Bizgolf Magazine June 2018 by GEC MEDIA GROUP

JUNE 2018

18 HOLES AT HERITAGE GOLF CLUB

AN ANNUAL DESTINATION ON THE GEC OPEN GLOBAL GOLF TOUR

SPOTLIGHT :

THE FULL CIRCLE JOHN DOUGLAS VOLZ / 30

BGGLOBAL082018

The key to success at this excellent Peter Matkovich design is to stay on the fairways and out of the ball-swallowing rough! / 12

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JUNE 2018 VOLUME 01 ISSUE 10

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COVER STORY

18 Holes at Heritiage Golf CLub

46 GEAR UP

Let the Big Dog Eat! Every year

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

GOLFSCAPES

BULGARIA

Bulgaria, as a country, is a mosaic of rich historic and cultural traditions, culinary delights, recreational pursuits and natural beauties. It has earned an international reputation among ‘foodies’ for its world-famous yoghurt and red wines, among the seekers of le joie de vivre for its Rose valley,

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10 SOCIAL MEDIA

Back to back US OPEN Champion Brooks Koepka

30 SPOTLIGHT

The Full Circle John Douglas Volz

36 BIZGOLF LESSONS

Hitting a Driver

38 TEE TIME

Korhonen seals first win at Shot Clock Masters

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BIZGOLF JUNE 2018 EDITOR’S NOTE

For the readers

PUBLISHER & MANAGING DIRECTOR TUSHAR SAHOO CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER BHARATH ARVIND MANAGING EDITOR VINEET MANN vineet@gecmediagroup.com

The June 2018 issue of bizgolf marks a substantial change in the content and format of the magazine. Post numerous feedbacks from readers such as yourselves; we decided to move the publication in a direction that was more relevant to the club golfers while still keeping strong our endeavor to promote and highlight the efforts of the golf industry. If you flip through a few pages, you’ll notice that our cover story of the month features Heritage Golf Club in Mauritius. Heritage GC is one of many stops on the GEC Open 2018 global golf tour. It is a pristine venue that provides top quality golf experience and hospitality - a must for every golfer out there. The Spotlight of the month tells the journey of a rock star from the 60s-70s to Golf course management in 2018, in his own words. Golfscapes features Bulgaria as a tourism destination with a customized golf-friendly travel package with a plethora of activities to keep the family engaged followed by a Special Feature on the workings of Golf Industry in India. Update yourself with newsworthy stories from the world of professional golf in Tee Time and do flip through the lifestyle page to make a statement off the course!

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BIZGOLF JUNE 2018 COVER STORY

18 HOLES AT HERITAGE GOLF CLUB

COVER STORY JUNE 2018 BIZGOLF

BY: VINEET MANN

ocated on an idyllic piece of land between rolling mountains and the turquoise lagoon of the Indian ocean in the southern part of Mauritius, the Heritage Golf Club is an ideal golf vacation destination.

Domaine de Bel Ombre takes its name from the “ombre,” a sweetwater 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

BIZGOLF JUNE 2018 COVER STORY

COVER STORY JUNE 2018 BIZGOLF

it, Telfair nurtured new species of cane and botanical plants, while introducing many new social and mechanized concepts that reformed Mauritius. Heritage Golf Club is part of the Heritage Resorts group, along with the Heritage Awali and Heritage Le Telfair hotels, just a couple of minutes’ drive from the golf course. The 27-hole golf complex by Peter Matkovich has been on my wishlist for a while. I finally got to tick this one off when I visited the club during the national qualifying round of GEC Open 2017. After a short six-hour flight from Mumbai Airport in India. I landed at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport in Plaine Magnien, Mauritius which left me approx. 45 km from my destination. It took me another hour of a comfortable car ride with spectacular views to reach Heritage

Resorts in Domaine de Bel Ombre. The Heritage Resorts property houses a multiple award-winning 18-hole championship golf course, a 9-hole pitch & putt course and three luxury accommodation options: Heritage Le Telfair, named after Charles Telfair- who used to live around these parts in the 19th century. This property is built elegantly to reflect the tradition of former sugar plantations on the island. Nightly stays start from US$ 145 per guest. Heritage Awali offers an all-inclusive package where you can avail of all amenities in the resort without having to carry your wallet around. The décor is set to accent the strong Mauritian African heritage and culture. Nightly stays start from US$ 224 per guest. Heritage the Villas are perfect for large groups, families as it offers the privacy of a villa with serene views of tropical landscaped gardens, the Frederica Nature Reserve and the Indian Ocean. Options include two to four beds pool villas starting from US$ 475 per guest. You can either pre-book your tee time for Heritage Golf Club, or you can easily get one at the resort. The resort also has reciprocal arrangements with Le Paradis Golf Club and Tamarina Golf Club that provide resort guests with an opportunity to play these courses at reduced rates. Both courses are nearby- 15 mins to Le Paradis and 45 mins to Tamarina. By mid-afternoon, I had settled-in comfortably in my sea-view room and decided to unwind myself with a hearty meal further. To one’s content, Domaine de Bel Ombre hosts over 12 restaurants and bars serving cuisines ranging from Indian, Mauritian, Japanese to French amongst others. Few recommendations are: BOMA – an open-air pop-up restaurant other offers a fantastic experience of dining under the stars to the beats of African music, Heritage Le Chateau for a taste of Mauritian cuisine, Gin’ja is one of the leading restaurants in entire Mauritius and excels in Pan-Asian fusion. Zafarani is an exciting and sumptuous take on the Indian cuisine. The resort also offers Tennis courts, fitness & yoga center, beach sports, mountain biking, table tennis and variety of other indoor activities to entertain and engage various preferences. But this was not why I was here. Next up on my mind was GOLF.

The Golf Course As soon as I reached the first tee box, I was

BIZGOLF JUNE 2018 COVER STORY

Hole #1

Hole #2

Hole #3

Par 4 | 419m (Championship Tees) A straight par 4 where you need ensure that you have enough club for your second shot to compensate for the elevation and accommodate the winds- which can be very deceptive.

Par 5 | 476m The key to playing this hole is to keep your ball in play. The fairway is not narrow yet it’s not wide enough to let the big dog eat. Watch out for the undulating green that can easily turn a par into a double.

Par 3 | 180m Aim to be under the flag on this green as it slopes from back to front. An over hit shot will almost guarantee a chip attempt to leave you scrambling for par.

Hole #4

Hole #5

Hole #6

Par 4 | 398m A slight dogleg right. Control the distance on your approach to this raised green. Aiming to miss a bit left will put you on course for a nice and easy putt.

Par 4 | 305m An excellent scoring opportunity, only if you can dare to hit over the valley for a considerable shorter distance to the pin. Otherwise you can take the safer and longer route to the right of the valley for a safe par or bogey. What would Arnie do?

Par 4 | 390m Use the right side of the tee on this hole as the ball will fly down the fairway. Keep an eye out for winds off the left. All in all a very makeable par with the right tee shot.

Hole #7

Hole #8

Hole #9

Par 5 | 517m A monster hole. A good golfer playing at his best scores a par on this one. Imperative to plan your strategy and play to your strength.

Par 3 | 211m This hole can trick you into thinking there is less space on the left then there actually is. Just keep calm and play the indicated distance. You should be fine.

Par 4 | 305m The end hole of the front nine can get heavy tail winds off the tee. Be prepared to adjust your game accordingly. Pretty straightforward layout and green otherwise.

COVER STORY JUNE 2018 BIZGOLF

Hole #10

Hole #11

Hole #12

Par 4 | 381m Similar to 9th hole, driver off the tee can be too much club because of the tail winds. This one is also a dogleg right featuring well protected green with bunkers.

Par 4 | 371m Important that you hit your driver enough to make it an easy approach on the green. If you are a short hitter, plan your game and prepare to layup down the left when going for pin.

