Golf Digest India - September 2017

VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 5

RNI NO. HARENG/2016/66983 SEPTEMBER 2017 `150

THINK YOUNG | PLAY HARD

PUBLISHED BY

JORDAN SPIETH INSTRUCTION INTERVIEW ACTOR RAKUL PREET SINGH HOW TO HIT IT DOWN BROADWAY

BY BROOKS KOEPKA Exclusive Official Media Partner

ROOFTOP PUTTING SAVAGE IRONS NY’S GOLF HISTORY THE PRESIDENTS CUP AT NEW YORK CITY

how to play. what to play. where to play.

l l

Contents 09/17

ArgentinA l AustrAliA l Chile l ChinA l CzeCh republiC l FinlAnd l FrAnCe l hong Kong l IndIa l indonesiA l irelAnd KoreA l MAlAysiA l MexiCo l Middle eAst l portugAl l russiA l south AFriCA l spAin l sweden l tAiwAn l thAilAnd l usA

India Digest 20

Tête-à-Tête with Actor Rakul Preet Singh The Yaariyan girl, who learnt golf at a young age, talks about promoting the game amongst women in an exclusive chat.

by Rohit bhaRdwaj

20

24

Newsmakers Update on Indian golfers around the world

30

Junior Golf

34

Club Round-Up Updates from courses across India

36

Business Of Golf Industry updates

38

Corporate Digest Duke of Edinburgh Cup

40

Thailand Golf Travel Mart

42

GDI Czech Challenge

45

Lifestyle

Features 64

The Presidents Cup at New York City Liberty National, once a superfund site and butt of jokes, is ready for action. by Ron whitten

69

The Best 18: Which NYC Golf Holes Made the Cut?

70

How to Hit it Down Broadway You can hit savage iron shots. by bRooks koepka

74

Who Knew?

New York’s golf history is as varied and surprising as the city itself

76

The Only Game in Town Why is Manhattan’s Chelsea Piers practice range always so busy?

It’s largely a supplyand-demand thing. by peteR finch

80

80

46

Presidents Cup: All Set For Big Battle

48

Gear Up For Something Sensational As FedEX Cup Playoffs Begin

49

Players Championship and PGA Championship Moving Places on the Golf Calendar

70

Play Your Best 84

55

58

Aaron Rai captures European Tour card with third win

85

by josh buRack 61

14 golf digest india | september 2017

3 Indians On Asian Tour Player Board

Momentum Savers Two deft shots to keep your round going. by joRdan spieth, 2017 bRitish open champion

88

Tour Technique Pitching to a short-sided pin. by justin Rose

90

Butch Harmon An easy way to fix a slice

92

Jack Nicklaus Liberty National strategy

94

Rooftop Putting The perfect getaway from city life.

Fitness Tips Roll Your Way To The Top

The Tour Continues To Grow Stronger

Undercover Tour Pro Gambling at tour events. with max adleR

94 54

Survival of the Fittest?

As players bulk up and swing speeds increase, golf debates what’s causing injuries to top players. by jaime diaz

by coleman bentley

Cover photograph by Walter Iooss Jr.

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Editor’s Letter

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Dear Readers,

D

espite the rains being in full swing during August, we have observed that interest in golf hasn’t slowed. Tournaments continue, particularly in Bengaluru which just featured a new US$300,000 Asian Tour event, the TAKE Masters. Golfers do travel during this time and we report on the Golf Digest Czech Challenge that took place in Prague, the first in a new international series.

Juniors and other teams travel overseas so you will read about Indians at the American junior events and a unique Indian national amateur team in South Africa.

Jack Nicklaus

Write to me at rishi@teamgolfdigest.com or on Twitter @RishiNarain_

Our stars competing in America, Anirban Lahiri and Aditi Ashok, continue to make their presence felt although both are still searching for that elusive maiden win on US soil.

Something tells me we will not have to wait longer than 2018 to see one or both win a title.

Coverage includes our partner tours — the PGA Tour, European Tour and Asian Tour so we carry in depth reports on each. Our eminent list of contributors Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Jordan Spieth and David Leadbetter among others continue to share very valid tips and advice which any golfer can use to improve.

We hope you too are enjoying playing during this season and we want you to keep in touch, even if it means just a one line e mail.

Your feedback and comments are truly appreciated.

Rishi Narain

TEAM GOLF DIGEST INDIA Managing Editor Rohit Bhardwaj Assistant Art Director Guneet Singh Oberoi Subscriptions Monika Chhabra subscribe@teamgolfdigest.com Phone: +91-9999868051

Marketing & Advertising Nikhil Narain nikhil@teamgolfdigest.com +91-9999990364 Parth Premi parth@teamgolfdigest.com +91-9810455540

Published and Printed by Rishi Narain on behalf of Rishi Narain Golf Management Private Limited and Printed at Thomson Press India Limited, 18-35 Mile Stone, Delhi-Mathura Road, Faridabad-121 007, Haryana and published from 501, Sushant Tower, Sector-56, Gurgaon-122 011, Haryana. Editor: Rishi Narain. Contains material reprinted by permission from Golf Digest® and Golf World®.

Golf Digest India is a monthly publication of Rishi Narain Golf Management Private Limited.

16 golf digest india | september 2017

Tom Watson

Watson is an eighttime Major champion, with five British Open titles to his credit, who defied age by becoming the oldest professional golfer at 60 years to lead the second and third rounds of the 2009 British Open. He topped the World Rankings from 1978 to 1982.

Butch Harmon

Happy Golfing !

Editor & Publisher Rishi Narain

Popularly known as The ‘Golden Bear’, Nicklaus is widely regarded as the greatest golfer of all time. He won a record 18 Majors during his playing career and is regarded as the ultimate thinker and strategist on the golf course. He lies third on the all-time winner list on the PGA Tour behind Sam Snead and Tiger Woods with 73 titles.

GOLF DIGEST INTERNATIONAL EDITIONS AND EDITORS-IN-CHIEF GD ArGentinA Hernán SimÓ, Jorge R. Arias AustrAliAn GD Brad Clifton GD Chile Rodrigo Soto GD ChinA Echo Ma GD CzeCh republiC Robin Drahonovsky GD FinlAnD Sami Markkanen GD FrAnCe Henry Trouillet GD honG KonG Echo Ma GD inDonesiA Irwan Hermawan GD irelAnD Linton Walsh GD KoreA Eun Jeong “EJ” Sohn GD MAlAysiA Patrick Ho GD MexiCo Rafa Quiroz GD MiDDle eAst Robbie Greenfield GD portuGAl João Morais Leitão GD russiA Fedor Gogolev GD south AFriCA Stuart McLean GD spAin Óscar Maqueda GD sweDen Oskar Åsgård GD tAiwAn Jennifer Wei GD thAilAnD Chumphol Na Takuathung GD usA Jerry Tarde

Harmon is best known for having been Tiger Woods’ golf coach during the prime of his career from 1993 to 2004. He has also worked with other Major champions such as Ernie Els, Stewart Cink, Greg Norman, Davis Love III, Fred Couples and Justin Leonard. Has topped many lists as the No. 1 rated golf instructor in the world.

David Leadbetter

Leadbetter, is without doubt the most celebrated golf instructor in history. His books, videos and DVD’s have sold in the millions worldwide. He came to wide notice in the 1980s when he rebuilt the swing of Nick Faldo, who then went on to win six Major championships. Apart from Faldo his students included Greg Norman (1997) and Ernie Els (1990–2008). Leadbetter changed golf instruction for all future generations from guesswork to science.

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7/22/2017 3:08:19 PM

This refers to your cover story “What now Tiger ?” (August ’17). In sport, as in life, there are events that hold a special place, carrying high recall value. No doubt, Golf’s dominant figure for more than a decade, Woods has endured a painful decline in recent years. We all hope he does come back and do well as Tiger is very important for the game, puts money in everyone’s pockets. The sponsors love him, the media love him and the public want to see him do well. But we feel, it’s a monumental challenge for Tiger to play again.

– Vinod C. Dixit, Ahmedabad

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226k views MONTHLY LUCKY DRAW!!!

Tête-à-Tête with Rakul Preet Singh

To popularise the sport – apart from building public access courses/driving ranges event management companies can get actors to have a fun golf session and that is likely to generate good interest among women.”

BY ROHIT BHARDWAJ rohit@teamgolfdigest.com

S

he has been hitting the headlines for her on-screen performances. From making her modelling debut during her college days (studied at Jesus & Mary College, Delhi University) to becoming the most successful actor in the Telugu film industry in a short span, Rakul Preet Singh has come a long way.

Her latest Telugu release Jaya Janaki Nayaka opened up to rave reviews. She caught the fancy of Indian youngsters with her controlled performance in romantic Hindi movie Yaariyan (2014) and is gearing up for her second Hindi release Aiyaary directed by national award winner Neeraj Pandey early next year.

If she had not got into acting, the 26-yearold would have been busy making moolah as a golf professional. Being the daughter of an Armyman, Col. K J Singh, she got enough chances to experience the sport but it was during her father’s posting at the Army Cantonment in Dhaula Kuan that Rakul Preet was inspired to take up golf.

Rakul Preet went on to play on the Indian Golf Union’s junior circuit and won many trophies before deciding in favour of modeling/acting. She continues to play corporate tournaments and make Pro-Am appearances whenever she finds time from her packed shooting schedules.

The doe-eyed beauty spoke exclusively to Golf Digest India from London on a plethora of topics from her initiation into golf to what needs to be done to encourage more women to play the game. Excerpts from the interview:

20 golf digest india | september 2017

GOLF IS ADDICTIVE: ACTOR RAKUL PREET SINGH

Tête-à-Tête with Rakul Preet Singh

Exclusive

september 2017 | golf Image: digest Rohitindia Ravindran 21

Tête-à-Tête with Rakul Preet Singh GDI: How and when did you start golf?

RPS: I picked up a club at 12 years, I was in 7th Grade then. My father Col. K J Singh was posted in Deolali near Nashik at that time and being an Armyman he used to play golf at leisure. He kept pushing me into golf from a tender age and it was only due to his insistence that I finally agreed. He used to tell me golf is not a sport it’s a lifestyle, try it once and you will be hooked for a lifetime. I didn’t pay heed to his advice till he was transferred to Delhi at the Army Cantonment near Dhaula Kuan. I always felt golf was an old man’s game till I saw many girls and boys my age practicing it in Delhi. It’s then that I got motivated to take up the sport.

GDI: What was your best handicap and did you ever get quite serious about playing competitive golf?

RPS: I began playing on the Indian Golf Union’s (IGU) junior circuit in 2004. I and my brother Aman Preet Singh used to practice golf for at least 3 hours daily from 3 pm till dusk after returning from school.

This was a standard practice till high school but I always wanted to pursue modeling and acting so I decided against turning professional. My best handicap has been between 7-9. Currently it is 14.

GDI: What do you like about golf?

RPS: Golf is addictive. It’s a lifestyle thing.

One can easily draw it’s psychological parallels to life. It stabilizes you as a person. Your game is in your own hands. Concentrate on the immediate thing rather than the result.

You can have a hole-in-one and just after that a triple bogey so never take things for granted.

GDI: How often do you now play? How do you balance your work as an actress with time to play golf?

RPS: Once or twice a month depending upon my shooting schedules. I normally hit the range for 30 minutes prior to playing 18 holes.

GDI: What do you think of Aditi Ashok?

RPS: I have heard that Aditi is doing pretty well on the LPGA Tour in America. She represented India at such a young age at Rio

Golf is addictive. It’s a lifestyle thing.

One can easily draw it’s psychological parallels to life. It stabilizes you as a person. You can have a hole-in-one and just after that a triple bogey so never take things for granted.”

22 golf digest india | september 2017

Tête-à-Tête with Rakul Preet Singh Image: Rohit Ravindran

Rakul’s favourites FAVOURITE GOLF COURSE? Army Golf Course in Dhaula Kuan but I also love the Delhi Golf Club, though I find it the toughest.

ANYONE FAMOUS YOU’VE PLAYED WITH? Actor R. Madhavan

ANYONE ELSE IN INDIAN FILM INDUSTRY WHO PLAYS GOLF? I know Nagarjuna sir plays golf DREAM FOURBALL? Actor Leonardo di Caprio, father, me and my brother

FAVOURITE MALE GOLFER Tiger Woods, who else has had an impact like him in the last two decades. Of course he has been off-colour but I do not see anybody matching up to him pretty soon Olympic Games but unfortunately it wasn’t highlighted enough by the media. Not many people knew that an Indian was competing in Olympics till the time the tournament began. If we want to inspire more girls to play like Aditi, we need to put enough infrastructure in place. We need to change people’s perception that golf is not an expensive sport. The entire golf ecosystem need to come together and chart a path for turning it into a popular sport.

GDI: Why don’t more film stars play considering in Hollywood there are so many players?

RPS: Affordability is a huge problem with golf. Plus India lacks a sporting culture where parents send their kids to a golf course at 4-5 years. This is the prime reason most of

our film stars don’t play the game. If you play a sport while growing up, you are bound to stick with it all your life.

FAVOURITE FEMALE GOLFER Michelle Wie (inset), Sharmila Nicollet

GDI: What would you like to do to get more girls and women playing golf?

RPS: I would love to do anything to promote golf culture. Most of the sports one performs in the heat of the moment – be it wrestling, boxing or even athletics and football. Golf makes you analyse all aspects before making a move. To popularise the sport – apart from building public access courses/driving ranges event management companies can get actors to have a fun golf session and that is likely to generate good interest among women. Problem is that in a star crazy country every parent wants their kids to become a Sachin Tendulkar and not a Tiger Woods. september 2017 | golf digest india

23

Newsmakers

PLAYERS IN THE NEWS

L-R: Team India members Yashas Chandra, Rishi Narain, Harjinder Singh Kang, Anil Kumar Jule, Simarjeet Singh, Vijay Kumar Bhadana, Sanjay Kumar Lakra, manager Dilip Thomas, Harshjeet Singh Sethie, assistant manager Tusshar Malhotra, Gagan Verma, Kartik Sharma, Kshitij Naveed Kaul, Raghav Chugh, Saarthak Chhibber, Sunit Chowrasia, David Jerome D’Souza and Pukhraj Singh Gill on the eve of the Fellowship Cup vs South Africa at Leopard Creek course

Fellowship Cup a win-win for SA and India

By RISHI NARAIN

The 2nd edition of the Fellowship Cup took place at the famous Leopard Creek Golf Estate in South Africa from August 14-18th. Each national amateur team consisted of 4 juniors (Under 19 yrs), 4 National Amateurs (open category), 4 Mid-Amateurs (between ages 30 – 50 yrs) and 4 seniors (over 50 years) and was played over 54 holes in a Ryder Cup style format consisting of fourball better ball, foursomes (alternate shots) and singles in matchplay. The 16 member teams officially represented the Indian Golf Union and Golf RSA. The first edition was held in 2016 at Royal Calcutta Golf Club as an initiative between Dilip Thomas of the IGU and Johann Rupert of South Africa. Both editions saw strong domination by the South Africans and the Indian teams have to work hard to make it a closer match from 2018 onwards. Certainly power and fitness are major factors in favour of the Springboks.

However, the entire experience of playing without caddies, assessing a new and challenging 7300 yard soft and hilly course with firm greens rolling at a speed of 13 (the

fastest greens at Indian courses are generally at a speed of 11 whereas the average course rolls at around 7) was a great learning for the Indian players.

The entire event was played in a spirit of excellent camaraderie with all team members socialising after the matches each evening.

The trip included a round on the unique Par 3 , 9 hole course at Leopard Creek which features replica holes of the most famous par 3 holes around the world including Augusta National’s famous 12th and 16th holes, Troon’s 8th called Postage Stamp and the 17th island green at TPC Sawgrass, home of The Players Championship on the PGA Tour. Both teams also went on game drives at the adjacent Kruger National Park where they spotted Lions, Elephants, Cape Buffalo, Rhinoceros and many varieties of Deer, Kudu and Antelopes.

The event was conceptualised to give the top amateurs from both countries a unique international match experience and is the only such match in the world where all four age groups play together in an international team competition.

Players earning points for the Indian side were HS Kang (2 points), Rishi Narain (1 ½ points), Simarjeet Singh (1 point), David D’Souza (1 point), Kartik Sharma (1 point), Gagan Verma (1 point) and Kshitij Naveed Kaul (1 point).

24 golf digest india | september 2017

Team India Seniors (Above 50 years): Anil Kumar Jule, Rishi Narain, David Jerome D’Souza and Vijay Kumar Bhadana Mid-Amateurs (30-50 years): Harjinder Singh Kang, Simarjeet Singh, Sanjay Kumar Lakra, Gagan Verma Juniors (Under-19 years): Kartik Sharma, Saarthak Chhibber, Raghav Chugh, Harshjeet Singh Sethie Open (National amateurs): Sunit Chowrasia, Pukhraj Singh Gill, Kshitij Naveed Kaul, Yashas Chandra Manager: Dilip Thomas Asst Manager: Tusshar Malhotra

Team RSA Seniors (Above 50 years): Steve Williams, Francois le Roux, Greg Gleeson, Andre van Dyk Mid-Amateurs (30-50 years): Gerlou Roux, Ryan Dreyer, Kevin Sharp, Almero Theron Juniors (Under-19 years): Wilco Nienaber, Jayden Schaper, Chriso Lamprecht Jnr, Luke Mayo Open (National amateurs): Malcolm Mitchell, Albert Venter, Matt Saulez, Luca Filippi Manager: David Younge

Newsmakers

About the course l Leopard Creek is rated 37th in the world among courses outside USA by Golf Digest. Innovative architectural and landscaping techniques ensure that the Leopard Creek golf course and living areas are naturally protected from animals. l Golfing hazards take on a new dimension at Leopard Creek, for much of the water is home to the magnificent creatures for which the river is named, crocodiles. Extensive use has been made of water features and sightings of crocodile, hippo, antelope, buffalo and elephant are commonplace, on the course or in the Kruger Park bordering the course. l Gary Player is especially proud of the par-5 18th with its island green and the par-4 9th with its peninsula green jutting out of the same body of water.

A panoramic view of the Leopard Creek course with the 18th island green on the left and ninth green on the right

The 505 meter par-five 13th is one of the most memorable holes with the green right on the edge of the Crocodile river but 32 meters above the level of the water, offering magnificent views of wild animals including elephants in the Kruger National Park

september 2017 | golf digest india

25

Newsmakers

Rookie Aditi maintains LPGA ranking

Despite her struggles at the Ladies British Open, 19 year old Indian sensation from Bangalore, Aditi Ashok continues to maintain her rankings on the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golfers Association of America) Tour. Aditi put up a brave effort in rainy and windy conditions before missing out on the weekend rounds of the Ladies British Open being played at Kingsbarns Golf Links, Scotland.

Aditi had earlier creditably made cuts at women’s majors ANA Inspiration and KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, while missing the cut at the US Women’s Open.

With total earnings of $132,080 (approx. Rs 84.69 lakh), till date, Aditi is ranked 75th on the LPGA Race to CME Globe and is likely to gain full time playing rights in American for 2018 . She had scripted her best finish in her rookie LPGA season at the Marathon Classic, where she ended tied eighth to pocket $33,745 (approx. Rs 21.63 lakh). Readers will recall Aditi finished 2nd in the final Ladies European Tour rankings at the end of 2017 in her very first year as a professional after winning two tournaments. She then gained partial playing rights on the LPGA Tour after a fine performance at the year end LPGA qualifying event and has made full use of the opportunities to earn her spot on the richest womens tour.

LET chief Khodabakhsh ‘leaves position’

A regular at the US$300,000 Hero Women’s Indian Open held in Delhi, Ivan Khodabakhsh is no longer the CEO of the Ladies European Tour. A statement released on the tour’s website last month said Khodabakhsh, who came to the helm ahead of the 2013 season, had ‘left his position’ with chairman Mark Lichtenhein taking over the reins.

It read: “Ivan Khodabakhsh is leaving his position as Chief Executive Officer of the Ladies European Tour.

The board of the LET has asked its chairman, Mark Lichtenhein, to assume the day-to-day management of the business on an interim basis as the board reviews its current governance structure and business strategy.

“Under the board’s guidance, the executive management team will continue to support all its stakeholders and ensure the future direction of the tour.”

Khodabakhsh’s departure has come at what is currently a troubling time for the tour. It was forced to issue a statement ‘strongly rejecting’ reports of a possible collapse in June after the cancellation of five events this season, with veteran Swedish player Catriona Matthew putting the cause of the tour’s struggles right at the door of Khodabakhsh.

Ivan Khodabakhsh

Aditi Ashok’s best finish in her rookie season till now came at the Marathon Classic, where she posted a tied eighth result

Siddikur comes close to winning Euro crown

Not many would have bet on short hitting Bangladeshi pro Siddikur Rahman’s name appearing near the top of the $2.35 million Porsche European Open leaderboard last month.

That didn’t bother the 32-year-old Bangladeshi. He’s been overachieving his entire life. Sidddikur finished tied third, his best-ever result on the European Tour, to pocket approximately $132,303 (Rs 84.7 lakh approx.). Siddikur had earned his place in the field by finishing 16th on last year’s Asian Tour money list with $190,389. He’s earned just over $93,000 this season in Asia and lies 17th.

