Bizgolf October 2018

OCTOBER 2018

H LES 18

AT REAL CLUB SEVILLA GOLF

FEATURE :

GEC OPEN 2018 SURGES AHEAD

TOURNAMENTS HELD IN CANADA, INDONESIA , KENYA, ASSAM, BOTSWANA, AND SOUTH AFRICA

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BGGLOBAL082018

Located just outside Sevilla, it is a master piece by José María Olazábal. A excellently crafted layout occupies a relatively open, lightly tree-planted environment with holes laced with a profusion of stylish bunkering, several threatening water hazards and plenty of rolling earth mounds / 12

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OCTOBER 2018 VOLUME 02 ISSUE 01

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COVER STORY

At Real Club Sevilla Golf

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GEAR UP

The latest shoes push the limits on comfort The use of new

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and innovative materials has led to the tremendous technological growth,

GOLFSCAPES

SOUTH AFRICA

An epic country on the southern tip of the continent, golf South Africa oozes richness in its nature and wildlife that visitors can soak up in all corners of the country. It feels at times that the oceans, animals, and veneration you see when golfing are spilling over on to the golf course.

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OFF COURSE

Johnnie Walker launches its first 50-year-old whiskey

MORE GOLF

10 SOCIAL MEDIA

twitter banter #RyderCup

30 GEC OPEN

GEC Open 2018 continues engaging global leadership

38 BIZGOLF LESSONS

Hit Long irons like shorter ones

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BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2018 EDITOR’S NOTE

GEC Open 2018 keeps on eliminating borders Since the last issue of bizgolf, GEC Open 2018 global golf tour traveled to seven countries hosting eight national qualifying rounds in Canada, Indonesia (Jakarta & Bali), Kenya, Mauritius, Assam, Botswana, and South Africa. A total of 650 avid golfers and industry stalwarts participated in the golfing extravaganza and marked their introduction into the GEC Ecosystem. Over 17 winners have reserved their berths in the world final – Dubai Corporate Golf World Cup – set to be played on 12th and 13th December at Jumeirah Golf Estates and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. Flip a few pages are read all about them in our special feature on the GEC Open 2018.

Next up are qualifying rounds in India – Bhubaneswar, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Goa being organized in association with Callaway. Golf rounds in the Middle East – Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Bahrain, and Egypt are also scheduled for November.

In this issue, our cover story of the month features Spain’s Real Club Sevilla Golf located in the historic city of Seville. The Spotlight of the month features one of the best driving range in India – Hamoni Golf Camp, working on a model that is much needed in India to grow the sport. Golfscapes features a truly unique tour package of South Africa covering almost all major golf tourism destinations. , as an off-beat golf tourism destination followed by golf lessons on hitting your long irons as good as shorter ones.

Update yourself with newsworthy stories from the world of professional golf and Golf industry in Tee Time and Business News. Remember to check out 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 OCTOBER 2018 SOCIAL MEDIA

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12

BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2018 COVER STORY

GEC OPEN VENUE OF THE MONTH

H LES 18

AT REAL CLUB SEVILLA GOLF

BY: VINEET MANN

S

eville is a doorway to the past. While some cities blast you away as soon as reach there, others take their own sweet time to win you over. Seville charms, disarms and eventually, seduces.

Lorded over by a colossal Gothic cathedral, its historic center, is an intoxicating mix of resplendent Mudéjar palaces, baroque churches and winding medieval lanes. Flamenco clubs keep the intimacy and intensity of this centuries-old tradition alive while aristocratic mansions recall the city’s past as a showcase Moorish capital and, later, a 16th-century metropolis rich on the back of New World trade. But while history rever-

berates all around, Seville is as much about the here and now as the past. It’s about eating tapas in a crowded bar or seeing out the end of the day over a drink on a buzzing plaza. The sevillanos have long since mastered the art of celebrating and the city’s great annual festivals, notably the Semana Santa and Feria de Abril, are among Spain’s most heartfelt.

Seville golf holidays offer sports and culture, allowing visitors to explore the city’s rich history and also get some golf in on their break. Seville is easily accessible due to the fact it has its international airport.

The region is situated in Andalucia, and

the golf courses in the region are all located to the south of the city, these are courses such as the Real Club de Golf Seville, Hato Verde Golf Course, and Zaudin. The Real Club de Golf Seville has hosted the Spanish Open on the European Tour on many occasions. GEC Open made its debut here recently with the first ever Spanish qualifier for the global tournament held at the Jose Maria Olazabal design. It is now an annual feature on GEC Open global golf tour where two winners get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of representing their national colors at the GEC Open World Final – Dubai Corporate Golf World Cup.

COVER STORY OCTOBER 2018 BIZGOLF

Located just outside Sevilla, on the way out to the town of Alcala de Guadaíra, Real Club Sevilla Golf was granted its Royal status soon after opening for play in 2002.

This excellently maintained golfing oasis is surrounded by a mix of rural countryside and residential housing, while in the distance one or two light industrial views are also thrown in. Close to, but not within sight of the Guadaíra River and the Parque Natural de Oromana nature park, Royal Seville’s proximity to Andalucía’s ancient capital city makes this an attractive destination for golfers exploring the highlights of southern Spain.

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BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2018 COVER STORY

FACILITIES The 2,000-m2 Club House offers comfortable lounges, a games room, a restaurant, a cafeteria, locker rooms with saunas, golf club storage facilities, offices and a Pro shop. The Sports Club houses function and meeting rooms overlook a large garden and swimming pool. This area also contains other locker rooms and sports facilities. The Children’s Club is the ideal place for the little ones to have fun. It has a restaurant, games and TV room, kindergarten, locker rooms, swimming pools, a play area with large gardens and a multi-purpose sports court.

The driving range is also a sight to be seen: It boasts no less than 60 tees, 30 of which are covered. Next to it, one can find various practice greens.

A range of sport, leisure and children’s offers are also available to visitors so that everyone can feel comfortable here. Antonio Cordones’ noble club restaurant serves as a popular meeting point to pass the day of golf in review while enjoying Mediterranean or

international dishes.

Around and about : WThe southern part of Andalucia plays host to a few golf courses - El Rompido, Zaudin, Hato Verde Golf Course, etc. The region is further boosted by luxury hotels such as Parador de Carmona Sevilla and Golf Resort El Rompido Hotel & Apartments. There are plenty of other adventure activities to do in Seville such as Surfing, Canyoning, and Rappelling among others.

The province of Seville is a mosaic of cultures whose roots are buried in the remote past. The great river basin of the Guadalquivir, the Sierra Morena mountains and the marshes of the Doñana Nature Reserve offer visitors a scenic map of extensive wetlands and a sanctuary for a variety of birdlife.

You can explore mountain paths among lush Mediterranean vegetation, contemplate the fighting bulls grazing in pastures dotted with ancient holm oaks, or lose yourself in gently sloping lands with inviting villages and mon-

umental cities which are living testimony to a historical past of unparalleled splendor.

Gastronomy:

Game meats, pork products made from pigs raised in the mountain pastures, rice from the rice fields of the Guadalquivir marshes, and the fish and shellfish from the Andalusian coast comprise the ingredients of varied gastronomy, which has its maximum expression in its “tapas.” The custom of visiting bars, taverns and “tascas” (typical watering holes) is widespread throughout the villages, towns, and cities in the Sevillian geography.

The fare also includes hearty soups and stews, and the traditional sweets and handmade pastries of the district of Estepa.

Fun Fact : This fantastic golf course, rated the 3rd best in all of Spain was the host course of the 2004 World Cup of Golf, 2008, 2010 & 2012 Spanish Opens and the 2009 Andalucian Open.

COVER STORY OCTOBER 2018 BIZGOLF

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GOLF COURSE Olazabal’s excellently crafted layout occupies a relatively open, lightly tree-planted environment. The holes are laced with a profusion of stylish bunkering, several threatening water hazards and plenty of rolling earth mounds, on which the lush, ball-grabbing grass is best avoided if you can. Generally, good-width, inviting fairways should provide confidence from the tee, but the key technical challenge will be hitting the heavily bunkered and smallish greens,

not least when they sidle up alongside the water hazards.

The course is a par 72 and measures 6,529 meters. Its highly balanced design makes it an excellent venue for any highlevel competition, be it amateur or professional. The course covers an area of 61 Ha. And boasts over 10,000 trees belonging to many different species, most of them native.

Spectacular bunkers and four lakes

covering more than three hectares make it a pleasant and challenging course. The strategically placed lakes surround many holes on the course, lowering the temperature and adding to the course’s charm.

There is also a 120-meter wide, 260-meter long driving range sown with Bermuda 419 - as are the fairways. Next to the practice ground are the large putting and chipping greens, with gradients similar to those found on the course’s greens.

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BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2018 COVER STORY

Hole #1 Par 4 | 378 Yards (Championship Tees)

Hole #2 Par 4 | 470 Yards

Hole #3 Par 3 | 168 Yards

Hole #4 Par 4 | 436 Yards

A medium par 4 to start a spectacular course, it requires accuracy from the tee, a driver to the left-hand side of the fairway to avoid the two bunkers on the right will leave us with a short iron for our second shot into the green.

Key

A great looking par three from a raised tee with spectacular views to a green surrounded by water, it is the shortest par three on the course, the player will play a medium iron to reach the green.

It is one of the toughest holes on the course, stroke index 2. A good driver will be necessary to avoid hitting a long iron/hybrid for our second shot. Pin position will be determinant to decide the difficulty of the hole.

A long par four that needs a good drive and an accurate second shot with a medium iron to a very well protected green, with three bunkers. The green is undulated with three tears.

COVER STORY OCTOBER 2018 BIZGOLF

Hole #5 Par 5 | 514 Yards

A very straight forward par 5 and a great chance for birdie. A strong slice to the right-hand side of fairway could end up in water, the hole is played a bit uphill but very straight with a bunker on the left side of the fairway. A good drive will leave you a chance to reach the green in two shots to an easy entrance to the green.

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Hole #6 Par 4 | 452 Yards

The tee shot appears tight from the tee box as landing area is well protected by water on the left and two bunkers on the right. The fairway opens up considerably when you carry the water, but you need an accurate mid-iron to a very well protected green with four bunkers and two tears.

Hole #8 Par 4 | 379 Yards

Stroke index 16, it is the second shortest par four on the course, played as it looks, very straight and it does not present any dangers apart from two small bunkers on both sides of the fairway. We will have a short iron in our hands to attack the pin for the second shot.

Hole #7 Par 3 | 231 Yards

A hole slightly uphill that needs to be played with a long iron or a hybrid.

Entrance to the green is protected by three bunkers.

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BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2018 COVER STORY

Hole #9 Par 5 | 546 Yards

Out of bounds on the left-hand side of the fairway for the entire hole.

The large green is surrounded by water and bunkers; it makes reaching in two only an option for the longest of hitters. Find the green in regulation, and you should at least make par.

Hole #11 Par 3 | 198 Yards

A small green protected by five bunkers, it is necessary to hit a very accurate mid/long iron to an undulating green with two tears.

Hole #10 Par 4 | 422 Yards

A slight dog-leg to the right. It requires accuracy from the tee as you do not want to end up in the fairway bunkers for a second shot into a green with water on the right and a bunker after the green.

Hole #12 Par 4 | 379 Yards

Dog-leg to the right, hole 12 is a short par four without too many dangers; pin position will be determinant to attack the pin for our second shot.

Hole #13 Par 5 | 517 Yards

A recovery hole, chance to reach the green in two shots for the long hitters, out of bounds on the far left-hand side of the fairway and very undulating green.

COVER STORY OCTOBER 2018 BIZGOLF

Hole #14 Par 4 | 429 Yards

Stroke index five but one of the toughest holes on this course. A tight drive between trees to both sides of the fairway is needed here, the second shot with a mid/long iron to a green protected by front and lateral water to the left as well as a bunker to the right, if that was not all, green is very undulating and has two defined tears.

Hole #16 Par 5 | 523 Yards

Another recovery par five if you are a safe player. A good drive may leave possibilities to reach the green in two shots for the longest hitters if they are brave enough to carry 20m of water in front of the green. Distance needs to be well calculated as there is a bunker at the end of the green.

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Hole #15 Par 4 | 437 Yards

Stroke index 1, a long and complicated par 4. Another tight drive as we do not want to be blocked by bunkers, trees on the left or in the water on the right for our second shot. If a good drive, second shot requires a mid-iron into a flat green protected by bunkers on both sides.

Hole #17 Par 3 | 226 Yards A tough and long par 3, we will have a long iron or wood in our hands to a very undulating green with two bunkers surrounding it.

Hole #18 Par 4 | 432 yards

Signature hole. A long par 4 to finish with numerous dangers to avoid. Anything pulled too far left will find the lake and the possibility to destroy your round, you also need to avoid the bunker on the right. If dangers are avoided, however, a long second shot to another green protected by water on the front/left and a bunker on the right. A classic finishing hole that you will want to play time and again.

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BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2018 GOLFSCAPES

SOUTH AFRICA An epic country on the southern tip of the continent, golf South Africa oozes richness in its nature and wildlife that visitors can soak up in all corners of the country. It feels at times that the oceans, animals, and veneration you see when golfing are spilling over on to the golf course. Golf in South Africa finds a perfect balance of supernatural and design sense that is gifted to so many of the layouts no matter what direction you turn.

South Africa golf has also produced more great golf champions than almost anywhere on earth from Player to Els and Loche to Goosen. The country has 18 major championship trophies on its mantle, and Gary Player is in an elite company of only four other golfers who have completed golf’s career grand slam, winning the Masters, US Open, The Open

Package South Africa Roundtrip 2019 Duration: 16N/17D | 9 golf rounds Price starts from US$ 8700 per person

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Championship, and US PGA Championship. There’s no doubt that this success on the global stage has helped accelerate the growth of the sport in the country, and the golf courses in South Africa that have been developed in recent decades are a direct result of that.

When you golf in South Africa you will notice that accessibility to the courses is a

Cape Town: 1. Steenberg Golf Course 2. Clovelly Country Club 3. Erinvale Golf Club Knysna: 1. Simola Golf Club 2. Pezula Championship Golf Club George: 1. Fancourt Outeniqua Golf Course

common thread that has made the sport available for the masses to play. This has contributed to the professional success the country has enjoyed on the global stage.

In all cases, the international visitor can gain access to South Africa golf including both high-end resorts and also renowned member-based clubs that open their doors to visitors on quieter weekdays.

Mossel Bay: 1. Pinnacle Point Golf Club Randburg: 1. Randpark Golf Club Johannesburg: 1. The River Golf Club

GOLFSCAPES

OCTOBER 2018 BIZGOLF

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ACCOMMODATION With a wide range of classy suites, stylish restaurants, and world class facilities, resorts in South Africa guarantee a holiday oozing panache and glamour.. Here are a few included in your package:

Cape Town Eight-night stay at Andros Boutique Hotel including breakfast. A gracious Cape Dutch homestead, built in 1908 and designed by Sir Herbert Baker. Restored and updated, carefully preserving its oldworld charm, the house is set in large, mature park-like gardens in heart of Claremont, one of Cape Town’s beautiful Southern suburbs.

The Manor house is furnished in an elegant and traditional style, complementing the original features in this beautiful, graceful home.

George Three- night stay at the Manor House boutique hotel. It is the crown of the Fancourt estate. As a National Monument, the Manor House presents a meticulous remodeling of its historical counterpart, the Blanco House, while encompassing the distinctive air of a world-class, 21st-century destination.

Kruger National Park

Three- night stay at the Ngala Safari Lodge.

Protected by a living canopy of immense mopane and tamboti trees, Ngala Safari Lodge carves out a set of intimate, elegant spaces sheltered in harmonious seclusion by the thick vegetation.

Twenty thatched cottages with shaded verandas nestle among the trees, ensuring the perfect privacy of your retreat.

Johannesburg Two-night stay at the Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa, a 5-star venue positioned about 6 km from Emmarentia Dam. The charming hotel was built in 2000 and refurbished in 2010. A convenient setting offers easy access to a zoo and a stadium as well as boasts proximity to a botanical garden and parks. Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa is connected with other parts of Johannesburg due to a train station located nearby.

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BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2018 GOLFSCAPES

GASTRONOMY

On the shore of Table Bay, Cape Town is South Africa’s premier fine-dine destination.

Dining in Cape Town is a memorable experience, with the freshest ingredients, beautiful interiors, breathtaking views, and world-class wines. Here are a few places you must try:

The Roundhouse & The Rumbullion Impeccable service and sublime luxury are on offer at The Roundhouse, a Unesco World Heritage Site, which combines a beautiful natural setting and unique, individual dining spaces bursting with character and historical interest. Individual dining areas, each offering a different ambiance and culinary experience. Here the 17th-century philosophy of ‘a riotous good time’ is evoked through the serving of vintage cocktails, whole roasts, loaves of fresh, ovenwarm bread and decanters of wine.

Aubergine Aubergine, one of Cape Town’s culinary highlights, is conveniently situated in the Gardens area close to most of the major hotels. Experience superior, contemporary cuisine from the à la carte menu, which bursts with flavors, aromas, and textures appealing to even the most seasoned palate.

Pigalle A hit with locals for its seafood and Chalmar steak, Pigalle’s menu is fine dining with a Portuguese twist.

Entrees include an array of seafood dishes, from langoustines in lemon butter to line fish with seared scallop and black shell mussels. After dinner, enjoy cocktails on the balcony or step into the cigar bar Similarly, Johannesburg’s has a wide-ranging dining scene: from hidden spots where foodies can try local fare to excellent venues specializing in international cuisine, this South African city is full of flavor.

GOLFSCAPES

OCTOBER 2018 BIZGOLF

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Cube Tasting Kitchen Johannesburg’s Cube Tasting Kitchen offers a quite unconventional dining experience. The kitchen serves 30 guests at a time, so a reservation is essential. The lucky 30 are then presented with a pre-fixed, 10-course tasting menu, which is slowly revealed dish after dish throughout no less than three hours.

District Six Eatery Before Apartheid, Cape Town’s historic District Six was predominantly inhabited by locals; but in the 1960s, the buildings were razed to the ground, and the neighborhood’s population was displaced to make space for whites. Although located in Johannesburg, District Six Eatery celebrates the original spirit of this area of South Africa, serving homely, traditional Cape Malay fare in a lively and joyful atmosphere. Old family pictures and Panama hats hang on the colorful walls and overlook the cheerful clientele, who join this small but unique restaurant to have a good time in the like-minded company and enjoy such delicacies as bredie (mutton stew), boboties (spiced mincemeat pie) and koeksisters (doughnuts coated with syrup).

For detailed information of the package and booking, please visit: www.1golf.eu/en/tip/ south-africa-rountrip-2019

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BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2018 GOLFSCAPES

GOLF COURSES Steenberg Golf Course Holes 18 | Par 72 | Length 6320 m Designer: Peter Matkovich

Clovelly is known throughout the Cape as one of its “lesser known gems”, an enjoyable and picturesque golf course, located within the Silvermine River valley. Flanked by the Kalk Bay Mountains on one side, and fynbos-covered sand dunes on the other, this natural, the quiet and well laid out course is popular with local golfers and overseas visitors alike. Although a tad shorter than some courses, Clovelly presents a thoroughly absorbing challenge, with many excellent dog-legging holes and well-protected par-3’s.

Nestling down in the Constantia Valley wine-growing region, with the Constantiaberg mountains as a splendid backdrop, the golf course at Steenberg is an integral part of a centuries-old wine estate. Located on the estate’s eastern side, the expansive 18-hole championship layout roams its way through the vineyards and more recently established housing development.

Clovelly Country Club Holes 18 | Par 72| Length 5893 m Designer: Dr. Charles Murray

Erinvale Golf Club Holes 18 | Par 72| Length 6506 m Designer: Gary Player

Deep in Cape wine country, the Erinvale estate contains a wonderfully scenic Gary Player designed layout, with majestic views of the surrounding Helderberg and Hottentots Holland mountains. There is plenty of real estate on the flattish front-nine where water is your main danger, especially close to the greens at the testing par-4 4th, 5th, and 6th holes. The par-5 7th is an excellent risk-reward hole, demanding a final carry over a small stream for anyone bold enough to go for the green in two.

GOLFSCAPES

OCTOBER 2018 BIZGOLF

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Simola Golf Club Holes 18 | Par 72| Length 6318 m Designer: Jack Nicklaus

In recent years several new golf courses have appeared on South Africa’s Garden Route, but few can rival the quality of layout and spectacular views to be enjoyed at Simola. Perched high in the hills behind Knysna, the views down onto the Knysna River, Knysna Lagoon and The Heads (where the river flows into the sea) are nothing short of sensational. With five par-5’s and five par-3’s, Nicklaus’s layout contains many memorable holes and plenty of elevation change.

Pezula Championship Golf Club Variety, a roller-coaster ride (especially if the wind is blowing) and magnificent views ensure Pezula’s place as one of the Garden Route’s most exciting golf destinations. This impressive and undulating tract of coastal land is home to a thoroughly absorbing and always challenging golf course. The front-nine keeps you a kilometer or so back from the Ocean, on a ridge of land from which the views down into Knysna are spectacular.

Holes 18 | Par 72| Length 6355 m Designer: Ron Fream & David Dale

Fancourt Outeniqua Golf Course Holes 18 | Par 72 | Length 6312 m Designer: Gary Player

Here at one of South Africa’s best-known golf and leisure resorts, visiting golfers can enjoy three varied and challenging championship golf courses, as well as excellent practice and learning facilities. Of the three, the Montagu and Outeniqua courses are most closely related. Both are beautifully maintained parkland layouts that effortlessly meander across the pleasantly undulating terrain.

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BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2018 GOLFSCAPES

Pinnacle Point Golf Club Holes 18 | Par 72 | Length 6465 m Designer: Co-designed by Peter Matkovich and Darren Clarke

Since 1971, Randpark Golf Club has been home to two championship golf courses, the longer and tougher Firethorn (formerly the Randpark course), and some would say the more elegant and charming Bushwillow (formerly known as the Windsor Park course). The Firethorn, which is played on the north side of the clubhouse (the Bushwillow heads south), has a more open feel than its sibling.

Few courses in the world come close to the clifftop splendor of Pinnacle Point. Perhaps Old Head in Ireland, Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand and Pebble Beach in California are its closest relatives. For lovers of full-on, dramatic seaside golf, this layout delivers high octane thrills and magnificent ocean views from start to finish.

Randpark Golf Club Holes 18 | Par 72| Length 7014 m Designer: Sid Brews

The River Golf Club Holes 18 | Par 71| Length 6500 m Designer: Originally designed by Robert (Bob) Grimsdell, with later improvements designed by Rob O’Friel (1998)

Located in Johannesburg’s leafy northern suburbs, the River Club is regularly rated one of the top courses in South Africa. However, unlike others in the top echelon, this is a fully private course, only open to its members and their guests. If you should get the opportunity to play here, you will find a classical parkland fusion of tree-lined fairways, picturesque but threatening water hazards, and top quality greens and bunkering.