Par 4 | 337m With smartly placed fairway bunkers, this hole requires careful approach. Use a wood of the tee to end up short of the fairway bunkers. An accurate long iron should still get you on the green in two.

Hole #13

Hole #14

Hole #15

Par 3 | 178m A score-able par 3. Aim for the middle of the green and run away to the next with a birdie.

Par 5 | 499m It will take two big hits to reach the green in two on this hole. However, that won’t be enough if you don’t pay attention to the multi-tiered green.

Par 3 | 167m The last par 3 of the 18-hole layout. Wind plays a big role in the club selection. Accuracy will bring you home in two.

Hole #16

Hole #17

Hole #18

Par 4 | 421m Ton of space on a wide fairway. You can actually blast your driver off the tee and you will most like land in a favorable position. Green is deep with pin usually setup in the far end.

Par 4 | 423m A classic misleading hole where the visible flag gives a wrong impression of the ideal line for your drive. Aim a little to the left of the middle of the fairway.

Par 5 | 523 Don’t be intimidated with the length of the hole. A careful tee shot and then an accurate approach with get you the goods. Tactical approach is the king.

BIZGOLF JUNE 2018 COVER STORY

ACTIVITIES

RESTAURANT

sure that this is going to be an immense experience. In a relatively open and always undulating environment, this excellent Peter Matkovich design has many holes lined by thick “canelike” grasses. The key to success here is to stay on the good-width fairways and out of this uncompromising, ballswallowing rough. A liberal scattering of palms and other indigenous

trees underlines the layout’s tropical credentials, while an impressive line of “telfair” trees skirts alongside the water protected par-3 13th, uphill par-5 14th and wonderfully bunkered downhill par-3 15th. Water makes several telling appearances, not least on either side of the fairway at the short par-4 9th, and again as you make your final approach to the very good, risk-reward par-5 18th, another hole played

COVER STORY JUNE 2018 BIZGOLF

ROOMS

SPA

RESORT

from a wonderfully elevated tee. The front nine takes you to the layout’s highest elevations, which together with the 17th and 18th holes, give you fabulous views across the course and beyond to the Indian Ocean. Inland the sugar-cane covered hills rise to an attractive ridge.

Fun Fact The 17th hole of Heritage Golf Club proudly

stands on the 9th position of “The Hardest holes of the European Tour.” During the Afrasia Bank Mauritius Open held at Heritage Resorts in 2015, Villas Valriche, one of the tournament’s sponsors offered to award one of its luxury villas of the value of US$ 1 million to the player who would achieve an Eagle on the 17th hole on the final day of the tournament. As you might guess, no player returned home keys in hand.

My scorecard at Heritage Golf Course was far mediocre than mediocre. But that’s more of a reflection on me than on the course. My experience playing the course first time was one full of beautiful scenery, enjoyable golf holes, sumptuous on-course snacks and a few new-found friends. Do keep this one in mind when you plan your next ‘golf-cation’ and you will not be disappointed.

BIZGOLF JUNE 2018 COVER STORY

HERITAGE RESORTS

(HERITAGE GOLF CLUB)

Heritage Golf Club is part of an integrated resorts “domains” which covers 2500 acres of land comprising two 5* hotels, 120 Villas (out of which 50 villas are in a rental pool), a C Beach Club, a Chateau, a nature reserve, leisure activities such as trekking, biking, mini safaris, motorised and non-motorised water sports, diving school, kite surf school, etc. As a tourist golf club & resorts membership is limited to our villa owners only.

COVER STORY JUNE 2018 BIZGOLF

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? Millennial represents around 15% in terms of total golf rounds (36,000 yearly) at Heritage Golf Club and we also work closely with the Mauritius Golf Federation to promote the game among the juniors. Nongolfers tourists are offered a weekly free golf initiation whereby our Resorts mini clubs & teens club integrate these initiations in their respective weekly program.

How has the club made use of technological advances in the past 5 years to enhance the visitor/golfer experience? We have introduced the latest GPS technology on the buggies in five languages. The skate caddies are also available at HGC and which is quite successful among young golfers. We also offer the night golf on our Par 3 nine hole course.

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? We are officially present on FB, 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: Facebook: 15 300 followers https://www. facebook.com/HeritageGolfClub/ Twitter: 2 222 followers https://twitter.com/ HeritageGolf Golf club page: http://www.heritagegolfclub. mu/ Heritage Resorts page: https://www. heritageresorts.mu/ In terms of club’s annual revenue, can you please indicate the contributing share of following activities only in percentages? (This is just a get an indicative idea of the various revenue sources and spending trend on the golfers): Membership fee: 4% Tournament/Events revenue: 2% Catering and F&B: 12% Guest and Green Fee: 58%% Driving Range: 1% Pro Shop merchandising: 8% Any other source of revenue: Golf lessons, Golf cart & equipment rental: 15%

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? 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.

What are the various marketing activities/ events hosted by the club as part of the marketing initiatives to promote the club. As part of an integrated Golf Resorts, we: 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 (on-line & off-line) golf Tour Operators worldwide l Advertorials in various golf magazines mainly on rooms barter l On-line adverts (less expensive than paper)

Anything else that you want our readers to know about your club? Main attraction for golfers staying at Heritage Resorts is that the daily green fees (excluding buggies) are included in the accommodation package & playing at Heritage Golf club.

BIZGOLF JUNE 2018 GOLFSCAPES

BULGA Bulgaria, as a country, is a mosaic of rich historic and cultural traditions, culinary delights, recreational pursuits and natural beauties. It has earned an international reputation among ‘foodies’ for its world-famous yoghurt and red wines, among the seekers of le joie de vivre for its Rose valley, numerous sea, ski and spa resorts and among the connoisseurs of historical heritage for its ancient treasures and remains of old civilizations. Cape Kaliakra is located some 50km away from Varna and only one and a half hours flight from Vienna and Prague. Here you have the chance to play golf on three of the finest signature golf courses in Europe! The three courses Lighthouse Golf Resort, Black Sea Rama and Thracian Cliffs are located in a 6-km radius from each other and all three off them offer amazing views of the Black Sea and great design.

GARIA

PICTURES: SH UTTER STO C K

GOLFSCAPES JUNE 2018 BIZGOLF

BIZGOLF JUNE 2018 GOLFSCAPES

ENJOY COMPLIMENTARY GOLF ROUNDS AT: THRACIAN CLIFFS GOLF COURSE 2 ROUND

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THRACIAN CLIFFS 2018 DURATION

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BIZGOLF JUNE 2018 GOLFSCAPES

Accommodation: Seven-night stay at Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort. Choice of stay at spacious 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, with large terraces and spectacular views to the Black Sea and the lush golf course. Guests will be accommodated in two quiet and peaceful villages- Marina & Hillside Village, that are separated by a beautiful lake and also offer a stunning landscape view of the sea. The package included all return golf and airport transfers from the Varna Airport

Unwind Located on the seafront of Thracian Cliffs Golf and Spa Resort, the Bendida beach is an unspoiled and cosy spot. Easy to find and hard to leave, Bendida beach is the right place to escape heat, eat, drink and be merry during the day. The beach also offers a number of water sports activities such as Jet Skiing, Parasailing, Wind Surfing, Kayaking, Scuba Diving, Beach Volleyball etc. With a unique seashore barbeque and bar in Moroccan style, the Bendida beach is the ideal place to enjoy a cool beverage or a light meal, followed by a quick dip in the sparkling sea! The original brasserie serves seasonal, local & freshly food, prepared on a volcanic stones barbeque. Party people can savor original sangria and cocktails or choose from a selection of white wines and roses.

GOLFSCAPES JUNE 2018 BIZGOLF

Gastronomy Thracian Cliffs offers three dining options: The main restaurant with the diversity of Bulgarian and Provencal colorful gastronomic repertoire, the Club house with relaxed atmosphere, offering snacks and light meals, and seashore barbeque & bar in Moroccan style with exotic menu.