Those numbers seem insignificant among the huge sums in modern professional golf, but a fortune for a boy from the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka. Siddikur didn’t start out in professional

26 golf digest india | september 2017

golf like many of today’s pampered pros.

He grew up near the Kurmitola Golf Club in Dhaka. Siddikur worked as a forecaddie for eight years from the age of 9. He wasn’t paid a lot, but the money was important.

“I was paid 12 cents a round,” Rahman said. “Then I went to 30 cents. It was big money for a poor boy.”

Rahman supplemented his meagre income with money games against other caddies.

“We didn’t play on grass except once a week. We played mostly on soil. We would make small holes in the dirt and put sticks in for flags.” After tour victories in India and Asia, Siddikur has bravely set his sights higher and cleary, he isn’t intimidated in any competitive situation.

Newsmakers

Diksha creates history, wins silver at Deaflympics

Lahiri seeks FedEXCup Playoff form on PGA Tour

Y

oung Indian golfer Diksha Dagar scripted history after winning a silver medal in the women’s individual golf event of the Deaflympics, held at Samsun, Turkey. This is the first time golf is a part of Deaflympics.

The 16-year-old from Haryana got a bye in the quarterfinals and then defeated Germany’s Gonzalez Podbicanin A 9 & 8 in the semifinals to set up a final clash with Yost Kaylin, who plays in the Ladies Professional Golf Association of America, for the gold medal.

Diksha had broken a field record in the first round with two-under 68 and carded 71 in the second round to total one-under 139, while Kaylin (73, 69) totalled two-over 142.

In the gold medal match, Diksha started well and was 3 up after six holes but Kaylin clinched the next three holes with two birdies to level the score after nine holes at the Samsun Golf Sahasi Club.

On the back nine, Kaylin was one up after firing a long birdie putt on the 13th.

However, Diksha too bounced back with three birdies and was one up on the 17th green. The experienced American then dropped a 16-footer birdie putt to level the score.

In the play-off, Kaylin emerged winner to clinch the gold, while Diksha settled for the silver.

“It seems it was not my day. I gave everything but luck was not on my side but I’m happy that I could win the silver... My opponent told me that ‘no one can stop you from playing on LPGA, you have a fantastic game for any age’. — Diksha Dagar Diksha has been using a hearing aid since she was six, and after being introduced to the sport by her father Col. Narinder Dagar, she responded quickly and became the No. 1 ranked junior in the country in the amateur ranks.

World No. 73 Anirban Lahiri closed with a two-over 72 to sign off his campaign at the Wyndham Championship in tied-28th place.

The 2014 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, who entered the final round lying tied 11th was seeking his breakthrough win on the PGA Tour, but ended the day with a two over par 72 to slip down the leaderboard and conclude with a four-day total of nineunder 271. The 30-year-old pocketed $36,153 (approx. Rs 23.17 lakh) for his effort.

The Bengaluru golfer creditably is sure to retain his playing rights in America for 2018 but could vault up the rankings if he hits form in the FedEX Cup Playoffs beginning August 24.

RECENT RESULTS 75th – PGA Championship MC – RBC Canadian Open MC – The Open Championship september 2017 | golf digest india

27

Newsmakers

Footloose on a golf course

By V KRISHNASWAMY @Swinging_Swamy

Buddies by your side

When the week began, Justin Thomas was probably better known as one of Jordan Spieth’s best friends, who was also good at golf.

But he was not really spoken of as a Major champion, despite his three wins on the PGA Tour this season alone. His 75 in the final round, while being in contention, at Erin Hills (US Open) may have been one of the reasons. But by the time the week was over, Thomas, was being spoken of as one who could win a ‘few’ more Majors. Of course his best buddies Spieth and Rickie Fowler were there waiting on 18th green for him.

Maybe the best one came from Fowler. He tweeted a pic of a dinner, Thomas, Tiger Woods and he had. The pic showed Tiger and Thomas and said 14-1-0. Zero not in the pic, referring to himself and the numbers being the Majors won by each.

Got to have a great dinner with the PGA champion @ JustinThomas34 and his family and friends. @TigerWoods

Think as if PGA is start of the run, caddie advises Spieth

As his best buddy, Justin Thomas won the PGA, Jordan Spieth was left wondering when he would win the Major to complete his career Slam. It seems his caddie, Michael Greller, has some advice for Spieth. He has asked Spieth to think as if PGA is the start of the stretch run of the season. Maybe that will take the pressure off.

Star gazing, courtesy, Jimmy Walker

The PGA dinner like the Augusta Masters dinner is something the past champions look forward to. This year the host was 2016 champ, Jimmy Walker, who gave past champions a ‘gift’, a personal telescope.

Walker loves astronomy – gazing at the stars. Jason Day, who gave a YETI cooler the previous year, said, “Jimmy was actually

28 golf digest india | september 2017

explaining to us. You can set it up your iPhone up to it, which is pretty cool. We are going to be able to take pictures of space.”

Long drive for Kokrak, Wanamaker for Thomas

Tuesday means the PGA Championship’s annual Long Drive Competition. But this time at Quail Hollow, it was raining hard and thus there was next-to-no roll for the ball on the fairway. So the players need to fly the shot the entire way, or almost. Jason Kokrak did it best on the Par-5 10th hole, where the competition was held. He hit a shot that flew about 320.5 yards and bounced just about a foot or so. It gave Kokrak the famous PGA Championship money clip.

Behind Kokrak (321 yards) was Tyrell Hatton (316), Dustin Johnson (315) and Nicolas Colsaerts (314) and Rory McIlroy (313). The man coming sixth was Justin Thomas, but at the end of the week, he had the Wanamaker Trophy.

Indian fans will remember that Anirban Lahiri was the winner at the 2015 PGA Championships at Whistling Straits and he ended fifth in the main event.

Weather man proven wrong

Weather reports at Major Championships are always followed as keenly as the game itself.

So at the start of the week at Quail Hollow, there was speculation whether the finish would get pushed to Monday. With so much rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning expected on Friday and Saturday, there was a feeling even Monday may not be enough. So, what happened: The weather man was proven wrong, or maybe the rains just decided to give Quail Hollow a pass and the weekend was fairly peaceful and it all ended in time. The only rain delay was on Thursday and first round got over on Friday morning.

A money Clip for media, too

By the way, on Sunday at the PGA, just as we were about to leave the Media Centre, each one of us was presented with a lovely PGA Championships Money Clip, too. (Pic).

By the way, the money is mine and the clip came from PGA!

Junior Golf

10-year-old Aryaman creates golf history

T

en-year-old Pune golfer, Aryaman Singh wrapped up the season on a high note, blazing his way through the first 5 events of the Indian Golf Union - West Zone in 2017 thereby breaking his own zonal and national records.

Aryaman remains undefeated at the Zonal level for 4 years, winning every

tournament he has played in. His winning streak now extends to 1266 days, which is the longest in the history of junior golf in India.

Aryaman won the first event at the Kensville Golf Course, Ahmedabad, followed by another win at his home course, the Poona Club Golf Course, Pune,

Oxford Golf & Country Club, Pune, the Gaekwad Baroda Golf Course, Vadodara and finally, the Gulmohar Greens Golf Course, Ahmedabad to extend his winning streak over 4 consecutive years, by winning every tournament he has participated in.

RANVEER WINS AJGA TOURNAMENT

17-year-old Ranveer Grewal, a Class 12 student of Sacred Heart Convent in Ludhiana, has recently won an American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) tournament, thereby becoming the first Indian resident junior to win an AJGA event. These tournaments are conducted for juniors who have not reached their 19th birthday and have international participation.

Rnveer won the AJGA-Amino Vital Junior Championship held at Treyburn Country Club, Durham, North Carolina, which ended on 20th July. He led from the first day and had scores of 3-under 69, even-par 72, and 3-under 69 for a total of 210. Roberto Nieves of Miami came 2nd with a 3-day score of 213.

Ranveer finished in the previous AJGA event – ACDS/Ryan Moore Junior Championship two months back at Lakewood Washington.

He had scores of 64, 70 and 71 which made a total of 5-under 205.

In the seven AJGA events Ranveer has played since 2015, he has 3 top-5 finishes a top-10 finish and couple of top-15 results.

30 golf digest india | september 2017

Ranveer Grewal (right) with his AJGA-Amino Vital Junior Championship trophy

Junior Golf

JUNIORS ENJOY 9-HOLE CHALLENGE Juniors from age divisions of 6 to 14 years enjoyed a 9-Hole challenge held at Unitech Golf & Country Club last month as part of the Little Master Junior Golf Tour. The event had an entry of more than 30 players. The weather was perfect with a slight breeze blowing all day. The event saw 2 eagles by twin brothers Samarveer S. Maini & Tavish S. Maini besides 20-plus birdies. The age divisions in the 9-hole challenge were 14+, 11-13, 9-10, 7-8 and 6 and below for boys and girls.

Winners

14+ Boys: Anish Nangia 11-13 Boys: 1st - Purnayush Mangal, 2nd - Aadit Rampal, 3rd - Aprameya Sirothia 9-10 Boys: 1st - Udai A.Middha ( playoff), 2nd - Rakshit Dahiya, 3rd Avighna Mathur 7-8 Boys: 1st - Kanav Chauhan, 2nd Aravvir Bachal, 3rd - Bhavesh Nirwan 9-10 Girls: 1st - Ananya Chand, 2nd Palakshi Sehrawat, 3rd - Serena Khanna 7-8 Girls: 1st - Asara Sawhney, 2nd Samaira Tomar, 3rd - Parnika Sharma Maximum Birdies: Kanav Chauhan Closest to Pin: Bhavesh Nirwan & Preitisha K. Gill Team Winners: Kanav Chauhan & Aadit Rampal Overall Medal Positions 1st: Kanav Chauhan 2nd: Aravvir Bachal 3rd: Ananya Chand.

RISHIKA, KARTIK EXCEL AT US KIDS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Rishika Muralidhar finished 4th in US Kids World Ch’ship

32 golf digest india | september 2017

Rishika Muralidhar missed out on a podium finish by a whisker but was the only Indian who could make it to the top-5 position in the US Kids Golf World Championship held at Pinehurst, North Carolina last month.

Rishika finished fourth in the girls 11 years section with a 54-hole score of 215 among 106 participnts. The Bengaluru girl played an amazing game with the score of level par, -1 and level par for 3 days.

The tournament saw a total participation of 1500 kids from 53 countries in 11 age categories.

Among the boys it was Kartik Singh who made an impression finishing eighth in the 7 Year section. The 19-member Indian contingent The two were among 19 Indian kids who qualified for the prestigious tournament through the Ultimate Junior Golf Tour Finals held earlier this year.

Star professionals Jeev Milkha Singh and SSP Chawrasia sponsored return air tickets to USA for some of the kids with the Ultimate Junior Golf Tour providing financial assistance to the needy ones.

The kids were accompanied by their parents and teaching professionals Sundeep Verma and Jaskaran Bedi. The kids relished the experience and an exposure of this level is bound to help them take their game to the next level.

Kartik Singh with his father

Across The Country

CLUB ROUND-UP To share news on your club or updates from across the country, please email rohit@teamgolfdigest.com

L-R: Gururaj, Karan Malik, Amit Kumar, Mallikarjun Vaggar, fourth leg winner Shrenik Kumar, Darshan L, Prabhakar Tadepalli, Manish Jaiswal, Patricia and Priya Alex

Spreading Camaraderie

Golfshire Witnesses Good Turnout For Prestige Masters The third and fourth leg of the ongoing Prestige Masters saw a good turnout.

Individuals from Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Chennai and Kochi besides local golfers participated in the event that was staged at Prestige Golfshire in Bengaluru.

More than 100 golfers battled it out in each of the legs with the Finale scheduled

in November. Each of the six legs act as a qualifying event for the final with the top10 amateurs competing for a gift voucher containing 2 Nights/3 Days stay at the One & Only Resort in Dubai.

In the fourth leg which was held on August 12, Shrenik Kumar (20 handicap) emerged the winner with 41 points. Darshan L finished

runner-up with 40 points.

The third leg which was held on July 8, Rajesh Raju took the top honours with 38 points followed by Latha Shivanna and James Goh, who came second and third respectively with 37 points apiece. Shivanna edging ahead on a better back nine score.

Growing The Game

Kolkata gets first exclusive driving range

In a first of its kind, golf in Kolkata got a massive boost when an exclusive driving range was launched at Eco Tourism Park in the city in June, The Telegraph reported. Till now golf enthusiasts in the ‘City of Joy’ had to depend on memberships at super exclusive Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC) and Tollygunge Golf Club (TGC).

The range began operations with a drive by Asian Games double gold medallist in golf, Lakshman Singh. The range has 12 driving bays divided into those meant for long, medium and short range hits.

The new range has been built by Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO), that is in charge of Eco Park. “The golfing facilities can be used for free by members of New Town Business Club, those with Eco Park’s morning walker cards and residents at Ekante cottages inside the park,” said Chairman-cum-Managing Director of HIDCO Debashis Sen. Others may pay Rs 600 for a monthly pass, an additional Rs 100 for a bucket of 50 balls and Rs 100 to hire clubs.

Neil Law would be the main trainer at the range although they would have sessions with noted golfers like Indrajit Bhalotia, Laxman Singh’s son Ranjit and Vandana Agarwal. Timings for the range are from 6am to 9am and 4 to 6.30pm but a special student’s window will be allowed from 2.30 to 4pm.

34 golf digest india | september 2017

The newly-launched driving range at Eco Tourism Park in Kolkata

Across The Country

Tribute To Siddharth Naik

Indian Golf Loses A Champion

SIDDHARTH NAIK KEY ACHIEVEMENTS:

▶ Founded TAEGA- The Ahmedabad Elite Golfers Association, a non-profit body which popularises golf in the Ahmedabad region in 2007 ▶ April 2014, he co-founded the Caddie Golf League along with Brijesh Patel, another non-profit body which aims to encourage, appreciate and motivate the unsung heroes of golf ▶ June 2014- Played golf from sunrise to sunset for 13.47 hours, that is, 182 holes of golf in stroke play format and entered into the Limca Book of Records with playing partner Brijesh Patel ▶ January 2015 Siddharth became first and only golfer from Gujarat to acquire the title of an R&A & IGU certified Golf Rules Official/ Golf Referee. He officiated in many tournaments with PGTI & IGU ▶ June 2015- Played golf on 10 different courses in Ahmedabad in less than 12 hours to again enter the Limca Book of Records (with his playing partner Brijesh Patel) ▶ April 2016 - He had been appointed as Director & Contributing Editor for Golf Plus. ▶ May 2016 - He had been appointed as West Zone Manager by IGU (Indian Golf Union) to oversee & grow the game in the western region of India. ▶ June 2016- Played 360 holes of golf in alternate shot format in a single day from sunrise to sunset for 13:44 hours, and entered into the Limca Book of Records for third time which I also an Official World Record (with Brijesh Patel)

BY DEVANG SHAH Over a span of 20 years of playing golf, I have come across thousands of golfers, from different back grounds and cultures, to having varied interests in life and showing contrasting strengths and weaknesses. One person who touched my life, as an avid lover of golf, as a person of extreme wisdom and as someone who always thought differently, was my friend Siddharth Naik. He had such a great personality that one could single him out in a crowd. After fighting cancer for two years, Sidhharth Naik, 42 years of age, left for heavenly abode, on July 31, 2017. He is survived by his wife Anuya, 6-year-old son Veer and father Ashvin.

I first met Sid at a golf course in Ahmedabad, about 10 years back. We got talking and immediately I could sense that he was not, just a regular golfer. He was different; in the way he talked, in the way he thought and in the way he wanted to grow the game of golf. He had formed an organisation then, called The Ahmedabad Elite Golfers Association (TAEGA) along with some other common golfer friends. His idea of growing the game was to popularise it amongst the youngsters and by organising tournaments based around pure fun. He always said “if everyone truly has fun on the golf course, many more will join the game” and certainly, many did. His ideas were unique and modern. He introduced the game to media by persuading the sports editors to write about golf. He made sure that every small tournament was covered in the media in the correct way, thus creating a buzz about golf among the non-golfers and sport lovers.

Sid was a good golfer himself. Every now and then, we played some golf together and talked a lot about various aspects of the game, including growing it in numbers.

He was so passionate about the game that he wanted to learn the rules of the game in detail. He went for the rules school and passed Level 1 and Level 2 with very good grades, thus becoming the first and the only Rules Official from Ahmedabad. He refereed in many tournaments, both on professional and amateur tours. As I was the Chairperson for Junior Development Committee at IGU in 2014, I took this opportunity to get him to accept a position of West Zone Manager with focus purely on taking golf to schools.

Together, we developed a program called “Golf in School Program” or “GISP” and Sid was instrumental in implementing it. He introduced this program to various schools in Ahmedabad, Baroda and Maharashtra.

The program became the benchmark for golf promotion at junior level and I anticipate many children have taken up the game as a result of it.

SUCH WAS HIS LOVE FOR THE GAME THAT ONCE SIDDHARTH CAME TO PLAY A ROUND OF GOLF WITH ME, STRAIGHT FROM THE HOSPITAL AFTER COMPLETING HIS SCHEDULED CHEMO! ONE CHAMPION GOLFER, IS NO MORE WITH US, AS GOD DECIDED TO GROW THE GAME OF GOLF UP THERE WITH THE HELP OF SID! GO AHEAD SID, MAKE HIM HAPPY…!

One outstanding feat, Sid will be remembered for, all our lives, is that he had the hunger to set records and he did it thrice!

Along with his best friend, Brijesh Patel, he entered into Limca Book of Records thrice.

First time, in 2014, the duo played 182 holes in a day at Kalhaar Blues & Greens and created a record. In 2015, they played at 10 different golf courses in a day to get into the Limca Book of Records and the third time in 2016, by far the

best, when Sid was battling with the disease, the duo of him and Brijesh played 360 holes in a day, in an alternative shot format, at Kalhaar Blues & Greens. It is not only a national record but also a World record!!! We are proud to have associated with him and Brijesh, in these rare feats and will always cherish the memories.

Such was his love for the game that once he came to play a round of golf with me, straight from the hospital after completing his scheduled chemo! One champion golfer, is no more with us, as God decided to grow the game of Golf up there with the help of SID! Go ahead Sid, make him happy…! We will encourage Sid Junior, Veer, to step into your shoes!

(The writer is President, Golf Industry Association and Managing Director of Navratna Developers, the owners of Kalhaar Blues & Greens course in Ahmedabad) september 2017 | golf digest india

35

Business of Golf

Gautam Thapar, Pawan Munjal among Asia’s Most Powerful People In Golf

C

hairman & CEO of $4 billion Avantha Group, Gautam Thapar, and Hero MotoCorp CMD & CEO, Pawan Munjal, are among Asia’s Most Powerful People In Golf, a statement from Asia Pacific Golf Group (APGG) said. As the president of Professional Golf Tour of India, Thapar takes personal interest in promoting the game in the country. The Avantha Group hosts two premier tournaments on the PGTI calendar – Rs 1 crore Crompton Greaves Open & Rs 1

crore BILT Open. His visionary approach combined with his remarkable knack of spotting and nurturing talent has professional golf to new heights in the country.

A leading industrialist, Munjal is the biggest sponsor of golf tournaments in the country with a presence on the PGA Tour ($3.5 million Hero World Challenge), European & Asian Tours ($1.75 million Hero Indian Open) and the Ladies European Tour ($400,000 Hero Women’s Indian Open).

Gautam Thapar

Korea To Host First-Ever PGA Tour Event

After 18 years of non-stop plaudits, planning and primping, The Club at Nine Bridges is ready for its close-up. That moment of broad exposure comes October 19-22, when the US PGA Tour visits The Club at Nine Bridges for the newly minted CJ Cup, the tournament that now kicks off the Tour’s annual three-leg Asian Swing beginning with the $7million CIMB Classic in Malaysia and ending with the $9.75 million WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai. The CJ Cup marks the first time the PGA Tour has visited South Korea for an officially sanctioned Tour event.

Few courses anywhere have so methodically prepared themselves for this high-profile moment. Nine Bridges opened in 2001, and architect David Dale -- a partner with the Santa Rosa, California-based design firm, Golfplan -- has returned to The Club nearly every year to conduct some manner of renovation.

This sort of attention to detail has paid off, as few tracks have garnered more laurels in advance of their Tour debut: GOLF Magazine ranks Nine Bridges 43rd on its world top 100 list; Golf Digest pegs it at #59.

Golfplan has also built a top course on the outskirts of Bengaluru -- Zion Hills – and is also in talks with potential course developers in India.

“It’s been a real treat to fine-tune Nine Bridges over the years, but I do think we’ve got the course exactly where it should be -- from a design and competitive-test standpoint,” said Dale, a burly Montana native whose internationalist firm (www.golfplan.com) has laid out more than 217 original course designs in 32 different countries.

36 golf digest india | september 2017

Pawan Munjal

New Online Resource On Course Maintenance Golf course superintendents have a new one-stop shop for the latest news and information from the golf course management industry – www.

GCMOnline.com – the new website of Golf Course Management (GCM) magazine.