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BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2018 SPOTLIGHT

Driving Range Done Right H

amoni Golf Camp, India’s largest standalone golf training facility, has an impressive list of features to make newcomers enthusiastic about the game and help existing golfers improve their handicap.

In 2014 golf enthusiast & pro golfer Manish Goyal along with his brother-in-law Ritwik Kejriwal decided to put their passion for golf and their 16-acre private farm to good use to attract more people to the game they loved. And Voila! Hamoni Golf Camp was born with the idea to promote the game and make it easily accessible for people to learn. The thought was to have no dress code, no memberships or restrictions and provide equipment to ensure that people found it friendly and easy to take up

the game.

The mission of Hamoni Golf Camp is to put the game of golf within everyone’s reach while giving them a taste of the finesse, technique, and elegance that the sport embodies Hamoni Golf Camp is located in Gurgaon, Haryana and features a golf academy and driving range featuring 100 practice bays, 13 greens, 19 bunkers, and other facilities spread over 16 acres, and is accessible to all, from eager beginners to exacting pros.

In a novel design approach, the practice bays are arranged in an arc along the breadth of the facility facing nine target greens spread out on the inside. These greens are guarded by interspersed trees,

deep depressions, and greenside bunkers, and by playing to them from different parts of the arc, golfers can practice various shot scenarios.

Keeping the environment consciously in mind, the nine target greens and the two practice greens outside the Ace Pen, are all made of artificial turf, minimizing water usage. Rainwater harvesting pits further ensure that water is recycled at HGC. Getting there: CK Farm, Sector 23A, Gurgaon, opposite Maruti factory Timings: 6 am to 9 pm daily (Monday closed) Contact: +91-124-6526777

Quick Facts

SPOTLIGHT OCTOBER 2018 BIZGOLF

• 105 driving Bays • Night Golf • Nine target greens • 19 Bunkers • Four practice greens for putting and chipping • Nine-hole pitch & putt course • Certified outdoor Fitness Zone • The piano Man Garden Café • Junior programs • ladies programs • Corporate Clinics & Workshops • Swing Studio (Coming Soon) • Pro Shop (Coming Soon) • Golf instructors (Abhishek Ahlawat)

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BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2018 CORPORATE GOLF

GEC OPEN 2018 CONTINUES ENGAGING GLOBAL LEADERSHIP Qualifying rounds held at Canada, Indonesia (Jakarta & Bali), Kenya, Assam, Botswana, and South Africa After opening national qualifier in Italy, Ghana, Australia, Turkey and Azerbaijan, the global golf tour gathered pace hosting multiple golf days and engaging top corporates and industry stakeholder world over.

CORPORATE GOLF OCTOBER 2018 BIZGOLF

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CANADA

City’s prestigious golf club at The Thornhill Club in Ontario, Canada hosted the first –ever GEC Open qualifier on the Americas.

The tournament was played in the stableford format in three h’cap divisions amongst the crème-de-la- crème of Canadian amateur golf fraternity. Over 110 avid golfers gathered in a familiar setting on a major occasion to compete for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The schedule through the day was competitive yet fun-filled round of round of golf complemented with networking lunches and gala dinner.

The Duo of William Seldon and Tom Symington played smashing round of golf to bag top spot as well as an all-expense paid trip to Dubai for the World Finals where they will battle it out with champions from other countries for global bragging rights.

“We are ecstatic after the successful debut of GEC Open in Canada. This is also our maiden event on the American continent.

The event was thoroughly enjoyed by all participants and I would like to congratulate the host club and its management for their support and organizing such a fantastic event. I am glad to welcome the Canadian amateurs in the global GEC Ecosystem.

William and Tom are deserving winners. We look forward to hosting them at the world final.”

TUSHAR SAHOO, FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR, GEC OPEN.

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BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2018 CORPORATE GOLF

INDONESIA

The southeastern country of Indonesia hosted two qualifying rounds in Bali and Jakarta building upon the enormous success of the event in the region last year.

The Jakarta qualifying round was held at the Senayan National Golf Club located in the heart of the city. Over 50 top golfers from the area gathered together to vie for the coveted world final spots in a competitive yet engaging

setting. Played on September 29, the competition saw Mulatua Limbong, playing off a ten handicap, secured the top spot on the leaderboard with 39 points.

Second-placed 6-handicapper Dhani Surya Anwar had the identical score but lost to Limbong on the count back.

In Bali, the tournament was held at the pristine Bali National Golf. With participation from over 110 amateur corporate golfers from the city on Sep-

tember 30. The competition was played in Stableford format in two handicap divisions – 0 to 12 and 13 to 24.

In the 0 to 12 category, Simon Lawton scored a total of 39 points playing off a handicap of 6 edging out Pasco Arma who scored 38 points off a six handicap.

In the 13-24 category, Mastoni Damanik reigned supreme with a total of 28 points staving off stiff competition from Ramses Bastian by one point.

CORPORATE GOLF OCTOBER 2018 BIZGOLF

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ASSAM

GEC Open Assam kicked off the seven city India swing of the GEC Open 2018 global golf tour. The picturesque Kaziranga Golf Resort played a gracious host to over 40 avid golfers and corporate leaders on October 7.

The tournament was played in stableford format in three handicap categories for Men (0-9,10-16 and

17-24) and One category for women – 0 to 30.

In Men’s 0-9 category, Nagesh Singh grabbed the top spot with 33 points off an eight handicap who also bagged the Longest Drive prize while Rupankar Bhagwati finished best in 10-16 category with 31 points off a 14 handicap.

In 17-24 handicap division, Deepakananda Bharali carded 32 Stableford points playing off an 18 handicap to emerge victoriously.

Victory belonged Mamta Begum in the Women’s division with 30 points off a 26 handicap.

Pallav Borgohain secured the Closest to the pin prize.

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BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2018 CORPORATE GOLF

KENYA

The GEC Open Kenya national qualifier was held at Karen Country Club in Nairobi, Kenya on October 5, 2018. The tournament was played in Stableford format in three divisions amongst the crème-de-la- crème of Kenya’s amateur golf fraternity. Over

80 industry big-wigs came together for a competitive yet fun-filled round of golf complemented with networking lunches and gala dinner.

Anthony Murage grabbed the top spot with 36 points playing off a handicap of 4.9

while the second spot belonged to Kathendu Mutua who edged out the competition for the total of 35 points who was playing off a 12.8 handicap. For the third and final place, Fred Lobo scored 33 total points off a 6.3 handicap.

CORPORATE GOLF OCTOBER 2018 BIZGOLF

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BOTSWANA

GEC Open returned to the African country of Botswana yet again for GEC Open national qualifier. The Phakalane Golf Resort hosts the qualifier each year amongst 100+ avid corporate golfers representing a wide array of industries that contribute massively to the

Botswana economy.

Braving tough conditions, Tumelo Selikane carded 41 Stableford points in the Men’s division edging Meempat Shankar by just one point. Selikane played off an eight handicap. In the Women’s division, Paakanyo Moseki

finished on the top of the leaderboard with a total score of 31 points playing off a 19 handicap.

Both winners have secured their berths in the World Final.

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BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2018 CORPORATE GOLF

SOUTH AFRICA

The South African elimination round of the Dubai Corporate World golf championships kicked off to a great start and culminated in three winners starting to pack their bags to join their counterparts from 34 countries for the Dubai finals in December.

The first, second and third winners were, Nkhensani Phaweni, Boyce Mkhize, and Masego Lebudi respectively. The occasion was graced by the presence of last year’s category C winner and guest speaker for the event Busi Kubayi and last year’s first category winner Freddy Greaver who

presented this year’s second winner.

The weather was great, and the highlight was the evening’s relaxed Friday braai (barbecue) where executives who played the tournament got to fulfill what the GEC events are all about which is to network and to connect them through golf and enjoy the glamorous prize giving a presentation.

2018 was the second edition of the tournament which launched in 2017. The number of players increased tremendously compared to last year, indicating the popularity of the tournament. It attracted

About GEC Open: 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

players from neighboring countries like Swaziland, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Most players promised to make the event a must play on their calendar of annual events.

The world finalists enjoy a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to compete under 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 networking 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.

BOOK REVIEW OCTOBER 2018 BIZGOLF

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Read A MUST

Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf By: Ben Hogan Publisher: Touchstone

A timeless classic with nearly one million copies in print, Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons outlines the building blocks of winning golf from one of the all-time masters of the sport—fully illustrated with drawings and diagrams to improve your game instantly.

Ben Hogan, one of the greatest golfers in the history of the sport, believed that any golfer with average coordination could learn to break eighty— if one applies oneself patiently and intelligently.-and here, with Herbert Warren Wind, and artist Anthony Ravielli, he tells you, step by step, how to go about it.

The greatest golfer of our generation has distilled his experience as teacher, player, and observer of golf into a series of richly illustrated “visual instructions” that not only can improve your game and lower your score, but also can help you get even more fun out of what many people already think is the most enjoyable game in the world.

The Modern Fundamentals of Golf is no instant and easy shortcut. There is none. But with Ben Hogan as your pro, you can master these basic movements very quickly. And then you can go on to develop a correct, powerful swing that will repeat.

As Ben Hogan says, it’s only then that you’ll “discover golf for the first time.”

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BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2018

BIZGOLF LESSONS

Hit Long Irons like shorter ones Most golfers can easily hit short irons but struggle with the longer ones. The answer to this is quite simple – longer clubs have less loft which makes it very difficult to hit a good shot. However, there is always room for improvement with some changes as illustrated:

STEP 1 Lay a club down just inside your right foot, and grip a longer iron upside down with your right hand. Now touch your chest with your left hand, so your elbow juts out. Mimic a backswing, and keep turning until your left elbow passes over the shaft on the ground Remember, the longer the club, the more time you need to square the face at impact.

STEP 2 Get into that top-of-the-backswing position you created earlier, but this time with your feet slightly closer together. Feel that coil. Now, sidestep toward the target, and plant your left foot. This lateral shift puts you in a great position to swing the club down. It shallows the angle of attack into the ball and creates room for a longer club to swing from inside the target line.

If your attack angle is too steep or from out to in, the ball won’t fly high or straight.

BIZGOLF LESSONS OCTOBER 2018 2018 BIZGOLF

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Quick tip: Always keep your right shoulder lower than the left and while swinging, drop the right shoulder, keeping like down in the follow through.

Now let’s look at a few more tips to ensure this movement:

STEP 3 Still holding the club at its neck, go back to that good backswing position, and practice swinging down and over a ball on the ground.

Try to get the handle to make a loud whoosh as it passes over the ball.

It will improve the last part of the sequence: getting the club moving its fastest through the impact area.

STEP 4 Once you get used to each of the earlier steps, put them together into one sequence. Don’t forget to start from a narrower stance than normal to allow for the sidestep. Keep working through all three parts in succession until it feels as if they’re blended into one fluid motion. Then it’s time to turn that club over and hit some shots using your new skills.

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BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2018 TEE TIME

EUROPEAN TOUR

Garcia secures Valderrama hat trick Sergio Garcia successfully wrapped up his third Andalucía Valderrama Masters hosted by the Sergio Garcia Foundation title with a four-shot victory, after weather delays took the tournament into the fifth day.

The 2017 Masters Tournament winner had been in possession of a three-shot lead when stormy conditions forced play to be suspended on Sunday night after a series of weather

delays on the opening three days at Real Club Valderrama had already seen the tournament reduced to 54 holes.

The defending champion – who also won this event in 2011 – powered to victory when play resumed on Monday, carding three birdies and a single bogey in his last 11 holes to finish the week on 12 under par at a course he counts as one of his favorites. Irishman Shane

Lowry recorded his best finish of the season, taking second place at eight under par after a final round 66. The 31-yearold – whose last victory came at the 2015 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational – had given Garcia a scare when he closed the gap to a single shot courtesy of three birdies in a row at the start of the back nine, but a double bogey at the short 15th hole halted his challenge.

Mikko Korhonen finished two shots further back at six under par, one ahead of England’s Ashley Chesters. Lee Westwood and Maximillian Kieffer of Germany were then at four under par, alongside another local favorite, seven-time European Tour winner Gonzalo FernándezCastaño, who secured his European Tour card for 2019 with his share of fifth place.

(Picture Credit: Getty Images)

EUROPEAN TOUR

Victor The Great reigns in Foshan Victor Perez secured his 2019 European Tour card with a dramatic play-off victory over Robert MacIntyre at the Foshan Open. Several players jostled for the lead throughout the final day, but it was Perez and MacIntyre who were tied after 72 holes, with the Frenchman posting a three under 69 and the Scot a seven under 65 to finish on 19 under par in total. They returned to the 18th hole for a play-off, and it was Perez who emerged

triumphant, holing a birdie after the Scot could only card a par.

With his win in Foshan, the 26-year-old moves to second on the Road to Ras Al Khaimah and after securing a memorable victory, he admits to experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions during a tough final day.

“It was really hard to go off with the lead, on a course like this which is playable,” he said. “Everybody is going to come at you. Even the

guys at 11 under could have shot eight under and been in the play-off today. It was a little bit windier, and it made some of the holes a little bit harder. I think Peter, my caddy, and I did a really good job of just staying patient and waiting for holes to get looks. The stress on top of everything makes a 15-footer become a 22-footer and all of a sudden you’re thinking about two-putting.”

(Picture Credit: Getty Images)

TEE TIME OCTOBER 2018 BIZGOLF

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PGA TOUR

TPC Kuala Lumpur Triumph for Determined Leishman

ASIAN TOUR

Maiden Asian Tour Title for Tirawat

Marc Leishman carded a final-round seven-under-par 65 to emerge from a three-way tie for the 54-hole lead with a five-shot victory at the CIMB Classic. The 34-year-old Australian claimed his fourth PGA Tour title and broke the stranglehold of the Americans, who have triumphed in the last eight editions of the US$7 million event. Leishman’s 26-under 262 total tied Justin Thomas in his 2015 victory for the lowest 72-hole total since the tournament moved to TPC Kuala Lumpur, a Golf Course Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

Argentina’s Emiliano Grillo (66) and Americans Chesson Hadley(66) and firstround leader Bronson Burgoon (68) shared second place. Thomas, searching for a third CIMB Classic victory, made a final day charge with a 64 but had to settle for a joint fifth place with Major winner Louis Oosthuizen, Ancer Abraham, Charles Howell, and Gary Woodland.

But there was a disappointment for joint overnight leader Shubhankar Sharma, who was aiming to become only the second Indian to win on the PGA Tour. However, he had to settle for a tied-10th place following a closing 72 in his debut at the event. “I feel unbelievable right now,” said Leishman, the first non-American to triumph in the PGA Tour’s only event in Southeast Asia.

He added: “Yesterday I started great and struggled on the back nine, but I think that helped me today. I knew that even though I got off to a good start, I still needed to grind because there are some tough holes out there. I managed to hit some good shots, and this is the result.

Tirawat Kaewsiribandit fired a flawless closing three-under-par 69 to win the US$300,000 UMA CNS Open Golf Championship. The 28-year-old Thai enjoyed a bogey-free round that was highlighted by birdies on the third, eighth and 11th. He signed for a 12-under-par 276 total to win his maiden Asian Tour title by one shot at the historic Karachi Golf Club. Tirawat turned his season around in victorious fashion after being plagued by a lower back injury for the majority of the year.