GOLF COURSES BlackSeaRama Golf Course Holes 18 | Par 72 | length 6648 m Designer: Gary Player Signature

BlackSeaRama is a Gary Player Signature championship golf course and villa resort in Bulgaria with modern, luxurious accommodation and breathtaking sea views offered to those seeking a premier holiday retreat. This exclusive gated seaside community features a world class 18-hole signature golf course and unbelievable views of Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast. From a flat terrain, a magnificent classical cliff-top links golf course is created, with intimacy at very each of the fairways and with greens, often exceeding the regular sizes. The whole design is fulfilled with respect towards the player, as it gives him/her a maximum of the chance for a good round at a highclass golf course, where the wind - as it is usual when close to the sea - is often a significant factor. The historic fishing port of Balchik and the renowned Golden Sands resort are also within easy access offering a whole range of facilities for holidaymakers apart from the golfing fraternity.

BIZGOLF JUNE 2018 GOLFSCAPES

Lighthouse Golf Course Holes 18 | Par 71 | Length 6100 m Designer: Ian Woosnam

Designed by European Golf Design with Ian Woosnam as the headline-grabbing architect, the Lighthouse course has been fashioned to complement the other two Gary Player-designed courses that occupy this part of the Cape Kaliakra landscape with fairways laid out around several pockets of residential development and a routing that occasionally takes holes towards the cliff tops. Contributing to the stunning scenery are the outstanding natural landscapes around which Ian Woosnam has created a brilliant selection of holes. The golf course offers an exciting challenge to both professional players and amateurs alike. Lighthouse course boasts a fine set of five short holes, two on the front nine and three on the back nine. Undoubtedly, the best of these par threes is saved until last, at the 164-yard 17th, where water protects the front right hand side of the green.

Thracian Cliffs Golf Course Holes 18 | Par 72 | Length 6022 m Designer: Gary Player

Framed by rugged coastal cliffs and the vast blue of the Black Sea, the 18-hole Gary Player designed Signature course at Thracian Cliffs is one of the most dramatic golf courses on earth. The course is routed, hole after hole, along the cliffs on magical land of the once powerful Thracian kingdoms. The setting is pure theatre and Gary Player is quite rightly enthusiastic about the site. “You will not find another golf course like this anywhere on the planet”, commented the Black Knight Gary Player. “Pebble Beach is renowned as the best site and I would say Thracian Cliffs is twice as good as Pebble Beach.” “I have to say, without a question of doubt, that I have never before played on a golf course where you can see the ocean on every single hole. When people come here, they are going to say Thracian Cliffs is the best golf course they have ever played in their life. I have been playing for 56 years and I never knew there was ground like this on the planet for a golf course.”

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BIZGOLF JUNE 2018 SPOTLIGHT

The

Full

Circle By John Douglas Volz Imperial Golf Estate

came to golf late in my life as for the greater earlier part, was a musician and entertainer. After my last band broke up in Florida, I worked at a bar in Tallahassee. There, on rainy days, local golf professionals would come in for a beer and play billiards. I befriended one of them, Brad Doren, who would become my mentor and ultimately responsible for me coming to India. He thought I had the makings of a good club professional, as we call it, and invited me to work at this club, Killearn Country Club. From there I learned all about

golf operations and teaching from him and a Senior Tour player named Bert Yancey. I joined the PGA of America’s apprentice program and followed my friend all over Florida until ending up in Ft Pierce at a club called Meadowood Golf & Tennis Club. It was here I got to spend 7 years with Sam Snead who had a house there where he spent winter vacations. What an incredible experience that was! We played golf, talked (and drank) together, and he was an amazing story teller. He could recall every single shot he ever made in any tournament he ever

played. He still holds the record (among many others) for having a hole-in-one with every club in the bag except the putter. You can bet I treasure those days for sure! One day my friend Brad moved to a new position on the Gulf Coast and I remained as the Head Golf Professional and at the same time received my Class A status from the PGA. Not too long after that Brad calls me and tells me Jack Nicklaus is looking for a pro to go to India to handle a new project there. A few phone calls later I’m on a plane to New Delhi. I arrived in India in September 1997. Delhi was much different place then than it is now, but still as chaotic. I was joining Classic Golf Resort in Gurgaon and really had no idea what I was getting into. The 27-hole Jack Nicklaus course was the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. I was hired as Director of Golf. Let me say now that I could not have achieved anything in this country at any facility I joined, if it were not for the people who helped me along the way. Because of Classic, golf facilities coming up later in the country followed many of the examples set by the Classic Team. As Director of Golf I set up programs, golf policies and procedures, trained the staff, introduced and conducted lesson programs, and conducted member tournaments. I remained there for 10 years and probably would’ve remained there had it not been for the massive labour unrest that occurred in 2007. Fortune, in a way, had smiled upon me as one day a young lady from Singapore via Dubai had come to see Classic and she tells me she’s looking for someone to be

SPOTLIGHT JUNE 2018 BIZGOLF

the GM at a new project called Boulder Hills in Hyderabad. Somehow she thought me capable and hired me on the spot. Boulder Hills was fun because, as with most new projects money was not an issue and I set everything up from the clubhouse to the golf course. As it was a project emanating from Arabia, I decided to go western in concept to reduce labour costs and overheads. Total staff, including maintenance was less than 50 and much was outsourced. I hired 2 excellent people as golf instructors, Indrani and Ganghadar; trained everyone and we were off and running. Novotel was sourced to operate the club and convention center. Again I say, whatever success I had at Boulder Hills, can be directly attributed to Indrani & “Gangs” and the rest of the marketing and clubhouse staff. The western style worked perfectly fine there as, at the time, the membership was 90% expat, who were already used to the idea of ‘cart golf’ and carrying their own bag. They formed a golfing group named “The Flinstones”, who are

still active today. My time at Boulder Hills lasted a little more than 3 years. From Boulder Hills I returned to Delhi for a couple of years and started my consulting firm, jovogolf. I spent most of my time as Tournament Director for the Albatross Junior Tour, did some coaching at Tarudhan Valley and Karma Lakelands, and some set-up work in Ludhiana at a place called The Imperial Golf Estate. Then one day I get a call from my friends at Tiger Sports who wanted to know if I was interested in Kolkata and the Royal Calcutta Golf Club. I joined there as Golf Director and was instructed to help improve the teaching and caddie experience, run the tournament programs and improve the daily golfing experience at the club. Caddie training was an interesting challenge as the majority of the caddies had been there for a long time and were set in their ways. Language was also a challenge as not only my Hindi was limited (read very!) but zero Bengali. Luckily a couple of the coaches translated the information to be given so I was able to

get the point across. To be a part of one of oldest golf clubs in the world was inspiring. The staff, from the top of the management downwards, did their level best to help me in any way. I particularly enjoyed working with Nikhil, Tony and the rest of the gang in Maintenance. I have very fond memories of so many of the members there as well. From RCGC, I took a year off, then one day I get a call from a very special friend, Pradeep Jain, who was responsible for bringing me to India in the first place. Did I want to come back to Imperial in Ludhiana? Yes. And so here I am today. I enjoy the work of setting up systems, programs, getting everything from a golf standpoint ready for the opening. I’m in charge of everything golf related as Imperial Golf Estate’s Head Golf Professional. Things are shaping up and I’ll be training caddies very soon. So, from 1997 to almost 2017, the journey has come full circle. Mr Jain had said to me many years ago that I would be staying in India forever. I guess he was right.

