Bizgolf September Issue 2018 by GEC MEDIA GROUP

SEPTEMBER 2018

18 H OLES SPOTLIGHT :

GEC OPEN 2018 ROLLS OUT

TOURNAMENTS HELD AT ITALY, GHANA, AUSTRALIA, TURKEY, AZERBAIJAN AND SPAIN

/ 30

Designed by Kyle Philips, Its a course that celebrates the best in Links design, utilizes the unique weather conditions and complements its natural surroundings to test professionals, enthrall amateurs and excite beginners. / 12

BGGLOBAL082018

AT YAS LINKS

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SEPTEMBER 2018 VOLUME 01 ISSUE 12

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COVER STORY

18 Holes at yas links

48 GEAR UP

Keep ‘Em Rolling! Every year

22 GOLFSCAPES

we witness equipment manufacturers unveiling latest offering that are designed to hit the ball farther,

Among 17,500 islands across the Indonesian archipelago, Bali is one of the 33 provinces of the Republic of Indonesia, the largest archipelagic country in the world. The mere mention of Bali evokes thoughts of a paradise.

OFF COURSE

BALI, INDONESIA

Honma Beres S-05 T117 Complete Set

MORE GOLF

10 SOCIAL MEDIA

Phil is feeling it! #TeamUSA #RyderCup

30 GEC OPEN

GEC Open 2018 begins with a bang

34 SPECIAL FEATURE

BATTLING THE WORLD’s WATER CRISIS

40 TEE TIME

Swiss double for fantastic Fitzpatrick

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.

BIZGOLF SEPTEMBER 2018 EDITOR’S NOTE

GEC Open qualifiers a big hit! Throughout August and September, GEC Open global golf tour made remarkable strides and national qualifying rounds were held in Ghana Tema and Kumasi, Australia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Spain. As many as 12 national winners have reserved their berth at the World Final - Dubai Corporate Golf World Cup- to be held in December. Over the next month or so, GEC Open will travel to Canada, Indonesia, Kenya, UAE, and Mauritius. Over 600+ leading corporates and key decision makers of the regional industries has been added to the GEC Ecosystem so far in 2018. A unique amalgamation of competitive golf and networking opportunities in a comfortable setting among likeminded friends is a fair bargain, it seems. In this issue, our cover story of the month features the Abu Dhabi’s Yas Links golf course on Yas Island. Yas Links is an annual feature on the GEC Open global golf tour calendar. The Spotlight of the month brings updates from the GEC Open qualifying rounds. Golfscapes features Bali, Indonesia as an off-beat golf tourism destination followed by a Special Feature on the adverse water crisis in the world and how the course owners can do their bit in managing it. 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!

PUBLISHER & MANAGING DIRECTOR TUSHAR SAHOO CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER BHARATH ARVIND MANAGING EDITOR VINEET MANN vineet@gecmediagroup.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT NIKITA SHARMA nikita@gecmediagroup.com

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BIZGOLF SEPTEMBER 2018 SOCIAL MEDIA

PHIL IS FEELING IT! #TEAMUSA #RYDERCUP

TRENDING TIGER SHOOTS 62

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BIZGOLF SEPTEMBER 2018 COVER STORY

GEC OPEN VENUE OF THE MONTH

18 H OLES AT YAS LINKS

BY: VINEET MANN

elping to define Abu Dhabi as a dynamic destination, Yas Island has blossomed into the activities hub of the capital. While the Grand Prix attracts a global audience in November, thrill-seekers visit year-round for Ferrari World’s rides and simulations. As a rewarding contrast, a number of ecofriendly adventures are available in the mangrove stands dotting the edge of the beautiful Gulf. Yas Island is also home to one of the Middle East’s newest and most exciting golf courses-Yas Links Golf Club. Located

adjacent to Abu Dhabi’s prestigious new Yas Marina Formula 1 race circuit, the highly acclaimed designer Kyle Phillips has crafted a challenging links-style course alongside a broad seawater lagoon, which connects directly into the Arabian Gulf. From the moment it was conceptualized, and 1. 8 million cubic metres of material were dredged, Yas Links was always going to be different, if only for its remarkable surroundings. The intention was never to impose a golf course onto the coast, but rather to enrich the existing shoreline with

the development. The game of golf has certainly benefited from the tireless efforts of our course designer and architects, but so has the immediate environment. Today the course and its environs are of high ecological significance with numerous new species, on land and sea, flourishing in these new settings. Yas Links is an investment in leisure, in people, in nature and in the environment. Yas Links is part of Aldar Properties’ Yas Island development, a global leisure destination.

COVER STORY SEPTEMBER 2018 BIZGOLF

BIZGOLF SEPTEMBER 2018 COVER STORY

FACILITIES In addition to the 18-hole championship layout, the facilities here also include a nine-hole short course, golf academy, floodlit practice facilities and luxury clubhouse.

Nine-hole short course: With holes ranging between 83 and 185 yards our Par 3 academy course is perfect for golfers of all abilities, whether an experienced professional or relative beginner. This tricky little design boasts small greens that will challenge the accuracy of golfers from all skill levels. Put your short game to the test with strategically placed bunkers and run off areas to catch

an errand shot.

Golf academy: Yas Links’ exceptional teaching and practice facilities include a nine-hole, par-3 Academy course, floodlit driving range, hitting bays, short-game chipping and bunker practice zone, and two indoor swing studios, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Arabian Gulf.

Luxury clubhouse: Soak in the atmosphere around Yas Links in the comfort of our Andalusian style clubhouse. Enjoy a meal, entertain friends and colleagues and take in the views of the Gulf and the green.

COVER STORY SEPTEMBER 2018 BIZGOLF

GOLF COURSE

This wonderful layout of gently undulating golf holes rides across rolling dunes that stretch two miles along the lagoon's shoreline. The course features nine seashore greens, as the two nine-hole loops weave their way through the undulating sand hills. Yas Links is peppered with 119 bunkers, defining the fairways and defending the greens. Stretching to 7,414 yards from the tips, five different tee settings ensures the course plays tough from the Championship tees, while creating an enjoyable and easier going experience for members and visitors, whatever their golfing prowess.

BIZGOLF SEPTEMBER 2018 COVER STORY

Hole #1

Hole #2

Hole #3

Hole #4

The opening hole offers a welcoming introduction to the rumpled fairways and rugged dunes that are characteristic of Yas Links. The landing area for the drive is wider than it appears from the tee. A tee shot down the left side that avoids the large bunker on the right will yield the best angle for an open approach shot to the green. True to links golf, the green sits “on the ground” and is simply an extension of the fairway ground in front of it. A great opportunity to execute a low running “links style” approach shot that will be useful throughout the round.

The third is the first of eight picturesque coastline holes. The fairway bends left around the shoreline to a green tucked just behind a dune. A tee shot that challenges the water and the bunkers on the inside of the dogleg will leave a shorter approach, especially when the coastal breeze is in your face. The safer line is to the right, but too far right and the fairway drops into a low hollow from where views of the green can disappear. An opening framed by the dune on the right will accept a low running approach s the front right bunker that will gather shots that drift offline.

The shortest of the par fives at Yas, the 2nd often plays into the wind. Routed through a long valley in the dunes, there are several natural “blow out” bunkers that frame the fairway. The green is well protected on the right side, but a long low running second shot has a chance of finding the putting surface, which falls away from the line of play. For most, the second shot should cheat the right side of the fairway as a dune ridge on the left obscures views of the green.

The only inland par 3 on the course, the fourth plays to a massive green nestled among the dunes. The safe line is to the left side of the green, which is visible from the tee. To reach the more challenging right side pins, the line of play cuts over the large dune bunker on the right that is actually detached from the front of the green by 17 yards. Two “blind” bunkers li the green and gobble any over aggressive attempts to this side.

COVER STORY SEPTEMBER 2018 BIZGOLF

Hole #5

A straight-away two shotter, that plays from an elevated tee with views back towards the coast. A controlled tee shot to the left side of the fairway is ideal, as a large, slightly detached bunker guards the front right of the green. The green narrows in the back and is protected by bunkers left and back right. Use caution when attacking the back pins as the putting surface falls away and long shots will trundle down towards the sea.

Hole #6

A long par four that plays away from the sea. Tee shots must avoid the left side bunker to maintain a chance of reaching the green in two. The green is large and receptive to approach shots, especially up the right side, but beware of the large dune bunker front right that can gather balls. There are also bunkers left of the green that may not be visible from the fairway, depending on where your drive comes to rest.