The official publication of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), GCM has long been an industry leader, with best-inclass research, industry trend information and news from GCSAA and across the golf course management industry. With the launch of GCMOnline.com, the magazine is now able to expand and strengthen its reach with an improved, dynamic online property to go along with its already strong social media presence.

“The new GCMOnline.com is an exciting new product that we believe will further GCSAA’s mission of serving members and advancing their profession,” said GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans.

PGA Of America Creates Digital Presence In China The PGA of America has partnered with Hong Kongbased i3 Sports to create a dedicated digital footprint in Greater China via social media and Web channels.

Under the multi-year licensing agreement, i3 Sports will create and implement a digital media strategy that localises the PGA’s vast library of content and distributes it via wide-reaching platforms, including a dedicated microsite on Sina Sports’ leading website – which reaches more than 200 million unique visitors a month.

“The opportunity to showcase the unparalleled expertise of PGA Professionals, as well as deliver engaging PGA.com content through i3 Sports in Greater China is a tremendous growth-of-the-game opportunity,” said Pete Bevacqua, CEO, PGA of America.

Business of Golf

Angkor Golf Resort, Cambodia To Stage LET Qualifiers Again F

or the second year in succession, Angkor Golf Resort will welcome many of the region’s rising female golfing stars. From October 18-21, the awardwinning Nick Faldo-designed course will play host to the second edition of the Ladies European Tour (LET) Lalla Aicha Tour School. “Last year’s event was a great success

for us at Angkor Golf Resort and we are all set to make this year’s event bigger and better,” said Alan Martin, PGA Head Professional at the club.

Three Indian girls Amandeep Drall, Vani Kapoor and Neha Tripathi earned full cards for the LET 2017 season last year through the final qualifying event in Morocco, while

Golf Matters on the Agenda at Singapore Conference

Golf will feature prominently during next month’s Sports Matters conference.

Part of the award-winning All That Matters, Asia’s leading music, sports and entertainment industry conference, the RitzCarlton Millenia in Singapore is the venue for the event, from September 11-13.

The Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) is one of the supporting organisations. Spencer Robinson, the AGIF’s Chief Communications Officer, will moderate a session on golf with a high-profile panel including Giles Morgan, Global Head of Sponsorship with HSBC, Josh Burack, the Asian Tour’s Chief Executive Officer, and Sean Pyun, Vice President and Managing Director of the LPGA. Presented by FOX Sports, Sports Matters will debate the continued convergence of sport and entertainment and will cover topics including the commercialisation of golf, e-sports, rugby, India and China.

This year’s conference brings together over 30 keynotes and 125 speakers who will participate in more than 70 sessions.

Saaniya Sharma and Sharmila Nicollet got limited status on the Tour.

To be contested over four rounds, the Angkor Golf Resort event not only provides an exciting destination for participants, but also offers the opportunity to progress to the final stage of LET qualifying in Marrakech, Morocco.

USGA Celebrates Women Course Architects

Since the late 1800s, a small but influential group of women have carved a space of their own in golf, using the one tool that most influences a player’s experience: the golf course.

The USGA Golf Museum’s latest exhibit – Breaking New Ground: Women and Golf Course Architecture – explores this rarely discussed segment of golf history and recounts unique narratives of female leadership, initiative and innovation.

Artefacts from the museum collection, in addition to loans from the United Kingdom and local historical archives, illustrate how women have influenced golf course design theory and played a role in creating more equitable and enjoyable experiences for all who play the game.

Curated by USGA historian Victoria Student, the exhibit officially opened on July 12, the eve of the 72nd US Women’s Open Championship.

Players in the championship field were given a sneak preview at a private welcome reception during US Women’s Open week at the USGA Golf Museum, located a few miles from the championship site and on the grounds of the USGA headquarters.

“These incredible women not only shaped the dialogue surrounding how courses could be more welcoming to other women – they also inspired new generations to build careers and opportunities in golf,” said Diana Murphy, Molly Gourlay, Britain’s first President of the USGA. female golf course architect september 2017 | golf digest india

37

Corporate Digest

Next stop – Windsor Castle, London The Indian edition of The Duke of Edinburgh Cup was held at The Prestige Golfshire, Bengaluru on the 19th of August. The charity golf tournament in aid of Christel House India saw participation from over 100 golfers from Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.

The format of play was modified individual stableford format in two handicap categories with 3/4th handicap adjustment.

This year saw a 2-way tie in each category.

The two winners were declared based on the golfer with the lower handicap. Milesh Jamburao & Kodandaram Ramaiah won because of this & will travel to London for the World Finals in September. They will now be competing against 8 other countries at the World Finals.

Several lucky draws were held courtesy Ballantines, Ferrari Watches, Ernie Els Design, Jack Nicklaus Design who gave the lucky golfers souvenirs from these legendary golfers, Epson, Featherlite Chairs, Ruosh Shoes, Serai Resorts, Truefitt & Hill and XOXODay. B engaluru’s largest Charity golf tournament saw the proceeds benefit Christel House India. Christel House transforms the lives of impoverished children around the world — breaking the cycle of poverty and building self-sufficient, contributing members of society.

Results

L-R: Runner-Up Category A Gautam Balakrishnan, winner of Category B K. Ramaiah, winner of Category A Milesh Jamburao and Runner-Up Category B Amrith A

Deepak Hammond Elley, Commercial ManagerBangalore, Qatar Airways with Sandeep Kulhalli

Position

Team

Home Club

Adjusted Stableford Handicap Points

Winner Cat-A

Milesh Jamburao

KGA

8

39

Runner Up Cat-A

Gautam Balakrishnan

BPGC

9

39

Winner Cat-B

Kodandaram Ramaiah

BGC

11

39

Runner Up Cat-B

Amrith Anmolu

HGA

13

39

38 golf digest india | september 2017

Winner of Category B K. Ramaiah with Satish Sharma of Apollo Tyres

Featherlite Director Kush Jawahar (left) with Prabhakar Bothireddy

Corporate Digest

Ajay Kanwal, Rajan Sood, Anisha Padukone, Sunam Sarkar and Sandeep Madhavan Former India Cricketer Syed Kirmani

Tata Hitachi MD Sandeep Singh

Raju Shahani, MD, Christel House India with the children who have benefitted from the organisation

Cup About the Duke of Edinburl gh international series

The Duke of Edinburgh Cup –an annua nage & has been of golf events is a charity with Royal Patro the very first with years 16 over for y running successfull the world finals are event held in Portugal in 2001. Each year Family at Windsor played at the private course of the Royal to be played from set is n Castle, London. The 2017 editio 2017 28, to 24 mber Septe

World Final Experience

Dhananjay Naidu

e Hotel l Welcome dinner at The Beaumont Estat ds: l Golf Roun i) The Buckinghamshire Golf Club ii) Mill Ride Golf Club the grounds of iii) The Royal Household Golf Club in Windsor Castle giving dinner in the l Royal Champagne reception and prize State Apartments of Windsor Castle

L-R: Parv Sud, Shankar Garigiparthy, Praveen Sood and Suresh Sud

L-R: Sanjay Purohit, Pradeep Kar, N K Lenka and Varun Berry

L-R: Gautam Balakrishnan, Anisha Padukone, Mohan Sekhar and SP Balasubramaniam

september 2017 | golf digest india

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Corporate Digest

Thailand Golf Travel Mart ends on high note

The team from Tourism Authority of Thailand

T

he Thailand Golf Travel Mart (TGTM) held at Khao Yai in Nakhon Ratchasima from July 25-28 finished on a high note.

As always, the event was hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Once again, the event saw golf tour operators and buyers from key international markets meet with suppliers and golf course owners from across Thailand.

Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas) said, “Golf is big business in Thailand thanks to the amazing courses around the country that show off our amazing scenery while offering world-class amenities and famously friendly Thai caddies. This event will help strengthen Thailand’s position as a leading golf destination, attracting new golfers to play while enjoying the legendary Thai hospitality and unique local experiences.”

More than 150 buyers from 32 countries attended the TGTM 2017 with the majority being from Asia (65 buyers) and the ASEAN region (48 buyers).

These made up the largest golf markets due to the proximity of Thailand and the kingdom’s excellent reputation for offering world-class golfing. In addition, 31 buyers came from Europe and three from the USA. There were 95 local sellers representing Thai golf courses, tour operators, hotels and travel agents attending to sell their services. In addition, 48 members of the overseas media were invited to cover the event.

A media briefing session was also held to update visiting local and international golf journalists with the latest news of Thailand’s golf courses and services, as well as associated tourist attractions.

Another highlight of the TGTM 2017 was a networking golf tournament for all participants, taking place on 28 July at the Bonanza Golf Club; The Rancho Charnvee Golf Country Club, and the Mountain Creek Golf Resort. This gave everyone the chance to discover some of the up-and-coming golf courses and facilities in the region of Khao Yai.

40 golf digest india | september 2017

Delegates from various countries enjoyed the panel discussions during the annual event

Queries were answered at various booths

Networking at the Thailand Golf Travel Mart

L-R: Col. Rakesh Chadha (Albatross Golf), Sanjay Dutta (Airborne Travels), Aso Lori (TAT) & Manish Keswani (Thai Airways)

Corporate Digest

Indian contingent enjoying a traditional Thai massage

Women perform Thai folk dance during the event

L-R: Arun Verma (Prime Travels),Manish Keswani (Thai Airways) & Isra Stapanaseth (Director, TAT India)

Primo Piazza, Khao Yai, which follows the Tuscan village architectural style

L-R: Rakesh Chadha, Rajan Mathur, Charu Narain, Arun Verma, Isra Stapanaseth, Manish Keswani & Aso Lori

The Indian contingent at the networking golf tournament at Bonanza Golf Course

september 2017 | golf digest india

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Corporate Digest

GOLF DIGEST INDIA

Czech Challenge The Inaugural Golf Digest India – International Series teed off in beautiful Prague 12th to 16th August as an RN Sports Marketing initiative to take golfers to exotic destinations and play competitive tournament rounds in a variety of conditions.

M

Group at Konopiste Golf Course

42 golf digest india | september 2017

ake new friends across the world, play at great golf courses, experience different cultures and create lasting memories.

The tournament was played on Individual format using the Double Peoria handicap adjustment system over 54 holes at Black Bridge, Karljistin & Konopiste courses on the outskirts of Prague, one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

Weather was ideal on all days and the sizeable contingent enjoyed the camaraderie and hospitality provided. Customary giveaways,

Corporate Digest

prizes and lucky draws added to the excitement of playing a tournament in a new country. Golfers travelled from as far away as USA, London, Istanbul as well as Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkota and Bangalore.

With the success of the first edition, the next round is already being scheduled by popular demand in a new exotic destination this winter. Golf Digest India will keep you posted in future issues.

“Very well organised trip. Super courses. Made some good friends and look forward to the next such tournament with RN Golf” — Paresh Kapashi

Image Courtesy: Diwaker Singh; Taken on 14th August in Prague

L-RQueries : Sanjaywere Queries were Kumanswered ar, Paresh at Kap ashi, booths KS answered Mayurnathat&various booths various Karan Sam tani

L-R: Jaideep Sangwan, Karan Samtani, Ajay Madan, and Paresh Kapashi

september 2017 | golf digest india

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Corporate Digest “ We all had a great time and really enjoyed the format and all arrangements, which were super smooth.”

— Joydeep Nayar

L-R: Raghuvinder Singh, Mukesh Sharma, Kesar Singh, Kishore Talukdar, PK Gupta, Lokesh Malhotra, Joydeep Nayar Nayar

L-R: PK Gupta & Charu Narain

Mohan Tayel

Results Category A

Winners of Golf Digest India- Czech Challenge

Category B

Over all winner Nonita Chand from Istanbul

L-R: Jaideep Sangwan, Ajay Madan, Karan Samtani & Paresh Kapashi

Prashant Jalan from Kolkata

Winner Day 1 Joydeep Nayar from Delhi

“I trust RNGM to deliver a great golfing experience, no matter where in the world and Prague was one more example !”

— Sanjay Kumar

Mohan Tayel from Hyderabad

Winner Day 2 Kishore Talukdar from Delhi

Mukesh Sharma from Delhi

Winner Day 3 Sonya Singh from London

L-R: KS Mayurnath, Nonita Chand, Sonya Singh, Sanjay Kumar

Paul Suresh from New York

Putting practice at Karlstejn Golf Resort

44 golf digest india | september 2017

Paul Suresh, Mohan Tayel & Deepesh B Vellore

Amazing Destination/Top Golf and Magnificently organized… We had a remarkable time! All the reservations & tee times were in order and the hotel is just what we like and the perfect location.

Fabulous golf courses, challenging for all levels which makes it fun. Although we play fast, none of the golfers were rushed or hurried, which helped them compete well. We were very impressed with the quality of the arrangements (Transportation, hotel and courses) and the attention to details including emphasis on the rules and punctuality, it was seamless and couldn’t have gone better.

The organizing team, Charu, Monika & Preeti did a fantastic job to make it feel like a private & exclusive trip where everyone was given personal attention. We will definitely be looking forward to other trips and I will be letting all my golf buddies know how great it was! Thank you from all of us…

— Paul Suresh

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45

On the PGA Tour

ALL SET FOR BIG BATTLE

Team International Will Look To Lessen The Gap Against A Dominant USA In The Presidents Cup

Team USA captain Steve Stricker (left) and Team International skipper Nick Price pose for shutterbugs at the curtain raiser for the Presidents Cup

T

he toughest thing about starting the Presidents Cup may have been getting it out of the blocks. When the inaugural event was conducted in 1994 at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia, a heavy fog unexpectedly engulfed the area on the first day and delayed the start of competition.

“We’d been gearing up for months to get it started,” former PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem said. “We’re on the first tee with Gerald Ford, who’s the honorary chairman, former (U.S.) President, and Byron Nelson.

And we had a fog delay. It seemed like forever until we had a ball in the air in that competition. From then on it’s just grown.”

From those first foggy

Dustin Johnson and Jordan Spieth of Team USA celebrate a putt to win the match 1 up against Jason Day and Charl Schwartzel of Team International

moments, the Presidents Cup has grown in scope: it has been hosted on four continents. It has grown in stature: players

46 golf digest india | september 2017

look forward to the competition and battle hard to earn spots on the team. The event has matured: it is one of the sport’s

most prestigious international competitions.

This fall, when the 12th Presidents Cup is contested Sept.

26-Oct. 1 at Liberty National Golf Club in New Jersey, the question has changed. No longer is there any doubt about the event’s existence; it’s chiseled into the schedule every other year.

The question is now about dominance. Observers wonder whether the United States will continue to own the event or whether the International team—made up of players from nations who are ineligible for the Ryder Cup — can catch up.

The Americans lead the series 9-1-1, the tie coming in 2003. But the Internationals, whose only win came in 1998, have been able to steadily cut into the margin

On the PGA Tour Bill Haas of the United States team shakes hands with Sangmoon Bae of South Korea and the International team after Haas won the final singles match

Captain of United States team Steve Stricker

Team International captain Nick Price (L) chats with Adam Scott of Australia

AS IT GROWS IN STATURE, THE PRESIDENTS CUP HAS RAISED MORE THAN $38 MILLION FOR CHARITY SINCE ITS INCEPTION. THE EVENT CONTRIBUTED MORE THAN $6 MILLION IN 2015.

US Open champion Brooks Koepka will be a vital cog for his team

of victory enjoyed by the United States team. The U.S. won by five points in 2009, by four points in 2011, by three points in 2013 and by one at the last tournament, in 2015, in South Korea.

That year, the final singles match determined the outcome.

Bill Haas, a captain’s pick, defeated South Korea’s Sangmoon Bae on the final hole. It was the third time the final match had been decided on the last hole.

“You know, albeit for a couple of putts here and there, we may have pulled it off,” said South Africa’s Nick Price, who will

return for a third stint as captain of the International team. “I think it was a great event. And it was exciting.”

Price admitted that the Internationals were dejected after suffering lopsided losses in 2011 and 2013, and it was reflected in their approach to the competition.

“I think their attitude toward The Presidents Cup was wallowing a bit,” he said. After being named captain in 2012, Price began to talk the players up and get them motivated. By 2015 the players were reinvigorated, and it

showed in the results.

Officials have tweaked the rules over the years to lessen some of the advantages held by the United States. Price successfully lobbied to have fewer team matches; there were two fewer four-ball matches and two fewer foursome or alternate-shot matches. This helped negate some of the Americans’ depth.

The 12-man International team will certainly include Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, a 25-year-old who has been ranked as high as No. 3 in the Official World Golf Ranking.

Others on the team will be Australians Jason Day and Adam Scott and South Africans Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen.

The U.S. team, captained for the first time by Steve Stricker, will unquestionably be favored. The American squad will include three-time Major champion Jordan Spieth, No. 1-ranked Dustin Johnson, U.S. Open champion Brooks Koepka and young veterans like Justin Thomas, Daniel Berger and Rickie Fowler.

september 2017 | golf digest india

47

On the PGA Tour

Gear Up For Something Sensational As Playoffs Begin W

hen Rory McIlroy won the 2016 FedExCup, he not only beat a great field. He overcame some bigtime odds.

A year ago, McIlroy began the playoffs in 36th place. When he won the TOUR Championship and snatched the FedExCup away from the favorites, he became only the second player in the event’s 10-year history to come from outside the top 20 and win it all.

It seems like an anomaly.

The PGA TOUR created the yearlong FedExCup competition to reward consistent play over the entire season, but it also provides an incentive to the player who gets hot in the Playoffs. That’s what McIlroy did a year ago.

The odds remain on the side of those near the top of the standings when the Playoffs begin. In six of the first 10 FedExCup races, the winner has entered the Playoffs inside the top 10. But twice in the last three years, the victor has come from outside the top 30. That includes McIlroy and the patron saint of all longshots, Billy Horschel, who entered the Playoffs at No. 69 in 2014 and was lifting the trophy on the 18th green at Atlanta’s East Lake Golf Club four weeks later.

Such are the dreams of the FedExCup Playoffs.

That was the idea when then PGA TOUR commissioner Tim Finchem conceived the Playoffs.

The PGA TOUR found a way to create meaningful golf when the four Major championships were finished and fans were beginning to turn their attention to American football. The popularity of golf’s postseason now continues to grow each year in terms of attendance, sponsorship and the digital audience.

The FedExCup Playoffs are made up of four consecutive events that carry the same winor-go-home playoff drama as the nation’s other Major sports.

Players are eliminated week by

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland poses with the 2016 FedExCup trophy after winning the TOUR Championship Tiger Woods

week, and only the top 30 qualify for the TOUR Championship.

The FedExCup champion earns a US $10 million bonus, which is enough to get the attention of even the most-successful players in the field. A win also comes with a five-year PGA TOUR exemption.

Not everyone gets in. Playoff participants must qualify. The top-125 players on the points list not only earn their exempt status for the next season, they also advance to the Playoffs.

The postseason begins with The Northern Trust, Aug. 24-27, at Glen Oaks Club in Old Westbury, N.Y. From

48 golf digest india | september 2017

Jason Day

TIGER WOODS IS THE ONLY PLAYER TO WIN THE FEDEXCUP TWICE (2007 AND 2009). OTHER WINNERS INCLUDE MAJOR CHAMPIONS LIKE VIJAY SINGH, JIM FURYK, HENRIK STENSON, JORDAN SPIETH AND RORY MCILROY. BUT THE DOOR IS OPEN FOR THE LIKES OF BILL HAAS, HORSCHEL AND BRANDT SNEDEKER, TOO...

Jordan Spieth

there, the top 100 on the points list advance to the Dell Technologies Championship, Sept. 1-4, at TPC Boston in Norton, Massachusetts, the host site since the Playoffs began.

The Playoffs take a break for a week and return Sept. 1417 at the BMW Championship in Lake Forest, Illinois. The top-70 players on the points list are eligible for the BMW Championship and they compete in a no-cut tournament. The final Playoffs leg takes place at East Lake, the former home course of Bobby Jones. It has been the permanent site of the TOUR Championship since 2004.

On the PGA Tour A scenic view of the 18th hole during the final round of 2017 PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass

Players Championship and PGA Championship Moving Places on the Golf Calendar

T

he first PLAYERS Championship took place at Atlanta Country Club in September. The second tournament was in Fort Worth, Texas, played in August.

But by Year Three, in 1976, the tournament moved to March where it stayed on the PGA TOUR calendar until 2006 when the venerable tournament adopted a May date.

In 2019, The Players Championship returns to its March home.

In a joint announcement August 8 at Quail Hollow Club, site of the 2017 PGA Championship, the PGA of America and the PGA TOUR announced that beginning in 2019, The Players Championship will be contested in March at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, while the PGA Championship will be played in the month of May. “In weighing the complex evolution of the golf calendar, the PGA of America’s key objectives were to promote the best interests of our signature spectator Championship, do what is best for the game and its great players and find the most advantageous platform to fulfill our mission of serving our nearly 29,000 PGA Professionals and growing the game,” said PGA of America Chief Executive Officer Pete Bevacqua. “Our analysis began in 2013 and included an extensive list of

2023

Oak Hill Country Club, Pittsford, New York

Reigning PLAYERS Championship winner Si Woo Kim

2022

Trump International

2021

Golf Club, Bedminster,

The Ocean Course, Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Kiawah Island, South Carolina

New Jersey

2020

TPC Harding Park, San Francisco, California

2019

Bethpage Black, Farmingdale, New York

factors, including having to shift the date every four years to accommodate the Olympic Games. In the end, we determined that playing the PGA Championship the week prior to Memorial Day in May, will achieve those three objectives.”