BIZGOLF JUNE 2018

SPECIAL FEATURE

The ABC of

Golf in India

SPECIAL FEATURE JUNE 2018 BIZGOLF

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

olf is not necessarily a rich man’s sport, it depends on how you approach it. Here are some tips on learning golf in India... Very few sports allow you to be called a ‘dew sweeper’ or quite simply the first one out onto the field at the crack of dawn or sometimes even before it. Surrounded by lush green fairways, a plethora of trees, beautiful water bodies and an abundance of local wildlife, flora and fauna, a golf course is quite aptly referred to as the lungs of a city. Golf offers you a great chance to spend time with nature at a pace that is comfortable to each person. Whether you are out with your family, a regular group of friends, meeting new ones, building a relationship with a business partner or quite simply spending quality time with yourself, golf is a sport for the ages and all ages. Few sports, and yes, golf is a sport (was even re-introduced to the 2017 Rio Olympics), allow people of all ages and skill levels to compete on the same platform and still have a fair outcome. While the objective of the game as Robin Williams quite aptly put it in one of his stand-up acts, “Here’s an idea for a sport. I knock a ball in a goffer hole with a tire iron! And every time I hit the ball I feel like I’m going to have a stroke! Oh wait that’s what we will call each shot, a stroke!” At first glance the game seems rather simple i.e. put a little white ball into a hole in the least number of shots, however, the

task is a lot more demanding.

Physical fitness is a must Golf requires a fair level of physical fitness (one walks anywhere between 8-14km in an 18-hole round of golf), flexibility (try swinging a golf club the way it is supposed to be swung), precision (can you hit a 4 ¼ in diameter cup from 150-300 yards out?), a strong mind (to deal with the demons that crop up in your head when you have so much time at hand in between shots) and so on. At the same time the sport is very addictive, given how hard it is to master as it helps your forge long lasting friendships. No other sport allows one so much time to bond with a person in an informal setting (an average round of 18-holes takes about four-six hours for a group of four). Golf is great even when you travel. Pretty much every city you would visit across the world is likely to have a golf course. Exploring the local terrain and nature through a golf course is probably an experience unlike any other. It is difficult to think of another sport that offers an entirely different experience, owing to the nature of the landscape. Unlike tennis courts or basketball courts that are standard no matter where you are or even a cricket pitch, which will vary on bounce and pace, but other than that, a cricket ground is more or less the same wherever you go in the world! That’s the uniqueness of golf! Thanks to a 24-hour golf channel (Ten Golf) and Neo Sports now in India and

with several Indian professionals (men and women) putting India on the world golf map, we get to see beautiful courses from around the world. Now a lot of you might think that this is a colossal amount of time to spend on a sport when compared to a few games of tennis, badminton, squash etc. However, golf has various formats and a full course has 18-holes and you could choose to play just 9-holes (about 1.5-2.5 hours) or as being done in a lot of mature golf markets, play as many holes as you wish to (3-holes, 6 -holes etc). You could even just go and hit golf balls at a driving range (a place where you can learn golf and just pay to hit balls without any questions asked). Golf is a sport for life. You can start playing the game as early as five years and keep playing it well into retirement. As long as you can walk and raise your hands and legs, you can strike a golf ball with relative ease. It’s a game that teaches you to manage your emotions, keep your mind in check, maintain calmness and test yourself in pressure situations. It teaches one a lot about how you handle situations in real life and tells you a fair amount about your playing partners’ outlook on life and how they handle good breaks and bad breaks. Mimicking life in every way when you really think about it. You would also want to know how much moolah is this game going to cost you. Let’s take a closer look at how one can learn golf in India.

BIZGOLF JUNE 2018

SPECIAL FEATURE

PHOTO CREDITS: TARUN SARDES AI GOLF ACADEM Y

Find a coach or course near you A simple web search for a golf course or a golf coach in your city will generally yield a course or a name of a coach in your city. India has over 275 golf courses. Approximately half of these are owned by the defence services and the remaining are private or semi-private. There definitely is a dearth of public golf courses in the country, but having said that, a lot of courses allow you to pay and play. Once you have identified golf facilities in your city or close to your city, call them or visit them to find out about golf lessons and coaching. The National Golf Academy of India (NGAI) has a list of certified teaching professionals (http://ngai.org.in/list-ofcertified-teaching-professionals/) where you can verify once you get a name of a coach from the club or facility you called. It is generally good to learn from a certified golf coach and the NGAI is the official body in India that certifies coaches (a division of the Indian Golf Union-the apex body of the sport in India). Not all coaches may be NGAI certified and that doesn’t necessarily mean that they may not be good. It is just recommended to try and identify a certified coach to learn the basics from. Another emerging trend to learn golf is the rise of indoor golf simulators in the country. A lot of residential properties have adopted indoor golf simulators as part of their club houses which offer a great opportunity as well. This emerging trend can be seen especially in Bangalore which has a large number of golf simulators in residential buildings. The Leela Palace Bengaluru for example has a golf simulator which

offers lesson packages with equipment and coach included. A great place to begin if you are based in Bangalore. Soon enough other cities will offer such facilities.’ Golf offers you a great chance to spend time with nature at a pace that is quiet and comfortable

Take golf lessons The rates for golf lessons generally vary between 400-5000 for a 45 minute lesson depending on the quality and grade of the coach (Class A being the highest certification). Depending on how adept one may be at the game, about 5-10 lessons should be good to give you the basics you need to get going. You can then hone your skills on the practice range/ driving range by buying buckets of balls (generally between Rs 100-300 for a bucket of 50 balls). At this stage of your golfing journey you don’t need to invest in your own golf set. You can quite simply rent clubs at the facility for anywhere between Rs 30-50 per club (a golf stick is called a club). Sometimes, depending on the coach, your lesson package will include a bucket of balls and a few clubs.

Play a round of golf Once your coach tells you that you are course ready, or if you feel comfortable with a club and ball in hand and wish to test your newly acquired skills on a course here are some of your options. You can register yourself for membership with the Indian Golf Union (IGU) – the main body for golf in India. The IGU offers memberships for non-golf club members and allows you access to most golf courses in India. Now as alluded to earlier in the article, a golf

handicap is something every golfer needs in order to play on a golf course. A handicap is essentially a gauge of your potential on a golf course. The lower the handicap number the more skilled a golfer is. With the IGU membership you can submit scores (with the consent of your coach) to get your first handicap. This handicap certificate can be presented at any golf course you approach and they will consider you a legitimate golfer and allow you to play (based on each golf courses’ rules and regulations). All you need to do once you have your IGU card is to approach your local golf club and ask them what it takes for you to play as a member of the IGU and off you go to test your prowess on the course. Some online portals such as Golflan. com allow you to buy rounds of golf through a membership platform. This is also a great way for one to start playing on courses at a relatively affordable cost as opposed to very steep golf club memberships. There are also several credit cards (Amex, Mastercard, Visa) that offer complimentary rounds of golf.

Buy equipment Once you realise that this game has become an addiction and something you will keep playing for the rest of your life, it is time to invest in your own set of golf clubs. Like in any sport, a multitude of brands and budgets exist. A complete golf set (we will let you google the intricacies and components of a golf set), can range anywhere from Rs 25,000 - 5 lakhs depending on the sophistication. Depending on how deep your pockets run, choose the set that works best for you after you try them out. You can buy a golf set online through various websites but ideally you should visit the nearest pro shop or golf store (usually located within a golf course) to test out the clubs and gauge comfort levels.

Get the kids and family involved Golf can be a fun outing for the entire family to spend time outdoors and bond. Kids can start golf lesson ideally from the age of five onwards and several junior coaching programs exists across the country. Chances are that a course near you offers some special rates for junior coaching. A lot of schools have started including golf as part of their curriculum with the rise of the popularity of the sport in the country. We hope this inspires you to give this wonderful game a shot! Happy golfing.