Hole #8

A seaside par three that plays slightly downhill to a green that sits dangerously close to the water’s edge on the right. When the pin is near the water, the wise shot is to the left side of the green where contours will feed balls back towards the centre of the green.

Hole #7

The longest and perhaps most unique hole on the front nine. The tee shot plays from a high dune ridge, where long views of Yas Links and the sea are seen in the distance. The downhill drive must negotiate a right side carry bunker that juts out diagonally across the line of play. Beyond this, a large blow out bunker guards the left side. From the landing area, only the flag is visible over the left bunkers. The land before the green rises significantly, obscuring views and leaving somewhat of a mystery as to what lies beyond. In fact, there is ample room to land a second shot. The ideal shot is slightly right of the lone middle bunker, as the ground beyond falls from right to left and towards the green, allowing long hitters to have a go in two. The green sits beautifully near the sea and is open from the right to accept low running approaches.

Key

BIZGOLF SEPTEMBER 2018 COVER STORY

Hole #9

The longest and arguably most challenging par 4 on the front nine. A classic “Cape” style hole, where the drive must carry the water on the right that runs at a diagonal angle from the tee. Bite off as much as you dare to shorten your approach to the green. The long bunker on the water’s edge will only be carried by the longest hitters, others must play short or left of it. The bunker front right of the green can be deceiving as it is actually 30 yards from the green’s edge. Whilst front of the green is void of bunkers, the green falls from front to back making this approach a fun, but delicate one to execute.

Hole #11

An inland par five that plays from a high dune ridge down into a narrow valley. Favour the left side of the fairway off the tee and the right side for the approach. This is a classic tactical links hole loaded with various hillocks, hollows, and bunkers throughout. Two solid shots that avoid the trouble should leave a short pitch to the green that sits naturally at the end of the valley and is surrounded by an amphitheater of large dunes. The approach is open, but several bunkers surrounding the edges will catch anything slightly offline. Long players must be aware of the large dune left of the green and water on the right.

Hole #12

Hole #10

A short dogleg right par four which plays downhill from the clubhouse. The second dune bunker on the left side of fairway is a good line for long drivers. A solid drive will leave a short pitch to an elevated green that is protected by large bunkers both front and right. One of the few holes where an aerial approach shot is favoured.

The friendly drive line is down the right side into a valley framed by a huge sand dune on the right. From here the hole turns left, to an uphill approach. A ridge in front of the green makes the green appear closer than it is. A long aggressive tee shot that can carry over the bunkers to the plateau on the left will leave a shorter and much easier approach, as the view to the green from this angle and the surrounding humps and hollows are in full view. In the spirit of the Old Course at St. Andrews, the green surface is shared with that of #15, so take note of the day’s pin position where you will return shortly.

Hole #13

Nowhere is precision more important than at this “wee” par three. With the coastline wrapping the front, right, and back of this peninsula green and bunkers guarding its left side, there is no place for the faint of heart. Be confident and take direct aim.

COVER STORY SEPTEMBER 2018 BIZGOLF

Hole #14

When playing downwind, this is a driveable par 4 for long hitters. This is a decision that should not be made lightly, as there are many hazards that stand in the way. The shoreline runs the length of the hole on the right and the green is protected by a dune that hides the majority of the putting surface from the tee. Past this dune, a large waste bunker guards the green and a blow out bunker obscures the front left approach. The majority of players should play a drive out left to the generous fairway. The short approach plays to a large undulating green dominated by a roll-over ridge in the left front. An exciting hole that will yield a great range of scores.

Hole #16

The 16th returns to the Sea, for three of the most dramatic finishing holes in golf. With water along the left side, there is ample fairway off the tee on the right. Bail out too far right and the green begins to disappear behind a large dune on the right creating a difficult angle of approach. The infinity edge green narrows significantly in the back, fitting tightly between the dune and the Sea.

Hole #17

Hole #15

The 15th turns back inland towards the clubhouse and begins the demanding four hole journey home. Don’t hold back with you driver here, the landing area is very generous on this lengthy par 4. The line is at the right side bunker. Shots too far left can be gobbled up by a devilish pot bunker that is hidden from the tee. Approach shots that just clear the bunker on the right will feed towards the green, which is boldly contoured and protected by bunkers left and a low hollow on the right.

There will no doubt be much debate as to which hole at Yas links is the most beautiful and certainly strong arguments will be made for the par 3 17th. The tees are arranged at various angles playing across an inlet in the coastline that forms a tranquil bay. Tee shots must carry the water to a green that sits far out on a point and is framed by dramatic blow out dune bunkers that surround. A shot played just over the largest of these bunkers on the right will find a small patch of fairway that helps to feed shots toward the green. Even though the green is larger and more receptive than it might first appear, the coastal breezes will make proper club selection and shot trajectory vital.

Hole #18

This dramatic “Risk / Reward” par 5 can be played several ways depending on how much of a gamble you choose to take. The shoreline winds in and out down the left side creating two pronounced bays which must be negotiated first from the tee and again on the second shot. The fairway landing area on the drive is the widest on the course, but a long central bunker breaks it into two distinctive options. The “Eagle” line is to the left, leaving the shortest distance to the green, enticing long hitters to consider going for this green in two when playing downwind. The safer option down the right will appeal to many par seekers. The second shot wraps left around the water to a green that sits out on a point. The diagonal angle of the shoreline begs you to bite off as much as you dare. There is plenty of room to play right and eliminate the need to carry any water, but this angle leaves a more difficult third shot.

BIZGOLF SEPTEMBER 2018 COVER STORY

TÊTE-À-TÊTE JAMES IBB ET S O N, DIRECTOR O F G O LF, YAS LINKS What are the number of millennials visiting your golf club. What are the various initiatives that your club has taken to accommodate the new generation of golfers? Soon to launch intermediate membership categories to attract more golfers between the ages of 18-25. Introduction of junior tees on the Links course for Q4 2018 – get more people playing the golf course, not just practicing on the driving range.

How has the club made use of technological advances in the past 5 years to enhance the visitor/golfer experience? In October 2017 we made the move to change our tee sheet provider from EZ-Links to Golfscape. This has greatly enhanced the user experience with tee times being booked in only a couple of simple steps. Mobile application has also been rolled out to our members. Golf Genius system enabled for all corporate and society golfing events. Live leader board available on GPS buggy screens – more fun and interactive for golf societies and golf groups as they can see what is

going on with the other groups – feel of a tour event!

Does the club make use of Social Media platforms to engage with present and potential members? If yes, how does the club position itself among the internet audience? In the past few months we have set-up a Yas Links Facebook group exclusively for golf club members. This means that we can easily communicate all upcoming news and events, tournament results and all other relevant information through a popular communication channel. Targeted Facebook advertising in line with the demographic that we are looking to attract. WhatsApp groups have also been created within the membership to again improve communication between club and member.

How many golf tourists tee-ed off in the last 12 months? What are the various initiatives undertaken by the club to accommodate visiting golfers against the regular members? Grow Abu Dhabi as a golfing destination. Working closely with the tour operators and partners in existing and developing markets to promote what, apart from golf, Abu Dhabi has to offer.

What are the various marketing activities/ events hosted by the club as part of the marketing initiatives to promote the club. Golf Academy Open Day – promote the teaching Professionals and facilities that we have on offer at Yas Links Golf Membership Open Day – Be a member for the day and sample all the facilities that the club has to offer – Try before you buy!

Annual professional/ corporate tournaments hosted at the club. 2018 host venue to the Abu Dhabi Invitational Golf Tournament, a Celeb/Pro-AM golf tournament headed up by Ryder Cup hero Martin Kaymer and Portuguese footballing legend, Luis Figo. Over the years golfing greats such as Rory McIlroy, Ian Poulter and Bryson DeChambeau have also participated in this tournament.

Anything else that you want our readers to know about your club? Designed by the World-renowned golf course architect Kyle Phillips, Yas Links is the first true Links course in the Middle East. With 8 holes set against the dramatic backdrop of the Arabian Gulf. Panoramic views of the city skyline whilst being a true test for golfers of all abilities. Only golf course in the UAE to be ranked inside the World’s Top 50 golf courses.