“We are thrilled to announce these two significant changes, which will greatly enhance the pro calendar starting 2019,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan.

2018

Bellerive Country Club, St. Louis, Missouri

Future PGA Championship Venues september 2017 | golf digest india

49

On the PGA Tour

TOUR SNIPPETS

TRUMP ACCEPTS PRESIDENTS CUP HONORARY CHAIRMAN POST Donald J. Trump, the 45th President of the United States of America, has accepted an invitation to be Honorary Chairman of the Presidents Cup when the competition returns to the United States for the 12th staging, this year at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey, Sept. 26-Oct. 1.

“We’re honored to have President Trump join a long list of world leaders who have accepted this role, especially as we embark on our first playing in the New York Metropolitan area,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “We look forward to him being involved in the event in any capacity his schedule allows.”

“It is a great honor for me to be even a small part of the Presidents Cup,” said President Trump. “I have watched it since the very first tournament in 1994. It gets better with age.

This will be the greatest of them all.”

President Trump is part of a distinguished group of 10 world leaders who have previously held the position of Honorary Chairman at the Presidents Cup. The Presidents Cup is a unique golf event in that there is no purse or prize money. Players are not personally paid for their participation,

but each competitor receives an allocation of funds for a charity of their choice. Since 1994, more than U.S. $38.4 million has been contributed to charities around the world, including a record $6 million distributed from the staging of the 2015 event. Over the past 21 years, the Presidents Cup has impacted more than 450 charities in 15 countries worldwide and 35 states in the U.S.

PAST HONORARY CHAIRMAN 1994 – 38th U.S. President, Gerald R. Ford 1996 – 41st U.S. President, George H.W. Bush 1998 – Prime Minister John Howard, Australia 2000 – 42nd U.S. President William Jefferson Clinton 2003 – President Thabo Mbeki, Republic of South Africa 2005 – 43rd U.S. President, George W. Bush 2007 – Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Canada 2009 – 44th U.S. President, Barack Obama 2011 – Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Australia 2013 – 44th U.S. President, Barack Obama 2015 – President Park Geunhye, South Korea

US President Geoge HW Bush (2L) during 1996 edition

FIERY MATSUYAMA CLINCHES BRIDGESTONE INVITATIONAL After Jordan Spieth won The Open Championship in July for his third PGA TOUR title of the season, the Texan quickly became the frontrunner to win the Jack Nicklaus Award, presented annually to the TOUR’s Player of the Year.

Two weeks later, Spieth had viable competition.

Hideki Matsuyama won his second World Golf Championships event of the 201718 season in early August, capturing the Bridgestone Invitational by five strokes.

Matsuyama blew away the competition on the final day, shooting a 9-under 61 at venerable Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio.

Matsuyama’s win came nine months after he became the first Asian player to win a World Golf Championships event when he triumphed at the HSBC Champions in Shanghai. Combined with his victory at the Waste Management Phoenix Open in February, Matsuyama has three TOUR wins this season, is the third-ranked player in the Official World Golf Ranking, is No. 1 on the FedExCup points list heading into the

50 golf digest india | september 2017

Hideki Matsuyama FedExCup Playoffs and is the No. 1-ranked player in the International standings for The Presidents Cup. TOUR players vote on the Player of the Year, and it appears they will have quite a decision to make.

Heading into the Bridgestone Invitational—

the final WGC event of the season—Matsuyama had little expectations. Following The Open Championship, he returned to Japan and, in his words, “didn’t touch a club all week.”

He opened 69-67-67 dispelling any thoughts that his game had rust, yet it didn’t seem a course-record-tying score was in his future. Perhaps Matusyama remembered being paired with Tiger Woods in the second round of the 2013 Bridgestone Invitational. Matsuyama had a front-row seat that day, watching Woods shoot a 61 on his way to a what became a seven-shot win. Players draw inspiration from interesting places.

“I just couldn’t believe that anyone could shoot a 61 on this golf course,” said Matsuyama recalling that day with Woods and moments after he became the second player to shoot 61 on this golf course. “To be able to do it today is a dream come true.”

Matsuyama’s 61 came courtesy of three front-nine birdies and an eagle and then four more birdies—including three consecutively to finish his round.

Images: PGA Tour

© 2017 PGA TOUR, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PLAYER APPEARANCE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

SEPT 26 - OCT 1 TICKETS & TRAVEL PACKAGES AVAILABLE AT PRESIDENTSCUP.COM LIBERTY NATIONAL GOLF CLUB | JERSEY CITY, NJ

On the European Tour

TOUR SNIPPETS Langer hat-trick makes Senior Major Championship history

Bernhard Langer became the most successful golfer in Senior Major Championship history as he secured his third Senior Open Championship title presented by Rolex.

The German, victorious at this event in 2010 and 2014, was previously tied with South Africa’s Gary Player on nine Senior Major victories, and he moved into double figures with a three stroke victory over 2010 USA Ryder Cup Captain Corey Pavin.

With his second victory on the links of Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, Langer joins Player and Tom Watson as three-time winners of the Senior Claret Jug. Although his margin of victory wasn’t as spectacular as the 13 strokes he won by in 2014, Langer’s success is certainly as impressive as he started the week with laryngitis and battled treacherous weather conditions on the Welsh links.

“IT’S A FANTASTIC FEELING TO HAVE WON HERE AGAIN. THERE MIGHT HAVE BEEN A LITTLE EXTRA PRESSURE, JUST KNOWING THAT I WON HERE BY 13 A FEW YEARS AGO. I HIT MY FIRST TEE SHOT STRAIGHT INTO A GORSE BUSH ON THE LEFT AND IT WAS UNPLAYABLE SO, LOOKING BACK NOW, IT ENDED A LOT BETTER THAN IT STARTED.”

Paul Broadhurst

Brilliant Broadhurst regains Scottish title Paul Broadhurst secured the Scottish Senior Open title for a second time with a three-stroke victory at Renaissance Club.

The Englishman, who won this title on his European Senior Tour debut in 2015, carded rounds of 66-67-67 to finish three shots ahead of Australia’s Mike Harwood.

Winner of the Senior Open Championship Presented

by Rolex at Carnoustie last year, this is Broadhurst’s third victory on Scottish soil in four events.

“I love links golf,” said Broadhurst. “I’ve had some serious practice in the wind over the last few weeks at The Open and Senior Open. I’ve mastered the knockdown shot and that was key this week.”

52 golf digest india | september 2017

Bernhard Langer celebrates his Senior Open Championship win

LI CLAIMS SUPERB TOP THREE FINISH AT BIRKDALE Li Haotong’s sublime third-place finish in The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale saw him break into the top ten of the European Tour’s Race to Dubai presented by Rolex Rankings for the first time.

The 21-year-old Chinese prodigy clinched a substantial 596,286 points with a second consecutive appearance at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, taking place at Jumeirah Golf Estates from November 1619, already a likelihood. “It’s a dream come true,” said Li afterwards.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland finished in tied fourth on 5-under par with Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open winner Rafa Cabrera Bello. Matthew Southgate was a stroke further back alongside Brooks Koepka, Branden Grace, Alex Noren and Marc Leishman.

Southgate, who spent the week of The 2015 Open receiving treatment for testicular cancer, finished 12th at Royal Troon last year and made sure of an even better finish with a closing 65.

“It’s an incredible feeling, it’s difficult to explain,” said Southgate. “I get so focused on what I’m doing the next shot, the next hole, the next putt and the next opportunity.

“Walking off the 18th tee, I asked my caddie, ‘are we 5-under today?’. I didn’t know if I was four, five or six. I said, ‘that’s good’.

I’m new to playing in Major Championships but I think that’s a good sign when you’re playing that well on a Sunday and you don’t know what your score is because of your focus.”

Li Haotong of China

On the European Tour Spain’s Jon Rahm with the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open trophy

“WINNING THE IRISH OPEN WAS A PRETTY SPECIAL MOMENT IN MY CAREER... WINNING ON THE EUROPEAN TOUR MEANT A LOT TO ME AND IT GOT A LOT OF ATTENTION FROM THE MEDIA IN SPAIN. THAT SHOWS WHAT THE WIN MEANT TO MY HOME COUNTRY TOO.” — JON RAHM

Rahm wins Hilton Golfer of the Month for July Jon Rahm has been awarded the Hilton European Tour Golfer of the Month Award for July in recognition of his record-breaking victory at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open hosted by the Rory Foundation.

The Spaniard has provided one of the most incredible stories in world golf over the past 18 months or so, rising from 551st in

the Official World Golf Ranking at the beginning of 2016 to his current heady position of World Number Six (at the time of going to press).

Rahm’s victory at Portstewart Golf Club came courtesy of an incredible final round 65 which lifted him to a six-shot victory on 24-under par, the lowest under-par winning

score in the tournament’s long history.

In the process, the 23 year old joined an illustrious list of Spanish former winners of the event – alongside Seve Ballesteros, José María Olazábal and Sergio Garcia.

The winner was chosen by a panel of respected golf journalists who had a tough call on their hands in a month when Rahm’s compatriot and friend Rafa Cabrera Bello claimed a dramatic triumph at the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open, while Tommy Fleetwood won the inaugural Rolex Series tournament at the HNA Open de France.

Rahm receives Hilton Honors Diamond Elite Status – the highest tier of the hotel’s renowned loyalty scheme – for winning the Golfer of the Month of the award.

RED-HOT SMITH CLAIMS MAIDEN TITLE IN GERMANY England’s Jordan Smith claimed his maiden European Tour title with a play-off victory over defending champion Alex Levy at the Porsche European Open, before going on to claim a top ten finish in his Major debut two weeks later at the US PGA Championship.

In Germany, the lead changed hands throughout the afternoon at Green Eagle Golf Course in Hamburg as Levy and overnight leader Smith were engaged in an exciting final-round battle.

Levy led by a single shot as he stood at the 18th tee, but when playing partner Smith holed his ten foot birdie putt to get to 13-under and join the Frenchman at the summit, he was forced to tap in his tricky par putt to force a play-off.

Both players reached the putting surface in two at the first extra hole but Levy was in the box seat after sending his eagle putt to within three feet, with Smith another 12 feet away from the hole.

After the Englishman missed his tricky putt, Levy had the chance to finish the contest but he missed his close-range birdie effort - so the pair headed back to the 18th tee. And after sending his monster eagle putt to within three feet of the hole, Smith tapped in his close-range birdie effort to secure his first victory in his 25th event. september 2017 | golf digest india

53

On the European Tour

Rai captures European Tour card with third win

A

aron Rai capped an incredible six months with a third European Challenge Tour victory of the season at Le Vaudreuil Golf Challenge, securing himself European Tour status in the process.

The Englishman of Indian origin was ruthless on the final day at Golf PGA France du Vaudreuil, recovering from a rare early blemish on the second hole to open up a two-shot advantage at the turn before he pulled emphatically away from the field on the back nine.

Four birdies in five holes from the 13th gave him a six-shot cushion coming down the last and his 18-under par total was ultimately five shots better than his playing partner and overnight co-leader Morten Ørum Madsen, whose closing birdie earned him second place outright.

Three victories in a season have earned Rai immediate promotion to the European Tour but, having now regained the lead in the Road to Oman Rankings, he will likely split his time between both tours for the remainder of the year.

“It’s certainly the accomplishment of a life goal, earning a European Tour card,” said the 22-year-old. “I haven’t really thought too much about the rest of the year now – next week I’m playing in Sweden on the Challenge Tour and I’ll play the Rolex Trophy.

“I’ll certainly still play a few Challenge Tour events between now and the end of the year – it would obviously be nice to carry on performing very well here.

“In terms of the Number One Ranking, it’s obviously a nice thing to be able to say come the end of the year but you have to just play your golf and if that’s a by-product of it, it would be another amazing achievement.

Aaron Rai (L) with Jean Claude Forestier of Le Vaudreuil

“IT’S CERTAINLY THE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF A LIFE GOAL, EARNING A EUROPEAN TOUR CARD. I HAVEN’T REALLY THOUGHT TOO MUCH ABOUT THE REST OF THE YEAR NOW... IT WOULD OBVIOUSLY BE NICE TO CARRY ON PERFORMING VERY WELL HERE ON.” — AARON RAI “It’s been an amazing season so far, I certainly couldn’t have dreamed it going better at the start of the year, and it’s quite hard to

put it into words.

“To say there were no nerves would be a lie because there are always nerves, whether it’s your first win or your third, but you have to try to put it to one side.”

No other player in the top five shot under 70, showing how impressive Rai’s five under par round of 66 was, with runner-up Madsen securing his best result for a couple of years, one shot ahead of Ryan Evans and Mark Tullo, who shared third place.

Christopher Mivis’ third top five finish in two months took him into the top 15 on the Road to Oman, while three shots behind him, Mathieu Fenasse and Clément Sordet were the leading Frenchmen on home soil, the pair finishing in a tie for ninth place.

Robin wins shootout for Northern Ireland Open crown at Galgorm Castle

R

obin Sciot-Siegrist came through 30 holes of golf – plus a shootout play-off hole – to claim a maiden European Challenge Tour title at the Galgorm Resort & Spa Northern Ireland Open presented by Modest! Golf.

A dramatic final day, nicknamed ‘Shootout Sunday,’ was a series of six hole head-to-head stroke play matches, with the left-handed Sciot-Siegrist coming through five rounds to win, ultimately defeating Alessandro Tadini by two strokes in the final at Galgorm Castle.

The Frenchman – whose

Robin Sciot-Siegrist with NI Open trophy

“SIX HOLES, YOU HAVE TO BE REALLY IN IT FROM THE VERY BEGINNING, YOU DON’T HAVE A CHANCE TO MAKE ANY MISTAKES”

54 golf digest india | september 2017

mother hails from Dublin, further endearing him to the crowds – now moves up to eighth place in the Road to Oman Rankings and he was delighted to have made this breakthrough just a year after he turned professional.

“It’s amazing,” said the 23-year-old. “It’s my first full season as a pro so I am so happy because I’ve been working really hard this winter and holding this trophy, I don’t know how to describe it, it’s just pure joy.

“Six holes, you have to be really in it from the very beginning, you don’t have a chance to make any mistakes, and it’s great to change the format.”

On the European Tour

FITNESS

ROLL YOUR WAY TO THE TOP What is a foam roller?

Foam rollers are a relatively cheap and versatile piece of equipment made from differing densities of foam/rubberised material to give a softer or firmer feel. They are commonly cylindrical in shape and can be used in many different exercises.

Why use a foam roller?

The foam roller is most commonly used to roll on using your own body weight to give a deep tissue massage and improve joint range of motion. It can be used on all areas of the body but often used by golfers on areas that are often tight or restricted that include the thigh, calves and upper back. Research has shown that pre-exercise use of foam rollers can increase joint range of motion in the short term and post exercise it can help to reduce muscle soreness. The foam roller is portable and can be used anywhere meaning you can perform exercises with it anywhere and use it as part of your warm-up and recovery from training and playing golf.

What foam roller exercise should I use to improve my golf

There are many great exercises that you can do with a foam roller to help your golf but a key area of your body to focus on is the upper back or thoracic spine. Modern lifestyles often now involve lots of sitting in cars/transport and at desks and means many people often lack the ability to fully extend at the upper back. The foam roller thoracic extension exercise focuses a specific extension stretch over each section of the upper back and helps to prevent stiffness in this key area of the body for golfers.

How it benefits your golf game

Reduced ability to get full extension in the thoracic spine can have many consequences on the golf swing and injury risk. Being able to extend the thoracic spine is crucial to allowing the shoulder girdle to achieve its full range of movement amongst other things. Without this a golfer will often lose posture in the golf swing and/or be unable to complete a full or effective golf swing.

This can mean being unable to make a full backswing and have technical faults.

Doing exercises like “thoracic spine foam roller extension stretches” as part of your daily warm-up before golf will help you improve your thoracic spine rotation and subsequently your golf game.

HOW TO DO THE “FOAM ROLLER STRETCH” EXERCISE

Use a soft mat or comfortable floor area. Sit on the floor and place the foam roller on the floor behind you as shown in the photo. Lean back so that the foam roller is roughly at the level of your shoulder blades. You can do this exercise with your hands behind your head and across your chest (giving yourself a hug). Roll back and forth on the foam roller so it moves across the length of the upper back, to give a deep self massage of the area. Do this for 15-30 seconds.

Then you can find an area of the upper back to stretch more specifically. Stay on one area and lean back over the foam roller breathing out slowly. Repeat this 2-3 times in a couple of different areas.

By repeating this on a regular basis you can maximise the short-term benefits in joint range of motion that using a foam roller has been shown to give.

Text: Nigel Tilley European Tour Performance Institute & Physio Unit september 2017 | golf digest india

55

On the European Tour

Molinari Delighted To Be In The Mix At Quail Hollow

F

rancesco Molinari achieved his best finish at a Major Championship as he battled down the stretch at the US PGA Championship only to be beaten by American champion Justin Thomas.

The Italian had put himself in contention with a 64 that proved to be the joint lowest round of the week on Friday but his chances looked to have gone when he followed that with a third-round 74.

The Ryder Cup star does not have four European Tour titles for nothing, though, and got himself into a share of the lead on the back nine on Sunday before eventually finishing two shots behind winner Justin Thomas.

He claimed a rare birdie on the first and took advantage of the seventh but when he three-putted the tenth, any chance of victory looked gone. Putts from ten feet on the 11th and 12th and an approach to four feet on the 14th had his tail up, however, and his next birdie gave him that share of the lead before he dropped a shot on the 16th.

Francesco Molinari

Despite the disappointment of falling just short, Molinari matched the best finish by an Italian at a Major and was happy with his week’s work.

“It was great,” he said. “Yesterday I had a really bad start and it was pretty hard to recover from that, so that adds to the satisfaction after today. It would have been nice to start the day maybe a couple of shots closer to the leaders.”

THE ITALIAN HAD PUT HIMSELF IN CONTENTION WITH A 64 ION FRIDAY BUT HIS CHANCES LOOKED TO HAVE GONE WHEN HE FOLLOWED THAT WITH A THIRD-ROUND 74.

European Tour Live coverage on MATCH

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Omega European Masters Day 1 Session 1 Omega European Masters Day 1 Session 2 Omega European Masters Day 2 Session 1 Omega European Masters Day 2 Session 2 Omega European Masters Day 3 Omega European Masters Day 4

07.09.17 07.09.17 08.09.17 08.09.17 09.09.17 10.09.17

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KLM Open Day 1 Session 1 KLM Open Day 1 Session 2 KLM Open Day 2 Session 1 KLM Open Day 2 Session 2 KLM Open Day 3 KLM Open Day 4

14.09.17 14.09.17 15.09.17 15.09.17 16.09.17 17.09.17

15:00 19:00 15:00 19:00 16:30 16:30

Portugal Masters Day 1 Session 1 Portugal Masters Day 1 Session 2 Portugal Masters Day 2 Session 1 Portugal Masters Day 2 Session 2 Portugal Masters Day 3 Portugal Masters Day 4

21.09.17 21.09.17 22.09.17 22.09.17 23.09.17 24.09.17

16:00 19:30 16:00 19:30 17:30 17:30

British Masters Day 1 British Masters Day 2 British Masters Day 3 British Masters Day 4

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Rafa Cabrera Bello

Cabrera Bello storms to stunning Scottish victory

R

afa Cabrera Bello won his first European Tour event in over five years as he claimed the fourth Rolex Series event of the season at the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open.

The Spaniard had finished second six times since his win at the 2012 Dubai Desert Classic but overcame Callum Shinkwin in a play-off at Dundonald Links to win his third title.

Cabrera Bello posted a stunning course-record 64 to get to 13-under and a bogey from Shinkwin on the last meant the contest went to extra holes, where the 33-year-old hit a stunning second into the 18th to set up a tournament-clinching birdie.

The Englishman had the consolation of securing his place at the Open Championship next week alongside Frenchman Matthieu Pavon.

56 golf digest india | september 2017

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On the Asian Tour L-R: The R&A’s Nick Shan, Duncan Weir and Dominic Wall, Josh Burack (Asian Tour CEO), Martin Slumbers (CEO of The R&A), Jimmy Masrin (Asian Tour Chairman), Charles Harrison (The R&A) and Cho Minn Thant (Asian Tour COO)

The Tour Continues To Grow Stronger

BY JOSH BURACK

I

t was an exciting August for the Asian Tour and our members.

Our biggest headline of the month was the Asian Tour was accepted by the R&A to become an affiliate member. The Asian Tour is the first tour outside Europe to become an R&A affiliated body. We join the European Tour and Ladies European Tour which are existing R&A affiliates.

The Asian Tour and R&A will work closely together to further develop the game across Asia. As part of our expanded cooperation with the body that officially governs the rules of golf, we will start to include a select number of top amateurs in our Asian Development Tour (ADT) events and the R&A will provide us with some support to bolster our rules officials. The Asian Tour will now also be represented at The R&A’s quadrennial International Golf Conference in St Andrews.