BOOK REVIEW JUNE 2018 BIZGOLF

Read A MUST

THE INNER GAME OF GOLF By: W. Timothy Gallwey Publisher: Pan Macmillan

It is a book about the psychological aspect of a golf player. Any sport is as much a physical game as it is psychological. There is a lot of mental preparation that goes into playing any game. This book aims to help the golf players to deal with the immense mental pressure that they go through during their golf rounds. It also gives an insight on the emotional struggles that every player endures when they know that they are not playing their best game. And once they realize that they are not at their best how they must selfmotivate themselves to strive harder. The material is constructively communicative and provides a detail of the technical as well as emotional aspect of the game. Professional golfers, amateur golfers and people who love the game will find this book fascinating and insightful especially while practicing various concentration exercises advocated by Gallwey. The best part about this book is that it makes you create a balance between the physical aspect of the game and the psychological aspect of it. The underlying agenda is not only to make the reader a better player but also a more confident and positive human being.

BIZGOLF JUNE 2018

BIZGOLF LESSONS

Hitting a

Driver The sweet sound of hitting the driver correctly is why most of us even make it the golf course early in the morning. Nevertheless, many golfers are intimidated by stepping up to the tee with driver in hand. Does this sound familier? Teeing up the ball up with trepidation and praying that you don’t embarrass yourselves by dribbling the ball with your swing or sending it sideways into the woods? Read on..

STEP 1 Tee the ball up higher when you hit the driver. If you are using any club other than the driver, teeing the ball up 1/4inch may suffice. However, with the larger head of the driver, you should tee the ball up 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch to hit the ball well off the tee.

STEP 2 Play the ball about one ball-width closer to your front foot when you line up at the tee. Many golfer hit most of their shots with the ball played midway between their feet. With the driver, you will probably have a harder time hitting the ball squarely with that stance. Give yourself a little bit of extra room and time to hit your drive by teeing it closer to your front foot.

STEP 3 Address the ball squarely when you hit the driver. This is important for all golf shots, but it is essential for the driver. Your left shoulder -- for a right-handed golfer -- must be facing the target. Your left foot needs to be directly under your shoulder. Your feet should be about shoulder-width apart and your knees should be flexed so you can transfer your weight easily. If you are not square to the ball, your ball will likely veer off course. An open stance usually leads to a slice, while a closed shot may result in a hook.

BIZGOLF LESSONS JUNE 2018 BIZGOLF

STEP 4 Choke up on your driver for greater control. Most golfers are looking for maximum distance when using the driver, but if the ball does not end up in the fairway, there’s no benefit to hitting it 300 yards or more. Pro golfer Anthony Kim says choking up on the club will give you greater control. “Over the years I’ve noticed that the choke gave me more control -- especially with the driver -- and I’ve never looked back,” Kim said. “Since the choke automatically makes the club shorter, I sacrifice some distance. But it’s less than you think -- 10 yards at the most and I still average 300 yards off the tee.”

STEP 5 Finish your swing with a strong followthrough. Many beginners and highhandicap golfers are anxious to see the result of their swing with the driver. As a result, they stop their swing shortly after contact. This almost always results in a shot that is blocked and goes into the rough or out of bounds. Keep your head down and finish the shot. Make sure your hands have reached shoulder height by the time you finish your shot.

BIZGOLF JUNE 2018 TEE TIME

SHOT CLOCK MASTERS

Korhonen seals first win Mikko Korhonen produced a brilliantly consistent display to speed away from the field and secure his first European Tour title at the Shot Clock Masters. The Finn entered the final day with a five-shot advantage but his lead was cut to three in the early stages and he had to contend with two weather delays at Diamond Country Club near Vienna in Austria. Korhonen is no stranger to adversity after his 12 visits to Qualifying School and he calmly signed for a round of 69 for a sixteen

under par total and a six-shot victory over Scotland’s Connor Syme. Syme holed a 5o foot putt on the last hole to take second place on his own at ten under par and claim his best European Tour finish after making just three of 12 cuts so far in his rookie season. Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts, Frenchman Raphaël Jacquelin, Justin Walters of South Africa and England’s Steve Webster were one shot behind at nine under par. “It feels great, beautiful. It’s been a long

wait so it feels so good. I didn’t dare to think about winning. When my last shot had landed on the 18th green, then I knew I had five or six putts of cushion. “Yes, I have thought that I might never be in this position. I’ve been up there a couple of times and couldn’t do it at those times, but now I’m so happy and relieved that I have done it. It’s not easy to win, especially not the first win, so I’m really happy to have done it. I have no words, it’s so good. “, said Korhonen.

KPMG TROPHY

Plucky Pedro bites back to win in Belgium Pedro Figueiredo triumphed in a dramatic three-way play-off to lift the KPMG Trophy and win his first European Challenge Tour title at L’Empereur Golf & Country Club. The Portuguese posted a seven under par final round 64 for a 22 under total, level with Sweden’s Anton

Karlsson and Welshman Stuart Manley, and then made a superb birdie to win on the first extra hole with his competitors unable to convert birdie chances of their own. Figueiredo began the day four shots behind leader and playing partner Manley but in a round of twists and turns, Karlsson held a four-shot

advantage with four holes to play, before an inspired Figueiredo forced a play-off with two birdies in his last four holes. “It feels really good to win,” he said. “It’s my first victory on the Challenge Tour. I’m beyond words, it feels really good.

TEE TIME JUNE 2018 BIZGOLF

SHIPCO MASTERS

Magic Montgomerie wins in Denmark

HNA OPEN DE FRANCE

Sergio Garcia confirms debut

Colin Montgomerie claimed his ninth win on the Staysure Tour after a scintillating final round at the Shipco Masters promoted by Simon’s Golf Club. The Ryder Cup legend, who had not won on the Staysure Tour since 2015, came from four shots behind as he fired a five under par round of 67 to take victory at Simon’s Golf Club ahead of English duo Paul Eales and Barry Lane, who both finished on eight under par. Montgomerie’s 1993 Ryder Cup teammate and overnight leader Peter Baker carded a three over par round of 75, while the Scotsman seized the opportunity to add the inaugural Shipco Masters promoted by Simon’s Golf Club to his impressive CV, after he recorded an eagle and five birdies and dropped just two shots on his way to victory. A second round of 67 saw the 31-time European Tour winner move into prime striking position before his final round, and got off to a perfect start with a birdie on the first. The day turned in Montgomerie’s favour when he eagled the seventh hole with a two-foot putt to lead in Kvistgård. A dropped shot on the ninth hole brought him within reach of the chasing pack but three birdies on the final nine holes, including a final gain on the 17th, saw the Scottish star secure his first victory on European soil since the 2015 Travis Perkins Masters.

Major Champion Sergio Garcia has confirmed he will make his debut appearance at the HNA Open de France, the third of eight Rolex Series events on the European Tour’s Race to Dubai, with the Spaniard becoming the latest player to join the star-studded field at Le Golf National, from June 28-July 1.

The World Number 14 will make his first start in France since finishing tied fifth in the 2002 Trophée Lancôme - a tournament he won the year prior - and his return to Paris for one of continental Europe’s oldest and most celebrated golf tournaments comes as France prepares to host the 42nd edition of The Ryder

Cup at the same venue on September 28-30, 2018. “I’m looking forward to playing the HNA Open de France for the first time in my career.” “I know it’s going to bring a great field and be an incredible tournament for the French fans in the lead up to The Ryder Cup.”, said Garcia.

ITALIAN OPEN

Olesen holds off Molinari to complete Italian job

Thorbjørn Olesen claimed a maiden Rolex Series victory at the Italian Open after a thrilling final round battle with Francesco Molinari and Lee Slattery. The 28-year-old needed a par at the last to secure his fifth European Tour title after home favourite Molinari sent the crowd wild with a birdie from 30 feet on the final hole, but the Dane made an excellent up and down from a greenside bunker to complete a final round 64 and 22 under par total. That was one ahead of last week’s Wentworth winner Molinari, with overnight leader Slattery third on 20 under at Gardagolf Country Club.

