Golf News June 2013 by Golf News

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Issue 222 | June 2013

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Rose looks to Muirfield after bagging first Major

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Issue 222 | June 2013

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INSIDE: MONTY TALKS EDDIE PEPPERELL COMPETITIONS THE OPEN PREVIEW JAMIE SPENCE

Rose looks to Muirfield after bagging first Major

We’ve revolutionised the putter. AgAin

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ENGLAND’S FAIR ROSE

was just two years old when Tony Jacklin became the first Englishman to win the US Open back in 1970, so forgive me if my recollection of the historic victory is a little sketchy. But having watched a lot of grainy TV footage, and read up on the subject, it’s fair to say that ‘Our Tone’ was treated a something of a superstar when he returned to UK following his sevenshot victory at Hazeltine. As he stepped off the plane at Heathrow, he was greeted like a conquering hero, brandishing the weighty piece of silverware as if he was a brave knight who

had just pulled the sword from the stone. Sadly, Justin Rose is unlikely to be given quite such a royal fanfare when he touches down at Edinburgh airport next month, as he makes his way to Muirfeld in a bid to win back-to-back Major titles. In this new global order, our golfing heroes are no longer our own, and it’s rather an anticlimax, as it was with the Ryder Cup, that our home-grown players simply head off back to Florida, and crack on with the next tournament, rather than enjoying an open top bus ride through the streets of London, or some other unremarkable

local county town where they once went to school. Regardless of his domestic arrangements, the new US Open champion deserves to be feted from the roof tops and can expect a serious number of ‘low fives’ along every fairway from the galleries at Muirfeld. Rose’s final round at Merion was nothing short of sublime, and that he achieved it in the face of a rearguard action from all-American hero Phil Mickelson, only added a frisson of schadenfreude to what already looks destined to go down as one of the great Major performances of the modern era.

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News in Brief HALL RETAINS HAMPSHIRE ROSE European No.1 amateur Georgia Hall retained the Hampshire Rose after shooting rounds of 68 and 70 for an eight-under-par total at North Hants. The 17-year-old England international from Dorset fired eight birdies in the final round to win by five shots from the Surrey pair of Inci Mehmet and Lizzie Prior.

TREE BAGS PAR-FOUR ACE England cap Toby Tree took time off from his international duties last month to take part in Worthing Golf Club’s Club Championship Qualifier. He shot rounds of 66 and 72, with the highlight being a hole-in-one – the first of his career – on the Lower Course’s 279-yard par-four 11th.

CURTIS RETAINS KENT MID AGE Danny Curtis (Knole Park) retained the Kent Mid Age Championship at Kings Hill Golf Club following rounds of 68 and 69.

June 2013 / Issue 222

Ryder Cup stars get into the zone A host of Ryder Cup stars and celebrities from the world of sport took part in a shoot-out at Dukes Meadows Golf Course in West London last month to showcase a new format of the game, which has been developed by former Tour player Van Phillips. Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley secured the title with celebrity partner Jamie Redknapp for Zone Golf’s world launch at the Zone Golf Charity Shoot Out. The pair beat Ian Poulter and fivetime Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave in the final, which saw nearly 2,000 golf fans descend upon the West London par-3 course

over the May Bank Holiday. Zone Golf is played over nine holes, and is billed by its creators as golf’s answer to 20/20 cricket due to its fast-paced nature. Each green is divided into three coloured zones, with a hole and flag in each zone (green – easy, amber – medium, red – hard). Each player/team must nominate a zone on the tee and subsequently hit that zone to score points (three for easy, six for medium and nine for hard). Additional points are available for bogey, pars, birdies and eagles. The player with the most points after nine holes wins. McGinley, who walked away with £100,000 for his nominated charity, the Tour

Players Foundation, said: “It’s been a wonderful day, we couldn’t have asked for more. The crowds have come out, the sun has been shining, and I’ve won a lot of money for the Tour Players Foundation. I think it’s an excellent concept and one I can definitely see becoming a popular format with the new generation of golfers. It’s fun, fast paced and brings a do-or-die element to the game. All the guys who have taken part today have been wonderful, and I can’t wait to come back and defend my title with Jamie next year!” Former football star Jamie Redknapp (pictured) added: “Paul was on fire, there was no stopping him, and I felt I

couldn’t let him down. We’ve had an amazing time and I can’t wait to play Zone Golf again!” Team-mates Tim Henman and Justin Rose finished in third place, while Paul Lawrie and Andrew Strauss took fourth. Poulter, Rose and Lawrie still walked away triumphant, as they secured £50,000 for each of their

chosen charities. Dukes Meadows Golf Coach and Zone Golf Director, Van Phillips, said: “I couldn’t be happier with our first ever Zone Golf event. We are so thankful to the guys for taking part in our world premiere, and I hope the world will now get to see what an exciting concept we have – on to the next!”

Donald takes the honour at the Palace Luke Donald took a break from his preparation for last month’s BMW PGA Championship to make a scheduled visit to Buckingham Palace with his wife, Diane, in order to pick up the MBE he had been awarded in the 2012 Queen’s Birthday Honours List in recognition of his contributions to professional

golf and his role as a global ambassador for Britain. The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire honours civilians and service personnel for public service and other distinctions. Donald has been recognised globally for his accomplishments in golf, which have included spending a cumulative 55

weeks at the top of the official world golf rankings. During his historic 2011 season, Donald was the first to top the money lists on both the European and PGA Tours. He has also helped raise funds for the First Tee organisation, an association which has to date introduced the game of golf to the more than

seven million young people. “I was truly honoured to be awarded an MBE by her Majesty,” commented Donald. “Both personally and professionally, 2011 and 2012 were very significant seasons for me, and I’m touched that my accomplishments have been recognised in this way.”

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June 2013 / Issue 222

Seve statue greets Shire visitors A stunning new life-sized statue of Seve Ballesteros now greets all visitors to The Shire London Golf Club, in Hertfordshire. The Shire’s owner Tony Menai Davis decided to commission the statue on April 9 – the day that the club marked what would have been the Spaniard’s 56th birthday. Borehamwood-based metal designer Joro Originals built the piece, which recreates Ballesteros’s iconic fist-

pumping victory celebration on the 72nd hole of the 1984 Open Championship at St Andrews. “This spectacular new artwork is a fitting way for us to celebrate our seventh golf season,” said Mr Menai Davis. “Seve visited The Shire London several times, and is warmly remembered by all who met him on his visits here. He was first and foremost a gentleman, as well as an outstanding sportsman and golf course architect, and we are tremendously pleased that his winning pose – which we also have as our logo here – is now the first thing you see when you visit The Shire London.” Joro Originals, which specialises in custom metalwork, used galvanised mild steel to create the statue. Painted black, the intricate detailing recreates this most famous of all Ballesteros images. The 6ft statue – Seve’s exact height – sits on a massive 2.5 tonne Cornish granite base, taking the artwork’s overall height to an imposing 8ft 8inches. Early admirers included Arsenal international footballers Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey who, along with many of their Arsenal team mates, played the course on the day, following their team’s qualification for the 2013-14 Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey in front of the new statue of Seve European Champions League.

News in Brief MCGUIRK SHARES THE SPOILS

Golf Show returns to Earls Court Golfers looking to try out the latest equipment, check out a holiday destination, take a lesson from a pro, or watch some of the game’s leading trick shot artists in action are being asked to book off the weekend of November 8-10 and take a trip to Earls Court to the 2013 London Golf Show. Now in its ninth year, the show will once again provide an interactive indoor experience for golfers of all ages, all under one roof, and protected from the unpredictable British weather. With expert advice, PGA tuition, a huge indoor driving range, custom fitting, club testing, simulators, and the latest golf gadgets, it will be supported by some of the biggest and best brands in golf. Visitors will also be able to test and buy the newest

equipment provided by the Internet Golf Store. In addition, there’ll be trick shot displays, competitions, prizes, cars, the latest fashions, retail advice, as well as plenty of fun for golfers who wish to indulge their senses, skills and passion. Damian Benstead, managing director of the Golf Show Group, said: “When the London Golf Show moved to Earls Court in 2011 it was an exciting, but unproven venture. The growing success of the show since then has shown what can be achieved at this popular venue. This year we will build upon and create a bigger exciting event, with even more visitors. This year’s show as a great way to shape the future of the sector and attract even more adults and kids to the sport.”

Jordan Godwin (Rochester & Cobham) and Rob McGuirk (Prince’s) shared the spoils at windy Chart Hills last month, with both players shooting 69 to win the first PGA Leaderboard Challenge Pro-Am.

HINDHEAD DAY Hindhead captains’ charity golf day raised over £8,000 for local charities MS Therapy Group and Shooting Star CHASE. The day, which was hosted by husband and wife captains Alan and Janet Snowball, saw 23 teams take part in a stableford competition, which was won by Malcolm Gloak, Alastair Gloak, Gillian Mass, Richard Mass with 82 points.

ENGLAND LOSE England’s men’s team suffered only its second ever defeat to Spain in the biannual international when they lost narrowly 12½-11½ at El Prat. With the second series of singles shared, England needed to win two of the remaining four, but only Nathan Kimsey emerged victorious, as Spain collected three more successes to edge over the line.

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News in Brief MCGINLEY JOINS SKY McGinley has entered a two-year partnership to become a Sky Sports ambassador and join the on-air commentary team. The agreement is aligned to Paul’s role as the 2014 European Ryder Cup Captain and has seen him join the Sky Sports golf team at selected events over the next two years

PLANT CLAIMS KENT CROWN Rochester & Cobham’s Alfie Plant won the Kent County Championship after finishing three shots clear of the 71-player field at a very windy Bearsted Golf Club. The 20-year-old form Bexleyheath shot opening rounds of 70 and 73 to lead the qualifiers by five shots, and then held off the challenge of Dartford’s Michael Saunders over the weekend to claim the title with rounds of 75 and 76.

ENGLISH TOUR HEADS TO MENTMORE

A new ‘Tour Golf’ experience for club golfers, which is being championed by European Tour professional Robert Rock, started at West Lancs Golf Club last month. The English Tour will run 26 events in 2013 – 16 for pros and 10 for amateurs – taking in some of the country’s best-known venues, such as Royal Birkdale, The Belfry and Ganton. Competitors who join the Tour, which costs £50, each receive £90 worth of golf clothing, as well as the chance to win a £500 prize, and an invitation to a grand final in Dubai. The amateur events cost £125 to enter, while the two-day pro events cost £225. The next tournament is at Mentmore Golf Club in Bedfordshire from July 16-17. For more details visit www. englishtour.co.uk.

FULLER WINS JACKSON BOWL Surrey teenager Sammy Fuller won the Bridget Jackson Bowl at Handsworth, Birmingham by two shots. The 14-year-old from Roehampton shot rounds of 72 and 73 to finish two clear of Emma Newlove. Fuller has bagged top-10 finishes in the English, Irish and Welsh championships this season, and has gone up over 1,000 places in the world rankings to 661, and is now playing off plus-one.

June 2013 / Issue 222

Flawless Wallis bags 59 at The Drift Walmer & Kingsdown professional Richard Wallis notched up yet another huge milestone in his career by shooting a final round 59 to win the PGA Southern Open Championship Pro-Am at The Drift in Surrey. Playing under full tournament conditions, Wallis carded a 14-under-par total on the par-73 course, a feat which may yet go into the record books, as previous 59s have been on achieved par-72 courses. His card left the otherwise terrific scores of eight-under-par by Andy Raitt (St George’s Hill) and Nick Redfern (AIA) trailing six shots behind. Fresh off his first PGA Europro Tour win at the Kerry London Championship at Burhill, Wallis hit his customary 40 shots on the range and found top gear from the first tee onwards,

opening his account with a birdie. Splitting the fairways around the tree-bound course, after a couple of pars Wallis started knocking the flags out at the next seven holes – with no putt longer than nine feet – and holing the lot, including an eagle putt at the fifth from four feet. After nine holes, Wallis needed only eight putts and was out in 29. Another birdie at the 10th was followed by two steady pars, and then Wallis went on a birdie, birdie, eagle charge through the

He points, he scores!

13th, 14th and 15th. Amazingly, he missed a three-foot putt for birdie at the 16th, but a steady par up the 17th set up one last opportunity for a birdie down the par-five 18th. Despite missing his first fairway and bunkering his second shot, Wallis splashed out to five feet, read the line and made sure of the putt for a 59. “I’m absolutely over the moon to shoot this score,” he said. “I’ve shot low scores before, but never in an official PGA event like this. Usually the game’s great but the putting is not, or vice versa, but today everything really clicked. The course was in great nick and on the greens I felt any putt could go in.” With a 10-week old daughter, fatherhood has taken priority for most of 2013 to date, but now was, as Wallis explained, back to

work. “With the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth and then the Kerry London event, I’ve been working hard on all departments, but my focus and thinking is the same: keep it steady, down the middle, on the green, hole the putts – easy to say, tough to do.” Wallis is very upbeat about the standard of play in the region. “It’s very exciting at the moment, with Benn

Barham in great shape, Andy Raitt back in top form, Michael Lowe on his A game, and Chris Gane right in there as well. Jamie Harris is always a threat, and there are others coming to the fore. “I’m playing in nine EuroPro events in 2013,” he said, “but my goal is to get a top three place in the Virgin Atlantic 2013 Order of Merit and try to earn another Titleist PGA Play Offs place.”

Long-driving star renews Brocket link

Davis books date with Muirfield Surrey-born Brian Davis earned a place at next month’s Open after finishing inside the top eight at the International Final Qualifying tournament held at Gleneagles CC in Texas. The 38-year-old, who lives in Florida and has been full-time on the PGA Tour for the last seven years, shot rounds of 66 and 69 to finish tied fourth and qualify for his ninth Open Championship, where his best finish is tied sixth in 2003. Currently ranked 135th in the world, Davis has yet to add to his win in the Spanish Open in 2000, although he has finished second

three times on the PGA Tour in recent seasons. His best finishes this season include a tied eighth at last month’s Memorial Tournament, and tied sixth at the Houston Open. Davis will be joined at Muirfield by American Josh Teater, who led the list of qualifiers from the 78-strong field with a seven-under par total at the Queens Course. The other American qualifiers were Johnson Wagner, Scott Brown, Luke Guthrie and Bud Cauley, while Columbian Camilo Villegas and Sweden’s Robert Karlsson will also be teeing it up at Muirfield from July 18-21.

World long-driving star Joe Miller is going back to his family roots after finalising a partnership with Brocket Hall Golf Club to become one of the historic Hertfordshire venue’s new ambassadors. The new role will see the 2010 world champion play an integral part in Brocket Hall’s future plans, including entertaining corporate clients and wearing the club’s logo on his clothing at events around the world. Miller’s new association with Brocket Hall has special meaning for the 28-year-old, as he will renew his family’s link with the club and follow in the footsteps of his late father Danny. Danny was one of the world-famous ‘Brocket Babies’ – one of 8,338 children born at Brocket Hall when it was used as a makeshift hospital during and after World War Two. Miller said: “I’m very proud to be teaming up with Brocket Hall, because it was obviously the place where my dad was born. I’m delighted to have been asked to be a part of the club’s future. It has some best facilities, on and off the course, anywhere in the country, and I’m very excited to be working with them.” Miller, who became the first European to

win the World Long Driving Championship three years ago with a winning drive of 414 yards, is the second star name from the world of golf to join Brocket Hall’s team of ambassadors in the last month, after European Tour star Simon Khan agreed to be the figurehead for the club’s new junior programme. David Griffin, Brocket Hall club manager, said: “We’re very honoured that Joe has joined our ambassador programme. His ability to hit a golf ball has to be seen to be believed, he is one of the game’s rising stars and his father’s association with Brocket Hall’s long and distinguished history makes the partnership extra special.”

Rose hosts Goodwood Clinic

Addington bags ‘Aber’ event The Addington Golf Club in Surrey kicked off its centenary celebrations with a match against three other local courses designed by JF Abercombie. Teams from Worplesdon, Knole Park and Coombe Hill enjoyed a great day in perfect sunshine for the event, which it is hoped will now become an annual tournament. The match was won by the hosts, Addington, with Coombe Hill coming a very close second. The next event in The Addington’s centenary competition calendar is the Hickory Club Invitational on the July 10 – the date the club officially opened in 1913.

Joe Miller with Brocket CM David Griffin

Major winner Justin Rose visited Goodwood prior to his appearance in the BMW PGA Championship to give members a master class. The 32-year-old Englishman, who joined the West Sussex venue earlier this year as an ambassador, offered tips and advice, and an insight into playing golf at the highest level.

Goodwood has more than 60 junior members, with an average age of 12, and Rose was impressed with the interest shown towards junior golfers, which resonated with his own experience in getting started in the game. “Goodwood is a wonderful environment in which to play golf, and the positive attitude of the club to cultivate juniors and create a centre of excellence is a great way of developing some wonderful talent in the South of England,” he said. “The range of facilities is superb,

with chipping areas and an academy, which is fantastic for juniors.” Goodwood’s head professional Ryan Fenwick, who played alongside Rose as an amateur, is now lead coach for the Sussex Junior squad, and his long-term goal is to develop a college programme for young players combining technical, physical, mental and lifestyle skills. “We have some really talented juniors here at Goodwood and it is great for them to learn first hand from one of the best golfers in the world,” said Fenwick.

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News in Brief CHIPSTEAD’S LUCKY WINNER A Surrey golfer has a new home to indulge his favourite hobby after winning a year’s free membership to Chipstead Golf Club. Darren Hill from Wallington was the lucky winner of the club’s free membership competition which was given away during Chipstead’s recent open weekend. Mr Hill, who received his membership pack from club captain Steve O’Brien, was naturally delighted with his prize. “I was delighted to receive the call from Chipstead’s Director of Golf Gary Torbett telling me that I had won the membership, and I’m looking forward to getting involved in all the activities that the club has to offer,” he said.

KNOWLES JOINS GOODWOOD Former Tour pro Kerry Knowles has joined the teaching staff Golf At Goodwood. The 38-year-old former Wentworth assistant played on the Ladies European Tour for four years, and brings plenty of experience to her role as a coach and operations manager, having helped organise the PGA Championship and the World Match Play Championship during her time at Wentworth.

ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROEHAMPTON

The finest young golfers in the south east will be converging on Roehampton Golf Club this autumn, when the south London venue hosts the prestigious Roehampton Junior Masters on September 29. The 36-hole scratch competition will attract a maximum field of 54 players (36 boys and 18 girls) who, in familiar Masters style, qualify for invitations according to their performance in selected events during the season. The top-five boys in the U16 county championships for Hampshire, Middlesex, Sussex, Surrey and Kent gain automatic entry, while three girls from each of the same counties will be selected from Girls Junior County Week at Ealing Golf Club. The remaining spaces will be allocated as wild cards to the most promising Surrey golfers and Roehampton Club members.

June 2013 / Issue 222

Jason’s ace ends in heartbreak Essex club professional Jason Levermore will have plenty of fond memories of his appearance in last month’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. The 33-year-old, who recently took up the position of head professional at Channels Golf Club in Chelmsford, was one of 20 club professionals to earn a place in the European Tour’s flagship event, and he made the most of his opportunity by making the cut, and picking up a handy €10,000 in prize money for finishing 66th. However, it could have been a far bigger payday for Levermore had the hole-in-one he achieved at the second hole during the opening round been rewarded with the traditional prize of a car. Indeed, after aceing the 134-yard second, almost everyone was convinced that he had bagged the £100,00 BMW sports car, and it quickly filtered through to the news chancels and social media sites that he had

Close, but no car! Levermore celebrates his hole-in-one at the PGA Championship, which sadly failed to win him a BMW at Wentworth

won it. However, after being forced off the course due to a passing storm on the 17th hole, Levermore was informed by European Tour officials that the car was only on offer for the first hole-inone at the 14th. Levermore, who has spent the last 12 years playing in local PGA regional events, with occasional forays on to the EuroPro and Challenge

Tours, was naturally disappointed with the news, but remained upbeat about his overall performance. He explained: “It was a great start, holing out on the second, and I was informed I’d won the £100,000 BMW. Apparently the European Tour put it out as a story and it was picked up by quite a few places – my friends told me it was

Penge battles back to win Fairhaven title

Tindall swings into action for charity at Mannings A star-studded cast from the worlds of sport and showbusiness joined forces to raise more than £40,000 for charity at the inaugural Mike Tindall Celebrity Golf Classic held at Mannings Heath Golf Club in Sussex. Former England rugby captain Tindall (pictured right), teamed up with a host of celebrities, including a number of his 2003 World Cup winning colleagues, to raise money for two military charities, Rugby For Heroes and the On Course Foundation, at the event which was sponsored and supported by The Legion Foundation. Jason Leonard, Will

Model Jodie Kidd lent her support to Tindall’s day

Greenwood, Ben Kay and Austin Healey were all on hand to help the Gloucester player-coach out on the day, and they were joined at the Horsham-based venue by the likes of Jamie Redknapp and ex-Formula 1 motor racing ace Johnny Herbert. Also competing on the fairways of Mannings Heath’s Waterfall Course were former top supermodel Jodie Kidd, television presenters Gethin Jones, Di Dougherty and Zoe Hardman. Tindall’s wife, Zara Phillips, lent her support from the sidelines before the action switched in the evening to Mannings Heath’s sister property, the five-star South Lodge Hotel, for a gala dinner and fundraising auction. Tindall, playing off 14, produced an impressive 41 points to finish joint-fifth in the individual event, while he fared even better by helping his four-ball come third in the team competition. But it was London Welsh full-back Edd Thrower who took top golfing honours as he clinched a memorable double, winning the

plastered all over. But when we came off the course at 17, because of lightning, we were told that they had made a mistake and that the car wasn’t on offer at the second hole after all, only on the 14th. It was a bit of a disappointment, but nobody can ever take away from me the fact I holed-in-one in the PGA Championship

at Wentworth. That’s something I’ll have forever.” Levermore’s finishing position could have been so much better, after opening rounds of 72, 70 and 73 saw him start the final day in 33rd place on level par, but a horror back nine on Sunday, which included five bogeys and a double bogey, undid all the good work of the previous three days. “The last nine holes on Sunday were a bit painful to be honest,” he said. “I think I was getting a bit tired and it started getting to me. I ended up throwing a few shots away. But if somebody had said to me at the beginning of the week that I would play all four days – when people like Rory McIlroy, Luke Donald and Graeme McDowell failed to make the cut – score a holein-one on only the second hole and finish 66th, I would have bitten their hand off.” Life has now returned to relative normality for the Clacton-born Levermore, who has been settling into his new job at Channels, and coping with the arrival of a new baby.

individual title with 44 points and helping his playing partners to a one-point success in the team contest. Tindall said: “It was a great honour to host my first golf classic and I’d like to pass on my thanks to everyone who gave up their time to attend. We managed to raise a fantastic amount of money to support two very worthy charities which help our military servicemen and women make the transition from military to civilian life.” He added: “Mannings Heath provided the perfect venue, and all our guests were very impressed with the facilities. I’d like to thank everybody there for contributing to what was a very memorable event.”

Rising star Marco Penge pulled off the biggest victory of his fledgling career when he won the boys title in the Fairhaven Trophy in Lancashire. The talented 15-year-old from Worthing in Sussex, who is a member of the England U18 squad, made up six shots in the final round at Fairhaven to catch Scotland’s Bradley Neil then beat him in a four-hole playoff. Neil had started the final round six strokes clear, having led from round one. But he posted a closing 77, while Penge returned 71, leaving the pair sharing top spot on level-par 288. At the start of the final round, few would have bet against Neil lifting the trophy, even more so when he birdied the seventh hole. But he ran into trouble with a double bogey-six at the eighth, before turning in 37. At that stage Penge had made up only one shot after birdies at the first and third were cancelled by a double bogey-six at the seventh. But the back nine proved a different matter. Neil ran up four bogeys to

be back in 40, while Penge birdied 11, 12 and 15 to go two in front. Then he also ran into trouble, dropping shots at 17 and 18 for an inward 35 and 71. The play-off saw Penge take an early lead with a birdie at the first, but they drew level again when Neil birdied the par-three 17th after both had parred the short second. Once again, the 18th proved Neil’s Achilles Heel when he took a bogey six, while a solid par saw Penge to victory. The win was not totally unexpected, as Penge has been knocking on the door this year, finishing third in the Douglas Johns Trophy, fourth in the Bernard Darwin Salver, and sixth in the McEvoy Trophy.

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June 2013 / Issue 222

ORRIN IN THE DRIVING SEAT AT LAGONDA Max Orrin secured his second major victory in the space of three weeks when he won the Lagonda Trophy on a wet day at The Gog Magog Golf Club near Cambridge. The England boy international from Kent posted a final round of 70 for ten under par 72-hole total, and a two-shot winning margin over Robert Sutton. Earlier in the month, Orrin came from several shots back to win the South East of England Links Championship at Royal Cinque Ports. This time he shared the lead with Sutton going into the second and final day, but forged ahead to collect the title.

It was his third round 65 that proved crucial to Orrin’s success. “That was the key to the win,” he said. “But I played

Luke Bangerter (right) with his team of Simon Gill, Andrew Bernard & Ben Haynes

Tandridge pro follows in Tiger’s footsteps Tandridge Golf Club’s Luke Bangerter followed in Tiger Woods’ footsteps when winning a 72hole tournament at TPC Sawgrass just six days after the PGA Tour’s Players Championship. Luke and his team were able to watch Tiger’s memorable victory, and then compete in the annual Sawgrass Classic Pro-Am, which is played on four superb courses in the Ponte Vedra Beach area, with the final round at the Players’ Stadium Course. Bangerter’s wire-towire victory over a strong field was secured with an impressive level par 72 on Pete Dye’s infamously difficult TPC Stadium Course, which was presented in pristine tournament condition with the grandstands still in place. Former European Tour player James Heath finished second and Wellingborough’s Simon Lilly third. After his victory, Bangerter was quick to

thank his team of amateur golfers, as well as Pro-Am Tour organisers John and Alison Hooper from The American Golf Holiday. He explained: “To secure victory at such a prestigious venue is simply fantastic. All the Pro-Am Tour events offer an unrivalled golf experience for both professional and amateur golfers alike, and the Sawgrass Classic Pro-Am is simply magnificent.” East Herts Golf Club’s Daniel Field led his team of Stewart Smith, Kathryn Archibald and David Archibald to victory in a highly-competitive team event, with Iain Stoddart’s team finishing two shots behind in second place, and Luke Bangerter’s third. The Sawgrass Classic ProAm is just one of several ProAm Tour events organised by The American Golf Holiday, plus golf packages to The US Masters at Augusta, The Players Championship, and The Ryder Cup. For further details visit www.pro-amtour.com.

Daniel Field’s winning team at the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass

solidly throughout and putted well. I’ve worked hard all winter on my short game. In the conditions we’ve faced so far this year it is important to get this part of the game right. It’s been the biggest improvement in my game this year.” With Sutton, one of his playing partners, taking 67 in round three, Orrin went into the final circuit two strokes ahead and although both swapped birdies on the final afternoon, he stayed there, confirming he can lead from the front as well as challenging from behind. “It was nice to be in the last group in an event,” added the

19-year-old from the North Foreland club. “I’d not been in that position for a while and had not had the pressure to close out a tournament. So it is nice to know I can do it when leading.” Orrin won the South East of England Links Championship after coming through horrendous conditions at Cinque Ports, with his winning score of 12 over par reflecting the difficulty presented by the wind-blown Kent links. Speaking after his first win in the Senior ranks, Orrin said: “I was absolutely thrilled to win a tournament in my home area. I got to stay at home

in Birchington during the week and my mum and dad could watch every round, which was great. I have won abroad in 40 degree heat and no wind, but to win in such difficult conditions proves that I am adaptable and can win in any conditions.” Orrin’s main aim for this season is to qualify for September’s Walker Cup in New York. “That’s the ultimate dream. I would be brilliant to be on the plane and would definitely be the pinnacle of my career. It has been a good season so far and it is all about keeping the consistency going until I make that Walker Cup spot mine.”

News in Brief SURREY CLAIM ROOTS REWARD Surrey HSBC Golf Roots Programme was awarded The Critchley Award for the best major project at the recent Golf Foundation awards. The countywide project involved 25 PGA coaches from 15 different golf facilities ran Tri-Golf and Golf Xtreme sessions in 90 primary schools and 17 secon-dary schools. The sessions involved 6,300 youngsters, while almost 1,000 pupils received follow-on coaching and completed Level I of the Junior Golf Passport, while 81 youngsters became new junior members at golf clubs in Surrey.

LATHAM BAGS SENIOR SUCCESS

Pine Ridge says ‘cheers’ for 20 years! One of the UK’s top public golf courses celebrated its 20th anniversary this month with a week-long series of events, culminating in a beer festival. Pine Ridge Golf Centre in Frimley, near Camberley in Surrey, kicked off its birthday week with a special £19.93 green fee on June 17, marking the year in which the golf course and clubhouse opened fully. A VIP golf day followed on June 18, with a wedding open evening on the Wednesday evening, and free golf lessons on June 20. A blockbuster night is in store on June 22, with a Michael Jackson tribute act headlining the club’s big 20th anniversary party, while those with the stamina for a party will be able to enjoy the Pine Ridge Beer Festival from 1pm on June 23, where there will be local bands, games, 1993 beer prices, a hog roast and plenty of beers to sample. “Pine Ridge has always been at the heart of the community,” said general manager, Elaine Jackson. “And we hope that many locals – whether they love to play golf or not – will join us as we celebrate our 20th

birthday this year.” She added: “Pine Ridge is often held as a shining example of modern ‘pay and play’ golf, and as our doors are open to all we do work hard on quality in all areas. Many staff and countless golfers have combined to make Pine Ridge the success it is over the last 20 years, so we have gone to town a bit with our birthday week. Plus, it’s the start of summer – so that’s something else to celebrate!” Businessman Clive Smith first conceived of creating a public golf course in the beautiful pine forest down the Old Bisley Road back in 1985. He recognised that the picturesque pine-clad glades, part of the 262-acre Frimley Fuel Allotments Charity site, had the potential for a spectacular golf course, and in June 1992 Smith himself struck a tee shot on the first hole to declare the golf course open for play, with Pine Ridge Golf Club officially opening in 1993. As well as an 18-hole golf course, large driving range, pro shop and a bar, the club also offers a six-lane 10-pin bowling alley, and is a popular venue for weddings and parties.

Tree theft at Crane Valley Staff at Crane Valley Golf Club were in a state of shock last month after they arrived at the club to discover that 91 trees had been stolen from their course. Staff turned up to work at 5.45am to find that all of the club’s leylandii trees had been dug up from their roots and taken overnight. The trees were all between five and seven feet tall. Despite the effort involved in carrying out the crime, which also involved using bolt cutters to get through the front gate, police believe the value of the trees is less than £900. Andrew Blackwell, operations manager for Hoburne Golf, which runs Crane Valley, said: “It

was certainly a bit of a shock to find 91 trees had been dug up and taken overnight,. We planted more than 300 trees last October and lots of members and visitors had commented on how good they looked. “Unfortunately, because of the weather we have been having, the ground would have been soft, and although they had been in the ground for six months, the roots would still have been quite shallow.”

Bristol’s Richard Latham won the English Men’s Senior Championship at Bristol & Clifton by three strokes from defending champion Alan Squires and by five from the rest of the field. He carded a closing 79 in the 54-hole event for a ten-over par total of 221.

TAYLOR WINS ASTOR SALVER

Woburn’s Lauren Taylor warmed up for her bid for a second British amateur title with an impres-sive six-shot win in the Astor Salver at The Berkshire. The 18-yearold international had 12 birdies during the 36-hole event, finishing at seven-under par with rounds of 70 and 68 on the Red and Blue course respectively. Taylor has recently returned her first year at Baylor University in Texas where she scored a major success in US collegiate golf by winning her conference championship.

READING FC AGREES TO BUY BEARWOOD

Reading Football Club has agreed a deal to buy Bearwood Golf Club so that it can be converted into a training facility. The nine-hole course is currently owned by the trustees of the Royal Mer-chant Navy School Foundation. Reading currently has nine training pitches, but it is believed to want at least 17, which it cannot get from its current location in nearby Arborfield. Reading FC’s chief executive, Nigel Howe, said: “We have agreed in principle a contract with Bearwood to pur-chase land and build a new training ground, subject to planning permission.” The sale will have no impact on the future of Bearwood Lakes Golf Club.

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News in Brief SCOTT SCOOPS SINCLAIR AWARD Essex PGA Professional Scott Rusbridge won the PGA Professional of the Year Award at the Golf Foundation’s Annual President’s Awards held at Wentworth last month. Rusbridge, who is the full-time coach for the Coastal Golf Academy in Essex, was nominated for the Sinclair Award for his ‘enthusiasm, dedication, commitment and breadth of activity’, according to the Foundation’s judging panel. As well as taking TriGolf into local schools, he developed the coaching programmes at Harwich, Frinton and Millers Barn golf clubs, and enjoyed success as a coach for girl groups, raising player numbers and supporting the County Academy Programme.

PENGE IN SQUAD FOR IRISH OPEN Worthing’s Marco Penge has been named in a squad of four to represent England in the Irish Boys Open at Lisburn Golf Club on June 26-28. Penge, the current leader of the England Golf Boys Order of Merit, will be accompanied by Jack Singh Brar, Jake Storey, and Jonathan Thomson.

June 2013 / Issue 222

Khan proves he Bright young things relish return to Buckinghamshire can at Walton’s US Open qualifier Walton Heath Golf Club in Surrey once again proved its championship status when it staged the qualifier for the US Open, which has just been held at Merion Golf Club in America. The club’s Old and New Courses proved a happy hunting ground for Essex professional Simon Khan (pictured), who bounced back from losing the BMW PGA Championship in a play-off just 24 hours earlier to qualify for the season’s second Major along with 11 other players. Khan, who qualified in first place after shooting 67 on the Old Course and 70 on the New Course, was delighted to have responded so positively to the disappointment at Wentworth. “I did everything I could to try and win, and I don’t think I could have done anything differently,” said Khan, who has reached the US Open three times in eight straight years of qualifying. “I only slept for about a half-

an-hour with the loss going over in my head. And I even thought about pulling out, but this is my job.” Khan was joined by three-time Ryder Cup player Paul Casey and Jaco Van Zyl of South Africa, who tied for second, while José Maria Olazabal, Europe’s victorious Ryder Cup captain last year, was among the other qualifiers, which also included Marcus Fraser, Eddie Pepperell, Peter Hedblom, Morten Madsen, David Howell, John Parry, Chris Doak and Argentina’s Estanislao Goya.

Some of England’s best professional women golfers gathered at Buckinghamshire Golf Club last month to officially launch the ISPS Handa Ladies European Masters at the home of the Ladies European Tour. Rookie professionals Charley Hull, Emily Taylor and Holly Clyburn, rising stars Henni Zuel, Charlotte Ellis, Liz Young and Holly Aitchison had the opportunity to play the course in perfect weather. The biggest women’s golf tournament in England and Wales takes place at The Buckinghamshire on July 26-28, and the British contingent of pros are relishing the opportunity of playing at home – particularly Zuel, who finished third at the venue last year. “I really can’t wait for the tournament: it’s going to be brilliant. I was really hoping it would be here this year,” said Zuel, who lives in Esher, Surrey. “For me it’s perfect because it’s only half an hour from my house, so I’m expecting a lot of home support. The course was just in such great condition and I’m looking forward to coming back and playing.” Hull, who will be looking to bag her first win as

a professional, following five runner-up finishes in her rookie season, was equally excited. “It would be great to win on home turf, wouldn’t it? I like to play a Pro Am before the tournament because it gives you that little bit extra feel of the golf course and you meet new people. I came 17th here last year as an amateur. I played well and it was really fun, as I played with Carly Booth and Melissa Reid in the first two rounds.” Fellow teenager Taylor was also savouring the prospect of playing ‘at home’ and said: “I think it will be a good atmosphere for the English players, because it’s not often that you get a home tournament, so I think it will bring a good buzz and hopefully a lot of spectators.” With a Pro-Am taking place on Thursday, July 25 before the three tournament rounds, a superb week of fun and entertainment for all the family will be on offer at the ISPS Handa Ladies European Masters, in a unique, garden party-style atmosphere. Advance season tickets are available for £10. For more information visit www. ladieseuropeanmasters.com.

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June 2013 / Issue 222

Last chance to enter Four Nations Challenge

The deadline for entries to this year’s Four Nations Golf Challenge, which has captured the imagination of the golfing public since being launched in 2011, is nearing and club golfers are being urged to register in order to take part in the summer’s regional qualifiers. The Four Nations Golf Challenge offers club members the chance to experience the thrill of representing their country – England, Scotland, Wales or Ireland – in a Ryder

Cup-style tournament. The tournament is for pairs, with each country being represented by six pairs. Regional qualifying events begin in July, with the grand final taking place in May next year. Pairs will have to win a minimum of four knockout matches to make it through to the final. The closing date for entries is June 23, with entry to the qualifying bracket set at £50 a pair. For more details visit www. fournationsgolfchallenge.co.uk.

Harris goes low at Laleham The Nevill’s Jamie Harris played some of his best golf this year in the Laleham ProAm, shooting a six-under-par 64 to win by a stroke and take the winner’s cheque for £800. Finding his form after winning at Royal Blackheath, Harris hit a wedge at the final hole to four feet and holed the birdie putt to edge out Christopher Aubrey (Lindfield) on 65, closely followed by Gregg Blainey (Billingbear Park) on 66. Harris acknowledged his early start meant he probably enjoyed most of the relatively-dry weather on his front nine, where he started with a birdie and played steady golf, shooting another

Jamie Harris fired a 64 to win at Laleham

birdie at the eighth to turn in two-underpar. Yet as the rain started to come down, Harris birdied the 10th and 11th to reach four-under-par, and then the 15th and 16th to reach six. Despite the trip up at the 17th, Harris saved his best for the last to snatch victory from the chasing pack. As he explained: “I finished well, hitting two good shots at the par five 18th to set up a wedge which I hit to four feet. That left me a final birdie putt which, as it turned out, made all the difference!” Harris enjoyed his return visit to Laleham, which was in top condition once again. “The course was ideal, very good greens, and very scoreable if you were on the fairways.”

News in Brief PHIL STRIKES GOLD IN WALES Phil Golding produced a sensational final round performance to deny home favourite Ian Woosman at the Speedy Services Wales Senior Open. The 50-year old from Surrey carded a brilliant five-under-par 66 at Royal Porthcawl to overhaul Woosnam’s six-shot advantage and collect the first prize of £37,500. Golding, who finished second in the same event last year, fired six birdies in his closing round to spoil for the former Masters’ champion’s party. Woosnam fell away with a 75 to finish tied third, with DJ Russell taking second with a final round 71.

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June 2013 / Issue 222

PGA CHAMPS RAISES £250K FOR CHARITY

2 PLAYERS & A BUGGY FOR JUST £49 This June you can enjoy Lullingstone Park Golf Course’s 18-hole, par 72, course for just £49 for two players and a buggy. This mid-week special means you can play this stunning course even if time is a little tight! Senior Special: If both players are aged 60+ you will get this amazing deal for just £44. Lullingstone Park Golf Course, Park Gate, Chelsfield, Orpington, BR6 7PX T: 01959 533 793 E: lpgc@sencio.org.uk www.lullingstonegolfcourse.co.uk Terms and conditions apply: not in conjunction with any other offer, mid-week rounds only, offer ends 30/06/2013.

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Be Driven...

Summer golf days

DOWNSHIRE GOLF COMPLEX

As well as providing world-class entertainment for the 100,000 spectators who poured through the gates of Wentworth Club last month, the BMW PGA Championship also raised in excess of £250,000 for local charitable causes. Surrey-based Shooting Star CHASE, the official charity of the tournament, will benefit from £60,000 raised during the pre-tournament Celebrity Pro-Am and the Championship week itself. David Burland, chief executive of Shooting Star, said: “We would like to say a big thanks to everyone involved, as the support of the players, the European Tour Wives’ Association, and all the spectators during the tournament was phenomenal. Our thanks must also go out to our team of volunteers who did Shooting Star CHASE proud by collecting over £32,000 in donations from programme sales during the tournament. Thanks to their combined efforts, we were able to raise vital funds, and also create much needed awareness for the work we do to support local families with children or teenagers with life-limiting conditions.” The charity plans to use the funds raised to install a new wheelchair-friendly swing at the

its Hampton Hospice, and the remainder being used to fund a paediatric nurse in the Hospice at Home team for one year. In addition to the funds raised for Shooting Star CHASE, a further £126,500 was raised for Children in Need through an auction to play alongside Radio Two DJ Chris Evans (pictured) and European Tour champion Graeme McDowell in the Pro-Am on Wednesday. The Putts4Charity initiative also proved a popular attraction in the tented village, with a grand total of £12,330 being donated to SOS Children’s Villages by Genworth in partnership with the Tour Players Foundation.

Chloe’s on target at Chart Hills Fourteen-year-old Chloe Frankish smashed the ladies’ amateur course record at Chart Hills Golf Club last month, after scoring a seven-under par 65 during a mid-week Stableford competition at the Kent-based championship venue. Chloe is a member of the Chart Hills Juniors and joined during Leaderboard’s Tee for Teens initiative in 2010. She has been playing golf for just under three years, during which time her handicap has plummeted from 40 to just two after last month’s impressive performance. Claire Frankish, Chloe’s mother, is understandably extremely proud of her daughter’s achievements. She told Golf News: “Chloe puts so much effort into her golf game. She plays in all weathers and is completely dedicated to her dream of becoming a professional golfer. She is playing against women two or three times her age and sees every competition as a chance to gain experience. David Colyer, Chart Hill’s general manager, said: “We are extremely proud of Chloe’s achievements. She has worked extremely hard to achieve her success, and I am sure she will have a very promising career ahead of her in golf. All of our courses support junior golfers, and the Tee for Teens programme has seen hundreds of junior golfers come through the doors and play at all levels.”

Clarke enthralls ‘out of bounds’ audience Summer golf days for 12 people or more starting from just £19.00 for seniors (over 60 years) and £27.00 for adults Organiser goes FREE with 20 people or more. Call the office on 01344 302030 for availability and prices. Downshire Golf Complex Easthampstead Park, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 3DH Tel: 01344 302030 Fax: 01344 301020 Email: downshiregc@bracknell-forest.gov.uk Web: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/downshiregolf Facebook: www.facebook.com/downshiregolf

Former Open champion Darren Clarke enthralled an audience of 200 guests and city golfers with an engaging evening of storytelling at the prestigious May Fair Hotel in London. The ‘Out of Bounds’ evening, which was organised by golf travel company Your Golf Travel, saw Clarke hotfoot it to West London from Wentworth, where he was competing in the BMW PGA Championship. After a champagne reception, talkSPORT’s Georgie Bingham hosted a question and answer session, in which the 44-year-old Ryder Cup star was joined by his close friend and manager Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler. The effusive pair offered exclusive insights on a multitude of topics, including life on tour, the 2011 Open victory, their longstanding relationship, the progression of

Ross Marshall, Darren Clarke and Andrew Harding of YGT

youngsters aspiring to become professional golfers, and the unique qualities of Ireland as a golf destination. An auction raised £50,000 for the Darren Clarke Foundation, with lots including a dinner at the May Fair Hotel, a Fairway to Furlong day at Glorious Goodwood, and an opportunity to play golf with Clarke at Royal Portrush. Clarke became Your Golf Travel’s new global ambassador at the end of last year and has fronted a major national advertising campaign for the company across the Sky TV network since January.

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June 2013 / Issue 222

Shergo hits double ace Foxhills Talented Surrey youngster Shergo Kurdi continues to make golfing headlines. The nine-year-old from Chertsey in Surrey, who won last year’s UK Kids Championship Final, has won four of the five tournaments he has entered this year, including back-to-back wins on the TrailBlazers Tour at Dale Hill and Hever Castle. His most recent exploits saw him bag two holes-in-one during the same round on the Manor Course at Foxhills Golf Club in Surrey, where he aced the sixth and the ninth holes to defy odds of 67 million to one. Shergo, whose best score around the Manor Course is a three-under par gross, has now had four aces during his career, one of which was achieved

Butterfield spreads rivals at new-look Tandridge Knole Park’s Andrew Butterfield shot a four-under-par 67 to win the Lighthouse Club Pro-Am at Tandridge In Kent. Butterfield’s performance earned him a winner’s cheque of £700 and the satisfaction of edging out the high quality trio of last year’s PGA Southern Professional champion Ben St John (Woodcote Park), past PGA Surrey Open winner Nick Redfern and home pro Mark Hillson, all of whom shot 68s. After stepping back from a 16-year playing career to focus on his retail and coaching business, Butterfield is enjoying a much more relaxed approach to competitive golf, which has resulted in his recent run of improved results. “I haven’t been practising and working hard at my game,” he said. “I’ve been putting all my time into the shop and lessons, and helping the club reach out to local audiences and build its membership. We are making a major effort to encourage more girls to get into golf, and that’s where my focus is at the moment. Consequently, my expectations when I play in events like this are rather different, which take the pressure off me.” Butterfield’s birdie at the 17th and a par down the 18th meant he won by a stroke, but he nearly needed the winner’s cheque to pay for the Champagne all round when his shot to the short 3rd stopped an inch short of a hole-in-one. The winner was also very impressed by Tandridge’s investment in their Harry Coltdesigned course. “Tandridge is in fantastic condition now, and the new bunkering is very impressive, as are the new tees. The net result is an exceptional inland course.”

during last year’s US Kids European Championship at Longniddry in Scotland. Last month he took part in the US Kids European Championship at Gullane, also in Scotland, where he finished 11th in the field of 54 players in the U10s age category.

Winchester’s royal visitor His Royal Highness The Duke of York visited Royal Winchester Golf Club last month to unveil a plaque commemorating the beginning of a week of celebrations to mark the Hampshire club’s 125th anniversary and royal centenary. The Duke, who attended the ceremony in his capacity

as patron of the club, was accompanied by Brigadier David Harrison, representing the Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, and the Mayor of Winchester. His Royal Highness was welcomed by club captain David Upton and ladies’ captain Jane Tandy, and was then introduced to the members of the committee. His Royal

Highness then had the opportunity to meet many club members before unveiling a plaque.

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June 2013 / Issue 222

2013 BMW PGA CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW

Italian sensation Matteo Manassero broke the record for being the youngest winner of the 2013 BMW PGA Championship following a dramatic play-off

Simon Khan clame close to a second PGA success

The majority of the record-breaking 27,000-strong crowd that the lined the fairways of the West Course on the final day of the 2013 BMW PGA Championship came to see England’s Lee Westwood crowned the winner. But the day ended in misery for the world No.7, and joy for an Italian half his age who, despite his youth, showed that he had more than enough experience to compete on the game’s biggest stages. In front of the largest crowd in BMW PGA Championship history, Westwood went from hero to zero in the space of a fraught two hours around the West Course’s middle section, while Matteo Manassero, dressed in Seve’s trademark green trousers, held his nerve to claim the European Tour’s flagship tournament six years earlier than even the great Spaniard managed it. The brilliant Italian, who has already won four times as a professional, pulled off his biggest win in a style befitting European golf’s most charismatic name, holing a bunker shot on his way to a 69 during regulation play, and then striking a swashbuckling four-wood on to the 18th green to bring an end to the four-hole play-off against the battling 2010 BMW PGA champion, Simon Khan. Khan came from seven strokes behind three years ago to take the title, and he almost did it again with a 67. He played beautifully for three holes of the playoff, before finding the water at the fourth attempt. What a story this would have been for the 40-yearold from Essex, with his wife Lesley recently having made a brave recovery from a life-threatening operation to repair a ruptured diaphragm. As for Manassero, he became the youngest winner in the tournament’s long history. “I’ve always thought this event was something special, and I am the happiest man in the world right now,” he said after picking up the coveted trophy and the small matter of €720,000 in prize money. While the headlines deserved to go Manassero’s

Rough going: Westwood’s hopes faded on Sunday after he lost his radar with his driver

way, the story bubbling closest to the surface was focused on the inexplicable self-destruction of Westwood, a man whose fearless temperament and brilliance from tee to green had seen him establish a two-shot lead with 14 holes to play. The short-game wizard – as Ernie Els had earlier proclaimed him – was sprinkling his magic, and the expectation this would be one of those commanding Westwood successes was overwhelming. Instead the crowds and the TV audience witnessed as dramatic a collapse as has been seen by a top player for many a year, with the winner of 39 tournaments around the world stumbling across the line with a one-over par 73, having taken 40 shots on the back nine. Struggling to find the reasons for his lacklustre effort, Westwood reported that his long game had taken a dip while he concentrated on improving his short game – but even that touch deserted him during the final round, in what is becoming a depressingly familiar story for the man who is still in

search of an elusive Major title. “I’m struggling with my swing a little at the moment and in the last round you just get found out,” was all that Westwood could muster in his defence. Westwood’s woes were mirrored by the Scot Marc Warren, who made the play-off courtesy of a run of four birdies from the 10th, which included a freak birdie at the 13th, where he holed his third shot from 113 yards, when a bogey looked more on the cards. Warren, who has begun to develop a reputation as a flakey finisher, struck his drive wildly into the trees in the first play-off hole, leaving Manassero and Khan to battle it out for the glassware. Manassero and Khan both birdied it and then parred it second time around. At the third time of asking, both men made wonderful saves from the two bunkers that protect the back of the green. It was enthralling stuff. After being outdriven by his

June 2013 / Issue 222

/ 17

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rival by 50 yards at the fourth time of asking, Khan was forced to go for the green in two, but his effort came up a few yards short and ended up in the water, leaving the Italian to hit a stunning 4-wood into the heart of the green and two-putt for glory. Two other men at either end of the age spectrum also deserve a mention in dispatches. Breaking your leg in a skiing accident at the age of 48 would finish off most players, but not the remarkable Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez. In this, just his second event back, he shot a finalround 67 to finish tied fourth – and was greeted like a champion on the 18th green. Then, one stroke further back, came 22-yearold Englishman Eddie Pepperell, playing with such skill and nerve in his debut appearance to finish tied sixth. A tournament marked by controversy and bad weather for its first half, therefore, ended in sunlit splendour.

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June 2013 / Issue 222

Golf Live proves a big draw at the Manor

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Golf Live’s move to Celtic Manor in Wales has been hailed as an overwhelming success by tournament organisers and exhibitors. Thousands of golf fans and celebrity spotters flocked to the venue for The 2010 Ryder Cup, to enjoy Britain’s ultimate golf and lifestyle weekend. In all 12,453 visitors streamed through the gates over the three days, with more than 5,000 attending on Saturday to see Britain’s most popular TV presenters, Ant and Dec, join European Tour legend Colin Montgomerie for fun-filled skills challenges. Ant and Dec hosted the Celebrity Cup Event Director James Goode said: “This is the first time we have staged Golf Live outside London, and Celtic Manor proved to be the perfect venue. The weekend was a massive success, and there was a real buzz running through the event from the grandstand and the main theatre, which also overlooked the final hole on The Celebrity Cup Course, to the impressive main pavilion of exhibitors and the driving range. Adding The Celebrity Cup to Golf Live added a whole new dimension to the event and the competitors Rob Brydon attempts to silence the crowd at Celtic Manor and spectators all told us how much they enjoyed the tournament.” The Celebrity Cup was won by Scotland whose lower handicaps and sporting competitiveness just prevailed over Sir Steve Redgrave’s England team, thanks to Jamie Murray’s accuracy in a dramatic, nearest-thepin play-off in the final. Wales, led with gusto The winning Celebrity Cup team by comedian Rob Brydon, beat Ireland to claim third place. of exhibitors including golf resorts and As well as the Celebrity Cup, Golf Live featured destinations, the latest gadgets, golf accessories, all the interactive theatres that have made it clothing and merchandise. such a popular show since its inception in 2010. Celtic Manor Resort chief executive Dylan Tour stars Colin Montgomerie, Shane Lowry and Matthews said: “We thoroughly enjoyed hosting Soren Kjeldsen gave informative masterclasses Golf Live and The Celebrity Cup. We liked the in front of a packed grandstand on the final fact that it had something for everyone. Serious green and, over at the driving range, Paul golfers could pick up some fantastic instruction Barrington’s trick shots and Joe Miller’s power tips and buy the latest clubs while other visitors hitting were big crowd pullers. made it their priority to see Ant and Dec and the Also to be found on the range were the other stars. We’d like to thank all the players who biggest brands in world golf, giving the golfing took part in the first Celebrity Cup, delighting public a unique opportunity to try the latest the crowds with their humour as well as their equipment and be custom-fitted according to golf, and helping raise £65,000 for the Elizabeth their own individual needs. Montgomerie Foundation with their generous A large main pavilion featured a host donations to the auction at the gala dinner.”

Gane in the frame at Farnham

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Chris Gane shot a spectacular seven-under-par 65 to win the Farnham Charity Pro-Am by a three shot margin, walking away with the welldeserved winner’s cheque for £1,000. Gane’s performance left a fast-finishing Michael Lowe (Leatherhead) in the shade in second place on four-under-par, and Paul Nessling (Cooden Beach) and James Ablett (Leeon-the-Solent) nursing cards of three-under-par 69 for third spot. The winner got away to a flying start with a birdie at the opening hole. Two steady pars were followed by another birdie at the fourth, and again at the eighth to put Gane on threeunder-par at the turn. After another birdie at the 11th, he then found top gear with birdies on the 14th, 16th and 18th to finish with a brilliant 65. The team event was won by Gordon Wardrop’s Team Telindus, led by Scott Shibley (Army).

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June 2013 / Issue 222

FACTFILE

JAMIE SPENCE Age: 50 Lives: Tunbridge Wells, Kent Turned Pro: 1985 Tour Appearances: 463 Career Wins: 2 (1992 European Masters, 2000 Moroccan Open) Career Earnings: €3,807, 884 Qualifying School: 1985, 86, 87, (88), 89, 04

Jamie Spence is enjoying golf again, and he wants to keep it that way. That’s why he’s ambivalent about playing the Seniors Tour full-time. The Kent man has carved a successful life outside the ropes since giving up a successful career on the European Tour in 2007. He has an important job with the European Tour, he works as a TV analyst for Sky Sports, and he’s branched out into coaching. His own golf is the least of his worries these days, and he’s thinking of keeping it that way. Spence turned 50 on May 26 this year and became eligible for the over 50s circuit, yet he didn’t rush to join it. He had the option of playing in the PGA Seniors Championship at Mottram Hall just 11 days after reaching the milestone that so many golfers hold out for, but Spence turned down that place for sensible reasons.

“I did consider it, but I don’t know in the role as tournament chairman close to that mark again, although the course and I didn’t want to make and was well placed to help, taking in seven of his next eight seasons he my senior debut on a course I wasn’t care of the minutiae to allow Bjorn to would finish inside the top 50. He familiar with,” says Spence. “I haven’t concentrate on playing golf. never played in America, and only ever played competitive golf for six or He still holds down that position played in six Open Championships, seven years, and I didn’t want to play with the Tour, and isn’t sure he wants where he had a best-placed finish of against guys who knew the course to give it up to go back to playing 22nd at St Andrews in 1990, but there well who have been playing a lot of full-time again. “I enjoy the job I have probably should have been more wins, senior golf.” with the Tour. It would be silly to give it more success. Spence does intend to play on up to go back to the grind of full-time “I would have taken it a bit more the European Seniors Tour, but he’s golf, especially if I play a season and seriously,” Spence replies, when asked not jumping headfirst back into the then decide I don’t want to do that. if he would have done anything competitive fire. “I will maybe play six I’ve spoken to the Tour, and to Thomas, differently. “I was a good enough or seven tournaments this year, but and they’ve said they’re happy for me player to stay on Tour and earn a on courses I’m familiar with, or courses to play some Seniors Tour events this nice living, but maybe I didn’t take it that I think will suit my game. To be year and see how it goes.” seriously enough. Maybe if I’d put in honest, I don’t know if I’ll be more hours of practice and been doing it full-time.” a bit more dedicated I might have Definites on Spence’s schedule won more, but it takes a special “If I’d put in more hours are the Wales Senior Open at kind of person to do that.” of practice, and been Royal Porthcawl, the Bad Ragaz These days, when not working PGA Senior Open, The Senior with the Tour or sat in Sky Sports’ a bit more dedicated, I Open at Royal Birkdale, the Travis studios in West London, Spence’s might have won more. Perkins plc Senior Masters at days are spent with trying to help But it takes a special Woburn, and the Russian Open. current players get better. He’s Spence, who lives in Tunbridge kind of person to do that” just starting out on a career in Wells, gave up full-time golf six short game coaching, helping a years ago after a successful 20small, but select stable of players year career that saw him make that includes Francesco Molinari, 463 European Tour appearances, earn A champion of the journeyman pro Tommy Fleetwood, Jeev Milkha Singh two victories, and win over €3.8 throughout his career, Spence has and Andrew Marshall. million in prize money. He often spoken out strongly on issues “It’s taken up more of my time lost his card in 2007, when affecting tour players, and often found than I thought it would, and I’m really he finished 219th on the the twin demands of playing decent enjoying it. It’s actually very rewarding money list. He could have golf, while being on the Tournament to know you’ve made a difference,” he carried on, but he’d had Committee, something of a challenge. says. “I’ve helped Jeev for a few years enough. “It was difficult to switch off,” he now, but I’ve taken on Francesco, “I have absolutely no regrets admits. “I really wanted to do a good Tommy and Andy recently, and they about quitting playing,” he said. “I job, but I also had to try and make a seem to be benefitting from my just didn’t have the desire at the end. living. It’s far easier to do the job now help. Tommy’s bunker play has really I hated the lifestyle. After 20 years of that I don’t have that distraction.” improved, Andy’s had couple of decent airports, hotels and travelling, I was The highlight of Spence’s own career results this year, and Francesco puts in ready to call it quits. I found it quite a as a player came in the 1992 European a lot of hard work. The only downside lonely experience at the end, because Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre, when he is that I live and die with every shot all my mates had either left the tour came within a whisker of becoming when I watch players I coach.” or gone on to the Seniors Tour. I was the first European Tour player to break As far as his own golf is concerned, going through the motions at the the 60 barrier. He shot a final round outings are currently restricted to a end.” 60 to defeat Colin Montgomerie and few Pro-Ams and some casual rounds Spence ended his playing win his first European Tour title. He had with friends. However, he admits to days and created a job for to wait eight years for his second, the going through a stage where he didn’t himself with the European 2000 Moroccan Open. He also helped ever want to play golf again. Tour, acting as a liaison England win the 1992 Dunhill Cup at “I’m enjoying my golf again,” he says. between tournament St Andrews. “I want to keep it that way. Golf ruled chairman Thomas That 1992 season stands as his best my life for over 20 years, and it’s an Bjorn and the as a European Tour player. He finished unhealthy state to be in. If I play the players. He tenth on the money list, with over Seniors Tour it will be on my terms. The preceded Bjorn €400,000 in earnings. He wouldn’t get game won’t rule my life again.”

PLAYING THE JOKER

Despite turning 50 this month, the multi-talented Jamie Spence is in no rush to hit the Senior circuit, after successfully branching out into other parts of the game. Words by Alistair Tait

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June 2013 / Issue 222

Grant overcomes demons to capture Senior PGA title

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Surrey’s Wraith Grant admitted to being relived as he overcame a potential second Senior meltdown to capture the Senior PGA Professional Championship title at Northants County. The Woodcote Park professional carded a final round two-over-par 72 to finish two-over for the tournament and win his first national PGA tournament by one shot from Robert Ellis (Newark). But the prospect of throwing it all away came to bear when Grant bogeyed four holes in a row from the sixth. It caused a flashback to the start of the year, when Grant suffered a final day collapse at Senior Tour qualifying school, going from top of the leaderboard to tied eighth – in the process missing out on a full card for a top-six finish. Grant, who opened the final round with a birdie, but bogeyed the next before the quartet of dropped shots, admitted the past played heavily on his mind as he approached the back nine;

however, having won the pro-am and chalked up the score of the week with his second round 68, he retained confidence to see the job through with crucial birdies at 13 and 14. “Those four bogeys took me back to Tour School without question,” said the 52-year-old, who also picked up a cheque for £4,750. “I’ve messed up a few times when I’ve been in good positions near the end. It looked like I’d messed up again and to recover from that, what happened at Tour School definitely helped. I stayed in the moment told myself not to panic.” He added: “I didn’t look at the leaderboards over the back nine, so I didn’t have a clue what was going on behind me. I holed my putt on the last, and looked up at the board and saw that Robert had finished three over and it was a shock that I’d won. It’s a sense of achievement and feels great.” Grant also paid tribute to his club secretary, Adrian Dawson, who came up to caddy for him on the final day.

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Wraith Grant has made a fast start to his senior career

Chart Hills launches new intermediate membership Chart Hills Golf Club in Kent has launched a new category of membership that is specifically aimed at 25-30 year-olds. At £125 per month, or £1,500 annually, the Intermediate 2 membership is both cheaper and more flexible than the standard membership, and has been introduced to increase the Chart Hills GM David Colyer number of golfers in an age group that is traditionally under-represented in nearly all clubs. As well as encouraging new golfers in that age bracket, Chart Hills’ management hopes the Intermediate 2 memberships will reignite the interest of those who used to play, but, for one reason or another, now do not. A full seven-day annual membership is usually £2,214, meaning the new membership offers a significant reduction to those in this age group, and increases the viability of them pursuing golf. David Colyer, Chart Hills’ general manager, said: “Most people between 25 and 30 are beginning their careers, buying their first homes, getting married or starting families. If they played golf as juniors, it is very likely that their golf takes a back seat during this period, or if they are new to golf, they may feel intimidated that they are just starting out. We want these young men and woman to be able to participate in the sport and feel comfortable doing so.” Chart Hills already has a strong commitment towards encouraging junior golfers, and has recently extended its Intermediate membership from 22 to 25 years of age. The club supports 80 junior members at all levels by subsidising the cost of their membership and teaching. The club is also aided by Golf Mark, a national scheme aimed at developing the talents of junior players via appropriate levels of coaching and competition. Chart Hills PGA Coach Anthony Froom is also reducing the price of his lessons for Intermediate 2 members.

Fairthorne reverts to campsite A Hampshire golf club that has seen its membership drop to just 50 people is to be turned into a campsite. Fairthorne Manor Golf Club in Southampton, which was opened in the early 1970s, was owned by a subsidiary of a young people’s charity the YMCA Fairthorne Group, and generated a profit of £50,000 per year for its parent organisation in the 1990s, when it had around 250 members. However, its membership had dropped to less than 50 over the last ten years, and by the time it closed last month the club was making a loss of £50,000 per year. The 18-hole course was reduced to a 3,600-yard nine-hole layout last year in a bid to cut costs, but this failed to stop the losses. It will now revert to its original use as a campsite for young people. YMCA director Sally Arscott said: “It was simply losing money – we’re a charity and we can’t afford to continue to have operations which are losing money. Originally the golf course was a trading subsidiary, which would Gift Aid its profits over to

the charity. It was a way of fundraising.” A PGA professional in Hampshire, Shaun Hall, said the club could have made a profit if it had been run more professionally. “It’s closure has nothing to do with the economic climate and everything to do with no greenkeeping, no maintenance, no professional golfer to help run the club, advise and bring in more clients, no advertising and overall minimal effort,” he said. “People had money to spend there.”

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June 2013 / Issue 222

All change at Poult Wood! Poult Wood Golf Centre in Kent has unveiled its newlook locker rooms following a £20,000 makeover. The men’s and ladies’ changing areas have been completely redecorated and retiled and have new lockers, seating areas, carpets, toilets and sink units. Tonbridge Borough Council made the changes in response to requests for improvements from customers using the centre last year. The club also has new flooring in the bar and kitchen areas, a new fire alarm system and two new fire doors.

Thelma Hollands, President of the ladies’ golf club at Poult Wood, said: “The new-look changing rooms are absolutely marvellous – the makeover has made such a difference to me and to all the ladies who play at Poult Wood, and Golfers are delighted it will be so much nicer for with the new facilities ALTONWOOD_ESSEX_GOLF_1.qxd visiting teams too.”

Lowe goes low at Hampton Court

Leatherhead pro Michael Lowe Lowe was not expecting to shot a three-under 68 in tough find himself on the winner’s conditions to win the Hampton podium with a score of 68. Court Palace Pro-Am. “I knew that final putt would He holed his final par-saving be important, and make the putt of eight feet to snatch difference financially, but I victory and the winner’s thought someone else would cheque for £900 from the rest come in with four- or fiveof the pack on two-under-par under to win. That said, we comprising Torie Blakemore, had a strong wind and very Daniel Coughlan, Andrew low temperatures for my first 28/05/13 11:09 Butterfield and Dominicpm Toms. Page seven1 holes - and then the rain

started! I couldn’t believe it, as it was almost the end of May.” With the temperature around five degrees, things were very uncomfortable, but Lowe had had the foresight to get his mate Charlie Lidyard to caddy for him. “Having Charlie on the bag was great,” he said. “He looked after the clubs and kept the grips dry, while I just kept my hands in my pockets!”

THE ALTONWOOD SEASON TICKET

Mason maintains Goring connection

Carl Mason with Ryan Cahill

Carl Mason, the most successful golfer in European Senior Tour history, was on hand to present prizes at the Goring & Streatley Golf Club’s Junior Open last month. Mill Ride’s Ryan Cahill posted the lowest gross score of 70 to win the Carl Mason trophy, while Katie Hayes from Reading Golf Club, won the girls prize with a 86. The Mason family has a long history with Goring, with Roy Mason having joined the club as golf professional in 1955 and his son, Carl, enjoying an exceptional amateur career at the club before turning professional in 1973. The Goring and Streatley Junior Open prize is a trophy that Carl won early into his professional career, which he and his father donated to the club. To those young people wanting to make a career in golf, he commented: “It does take a lot of hard work, patience and persistence to succeed. You’ve got to devote yourself to it, there’s no doubt about it, but the rewards can be great. Lots of practice, a good coach, and an inner selfbelief will help you along the way.” Goring has recently launched a new juniors’ membership package of £25 for the first year. This includes six lessons, unlimited time on the course and lots of club competitions and matches for fast handicap development.

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June 2013 / Issue 222

PURE CLASS If Audi’s famous advertising slogan, Vorsprung durch Technik, was ever applied to a golf product, then Pure’s new range of push and power trolleys would fit the tagline perfectly

It would be tempting to describe the range of trolleys from Pure as the Rolls Royce of trolleys, but given their German heritage it would perhaps be more accurate to call them the Mercedes Benz or, given their ultra-premium price tags, the Maybach of trolleys. Whichever luxury German car brand analogy you prefer, if you purchase a Pure trolley, you are buying into the kind of quality and precision engineering for which Germany is famous the world over. Pure’s range of trolleys is unashamedly aimed at the top end of the market, and with its entry-level push trolley starting at £599, before rising to £3,490 for its top-of-therange carbon fibre power trolley, you certainly have to have deep pockets – as well as an appreciation of fine craftsmanship – to afford one. “Pure trolleys bring together innovative design, style and stateof-the-art technology aimed at the golfer who is looking for something extra special and highly exclusive,” says Norblett Glatting, the Heidelbergbased businessman who has brought the brand from concept to full production, with a range featuring five models – three of which are powered, one push and one pull. “In Germany over 10,000 premium-priced trolleys are sold each year, and there is no reason why the British market cannot reach those kind of numbers, especially when they see the kind of engineering and the quality of the materials that are being used,” he adds. “Pure trolleys stand out from the crowd, and will appeal to people who not only demand the best, but want to be different. They are status symbols on three wheels.” Glatting and his son, Chris, who is

managing director of the company, have teamed up with Shaun Leake, a former PGA head professional from St Leon Rot Golf Club in Germany, to form Leake & Glatting Golf Ltd, and launch the Pure brand to the UK market. It’s a tough time to be introducing such a high-priced product to a golf industry depressed by poor weather and falling memberships, but Leake is convinced that quality shines through in all economic conditions. “The UK is ready for a premiumpriced trolley that not only looks and feels like no other trolley, but also performs like no other trolley,” says Leake, who is based at Grayshott, Surrey. “Once they have tried one, golfers who know the price of quality understand what they’re paying for.” At a distance, you’d be hard pushed to know why they are so expensive, given that like most power trolleys, they have three wheels, a battery, a handle, and a somewhat angular metallic frame. But step in closer, and it’s easy to see the quality of the materials, while the precise, almost clinical construction is like nothing else. There are no wobbly bits of plastic to snap off, no squeaky hinges or rust-prone screw fittings. It’s all clean lines, invisible welding, and shiny metal. The power trolleys are available in three materials: steel, titanium, and the flagship carbon fibre model, which is coated over a titanium frame. The latter two tip the scales at just 6kg (including the battery), while the slightly heavier steel model weighs in at just 8.5kg. It’s a stripped down Formula 1 car of a trolley, where all the bells and

whistles are on the inside. Yes, it can be pimped up with coloured wheel trims, various metallic finishes, leather upholstery and etched monograms, but at its heart is a precisionengineered motor which is ingeniously housed within the tubular casing of the axle, which hums into action with the confident press of a steel button. Another button delivers the stop/go function and allows the trolley to travel 10, 20 or 30 yards before stopping automatically. The only other control is the speed mechanism, a sleek metallic dial that has a stepless movement, which allows you to find your most comfortable pace with ease. Even more impressive is its electronic braking system, which ensures that the trolley doesn’t run away with you when travelling downhill, while if the battery should run down mid-round, the gear disengages to allow you to freewheel as if you were using a normal push trolley. The response from the controls is

immediate and precise, and it purrs noiselessly along the fairways like a Porsche in sixth gear, taking the rough and the smooth with equal ease, while the wide wheelbase ensures it remains perfectly stable on the steepest of side slopes. Storage is a key design feature of any trolley, especially one as pricey as this, and it doesn’t disappoint on this front, with the release of two simple screws resulting in the trolley folding completely flat, while the wheels are equally straightforward to disengage. The standard lithium ion battery is half the size and weight of a normal battery and can either be stowed in your golf bag while in use, or held in a cradle that clips onto the frame. The battery is good for 27 holes on a single charge, while there is a 45-hole booster battery available for those in for the long haul. There are a number of accessories that can be attached to the handle – which can also be adjusted for height – including an umbrella holder, a scorecard holder, and a soon-to-belaunched mobile phone attachment, which is a vital component for the kind

of people who are going to be buying this trolley. After-sales service is an equally important part of the customer experience for trolley owners, and on that front the management at Pure has set its stall out along the lines of a luxury car dealer, with a five-year warranty on the frame, and a replacement trolley sent out overnight should it break down, while a pick-upand-repair service will ensure you’re never inconvenienced should your trolley run into technical difficulties. It would be easy to make light of a trolley that costs as much as a halfdecent used car, but for those that appreciate the finer things in life, and take pleasure in good design and a commitment to quality, as well as a passion for personal service, the Pure experience is pretty hard to beat.

For more information on the Pure range of trolleys, or to find out where you can test drive one, call Shaun Leake on 01428 288251, email s.leake@pure-trolley.co.uk, or visit www.pure-trolley.co.uk

HIGH ROLLERS: THE PURE POWER TROLLEY RANGE PURE CARBON £3,490

PURE TITANIUM £2,990

PURE STEEL £2,690

The flagship Carbon trolley features a carbon fibre-coated titanium frame to increases stability, strength and durability and which results in a beautiful marriage between style and performance. It features stepless cruise control, an electronic downhill brake, a freewheel mode, and automatic stop control at distances of 10, 20 and 30 yards.

Powered by stateof-the-art motor and battery technology, the Titanium offers all of the same features and benefits as the Carbon model but with a lightweight Titanium frame, which gives strength and style in equal measure. It also features magnesium wheels, the colour of which can be changed to suit your style.

Built to the same exacting design specifications as both the Carbon and Titanium models, the Steel is slightly heavier than the titanium model, while retaining its sleek modern design and ease of assembly. The trolley can be designed with optional extras such as leather grips, coloured wheels and coloured framework.

June 2013 / Issue 222

TAKE A FRESH LOOK AT

TILGATE Open Weekend planned to celebrate the launch of the new clubhouse at Tilgate Forest Golf Centre

There are few settings conjured up by nature that are more impressive for golf than Tilgate Forest in West Sussex. Located in the High Weald, the 400-acre country park is not just home to a glorious variety of mature trees and wildlife, but one of the UK’s most highly rated pay and play golf destinations. Golfers now have even more to look forward to with the doors of Tilgate Forest Golf Centre’s brand new clubhouse now open. With impressive views of the course, the new facility features a relaxing bar/coffee shop, function room and golf shop. A floodlit driving range and 9-hole course are also being redeveloped as part of this project, which will accommodate the new Glendale Golf Academy brand. Jon Dummett, head of Glendale Golf, which operates Tilgate, is justifiably proud of the new facilities at the Crawley-based club. He commented: “The course is designed by Neil Coles and is well known for its mature tree-lined fairways and Country Park location. The new clubhouse opened in April and has received lots of positive feedback from golfers and visitors to the Country Park.” To celebrate the new facilities, an official Open Weekend is taking place on June 22-23. Colin Chilvers, manager of Tilgate Forest, is hopeful of a bumper crowd for the weekend’s activities. “It will be a jam-packed weekend of fun activities, including a thrilling display by trick-shot golfer Paul Barrington. As well as an official ribbon-cutting ceremony, there’s an all-day buffet and even the chance to win a fantastic prize in our hole-in-one competition. Everyone attending will be able to sign up to LoyalTee Membership for free and take home a Glendale Golf 2-for-1 Green Fee Voucher.” While the par-72 course offers an exciting challenge to experienced golfers, Chilvers is keen to point out that his focus is on making the venue accessible to everyone. “This year we will be reaching out to all members of the community to come and take advantage of our fantastic new clubhouse. We will be attending events such as ‘Heart in the Park’ and Crawley Borough Council’s ‘Inside Out’ event in order to promote golf as a sport that can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities. There will also be charity days going on at the course to raise money in support of the British Heart Foundation and Help the Heroes.” The new venue has also drawn attention from the Lee Westwood Golf School, which has selected Tilgate Forest to host a Lee Westwood Tour Event for junior golfers, taking place on August 16. The opening of the new clubhouse is part of Glendale Golf’s national improvements project, which also includes a £2.5m clubhouse development at Richmond Park Golf Course. Jon Dummett added: “We opened the clubhouse at Richmond Park a week before Tilgate Forest, so it’s been a hectic few weeks making sure everything was completed on time, but we’re delighted with the results.” In addition to the Open Weekend, golfers eager to try out the new clubhouse can take advantage of a great value four-ball offer. The ‘Fantastic Fore’ deal includes bacon rolls, coffee and 18-holes for £15pp midweek and £17.50pp weekends. For more information, or to book a round, visit www.glendalegolf.co.uk or call 01293 530103.

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News in Brief SURREY U14S SECURE COUNTY LEAGUE TITLE Surrey’s U14s team have won the Inter-County league against Essex, Kent and Sussex with one round of matches still to play, following commanding wins in the first three rounds of the series. With wins at Pedham Place, Worplesdon and West Hove, the squad has an unassailable lead in the fourmatch schedule. Surrey topped the table with Surrey 88 points, with Essex (41) in second, followed by Sussex (27) and Kent (24). The Surrey squad comprises Scott Murray, Angus Flanagan, Harvey Byers, Zac Jenkins, Aiden Marie, Callum Denham, Sam Barthram, William Hobbs, Kevin Lee, Lewis Hinton and Ethan Oxlade.

June 2013 / Issue 222

BARNHAM TO HOST MIXED OPEN WEEK Barnham Broom Golf Club is holding Norfolk’s first week-long mixed tournament from August 12-16. This new event on the East of England’s golfing calendar is introducing a new format where women will be competing directly against their male counterparts in a five-day matchplay and strokeplay tournament on Barnham Broom’s two Championship courses. There will be two days of 18-hole strokeplay to determine the top 32 players in three handicap categories. From Wednesday, there will be a knockout matchplay

for the 32 qualifiers in each category, with the semi-finals and finals being played on the Friday. Those who do not qualify for the matchplay stages will play in a consolation competition. There will also be a ladies’ strokeplay tournament and a 36-hole junior competition. Corey Knoop, Head of Golf at Barnham Broom, said: “One of the priorities we have here is to encourage more people to take up the game. We feel that it is about time that women and men competed as equals in the same tournament. With more couples playing golf, our Open Week provides them with an opportunity to play

alongside each other in a competitive environment, rather than in separate events.” She added: “With our refurbished hotel rooms, luxurious spa and new Brasserie, we also have great facilities for players to relax in and recharge their batteries after a round or two. We believe that this mixed sex tournament will prove very popular and should pave the way for similar tournaments and events in the future.” Entry costs £80 for visitors. An Open Week package of four nights’ dinner, B&B, plus entry to the tournament, costs £399pp. For details call 01603 759393 or visit www. barnham-broom.co.uk.

MID SUSSEX GC RAISES £6.5K FOR MACMILLAN Staff and members at Mid Sussex Golf Club raised over £6,500 at its second annual Macmillan Golf Day, which was held at the Ditchling-based venue on June 14. A total of 19 teams of four took part in a Stableford tournament, where the best two scores counted towards the team total. The winning team, Qaboo/ Orange Square, managed chalked up an impressive 95 points on day of good scoring around the picturesque parkland course. They won by two points, other five other teams scoring 90 points or more. The day was sponsored by Caffyns of Lewes, and was organised by Mid Sussex’s general manager, aided by club professional David Metcalfe, whose ‘beat the pro’ challenge on the eighth hole helped raise additional funds for Macmillan, all of which will be used to support the new cancer wing at Brighton hospital.

CAMBERLEY LAUNCHES CENTENARY CHALLENGE Three members of Camberley Heath Golf Club in Surrey are preparing to play 100 holes in a single day as part of the club’s charity fund-raising efforts during its centenary year. Stephen Speller, John Busby and Richard Broderick will tee off at 4.30am on June 25, and will be hoping to complete five-and-half rounds before nightfall. All the money raised from sponsorship will given to Help for Heroes and the DDMT Military Charity.

Altonwood launches creditbased membership The owner of five golf clubs in the South East has launched a new club membership scheme aimed at attracting time-poor golfers to its clubs. The Altonwood Group, which owns The Addington, Westerham, Woldingham (pictured below), Surrey National and Godstone, is now offering casual golfers a season ticket, which will provide a credit-based membership, allowing golfers to enjoy all the benefits of full membership without a 12-month commitment. The Altonwood season ticket, which costs £299, will provide access to all five clubs in the group, and will give golfers a CONGU affiliated handicap, up to 50% off green fees, a free golf lesson, and early booking rights, as well as the opportunity to play in a number of club competitions. Ticket holders will also receive discounts on range balls, buggy hire and food and beverages. Once the credits have been used up, golfers will be able to top up the card. Altonwood’s Director of Golf, Simon Hodsdon, said: “The season ticket has been part of our plans for quite a while, but we feel the time is now right to invite those occasional golfers back into the fold. We can’t ignore the harsh economic times we are currently living in, and we are very excited at providing golfers in the area with the opportunity to enjoy the Altonwood experience without asking them to commit to a 12-month, seven-day membership, or without alienating our core members. We are very excited about the launch and look forward to welcoming new golfers to our courses in the near future.”

Open invitation to Players Club The Players Club in Bristol is holding its annual Open Week during the first week of August (5th-10th), with competitions open to all golfers taking place every day. The 7,000-yard Codrington Course is hosting a four-ball better ball event and four-man team event. Entry is £25 per player and the same formats can also be played over the 5,500-yard Stranahan course, where entry is £12.50 per player. There is also an individual nine-hole event over the Watergarden par-3 course, including nearestthe-pin prizes on all holes. August 10 sees the staging of The Stranahan Trophy, a 36-hole strokeplay event open to both pros and amateurs. Amateurs with a handicap of nine or lower are invited to attend, with the entry fee costing £30. The competition will be played over the Codrington and Stranahan courses. Next month, The Players Club is hosting the English Seniors Open Championship on July 17-19, which is open to amateurs and pros. To enter any of these events email adrian@ theplayersgolfclub.com or call 01454 313029.

Knockanally comes to market An 18-hole course golf in Ireland has been put up for sale, with a guide price of €800,000. Knockanally House & Golf Facility in County Kildare is currently laid out as a well-designed, 18-hole course, and although the sales agent believes it would provide an ideal investment opportunity to continue the current use, there are also alternatives, including agricultural or equine use, given the high quality lands, or conversion to a large family home with extensive grounds. Located in Ovidstown, the estate is situated between Kilcock and Enfield, fewer than five miles from the M4 motorway, making it easily accessible. The centreprice of the estate is the imposing Knockanally House, which was built in 1843 by William Coates, in what is known as Italianate style. The property, which extends to approximately 7,904 square fee, has been restored in recent years to provide a luxury clubhouse with many original features still in place. This two-storey property has a three-bay entrance and benefits from superb views over the gardens and golf course. Also included in the sale of the property is a maintenance facility, pro shop, two-bedroom gate lodge, four three-bedroom houses and one two-bedroom house. Selling agent HT Meagher O’Reilly is marketing the entire estate for a guide price of €800,000. For more information, call 01 6342466 (Dublin) or visit www.htmor.ie.

Clutton strikes gold at Copt Heath A group of enthusiastic golfers from Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club Swingers turned out for the second society day of the year at the renowned Copt Heath Golf Club, host venue for the Peter McEvoy Trophy. Despite torrential overnight rain, which would have left many a course waterlogged, Copt Heath was in superb condition, meaning it was game on in the race for a place in Virgin Atlantic’s Gold member day at Goodwood in July. The field featured some of Swingers’ very best golfers, such as plus-one handicapper Alastair Price, Nick Clutton (Woburn) and Mark Crossan (St Annes Old Links), who was playing in his last Swingers day before heading to Kansas to play university golf. Loyalty to the Swingers programme was much in evidence, as former finalist Alan Horn travelled down from Scotland to take part, while Keith Eustace-Pedlar crossed the English Channel to tee it up. On a difficult day for scoring, it proved incredibly competitive with just two points separating the top four spaces. Clutton finally took the honours with a solid 37 points from Richard Le Page in second place, who carded 36. The winner now heads on to Goodwood, where the Flying Club Gold members will be battling it out for a place in the Swingers Season 10 Final at Gleneagles this September. But there were plenty of other prizes to go round, thanks to the generous support of the Swingers’ club’s partners – Cleveland Golf, Q’aja and Golfbidder. The Flying Club Swingers’ days move on to the US for the first time in their 10 season history with days at Manhattan Woods, New York in June, and Monarch Beach Links, California in July – the scene of the Season 5 Final. Register now at www.flyingclubgolfleague.com to get the opportunity to battle in out for a place at Gleneagles. Before registering you will be asked to join as a Virgin Atlantic Flying Club member, which is free of charge.

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June 2013 / Issue 222

The spacious new clubhouse features a grass-covered roof

RICHMOND PARK UNVEILS NEW CLUBHOUSE Stunning new eco-friendly building sets the tone for the regeneration of Richmond Park Golf Course UK golf course operator Glendale Golf opened the doors to its brand new £2.5 million clubhouse at Richmond Park Golf Course in London last month. The 36-hole venue, which was first opened in 1923 by HRH Prince of Wales and was heralded as a place where ‘artisans and royalty are equally welcome’, is now properly fit for royalty following the unveiling of a state-of-the-art building, which takes the club firmly into the 21st century. Located within the largest of London’s Royal Parks, the clubhouse was conceived by the architect as an elegant ‘Pavilion in the Park’ and designed to quite literally blend in with nature. A unique feature of the clubhouse is an eco-roof made entirely from the acid grassland for which the park is renowned, making it quite possibly the largest continuous green roof in the capital. Jon Dummett, Head of Golf for Glendale Managed Services, said: “The investment into the clubhouse is part of our long-term commitment to improving the facilities at Richmond Park Golf Course. Working in conjunction with The Royal Parks, an important aspect of this project is sustainable building design and the use of renewable energy sources. For example, the veranda overlooks a large pond, which conceals an energy source. Hidden beneath the surface is an array of coiled pipes that extract energy naturally stored in the ground, which is then used to heat the building.” The contemporary clubhouse also marks the launch of Glendale’s signature catering brand; Nineteen Bar & Kitchen. Matt De’ath, group catering manager, said: “Our aim is to create a relaxing environment to enjoy breakfast, lunch or an informal meeting over dinner. What sets Glendale Golf apart from the rest is our dedication to serving the highest quality food and drink and Nineteen Bar & Kitchen at Richmond Park sets a new standard.” The clubhouse is open-plan with a coffee shop, golf shop, restaurant and bar

under one roof. Floor-to-ceiling glazing provides uninterrupted views of the two 18-hole golf courses, against a backdrop of 2,500 acres of spectacular parkland and an abundance of native wildlife, including the Park’s resident herds of deer. Jon Dummett added: “Whilst the new clubhouse has been the focus of the project, we are also making improvements to the layout and drainage of both courses, which includes reconstruction of several holes. We’ve achieved this whilst considering the original characteristics of the 1923 Hawtree design. The opening of a 20bay driving range and academy course will follow at the end of the year, and the completed project is set to make Richmond Park Golf Couse the best pay and play golf destination in Europe.” The improvements to the golf facilities complement other sporting activities in the park, including cycling, fishing, horse riding and rugby. A junior golf academy programme will help make the game more accessible for youngsters. There’s even a free membership available called LoyalTee, which includes a 2-for-1 Green Fee Voucher and other benefits. The investment has already gained the attention of the Professional Golfers’ Association, which has chosen Richmond Park to be the host venue for this year’s PGA Surrey Open and Pro-Am on July 22-24. Following this prestigious event, Glendale is planning an official launch weekend to coincide with the club’s 90th anniversary in August. The activity-packed weekend will feature a family open day and invitational golf tournament. Golfers keen to sample the new facilities at Richmond Park can take advantage of a great value fourball offer. The ‘Fantastic Fore’ deal includes bacon rolls, coffee and 18-holes for £17.50pp midweek and £20pp at weekends. For more information, or to book, visit glendalegolf.co.uk or call 0208 876 3205.

Richmond Park’s 36 holes of parkland golf has always been popular with Londoners

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June 2013 / Issue 222

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June 2013 / Issue 222

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Lindfield Golf Club’s facilities are at the disposal of the students

A whole term is spent at Bonmont in Spain as part of the programme

WORK & PLAY If you’re looking for a career in golf, whether as a player, a teaching pro, or in any other part of the game, then The Golf College in West Sussex is the perfect place to begin, as its students will readily testify. Words by Nick Bayly While the media is full of stories telling of a lost generation of school leavers and university graduates to whom a life spent in menial officebased jobs is all that they can aspire to, you won’t find that kind of attitude at The Golf College in West Sussex. Its students come out of a variety of career-orientated courses armed with the skills, knowledge and confidence to take on the world of work in all its shapes and forms. The college, which is based at Lindfield Golf Club, near Haywards Heath, has been successfully nurturing students for careers in golf for almost eight years now, having first opened in 2005. Its latest batch of students are just weeks away from graduating, and many of them are already looking forward to stepping into jobs or going on to further education at home and abroad. Under the stewardship of former European Tour player Paul Lyons, who also conveniently owns Lindfield Golf Club, The Golf College has firmly established itself as offering both a solid training ground for budding tour pros, as well as helping to prepare youngsters for a career in the industry. There are also others enrolled who just want to get better at the game, while maintaining their education, while those over 18 are also able to take part in just the golf element of the coursework. With the current crop of students boasting handicaps from plus two to 11, the college accepts a broad range of skill levels. With plenty of one-to-one tuition and personal mentoring, each player is treated as an individual, with realistic goals agreed between staff and pupils to ensure everyone is working in the direction and at the speed they want to go. While there may well be future Open Champions and Ryder Cup stars among them, there may also be PGA club pros, custom-fitting experts, golf equipment retailers or even future tour coaches among their number. The two-year course, which accepts a maximum of 30 students each year, is split into three terms,

much like any college. The terms run from September through to mid-December, the end of January through to Easter, and from mid-April until the end of June. Students who are not living at home are housed with local families and divide their time between the golf course, the practice facilities, the gym and the classroom. A typical week will involve between 12-15 hours of study, with students who complete the two-year course emerging with a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Sport and Exercise Sciences, which is the equivalent to

course, and there are plenty of long par fours to test a player’s long game. Competition is extremely keen between the students, and every Wednesday they tee it up in an Order of Merit competition which runs throughout the year. One of the key draws for students, and what sets The Golf College apart from its rival operations, is that an entire term is spent in Spain over the winter. The whole college transports itself to the purpose-built golf resort of Bonmont on the Costa Dorada. This eight-week trip takes up the whole of the spring term and allows students

The class of 2012: Students build lasting friendships and enjoy healthy competition between each other

two A levels. Additional qualifications also include a Level 2 Award in the principles of Coaching Sport, and a Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Strength and Conditioning for Sport. Once the textbooks are put away, students receive expert tuition from Paul Lyons and his team, including regular instruction from tour coach Denis Pugh, who is one of the college’s founding fathers. Other key members of the staff include putting guru Jason Gilroy; former Glenmuir PGA Champion Matthew Ellis, and qualified sports psychologist Sarah Murray. The fitness instructor is Alan Dean, who screens golfers using the Titleist Performance Institute system, and specialises in the physical aspects of the swing. Fitness is vital for the modern pro, and the college has a well-equipped gym on site, while the clubhouse provides a welcome base where students can relax during rare breaks in activity. The students have virtually unlimited access to and use of the facilities, and the club’s 6,200-yard, par 68 layout provides a good test of the student’s abilities. Water features heavily on the undulating parkland

back in the UK. For those students who want to pursue a college career in America, Lyons has teamed up with several of America’s top talent-scouting companies, which offer expertise in assessing suitable candidates and promoting them to over 3,000 colleges and universities in the US. Lyons and his team also have a wealth of contacts within further education and the golf industry, and have helped secure internships and fulltime jobs for many of their graduates, as well as work placements and parttime paid roles for students during their studies. As well as a numerous appointments as assistant professionals, the college has recently seen the first of its former graduates appointed to the position of head professional at a prestigious members’ club in Sussex. Whether a student’s future lies on Tour, in a pro shop, or at college or

Leading by example: Paul Lyons and Denis Pugh provide personal tuition and expert career advice

to work on their games through the worst of the British winter. The Sheraton-owned resort features an 18-hole championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, a par-three course, driving range and short game practice facilities, and a hotel and spa complex. Another advantage is that students remain on site throughout their stay, sharing a number of villas that line the course. The resort has a classroom on site, so that students can switch between educational lessons and golf lessons in minutes. It makes for a superb ‘boot camp’ environment, and helps to prepare players for the competitive season

university, the Golf College’s motto, ‘Be the best you can be’, underpins all that it tries to achieve. And with such a highly qualified team of staff, matched with some superb facilities both in England and Spain, The Golf College offers an excellent springboard for anyone wishing to pursue a career in golf. Students interested in joining the college this September should call Paul Lyons on 01444 484467. For a prospectus or more information, visit www. thegolfcollege.com

STUDENT PROFILES Name: Ben Johnson Age: 20 Course enrolled on: Golf BTEC Handicap when I started: 5 Current h/cap: -0.2 Favourite part of the course: The eight-week trip to Spain is an invaluable experience, and provides excellent conditions to winter training at a tough course. Best playing tip I’ve learned: Commit to the shot. Best mental tip I’ve learned: Stay patient and relaxed. Further golf education: Golf scholarship in America. Career ambition: Professional Golfer. I’d recommend the Golf College because…You have a great opportunity to work on your skills on and off the course, with an 18-hole course at your disposal as well as a driving range, chipping green and putting green. All the staff are dedicated professionals in their specifics field, from swing coaches to psychologists and fitness. The competitive environment between students also spurs you on, and they lay on lots of competitions at the club, as well as at county and regional PGA level. Name: Yusuf Raidhan Age: 19 Course enrolled on: Golf BTEC Handicap when I started: 13 Current handicap: 4 Favourite part of the course: The on-site facilities to work on your game whenever you want. Best playing tip I’ve learned: Keep the ball in play. Best mental tip I’ve learned: Stay in the present and focus on the next shot, not the one you’ve just played. Further golf education: University in America. Career ambition: Professional golfer. I’d recommend the Golf College because…it opens up career opportunities within golf that you never knew existed. The coaching is second to none, and they are dedicated to making you the best golfer you can be. The combination of academic study and golf training keeps your options open as far as future career choices go.

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June 2013 / Issue 222

NickBayly

GNeditor reveals what has caught his eye in the golfing headlines in recent weeks

Garcia scores own goal-in-one Apart from the match play format, golf is essentially a game played against the course, not against other golfers. Of course, you can do things that influence how other golfers play within your group, either indirectly or indirectly, but it’s otherwise a non-contact sport where the traded blows are purely mental, rather than physical. But golf at almost every level is also a competitive sport. Even when you’re just hacking around with your mates, there are still winners and there are very obvious losers. In fact, there are more losers in golf – 155 out of a field of 156 in the average tournament each week – than there are in almost any other sport I can think of. There have been some great rivalries over the years – Sarazen v Hagen, Watson v Nicklaus, Norman v Faldo, and Woods v Mickelson, but you can count on one hand – how often these rivals actually went headto-head in majors on a Sunday afternoon. And even then it wasn’t like Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal slogging it out from the baseline. It was more handbags at 10 paces. The Ryder Cup has a lot to answer for when it comes to attitudes to certain players, as it is here, in the pressure cauldron of clashing continents, where the idea that ‘properly hating’ your rivals, as Ian Poulter

is supposed to have once said about Team USA a few years back, is supposed to increase your will to win. Which is why the Ryder Cup is golf at its best, but also golf at its most ugly. All this preamble leads me to the unseemly spat that broke out between Sergio Garcia and Tiger Woods – albeit in a rather one-sided rant by the former about the latter – which had been brewing for years, but one that still sent shockwaves through a world that thought that golf was game of handshakes and doffed caps.

Garcia is not the first or the last to fall out with a fellow pro. Every single player on tour has another player that they simply can’t stand the sight of, let alone want to be paired with in a tournament. The difference is that very few ever go on record as to who those particular players are. Of course, as a journalist, I get to hear who are the ‘bad draws’ and who are the good ones, but although I often ask players who their favourite person to play with is, I don’t ask who are their nightmare draws simply because they won’t tell you. ‘What goes on Tour, stays on Tour’, as the old saying goes. So Garcia’s naïve outburst following his falling out with Woods at The Players’ Championship, and his subsequent ill-judged ‘fried chicken’ comment at the Wentworth dinner, smacks of a player who has simply run out of ammunition when it comes to talent, and has resorted to trading playground insults. I, and most right-minded people, don’t think that Garcia is a racist – he just doesn’t like Woods and went about describing his dislike in a way that left his dignity at the door. Stupid? Yes. Racist? No. The petulant Spaniard just looks like a bad loser – no more, no less. His apology, when it came, was heartfelt and sincere. Case closed. Let’s move on and play golf.

These shoes were made for golfin’ I felt sympathy for Lee Janzen, and my blood boil in my veins, when I heard that he’d been booted out from a qualifying tournament for the US Open after it was discovered he was wearing a pair of shoes with metal spikes, which were banned by the course in question. It’s just another one of the hundreds of pointless and petty rules in golf that put people off from taking the game up in the first place, let alone those playing at the very top of the sport. I remember being hauled off my dad’s course (which shall remain nameless) as a youngster some 30 years ago, when I was caught wearing trainers, but now I play at some of the smartest clubs in the country wearing shoes that are trainers in all but name, while those wearing metal spikes are deemed the new pariahs. You simply can’t make it up. I’m not up to speed with the Sports Turf Research Institute’s current findings on the impact of metal spikes, plastic cleats and rubber nubs (which are on the soles of the shoes I wear these days), but providing you don’t jump up and down around the cup, or start doing the tango with your foursomes partner on the green, I really can’t see the harm being done with whatever shoes you choose to wear, providing they were once bought from a golf shop. Now don’t get me started on collarless T-shirts, tailored shorts, and long socks….

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June 2013 / Issue 222

MONTY’S SECOND COMING A few weeks before he turns 50, Colin Montgomerie reflects on the highs and lows of his 25-year professional career and looks forward to the start of his Senior career, which begins at next month’s US Players’ Championship Of all your achievements in golf, what are you most proud of? When I think about being proud of achieving things in my career, I suppose the seven consecutive Order of Merit titles was something that I look back on with most pride. It seems even more special now, given that the guys winning it now seem to be winning it one year and not the next. So seven in a row seems to be quite special for some reason. So I’m probably most proud of that. If we’re looking back at my overall career, and not just my playing career, then raising the Ryder Cup as captain at Celtic Manor in 2010 was the absolute highlight. It’s funny because I never hit a golf shot there, yet it’s the proudest moment of my golfing career. I suppose hitting golf shots got me to that stage – but without hitting a shot, raising the Ryder Cup would be my single proudest moment. Were the seven Order of Merits something that you appreciated at the time or more in hindsight? I started to appreciate it when I didn’t win it. Lee Westwood won it in 2000 at Valderrama. I only started appreciating it from then on. You only miss what you haven’t got. Did that make the eighth Order of Merit even more special? Yes, definitely. To win it again six years later was definitely the most important. The seven in a row was like a conveyor belt in many ways. I couldn’t get off it. I was going to say it was like a treadmill, but I’ve never been on one! But coming back and regaining the No.1 spot was a real achievement. What does it mean to you to be in the Hall of Fame? I cannot tell you how humble it made me feel. It is not just the players who are already in the hall – which makes it seem almost surreal to me – but also those who are not. Players of the calibre of Ian Woosnam, a major winner and former world No 1, have to still gain entry. The hall is a big deal in America and it is a big deal to me.

One of the perks is an automatic card on the Champions Tour. So it means I will have three cards next season – on the European Tour, the European Seniors Tour and the Champions Tour. I know I am very fortunate to have enjoyed such a successful career, playing the game I love, and it makes me feel very proud that my achievements have been recognised in this way. It is the icing on the cake. You donated your Olympic torch and a jacket from the Walker Cup to your Hall of Fame locker? Why did you choose those items above all others? I chose the torch because it is something unique, and I don’t think anything like it has been presented to the Hall before. When I was asked to carry the torch through the streets of Aberdeen – and I carried it for all of 500 yards, which was plenty for me I can assure you – it was a great honour to do that on behalf of golf, which is back in the Olympics in 2016 in Brazil. My blazer from the 1987 Walker Cup is also in there. I played in two Walker Cups, at Pine Valley in 1985 and Sunningdale in 1987. They were great matches, and they provided a great platform for the team events that I played in during the rest of my career. They’re the two items that really have historical significance for me in there. Of course, there’s the Ryder Cup captain’s bag and all the Ryder Cup stuff, but historically they’re the two things that mean the most to me. There are a number of players who have won a major, even several majors, that people would consider haven’t had a great career. How does your failure to win a major feel when balanced with the rest of the success you have enjoyed? I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my exploits in major championships. I just haven’t been fortunate enough, or whatever it takes, to have ever stood up and made a winner’s speech. There’s always a time where a bit of fortune comes your way, whether it be for you or against your opponent at the time, and it just so happens, with five runner-ups and two thirds, that I

just haven’t been fortunate enough to walk through the door. The door has been ajar many a time, but I just haven’t been able to walk through it. So if you’re talking about regrets of any part of my golfing career, I have none. Absolutely none. I’ve done exactly what I’ve tried to do. I’ve tried 100 per cent on every shot, and sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn’t. We all know ourselves as golfers that it’s not the easiest game, and we all understand that. So it just so happens that I haven’t managed to win one. I look forward to the majors on the Seniors Tour and trying to win them there. Gary Player counts them as majors, doesn’t he? During your years of domination in Europe, was there ever a moment when you considered playing fulltime on the PGA Tour? I was asked on numerous occasions to play full‑time in the States, whether it be one season or more, but family commitments kept me in Europe. I was very happy at home, my children were now in school, and I was very comfortable and happy at home. If it’s not broken, you don’t fix it, and that was why I really didn’t go over there. I’m looking forward to playing in the States a lot more in my Senior career. It’s a new chapter of my life, where the children have grown up and there aren’t so many distractions. Whenever your name is mentioned, thoughts turn to the Ryder Cup. What was it about that event that got under your skin? I’ll never forget being in the losing dressing room on my debut at Kiawah Island in 1991. I expected ashen faces and disappointment. I didn’t expect to see deadly rivals like Seve Ballesteros and Bernhard Langer locked in a consoling embrace and crying on each other’s shoulders. I thought to myself: ‘This is for me, this Ryder Cup business.’ You have an incredible singles record in the Ryder Cup. What made you such a fearsome matchplay competitor? First and foremost, I hate to lose. I

think to win you have to have this fear of losing, and I had a dramatic fear of losing, so that kept me going through the years on Tour. My Ryder Cup career came at a time when Europe was starting to get the upper hand, and it was a time where you felt that you were letting down your teammates if you lost, so therefore you tried your absolute hardest to win. It was as simple as that. I’ve always been a great competitor, and I was determined to do as much for the team as possible, and it was my job in these Ryder Cups to gain as many points as possible for the team. How much of an inspiration was Seve in your a playing career, and then in your role as Ryder Cup captain? It was an honour to play alongside him and to play against him. Some of my fondest memories of Seve were at the Seve Trophy, a match play event between the continent of Europe and Great Britain and Ireland. I captained GB&I and Seve captained Europe. Unfortunately for me, in those days the captains played each other, so therefore I had to play Seve. And out of the three matches

June 2013 / Issue 222

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MONTY’S CV Born: June 23, 1963 Turned Pro: 1987 Events played: 590 Professional Wins: 40 (31 on the European Tour) Career Prize Money: €24,548,074 Best results in Majors: Masters: 8th (1998), US Open: 2nd (1994, 1997, 2006), Open: 2nd (2005), US PGA: 2nd (1985) Ryder Cup appearances: 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2006 (8) Ryder Cup record: Played 36, Won 20, Lost 9, Drawn 7 European Tour Player of the Year: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999 European Tour Order of Merit: 1993-99, 2005 (8)

we played together over the six-year period, he was 2-1 up, and he never saw the golf course. I didn’t know where he was. He needed a passport most of the time to find out where he was, and yet he beat me, and it was incredible to witness the passion. I think that’s the word that describes Seve. The passion that he showed on the golf course was second to none, and it was an honour play against him, especially now that we can’t reenact those particular games. He’s very much missed. Going back to the Majors, which of your play-off defeats took the most to recover from? And secondly, what are your memories of when Jack Nicklaus awarded you the 1992 US Open? I finished my final round in 1992 at Pebble Beach and it was blowing a gale, and to be honest, whether it was fortunate or not, I played a round of my life and managed to get in with 70, when everyone else was coming in with 78s and 79s. I, and a lot of others, felt I was going to win. It wasn’t just Jack. And knowing the course as Jack did, he congratulated

me on being the national champion. I said, ‘Thank you very much, that’s very kind of you, but where’s the trophy? I haven’t seen it yet’. Like all sports, it’s not over until it’s over. Tom Kite and Jeff Sluman played extremely well coming in and managed to come in one and two shots ahead of me.

hurts the most. The four or five other times somebody happened to beat me. But at Winged Foot I beat myself, and that’s why it hurts most, and why it took the longest to recover from. I’m so glad I managed to win on Tour after that in Ireland, because I would have hated to have that to have been my legacy – having a four to win

“I have no regrets about any part of my golfing career. Absolutely none. I’ve tried 100 per cent on every shot, and sometimes it worked, and sometimes it didn’t”

Putting the play-offs to one side, the Major that got away was undoubtedly the US Open at Winged Foot in 2006. I know Phil Mickelson can say the same. He doublebogeyed the last hole, and so did I just minutes before, and we threw that one away. That’s the one that

from the middle of the fairway and losing. If I had one shot that I could take again in my career, I’d take that one every time. But I’ve got to look forward, you should never look back at the what-ifs and might–have– beens, and that’s what I’m doing from now on.

When did you first think you could make a career as a professional golfer? I had an interview with IMG to become a sports agent at Turnberry prior to the 1986 Open Championship. The interview was to comprise of playing nine holes with two IMG executives, Peter German and Ian Todd. We drove out to the lighthouse and played the back nine. I was trying to watch my Ps & Qs and was not really concentrating on what was going on. We played, and we chatted about the position that I was going to hopefully accept in the London office of IMG. I didn’t realise I was playing quite well, but I came back in 29 that day. After we finished the game Peter and Ian both turned to one another, and then said to me: “You’re not going to work for us, but we are going to work for you”. And that was the start of my pro career. What are you looking forward to most about competing on the senior tours? I’m really looking forward to walking the fairways again with my generation of players, and seeing how my

game stacks up against them. The standard of golf I saw at the Masters by Bernhard Langer and Freddie Couples has really thrown me, and leaves me with a lot of practising to do to compete against them. I turn 50 on June 23, and on the 24th I’m over to America to play in the Players Championship, so it starts in earnest straightaway. I’ve just got that one tournament in the diary so far and then the US Senior Open and the British Senior Open at Birkdale, so it’s all systems go and I’m really looking forward to the challenge. I distinctly remember you saying that you would never play senior’s golf. What changed your mind? I knew that would come back to haunt me. I know I said I would never play seniors golf, but I have since learnt you should never say ‘never’. I have missed standing on a tee with the belief ‘I can win this event’, so I’m hoping that feeling will return. I want to win a major, and I want to be competitive again. Playing well to finish 20th on the European Tour does not really do it for me. I want to win.

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June 2013 / Issue 222

Storybehindthepic Muirfield, Scotland September 21, 1973

s the golfing world prepares to descend on the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers at Muirfield for next month’s 131st Open Championship, it is perhaps worth mentioning in passing that this year marks the 40th anniversary since the fabled East Lothian links staged the Ryder Cup. Held during an era when links courses were deemed suitable to stage the matches, Muirfield is many astute observers’ idea of the perfect Ryder Cup venue, scotching the belief that you need water hazards to create risk-andreward match play golf. Although the event drew a shadow of the attention that is does today, large crowds turned out to see a strong GB& I team, captained by Surrey legend Bernhard Hunt, tackle the might of America, which

was under the stewardship of Jack Burke. The 1973 Ryder Cup chalked up several notable firsts, including the first time it was held in Scotland, and the first time the team was called Great Britain & Ireland (even though players from both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland had been eligible since 1947 and 1953 respectively). It also heralded a new format to the matches, with foursomes and fourballs played on each of the first two days and two series of eight singles matches on the third day. With 32 matches to be decided, it was survival of the fittest. Things looked good for the home side when the first day closed with a healthy 5.5-2.5 lead, with Bernard Gallacher and Brian Barnes combining well to earn maximum points, but then disaster struck. Gallacher contracted food poisoning, and had to sit

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out while first reserve Peter Butler stepped in at the 11th hour. The Americans fought back strongly and Butler and Barnes were unable to repeat the team’s heroics of day one, with Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf in dominant form.

The visitors leveled the match at 8-8 after the second day, with Nicklaus winning twice with Arnold Palmer and twice with reigning Open champion Tom Weiskopf to put the teams on parity. However, the singles proved a typically one-

sided affair, with the US team romping to an 11-5 victory on day three to win the overall match 19-13. The duty of hosting a long overdue return to Scotland for the Ryder Cup has fallen to Gleneagles next September.

Muirfield’s staunch men-only stance may well play a part in it being overlooked to host future Ryder Cups – a fact which seems to be quietly ignored by the R&A when it comes to hosting the Open Championship.

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June 2013 / Issue 222

EddiePepperell’s TOUR DIARY: MY WEEK FLYING HIGH Golf News’ new columnist enjoyed the week of his life last month, during which he finished inside the top 10 at the BMW PGA Championship and qualified for the US Open at Merion I arrived at Wentworth on Tuesday morning with my caddie, Jamie, in his Renault Scenic; an automobile worthy of the road, but not of the parking space it filled – that belonging to Ernie Els. From the moment Paul Robigo, the friendlist car park attendant in the south, welcomed us to Wentworth, I knew it was going to be a special week. I’m not one to be overawed by a place or circumstance, but stepping foot on the first tee at Wentworth, surrounded by people – most of whom I suspected to be decent golfers – I was feeling the pressure. A necky 3-wood into a stiff breeze left me with another to reach the green. Another necky 3-wood, followed by a poor chip and putt, and that was me already over par. A traditional ‘Pepperell start’. But my habit of relinquishing any chance of victory during my opening round wasn’t going to happen this time. There is a reason for that, and his name is Jamie. He has been my putting coach for a few years, but I decided the week before to ask him to be my caddy. Firstly, he’s a great reader of greens, and secondly. he’s someone who doesn’t put up with any crap – which is just what I need sometimes. My week at Wentworth showed to me how immensely important it is to have the right people around you. Particularly at crucial times and vital junctures. With Jamie on the bag and Mike (my new coach) also present, I realised how, if I were to remain patient, this week could be a great one. Patience was needed, and with the weather turning very nasty on Friday, and some other top players turning their minds elsewhere, this was a opportunity not to be missed. Doggedness and tenacity win battles, and after throwing up on day one on the 11th – due to illness – and a 5am alarm call on Friday, never had there been a better time to dig in and flourish. A quadruple-birdie finish on Friday catapulted me into the top 10 and gained me a late tee time on Saturday. I thought I was nervous on Thursday’s

Manaserro and Marc Warren, but at that moment Lady Luck shone down on them. Whoever says luck isn’t important has obviously had either too much or not enough. Some people struggle with contending at weekends – that has perplexed me in the past. For me there has always been one striking and simple thought when in the hunt on Saturday and Sunday: you’re playing well, so you have nothing to fear, you don’t even need to think about golf anymore. It just comes down to course management and containing your emotions. If you do this well, you will always have a chance to win. The BMW PGA Championship

first tee shot! The support, however, was brilliant, with “C’mon Edwardo” being a popular cry, and there were even a few “C’mon the Owl” shouts flying around. The only shot worth talking about was my tee shot off 15 on Sunday, as it had the potential to cost me some sleep – and hassle off the fastidious type (aka my caddy). The reason no sleep was lost is because I went through the same routine and the same thoughts as with the 6-iron I’d hit to four feet just 10 minutes earlier. I was actually comforted walking off that tee knowing that if I’d have hit that shot on the range, my coach would actually have liked it (the left shot I hadn’t seen in weeks because of my bad habits). Unfortunately, it just came at a bad time. The same thing happened to Matteo

“For me there has always been one simple thought when in the hunt on Saturday and Sunday: you’re playing well, so you have nothing to fear”

The milkshakes are on me: Me and my US Open inviitation!

was the biggest event of my life, I contended to win and that’s how I thought. I could have won! The greatest confidence boost I’ve taken is in knowing that the paragraph above contains messages that hold true, regardless of the scenario. The US Open Qualifying on Monday at Walton Heath really contained very few lessons. Confidence holds on for 24 hours. By the time you read this, I will be back from competing at Merion, having taken part in my first Major as a professional. It’s a scenario that I didn’t dare dream about at the beginning of the season, but the fun is only just beginning.

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June 2013 / Issue 222

MAKING A MARK AT

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LULLINGSTONE Nestling in a secluded spot just off the M25, Lullingstone Park Golf Course has always attracted the serious player. Mark Watt has been its head professional for the past 17 years and a PGA qualified professional for three decades. Golf News asked him about a course noted for both its beauty and the challenges it presents to even the most dedicated player What can someone who’s never played Lullingstone Park Golf Course before expect? Lullingstone Park is a challenging course offering players a variety of shots to play and some great holes to conquer. It’s also in a beautiful part of the Kent countryside, with many other things to experience and explore in the local area. What makes the course so challenging? The course can play long, depending on the wind direction, and it also has the added challenge of sloping lies on certain holes. Tell us something about the facilities and the playing experience? We have the challenging 18-hole Castle Course, then a very enjoyable nine-hole Valley Course that is great if your time is restricted and, in addition, incorporates the art of positional play. We also have a family pitch and putt and a 22-bay driving range. The course sits within an area of outstanding natural beauty. Does that present any challenges in keeping conditions up to scratch? The course does sit in a beautiful part of the Kent countryside, but we have a long-established grounds maintenance team who know the area well and who work extremely hard to keep

playing conditions to as high a standard as possible – while working around our neighbours from the rabbit and badger communities! In recent years, we have undertaken major works to improve bunker quality and the greens. In a tough economic climate what have you done to keep existing players and attract new ones? We have been fortunate in having a very loyal customer base, and we work hard to extend this by having attractive offers. We recently introduced a new privilege membership that allows customers to get 20 per cent off green fees throughout the year. How do you see the current state of golf for the average player? The tough economic climate is, of course, squeezing all areas of discretionary spend and golf is no exception. As a result, there is something of a price war going on in the fight to secure customers. In many ways this is great because it is forcing all of us who provide golfing opportunities to look at what we offer. What do courses need to do to attract the next generation of players? It’s vitally important to look after customers, giving them a great golfing experience that also represents value for money. Having different membership options and open days are good ways of

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getting new players to try the courses. We also have a very attractive junior membership and lessons for juniors, making golf accessible to the younger player – something we are very passionate about here at Lullingstone. Do you host society days? Yes, society days are still very popular, and we work closely with the Lodge Restaurant who look after our catering to help try and create successful events. This year we have introduced a new ‘Pick and Mix’ approach to our society days so that our customers can choose exactly what suits them. This means that each society receives a personalised experience with a package that is tailor-made. As a public pay-and-play course, how do you get involved in the local community? Lullingstone Park Golf Course is part of Sencio Community Leisure, a not-for-profit leisure trust. We have an annual charity golf day that has been running for several years, and which has seen us partner with a range of important local good causes. I have also recently started to teach partially-sighted children from the Royal London Society for Blind People’s Dorton House in Sevenoaks, and that has been a hugely interesting and rewarding initiative. Contact Lullingstone Park Golf Course on 01959 533793 or visit www.sencio.org.uk.

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June 2013 / Issue 222

EwenMurray

Sky Sport’s voice of golf speaks out on issues of the month

WALTON TAKES ME BACK TO MY ROOTS I took myself up to Walton Heath the day after the BMW PGA Championship to watch the US Open qualifying. A busman’s holiday, I hear you say. Not really. You see, I don’t get to see the players play golf very often. I see them on the range and through a TV monitor, but rarely get the chance to see them perform close up on the course. At risk of being labeled an anorak, it was an eye opener and a most enjoyable few hours. It was a throwback to the old days, with just a few hundred spectators walking the fairways alongside those they chose to watch. Superbly marshalled by volunteers, it was a great day out. Dogs were kept firmly on leads, including my beloved Annie, and the quality of the field was up there with a top European Tour event. Parking was ample and adjacent, no charge to enter, and the catering facilities were first class. One of my main reasons for attending was to watch Paul Casey, a player I have admired for many years, and one who has had tough times recently with injury and lack of form. I wanted to see where his problems were, as his scoring recently has been below the standard expected of him.

The simple answer is that he’s close to getting back to his best. After a 74 on the Old Course, Paul covered the New in just 64 strokes to book his place at Merion. It was quite windy, with gusts up to 30mph, yet his ball striking and course management were a joy to watch. While some of the younger players struggled to cope – hitting one-dimensional shots – Casey delivered a master class. He was not alone. Two-time Masters champion, José Maria Olazabal, at nearly 47 years of age, played with all the tenacity and enthusiasm of a teenager, and made it through after a play-off. Here was our victorious Ryder Cup captain of last year, a man who a few years back could barely walk to the kitchen from the lounge, playing two rounds and more in an effort to play again at the very highest level. It was an education to see him drill long irons through the wind, and humbling to see the focus of a man who has pretty much seen and done it all. Then there was also a young man just starting out on what will be a fascinating journey as a tournament professional. My fellow Golf News columnist Eddie Pepperell, having impressed at Wentworth, showed no signs of weariness and booked his ticket for

Back on track: Paul Casey earned a place in the US Open via the qualifier held at Walton Heath

Pennsylvania at the age of 22. Simon Khan, having suffered a play-off loss only 13 hours earlier, also found the strength to lead the qualifiers, delivering two polished rounds at what is one of our finest heathland courses. I would urge you to put next year’s

qualifying date in your diary. If you like seeing top quality golf from some wonderful players, sharing the fairways with them, and witnessing the elation of success of qualifying and the disappointment of missing out – Walton Heath is for you.

Harry’s game lifts the spirits

Sorry tale: Garcia apologised for his earlier ill-advised comment during a press conference at Wentworth

Sergio should let his clubs do the talking An unsavoury spat between two of the world’s top golfers reared its ugly head at Wentworth, having spilled over from the Players Championship in Florida. In Tiger Woods, we have the best golfer of our generation. In Sergio Garcia, we have an exceptionally gifted player who lacks belief in his undoubted ability. Why then should the headlines be about anything but the talents they have been born with? Garcia’s comment at the European Tour’s annual awards dinner – which will no doubt be covered elsewhere in Golf News this month – was silly, as well as thoughtless, and has no place in our world today. Woods could have chosen to defuse the situation after a genuine and heartfelt apology, but perhaps understandably chose his right not to, and this uncomfortable relationship lingers on. There has always been a strong rivalry between the two players, and when Garcia won the Players Championship in 2008, he moved to second behind Woods in the world rankings. In other sports we have seen that

the top performers distance themselves from their closest challengers in order to maintain the moral high ground. These two are no different. I felt for George O’Grady, the European Tour’s chief executive, who only meant to say that many of Garcia’s friends are black athletes, the correct modern term. The fact that it was all played out at the Tour’s flagship event made it all the more painful, but thankfully a splendid weekend at Wentworth made sure the sport was the winner in the end, and Matteo Manassero’s magnificent performance – along with Lee Westwood’s surprising collapse – grabbed all the headlines. With both Woods and Garcia showing good form this year, they will meet several times in the near future. Let’s hope from now on they put their differences aside, and the only headlines we read from here on in are born out of their individual brilliance with their clubs, rather than their inarticulate way with words.

Having received a kind invitation to the Harry Redknapp Legends charity day, I took myself west to Remedy Oak in Dorset and soaked up the sun on the year’s warmest day so far. Having always played these events in ProAm format during my career, it was refreshing to play as a plain old golfer. I enjoyed the company of businessmen and footballing stars I had had so much pleasure in watching down the years. Among them were Graeme Souness, Bob Wilson, Jamie Redknapp, David Seaman, and ex-Southampton player Francis Benalli, who is doing some fine coaching work with youngsters in the area. One of the beautiful things about our game is the unselfish time and effort so many people give in raising sums for charity. Bob Wilson’s dedication to his Willow charity is impressive and that organisation, along with some local children’s charities, benefitted to the tune of £30,000 after the day was done. The auction was conducted by comedian and mimic Mike Osman, who did a sterling job and had all of us in tears with his witty banter. Should any of you reading this require an after-dinner entertainer, I have no hesitation in

Harry Rednapp with the winning team from the Legends charity golf day held at Remedy Oak

saying Mike is your man! It’s not difficult to see why Harry Redknapp is such a popular figure in football and with the wider public. He is a people’s person – warm, caring and dedicated to all that he does. Along with Dimplex, the main sponsors, and the others who contributed to the day, I applaud them for their tireless work in helping others less fortunate than ourselves. Remedy Oak, designed by John Jacobs and opened in 2004, will host one of the sections of pre-qualifying for this year’s Open Championship, and the players hopeful of continuing on the road to Muirfield will find a course that has matured superbly in that short space of time, and one that is in outstanding condition. Accurate driving is essential and the large, speedy greens will require the utmost care and imagination. I’m not surprised Remedy Oak has made its way into the top 100 courses in Britain and, created on firm financial foundations, its future is bright. If you ever get the opportunity to play there, make time and enjoy one of the best new courses our country has produced in recent years.

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June 2013 / Issue 222

COMPETITION SNAP UP A PAIR OF PENTAX CAMERAS AND WIN TICKETS TO THE 2013 RICOH WOMEN’S BRITISH OPEN!

PLAY LIKE A PRO PHIL MICKELSON What’s in the bag?

We make sure that we stock the best golf gear used by the pros! This month we’ve taken a look into Callaway Pro Phil Mickleson’s golf bag to check out the latest golf clubs from Callaway.

To celebrate this year’s Ricoh Women’s British Open, Golf News has teamed up with the Championship organisers to offer the chance to win a fantastic Pentax WG-10 shockproof camera and a pair of season tickets to attend the event at St. Andrews from the August 1-4. The Ricoh Women’s British Open is one of the most exciting Majors in golf, with last year’s field boasting players from 28 different nations, including 18 of the world’s top 20. For only the second time in the tournament’s history, the famous ‘Home of Golf’ – The Old Course at St Andrews – plays host to this year’s Championship, which is held from August 1-4. Last year’s winner, Jiyai Shin from South Korea, will be looking to defend her title and win her third Ricoh Women’s British Open Championship. Whether you want to see World No.1 Inbee Park, Europe’s leading lady Suzann Pettersen, American stars Stacy Lewis and Paula Creamer, two-time winners Yani Tseng and Jiyai Shin, or home favourite and 2009 Champion Catriona Matthew, you can be certain that this year’s Championship promises to be one of the highlights in the golfing calendar.

THE PRIZE One lucky reader will win a superb Pentax WG-10 shockproof digital camera and a pair of season tickets to the Ricoh Women’s British Open, while one runner-up will win a Pentax WG-10 camera. The WG10 is the ideal camera for those who like the outdoor life, with its robust design making it ideal for taking quality pictures on the hoof. Waterproof to 10 metres, crushproof to 100kg, it offers 14 megapixel resolution and features x5 wideangle optical zoom. For more information on the Pentax range of digital cameras and accessories, visit www.pentax.co.uk. TO ENTER If you want a chance to see the world’s leading players in action at St Andrews this summer and win yourself a camera to capture your experience on film, please answer the following question and email your name, address and contact telephone number to: ‘info@golfnews.co.uk with Ricoh Competition in the subject line. QUESTION: When was the Ricoh Women’s British Open Championship last played at St Andrews? A) 2006 B) 2007 C) 2008 TICKETS If you aren’t lucky enough to win, you can still see all the action by purchasing tickets via the website www.ricohwomensbritishopen.com. TERMS & CONDITIONS The closing date for entries is July 10, 2013 and winners will be contacted on that date. No cash alternative to the prize will be offered. All personal information provided in connection with this competition will be held in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and shall not be passed on to any third parties. We may wish to contact you in order to provide you with information on similar events, products and services which we think may be of interest to you. If you do not consent to your personal information being used in this way please tick the box. 

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June 2013 / Issue 222

An estimated 160,000 golf fans are expected to make the pilgrimage to Muirfield next month to see the world’s finest exponents of the game do battle over what is widely regarded as one of the finest courses in the world, never mind being the best on the Open rota (although fans of Birkdale and Turnberry will no doubt argue with that). Renowned for its fairness and its challenging layout of two nines running clockwise and counter-clockwise, Muirfield is one of the great Major Championship venues. If the measure of its challenge is represented by the quality of its winners, then Muirfield unquestionably produces true champions, with the likes Harry Vardon, James Braid, Ted Ray, Walter Hagen, Henry Cotton, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Tom Watson, Nick Faldo and Ernie Els all having lifted the Claret Jug in East Lothian down the years. Whose name is to join that exclusive roll of honour remains to be seen, but with Els returning this year not only as the defending champion, following his win at Royal Lytham last year, but also as the last man to win an Open at Muirfield, the 43-year-old South African’s claims are second to none. He certainly knows how to raise his game for the big occasions, and he will need little encouragement to get his lumbering frame into action once more, when play gets under way on July 18. And while Ernie looks very much like he did 10 years ago, baring a few more wrinkes on his sun-scorched face, so does Muirfield, with the R&A only administering the slightest of tweaks to the timeless layout in order to maintain the challenge for the modern generation of professionals. Just 158 yards have been added to the length of the course, mainly through new back tees, most notably at the ninth, 14th, 15th, 17th and 18th holes. The par-4 ninth hole stands out in that quintet. Land purchased behind the tee has made a one-time easy par-five much more formidable, with the new hole now measuring 554-yards compared to 508 yards in 2002. The most noticeable added length takes place over the closing stretch. Another 27 yards has been added to the par-4 14th to take it tp 475 yards. The par-4 15th is now 33 yards longer at 448 yards. Meanwhile, the par-5 17th hole has been extended by 29 yards to 575 yards. Finally, the 18th becomes a 470-yard par-4, 21 yards longer than in 2002. “It’s only a two per cent difference on the previous length,” says R&A chief executive Peter Dawson. “So if you had to hit it 100 yards in 2002, you now have to hit it 102 yards this time. It’s not too onerous in terms of modern hitting distance.” Elsewhere some tightening of bunkers around the greens has been carried out to place a premium on the accuracy of approach play. Most of the nuanced changes have been instigated to try to stay true to the original intent of architect Harry Colt. Most notable changes in this respect include an extension to the back left of the second green for more variety of hole locations. Meanwhile, the back of the par-4 sixth green has been extended to a form a small plateau with runoffs at either side to put more pressure on the approach. Apart from those subtle changes, Muirfield is still very much the same course that has tested the greats over the years, and will be set up to present a stiff challenge once again from July 18-21 this year. The course is renowned as being perhaps

GOLFNEWS’ THREE-OFF-THE-TEE

Golf News’ editor Nick Bayly previews the 2013 Open Championship at Muirfield, which brings together the joys of Scottish links golf, unpredictable weather, and an even less predictable top two players in the world

xxx

the fairest test of all the Open venues, with few of the quirky bounces and hidden dangers that links courses often contain. Two circuits of nine rotate in opposite directions, the back nine looping inside the front nine, ensuring that the golfer is never faced with the same wind direction on two consecutive holes. As Jack Nicklaus once put it, “What you see is what you get.” Whether the honesty of the layout has had anything to do with it or not, the fact remains that Muirfield has an astonishing record for identifying the greatest golfers of the age, so don’t expect to see a freak name appear on the Claret Jug this year, although with the weather being very much the luck of the draw at this time of year and in this part of the country, whoever gets lucky with their start times will certainly be in a good position to challenge over the weekend. Els won after the four-man playoff with a 72-hole score of six-under par, which was seven shots higher than Tom Watson’s winning score of 13-under in 1980. Predicting the winning score this time around is almost as hard as finding a likely winner, but anyone who shoots four rounds close to par and under should be in with a shout come tea time on Sunday.

MUIRFIELD CARD OF THE COURSE

ADAM SCOTT

PAR 71, 7,192 YARDS

Buoyed by his Masters win, and having put his demons from Lytham to bed, Scott is deadly with his soon-to-be-outlawed anchored putting action. Straight off the tee, and a great iron player, he should be every inch the favourite.

Yards Par Yards 1 4 447 2 4 364 3 4 377 4 3 226 5 5 559 6 4 461 7 3 184 8 4 441 9 5 554 10 4 469 11 4 387 12 4 379 13 3 190 14 4 475 15 4 448 16 3 186 17 5 575 18 4 470

BRANDT SNEDEKER Unlucky at Royal St George’s in 2011, and the 36-hole leader at Lytham last year, Snedeker is a major player, as he showed when leading the Masters in March on the final day. Cool under pressure, he loves links golf, can shape the ball both ways, and is a brilliant putter on his day.

GRAEME MCDOWELL The forgotten man of last year’s Open at Lytham – he went out in the last group – McDowell is brimming with confidence following three wins in the last six months, but will need to put missed cuts in the Masters and the US Open well behind him.

SPECTATOR INFORMATION TICKETS Daily tickets (July 18-21): £75 adults, £30 (16-21), under 16s go free. Season tickets: £260 (Sunday-Sunday). Call the ticket office on 01334 460000 or visit tickets.theopen.com ACCOMMODATION For the latest information regarding hotel and B&B accommodation, go to TheOpen.com/ accommodation or email enquiries@ StayatTheOpen.com

Reigning Open champion Ernie Els talks about renewing his rivalry with Muirfield and how the belly putter rekindled his career How much has your win at Lytham last year invigorated your career? Well, it’s changed everything. It’s changed a lot of things. I’m 43 now, I’m not getting any younger, so it gives me new hope and new confidence going forward, coupled with the fact that I know I’m playing in every major for the next five years. I’ve got to think that I’ve got a chance to win hopefully one or even a couple before I’m done. Muirfield has always been on the horizon, and I’m looking forward to defending my title there at what has been a happy hunting ground for me. Will you have a chance to play Muirfield before the week of The Open? I was going to go up before the PGA at Wentworth, but I just didn’t quite have the time. But I’m playing the BMW International Open in Munich, and I’ll have a window of three weeks before The Open, so I’ll go up there and play a practice round then. I met Mr Dawson at the European Tour dinner, and he says it’s a little tougher than it was in ‘02. I’ll take his word for it. Your game looks in better shape than it did in the months following the Open. Are you confident of putting up a good defence of your title? I hope so, but you never can tell. I like links golf, I like Scotland, and I like Muirfield, so I’ve got a few things going for me. After a win like that it’s almost inevitable that you switch off to some degree, whether consciously or unconsciously, but my energy levels are back up and I’m ready to give it my best shot. Looking back to Lytham last year, do you think you could have won The Open using a short putter? I don’t think so, no. I’ve thought about that, but I was in such a state on the greens, that I really don’t think I could have won with a short putter at that time. It was more a psychological thing for me then, as I wasn’t even putting that great with the long putter. I think you’ll find I was in the bottom ten in the putting stats at Lytham. I’m in a much better place now, and I feel that I can get back to using the

DREAMS

June 2013 / Issue 222

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The fourth hole

KEY HOLES

Where The Open will be won and lost 1ST – PAR 4, 447 YARDS A scene of devastation in 2002, when Tiger lost his ball in the righthand rough, the first at Muirfleid is one of the toughest opening holes in Open golf. The tee shot should be kept to the left half of the narrow fairway, which swings gently to the right. This leaves a clear view of the green, past bunkers short and right. The green merges with the fairway and is essentially flat. 4TH – PAR 3, 226 YARDS A brutal ‘short’ hole, the fourth is played from an elevated tee to a plateau green that is 40 yards deep. It demands accuracy of length and line to avoid the ball being thrown off into bunkers right and left at the front, and grassy hollows all round. 6TH – PAR 4, 461 YARDS This is probably the most demanding hole on the course. Almost always played in a cross-wind from right or left, the tee shot is over the crest of the fairway, leaving only sky to aim at. Then the hole sweeps down and away to the left to a climbing green set against the backdrop of Archerfield Wood. This unusual background, and the hidden hollow short of the green, make the pin look a lot closer than it is in reality. The second shot is a tough one to judge.

short putter in the near future. I’ve won 64 tournaments with a short putter, so I’m ok with it. Do you think if you hadn’t won The Open or Adam Scott the Masters, we’d be talking about anchoring? I don’t believe so. I think it would not have been a big deal. I don’t think they would have considered it. But major championships are what the history of the game is all about, and obviously they don’t want any more belly putter players winning major championships, I don’t believe. I think that’s the real issue. We’ve had square grooves, metal drivers, hybrids, higher lofted wedges, all manner of new equipment to make the game easier for more people. It’s just an evolution of which the long-handled putter is part. They have been part of golf for 20-odd years, so why ban it now? But it’s not the belly putter they’re banning, it’s the method of the swing, which is obviously at the core of the rules of golf. