend the Golf Industry Show.

Throughout his Toro career, Melrose was a fierce champion of the golf business and industry, and remains so to this day. “Ken embodies exactly what the Don Rossi award represents,” said Justin Apel, GCBAA executive director. “He has given so much to our industry, and is most deserving of this recognition.”

The Rossi award is given by the GCBAA to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the game of golf and its growth and who have inspired others by example. It is named for Don A. Rossi, who served as executive director of the National Golf Foundation from 1970 to 1983, was instrumental in forming the National Golf Course Owners Association and served as executive director of the GCBAA from 1984 to 1990.

PARTNERSHIP

European Tour partners with TATA comm European Tour has appointed Indian telecommunications company Tata Communications as its official global connectivity supplier to deliver enhanced digital coverage of the sport in countries around the world.

Tata is a leading global provider of network, cloud and mobility services, will help build a best-in-class global technology platform that will help to underpin the digital transformation of golf and help attract new, younger fans to the sport.

As the Official Global Connectivity Supplier of the European Tour, Tata Communications will distribute the video feeds from 47 European Tour tournaments in 30 countries and across five continents to 40 broadcasters using its global superfast network and Media Ecosystem, reaching close to half a billion golf fans. Tata Communications’ global network reach and capabilities will ensure a high quality viewing experience for fans regardless of whether they are watching the live action

or tournament highlights on TV or a mobile device (OTT).

To give its core fan base new golf experiences and to attract new younger fans to the sport, the partnership will enable European Tour to test in action with Tata Communications technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, virtual and augmented reality (VR, AR) and live 360°video to create a more ‘connected’ tournament experience.

44

BIZGOLF DECEMBER 2017 JUNIOR GOLF

JUNIORS WITNESS NAIL BITING ACTION AT THE HERO WOMEN’S INDIAN OPEN BY: AMAN MISRA

I

n April 2017, Mike Round, Director of Development on the Ladies European Tour (LET), visited New Delhi for the India Golf Expo. Speaking to a gathering that included the entire Indian golf industry Round stressed on the need for working together in tandem to grow the women’s game in the country similar to what has been an ongoing process for years in Europe.

Fast forward to November, the Women’s Golf Association of India(WGAI), the Indian Golf Union(IGU) and the LET (supported by the R&A) worked in tandem to facilitate an achievers’ camp for young golfers from across the country.

Held during the Hero Women’s Indian Open at the DLF Golf and Country Club, the juniors came in from cities that included Pune, Kolkata, Bangalore and Delhi National Capital Territory among others. This was the first time that such a camp was held on the LET. Sayal was referring to the success that the Bangalore based Ashok has had, including three wins on the LET. Ashok created history last year by becoming the first Indian to win her national open, following it up with a win in Qatar later in the year. She comes into this week on the heels of a win in the UAE and is the defending champion.

Speaking post her round, Ashok said: “If golf could be introduced at a school level in India, I think we could have many more juniors playing the game.”

The camp began with an introduction to the workings of the LET as an organisation.

Round spoke about how the tour encompasses culture around the world with golf as a common theme. “We’d like to challenge the norm, and in the process. inspire people to come into the sport. The idea is to generate a lot of interest and

engage with fans.”

The juniors were also given a brief history of the tour that was launched back in 1978, rounding up the session with a few visuals that showed the 2016 season in review and the Solheim Cup. Next on the schedule was the highest-ranked player in the field. Number 20th in the world,

JUNIOR GOLF DECEMBER 2017 BIZGOLF

Spain’s Carlota Ciganda, who is a multiple winner on the LET and the US-based LPGA tour, conducted a clinic for the juniors, their parents, and members of the host club.

Questions from the children led to her discussing the importance of an education, her routine before playing a competitive round and her practice schedule. They were also invited to hit balls with her. To the delight of everyone present, Ciganda put on a ball striking clinic before India’s Simi Mehra took centre stage.

While Si Ri Park is universally acknowl-

edged as South Korea’s trailblazer, Mehra was the first Indian to play on the LPGA Tour. “When I was 14, I told my mother I wanted to play on the LPGA Tour. It wasn’t easy to do considering that no one from India had ever done it before.