A bogey-free final round handed Olesen his biggest win of his career and the largest prize fund, with the 1,166,660 Race to Dubai points moving him to sixth position in the year-long Rankings. The win also gives Olesen a boost in his hopes of making a maiden Ryder Cup appearance this September in Thomas Bjørn’s European team- with points earned in Rolex Series events multiplied by 1.5 - he now sits fifth in the European Points List and just outside the projected automatic qualification spots. Slattery signed for a final round 67, with Spain’s Rafa Cabrera Bello’s 66 enough for fourth on 18 under. Ryder Cup vice captains Lee Westwood and Graeme McDowell produced final rounds of 63 and 64 respectively to share fifth with England’s Andy Sullivan.

BIZGOLF JUNE 2018 TEE TIME

SWISS CHALLENGE

Wire-to-wire in Switzerland for Schneider Marcel Schneider slept on the lead for three straight nights and on Sunday he finished the job — winning the Swiss Challenge presented by Association Suisse de Golf by six shots. The German opened the tournament with a stunning eight under par 63, and following consecutive clean scorecards over the next two days, he started the final round five strokes clear of Norway’s Kristian Krogh Johannessen and seven ahead of fellow countryman Julian Kunzenbacher and England’s Garrick Porteous. Schneider birdied three of his first four holes at Golf Sempachersee on Day Four as his lead continued to grow. However, after making only his second bogey of the week on the ninth hole, and another on the 12th it appeared there may have been some

drama down the home stretch. The 28 year old, who had been remarkably poised all week, did not let the adversity get to him, and when he birdied the 14th he had restored his five-shot cushion. A four on the par five 17th allowed him to enjoy his long-awaited walk up the final hole and into the winner’s circle, where he was greeted with a champagne shower from his close friends and fellow countrymen on the European Challenge Tour. “I can’t describe it,” said Schneider. “For four days I played really, really awesome golf and I’m so happy about that.” No victory in professional golf comes easy, and wire-to-wire victories are perhaps even more difficult, as they require a player to deal with the inevitable thoughts of winning for days on end.

BMW PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

Fantastic Francesco soars to BMW PGA Championship victory Francesco Molinari claimed a maiden Rolex Series victory at the BMW PGA Championship after the Italian soared to a two-stroke triumph courtesy of a flawless four under par final round 68. Tied for the lead with four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy heading into the final round, Molinari was composure personified as his Northern Irish playing partner struggled and the 35 year old from Turin never let his guard down after back-to-back birdies at the third and fourth moved him clear at the top. A second successive bogey-free round of the weekend and a 17 under total handed Molinari a fifth European Tour title and the largest prize fund of his career, with the 1,166,660 Race to Dubai points moving him to third position in the year-long Rankings.

The win also gives Molinari a timely boost in his hopes of making a third Ryder Cup appearance this September - with points earned in Rolex Series events multiplied by 1.5, he catapulted himself to fourth in the European Points List and into the projected automatic qualification spots. McIlroy, meanwhile, endured a frustrating final day at the pristine Surrey venue but birdies at both of the final two holes earned him a two under 70, a runner-up finish on a 15 under total and a fourth top five in five European Tour starts this season. Alex Noren, meanwhile, rounded off an impressive title defence with a 67 for a 14 under total and a share of third spot, alongside Lucas Bjerregaard of Denmark, who carded his second 65 of the week for the biggest pay cheque of his career.

TEE TIME JUNE 2018 BIZGOLF

D+D REAL CZECH CHALLENGE

Record-breaking Kim wins in Czech Republic

Minkyu Kim etched his name into the record books as the youngest winner in European Tour and European Challenge Tour history by winning the D+D REAL Czech Challenge in stunning fashion. At 17 years and 64 days, he has eclipsed the previous mark of 17 years and 188 days set by Italy’s Matteo Manassero at the European Tour’s 2010 CASTELLÓ MASTERS Costa Azahar. On the Challenge Tour, Kim betters Dominic Foos’ record by 283 days as the new youngest-ever champion on tour. The South Korean, who started the day with a two-shot lead before faltering early, was able to settle himself, and after picking up shots on the seventh and ninth, he made the turn only one stroke behind Sweden’s Sebastian Soderberg. Kim would then put on a show — taking just 30 shots to complete his back nine, which included six birdies and no bogeys, to fly past Soderberg and claim a three-shot victory on 20 under par. “I feel really happy,” said Kim. “It’s a dream. I was really nervous this morning before the round and on the first few holes, but then I made a double-bogey on six and I just wanted to get a top-three. “I was crazy over the back nine. My driver was really good, I hit such good iron shots and my putter was really good too. I was just crazy.

HOUSTON OPEN

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

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

BIZGOLF JUNE 2018 BUSINESS NEWS

CONNECTING WITH FANS

European Tour launches new ‘Life on Tour’ podcast The European Tour and Official Partner Hilton have joined forces to give fans a real insight into the world of professional golf in a new podcast series called Life on Tour. Launched this week with special guest, former World Number One Luke Donald, the Life on Tour podcast presented by Hilton will take the listener

behind the curtain to find out what life is really like for some of the biggest names in golf. Featuring some of the game’s great characters both past and present – from World Number Ones to legendary caddies, commentators and more – we dive deep inside the stories you want to hear.

No subject is out of bounds. Hosted by one of the most recognisable voices in sports broadcasting, Andrew Cotter, the first Life on Tour podcast chatted with Ryder Cup star and 2011 European Number One Luke Donald recently at Hilton St Anne’s Manor, near Wentworth.

A wide range of topics were discussed during the 50-minute sit-down, from his roots in the game, to college in America, family life, the Ryder Cup, topping the money-lists on both sides of the Atlantic, to Major near-misses and swing changes, struggles, injuries, celebrity friendships, stardom in Japan, wine and more.

CONFERENCE

USGA To Hold 5th Golf Innovation Symposium In Tokyo “The USGA has set a path forward to demonstrate our commitment to advancing the game toward a stronger, healthier and more sustainable future,” said

Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA. “We can only achieve this goal by fostering truly meaningful conversation and impactful innovation among golf facilities,

which form the backbone of the industry and provide the product that golfers around the world enjoy every day.” Presented by the USGA in

conjunction with the Japan Golf Association (JGA), the 5th Golf Innovation Symposium will present voices from around the world aligned toward the singular goal of strengthening the long-term health of the game. Over the next several months, the USGA will work closely with the JGA on a comprehensive study of facilities and golfers in Japan, the second-largest golf nation in the world. The findings, which will be presented at the symposium, will provide insights into the topics that are most important to Japanese golfers and courses, and the research will be a key component of the symposium, which is expected to attract an audience composed of facility managers and key industry representatives from Japan and other Asian

BUSINESS NEWS JUNE 2018 BIZGOLF

Guy Kinnings, one of the most respected and authoritative figures in the world of golf, is to join the European Tour in the role of Deputy CEO and Ryder Cup Director, reporting to the Chief Executive, Keith Pelley. Currently IMG’s Senior Vice President and Chairman of Golf – the company he has been a part of since 1989 – Kinnings will bring a wealth of experience and expertise in all sectors of the game to the leadership team at the Tour’s Wentworth HQ, along with valued relationships with golf’s global Tours, national Federations and

APPOINTMENT

SYMPOSIUM

Guy Kinnings Joins European Tour As Deputy CEO And Ryder Cup Director

Elite Line-Up For 12th Asian Club Managers’ Conference

corporate partners. Keith Pelley said: “To bring someone of Guy Kinnings’ undisputed experience to the European Tour is a massive coup for everyone here at Wentworth. We will definitely benefit from his wealth of knowledge and his undoubted management skills. “His experience in The Ryder Cup, stretching back over a quarter of a century, is unparalleled and his business know-how is equal to that. We have said on many occasions that we are a global golf Tour and Guy’s international profile will help us expand in that area.