This partnership with the R&A clearly shows that the Asian Tour and ADT are the top men’s professional golf Tours of the region for players to develop and continue their rise to become world beaters like Thongchai Jaidee, Anirban Lahiri, Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Scott Hend.

In an outstanding development for golf in Indonesia, we also announced that the Indonesian Masters will be the seasonending flagship event on the Asian Tour.

The prestigious tournament boasts a prize

58 golf digest india | september 2017

THIS PARTNERSHIP WITH THE R&A CLEARLY SHOWS THAT THE ASIAN TOUR AND ADT ARE THE TOP MEN’S PROFESSIONAL GOLF TOURS OF THE REGION FOR PLAYERS TO DEVELOP AND CONTINUE THEIR RISE TO BECOME WORLD BEATERS purse of US$750,000 and will be played at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club from December 14 to 17. As a flagship event, the winner of the Indonesian Masters will also receive 20 Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, greatly enhancing its status as a world class tournament.

As the final tournament of our 2017 season, we will crown our new Asian Tour Order of Merit champion at our glamorous Awards Night where our respective stats category winners, Players’ Player of the Year, Best Golf Course and Best Spectator Engagement tournament will be honoured. The Indonesian Masters is also the third leg of the Panasonic Swing, which is an aggregate points race that spans five events – in Thailand, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Japan. Our Asian Tour players are accumulating points with the top three earning a share of a lucrative bonus pool.

By the time you are reading this, the Asian Tour would have broken new ground by being part of the Fiji International. This is the first time the Tour will be a sanctioning partner alongside the PGA Tour of Australasia and European Tour for this

high profile tournament that features a AUD 1.5 million prize purse.

The Fiji International will also kick-start the second half of our season where our members will play in at least 12 events with more than US$12 million on offer. We also expect to potentially add a few more tournaments in the final quarter which will increase this figure. I will provide more updates on our expanding tournament schedule in my next column.

On the digital aspect of the Asian Tour, we also launched phase two of our highly successful #whereitsAT campaign through a series of monoloque video promos.

The goal is to use our players to highlight the growing prominence of the Asian Tour in world golf. The success of phase one of the campaign was overwhelming and would not have been possible without the strong support of the print plus online media and of course all of our fans.

We hope that you will continue to support the Asian Tour and our initiatives! #whereitsAT (The writer is Asian Tour CEO)

On the Asian Tour

Jeev Milkha Singh still holds the Tour record of highest earnings in one season (US$ 1.45 million)

ASIAN TOUR HAS GIVEN ME EVERYTHING, SAYS JEEV

H

e may be the son of an acclaimed Indian Olympic runner but Jeev Milkha Jeev has certainly carved out a distinctive name for himself in golf as one of Asia’s most decorated stars.

Two Asian Tour Order of Merit wins, six Asian Tour titles, four European Tour trophies, four Japan Golf Tour victories – these are some of Jeev’s career highlights since he turned professional in 1993.

In 2008, he played his way into Asian Tour history by becoming the first golfer to win more than US$1 million in a season en route to becoming the region’s No. 1.

While three other players have since achieved that feat, Jeev’s US$1.45 million remains a Tour record. His career earnings in Asia of US$3.53 million also place him at seventh on the Tour’s all-time list.

More than just records and titles, Jeev’s achievements include his unquantifiable contributions to golf.

Many youngsters have been inspired by Jeev’s trailblazing success in Asia, Japan and Europe, saying he paved the way for aspiring Indian and Asian golfers to be successful on the world stage.

Speak to the likes of Anirban Lahiri and Gaganjeet Bhullar and they will attest to Jeev’s influence in their growing years in the game.

The 45-year-old has enjoyed 14 Major appearances, including a tied-ninth finish at

the 2008 PGA Championship which remains his career best in a Major.

He is also the only Indian to break into the top-30 on the Official World Golf Ranking when he reached 28th place in 2009.

Apart from his achievements on the fairways, Jeev is also well known for showing the right kind of attitude and tenacity to rise back to the pinnacle from two career mini-slumps.

He credits his father, Milkha “The Flying Sikh” Singh, for impressing on him the need to work hard for his success and to never give up on his dreams.

“I was just trying to do a job as good as possible. Being a professional golfer, you just go out there and try to do your job and try to give it the best. I think I have been very fortunate that this game has given me a lot,” said Jeev.

“IT’S THE FRIENDLIEST TOUR IN THE WORLD. EVERYBODY HANGS AROUND TOGETHER... IT’S A TOUR WHICH HAS GIVEN ME SO MUCH THAT I CAN NEVER FORGET AND I’LL ALWAYS COME BACK AND PLAY THIS TOUR TILL THE TIME I CANNOT.” — JEEV MILKHA SINGH

Throughout the years, Jeev has always adopted a disciplined, resilient attitude even as he battled injuries and loss of form. This belief in his abilities only strengthened and grew on the Asian Tour.

“The Asian Tour means a lot to me. This is where I started from in 1993. This is the Tour that gave me the confidence. It set me up for bigger Tours and it gave me the confidence to move on in life and win big tournaments,” said Jeev during the filming for phase two of the Asian Tour’s digital #whereitsAT campaign.

He cites the 2008 Singapore Open, where he pipped runners-up Padraig Harrington and Ernie Els, who were both three-time Major winners at the time, by one stroke, as one of his favourite Tour memories.

“The depth that week was amazing. It was a strong field, with four guys in the top 10 in the world ranking playing that week.

That win gave me a lot of confidence and I moved on to bigger things from there,” said Jeev.

Having played on different Tours around the world, Jeev asserts that he still feels most comfortable in Asia.

“It’s the friendliest Tour in the world.

Everybody hangs around together. It’s like a big family travelling together,” he said. “It’s a Tour which has given me so much that I can never forget and I’ll always come back and play this Tour till the time I cannot.” september 2017 | golf digest india

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On the Asian Tour

Poom Brings The Boom At Take Solutions Masters

Poom Saksansin of Thailand completed a convincing wire-to-wire victory after defeating home favourite Khalin Joshi by two shots at the inaugural TAKE Solutions Masters last month.

The 24-year-old Poom never lost his lead on the last day as he returned with a fourunder 67 to claim his second Asian Tour title with a winning total of 16-under 268 at the Karnataka Golf Association (KGA) Golf Course.

“Honestly I have confidence to win but because I played badly yesterday (round three), I was a bit worried. Yes, I felt nervous but my caddy cheered me. I just continued talking to him. He is a local caddy. On hole number three when he (Khalin) holed the long par putt, I thought we will be tied for the lead because I had a tricky seven-foot putt for par. Luckily I sank that. That’s probably the closest we came to tying for the lead,” Poom said.

“No, I didn’t expect to win and be leader for four days! I was very surprised I was the leader after the third round because I played so badly. But after leading for three days, it would have been very disappointing to lose,” he added.

Joshi, who hails from Bengaluru and grew up playing golf at KGA, battled toothand-nail before settling for second place following a round of 67. Three bogeys in a round of seven birdies dashed his hopes for a first Asian Tour title.

“The runner-up finish sets me up for the

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Did you know? l This is Poom Saksansin’s first wireto-wire victory and the second on the Asian Tour in 2017 following Rattanon Wannasrichan’s start-to-finish win at the Thailand Open. l This is Poom’s second win in his ninth Asian Tour start since his victory at the BNI Indonesian Masters last year. l This is Khalin Joshi’s second runner-up finish. He finished tied second at the 2015 Bashundhara Bangladesh Open. l Khalin and Poom are good friends off the course. They both played in the amateur circuit together. Poom said, “Golf is golf. We are still friends. I wish Khalin the best in the future.” second half of the Asian Tour season. I’ve asked for a few invites in the second half, so hopefully I’ll get them and can make good use of them and improve on my standing on the Asian Tour,” Khalin said.

Ajeetesh Sandhu (66) of India finished a further shot back in lone third place on 274 while Rory Hie of Indonesia, Divyanshu Bajaj and Abhinav Lohan of India settled for fourth at the US$300,000 Asian Tour event.

Poom’s lead was only briefly threatened when Joshi birdied his opening hole but the Thai held his nerve and claimed a sensational victory after posting five birdies.

LEADING SCORES: 268 - Poom Saksansin (THA) 64-67-70-67 270 - Khalin Joshi (IND) 68-67-68-67 274 - Ajeetesh Sandhu (IND) 69-72-67-66 275 - Rory Hie (INA) 69-67-72-67, Divyanshu Bajaj (IND) 66-71-69-69, Abhinav Lohan (IND) 70-72-64-69 276 - Suradit Yongcharoenchai (THA) 70-71-69-66 277 - Honey Baisoya (IND) 73-67-70-67, Rahil Gangjee (IND) 70-66-73-68

On the Asian Tour

Australian Norris Lifts Biggest Career Win In Fiji

A

ustralian Jason Norris kept his cool to sign for a closing five-under-par 67, claiming the biggest victory yet in his 21-year professional career with a convincing four-shot victory at the tri-sanctioned Fiji International on Sunday.

Norris, who was thinking of quitting the game a few years ago, revived his career after firing eight birdies against three bogeys to cap a winning total of 14-under 274 at the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course.

The 44-year-old Norris takes home a winner’s prize purse of US$195,421 and moved to seventh place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, courtesy of his victory at the A$1.5 million (approximately US$1.14 million) event.

“It’s unbelievable. It’s good to see you all on Sunday instead of on Thursday every time. I felt really good all day, a couple of times I started getting ahead of myself, but my good mate/caddy Ace calmed me down and reminded me about the process. I think it was just our week, everything aligned and putts

dropped and some good shots came, it was amazing,” said Norris later.

Yo u n g T h a i t a l e n t Ja z z Janewattananond fired the week’s lowest round score of 64 to grab a share of second place alongside Australian duo David McKenzie and James Marchesani, who closed with rounds of 67 and 70 respectively at the Fiji International.

Overnight leader Wade Ormsby of Australia battled to a 73 to finish five shots back in fifth place with compatriots Adam Bland (65), Daniel Pearce (69) and Peter Wilson (70).

LEADING SCORES: 274 - Jason Norris (AUS) 69-68-70-67 278 - Jazz Janewattananond (THA) 74-72-68-64, David McKenzie (AUS) 68-7172-67, James Marchesani (AUS) 71-70-67-70 279 - Adam Bland (AUS) 68-71-75-65, Daniel Pearce (NZL) 66-71-73-69, Peter Wilson (AUS) 68-71-70-70, Wade Ormsby (AUS) 69-71-66-73 280 - Jarryd Felton (AUS) 71-71-72-66, Gareth Paddison (NZL) 73-69-71-67, Scott Vincent (ZIM) 73-68-68-71.

Asian Tour Order of Merit After Fiji International POS

PLAYER

EARNINGS (US$)

1.

David Lipsky (Usa)

$336,507

2.

S.S.P. Chawrasia (Ind)

$312,353

3.

Phachara Khongwatmai (Tha)

$273,152

4.

Gavin Green (Mas)

$250,885

5.

Prayad Marksaeng (Tha)

$243,578

6.

Jazz Janewattananond (Tha)

$237,715

7.

Jason Norris (Aus)

$195,421

8.

Carlos Pigem (Esp)

$171,662

9.

Todd Sinnott (Aus)

$162,626

10.

Anirban Lahiri (Ind)

$145,150

11.

Juvic Pagunsan (Phi)

$140,512

12.

Panuphol Pittayarat (Tha)

$139,074

13.

Shiv Kapur (Ind)

$137,653

14.

Shubhankar Sharma (Ind)

$128,988

15.

Nicholas Fung (Mas)

$124,737

16.

K.T. Kim (Kor)

$123,507

17.

Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind)

$97,249

18.

Poom Saksansin (Tha)

$96,640

19.

Siddikur Rahman (Ban)

$95,420

20.

Wade Ormsby (Aus)

$90,566

3 Indians On Asian Tour Player Board

A

n unprecedented three Indian professionals are part of the Asian Tour Player Board, Golf Digest India has learnt. The 4-member Player Board includes former Asia No. 1 Jeev Milkha Singh, 2017 Yeangder Heritage champion Shiv Kapur and 2015 Panasonic Open India winner Chiragh Kumar and Zhang Lian-wei of China.

Delhi golfer Chiragh Kumar also doubles up as the Chairman of the Tournament Players Committee with Shiv Kapur and 2004 Volkswagen Masters China winner Rahil Gangjee giving him company in the 9-member committee. The other members on the Players Committee include Berry Henson, Chan Shih-chang, Hung Chien-yao, Jason Knutzon, Angelo Que, Marcus Both.

Jeev Milkha Singh

Shiv Kapur

Chiragh Kumar

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On the Asian Tour

On The Web

62 golf digest india | august 2017

This section showcases the social media initiatives undertaken by the Asian Tour to connect with the young and urban golf aficionados

Images: Asian Tour

gutter credit tk

liberty national, once a superfund site and butt of jokes, is ready for the presidents cup

Photographs by Dom Furore / Graffiti by Greg Lamarche

by ron whitten

t h e s o u t h e r n t i p o f m a n h at ta n a n d t h e s tat u e o f l i b e r t y f r a m e t h e l i b e r t y n at i o n a l c l u b h o u s e a n d

gutter credit tk

w h a t w i l l p l ay a s t h e 1 4 t h g r e e n .

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the routing of the course has been changed f o r t h e p r e s i d e n t s c u p.

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gutter credit tk

Liberty National Golf Club is inspirational, going from Federal Superfund cesspool to Presidents Cup showcase, but it has been sadly shackled to a poor national debut.

As host of The Barclays in 2009, the Jersey City, N.J., layout got trashed by pros and the press. Its architecture,

by Bob Cupp and Tom Kite, is subtle and stylish, intended to be thought-provoking, not easily absorbed. One hole rewards length, another accuracy. One puts a premium on the recovery game, another on approach putting.

But in 2009, most simply saw a 7,400-yard course with small greens and gusty winds off New York Harbor, so thumbs went down after a single round.

gutter credit tk

the teeth will still be in it, but the teeth won’t sink as deep into your skin.’

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t e le v i s i o n s c h e d u le Thursday, Sept. 28 Five matches (foursomes or four-ball, to be announced), 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Golf Channel Friday, Sept. 29 Five matches (foursomes or four-ball, to be announced), 1-6 p.m., Golf Channel Saturday, Sept. 30 Order of four foursomes matches and four fourball matches to be announced, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., NBC Sunday, Oct. 1 A dozen singles matches, noon to 6 p.m., NBC

u . s. d om ination ▶ The U.S. team Is 9-1-1 In the Presidents Cup, winning the past six competitions after a tie in 2003: 1994 U.S. 20, International 12 Robert Trent Jones G.C. 1996 U.S. 16½, International 15½ Robert Trent Jones G.C. 1998 International 20½, U.S. 11½ Royal Melbourne G.C. 2000 U.S. 21½, International 10½ Robert Trent Jones G.C. 2003 U.S. 17, International 17 The Links At Fancourt (S. Africa) 2005 U.S. 18½, International 15½ Robert Trent Jones G.C. 2007 U.S. 19½, International 14½ Royal Montreal G.C. 2009 U.S. 19½, International 14½ Harding Park 2011 U.S. 19, International 15 Royal Melbourne G.C. 2013 U.S. 18½, International 15½ Muirfield Village G.C. 2015 U.S. 15½, International 14½ Jack Nicklaus G.C. (South Korea)

Some participants launched into comedy routines. “Maybe Tom did this course before his eye surgery,” said Tiger Woods.

“They ruined a perfectly good landfill,” said one unidentified caddie, channeling Dave Hill’s critique of Hazeltine National at the 1970 U.S. Open.

The nadir was reached a few years later, when our sister publication, Golf World, released the results of a survey of anonymous tour pros, ranking the courses they’d played that year.

Liberty National was the consensus pick for Least Favorite,

a position relabeled as Worst Course on Tour.

Ironically, Cupp, who died last year, and Kite considered Liberty National one of their greatest achievements. Kite had first been alerted to the site in 1992, shortly after he’d won the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. He brought in Cupp, with whom he’d been involved in previous designs, to view the property with him. What they saw was dreadful. Kite described it as “flat as a table. Ugly, abused, mistreated.”

It had been a harbor-side oil terminal for nearly a century, the ground infiltrated with petroleum, lead, beryllium and toxic PCBs. In the 1950s, it had served as an ammunition depot. “We were pretty sure any travesty known to man was on this property,” Cupp said.

The cost of cleanup was picked up by taxpayers, and the developer would be allowed to build a course atop the site at its own expense, under strict regulations. In recent years, Liberty National’s price tag has been reported as $250 million. About 90 percent of that figure were Superfund cleanup costs.

After a dozen years of regulatory issues, the course was finally constructed, built like a giant layer cake, capping the site first with impervious fabric and clay, then soil, then sand, contouring the holes to make certain no pipe or tree root would ever pierce the contamination cap. Six million cubic yards of earth and sand were delivered, 200 dump trucks per day for two years.

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aerial view of the seventh green and t h e s i x t h f a i r w ay.

The layout opened in 2006.

“Everything is 100 percent created,” Kite said at the time.

“The big thing in golf-course design right now is minimalist design. This is light-years on the other side of the spectrum.”

Kite and Cupp were proud of their concept. Holes close to the harbor are links-like, with tall, wavy fescue grasses edging twisting bentgrass fairways.

Away from the shoreline, the motif changes to that of Central Park, with lush, manicured rough and 5,000 fully grown transplanted oaks, maples and evergreens. One par-3 green they’d fashioned in the manner of the tricky third green at Augusta National; another after a Donald Ross green at Pinehurst.

They directed the longest holes into the wind, to keep them playing long. Two holes were deliberately aligned with the Statue of Liberty, just offshore.

It can also be seen from several other holes.

They were not pleased when Golf World anointed it Worst Course on Tour. Nor was the owner, Paul Fireman (of Reebok fame and fortune), or the PGA Tour, which had contracted for another Barclays in 2013. So in 2010, the course was remodeled by a PGA Tour Design Services team headed by architect Steve Wenzloff.

The media took that as affirmation of their previous condemnations and gleefully reported that 74 changes had

been made to Liberty National’s design. This was technically true, but most of the changes were insignificant: a greenside knob lessened, a cartpath moved, a fairway mowing line re-contoured. Three greens were totally rebuilt to lessen severity of slopes, and nine others had some contours softened. Two new fairway bunkers were added and six eliminated; hardly the stuff of wholesale redesign.

Kite and Cupp were consulted before the renovation, offered their input, and fully participated. Wenzloff reports that Cupp even handled all the construction drawings.

Although not widely reported, most players gave favorable reviews of the “new and improved” Liberty National at the 2013 Barclays, calling it far more receptive, mainly because, though the tall fescue roughs remained, the primary rough of thick bluegrass was mowed short, allowing players to get a club on the ball instead of hacking it out. “The teeth will still be in it,” Wenzloff said, “but the teeth won’t sink as deep into your skin.” routing altered ith the PGA Tour again running the show for the Presidents Cup Sept. 28-Oct. 1, expect Liberty National’s setup to mirror that used at The Barclays four years ago, with one major exception. The routing will be altered, a process that seems de rigueur for modernday professional match-play

events, from previous Presidents Cup sites at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club and TPC Harding Park to last year’s Ryder Cup venue, Hazeltine National.

At Liberty National, players will use the southern end of the 400-yard-long practice range, on a less-expansive “teaching tee” that can accommodate the limited field of players. From there, players will be looking directly at the skyline of Manhattan, perhaps a psychological boost for the American team.

From that practice tee, it’s a few steps to the back tee of the fifth hole, which will serve as the opening hole for the Presidents Cup. The sixth becomes the second hole, and so on. Officials want us to believe the renumbering of holes was done to assure that the normal concluding holes (all very scenic and dramatic) will be played by most matches, but in truth it assures that lucrative corporate tents around those holes will see the action.

The normal closing hole will thus be the 14th hole, and the final four will be the normal first through fourth, an interesting stretch of two par 4s of less than 400 yards and two par 3s, neither of them touched in the 2010 renovation. They are the stuff of calendar art. The par-3 16th points directly at Miss Liberty, although the view will likely be blocked by bleachers or tents. The par-3 18th (with the green that is a mirror image of Augusta’s third) faces the same Manhattan skyline visible from the practice tee, with spectators on the hillside above the back tee afforded a far better vista than players below.

Although the burn and pond edging the par-4 15th could derail some, the closing stretch will be arguably four potential birdie holes, far from the original finish of back-to-back tough par 4s designed by Cupp and Kite. Of course, they had been contemplating stroke-play events. The Presidents Cup is man-to-man. Let’s hope a majority of the matches make this final glorious loop, where the arenas are far more intimate and the cheers might be heard on Wall Street.

▶ To pick these holes of fame, we opted to stay within a 50-mile radius of our offices in the World Trade Center. Like any good All-Star team, we couldn’t have just pitchers and catchers, so we picked our favorite first hole, our favorite second and so on, but no more than one hole per course. The result is an eclectic mix of fun and challenge.

— r o n w h i t t e n / st e p h e n h e n n e ss e y

No. 1 Garden City (N.Y.) G.C., 302-yard par 4. A two-pronged fairway offers risk and reward from the start.