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BIZGOLF SEPTEMBER 2018 GOLFSCAPES

GOLFSCAPES

SEPTEMBER 2018 BIZGOLF

BALI, INDONESIA Among 17,500 islands across the Indonesian archipelago, Bali is one of the 33 provinces of the Republic of Indonesia, the largest archipelagic country in the world. The mere mention of Bali evokes thoughts of a paradise. On Bali, you can lose yourself in the chaos of Kuta or the sybaritic pleasures of Seminyak and Kerobokan, surf wild beaches in the south or just hang out on Nusa Lembongan. You can go family-friendly in Sanur or savour a lavish getaway on the Bukit Peninsula. Ubud is the heart of Bali, a place where the culture of the island is most accessible, and it shares the island’s most beautiful rice fields and ancient monuments with east and west Bali. North and west Bali are thinly populated but have the kind of diving and surfing that make any journey worth while. With the increasing number of direct flight to Bali from some other parts of the world, it makes it easier to go to Bali. From Bali, flight to Jakarta is about 1.5 hours, to Singapore and Perth (Australia) 2.5 and 3 hours, to Hong Kong about 4.5 hours, and to Sydney/ Melbourne about 5.5 to 6 hours, with various airlines offering their services. There are over 68 golf courses operating in Indonesia, with six of them on the island of Bali. Here you have the chance to play golf on five of the finest signature golf courses in Bali!

Package Bali Golf & Culture Package Duration: 8N/9D | 5 golf rounds Price starts from US$ 1799 per person Enjoy Complimentary golf rounds at: Bali National Golf Club Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club New Kuta Golf Handara Golf & Resort Bali Bali Beach Golf Course

BIZGOLF SEPTEMBER 2018 GOLFSCAPES

GASTRONOMY

With its bountiful local produce, rich culinary identity and wealth of breathtaking scenery, Bali has an abundance of outstanding places in which to sample the island’s fare. Here are a few you must try:

Locavore As its name suggests, this fine dining restaurant in Ubud places the focus on the produce that’s so abundant in Bali. Using sustainably sourced ingredients such as the local spiny lobster, oysters from Sumbawa Island and Balinese abalone, the chefs create multi-course set menus named Locavore and Herbivore, while incorporating influence taken from Indonesia and Europe into each fine dining plate. Dishes include smoked catfish with pineapple, Kerang Darah clams, kale, cucumber and spicy Batak sauce.

Mozaic On entering along a walkway through tropical gardens, guests arrive in Mozaic’s atmospheric dining space amid tropical flora. Here, chef Salans creates an ever-changing menu that reflects his inspiration as well as the flavors of the season. By foraging ingredients from Bali, using produce from the sea, and sourcing some of the world’s finest ingredients, Salans prepares multicourse degustation menus with dishes such as Gindara carpaccio smoked to order with Balinese rice husk, fresh cumin leaf and seaweed crisp.

Kaum Bali With a name that translates to ‘clan’ or ‘tribe’, Kaum strives to provide an authentic Indonesian dining experience by using indigenous cooking techniques and exotic ingredients from small-scale producers. The interior of Kaum Bali is then designed to impress with a long communal table running down the center of the space, based on the way tribes traditionally eat together, with walls panels that have been stamped with motifs and bespoke ceramic tableware. Reflecting Indonesia’s heritage, the menu includes dishes such as gohu ikan tuna: fresh tuna marinated in coconut oil, calamansi juice and fresh belimbi with kenari nuts and ginseng leaves.

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SEPTEMBER 2018 BIZGOLF

Sundays Beach Club Located on the white sand shores of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, Sundays Beach Club is an idyllic spot for ocean-view dining. Created by acclaimed Australian chef James Viles, the menu here utilizes fine local ingredients by working closely with local producers. The diverse menu incorporates seafood such as Jimbaran snapper cooked over the charcoal grill, international plates such as tuna poke, and local specialties such as nasi goreng.

Di Abing Bali With its vantage point on the hills of Ubud, Di Abing affords guests sweeping views over the Osh river valley. On the restaurant’s split-level veranda, diners are served fusion Mediterranean and Asian cuisine by Bornean chef Wuisan Chandra, from a crab, grape, mascarpone, caper and tobiko appetizer, to a smoked duck and quinoa salad and crispy pork belly with pineapple and pepper sauce, with a selection of fine wines to choose between.

BLANCO par Mandif Specializing in degustation-style Indonesian heritage cuisine, BLANCO par Mandif takes pride in sourcing the best ingredients to be found nearby, from both sea and land. Chef Mandif Warokka takes these ingredients to create fine dining seven, nine and 13-course menus of sumptuous plates like fresh caught fish with dabu-dabu relish, belimbing wuluh and sour broth. Each dish comes with wine pairing.

FOR DETAILED INFORMATION OF THE PACK AGE AND BOOKING, PLEASE VISIT: WWW.GOLFLG.COM

BIZGOLF SEPTEMBER 2018 GOLFSCAPES

GOLF COURSES Bali Beach Golf Course Holes 9 | Par 36 | length 3650 yds Designer: Rajakulasingham

The Bali Beach Golf Course set in an environment of very mature, tall trees, has been given a face lift, with the introduction of lakes, mounding and features, including newly designed and constructed greens all of which add to the aesthetic beauty of the course. It is a course that will provide challenges to all golfers of all skill levels. The greens are designed to provide a fair good putting surface, without severe undulations. The subtle breaks on the greens will always keep the golfer guessing. The greens are also well – bunkered, with little room for errant shots. The golf course is well laid out with seven Par 4’s, one Par 5 and one Par 3. That will give the golfers enough variety and challenges to enjoy a good game of golf. The higher handicappers has always the option of laying up and staying out of trouble, while the better player needs to be sharp and accurate in order to play to handicap.

New Kuta Golf Holes 18 | Par 71 | Length 7515 yds Designer: Golfplan; Ronald Fream

Carved out of harsh limestone and set on top of brilliant white cliffs that overlook an endless blue horizon of the Indian Ocean, this championship golf course ranks among Asia’s best and most challenging. A magnificent Club House boasts a restaurant, bar, spa and function rooms, with panoramic views of the lush rolling fairways and sea. There is even a lookout tower beside the Club House where members can climb up to watch the magical sunsets so typical of Bali. New Kuta Golf is a championship standard course and the first links style layout in Indonesia. It will challenge both the low handicapper and reward the novice. With five sets of tees, there’s enough variety to ensure a satisfying experience for all skill levels.

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Bali National Golf Club Holes 18 | Par 72 | Length 7166 yds Designer: Nelson Haworth

With 18 championship caliber par-3 holes, Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club is the first golf course of its kind in Bali, if not in all Southeast Asia. While the par-54 layout is a time-saver with a typical round lasting in just 120 minutes, it is not short on its own challenges. Set across a limestone clifftop as it meanders through dramatic rock outcroppings, terraced rice paddy field, the course in itself is an art savor with the spectacular white sandy beach and the Indian Ocean as its backdrop. The plethora of bunkers and strategic waterfalls sprinkled into this latest creation of Bob Moore, have redefined golf unto a new pedestal of harmony and balance.

Handara Golf & Resort Bali Holes 18 | Par 72 | Length 7024 yds Designer: Peter Thompson & Michael Wolveridge

SEPTEMBER 2018 BIZGOLF

Bali National Golf Club offers visitors to Bali a truly luxurious golfing experience with the redesigned Bali National Golf Club who has three distinct playing environments throughout the 18-hole course. Holes 1 through 9 feature creeks, canyons and native vegetation filled with tropical birds, whilst holes 10 through 16 offer the golfer lush gently sculptured fairways through a mature grove. Finally the island green hole 17 and lakeside hole 18 are the challenging finishing holes to test every golfer.The course was awarded Best Renovated Golf Course in Asia 2014, 3rd Best Renovated Golf Course Worldwide 2015, 5th Best Golf Resort in Asia Pacific 2016 and Best Golf Resort Indonesia 2017.

Bukit Pandawa Golf and Country Club Holes 18 | Par 54 | Length 2178 yds Designer: JMP Golf Design

Handara Golf & Resort is a Mountain Golf Resort with a difference. It boasts a world class golf course in a magnificent setting, cozy hotel and cottage accommodation and a great dining experience. Come and experience the natural wonderland that is Handara. Cool weather with lush tropical gardens and amazing mountain scenery. Handara is one of the oldest clubs in Bali that has seen many distinguished patrons and passionate golfers from around the world. In its long history, many memories were made and countless close relationships were forged. Times change, but the dedication to provide an unforgettable experience to all our guests remains the same. Aims to complement the stunning scenery of our surroundings by offering you the most comfortable accommodation, the greatest dining experience and the finest

BIZGOLF SEPTEMBER 2018 GOLFSCAPES

ACCOMMODATION Eight-night stay at The Grand Bali Resort- a boutique resort nestled in Nusa Dua - including breakfast. The package includes all airport, golf course transfers, caddies and carts. It also includes a full day Barong Kintamani Tour including lunch and guide and half day Uluwata Kecak Tour including dinner at Jimbaran Bay.