ASSOCIATION

Pacific Coast Design Joins Asian Golf Industry Federation

Pacific Coast Design (PCD), one of Asia’s foremost golf architecture teams, has joined the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF). Over the course of the past 32 years, PCD has been involved in more than 50 major golf-related projects across Asia. Paul Reeves, PCD Director, said the educational programmes being undertaken by the AGIF were assisting grass-roots golf development and needed direct support from all of the

industry, “PCD is looking forward to assisting wherever we can in AGIF programmes,” said Reeves, whose company has become an Associate Business Member. While PCD Director Phil Ryan is a long-time GIA Board member, Reeves has been Secretary/ Treasurer for the Society of Australian Golf Course Architects for the past seven years. PCD’s offices in Australia act as Secretariat for the SAGCA.

Industry heavyweights Rudy Anderson, Steven Thielke, Andy Johnston and Dr Larry Ross will headline a high-profile list of speakers at the 12th Asian Club Managers’ Conference (ACMC). Organised by the Club Managers’ Association of Singapore (CMAS) in collaboration with the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF), the three-day gathering (August 26-28) will focus on the topic of 10x Your Club in the Age of Disruption. Dinesh Singh, Vice-President of the CMAS and Chairman of the 12th ACMC, said more than 200 delegates from around the region are expected to attend the event at the Shaw Foundation Alumni House. Singh said: “To keep up with today’s rapidly changing times, we need to be innovative in our approach to memberships, F&B and club programmes incorporating developments in areas like technology and sustainability. “Part of the innovative thinking is how to engage other demographics like the millennial and incorporating all genders. In line with the conference theme, we have incredible keynote speakers such as Rudy Anderson, Steven Thielke, Andy Johnston and Larry Ross. Combining their successes in spearheading their respective clubs, these speakers will be great additions to our exciting conference programme line up.

BIZGOLF JUNE 2018 BUSINESS NEWS

RENOVATION

Wentworth’s Iconic Clubhouse Gets A Makeover

Wentworth Golf Club has recently opened the doors to its brand-new clubhouse, following an investment by the club’s owners, Reignwood. Founded in 1922, Wentworth is best known globally for its associations with professional golf, being the headquarters of the European Tour. It has three eighteen-hole courses: the famous Harry Colt-designed West Course from 1926, the earlier yet lesser played East Course, which was also designed by

Colt in 1924 and the recent Edinburgh Course, designed by John Jacobs as well as a nine-hole par-3 executive course. Each year it hosts the prestigious BMW PGA Championship. In order to fulfil the continued requirements to be a world-class clubhouse facility, the iconic 19th century clubhouse underwent a complete renovation. Design commenced in 2015, with the on-site work starting in late 2017.

DOUBLING UP

FootJoy Continues Innovative Partnership With Hole19

After the hugely successful inaugural year of the FJ ‘Walk of Champions’ in 2017, which encouraged golfers to get out on the golf course and track their steps throughout the season, FootJoy and Hole19 has announced the continuation of the partnership for 2018. The FJ Walk of Champions campaign utilises Hole19’s GPS technology to monitor the number of steps its users walk on course, with golfers rewarded throughout the season with monthly prizes from FJ to encourage

participation. The innovative campaign, which saw nearly 10,000 rounds of golf entered into Hole19’s mobile app last year, culminated in the eight golfers who walked the furthest being invited to the FJ Walk of Champions Grand Final at The Grove. The finalists from across the UK and Ireland enjoyed a head-to-toe makeover courtesy of FJ, as well as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet threetime European Tour winner and FJ ambassador, Andy Sullivan, who conducted a Q&A and clinic for the guests.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Bridgestone Golf Names Dan Murphy President And CEO Murphy was with Bridgestone Golf USA from 2004 to 2015, most recently as Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. During that tenure, he helped the brand increase market share to No. 2 in the ball category, grew domestic revenue by roughly 250% and negotiated title rights to the PGA Tour’s annual World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club (Ohio). As President and CEO, he is responsible for directing the

company’s core business functions, including product planning and production, marketing, sales and customer relations. “I’ve been with Bridgestone Golf since the beginning and the passion runs deep,” says Murphy. “We make the most technologically-advanced golf balls in the world and my role is to help ensure Bridgestone is recognized as the industry’s leading example of how science and data is used to make products that improve the performance of all golfers.”

BUSINESS NEWS JUNE 2018 BIZGOLF

APPOINTMENT

Gleneagles Appoints Craig Haldane As New Golf Courses Manager Gleneagles, the iconic Scottish hotel and sporting estate, has announced the appointment of Craig Haldane as its new Golf Courses Manager. South African Craig, a well-known figure in the global golf industry, joins Gleneagles from Emirates Golf Club, Dubai, where he held the position of Director – Golf Course Maintenance, and had led golf course operations at the iconic Middle East venue for the past 11 years. Previous to this,

Haldane’s international experience included senior roles at Nad Al Sheba Golf Club, Dubai; Riffa Golf Club, Bahrain; Ria Bintan Golf Club, Indonesia; and Fancourt Hotel, South Africa. Haldane arrives at Gleneagles as it prepares for the staging of two significant tournaments over the next 18 months – European Golf Team Championships on The PGA Centenary Course and The Solheim Cup.

RENOVATION

Renovation underway at highly regarded Hilton Head course Bobby Weed Golf Design has announced that its renovation of the golf course at Long Cove Club, in Hilton Head Island, S.C., USA is underway. The course, designed by Pete Dye, opened in 1981. This renovation project is especially significant to Bobby Weed Golf Design. “Long Cove was my first assignment with Pete and the genesis of Bobby Weed Golf Design,” Weed said. “After having met him at Amelia Island Plantation in the mid ’70s, Long Cove was the beginning

of my career in design and construction and of my nearly 40 years relationship with Pete. To be back at Long Cove is very special for Bobby Weed Golf Design and to me personally.” Alongside contractor MacCurrach Golf, Bobby Weed Golf Design commenced construction on April 20. The renovation work on the par-71 7,000-yard layout at the private residential community is scheduled to be completed in late August, with the course to reopen in early October.

SHUFFLE

Toro announces Commercial Division organizational changes Toro has announced a number of key promotions, including Rick Rodier’s appointment to vice president of Toro’s Commercial Business. Rodier, a 31-year veteran of the company, succeeds Brad Hamilton, who has been promoted to group vice president, in charge

of Toro’s Commercial and International Businesses. Rodier has been with Toro since 1987 and has held a variety of operational, marketing and business management roles. He was named general manager of Toro’s Landscape Contractor Business in 2004, and then

appointed to head Toro’s Sitework Systems Business in 2009. During his tenure at Toro, he has been instrumental in a number of key company initiatives that have driven growth for the Sitework Systems Business and the company. In his new role as vice president of Toro’s Commercial Business, Rodier will be responsible for overall strategic management of the business as part of Toro’s executive management team.

Additionally, Dan O’Brien, CSE, has been promoted to director of sales, North America for Toro’s Commercial Business, a position previously held by Jim Heinze, who recently retired. O’Brien has also held a number of positions at Toro, most recently serving as vehicle sales manager since 2016. Previously, O’Brien served in executive management roles at Club Car and Superior Golf Cars of Minnesota.

BIZGOLF JUNE 2018 GEAR UP

LET THE BIG DOG EAT!

Callaway Rogue comes with company’s largest tri-axial carbon crown ever which results in utmost forgiveness. The 2018 edition comes with a 25% lighter ‘jailbreak’ structure. Saved weight is used in other ways to add forgiveness to each of the three versions, CALLAWAY including the spin-controlling Sub ROGUE Zero model with adjustable sole weights and a heel-weighted Draw PRICE: $500 version.

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 drivers of 2018 so far.

TaylorMade M4 prioritizes forgiveness and ball speed over the rest. It is truly a simple yet intelligent innovation. Carbon composite in the crown combines with a light, thin face TAYLORMADE to save weight. But rather than use those M4 grams for movable screws, the M4 pushes PRICE: $430 that mass lower and farther back for a higher launch and stability on off-center hits. The D-Type version is an excellent solution for golfers prone to slicing.