• No. 2 Somerset Hills C.C., Bernardsville, N.J., 205-yard par 3. A rare replica hole by A.W. Tillinghast, a Redan green sloping right to left.

• No. 3 Hudson National G.C., Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y., 431-yard par 4. Twisting and turning; exquisitely shaped along a rocky ledge.

No. 4 Baltusrol G.C. (Lower), Springfield, N.J., 199 yards. The consummate death-or-glory par 3 over water, with a rich history.

• No. 5 Bethpage State Park G. Cse. (Black), Farmingdale, N.Y., 478-yard par 4. A challenging double-dogleg par 4 with a vast cross bunker and an elevated green.

• No. 6 Hamilton Farm G.C., Gladstone, N.J., 451-yard par 4.

A dogleg left around a huge bunker to a green just in front of an old bull barn.

No. 7 Engineers C.C., Roslyn Harbor, N.Y., 292 yards. A go-for-it par 4 from a hilltop tee to a hilltop green girdled by nine bunkers.

• No. 8 Ridgewood C.C. (West 9), Paramus, N.J., 593-yard par 5. A long sidehill/uphill dogleg left with lots of trouble, including a deep bunker edging a canted green.

• No. 9 Rockaway Hunting C., Lawrence, N.Y., 462-yard par 4.

This treeless dogleg right hugs the shoreline of windswept Brosewere Bay. • No. 10 Winged Foot G.C. (West), Mamaroneck, N.Y., 190-yard par 3. The legendary hole once described as “a 3-iron into some guy’s bedroom window.”

• No. 11 Quaker Ridge G.C., Scarsdale, N.Y., 406-yard par 4.

The innocent-looking stream in the far-left rough slices diagonally in front of the green.

• No. 12 Plainfield (N.J.) C.C., 588-yard par 5. A meandering stream bed poses a series of gambles from tee to green.

• No. 13 Bethpage State Park G. Cse. (Red), Farmingdale, N.Y., 400-yard par 4. A long cluster of bunkers splits the fairway into right and left options.

• No. 14 Galloping Hill G. Cse., Kenilworth, N.J., 400-yard par 4.

Blind off the tee, blind into the green, and unforgettable.

• No. 15 Fenway G.C., Scarsdale, N.Y., 301-yard par 4. A tiny hole with a wonderfully perched putting surface that slopes severely.

• No. 16 Bayonne (N.J.) G.C., 486yard par 4. A peninsula green in New York Harbor has an industrial skyline as a backdrop.

• No. 17 Shorehaven G.C., Norwalk, Conn., 196-yard par 3. The green is framed by bunkers and the Long Island Sound tidal marsh.

• No. 18 Trump G. Links at Ferry Point, Bronx, N.Y., 576-yard par 5.

The sweeping finishing hole has the Whitestone Bridge looming above the putting surface.

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hit ’em longer. hit ’em straighter. by brooks koepka ▶ On the Tuesday of U.S. Open week, I was with my short-game coach, Pete Cowen. He pulled me aside and said he wouldn’t work with me until we talked. That’s when he told me there was no way I could win the way I was going about things. It was harsh, but I’m the type of person that if you tell me I can’t do something, I’ll find a way to do it. And that’s what I did at the U.S. Open. I took his talk as a challenge, got myself super focused on what I needed to do on each and every shot, stayed patient, and ended up winning my first major.

A big reason for that was my iron play. I hit 86 percent of the greens in regulation that week.

That’s 62 out of 72. When you’re consistently putting for birdie and not trying to save par, that’s a huge advantage at the Open. I’m hoping to have similar success in my matches at the Presidents Cup. That will put a lot of pressure on my opponents. Most people focus on how hard I swing my clubs as a reason for my success, but there are some other things about my swing that are beneficial for both power and accuracy—and they can help you, too—especially if you’re struggling with consistency. Hitting savage irons sounds cool.

Make it a reality. — w i t h r o n k a s p r i s k e

Photographs by Dom Furore

set up a little open, ta k e t h e c l u b b a c k h i g h and wide, and swing down w i t h a b o w e d l e f t w r i s t.

‘a bowed left wrist is considered a power position, but it makes me a lot more accurate, too, by minimizing the need for clubface rotation to hit the ball on target.

’ve been working on the same things with my full-swing coach, Claude Harmon III, for the past four years. I drew the ball in college but knew a fade is easier to control. The misses are never as bad. My technique for curving it a little left to right is to set up open to my target with my feet, minimize clubface rotation back and down, and turn hard with my body well past impact. I want my chest facing 45 degrees left of my target at the end of the swing. That’s the simplest way to explain what I do.

Now come a few important details. I take the club back on a steeper angle than I swing down. For those of you who can’t swing fast, taking

72 golf digest india | september 2017

the club back wide and high (small photo, top) creates leverage and more power. I shallow the club coming down with a lateral shift of my hips toward the target (small photo, bottom). I also take the club back with a bowed left wrist and keep it bowed almost all the way through impact (large photo). The bow keeps the clubface from opening, so I don’t have to worry about face rotation and timing. My shots are more accurate if I maintain the bow until the moment when I release the club through impact. Then it goes from closed to slightly open, helping to produce that fade. There’s some split-second hand action going on as I strike the ball, which I’ll explain on the facing page.

put the club down for a second to show you what my right hand—the dominant hand—is doing to create a fade as well as add more power to the hit. I mentioned earlier how much my body rotates in relation to the target. That’s really important, so don’t just focus on your right-hand movement through impact. Turn your body, too. Let it lead the way. The more you rotate, the better off you’ll be. OK, with that said, swinging down with a bowed left wrist means your right palm will be facing down (small photo). Then, as the club is striking the ball, let the right wrist release like you’re throwing a ball sidearm or skipping

yo u r r i g h t pa l m fac e s downward until the strike and then releases, like skipping a stone.

a stone (large photo). This opens the clubface just enough to put a little fade spin on the ball, and it gathers more speed for the hit, just like cracking a whip. So if you put it all together—open stance, wide-and-high backswing, bowed left wrist, hip bump toward the target, good body rotation and a sidearm release of the right hand through impact—you’ve got my swing down. Too much to handle right away? Understood. But the good thing is, you can work on any one of these things and start seeing quality iron shots. Just blend in the other elements as you get better. My max with a 7-iron is 215. See how far—and straight—you can hit one.

by e. michael johnson & brittany romano

▶

In 1942, backed by club members, former Augusta National shoe shiner Sidney Walker (aka Beau Jack) knocked out Tippy Larkin at Madison Square Garden to become the lightweight champion of the world. He would headline a record 21 fight cards at the Garden.

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sammy byrd played in both the world series and the masters. a backup outfielder for the yankees, byrd replaced babe ruth in the ninth inning of the 1932 world series. byrd later turned to professional golf, winning six times on tour and playing in five masters.

Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx is home to the oldest municipal golf course in the United States, opening in 1885. Its 115-year-old wood lockers, used by Willie Mays, Joe Louis and the Three Stooges, among others, remain intact. Look familiar?

The movie “Wall Street” shot a scene here.

▶

▶ the amateur golf association of the united states (later the usga) was formed in new york in 1894. the pga of america was also founded in manhattan, in 1916, at the hotel martinique on broadway. the inaugural pga championship was played in bronxville, n.y., that same year.

▶ it wasn’t unusual in the 1930s to play minigolf on top of a skyscraper. the first new york mini-golf course was constructed on a building near the stock exchange in 1926 using cottonseed hulls dyed green. soon, 150 more popped up across the city.

▶ The ’70s and ’80s were a dangerous time for golfers in NYC. It wasn’t unusual for players to hit around abandoned cars, get mugged or worse.

“We get a certain number of dead bodies,” John DeMatteo, a driving force to clean up golf in the city, told The New York Times in 1985. “I try not to be the first one out on the courses in the morning.”

usGa: sarah FabIan-baddIel/herItaGe ImaGes/Getty ImaGes • Van cortl andt: al an p. pIttman • byrd: GeorGe rInhart/corbIs/Getty ImaGes • boxInG: hank olen/neW york daIly neWs archIVe/Getty ImaGes

new york’s golf history is as varied and surprising as the city itself

New York City auction houses have brokered the sale of Andy Warhol’s famous Jack Nicklaus painting (sold for $52,500 in 2012), Frank Sinatra’s golf cart ($20,700 in 1995), and an original program from the first Masters Tournament ($12,650 in 1995).

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▶ the honored tradition of sunday golf was secured in new york when benjamin adams successfully defended himself after he was arrested for disturbing the “peace of the day” by playing golf on a sunday at saegkill golf club in 1901. at that time, it was illegal to play sports on sundays.

Bethpage Black became the first publicly owned and operated course to host the U.S. Open, in 2002, with Tiger Woods emerging victorious.

The course had another Open in 2009, won by Lucas Glover.

▶ three golfers have received ticker-tape parades down new york’s famed canyon of heroes: bobby jones in 1926 and 1930, ben hogan in 1953 (above) and willie turnesa, after he won the british amateur in 1947.

▶

central park: Fox photos/Getty ImaGes • nIckl aus: ©2017 the andy Warhol FoundatIon For the VIsual arts Inc./artIsts rIGhts socIety (ars), neW york; copyrIGht the andy Warhol FoundatIon For the VIsual arts Inc./ lIcensed by ars • Ferry poInt, bethpaGe bl ack: dom Furore • parade: bettmann/Getty ImaGes • Woods: rIck dole/Getty ImaGes

In 1964, the city rejected a proposal to build a driving range in Central Park. “How can we have this in Central Park without hitting people in the heads with golf balls?” Parks commissioner Newbold Morris said.

seeking a pay hike from 50 cents a bag to 75 cents, siwanoy golf club caddies went on strike in 1914. some beat up their replacements, and others stole golf balls and clubs. eventually most of the striking caddies returned to work— at the old rate.

◀ After several starts and stops, Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point officially opened in 2015.

Built atop a former landfill, the course reportedly cost city taxpayers $230 million. Who made the first ace on the 149-yard 12th?

Donald J. Trump.

▶ shinnecock hills was one of the first u.s. clubs to welcome female members, and one of its own won the first u.s. women’s amateur in 1895. playing at long island’s meadow brook club, c.s. brown shot 69 in the morning and 63 in the afternoon for a winning total of 132—for 18 holes.

without new york city, tiger woods might never have become a golfer. woods’ father, earl, was introduced to the game at dyker beach golf course in brooklyn in 1972 while stationed at fort hamilton.

Photographs by Nathaniel Welch

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a pa i r o f l a n d m a r k s : t h e e m p i r e s tat e b u i l d i n g ( s e e i t o n t h e l e f t ? ) a n d t h e c h e l s e a p i e r s r a n g e .

why is manhattan’s chelsea piers practice range always so busy? it’s largely a supply-and-demand thing

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by peter finch

september 2017 | golf digest india

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big summertime storm has rolled into Manhattan —a world-is-ending type, with brilliant lightning flashes, window-rattling thunder and buckets of hard rain.

Step outside and you’ll be drenched in an instant, even with an umbrella. Hoping to hail a taxi? Ha. Not a chance. ▶ Yet the Chelsea Piers practice range is packed, including a Girls’ Night Out event that’s at capacity with 70 women.

They’re whacking balls from covered stalls out onto the range and getting pointers from a couple of roaming professionals, while upstairs in a banquet room they’re enjoying drinks and hors d’oeuvres and seeing who can hit the longest drive on a simulator.

It’s just another Monday night at Chelsea Piers, a practice range that will not be slowed by something as trivial as terrible weather.

OK, if you arrive in the middle of a snowstorm, you probably won’t wait long for one of its 52 stalls. But the Golf Club at Chelsea Piers is otherwise nearly always busy. It says that roughly 350,000 customers roll up to its entrance along Manhattan’s 11th Avenue every year, hitting more than 17 million balls and absorbing more than 16,500 hours of golf instruction.

To put those numbers in some context, consider that the Golf Range Association of America celebrates the 50 best “standalone” ranges annually.

These leading ranges average less than half of Chelsea Piers’ volume. And remember, these are the best in the United States. “Chelsea Piers blows everybody else away,” says Patrick Cherry, the range association’s general manager. “Nobody else even comes close.”

What’s the appeal? Well, it’s a nice practice range. It’s reasonably clean, and the balls are in good enough shape. You don’t even have to bend over to tee your ball. An automated system ensures that a new one emerges, on a tee, from a hole in your mat after every shot.

There’s a busy golf academy, with 12 instructors from multiple countries, and areas for practicing bunker shots, chipping and putting.

ta x i d r i v e r : arriving for girls’ n i g h t o u t.

On top of all of that, you can look out over the Hudson River and into New Jersey while you hit balls. “We have the most ridiculous sunsets,” says Marjorie Jones, the head professional here since 2013.

“I can’t even tell you how many

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pictures I have on my phone.”

But it’s also a supply-anddemand thing. Manhattan is home to more than 1.6 million people, and on business days, when you include commuters and other visitors, there are about four million. You want to hit golf balls and watch them fly in the air (as opposed to banging them into a net or a simulator)? See you at Chelsea Piers.*

Where, incidentally, you’ll pay $30 to hit 94 balls during its peak hours. Manhattan pricing.

The core customer is a 25to 44-year-old Manhattan resident, says general manager David Beltre. About three-quarters are male. But one of the joys of Chelsea Piers, for employees and customers, is you never know who you’ll encounter.

“You’ll see people in everything from the stereotypical golf outfit to the punk-rock look,” says Tom Bopp, manager of the golf academy. “But they’re all golfers.”

Jones has taught owners of sports teams, a top concert violinist, an opera star, a leading table-tennis player and a woman who had just adopted a puppy—and brought it with her, asking Jones to hold it during the lesson. Once there was a good-looking young guy who turned out to be the “world’s No. 1 male model.” Says Jones: “He called me ma’am.”

I ask an employee to mention some famous customers he has seen. “Justin Timberlake, Roger Clemens, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy,” he says.

A co-worker adds, “Will Smith, Danny DeVito, Will Farrell, Mark Wahlberg, Larry David, Nick Faldo, Graeme McDowell, James Spader, Michael J. Fox. That’s not even half. Don Cheadle, Mario Batali . . . ” His voice trails off.

The range, open since 1995, is part of a multi-use development called the Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex. It covers more than 28 acres, or six city blocks of waterfront.

Fun fact: One of its piers was where the Titanic was heading when it went down in 1912.

The team that built Chelsea Piers had little in the way of real-estate development experience. Their goal, recalls coowner Tom Bernstein, was to find a new home for Sky Rink— Manhattan’s only indoor ice * There is also a practice range on Randall’s Island, which is in the East River adjacent to upper Manhattan’s Harlem neighborhood.

It’s perfectly fine—but harder to reach for most Manhattanites.

groove it: practicing with tunes and a view of the hudson river.

rink that was open to the public—which had lost its lease.

They were looking to lease about 50,000 square feet for the rink, but the state insisted that whoever took control of the property took it all: a million square feet. “It was 20 times more space than we wanted,” Bernstein says. “But for us it was like a big adventure that came out of the blue.”

Bernstein and his partner, Roland Betts, were movie producers accustomed to thinking creatively. Their company produced, among other megahits, “Pretty Woman” and “The Little Mermaid.”

“When we looked around, it occurred to us there was a gaping hole in New York: first-rate, state-of-the art, cutting-edge athletic facilities,” Bernstein says. “We saw in this million square feet an opportunity to plug the hole, to give New Yorkers what they didn’t have and desperately wanted.”

Not everyone thought it was such a smart idea. “Conventional wisdom in New York at the time was: You won’t get it financed, you won’t get it permitted, and you won’t get it built, but even if you do, it doesn’t matter because no one will go there because of the location,” Bernstein says. “What was over here was bloody. It was barbed wire, and it wasn’t safe.

So the idea of putting up a family sports and entertainment center in a sort of off-limits part of the city was considered a fool’s errand.”

But Bernstein and Betts and their third partner, former real-estate broker David Tewksbury, turned out to be right: People in Manhattan were hungry for this. As word of mouth spread, golfers started making the trek to 11th Avenue, along with gymnasts and rock climbers and bowlers and ice skaters and TV/film producers and more. Today the whole waterfront area is booming, thanks in no small part to Chelsea Piers.

The golf range is the most visible part of the complex, with its towering, 160-foot nets that you can see from passing cars, boats and even airplanes.

“It’s sort of an iconic part of the area,” as Bernstein puts it. Yet golf operations account for only about 5 to 10 percent of the development’s annual revenue.

That doesn’t make the practice range any less important to people like management consultant Bharat Sawhney. Every

weekday morning, he makes the 35-minute subway/bus trip from his home on Manhattan’s Upper West Side to Chelsea Piers, where he hits balls before heading downtown to work (another 30-minute bus/subway combo). “It wakes me up. It’s great to be out there in the fresh air hitting balls,” Sawhney says.

“It’s meditative, to be honest.”

Financial analyst Becke Buffalo is another one. No matter the weather, she takes the A

train from Upper Manhattan to Chelsea Piers five mornings a week. When it snows, she’ll bake cookies and bring them for the staff as a thank you for showing up to work.

Do her friends and family think her golf obsession is a little unusual for a New Yorker? “Absolutely; they think I’m crazy,” she says. “I guess it’s like other things when you run into limitations in Manhattan: You figure out how to make it work.”

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SURVIVAL OF

Photograph by First Lastname

THE FITTEST? AS PLAYERS BULK UP AND SWING SPEEDS INCREASE, GOLF DEBATES WHAT’S CAUSING INJURIES TO TOP PLAYERS

BY JAIME DIAZ

T

he courses, clubheads and paychecks are bigger, but the most obvious change to pro golf in the 21st century? The way the players look. ▶ Billowy clothes and dumpy physiques have been all but shamed off the world’s tours, with even the formerly portly profile of senior golf streamlined by the agelessly trim Bernhard Langer. Where was the image of a generic tour pro remade? The gym. ▶ It used to be that genetic gifts were almost wholly responsible for why physically magnetic stars like Snead, Palmer and Norman stood out. But the current era is marked by a new army of clones who are clearly buffed under their stretchy shirts and skinny pants. All the lean muscle is accepted as indispensable for the power game now considered vital as the most efficient path to tour success. To get that way, at least some fitness training—but more commonly, a lot of it—has become mandatory. ▶ It would be hard to argue that the results haven’t been a net positive for the game. On the modern pro tours, ball go VERY far, and the athletic and stylish image of the players is more marketable. Substantively it seems irrefutable that there are more golfers capable of winning tournaments than ever.

Illustrations by Eddie Guy

But to apply a Newtonian concept that is one of the foundations of the call for increased tourpro fitness, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. And what seems to be an emerging pattern—or perhaps just an aberration—has spurred some traditionalists to voice their latent skepticism about the new order.

Why, the old-schoolers wonder, has it been that since 2000, the very players identified as the best and most physically developed have been so often injured? The names on that rhetorical marquee: David Duval, Tiger Woods and, most recently, Rory McIlroy and Jason Day. The shorthand, which ignores some vital details, is this: All four were or are power players who made it to No. 1, and all four transformed their bodies to a startling extent—especially their upper bodies—through intense training programs. In the case of Duval and Woods, the injuries were part of a precipitous decline, and in the case of the latter two 20-somethings, some recent downward slide has taken place. Bottom line, the more taxing workouts seemed to make all four more physically fragile.

It’s a simple narrative, and video posts of the impressively ripped current No. 1 Dustin Johnson and U.S. Open champion Brooks Koepka engaging in heavy-lifting sessions can look like harbingers.

Of course, all areas of Woods’ epic and perhaps tragic story remain a dominant and irresistible reference point in the game. Golf’s commentators know controversy will be sparked by any comparisons to Woods’ history of fitness obsession and injury. Early last year, a few months after McIlroy had been supplanted at No. 1 by Jordan Spieth and Day, Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee went there when he cited Woods in respectfully expressing doubt about McIlroy’s direction.

“When I see the things he’s doing in the gym, I think of what happened to Tiger Woods,” Chamblee said. “And I think more than anything of what Tiger Woods did early in his career with his game was just an example of how good a human being can be; what he did toward the middle and end of his career is an example to be wary of. That’s just my opinion. And it does give me a little concern when I see the extensive weight lifting that Rory is doing in the gym.”

The year before, when McIlroy was No. 1, Duval, who was transitioning to the television booth, referenced Woods and himself in seeming to issue a warning to McIlroy, telling reporters, september 2017 | golf digest india

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“It looks to me the majority of the guys that get hurt, including myself, are guys that hit the gym hard and did stuff.”

McIlroy, who admits that second-guessing of his workout program is a “pet peeve,” responded to Chamblee and other critics by posting an in-your-face video of himself doing a set of three full squats with 265 pounds, with the comment, “I’m a golfer, not a bodybuilder.”