Compatriots Jakraphan Premsirigorn

and Namchok Tantipokhakul shared second place on 277 after carding rounds of 72 and 73 respectively.

Tirawat said: “I’m really happy about my victory, my first on the Asian Tour.

I’ve been having problems with my lower back for the majority of this year.

But I started to train up my strength and condition, and it has worked for me. I am playing without injury and pain, and that has made me enjoy my golf a lot more. “Now that I’ve won, I’ll enter the remaining tournament this year with more confidence.”

HERO SHOOTOUT

Beef crowned the Hero in Canary Wharf spectacle Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston emerged victorious at the Hero Challenge in the spectacular setting of London’s Canary Wharf . Sell-out crowds gathered in one of the English capital’s most famous business centers to watch the exciting one-hole shootout, as six European Tour stars, including the World Number Two and British Masters host Justin Rose, battled it out – striking quickfire shots to a purpose-built pontoon green in the water. Under the towering skyline, the World Number Two Rose was joined by his fellow Ryder Cup winner Thorbjørn Olesen, the victorious European Captain Thomas Bjørn, as well as the defending British Masters Champion Paul Dunne and English, stars Johnston and Matt Wallace.

Rose’s night got off to an almost

perfect start as the Olympic Champion was inches from holing out with his very first shot, to the delight of the crowds, before hitting the green with his following two shots to top Group One, with fellow compatriots Johnston and Wallace second and third respectively.

In Group Two, Dunne led the way while Olesen finished second to progress to the semi-finals, as Bjørn made an early exit.

Rose and Olesen bowed out in the semifinal, and it came down to Irishman Dunne and Johnston, as the engaging contest concluded with a closely-fought finale. With his penultimate shot, Johnston notched up 20 points to claim the title on his second attempt – having taken part in the Hero Challenge in Scotland last July.

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BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2018 TEE TIME

LADIES EUROPEAN TOUR

Becky Morgan wins the Hero Women’s Indian Open Wales’ Becky Morgan secured her first professional title with a two-shot victory in the Hero Women’s Indian Open. In her 18th year on tour, and after rounds of 72, 72, 68 and 69, for a total of 281, seven-underpar, she could finally enjoy her moment in the sun.

“It’s taken me 18 years, and it’s a mixture of excitement and relief that finally, I have done it. I didn’t look at the scoreboard until the 18th green because I knew anything could happen. I knew I was doing fairly well because I

was playing well, but I kept to myself and let it happen,” said Morgan. “I decided today I would just play my game and not worry about one anyone else was doing. I had the chance to win here three years ago but got too caught up in what was going on, so I needed to keep my head down.”

Rising stars Gaurika Bishnoi and Tvesa Malik were the top Indian players in a tie for 13th place on one-over-par and Sifat Sagoo was the leading amateur in joint 33rd.

SENIOR MAJOR

Dame Laura Davies wins Senior LPGA Championship

In record-setting fashion, Dame Laura Davies claimed her second women’s senior major title of the 2018 season

with a wire-to-wire win at the Senior LPGA Championship presented by Old National Bank. The sun was shining

in French Lick, Ind., but with wind gusts, up to 25mph, the Pete Dye Course proved to be challenging for the field.

Only four players finished at even or better and only the champion, Davies, carded three under-par rounds, making her victory even more impressive. Davies birdied the 18th to post a new 54-hole tournament record (208) and put a ribbon on the four-stroke victory over major champion Helen Alfredsson and LPGA winner Silvia Cavalleri.

“This is fantastic,” Davies said. “Winning the U.S.

[Senior] Women’s Open was a real thrill, and this is a golf course that I didn’t think I could win on. So for me, this is a real victory. I’ve always played okay around here, but I’ve never strung three rounds together. I’ve always had one big number, so this is nice.” This is Davies’ second senior women’s major title of the season after she also won the inaugural U.S. Senior Women’s Open conducted by the USGA in July, which means that she has completed a clean sweep of senior major championships in 2018.

TEE TIME OCTOBER 2018 BIZGOLF

ASIAN TOUR

Catlin scores hattrick at Yeangder TPC

John Catlin of the United States became the first player to win three times this season on the Asian Tour when he signed off with a flawless seven-under-par 65 to win the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship. American Sihwan Kim was tussling with Catlin for the outright lead right until the 16th hole where a costly bogey pegged him back to the second place which he would eventually finish at the US$500,000 event.

The local hopes of welcoming another home winner were dashed as Chinese Taipei’s Hung Chien-Yao could not surmount the late charge needed and ended his week in third place at the Linkou International Golf and Country Club. India’s Viraj Madappa enjoyed a welcome return to form by finishing fourth after missing three cuts since his maiden breakthrough at home in August. Catlin, who held a share of the lead since the second round, had a decisive birdie on 16 to thank for giving him a two-shot cushion heading into his final two holes. That advantage provided him with much relief as two straight pars on 17, and 18 saw him close with a winning total of 15-under-par 273 and sealed his place as the newest winner of the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship.

R&A | USGA

Limits on Use of Green-Reading Materials Finalised The R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA) have published the finalized interpretation regarding the use of green-reading materials in golf which will come into effect on January 1, 2019. The new interpretation of Rule 4.3 (Use of Equipment) has been introduced following a sixweek feedback period. It reaffirms the governing bodies’ view that the ability of golfers to read greens using their judgment is an essential skill that should be maintained while defining how such materials may be used.

The interpretation limits the size and scale of detailed putting-green maps and any similar electronic or digital materials that a player may use during a round to assist with reading his or her line of play on the putting green.

David Rickman, Executive Director – Governance at The R&A, said: “We received some extremely useful feedback over the last six weeks which has helped us finalize the limits. It is important that we take steps to ensure that skill and judgment are the main determinants of success in reading the greens.

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BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2018 BUSINESS NEWS

PARTNERSHIP

Sky Sports and European Tour extend partnership

Sky Sports and the European Tour have extended their partnership until at least the end of 2022. The agreement ensures that Sky Sports remains the home of European Tour golf for another four years, including the next two Ryder Cups from Wisconsin and Rome.

The agreement will see the biggest and best events from the European Tour broadcast exclusively live across Sky

Sports’ platforms, including Live coverage of the next two Ryder Cups: Whistling Straits, Kohler, Wisconsin in 2020 and Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, Rome in 2022.

The 2018 Ryder Cup from Le Golf National, Paris, will be broadcast exclusively live on Sky Sports Ryder Cup as part of the current agreement. A minimum of 35 Race to Dubai events from the European Tour, with a minimum of five

UK and Irish events, including the BMW PGA Championship the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open and the Dubai Duty-Free Irish Open hosted by the Rory Foundation. Exclusive live coverage of every World Golf Championship event, including the Mexico Championship, Dell Technologies Match Play, the Bridgestone Invitational, and the HSBC Champions tournament

Keith Pelley, European Tour Chief Executive, said: “The European Tour is delighted to extend our partnership with Sky Sports into its 30th year.

The European Tour has gone through a period of significant growth and transformation in that time, and our relationship with Sky Sports has been hugely important regarding the content and experience we can provide to the fans of our wonderful sport.

NEW VENTURES

TDJ Brings Golf Into the eSports Arena TDJ Systems, LLC releases version 2.0 of TDJ Golf, the industry’s first golf platform that brings together oncourse play and fantasy sports. This blending of reality and digital sports is ushering golf into the eSports arena.

Golfers can now partner with their favorite pros each week and compete against friends at their local golf course, or with other players across

the country in virtual pro-am tournaments.