GEAR UP JUNE 2018 BIZGOLF

The G400’s four models include the standard, low-spin LST, the slice-fighting SFT and the new oversize Max that sets a new standard for PING G400 stability. The large front-to-back shape PRICE: $400 and thin crown work with a tungsten weight deep in the sole to make these Ping’s most forgiving heads ever, even though all but the G400 Max are a tiny bit smaller than any G-series driver in history.

COBRA KING F8

Cobra uses automated computer milling to form its titanium face inserts. This saves weight and allows the face to feature subtle curvature for more speed and higher launch on mis-hits. The high-launching F8 and low-spin F8+ have lightweight carbon-composite crowns and movable sole weights (slice-fighting on F8, spin-controlling on F8+).

PRICE: $400

The one with the twisted face design. The M3 has 13,000 adjustable settings and provides impeccable off-center-hit stability. The carbon-composite panels in the crown and sole that are 25 percent thinner and lighter than they were two years ago. Inspired by studying more than half-a-million shots, TaylorMade TAYLORMADE M3 believes PRICE: $500 traditional face designs fail typical golfers, so it reshaped the face into subtle contrasting curves from high-toe (more open) to low-heel (more closed) to help shots fly straighter.

BIZGOLF JUNE 2018 OFF COURSE

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

The iPad Controlled CocoOne Rather than a place for meditating, the CocoOne is designed as a relaxation lounge for couples. While you can keep it indoors, it’s really designed as a private lounge for outdoor use, so you can share a comfortable nesting spot with a loved one right next to the backyard pool. Like a heavy-duty tent, it’s also rigged to protect occupants from the sun and rain, so you can relax inside regardless of the outside weather. It comes with atmospheric lighting, onboard heaters, and an iPad app for controlling all electronic functions (e.g. opening doors, switching on the lights). Price: On request at the Delfin Wellness website

Montblanc introduces the Heritage Chronométrie Collection Montblanc has recently launched the Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Perpetual Calendar Sapphire (ref. 118513), which features the same movement as the 2014 perpetual calendar. The 2018 edition comes with a new 40mm stainless steel case with slimmer lugs, a fully polished finishing and new dial design. The perpetual calendar indications are featured on transparent counters that are in a shade of dark-blue color. Price: US$ 15,000

OFF COURSE JUNE 2018 BIZGOLF

Strand Craft V8 Wet Rod The Strand Craft V8 Wet Rod is a luxury personal watercraft. You know, like a Rolls Royce of jet skis. Like the car, it lets you show off ostentatious wealth without having to say a word. Which is why it’s a little disappointing the thing can’t be driven by a chauffeur. Designed to look more elegant than sporty, the watercraft will definitely make an imposing presence in any beach, setting itself apart from all the sporty Yamahas and Skii-doos riding the waves. Don’t think this won’t run like a beast, though. Price: US$ 49,000

Zafirro Iridium Razor Gives You A $100,000 Shave The Zafirro Iridium is a limitededition shaving implement that uses admittedly elaborate materials. The handle is made from iridium, a metal that’s sourced right out of meteorites, with platinum screws bolting the different parts together. The blades, which are encased in a stainless-steel cartridge and held in place by 16 tiny magnets, uses two sharp hair slicers, both constructed out of white sapphire, an artificial material fashioned inside a former Soviet lab in the Ukraine. These blades measure about 1/10,000th the width of a hair strand, making them substantially sharper than the ones you normally use. Price: US$ 100,000

2 18

FEBRUARY

JANUARY

GOLF SCHEDULE

18 -21

25-28

PGA TOUR: SONY OPEN IN HAWAII

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

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

1 1 -14

18 -21

1 1 -14

EUROPEAN TOUR: BMW SA OPEN, S.AFRICA

MARCH

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

2 5 -28

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

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

1-4

15 -18

22-25

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

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

PGA TOUR: WASTE MANAGEMENT PHOENIX OPEN, ARIZONA

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

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

8 -1 1

15-18

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

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

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

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

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

1-4

15-18

21-25

WORLD GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS: MEXICO CHAMPIONSHIP, MEXICO CIT Y

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

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

1-4

15 -18

22-25

PGA TOUR: PUERTO RICO OPEN

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

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

15 -18

MARCH 29 - APRIL 21

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

1-4 EUROPEAN TOUR: TSHWANE OPEN, SOUTH AFRICA

APRIL

25-28

1 2 -14

8 -1 1

5-8 MASTERS TOURNAMENT, AUGUSTA, GEORGIA

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

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

2 1 -25

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

19 -22

26-29

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

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

19 -22

26-29

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

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

19 -22

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

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

EUROPEAN TOUR: TBA (EUROPE)

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

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

1 2 -15 1 2 -15

MAY

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

CLASSIC, BAHAMAS

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

3-6

17 -20

24-27

PGA TOUR: WELLS FARGO CHAMPIONSHIP, CHARLOTTE, NC

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

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

3-6

17 -20

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

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

5-6

17 -20

EUROPEAN TOUR: GOLFSIXES, TBA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JUNE

7 -10

14 -17

22-24

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

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

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

7 -10

J UN. 17-20

JUNE 26-JULY 1

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

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

8 -10

2 1 -24

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

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

JUN. 28-JULY 1

EUROPEAN TOUR: THE 2018 SHOT CLOCK MASTERS, AUSTRIA

JUN. 28-JULY 1

USGA: U.S. OPEN, SOUTHAMPTON, NY

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

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

5-8

AUGUST

JULY

14 -17

1 2 -15

26-29

PGA TOUR: THE GREENBRIER CL ASSIC, WEST VIRGINIA

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

5-8

1 2 -15

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

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

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

5-8

19 -22

EUROPEAN TOUR: IRISH OPEN, REPUBLIC OF IREL AND

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

9 -1 2

19 -22

9-12

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

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

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

1 2 -15

2 6 -29

PGA TOUR: JOHN DEERE CL ASSIC, SILVIS, IL

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

2 -5

16 -19

23-26

PGA TOUR: WGC-BRIDGESTONE INVITATIONAL , AKRON, OHIO

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

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

2 -5

16 -19

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

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

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

8 -1 2

OCTOBER

SEPTEMBER

EUROPEAN TOUR: EUROPEAN GOLF TEAM

NOVEMBER

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

2 1 -24

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

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

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

2 3 -26

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

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

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

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

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

CHAMPIONSHIPS, SCOTL AND

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

6 -9

20 -23

27-30

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

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

PGA TOUR: BMW CHAMPIONSHIP, NEW TOWN SQUARE, PA

6 -9

20 -23

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

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

13 -16

24 -25

EUROPEAN TOUR: KLM OPEN, NETHERL ANDS

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

13 -16

2 5 -30

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

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

4 -7

18 -21

25-28

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

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

18 -21

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

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

29-31

LPGA TOUR: UL INTERNATIONAL CROWN, INCHEON, SOUTH KOREA

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

1 1 -14

2 5 -28

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

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

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

1 1 -14

2 5 -28

EUROPEAN TOUR: BRITISH MASTERS SUPPORTED BY SKY SPORTS, TBA

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

1-4

7 -10

15-18

EUROPEAN TOUR: TURKISH AIRLINES OPEN, ANTALYA, TURKEY

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

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

8 -11

15-18

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

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

5 -9

15 -18

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

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

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

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

AUSTRALIA AZERBAIJAN BAHRAIN BOTSWANA CANADA CHINA EGYPT FRANCE GHANA

INDIA INDONESIA ITALY KAZAKHSTAN KENYA MALAYSIA MAURITIUS NEW ZEALAND NEPAL

PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES

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

50 QUALIFYING ROUNDS

3,700 C-LEVEL EXECUTIVES

SWITZERLAND THAILAND TURKEY UAE UNITED KINGDOM US ZIMBABWE