McIlroy later explained that the motivation for the aggressive workouts that transformed him from underdeveloped adolescent to an Adonis was not about ego, but pragmatism. McIlroy’s unique combination of small frame, flexibility and an ability to generate incredible clubhead speed were all a recipe for further injuring a lower back that had begun giving him trouble as a junior. The antidote was a regimen designed by his British sport physiologist, Dr. Steve McGregor, which strengthened the core and lower body and added upper-body muscle mass to help McIlroy’s swing become more stable, compact and powerful. “Rory absolutely did the right thing for him,” says venerated golf-fitness instructor Randy Myers.

any stretching, and I felt stiffer. When I went out and started practicing again, my swing had lost a lot of flexibility. The worst thing was how far off I got with the distance control on my irons, which was the part of the game where I was better than anyone. I was hitting shots I had never hit before, flying it over greens, leaving wedge shots way short.

Changing my body, putting on all that muscle, getting stronger but losing flexibility, it was one of the things that killed my game and probably caused a lot of my later injuries.

“Moderation is the best guide,” Miller says. “Sometimes guys who work out hard start looking in the mirror and fall in love with what they see. I think a golfer has to have enough strength and flexibility, but not go crazy with it.”

Many traditionalists have a soft spot for all the doughy players who had funky low-speed swings but could perform under pressure and, by the way, never seemed to get hurt. The quality most prized was not

A

TRAINERS HAVE THEIR SAY

B

POWER VERSUS FEEL

ut as we’ve learned in politics, wonky specifics don’t always penetrate the zeitgeist. There are various reasons weight training and golf remain a counterintuitive fit to many.

The suspicion by sports cynics that the hardest weight-training workouts might be fueled by performance-enhancing drugs invites criticism. Also, five-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, uncut and relatively scrawny but better than ever as he hits 40, is strongly endorsing muscle pliability and suppleness over bulk.

Many general-interest sports fans continue to resist considering pro golfers real athletes. Even old tour pros can undermine such cred, as stalwarts from previous eras who never did a plank have a hard time buying into the power game when clichés like “the woods are full of long hitters” still resonate in their heads. Weights are particularly anathema. Gary Player was so far ahead of his time with his lifting regimen that he was still being derided in 1978, after he’d won his ninth major. In the next decade, workout fanatic Greg Norman also got some funny looks.

After winning the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in 1976, Johnny Miller bought a ranch and began doing heavy manual work to refurbish it. Over the next few months, Miller put on 20 well-proportioned pounds.

When he rejoined the tour in 1977, he was suddenly a much worse golfer.

“It was like I was built like a tight end— broad shoulders, small waist, big legs,” Miller says. “I looked great, but I didn’t do

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cling and today, at 60, retaining a gym habit— he has stayed away from barbells.

“I realize there is science and more knowledge today,” Faldo says, “but to me, messing around with weights of 200, 300 pounds, it doesn’t make sense when you’re playing a game of feel with a club that weighs only ounces. And when players change their bodies dramatically, whether getting bigger or smaller, a lot of times it hasn’t turned out well. We golfers can be delicate beings.

“I know the young players have a new style where they snap their body upward to hit it stupid long,” Faldo says, “but I still have doubts that method holds up on Sundays when they’re nervous. It still comes down to being able to land an iron shot on the yardage number and getting approaches within a 15-foot circle. Especially in the majors, it’s still about nerve and touch. You know, I doubt Shakespeare mucked out stalls right before picking up his quill. I’m prepared to be proven wrong, but it just seems there’s another chapter to be written in this argument.”

‘ATHLETES IN OTHER SPORTS GET HURT, YET WE NEVER SAY THEY SHOULDN’T BE IN THE GYM. BUT WE SAY IT ABOUT GOLFERS.’ power but feel, as evidenced by the twofinger handshake favored by Billy Casper, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Raymond Floyd and Lee Trevino so that precious digits wouldn’t get unduly squeezed. As a general rule, tour pros avoided strenuous exercise, knowing that in golf, compensations forced on the body can affect a swing groove, making even little injuries effectively big injuries.

Nick Faldo, who won his sixth and final major in 1996, is perhaps the last truly great precision and touch player. Though he always kept himself fit—as a young man through cy-

ll right, golf’s weight-lifting skeptics have had their say. To the trainers who actually work with tour pros— frustrated that their methods are still so often questioned—there really isn’t much of a debate.

Dr. Ara Suppiah, an expert in functional sports medicine and the 2016 U.S. Ryder Cup team’s physician, unloads when given the floor. “What critics are saying is not science, just anecdotal observation from a very small sample size with many variables,” he says. “For every golfer who has been hurt or simply accused of being hurt in the gym, I can name many top players—Henrik Stenson, Adam Scott, Sergio Garcia, Jordan Spieth—who work out regularly but have never been injured. The critics of pro golfers have it backward. They say the gym work causes golfers injury, but today’s players and their trainers know firsthand it’s the sport itself that causes injury, and that they train to keep from being injured.

“Athletes in other sports get hurt, yet we never say they shouldn’t be in the gym,” Suppiah says. “But we say it about golfers. You would never say Rafa Nadal’s arms are too big. But we constantly say these things about golfers.”

Suppiah’s argument is that pro golf has evolved into a more athletically demanding sport. Much like major-league pitchers throwing 95 miles per hour or faster who seemingly get injured more often, or tennis players with more powerful rackets getting injured from swinging harder, golf ’s now-common 120-mile-per-hour clubhead speeds put a significantly heavier load on the body. “The equipment advances have allowed the body to go so much faster,”

Suppiah says. “Because the driver can be set up for a one-way miss, and because it’s lighter and more forgiving, swings can be a lot harder without that much lost accuracy.

Those conditions cause speeds and distances we’ve never seen before, but it takes a greater physical toll.”

Suppiah is a defender of Day’s aggressive fitness program, which the Australian said he stepped up in 2014 to prevent injuries that had plagued his early career. But much like McIlroy, Day is small-boned, generates great speed, is highly flexible and has a troublesome lower back. The noticeable development of his upper body is intended to stabilize and shorten his turn away from the ball, which when it was longer caused a serious injury to his left thumb.

Suppiah says that golfers get wear and tear the same way most athletes do—from ground forces—and cites Newtonian law as the fundamental rational for training.

“Golfers are generating almost three times their body weight at impact in downward force,” he says. “The ground is going to impart that same amount of force in return, and the majority has to be absorbed by the human body. Being able to handle those ground forces involves weights and is an important part of athletic training.

“But that training is misunderstood,” Suppiah says. “When a golfer gets thicker in the arms or upper body, it’s not because he’s necessarily focused on that part. The workouts golfers do are mostly core-, back- and leg-dominant. But doing squats, the arms as well as the legs will get bigger because growth hormone and testosterone is being released. The goal of a proper program is balance. And the only time the arms or legs get too muscular is if there is an accompanying loss of functional range of motion. I don’t believe Jason or Rory suffered that at all because of their workouts.”

Myers, the director of fitness at Sea Island Resort in Georgia, where he coaches Davis Love III, Zach Johnson, Brian Harman and Billy Horschel, is the author of the just-released book Fit for Golf, Fit for Life. He rarely makes heavier weight training the focus of programs he gives his players. “There has never been a study that says that by doing these powerlifting moves, I’m going to improve my golf performance,” Myers says, “but there have been studies that say if I get in better shape and I remain supple, I’ll be able to extend the length of my career.”

Myers prioritizes his player’s longevity—“taking full advantage of golf ’s extended lifespan and money-making opportunities”—over performance. “I think it’s significant that Tom Brady has adapted a lot of golf principles in the way he trains,” he says. “Our golfers actually train a lot like quarterbacks. We want their muscles to be

pliable. The swinging motion is very similar to the throwing motion. You need strong legs, a very strong core and suppleness in your shoulder joints and mid-back. The guys who have been able to stay out on tour longer aren’t the most muscular and, in most cases, not the strongest. But they’re the most supple, with a high range of motion, flexibility and symmetry.”

Myers believes that a player following his principles will actually improve his touch: “By improving posture and balance through core strength, it’ll be easier to keep the body still during chipping and putting.”

‘GOLF FITNESS IS REALLY STILL IN ITS INFANCY’

A

t the same time, Myers says golf is behind other sports in fitness coaching because it lacks full acceptance by players, and there’s a relative lack of documentation about cause and effect. Myers remembers meeting Player, then in his 60s, in the 1990s and hearing the Hall of Famer confess that he wasn’t sure what part of the lifelong regimen he had so diligently followed had actually been advantageous for golf. Norman, an early adherent of intense exercise who tried to improve on Player’s example, now admits that if he had done things differently, he might have avoided some of the surgeries he faced late in his career and after his retirement from competition. “Golf fitness is really still in its infancy,” Myers says.

Joey Diovisalvi, who trains Johnson and Koepka, believes that although golf-fitness knowledge is accelerating because of the increased needs on tour, more mistakes are possible because players are pushing harder than ever to gain an edge. “Injures are more common than ever because players are more aggressive and they’re not afraid to do the things that they have to do to perform,” says Diovisalvi, known as Joey D. “It doesn’t mean they’re smart enough or diligent enough to do the proper prep work.” Diovisalvi poses the question, “Did Tiger do things that were potentially rogue?” referring to accounts of Woods’ Navy SEAL-style training and performing exercises like technical Olympicstyle lifts with extra weight that went against the advice of his then-longtime trainer, Keith Kleven. “He could have.”

Diovisalvi sees a need for improvement in the field in preconditioning golfers for challenging workouts, and in understanding the proper recovery protocols to lessen injury. “When players come back from being hurt or fatigued, sometimes they’ve given themselves their own green light, and they return too soon,” says Diovisalvi, whose first clients when he began helping tour players were Jesper Parnevik and Vijay Singh. “I don’t know if we’ve done a great job in golf

getting players to understand that proper recovery simply takes time. You start to realize that, left to their own judgment, recovery is not something they do well.”

The argument runs counter to the criticism that current players often get for skipping too many tournaments. The basis is the relative ironman schedules that were common, especially among journeymen, in previous eras. But Jack Nicklaus—and later Faldo and Woods—showed the effectiveness of a shorter schedule designed to peak for majors.

More than ever, many of today’s players have the economic luxury of waiting until they’re mentally eager and physically primed before embarking on a string of tournaments. Given that those choices are now more complicated because the more extensive worldwide tournament schedule effectively lengthens the playing season, fitness trainers, Diovisalvi suggests, should strongly encourage a pace modeled on the way horse trainers hold out prize thoroughbreds to run only when they are fully rested, and preferably for the biggest races.

‘TO SAY THAT PEDS DON’T EXIST IN GOLF, I DON’T BELIEVE THAT’

D

iovisalvi also sounds a warning that increased training by golfers brings with it the possible use of performance-enhancing drugs.

“We have to get a hold of that in golf,” he says. “I don’t believe it’s as common as in other sports, but I would never doubt that it’s going on. Some guys will take the risk because the financial temptation pushes them beyond their ability to think rationally.

“To say that PEDs don’t exist in golf, I don’t believe that. When they start blood testing [in the 2017-’18 PGA Tour season], we’re going to see a whole different dynamic.”

As Faldo says, there’s another chapter to be written on the role of fitness in golf.

It will likely be one in which trainers will have a more definitive handle on the proper protocols.

“We all relish those moments when a great athlete pushes the limits of what a human being can do, and it’s a thrill to be part of that,” Suppiah says. “But more and more, for every one of those moments, even in golf, the athlete will be on the edge of being injured or breaking down. Could be through a training regimen, or intense practice sessions, or on the edge of mental exhaustion. That’s what the greatest athletes do, and what the new demands of golf are making the greatest golfers do. The athletes will always want to go there. It just means that in golf, the trainers who can properly guide them will become even more valuable.” september 2017 | golf digest india

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On The Tee Mr. X

Not paying within 24 hours is grounds for public humiliation.

Undercover Tour Pro There is gambling at Bushwood, and during tour events, too ore gambling goes on during PGA Tour practice rounds than you might guess. Some players, mostly earnest rookies, go out to chart the course and work on their games, but I’d say the majority of groups on a Tuesday or Wednesday have action going. If there’s a standard bet out here, it’s a $100 nassau with partners. You also see a lot of $200 and $300 closeouts. Even if I link up with another single for just a handful of holes, I like to play for something. It’s a way to stay sharp.

M

It’s a rule that there’s no gambling allowed, so tour officials don’t like it. But there are a lot of things they do that we don’t like.

If you really want to get amped and are looking for a game “with a comma,” it’s a more select crowd. But not hard to find. Some guys are pretty loud about the money games they organize, where the stakes get to five or eight or even 10 grand during a normal week.

Away from tour events, the games can get stupid. Like 40 and 50 grand a man. You need thick skin for those.

Because when we play with our own cash, we talk like we never would in a tournament.

Of guys I’ve played with, I’d say Ernie Els is the Hall of Fame needler. If you’re Big Easy’s partner and aren’t holding up your end, he’ll ride you to the point of tears.

I’ve won once on the PGA Tour. I spring for a first-class plane ticket now and then, but mostly I live modestly.

A thousand dollars is the perfect amount to get my full attention—it hurts to remove that kind of heft from my wallet—but I’ll play for more with anyone who wants. I don’t care if you’re top 10 or trying to get into Web.com events, there are no strokes.

The other thing you won’t

find on the PGA Tour is Venmo or PayPal. All debts are settled in cash. Not paying within 24 hours is grounds for public humiliation, which usually means getting called out on the range, though guys have taken to social media, too. When I go on the road, my last stop before the airport is always the bank.

I’ll gamble on tournament days. If it’s a Friday and everyone in my group is clearly missing the cut, I’ll suggest $100 skins the rest of the way in. Same thing for Sunday

84 golf digest india | september 2017

morning. If the guy I’m paired with and I are starting in last place or damn near, it’s hard to get motivated. Even if I shoot 65, I move up maybe 10 places.

And a solid round like 69 or 70 is going to yield something like $1,500 more in prize money, pre-tax. It might sound illogical, but the glory of taking a few hundo off a colleague becomes more interesting than a potentially slightly larger cut of a purse. Maybe it’s the tactility of cash, rather than the blink of a couple right-hand digits in

my bank balance, that gets my blood pumping.

In competition, I’ve never started a wager on the first tee. It’s a back-nine move, and only late in the front if you both make a bunch of bogeys early. Generally the time to start is the minute the golf starts looking like a race to see who can finish the hole the fastest, because playing with indifference is dangerous. At the end of a disappointing week, the last thing you want to do is grind.

But if you’re not always trying to get it going, you’ve got about zero chance of discovering that thing—some little key or thought—that turns your game around. It happens all the time: A guy misses three cuts in a row and then wins.

You could call me a bit of a degenerate. Each year when we play in Las Vegas during football season, I’ll spend an afternoon in a sports book letting five figures ride. I do it for the rush, which is maybe the same reason other people do drugs or dangerous sports. But if you’re not used to feeling heat, how can you expect to be ready when your moment comes and you’re standing over a golf shot worth half a million?

—with max adler

Illustration by Alex Williamson

Search and Rescue

Play Your Best

Momentum Savers Two deft shots to keep your round going by jordan spieth golf digest playing editor ou’re going along playing well, and then the wheels start to rattle. You hit some loose shots and three-putt once or twice, and now it feels like another mistake will end your round. You can tell yourself to stay calm, but in these situations you can control your mind only so much.

Some shots, like very difficult greenside recoveries, add tension. You just have to power through, try to get excited about the idea of playing the perfect shot. Two hole outs that led to wins for me this summer—from behind the 10th green at Royal Birkdale at the Open Championship and from a front bunker on the first playoff hole at the Travelers—are times I pulled it off.

When my options are limited, I’m usually hitting lob wedge. What helps my consistency is that I hit a flop shot very similar to how I hit a standard greenside bunker shot. I open the clubface and cut across the ball with loose, fast wrists, letting the clubhead slide past my hands. The best bunker players have several specialty shots, but mastering just two deviations from your standard sand swing will serve you well.

I recommend the “chunk-and-roll” and the “nip-spinner.” Practice these to build the nerve to stick them when it counts. They can save your day.

—with max adler

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Photographs by Walter Iooss Jr.

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Your ▶ Play sand saves

Best Slug by Firstname Lastname

57.6%

49.8%

70.5%

Jordan Spieth (19th)

Tour average

Rickie Fowler (1st)

source: shotlink

Hit the “chunk-and-roll” for height here are two factors in how you hit any greenside bunker shot: the speed of the swing and where the clubhead enters the sand. For a chunk-and-roll, the clubhead should blast the sand so far behind the ball (about two to three inches) that you have zero chance of hitting it thin. You want to take a lot of sand with a lot of speed. The prime moments for this shot are when your ball is on an upslope or buried in the sand. The ball can just pop out high with no spin and tumble forward with the break of the green, like a putt. In the setup, favor your front foot to get your weight distribution even with the slope. Just like a regular bunker shot, stand a little open and swing along your foot line. Go hard with a downward driving motion. The slope wants to stop the club’s momentum, but don’t let it. Explode through with strong shoulders and arms.

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86 golf digest india | september 2017

Photograph by First Lastname

Slug by Firstname Lastname

Play Your Best

“Nothing gets your round back on track like a big sand save.”

Play the “nip-spinner” for bite his is a spicy shot. The risk of skulling the ball over the green is high, so you’ll even see pros back off a little. If you truly go for it, it’s imperative that you strike the sand scarily close to the back edge of the ball, probably less than half an inch away. You whip the clubface through with a lot of speed, though here I’d say it’s generated more with the hands than the big muscles. This shot is useful from any stance, but it’s usually most necessary when you’re on the downslope of a bunker. Despite the terrain running away from you, you need to find a way to make the ball sizzle and check when it strikes the green. To get centered over the ball like a normal bunker shot, you’ll probably need to stand wide and dip your front shoulder. Keep the clubhead moving low and fast along the surface after impact. Then exhale.

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Jordan Spieth writes instruction articles exclusively for Golf Digest.

Photograph by First Lastname

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Play Your Best Tour Technique

‘‘The last thing you want to do is chop down on the ball.’’

Photo illustration by John Ritter

Tour Technique

Play Your Best

Short-sided Solution Zip through the grass with an open face by justin rose arlier this year I was struggling with my consistency on short shots around the green like you see me hitting here. My contact wasn’t great. Then one day at the Farmers Insurance Open, my coach, Sean Foley, was demo-ing the right way to hit them. He has some tattoos on the inside of his right forearm, and I noticed how they stayed skyward as he swung through the grass. One thing I was doing wrong was rolling my right forearm over too much and shutting the clubface. This was making my contact unpredictable. So when it was time to hit these shots during the tournament, I kept picturing Sean’s tattoos in my mind trying to feel like I was keeping an imaginary tattoo on my right forearm facing up.

One thing I really liked about that imagery was it helped me keep the clubface open and take advantage of the bounce of the sole on my wedge. Wedge shots are a lot easier if you let the club slide along the grass on a shallow angle, rather than chopping down on the ball. The tattoo trick made my swing a little shallower, and I could be a bit more aggressive because I knew contact with the ball was going to be clean.

Back to this short-sided shot I had at Torrey. When the pin is close to the edge of the green you’re playing from and you’ve got a little cushion of grass, try to put some zip on the ball to make it stop quickly once it lands.

By holding off the rotation of my right arm, I can add some real speed to my swing. The added loft from the open clubface and the extra spin it puts on the ball makes it easier to get it close to the hole. You still need your hands involved with a feel shot like this, but you want them synced with the rotation of your body as you turn toward the target. If you keep those tattoos skyward, you’ll make better contact and have a real chance at getting up and down. —with ashley mayo

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Justin Rose ranks 11th on the PGA Tour in strokes gained/around the green.

Photograph by First Lastname

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Play Your Best Tee to Green by Butch Harmon

“Coming down, keep your right shoulder back and in.”

Slicers: Try to Hook It Doing the opposite will fix that miss to the right

aybe you only sometimes hit that big slider to the right off the tee, or maybe you fear it every time you step up.

Whatever the case, a slice happens when the clubface is open to the path of the swing at impact.

The move that typically leaves the face open is the back shoulder lurching toward the ball at the start of the downswing—a common problem when golfers swing hard. When the shoulder moves out, it pushes the club onto an out-to-in path, and the clubface will usually be open to that path when it reaches the ball. Fore right!

To break this ugly chain, I’m going to give you some hookproducing moves, which will quickly correct a slice.

First, close your feet, hips and shoulders to the target at address.

Second, swing the club back slightly to the inside as you turn your shoulders to the top.

Third, start the downswing by shifting your lower body toward the target, taking care to keep your right shoulder—for righties—back and in (left).

Finally, swing your arms and the club out and through the ball, letting your left elbow fold down and the upper part of your left arm stay close to your side.

Your right arm will release over your left, squaring the face. It’s the quickest way to fix a slice.

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Butch Harmon is a Golf Digest Teaching Professional.

use the split-hands drill to learn to release There are a lot of things slicers can do on the range to feel what it’s like to square the clubface. My favorite is the split-hands drill. Set up normally with a driver, but separate your hands a few inches on the club. This grip will make your right arm feel long, which will help the left elbow fold

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against your side as you swing through (left). That folding action causes the right arm to rotate over the left through impact, which squares the face. At first, make slow practice swings to feel the right arm release. Then, hit balls with a three-quarter swing.

I bet you’ll see the ball start turning right to left.

Photographs by Dom Furore

Match Play by Suzann Pettersen Play Your Best

be ready to adjust

Sometimes you’re up against someone who’s playing well, and your strategy of steady and safe isn’t working. When this happens, find ways to be more aggressive. Sometimes changing strategy can swing momentum your way.