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BIZGOLF SEPTEMBER 2018 GEC OPEN

GEC OPEN 2018 BEGINS WITH A BANG Qualifying rounds held at Ghana, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Australia, Italy and Spain

he much-anticipated Global Enterprise Connect (GEC) Open global amateur series marked the beginning of 5th season with the GEC Open qualifier in Italy followed by Ghana, Australia Turkey Azerbaijan and Spain.

ITALY

osting its maiden GEC Open golf tournament, the Pevero Golf Club on the island of Sardegna, witnessed crème-de-la-crème of Italian amateur circuit vie for the victory. Over 110 HNI’s, top corporates and industry leaders came together for an exciting day of competitive golf and networking opportunities. The tournament was played in modified stableford format comprising of three different skill categories. In a closely fought competition, Bruno Frulani and Antonio Merli outclassed the opposition to emerge victorious and book world final berths. The duo are the firsts to qualify for the Dubai Corporate Golf World Cup scheduled to be held later this year in December. The world final will be played amongst champions from qualifying rounds held across the globe between August to December.

“The response at the Italy round has been nothing short of phenomenal. Although this the 5th consecutive edition of the tournament globally, this was the debut event in Italy and it gave us an opportunity to bring Italian amateur golfers into the evergrowing GEC community. We are thankful to the management of host venue, Pevero Golf Club for their immense support and organization of a wonderful tournament. My best wishes to the winners and we look forward to hosting them at the world final.”

-Tushar Sahoo, Founder and Managing Director, GEC Open.

AUSTRALIA

EC Open global golf tour recently made its way to Down Under as the debut edition was held at the championship golf course at Noosa Springs together with annual Noosa Springs Open. The 18-hole, 6180m course designed by Graham Papworth played host to over 120 corporate bigwigs and industry leaders for the annual fixture on the Noosa Spring

Calendar. Brought together by the mutual affection for golf in the company of likeminded friends, the participants vied for the podium finish and entry to the GEC Open World Final- Dubai Corporate Golf World Cup. Competing in Stableford format, Oliver Steele from Peregian Springs returned the best score in Men’s category at 44 points.

On the par 72 layout, He carded 41 strokes on the front nine and 48 on back nine. His 89 strokes and handicap of 29 earned him the winning points. In women’s category, 11 handicapper Jo Cordner from Lonsdale club finished atop the leaderboard with 35 points. 45 strokes on front-nine and 39 on back-nine resulted in a total of 84 strokes.

GEC OPEN SEPTEMBER 2018 BIZGOLF

GHANA

n its 5th year, the Global Enterprise Connect (GEC) Open global golf tournament returned to Ghana for a third successive edition with two national qualifying rounds. The event kicked off with ‘GEC Breakfast Connect’ on 24th August followed by competitive golf at Celebrity Golf Club (Tema) on 25th August. Played amongst 100+ avid corporate golfers representing a wide array of industries that contribute massively to the Ghanaian economy. Braving inclement weather, Jimmie Thorne picks the first ticket to Dubai Corporate Golf World Cup in the GEC Open 2018 qualifying Round in Accra, seconded by Beatrice Vetsch-Bempong in an outstanding Play off. Playing in Stableford format, Jimmie Thorne scored 35 points while Beatrice Vetsch-Bempong also scored 35 to go for the first time an outstanding play off to place second whiles Vastie AmoafoYeboah placed 3rd with 34 points. For Longest drive for Men and Women, Alan Mugisha drove a distance of 290 yards whiles Leticia Amponsah Mensah drove 300 yards. Closest to the Pin was picked by Martin Osei and Catherine Fabby with 0.35meters and 0.38metrs respectively. “The GEC Open qualifying round at Celebrity Golf Club was a huge success. It’s a competition that provides unique opportunities for sporting excellence as well as interpersonal networking. The ‘GEC Breakfast Connect’ symposium was well attended by over 60 CXO’s from various industries. The event was well appreciated and was successful in bringing the Ghana business community together on a single platform. There was a special action of paintings by the artist Patrick Badoo to raise money for charity- S.H.E Rises foundation, run by two young ladies Chelsea and Mimie. The other winner from Ghana was selected via the other qualifying round held at Royal Golf Club in Kumasi. The tournament in Kumasi saw a strong turnout with over 70 industry leaders from the Kumasi region came together to vie for the coveted berth to the world final in Dubai. Kwadwo Poku from Kumasi scored Nett 35 points in stableford format to emerge the winner and join Jimmie Throne, the winner from Celebrity Golf Club in Tema to form the Ghana contingent for Dubai Corporate Golf World and vie for the coveted trophy and global bragging rights.

BIZGOLF SEPTEMBER 2018 GEC OPEN

TURKEY

T AZERBAIJAN

he city of Baku played host to the GEC Open Azerbaijan qualifier where successive third edition was held at Dreamland Golf Club. The event was held in collaboration with the prestigious Azerbaijan Open- an annual fixture on the Azerbaijani amateur golfing calendar. The tournament was played in stableford format in three handicap categories: 0-12.5, 12.6 -19.8 and 19.9 – 28.0 amongst the crème-de-la- crème of amateur golf fraternity in Azerbaijan. Over 120 industry big-wigs came together for a competitive yet fun filled round of golf complemented with networking lunches and gala dinner. In the first division, Bruce Munro Ferguson grabbed the top spot with 39 points while the second division belonged to Khalil Huseynov who edged out competition from three other players tied at the total of 41 points. Khalil won the division on the back nine count back. In the third division, Greg Unumb topped the leaderboard with 38 total points.

“We are delighted to host the GEC Open again here in Azerbaijan, combining the event with our annual Azerbaijan Open ensures we have the leading players competing for the final. We are very proud to see Bruce Ferguson, Khalil Huseynov and Greg Unumb qualify for Dubai and represent Azerbaijan in the final later this year”

ager, Dreamland Golf Club.

-Phil Jones, General Man-

he Turkey qualifying leg of GEC Open global amateur series was held at Kemer Golf & Country Club. Turkey is an annual stop on the GEC Open golf tour, and the Kemer Golf & Country Club of the Demiroren Group of Companies hosted the 4th consecutive edition of the global event in the region. The competition was played at the 18-hole championship golf course designed by Joan Dudok van Heel in Stableford format with winners announced in Gross and Nett categories. After a day of grueling and competitive golf, the best gross score belonged to Beyhan Goldman Benardete. She scored 39 strokes on the front-nine holes while managing 41 strokes on the final nine holes for a gross total of 80. She was playing off a three handicap. The best Nett score was recorded by Selen Neidl playing off a handicap 46. She scored 52 and 58 strokes on the front-nine and back-nine respectively. Her winning score was 45 points. Both winners have also qualified for the GEC Open World Final – Dubai Corporate Golf World Cup.

GEC OPEN SEPTEMBER 2018 BIZGOLF

SPAIN

EC Open global golf tour made its debut in Spain with the national qualifying round held at the championship golf course at Real Club Sevilla Golf. Attended by over 100 leading golfers from the region, the contest as played in modified stableford format in two handicap categories - 0 to 13.4 and 13.5 onwards. In 0 to 13.4 class, Darren Chang, playing off a 4-handicap, booked his berth for the world final with a winning score of 39 nett points.In the other division, Manuel Gonzalez Garcia claimed ticket to Dubai with a winning score of 41 playing off a handicap of 22. The world finalists enjoy a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to compete under

ABOUT GEC OPEN

national colors and ply their craft at two world-class venues – Jumeirah Golf Estates and Emirates Golf Club. Besides this, the winner’s package includes return airfare, luxury accommodation, venue transfers, Gala dinners, etc. Dubai Corporate Golf World Cup provides amateur and club golfers with a unique opportunity to experience the thrill and excitement akin to a professional player. GEC Open 2018 is poised to host 54 qualifying rounds in 34 countries making it one of the biggest corporate golf tournament all around the world. Engaging over 3700 corporate leaders and industry stakeholders, the GEC Open is a unique blend of sporting excellence and network-

ing opportunities for partners and players alike. A 36-hole tournament, DCGWC will be played over two days at Jumeirah Golf Estate and Emirates Golf Club in December later this year where national winners from 34 countries will compete to be crowned global champions. Dubai Corporate Golf World Cup provides amateur and club golfers with a unique opportunity to experience the thrill and excitement akin to a professional player. Up next are qualifying rounds in Canada, Indonesia – Bali and Jakarta, Kenya, Mauritius as well as seven city Indian Swing followed by other countries till the culmination in December. “It has been a pleasure to work with Tushar and his team from GEC Open, members at Real Club Sevilla Golf really enjoyed this event, there will be two of them who will have the privilege to travel to Dubai and play two fantastic courses like Emirates and Jumeirah representing our magnificent club and country, in this unique worldwide final”

-Gonzalo Goy, Operations Manager – Real Club Sevilla Golf

GEC Open made its debut in 2014 with just one golf round in Dubai. 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. Since then, GEC Open has matured into a global platform for networking, forging everlasting friendships and business relations. The 2017 edition held 29 golf rounds in 18 countries reaching over 2400 corporate leaders under the aegis of 800+ global organizations! Website: www.gecopen.com

BIZGOLF SEPTEMBER 2018

SPECIAL FEATURE

BATTLING THE WORLD’s

WATER CRISIS

Turn on the faucet and clean water rushes out. As much as you want, anytime we want. Its easy to forget that the quest for this has been one of the defining struggles of human history. Civilizations that harnessed water thrived. The ones that failed… fell. Today seven in ten people on Earth can count on having running water in their homes. At least, so they think.

ape Town is the first major city in the world to plan to indefinitely shut off its water supply. Four million people would stop getting running water. They’d get water rations and they’d need to line up at the city water stations to get it. And it’s not just Cape Town. Sao Paulo, Melbourne, Jakarta, London, Beijing, Istanbul, Tokyo, Bangalore, Barcelona and Mexico City will face their own Day Zero in the next few decades. Unless their water use radically changes.

SPECIAL FEATURE SEPTEMBER 2018 BIZGOLF

Snow & Icebergs

The World’s Water

Freshwater

97%

Saltwater

BIZGOLF SEPTEMBER 2018

SPECIAL FEATURE

In fact, by 2040 most of the world won’t have enough water to meet demand yearround according a 2015 report by Aqueduct, World Resources Institute. There is no substitute for water. Each of us will die in just a few days without it. How have we built a world where we don’t have enough of its most valuable resource. And as this crisis grows, what will the new world look like? Earth is the blue planet. There is no shortage of water. We have 326 million trillion gallons of it. Always have, always will. Water may freeze into ice or evaporate into air but it doesn’t leave our planet. However, 97% of it is salty and 2% is trapped in ice at the poles. So, all of human kind relies on just 1% of that water to survive. When people talk about running out of water, what they really mean is, do they have access to that very small percentage? The answer depends a lot on where you live. Kuwait is one of the poorest countries in terms of water per capita, at 10 m3 and Canada, one of the richest, doesn’t have twice as much or event ten times as much. It has 10,000 times as much. But it also matters where the water is. That 1% of Earth water that we all rely on, most of it is underground and really difficult and expensive to get to, so humans have mostly settled close to surface water, like rivers and lakes. Around 90% of world population lives

SPECIAL FEATURE SEPTEMBER 2018 BIZGOLF

less that 10 kms from a freshwater source. And only about 10% of the total rainfall on earth is retrievable for use. Much flows into the oceans or falls in remote areas. 5500 years ago, the world’s population is estimated to have been less than 10 million people. By 2030, world population is expected to reach 8 billion people. 8 Billion people, all relying on a finite water supply. The world’s water problems arise from a basic conflict: the global fresh water supply is fixed, but world population and water consumption continue to go up every year. In a nutshell, there is no new water. NASA satellite data shows aquifers in Northern India decreasing by 29 trillion gallons in just a decade. There are simply more people on Earth consuming more water. This century the water consumption has increased sevenfold. The rain and snow that we count on to water crops and refill lakes and rivers is getting less reliable.

Water Crisis looms The bank Goldman Sachs predicted that water will be petroleum for the next century. Experts agree that the next major conflict will most likely involve the need for water. Water is one of Earth’s most precious resources. However, in most cases it is being consumed as if a limitless supply existed. It is our responsibility to increase awareness of the growing threats posed by global water scarcity. The need to conserve

water has never been greater. In the Indian context, more than 700 million Indians lack access to sanitation and safe drinking water. More than 2.1 million children under the age of 5 die due to disease related to water. 22 Million borewells pump water whenever there is power and pump out roughly 200 Cubic Kilometers of water every year.

The Landscaping Context Scientists have documented an array of benefits to the environment and humans resulting from turfgrasses, but critics point out the excessive water requirements and pesticide use for turfgrass versus other landscape materials. It is important, however, to point out that plants do not conserve water; people do. Turfgrasses belong to the grass family, which evolved over millions of years without pesticides and irrigation systems. There are grasses adapted to the wettest and driest climates in the world. Academic and industry research on turfgrass can and will continue to provide quality turfgrass while reducing pesticide use and conserving water.

carbon dioxide and produces 6 Kilograms of oxygen annually - enough to support a family of four

The Value of Landscaping and Golf l Provides safe, high-quality play and exercise areas l ncreases real estate market values l Beauty and relaxation for family, employees and visitors

Achieving Water Efficiency In terms of water requirement and cost, average water requirement for Indian conditions is around 6mm in peak summer. This can vary according to the local climate. This translates in to 6 liters per square meter. This is the same as 25,000 liters per acre of green area. In order to achieve maximum savings, four key steps must be followed: l Proper irrigation system design l Use the most water-conserving products available l Proper system installation l Proper maintenance and usage.

The Value of Landscaping

Cost of an Irrigation System

70000 Sq. Feet of lawn has the cooling effect of 70 tons of air conditioning l Turf, shrubs and trees reduce noise pollution by up to 50% l One tree removes 12 Kilograms of

There are many elements of high water use efficiency in irrigation, beginning with proper system design and including installation, management, and maintenance of the irrigation system. One critical element

BIZGOLF SEPTEMBER 2018

SPECIAL FEATURE

SPECIAL FEATURE SEPTEMBER 2018 BIZGOLF

Average indicative costs Budget System- Rs. 4 Lakhs per acre l Medium System- Rs. 6 Lakhs per acre l High End System- Rs.8 Lakhs per acre Smaller courses have higher cost per acre Budget System- Green Tees, Landing areas only, No Automation Medium System- Fairway, Automation High End- Wall to wall, Central, weather station, others l

Cost of Irrigation System Budget Systems l l l

Par 3 x 9 hole- Rs. 1 Crore 9 Hole GC- Rs. 2 Crore 18 Hole GC- Rs. 4.5 Crore

Good Quality Systems l l l

Par 3 x 9 Hole – Rs. 1.5 to 2 Crore 9 Hole GC- Rs. 3 to 3.5 Crore 18 Hole GC- Rs. 8 to 10 Crore

Automation- Myth vs factsPopular misconceptions Automation is expensive Automation and central control are complicated l Difficult to maintain l We have enough labor and we do not need it!!! l l

Automation-Facts

is to apply the proper amount of water when the landscape needs the water to avoid both deep percolation and runoff. This practice may include cycling of control valves to minimize the surface movement of applied water. A second important element to high water use efficiency is to apply water as uniformly as possible. Innovative sprinkler designs for turfgrass and drip/ micro irrigation for landscape plants have improved irrigation uniformity significantly in recent years, when properly designed and installed. Tools now exist for designers to model sprinkler application uniformity before the system is purchased and installed. Thus, it is reasonable to specify the irrigation application uniformity in a contract before purchasing an irrigation system. Irrigation System costs vary depending on the sophistication and the complexity of design.

l Automation is not very expensive. You can have a central control included for just 15% of the system cost. l In some cases Central Control system is cheaper than manual system. l It drastically reduces the lifecycle costs of the system l The life cycle cost is reduced because automation and central control can drastically reduce labor, water and power costs

Savings due to Automation Labor - No one required to operate. Only one person to monitor l Power- Faster and efficient irrigation reduces the run time of the system and thereby saves power l Water- Efficient usage of water and seasonal adjustment ensure huge water savings l Green grass is the biggest advantage l

Capital costs Vs Automation l Automation can also help reduce capital costs l You can afford to have a longer watering window- smaller pump station

l Smaller Main Lines- Central control systems uses flow management to ensure you can run sprinklers at different locations of the course. Big Savings in capital costs

Life Cycle Costs The total cost of a product: Vehicle = Cost of vehicle, maintenance, insurance & fuel l Appliance = Cost of appliance, installation, maintenance & power l HVAC = Cost of product, installation, maintenance & power l Irrigation = Design, cost of product, installation, maintenance, Electricity & Water l The highest costs of an irrigation system are typically the water and electricity used by the system over it’s lifetime l l

Cost Saving Tips l Use maximum possible water window. l Longer watering time means smaller pipes, smaller pumps and more efficient watering l Use Variable Frequency Drive pumps to save power and maintenance costs l Central controls and sensors can save up to 30% water and also power and maintenance costs l Use a qualified irrigation designerThis investment saves you money and time. You will have a professional who will verify bids and give you value for money solutions l Use a system that works best for your soil and climate l Seasonal water budgeting saves enormous amounts of water and money l Water requirements vary as per weather conditions l Water requirement could vary from 1 liter per Sq.Mtr to 8 liters per Sq.Mtr. One quantity does not work throughout the year.

Seasonal adjustment- An adjustment 2 minutes from each zone can make a large difference. 300 liters/ minute/ zone x 2 minutes = 600 liters 120 zones x 600 liters = 72000 liters per irrigation day 72000 liters/ irrigation day x 7 days/week = 5 Lakh liters/ week 5 Lakh liters/week x 40 weeks/ year = 8 Million liters/year 8 Million Liters x 10 courses= 80 Million Liters/year Plus the power savings due to lesser operation

BIZGOLF SEPTEMBER 2018 TEE TIME

EUROPEAN TOUR

Swiss double for fantastic Fitzpatrick Matthew Fitzpatrick beat Lucas Bjerregaard in a play-off to become the first man in 40 years to successfully defend the title at the Omega European Masters. The Englishman started the day four shots ahead of Bjerregaard but the Dane carded a brilliant 63 to set the target at 17 under and Fitzpatrick had to birdie the last to take it to extra holes. The 24 year old then put his approach to 12 feet on the first trip back up the 18th and another birdie

saw him become the first player since the late, great Seve Ballesteros to go back-to-back at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club. The final day had developed into an enthralling three-way battle between Fitzpatrick, Bjerregaard and Mike Lorenzo-Vera, with the Frenchman right in it until he bogeyed the last after finding the water. Lorenzo-Vera finished at 15 under, three shots clear of Spaniard Nacho Elvira and four ahead of England’s Daniel Brooks. Fitzpatrick needed

extra holes to beat Scott Hend in the mountains last season and became just the third player this term to mount a successful defence after Tommy Fleetwood and Brooks Koepka. At 24 years and eight days old, he also becomes the youngest Englishman to get to five European Tour victories, having won in every season since coming through the Qualifying School in 2014. For Portugal Masters champion Bjerregaard, the result is a third consecutive top ten,

while Lorenzo-Vera has three top tens this season as he looks for a maiden victory.Japan’s Hideto Tanihara and Chinese Wu Ashun were at ten under, a shot clear of South African pair Darren Fichardt and Charl Schwartzel, American Doug Ghim and Thai Phachara Khongwatmai. Frenchman Adrien Saddier made the 32nd hole-in-one of the season and second of the week when he holed a seven iron from 192 yards on the 13th.

EUROPEAN TOUR

Lewis reigns supreme at Bridgestone Tom Lewis won the Bridgestone Challenge by five shots to return to the winners’ circle after a seven year absence. Lewis carded a seven under par round of 64 to triumph at Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf and Spa ahead of Dimitrios Papadatos, becoming the first Englishman to lift the Bridgestone Challenge and winning for the first time since his 2011 Portugal Masters success on the European Tour. The local Bedfordshire star began the final round one stroke behind

overnight leaders Stanislav Matus and Papadatos but backed up his opening rounds of 63-67-67 to claim his first European Challenge Tour title. A bogey on the first did not trouble the 27 year old as he set his sights on glory with birdies on the following three holes to join the leaders. A further three gains around the turn saw Lewis take the lead and then extend it as the sun shone on the Bedfordshire parkland. With the chasing pack

far behind, Lewis birdied the par three 13th and par five 17th to move to 23 under par, before a tap-in par on the 18th sealed a memorable victory. “This win means a lot. It doesn’t matter whether you win a huge event or a small event, and this is a big event on the Challenge Tour, either way it means a lot,” he said. “I’ve probably had more fun this week then I did seven years ago. I appreciate the win a lot more now.”

TEE TIME SEPTEMBER 2018 BIZGOLF

SENIOR TOUR

Atlevi completes wire-to-wire victory in Bulgaria

AFRICAN MAJOR

Golf’s global stars headed to Sun City

Magnus P Atlevi showed great character to win the European Tour Properties Senior Classic with a closing 67 to post a total of 14 under par at Lighthouse Golf and Spa Resort. The fight for the title proved to be a two-horse race, with Atlevi just getting the better of Stephen Dodd who, following a double bogey on the 18th, finished on 11 under par, three shots behind the winner. The Swede started quickly by firing three birdies in his first five holes, but three bogeys over the next five meant the momentum swung towards Dodd, who took the lead with a par at the tenth. Atlevi then bounced back as the final group headed towards home. Three successive birdies and a further gain at the 16th meant he approached the 18th with a one-shot lead. As it transpired, Dodd carded a double bogey at the final hole and Atlevi safely holed out for par and victory. The 53 year old admitted to being overwhelmed after securing his victory and was delighted with how he bounced back after dropping shots around the turn. “I am really happy, especially because I bounced back,” he said. “I had a good start and it was all going according to plan and then things went sideways and continued going sideways. “I lost the lead and somehow managed to bounce back with the birdies on the back nine. It’s a good feeling. “I dropped a few shots because the guys were making long putts for birdies and I could just see it going the wrong way for me. You just have to dig in.”

The 2018 Nedbank Golf Challenge hosted by Gary Player will bring some of he biggest names in world golf to Sun City this November, including four-time Major champion Rory McIlroy and 2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia. From November 8-11, the Gary Player Country Club at Sun City will witness the strongest field since the tournament became part of the prestigious Rolex Series on the European Tour in 2017. Branden Grace will lead the South African challenge as the world number 38 returns to defend the title he won

in style last year, and which ended a 10-year wait between South African victories in ‘Africa’s Major’. Brandon Stone, who represented South Africa in golf’s historic return to the Olympic Games in 2016 and a three-time European Tour winner, will also be in the field. It’s a field that already delights tournament host Gary Player. “It’s very important we have all the best South Africans here to show the world why we are one of the best golfing nations on the planet. We are going to have a fantastic field and we are all very excited to watch the drama.”

PROFESSIONAL GOLF TOUR OF INDIA

Chandigarh tourney named after Jeev India’s Jeev Milkha Singh was left humbled after he became the first player in the history of Indian golf to have a tournament named after him. The Chandigarh leg of the domestic (Professional Golf Tour of India) PGTI Tour will henceforth be called the Jeev Milkha Singh Invitational Presented by TAKE Solutions, with the Indian golf legend assuming responsibility of tournament host, under the support of TAKE solutions and PGTI. The tournament will be played at the Chandigarh Golf Club, Singh’s home club, from November 1 to 4, and offer an enhanced prize purse of Rs1.5 crores which is a Rs 50 lakh increase from last year’s prize fund when hometown hero Shubhankar Sharma won the event.

“It’s just an amazing honour,” said the 46-year-old Arjuna Award winner, which was given by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India to recognize his outstanding international achievements in golf. “You have tournaments named after legends like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus on the PGA Tour in the US. I have played in those events and have always thought it was the greatest recognition for players to have the Tour name their events after them. I never thought I’d have the same honour one day. I am truly humbled. “I did not have to think twice before agreeing.”

BIZGOLF SEPTEMBER 2018 TEE TIME

ASIAN TOUR

Wallace completes hat-trick in Denmark England’s Matt Wallace fired a five-underpar 67 to win his third title this season following a thrilling four-man play-off at the Made in Denmark on Sunday. The 28-year-old Wallace made birdies on the two extra holes to edge out compatriots Steven Brown, Jonathan Thomson and Lee Westwood, who were all tied at 19-under-par 269 total in regulation play at the Silkeborg Ry Golf Club. Wallace, who claimed his maiden Asian

Tour victory at the Hero Indian Open in March, dropped shots on holes three and four before recovering with birdies on eight and nine. He grabbed another birdie on hole ten and dropped a shot on hole 12, but would end brilliantly with five birdies in his last six holes to go into the play-off. “When my back’s against the wall, I don’t shy away from pushing myself off there. I just tried to get the job done by telling myself that I have made these putts

before so I can definitely do it again. I am super happy with the win,” said Wallace, who is currently second on the Habitat for Humanity Standings. Thai star Phachara Khongwatmai posted a low round of 66 to take tied-12th on 275 while countryman Jazz Janewattananond (69) finished tied-20th to end his campaign on a 277 total.

PGA TOUR

Bradley wins BMW Championship in playoff Keegan Bradley held off Justin Rose in a sudden-death playoff to win the rain-plagued BMW Championship on Monday for his first PGA TOUR victory in six years. Bradley, who shot a final round 6-under 64 to finish at 20-under par, thrust his arms toward the gray sky and drizzle in celebration and waved his family onto the 18th hole. He tossed into the air his young son, Logan, who hadn’t even been born in 2012, the last time Bradley won on the TOUR. “A lot has happened to me over these six years,” Bradley said. “I kind of fell of the radar there for a little while. It’s tough to go from being on Ryder Cup teams, being on Presidents Cup teams to being outside the top 100 in the world.” Bradley moved up to sixth in the

FedExCup standings with the victory, the fourth of his career and first since the 2012 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. He gets a trip to Maui to start next year for the winners-only Sentry Tournament of Champions. Rose could have won in regulation but lipped out on the last hole to force the playoff. He fell short again in the playoff, missing a 5-foot par putt that would have kept him alive. The 38-year-old Rose had grown to love the suburban Philadelphia golf courses. He won the 2010 AT&T National at Aronimink and the 2013 U.S. Open at Merion. He didn’t get a trophy on this trip. But he reached No. 1 in the Official World Golf Ranking. Rose, who overtook Dustin Johnson, joins Nick Faldo, Lee Westwood and Luke Donald as the only Englishmen to reach No. 1.

TEE TIME SEPTEMBER 2018 BIZGOLF

LADIES EUROPEAN TOUR

Hedwall Secures Comeback Victory To Reach Evian Championship

EUROPEAN TOUR

Sweden’s Caroline Hedwall secured her first Ladies European Tour title in six years with a record-breaking performance on the final day of the Lacoste Ladies Open de France. Hedwall came from seven strokes behind the overnight leader Nanna Koerstz Madsen and set the clubhouse lead at 12-under with an incredible course record nine-under-par 62, reeling the Dane in with nine birdies at Golf du Medoc. Madsen was tied for the lead after 14 holes but dropped shots at the 15th, 17th and 18th. She ended in joint third with Spain’s Luna Sobron, Australian Sarah Kemp and Lynn Carlsson of Sweden. South African Stacy Lee Bregman stormed into outright second with a sensational 66. Hedwall’s round was the lowest of the season and it was her sixth Ladies European Tour title. The 29-year-old from Stockholm won four titles in her rookie year in 2011 and added another at the 2012 Austrian Open. There were two further wins on the Australian Ladies Professional Golf tour in 2013, but she has since struggled with a series of injuries. She had surgery in mid-October, which restored the flexibility in her wrist and she could finally use a driver again after 12 months using only a 3-wood: “I had a ganglion cyst that was as big as a ping pong ball.” Her sixth LET title, worth 41,250 euros and a place in next week’s Evian Championship, will give her a huge confidence boost heading into a Major.

Wu becomes China’s first triple winner on European Tour Wu Ashun became the first player from China to win three times on the European Tour when he claimed a one-stroke triumph at the KLM Open in the Netherlands on Sunday. Wu carded a closing fourunder-par 67, finishing with a two-putt birdie at the final hole after his aggressive second shot with a hybrid club skirted a water hazard and ended in the heart of the green. He finished at 16-under 268 and secured victory when Englishman Chris Wood made a three-putt par on the same hole at The Dutch course in Spijk. Wu’s surprise victory came after a poor season and he credited his turnaround to work with his coach.

“We just fixed my swing at the beginning of the year and we still trust that we are going the right way,” the 33-year-old said. “My coach and I were working very hard and he has flown to (Europe) to help me so I think we are getting better and better so that’s why I think last week was top 10 and then this week just win.” Wu started the week ranked 344th in the world and is now projected to rise inside the top 200. Wood lamented his third runner-up finish of the year. “My putting has been so good all week and it’s just a shame that it let me down at the last,” he said.

BIZGOLF

SEPTEMBER 2018 BUSINESS NEWS

AWARD

Bag Boy’s Navigator Quad Electric Cart Earns “Best Electric Push Cart” The Bag Boy Navigator Quad Electric Cart has been awarded MyGolfSpy’s Best Electric Push Cart for 2018, with rave reviews for outstanding maneuverability and a robust set of features. The award-winning news is followed by an announcement of a double-digit increase in sales

for the Navigator Quad. “We have seen tremendous growth in our electric cart line, particularly the top-of-the-line Navigator Quad,” said Pat Gallagher, Dynamic Brands Product Manager. “We have seen an increase in 24% of year to date unit sales compared to last year.

We attribute this growth to a continued interest in walking with an electric cart and numerous green grass and resort accounts purchasing them as a premium rental cart fleet.” “The [Navigator Quad] comes with a number of features including a [mobile device]/

GPS stand and pedometer. Multiple speed options mean you can walk at your own pace,” summarized MyGolfSpy editors in their testing. “We are introducing a black base with blue accents as the newest color for the Navigator Quad,” said Gallagher.

REVAMP

The R&A changes its brand in order to modernise The R&A is looking to the future as it sets out its vision as a global leader in golf, working collaboratively to ensure the long-term success of the sport. A new chapter begins in the long history of the St Andrews-based governing body today with the unveiling of a new brand identity and a “playbook” outlining its vision, purpose and values. The new brand is the culmination of

The R&A’s work in the last three years to modernise golf and change perceptions of the sport. The R&A’s vision is to lead by example as a global organisation, working collaboratively with its partners in the sport, that is renowned for its governance work and staging of world class professional and amateur championships. The organisation also aims

to become financially stronger and will invest £200 million in developing golf over the next decade. The playbook sets out The R&A’s purpose: to make golf more accessible, more appealing and more inclusive and to be responsible for upholding the

traditions of golf while embracing change and breaking down barriers to progress. Its core values are: courage to act in the best interests of the sport; integrity in acting fairly and equally; and inclusivity in growing the sport through achieving greater diversity.

BUSINESS NEWS SEPTEMBER 2018 BIZGOLF

Former Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher has said he is ‘honoured and humbled’ to have been invited to become captain of The Professional Golfers’ Association. The 69-year-old, who played in eight Ryder Cup matches, captained the European team in 1991, 93 and 95, and won 22 professional tournaments, will succeed Peter Hanna as PGA captain in April 2021. He was also the head PGA Professional at Wentworth for a quarter of a century and membership

APPOINTMENT

LAUNCH

Bernard Gallacher Becomes PGA Captain

U.S. Golf Industry Launches #InviteHER Campaign

of the Association has been a constant and important thread throughout his career. “Despite my success in tournaments and involvement with the Ryder Cup as a player and captain, first and foremost I have always regarded myself as a club pro,” said Gallacher who turned professional in 1967. “I am a proud PGA Member and I am honoured and humbled to have been asked to captain the Association.” In doing so Gallacher will join the select band comprising JH Taylor, Ted Ray, George Duncan, Henry Cotton, Bernard Hunt, Dai Rees, and Eric Brown, who have captained both The PGA and a Great Britain and Ireland or European Ryder Cup team.

APPOINTMENT

Foresight Sports Europe Becomes TGI Golf Partner Supplier

Foresight Sports Europe, the golf industry’s fastest-growing technology company across the EMEA region, has become an official TGI Golf Partner Supplier. From this month, the Foresight operation based in Guildford will be offering TGI Partners a series of tangible benefits, including cost savings on the purchase of hardware from the family of award-winning GCQuad, GC2+HMT and GC2 launch monitors; plus the most realistic golf simulation experience ever

with its advanced FSX software. Carl Bianco, TGI Board Member and Head Professional at Woking Golf Club, has seen both lessons and hardware sales more than double since installing the Foresight Sports’ GCQuad last November. “I cannot praise the Quad and the software enough, as the new studio has been unbelievably successful at the club,” said Carl The market-leading brand is also committed to delivering product demonstrations, technical support and business reviews as part of a comprehensive after-sales support programme designed to ensure a speedy return on investment. This includes access to educational seminars and workshops illustrating how to maximise the use of the latest technology in coaching, club and ball fitting as well as retailing.