“Annika (Sorenstam) once helped me with my putting stroke before a round. She then went on to tell me that we must play together against the course, and battle like lions. We need strong, independent athletes like her in our country.”

Thus ended day one for the junior invitees, who were also given access to

45

the golf course, to watch the tournament proper and interact with the players. The schedule for day two, included clinics with NehaTripathi and Carly Booth, alongside a session with the WGAI and a Rules of golf and fitness tips session.

No one summed it up better than Ashok herself when she reflected, “You can play golf for a really long time which is not common amongst other sports. For kids to pick up the game and play would be great as it teaches you so much that helps in life – honesty, patience and hard work… because you can’t always get lucky!”

JUNIORS GET A TASTE BEHIND-THESCENES IN INCREDIBLE INDIA

A

s the Hero Women’s Indian Open reached its business end, the juniors were shown around the tournament village early morning before heading off to the course to watch the proceedings of the

final round.

David Clutterbuck from the Ladies European Tour (LET), who worked on live scoring this week, explained to the aspiring golfers how the entire system of document-

ing goes on during a tournament. Each individual hole is assigned a volunteer who in turn keys in shot-by-shot proceedings of the field digitally as they pass by.

According to Clutterbuck, “Last year at

46

BIZGOLF DECEMBER 2017 JUNIOR GOLF

the Indian Open, we had a digital scoreboard. This year it was back to the manual with all the red, blue, white and yellow numbers which adds to the charm and tradition of the game of golf.”

They were then taken to the hospitality tent to show them the operations behind the scenes that keep a professional golf tournament running smoothly without any hindrances, before being ushered into the all-important media tent.

Mike Round, Director of Development of the LET, spoke about the generation of reports and features on websites, magazines and newspapers that make their way around the golf world, and how it all starts from here.

A quick word on the importance of sponsors where the player interviews take place, and the placement of organisationsthat work together for the tournament’s successful running before they were off to

catch the action.

When the rookie Camille Chevalier holed out to win the tournament proper, the juniors were given a front seat to the action including the trophy presentation and a photograph with the winner.

Hours after the end of the event Round reflected on the three-day camp. “This was a great example of what can be achieved if organisations work together, using a professional tournament as a platform.

The juniors learned some lessons from a schedule that worked well.”

Chairman of the LET Mark Lichtenhein was pleased with the week’s proceedings and was happy to see the juniors as an important part of the tournament. “It just shows the underlying role our golfers have in bringing on the next generation.

This comes more naturally to the women athletes as role models. We’ve made huge strides over eight years since we began

co-sanctioning the Indian Open. The next step would be to make this a four-day tournament with live television coverage.

India, in my opinion, has huge potential for golf. We could even have a mini pro-am where the juniors can play a hole with the professionals.”

“Also, we are in the process of speaking with UEFA (soccer) and ICC (cricket) to see how our organisations can work together to grow women’s sport.”

So, any famous last words? Mark smiles and says: “Incredible India!”

Aman is an aspiring writer, currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Journalism from Symbiosis International University. He writes on golf amongst other sport and is currently working with the Indian Express Pune as an intern. @theamanmisra

48

BIZGOLF DECEMBER 2017 OFF COURSE

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

Time to travel in vogue

Add a little glam to your workspace!

For all those who still like the old-school charm, French luxury brand Cartier has something in store for you. The recently unveiled desk clock is nothing but beautiful.

With its face set in a green hardstone, gilt-metal, and mother-of-pearl, it is sure to catch everyone’s eye. Set inside an octagonal case, the clock sports inlaid hardstone borders raised on a hardstone ball. It is finished with a stepped stem, which has been mounted on a rectangular base that features a gilt-metal and enameled foot. The dial sports a motherof-pearl panel in a sunburst pattern looks nothing but opulent.

Price: $63,000

Rimowa has collaborated with luxury brand Fendi to bring out all things awesome. Together the brands have created an aluminum suitcase covered with Fendi’s signature double F logo. The cabin friendly case features a brushed exterior, which allows the case to look different in varying lighting conditions. Its black Cuoio Romano leather handles on the top and side offer a sharp but welcome contrast against the yellow web belt.

On the inside, a black neoprene lining with black-onblack embossed FF logo and the introduction of the FlexDivider system keeps things luxe but functional. The bag is part of 80th-anniversary celebrations at the luggage company and it feels like a good fit for both brands.

Price: On request

World’s most expensive iPhone X cover Guess what! iPhone X has been crowned the most breakable iPhone ever thanks to massive edge-to-edge display on the front and a big slab of glass on the rear. So, if you own one, you won’t want to drop it and damage it. How about a super strong iPhone cover made out of aerospace-grade titanium? The titanium Advent Aurora for iPhone X protector is exactly that; but there is a small twist – it’s more expensive that the priciest iPhone X variant. Introduced by Singapore based luxury brand Gray, there are only 100 pieces available for sale. So, you better hurry!

Price: $1,295

Cycling enthusiasts, gear up!

It’s not uncommon for luxury car companies to collaborate with high-end bicycle-makers to make branded bikes like the Ferrari Bianchi road racing bike, Maserati’s $6500 racer and the Pininfarina e-Bike. But, a BMX bicycle is as big a mismatch for high fashion as a racing car is for off-road trails. But, it appears that Dior Homme is experimenting with this unusual combination. The French luxury brand’s Artistic Director Kris Van Assche teased the Diorbranded bike with a black and white photo on the Instagram. The BMX bike is the result of Dior’s collaboration with Bogarde Bikes, a Paris-based manufacturer that describes itself as “contemporary BMX for adults.” As per the company, it is going to be for sale soon!.

Price: On request

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!

50

BIZGOLF DECEMBER 2017 GEAR UP

TOPPED TEE SHOT? NO MORE! Callaway’s signature face that wraps around the crown and sole is featured in both versions- standard and Sub Zero. The edges of the face work akin to hinges in CALLAWAY GBB order to expand the flexing to a broader area. Weight is saved through the use EPIC/SUB ZERO PRICE: $280 of a carbon crown to lower the COG that results in making these adjustable heads more stable and easier to launch off the ground with less spin.

The King F7 is the more forgiving of the two Cobra entries in 2017 (The other one being King Ltd Black). It does all the big things right (high-strength steel face, movable weights to control COBRA KING F7 launch and spin, and super-easy adjustPRICE: $240 ability). But the technology on the bottom is what sets this one apart. Two rails taper from front to back for a smooth and easy delivery into the turf. Having the rails extend toward the back creates increased stability on off-center hits.

The M2 looks a lot like the M1, but that’s all, in terms of similarities between the two. The M2’s slot PRICE: $250 stretches nearly the entire length from heel to toe to help the face flex near the USGA limit. The variable-thickness face has an “inverted cone” shape to improve speed on mis-hits, especially those lower on the face. A redesigned fluted hosel helps all that power sound a little smoother.

PHOTOS: DOM FURORE

TAYLORMADE M2 (2017)

With this one, Ping has tried to address the age-long problem of golfers struggling PRICE: $270 with fairway woods because of catching the ball too low on the face. The leading edge has been moved closer to the turf, thus improving impact by moving it higher on the face for better launch and more speed. A thin crown results in a lower center of gravity so shots launch with less spin for extra distance.

PING G

AZERBAIJAN BOTSWANA EGYPT GHANA INDIA INDONESIA KENYA MAURITIUS

NEPAL OMAN UAE SAUDI ARABIA SOUTH AFRICA THAILAND TURKEY BAHRAIN

32

PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES

NIGERIA ZIMBABWE SWITZERLAND UNITED KINGDOM NETHERLAND RUSSIA SINGAPORE CHINA

50 QUALIFYING ROUNDS

3,700 C-LEVEL EXECUTIVES

SRI LANKA SCOTLAND IRELAND MALAYSIA AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND MOROCCO KAZAKHSTAN