“Golfers have always dreamed what it would be like to play with the giants of the game,” says Dante Reynolds, Vice President of Game Development and Marketing of TDJ Golf. “The explosion of fantasy sports and the growing numbers of avid golfers make TDJ Golf uniquely positioned in the market to

deliver this dream.”

TDJ Golf is launching a free-to-play virtual golf league that will commence along with the PGA Tour’s® CIMB Classic held from Oct. 11-14, 2018. Each week, golfers of all skills levels from across the country will compete to win premium golf gear. Golf clubs are also leveraging TDJ Golf’s innovative technology for their

players. Each week, courses are hosting custom virtual pro-ams in conjunction with the current PGA Tour® event.

These new and innovative weekly side games are complementary to the club’s daily and tournament play.

The platform is designed to immediately drive additional and significant revenue for the course with zero stress on their staff.

BUSINESS NEWS OCTOBER 2018 BIZGOLF

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HEALTH

Global Consensus For Golf In Race To Tackle Physical Inactivity ACQUISITION

Endless Acquires Golf Retailer American Golf The Manchester office of Endless, the mid-market private equity investor, has completed the acquisition of Europe’s largest golf retailer, American Golf, which has been owned by Sun European Partners since 2012. The deal includes 112 of the 132 American Golf retail stores across the UK and Eire, the Americangolf.co.uk and Onlinegolf. co.uk websites and safeguards the jobs

of over 900 employees in stores and at the Head Office in Warrington. American Golf was established in 1970 and has a turnover of approximately £140 million. It provides a comprehensive range of golf clubs, equipment, shoes, and clothing and employs over 50 PGA professionals and 20 Master Fitters who provide custom fitting services and specialist in-store advice.

INDUSTRY MEET

IAGTO Awards Ceremony Brings Curtain Down On IGTM

In glittering style, the 19th annual IAGTO Awards celebrated golf destinations across the globe and provided a fitting finale to another successful edition of International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), hosted this year in Slovenia. The 21st edition of IGTM – the world’s premier global event for golf tourism suppliers, buyers, and media – was made up of 30% new buyers, demonstrating a growing optimism in the sector.

The awards ceremony, which closed the event, was organized by IGTM partner, IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators), and saw some of

the world’s best-performing destinations from five geographic regions celebrated as Golf Destination of the Year, including Scottsdale, USA; Costa del Sol, Spain; Hua Hin, Thailand; as well as the nations of Mauritius and the Dominican Republic. Also recognized during the evening in the Golf Resort of the Year category were the iconic Scottish hotel and 2014 Ryder Cup venue, Gleneagles, claiming the European award; Fairmont Chateau Whistler in Canada winning the North America class; and Mission Hills Haikou, China, taking the prize for Rest of the World.

A global consensus amongst leaders in public health, public policy and sport back golf in the race to tackle physical inactivity and the prevention of a range of noncommunicable disease (NCD) including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer of the breast and colon. Evidence linking golf and health, commissioned by the World Golf Foundation and supported by The R&A, was presented this week in London at the 7th Congress of the International Society for Physical Activity and Health (ISPAH).

The biennial scientific meeting is widely regarded as the world’s flagship physical activity and public health event attended by more than 1,000 delegates from 60 countries.

Recognition that playing golf has significant physical health and wellness benefits and can provide moderate-intensity physical activity to persons of all ages comes just months after the World Health Organization (WHO) published its Global Action Plan for Physical Activity. The Global Action Plan targets one in four adults, and four out of five adolescents (11-17 years) who are insufficiently active, and charts how countries can reduce physical inactivity in adults and adolescents by 15% by 2030. The scientific consensus for golf is evidenced in research led by the University of Edinburgh and published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Findings reveal that playing golf is associated with a range of physical and mental health benefits, and further collaborative efforts to improve access for the sport are needed.

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BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2018 BUSINESS NEWS

AWARD

Jack’s Point Golf Course internationally recognized for sustainability

Jack’s Point Golf Course located just outside of Queenstown, has been recognized for its preservation of the natural landscape at the 19th annual IAGTO Awards in Slovenia last week. The renowned course received the prestigious IAGTO Nature protection award, staged in association with the Golf Environment Organization (GEO).

Jack’s Point Golf General Manager John Griffin told www.ausleisure.com.au the team was thrilled to be recognized for their long-term

commitment to sustainability and nature protection. “We are delighted to have achieved this international recognition for our ongoing work to preserve our unique natural environment at Jack’s Point.

“Simon Forshaw, Jack’s Point Course Superintendent has been instrumental in leading the team’s sustainability and nature protection initiatives since the start of the course build in 2005. It is very much thanks to his efforts that we are privileged to have received this award today.”

PARTNERSHIP

MST in TaylorMade partnership

In a move that will certainly make waves in the industry, TaylorMade announced the appointment of MST Golf as its exclusive distribution partner in Malaysia and Singapore.

Elaborating the move, brought about by the spilt of Adidas and TaylorMade on the global stage, TaylorMade’s vice-president and managing director of Japan and Asia Mark SheldonAllen said they were excited and looked forward to the two partners growing the brand.

The partnership, effective Oct 1, was announced in Kuala Lumpur with dealers, industry personalities and media from

both countries present.

Sheldon-Allen said: “MST’s experience and strength, passion, and support for golf and the TaylorMade brand is massive, and we are excited to be working with them as our strategic partner for the Singapore and Malaysia markets. “We are looking forward to growing and taking TaylorMade to the next level in these markets.”

MST Golf CEO Ng Yap said a new TaylorMade team had been put in place under the auspices of their wholesale golf division. “This team will manage the brand and

INVESTMENT

Greg Norman Company Leads Seed Round Investment in Spalk

Greg Norman Company has announced a material investment in Spalk as the leader in a US$1.5 million series seed round alongside Stadia Ventures, Ice Angels, Sparkbox Ventures and others. A virtual sportscasting studio, Spalk’s proprietary Live Sync technology synchronizes live

sports streams with multiple alternate remote commentaries from anywhere in the world. Fans can choose a commentator for each game that suits their preferred language, style or bias – driving fan engagement while increasing audience size and lowering production costs for content owners.

Spalk was a finalist in ‘Greg Norman’s Search for the Next Sports Entrepreneur’ held at the University of Miami in March 2017 wherein Greg Norman and his team of investors held a worldwide search to discover the next successful inventors, creators, and innovators in the sport. After receiving hundreds of applications from around the world – including eight coun-

tries and five continents – Spalk, a New York City-based company with New Zealand origins, emerged as the winner. “As the world becomes increasingly more global, a one-size fits all approach to sports broadcasting is no longer relevant,” said Norman, whose Greg Norman Golf Course Design Company is a Full Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

“Demographically targeted commentary is a win-win for both fans and broadcasters, and Spalk is leading the way. I am a firm believer in entrepreneurship and to have the opportunity to discover the ‘next best thing in sport’ and give a head start to the young entrepreneurs at Spalk is special to me,” Norman added.

BUSINESS NEWS OCTOBER 2018 BIZGOLF

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ANNOUNCEMENT

PGA OF AMERICA, CBS AND ESPN reach a historic agreement The PGA of America, CBS and ESPN have reached a historic and comprehensive 11-year multimedia agreement for the television, digital and OTT rights to the PGA with wall-to-wall, live full-field 72-hole coverage of the championship, beginning in 2020 at Harding Park.

CBS, ESPN, and ESPN+ will combine to deliver more than 175 cumulative hours of live coverage from the first tee shot to the final putt across broadcast, cable and digital platforms. The PGA of America will retain the rights to PGA.com and produce the web and mobile app experiences fans have

come to expect in Major Championship golf. The PGA moves to May beginning in 2019, becoming the second major championship on the golf calendar. The move heightens the PGA’s brand and its initiatives, and further elevates the stature of the championship, as the PGA now falls when television viewership is higher, and the vast majority of PGA Members are at the frontend of the golf season. The new schedule also enables CBS, ESPN and the PGA of America to effectively promote important “growthe-game” initiatives to a larger and more engaged audience.