The U.S. golf industry – driven by WE ARE GOLF, a coalition of leading organizations working together to communicate the game’s economic, charitable, environmental and fitness benefits – launches its #inviteHER campaign for current golfers to encourage the women in their lives to start playing. Powered by the LPGA Women’s Network and WE ARE GOLF’s Women’s Task Force, golfers – men and women alike – are encouraged to bring friends, colleagues and family to join them on the course through online resources and social media assets. The #inviteHER movement seeks to create an enjoyable, welcoming experience for those interested in trying the game or picking it back up – whether through a group lesson, complimentary clinic, driving range session or on-course experience. “The appetite for golf is at a historic level with a latent demand of 38 million Americans,” says Steve Mona, CEO of World Golf Foundation, administrator of WE ARE GOLF. “Last year, 35 percent of the game’s 2.6 million new players were female and we are confident #inviteHER is a huge step in the right direction to continue increasing this number while making the game more inclusive.”

BIZGOLF

SEPTEMBER 2018 BUSINESS NEWS

APPOINTMENT

Sandy Reid appointed as Green keeping Director

St Andrews Links have appointed Sandy Reid as Director of Greenkeeping at the Home of Golf. A hugely experienced figure in the greenkeeping industry, Mr Reid will make the move from Carnoustie Golf Links where he has worked as Links Superintendent since 2012. St Andrews Links Chief Executive Euan Loudon said: “We are delighted to welcome Sandy to the Home of Golf. He has an outstanding track record at Carnoustie Golf Links, as evidenced by the wonderful condition of the

Championship Course for The 147th Open Championship this summer. “Sandy has a great deal of experience of operating within a multi-faceted golf venue such as ours and shares our commitment to delivering unique and memorable experiences to every golfer. He is passionate about the game of golf and is committed to delivering the highest quality results in golf course maintenance and improvements to all our courses, operations and staff.”

COURSE EXTENSION

Uganda’s Renovated Lake Victoria To Open In October

Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa in Uganda is set launch its newly extended 18-Hole golf course in October 2018 during the Serena Open. The Golf Course has been designed by Golf Plan USA under Principal Architect Kevin Ramsey and will boast sweeping views of Lake Victoria, and a rare finishing hole with an Island green. It will be Uganda’s first Clubhouse to incorporate a fully-fledged Pro Shop selling world class golfing merchandise – and will be the first Ugandan golf course

to have bent grass. Golfers can also enjoy other facilities including a restaurant, bar, half way house, conference room, locker rooms as well as ladies and gents steam rooms. Daily operations of the club’s existing 9 holes have not been affected during the extension – and all that remains to be completed for the October relaunch is the planting of the last two holes. The Lake Victoria Serena Golf Club is a private club offering a challenging layout and a Golf Academy.

APPOINTMENT

Paul Williams Appointed As General Manager Of Toptracer Europe Paul Williams has been appointed as General Manager of Toptracer Europe following his outstanding performance as Director of Golf for Topgolf UK. Williams boasts a wealth of experience in the golf industry and takes up his new role after 13 years of employment with global sports entertainment leader, Topgolf. Owned by Topgolf, Toptracer is best known for the ball-tracking graphics used during televised golf tourna-

ments such as The Open Championship and Ryder Cup, among others – revolutionising how golf is watched on TV. Commenting on his new role, Williams said: “I’ve enjoyed a fantastic 13 years working within Topgolf and I’m excited about taking on this new challenge. Toptracer has already transformed the way that we watch golf, and I am looking forward to growing the brand even further throughout Europe through our Troptracer Range product.”

Williams’ journey within the golf industry began in 2000 when he joined The Belfry to begin his PGA qualification,

working there for three years, during which time the club hosted a Ryder Cup and two European Tour events.

THE CHANGE TO FUTURISTIC BUSINESS

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BIZGOLF SEPTEMBER 2018 GEAR UP

KEEP ‘EM ROLLING ! Every year we witness equipment manufacturers unveiling latest offering that are designed to hit the ball farther, higher and straighter than ever before. Let’s take a look at the best fairway woods of 2018 so far.

The TP5 and TP5x are five-layer balls with each layer optimised towards different areas of the game. The TP5 is TAYLORMADE the softer of the two, whilst the TP5 AND TP5X TP5x, which is the ball used by PRICE: $45 Rory McIlroy, is the lower spinning model.

TITLEIST PRO V1 AND PRO V1X

PRICE: $52

The Titleist Pro V1 has long been the best golf ball in golf. A new 2.0 ZG Process Core helps lower spin in the long game and increase ball speeds. The Urethane Elastomer cover gives added control and feel in the short game. The Pro V1 flies lower and feels softer, whilst the Pro V1x feels firmer, flies higher and spins more on iron shots.

GEAR UP SEPTEMBER 2018 BIZGOLF

Srixon’s latest Z-Star golf balls have been improved to offer more distance and spin, with PRICE: $40 a focus on consistency in the wind. A new 338 Speed Dimple pattern sees five different dimple sizes for a powerful flight. The Z Star has a Energetic Gradient Growth core which is softer in the middle and harder on the outside for an increased soft feel, whilst the Z-Star XV’s high-repulsion’ core increases distance off the tee. They also promise exceptional greenside spin thanks to a 13% softer Spin Skin coating.

SRIXON Z-STAR AND Z-STAR XV

The new Chrome CALLAWAY Soft and Chrome CHROME SOFT AND Soft X balls from CHROME SOFT X Callaway feature PRICE: $44 Graphene, which is one of the world’s strongest materials. Stronger than diamond! The Graphene allows the outer core to be thinner, and therefore the inner core to be larger. This helps the ball’s speed and distance capabilities

VICE GOLF PRO AND PRO PLUS

Vice are a German company who make premium performance golf balls as a PRICE: $35 lower price. They can be picked up for just £1.79 when bought in bulk. The Pro is for moderately fast swinging players and comes with Stick To The Green technology to aide short game performance. The Pro Plus is for faster swingers and offers lower spin than the Pro.

BIZGOLF SEPTEMBER 2018 OFF COURSE

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

Honma Beres S-05 T117 Complete Set Honma is capturing the attention of leisure golfers with an extravagant new set of clubs which will guarantee that you’ll stand out on the course. The company’s Honma Beres S-05 T117 Complete Set is a one-of-a-kind set of clubs with gold plated heads. Only 10 of these gilded sets have been created. They all feature custom shafts and are designed to offer the highest performance thanks to their optimally designed features. Each club incorporates the shape, size and design required to play your best game. Price: US$ 70,000

Chanel’s iconic no 5 Red Edition Chanel has given their perfume a tempting new look with a limited-edition range of bottles. The simple, rectangular bottle retains its shape, but it gets a bold new color: red. It’s an obvious choice for a brand that is as obsessed with femininity as it is with classic style. While the scent itself will stay the same, it will be available in three varying intensities: Eau de Parfum, Parfum, and L’Eau of which Parfum is the most intense and L’Eau the least. The Parfum will be offered in a 900ml bottle made of red Baccarat crystal. Only 55 of these crystal bottles have been created. Price: US$ 365

OFF COURSE SEPTEMBER 2018 BIZGOLF

Tag Heuer 45 Connected Modular Full Diamond Tag Heuer’s new launch comes with a bold claim, the company has stated that the Tag Heuer 45 Connected Modular Full Diamond is the most expensive smartwatch in the world! The Connected Modular watch features a 45mm case crafted from 18k polished white gold. Its bezel, lugs, and bracelet are adorned with a total of 589 baguette cut diamonds with VVS clarity. The watch is decked out with 23.35 carats of bling. The watch offers an AMOLED display screen with a high screen resolution of 400 x 400 as well as 512 MB memory and 4 GB storage. It was created in partnership with Intel and Google and uses the Android WearTM operating system. Price: US$ 180,000

Montegrappa unveils Bartolomeo Ferracina The company called Senturion has introduced a diamond encrusted bracelet that doubles up as your car key – a first of its kind. Named after the number of pieces it is made from, the S177 Collection is a unique car key bracelet that has carbon composite core and is constructed using solid titanium. It is compatible with cars built by most elite car manufacturers in the world, including Bentley, Ferrari, Rolls Royce, Bugatti, McLaren, Aston Martin, Lamborghini and Porsche. Price:: A customized key encrusted with a 4-billion-year-old piece of meteorite, which costs a whopping $270,000

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