3

expect your opponent to make everything

If you’re up by a few holes and feeling comfortable, snap out of it. Assume your opponent is going to rally at some point, so keep playing your hardest. All it takes is for you to lose one hole, and the match can turn.

4

when in doubt, go with the safe shot

It’s easy to get excited and try to hit big shots during match play. But you’re not going to win a match trying to play above your skill level. Hero golf is overrated.

It’s better to make no mistakes than to risk too much.

5

don’t ever get ahead of yourself

Get Up and Stay Up Seven ways to knock off your next opponent ’ll be representing Team Europe in my ninth Solheim Cup, Aug. 18-20 at Des Moines Golf and Country Club. Team USA has won nine of the 14 previous battles, but I’ve held my own with a record of 16-11-6. There’s something about match play that gets me fired up, and I’ve developed a proven strategy to compete. Got your own big match coming up? Remember these tips, and you’ll be ready to close out your opponent. —with keely levins

I

know your strengths

Think about the best parts of your game and how they might give you an edge. Example: If you’re playing someone where your length is an advantage, use it. Right from the start, pull out driver and send it down the middle.

1

wear out your opponent

My main strategy is to be consistent: hit fairways, hit greens. For others, it could mean avoiding double bogeys. Stay steady, and your opponent can get frustrated and start making mistakes.

2

Being up in a match is a great feeling, but don’t start calculating where it will end if you keep playing well. Instead, focus on the shot you’re standing over, and keep the pressure on. Make all your opponents feel they have to play their very best to beat you.

6

prepare for anything

Annika Sorenstam says as long as there are holes left, there are opportunities—for you and your opponent. That means don’t let your opponent’s lucky break or great shot rattle you. Just keep grinding like the match is on the line, because it is.

7

Photograph by J.D. Cuban

Play Your Best Strategy by Jack Nicklaus

“You’ve got to manage the course according to your personality.”

AVOID THE POPULAR PITFALL Rinsing your drive into the Hudson River along the right side of this hole is the worst mistake you can make off the tee, though I’d argue the deep fescue is the bigger hazard. Bigger in the sense that it affects many more drives. Because the water is so forbidding, coupled with the fact that the prevailing breeze comes off the Hudson, the tendency is to miss left. If your instinct is to steer away from trouble—which isn’t a bad thing—your likelihood of pulling one into this tall rough is elevated. But if you admit this, you’re a step closer to choosing the shot and club you’re confident can hit the fairway.

FORGET THE PIN

Usually only in the morning does the wind blow left to right here. But maybe you teed off early and you’re on the 18th as other people are having breakfast. If you’re a right-hander with a proclivity to attack, you’re thinking a high-cut along the left side can ride the wind for some extra yards and finish somewhere down the right side of the fairway. It’s a risky shot, certainly, but it’s not crazy. These four bunkers along the right exist less as penalties, but to save you from the water. If this is the drive you’re excited to hit, embrace your inner boldness.

winning with weiskopf

Preference Test Factor you into your shot selection his September, Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, N.J., hosts the Presidents Cup. It was designed by Tom Kite and the late Bob Cupp, who was one of my first design associates. Putting your tee shot in play on the par-4 18th (above), which will be the 14th for the match-play event to ensure most groups reach this dramatic hole, is crucial. What’s interesting about the trouble on this hole—or any hole—is how it draws out the personality of the golfer. I tell people this all the time: The key to playing well is to first understand who

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92 golf digest india | september 2017

you are as a person, and then manage that.

Arnold Palmer’s personality, which was aggressive and spirited, came out in the shots he chose to play. My nature was more cautious. I was more likely to execute a conservative shot well, because I was more comfortable with them. In today’s game, I’d say Rory McIlroy tends toward aggressiveness, whereas Jordan Spieth is more pragmatic.

Generally, the way you are in life is how you are on the golf course. Recognizing your nature is how you take control of your decision-making. —with max adler

▶ Players already feel enough pressure in international team competitions. I’d never tell a guy this is a big, important match or that I hope he does well. I’d say just the opposite. Maybe make a little joke to lighten the mood and instill some confidence. In 1973, Tom Weiskopf’s first Ryder Cup, he lost his first two matches. I said in front of the whole team, “I want Tom as my partner.

C’mon Tom, let’s go get you in the record book.” We won our match and ultimately defeated Great Britain & Ireland, 19-13.

I wanted Tom to relax because we all play better when we’re having fun.

Illustration by Chris O’Riley

nickl aus and weiskopf: The Jack nickl aus MuseuM

RISE TO THE CHALLENGE

The shape of this green is skinny in the front and wide in the back. These front bunkers are so deep that you usually can’t see the putting surface standing in one. A mistake amateurs often make is choosing an approach club according to their best-hit distance, not their average.

What does this all add up to? Play your approach to the back-middle of this green.

Miss it a hair, and you still might get on the front. Catch it solid, and you’ve got the widest margin to hit the green. Even the gutsiest players learn they can’t try the hero shot all the time.

Equipment Play Your Best

miura h ayat e ▶ The high-strength titanium-alloy face flexes for maximum ball speed. The sole weight in the heel, which a Miura fitter can customize, helps correct a slice. p r i c e $640

c l e v el and l au n c h e r h b ▶ The thin, sloping crown flexes at impact to improve launch and speed.

Saved weight is relocated low, deep and in the heel for more draw.

cob r a fm a x ▶ This speed-boosting driver emphasizes a lighter shaft and swingweight. Internal weighting low and toward the heel helps launch the ball higher. price $300

p r i c e $300

Ditch the Wrench

he appeal of adjustable drivers is near an all-time high, according to industry researcher Golf Datatech. Some 85 percent of golfers say they are at least interested in purchasing a driver with a rotating hosel and/or movable weights. But there are manufacturers betting that at least some golfers need a driver that doesn’t change—one that’s just engineered to hit it higher and mitigate a slice. To achieve this, manufacturers have chosen to forfeit the fitting options and save the costs by making their clubs nonadjustable. Do they have a point? Well, Golf Datatech’s research shows that although one in two low-handicappers are very interested in adjustable drivers, only one in three high-handicappers are. Here are four new nonadjustable drivers to consider. —mike stachura

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ve rt i ca l gro ove gol f d riv e r ▶ The 17 score lines run vertically across the face, not horizontally. The goal: more accuracy and better feel. price $400

Photograph by Ryan Zimmerman

illustration: l aurent Cilluffo

Some drivers offer fixes without the adjustability

edited by peter finch

A Putt Above The singular pleasure of rooftop practice greens Photographs by Walter Iooss Jr.

“Now that the weather is nice, [I’m up here] probably four to five times a week.”

Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

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95

The Golf Life Up On the Rooftop

Lower Manhattan.

hen David Brooks began hunting for ways to squeeze in more golf practice time, he looked up—to the roof deck on his Upper West Side apartment. It already had a hot tub and 360-degree views of Manhattan. What he added: one of the finest rooftop putting greens in all of New York City (pictured on the previous pages).

Designed and built by Michael Lehrer of Home Green Advantage, Brooks’ putting surface isn’t a glorified mini-golf course. “For me it was most important to groove my stroke for lag putting because I struggle on faster greens,” says Brooks, a 13-handicapper. Offering a variety of breaking putts over 15 feet and clocking in at 11 on the Stimpmeter, it has already helped him on actual greens.

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How often does he get up there? “Not enough,” says Brooks, general counsel for one of New York’s premier investment firms, “but now that the weather is nice, probably four to five times a week.” With three holes, two cuts of rough, a chipping “island” and a ridge Brooks helped to design, we can’t blame him for wanting to spend more time up there.

There’s no official stat for rooftop greens in New York City, but Demetro Carbone of Southwest Greens of Metro

New York puts the overall number at about 500, with demand on the rise. Five years ago his company installed three to five a year, he says.

Now it’s more like 12 to 15.

Home Green Advantage figures it has built about 20, typically charging $15,000 to $20,000 for a three-hole rooftop setup.

Just a few miles south of Brooks, in the Greenwich Village neighborhood, a prominent real-estate developer invited Golf Digest

96 golf digest india | september 2017

to photograph his putting paradise (above), also designed and built by HGA. Though the owner asked that we not use his name, he’s clearly proud of his rooftop putting green. Abutting a private garden, kitchen and hot tub and featuring stunning views of the Empire State Building, it’s a respite from city life and a serious training aid. “I belong to Deepdale Golf Club, Friar’s Head, and Atlantic Golf Club,” the owner says, “so I wanted the speed of the green to be fast to replicate the

conditions at those courses.”

He adds, “It has turned into more than just a putting green.

It’s become a play area for my son . . . which is secretly how I planned to get him interested in golf all along.”

These putting surfaces are considered landscaping, so special permits to install them aren’t usually required. But you do have to consider New York drainage regulations, and sometimes they require safety netting. The last thing you want is a stray putt bounding 20 floors down onto pedestrians.

Once the green is built, the challenge becomes protecting it against New York City’s patented grime. Lehrer suggests regularly using a blower or even a vacuum to remove debris and then having the installer come back for a thorough brushing and cleaning every other year.

“But the turf is weatherproof,” he adds, “so the greens definitely don’t have to be covered in the winter.”

— Coleman Bentley

Equipment Play Your Best

A strategy for improving your iron game.

The Right Tools How to rethink your irons and hit more greens

ca l l away e pic pro

nly players who routinely break 80 average hitting more than 50 percent of greens in regulation, according to statistics from round-tracker Game Golf.

With barely one in 20 golfers breaking 80, that leaves a lot of players who might want to re-evaluate their iron game. This includes scrutinizing your equipment. To find the best irons for you, focus on three performance attributes: distance, launch and feel. How you prioritize these will play a big part in which irons you choose. For example, if feel is critical to you, a thin-face iron is probably not the best choice. But it might be if distance is your goal. If launching the ball higher is your wish, test irons with wider soles and lighter shafts. (Fun fact: In a properly fit set with ideal distance gaps, all irons should reach the same maximum height.) Offset designs might help you launch it higher, too, especially if you have a slower clubhead speed. If you want to get serious about hitting more greens, set your priorities and find a fitter to dial in your specs. In the meantime, here are five new irons to consider. —mike stachura

▶ This distance iron comes in a compact players shape. The complex design features a cupface as thin as one millimeter where it folds over the sole and topline. An injected tungsten alloy helps shots launch high, fast and with less spin.

O

price $1,750 cob r a fm a x ▶ Designed for moderate and slowswing speeds, these cavity-backs improve distance and launch in multiple ways: lighter shafts and swing weights, a low-profile head with weight low and back and an offset design that promotes a draw.

▶ All prices for sets of seven

price $600 p i ng g4 0 0

c l e v el and l au n c h e r cbx ▶ The short and long irons are designed differently to better fit their jobs. The flexible cupface and lowprofile design provide speed and height on the long irons, and a more compact short iron is key to shotmaking and trajectory control. p r i c e $700

▶ Built on the frame of its classic MP-18 blade, this forged head adds a dose of hightech forgiveness. Forged into the cavity-back is a titanium insert that saves weight and preserves feel. A tungsten weight in the toe increases off-center-hit stability on the long and middle irons.

▶ Ping’s flagship game-improvement iron has a stronger, thinner steel face that flexes 18 percent more than its previous model.

Also helping with distance is an undercut cavity in the top rail that allows these stronger-lofted irons to launch the ball higher.

price $1,050

price $788

mizu no mp- 1 8 m m c

Photograph by Victor Prado

Youth Movement Inside NYC’s innovative parks program ulio Dutan, an 11-year-old whose glasses seem only to make his eyes wider with possibility, doesn’t let golf’s frustrations dull his persistence. He just swings and smiles. Then he runs after the ball and picks it up against the edge of a fence. It’s a fence bordering left field of a baseball diamond in Corona, Queens, at Park of the Americas. Just to his right is a playground. Just beyond the fence is a bodega, its green, white and red awning proclaiming: Venta de productos mexicanos e hispanos en general.

J

How we roll: Kids master the art of putting at Dyker Beach Golf Course in Brooklyn.

Clearly, Julio isn’t anywhere near a golf course, but he hopes to be soon. For now, he’s perfecting his new favorite game’s basics in a park, hitting shots off artificial-turf strips and making putts on a threadbare, rolled-up putting mat.

“I think the hardest part is the concentration,” he says with a grin. “Sometimes when you swing you just miss the ball. But I just do more practice swings. I don’t get mad. It’s just a game, and you’re there to have fun.”

Julio is one of three dozen

kids swinging and laughing and learning in the morning session of advanced beginners golf, provided for free by the City Parks Foundation’s summer sports program at dozens of parks across the city.

The idea started in 2000 with Mike Silverman, director of sports for City Parks Foundation, a nonprofit whose sports, arts, education and city development programs reach almost half a million people each year in New York’s more than 350 parks, recreation centers and

98 golf digest india | september 2017

schools. Now, more than 1,000 kids a summer get to experience golf twice a week. Nearly half are eligible for free lunch programs in school.

The organization’s summer golf programs are completely free, and hundreds of kids have access to golf cards that get them on 10 of the city’s public golf courses for a $1 green fee. Its junior learning center, wedged into a previously ignored corner of Dyker Beach Golf Course, offers a practice range, practice putting green, short-game area,

clubhouse and classroom, as well as a six-hole short course, at no cost.

“Anyone who’s played sports has experienced that ah-ha moment, that first time that a sport clicked with them. We’re trying to get kids to feel that; that’s our goal,” says Silverman, who started by bringing free tennis to New York’s kids at the parks in their neighborhoods even when there wasn’t a tennis court or net to be found.

The golf program is a smartly downsized approach to the game that can turn any open space into a practice area where greens are marked off with yellow-rope circles and donated clubs stored in lockboxes. What makes it work are passionate teachers and coaches, pied pipers with the city kids hanging on their every word.

“We’re the support system,” says Bill Niklaus, City Parks director of golf, between cracking up a group of 6-year-olds by explaining the difference between the heel, toe and face on a golf club by pointing to his nose. “Our sport needs a future.

I think this is it.”

Silverman concedes that golf for city kids can be a hard sell, but more than a decade after starting, he’s got numbers, a multimillion-dollar learning center supported by charitable donations, and kids who started on those playgrounds now winning city-wide golf titles and earning golf scholarships.

As proud as Silverman is of players like Rebecca Markunas (sophomore golfer at Lehigh University) or Rebecca and Chris Chan (twins who won last year’s Public School Athletic League’s individual golf titles), he’ll also tell you elite golfers isn’t what this is about. Golf might never be the “city game” that basketball is, but it’s got an undeniable appeal and more long-term benefits. “Ultimately, what we want to do is to get these kids to associate a golf club with fun,” he says.

In other words, Julio.

—M i k e S ta c h u r a

photograph courtesy of city parks foundation • illustration: l aurent cilluffo

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The Golf Life City Living

“Is this some insurance play, buddy?” asked the NYPD officer.

Crime and Punishment Dealing with an NYC break-in by stephen hennessey had to call the New York City police to report a theft—and felt slightly guilty doing it.

Because I knew that of all the crimes occurring throughout the five boroughs at that moment, my issue was surely a low priority. But it was an emergency in my world, and I needed a police report for insurance purposes.

My golf clubs were missing.

For almost two years, I parked my beatup Chrysler 200 on 93rd Street between Amsterdam Avenue and Broadway without a problem. But on a cold night in February 2015, someone broke into the trunk.

When I got to my car that morning to make the roughly 40-mile drive to Golf Digest’s old headquarters in Wilton, Conn., I noticed the trunk was slightly ajar. I figured I’d clicked the trunk button by accident to unlock the car, so I pushed it shut and didn’t give it a thought until I arrived at work. Then I peered into the trunk and, of course, my clubs—and my roommate Matt’s—were gone.

Now what? I called the Wilton police department and was told I needed to report the crime where it took place. When I got back to my block that night, I made the shameful 911 call, and within 10 minutes, an NYPD car pulled up. I explained to the two officers how I didn’t notice the clubs were missing until I was in Connecticut, and one of the officers cut me off: “Is this some insurance play, buddy? It is tax season.”

I get it. It’s New York City, where everyone has a b.s. detector. But I wasn’t angling at all.

And frankly, I wasn’t thrilled that the officer had that reaction. “No, sir. If you have a lie-detector test, I’ll prove it,” I offered.

“Wait here,” he told me. He and his partner went back to their car for about 10 minutes before returning to tell me: “We can’t help.

Your point of discovery was in Connecticut, so you need to report it with them.”

The next day I told the Wilton police what the NYPD cops said. The guy laughed. “Those guys just told you that to get rid of you. There’s no such thing

I

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as a point of discovery.” OK, so someone was definitely messing with me. Thankfully, my brother is in law enforcement. I called him and explained the situation.

“Point of discovery?” he said. “They literally just made something up to shut you up. You gotta go back.”

The next day my roommate and I visited the NYPD’s 24th Precinct, and the detective I spoke with refused to write up a report, citing the “point of discovery” explanation again. At that point, my brother called the detective’s office to ask them to write up a report. The next day, a detective called me and asked me to come back to the precinct to give them all the details.

From then on, he was helpful—even calling me about a lead on some golf clubs that popped up in a pawn shop in Syracuse, N.Y. But they didn’t fit the description of either set. The golf clubs were gone.

Matt and I filed claims for both stolen sets through my mom’s homeowners’ insurance, because I was still on her policy. That part was simple. We each filled out a club-by-club report of our sets, and we got the money to go buy new sets. My mom still gives me grief over how the claim hiked her rates. Sorry, Ma. Today I live across the river in Hoboken, N.J., but I always take my clubs out of my trunk when I park on the streets. And I take anything valuable with me out of my car.

As for the runaround I got from the detectives, New York Police Department spokesman Lt. John Grimpel apologized and said they were “misinformed on the process.”

I f yo u f e e l you’re not receiving the proper attention from an officer, ask for a supervisor to be called to the scene, he says.

“The responding officers should’ve taken a police report when someone claims their property is stolen in New York,” Grimpel says. “It doesn’t matter that it’s golf clubs. You were the victim of a crime.”

He won’t get an argument from any golfer I know.

Illustration by Peter Arkle

18 holes with Dev Bhattacharya

“My dream fourball will include Woods & Mickelson”

From being passionate about community service to toiling hard on the greens, Dev Bhattacharya has seen it all. As Group Executive President and Business Head of Solar Power, E-commerce and New Ventures of Aditya Birla Group, Bhattacharya oversees all future directions for the Group including mergers and acquisitions as well as strategic initiatives.

BY ROHIT BHARDWAJ rohit@teamgolfdigest.com

GDI: Favourite male and female golfers Tiger is the most exceptional, understandably. Annika Sörenstam amongst women

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J

oining as Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Business Development in 1996, Bhattacharya has played a pivotal role in acquisitions and joint ventures for Aditya Birla Group. But as a 14-handicapper and golf fan his most memorable moment is spending an entire day with 14-time Major winner Tiger Woods in 2009.

GDI: Describe your most memorable golfing experience It was an exclusive day with Tiger Woods at Newport Beach in 2009. I learnt more about golf that day than the rest of my golfing life

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GDI: Your current handicap?

I am currently playing off 14 but my playing partners don’t agree (laughs)

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GDI: What is your home club?

I play with an IGU card but from the frequency of play it will have to be Willingdon and BPGC, Mumbai.

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GDI: Your lowest handicap?

I was 8 a couple of years ago

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GDI: When did you start playing golf?

I started getting on to the course in 2004

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GDI: On an average how long do you drive the ball?

I drive about 250 yards with an occasional shot well ahead of that

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GDI: What do you love about the game?

This game has taught me patience and humility not to take myself too seriously

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GDI: Who have you played the most golf with?

My playing partners have been Dr. Kulkarni, a deep sea trauma specialist, Ravi Mullick, a very competitive golfer and Jalaj Kakkad, a champion golfer.

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GDI: How about your 5 dream fourball?

It has to include Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, both of whom I have played with and my granddaughter Leela for whom I have just bought a golf set GDI: Favourite golf course in India and abroad Pebble Beach without doubt (both courses) and RCGC, Kolkata

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GDI: Your favourite holiday destination This one has nothing to do with golf. My favourite destination is Haridwar, the narrow lanes near the Ganga ghat, the earthy simplicity of the people, the amazing food and the spiritual energy of the river.

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“IT WAS AN EXCLUSIVE DAY WITH TIGER WOODS AT NEWPORT BEACH IN 2009. I LEARNT MORE ABOUT GOLF THAT DAY THAN THE REST OF MY GOLFING LIFE.” GDI: How often do you 7 get to play?

I play once a week

is to improve my game and watch other players who are better than me

GDI: Your thoughts on doing business on the golf course?

My business on the golf course

GDI: Do you use any golf apps on your phone?

I occasionally use the distance app on my Garmin watch.

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Total Number of pages (including cover pages) is 108 Monthly Magazine, RNI N0. HARENG/2016/66983

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GDI: Favourite dish on your home course It’s papaya and kejriwal at Willingdon

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GDI: Mid-round power snack The best mid-round power snack is the samosa at RCGC

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GDI: Favourite 19th hole drink It has to be a chilli vodka

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