NEW LAUNCH

Discovery and PGA TOUR to create a International Golf Service Discovery and the PGA TOUR has announced plans to form a pioneering strategic alliance to create a new international multi-platform home for golf, delivering the sport’s most exciting moments, players and championships to passionate fans around the world on every screen and device. The unprecedented 12-year relationship, to begin in 2019 and carry through 2030, would include global multi-platform live rights, outside the United States, to all PGA TOUR media properties, totaling nearly 2000 hours of

content per year, including the six Tours operating under the PGA TOUR umbrella and nearly 150 tournaments annually, including THE PLAYERS Championship, the FedExCup Playoffs, and the Presidents Cup. Also, to live linear rights in 220 markets and territories, the alliance will include the creation of a dedicated, PGA TOURbranded, OTT video streaming service that will capitalize on Discovery’s direct-to-consumer product and platform expertise as home to the Eurosport Player.

EQUIPMENT

Cobra Golf & Rickie Fowler Announce New King Forged CB/MB Irons

COBRA Golf, a leader in golf club innovation and design, unveiled today a new line of players irons designed in tandem with PGA TOUR icon Rickie Fowler. The new KING Forged CB/MB progressive iron set utilizes the same sleek design and tour-

proven technologies that Fowler trusts to deliver soft buttery feel and unrivaled precision.

“These high-performance COBRA irons consistently deliver the workability and shot-shaping control that I need to be competitive

on course. I’ve been playing them for a few years, and know better players are going to appreciate the sleek look and soft feel, along with the ability to work the ball without sacrificing forgiveness,” said Fowler.

The COBRA® Golf KING Forged CB/MB Iron set flows from forgiving players cavity-back (CB) shape in the 4-6 irons to a traditional muscle-back (MB) shape in the 7-PW and is designed to deliver more playability compared to the full MB proto set Fowler has in

the bag. The CB design (in the 4-6 irons), features a new muscle cavity that helps maintain a workable trajectory and soft feel with added forgiveness on mishits. The traditional MB shape in the 7-PW is designed for ultimate precision, shot-shaping and scoring.

The KING Forged CB/MB irons undergo a 5-step forging process that delivers precise shaping, a more refined grain structure, and superior feel demanded by the world’s best players, including Fowler.

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BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2018 GEAR UP

THE LATEST SHOES PUSH THE LIMITS ON COMFORT The use of new and innovative materials has led to the tremendous technological growth in the golf shows today. They boast of most supple uppers, midsoles, and outsoles ever. Not only do they conform to the shape of your foot, but they help keep you grounded. Second, today’s golf shoes have a casual coolness that can seamlessly transition from course to clubhouse to office. Have a look at these options:

Spikeless shoes: Have you spooked about slipping? The three shapes of traction elements here are arranged in patterns across the sole for extra grip and lateral stability.

NEW BALANCE NBG1005 PRICE: $100

Instead of using multiple pieces to keep your foot in place, this shoe uses one: The web pattern at the heel and toe is a continuation from the midsole.

ADIDAS TOUR360 BOOST

ECCO CAGE

PRICE $200

See that gap between the arch and the bottom of the shoe? It’s designed to let your foot move naturally while keeping the shoe’s base in full contact with the ground.

PRICE $200

FOOTJOY FREESTYLE

PRICE $190/210

FootJoy looked to the red-eyed tree frog’s flexible grip as inspiration for this wraparound outsole, which uses a softer rubber and plenty of traction points.

GEAR UP OCTOBER 2018 BIZGOLF

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Relative newbie G/ Fore reworked the sole to include nubs of various sizes to improve traction.

Another useful feature: The shoe is waterproof.

G/FORE GALLIVANTER IV.0

PRICE $185

ROYAL ALBATROSS CLUB ROYALE

PRICE $350 The flexible channels along the sides might get your attention, but don’t overlook the genius of that subtle folding heel tab that makes putting shoes on easier.

Its classic style and use of Italian leather are noteworthy but don’t overlook the sole made by Vibram (the “five-finger” running shoe folks). Lightweight with plenty of lugs, the sole offers natural, flexible traction.

CALLAWAY XFER NITROE

TRUE LINKSWEAR ELEMENTS HYBRID

PRICE $110

PRICE $120

Hybrid shoes are about transitions: Office to course, course to the clubhouse. These also offer waterproofing and breathability to keep your feet comfortable whether it’s wet or warm.

OGIO SPORT SPIKED

PRICE $100

Mostly all-leather in the past, Ogio’s newest shoes get an athletic upgrade thanks to lightweight mesh in the upper. It’s breathable but still sturdy because of the internal wrap-around feature at the laces.

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BIZGOLF OCTOBER 2018 OFF COURSE

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

Johnnie Walker launches its first 50-yearold whiskey Crafted from six exceptionally rare whiskeys, each aged for a minimum of 50 years and packaged in a black crystal Baccarat decanter, the John Walker Masters’ Edition from Johnnie Walker promises to be one of the most memorable Scotch whiskeys from the world famous distillery.

This triple-matured Scotch is the first 50-year-old scotch in the history of the Johnnie Walker. Just 100 bottles of this rare Scotch have been created, each one presented in a bespoke, individually numbered, rare double-cased black crystal Baccarat decanter and housed in a cabinet made

by N.E.J. Stevenson, Cabinet Makers by Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen.

Price: US$ 25000

Aesop collaborates with Rimowa for a unique grooming kit for travelers One of the hurdles while traveling is having to stock up your neverending grooming essentials in a limited packing gear. Here to sort you through this is luxury luggage-maker Rimowa and Australian Beauty brand – Aesop Köln who recently joined forces to create a one-of-its-kind aluminum grooming kit, that owing to its sheer size and contents, makes a perfect companion for your travels.

The Köln travel Kit, as it is called, comes with nine, travel-sized Aesop products for the skin, hair, body, and teeth. These include the brand’s best-sellers such as the Classic Shampoo and Conditioner, Geranium Leaf Body Balm and Cleanser, Parsley Seed face products, Mouthwash, Toothpaste, and more.

Price: US$ 540

OFF COURSE OCTOBER 2018 BIZGOLF

Montblanc launches the Summit 2 a 42mm smartwatch for men and women Montblanc’s newest premium smartwatch, the Summit 2, is now available for purchase, which has given a closer look into its specifications and features. It is the first smartwatch powered by Qualcomm’s long-awaited Snapdragon Wear 3100 – a chipset specially designed for wearables that offers a long list of new features, including much-improved battery life.

The new smartwatch has retained the classy styling of the original Montblanc Summit, which was introduced last year. However, the watchmaker has updated the new iteration with quite a few functional and aesthetic upgrades. The Montblanc Summit 2 is available in four cases and 11 strap options, along with 1,000-plus watch faces. Montblanc is claiming it will give the users an option to customize the smartwatch in 70,000 different combinations..

Price: US$ 995

Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 and 2 speakers get built-in Google Assistant Premium audio equipment manufacturer Bang & Olufsen plans to release the two ultrapremium speakers with Google Assistant built in - brilliant Beosound 1 and Beosound 2.

This means the B&O speakers will offer the same wide range of features as the Google Home. B&O’s engineers have specially designed the pair of new speakers with advanced echo-canceling technology that uses five microphones built into them to distinguish the sound originating from the speaker from other ambient noises. This technology will help the Google Assistant to capture voice commands with more accuracy.

Price:: A customized key encrusted with a 4-billion-year-old piece of meteorite, which costs a whopping $270,000

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50 QUALIFYING ROUNDS

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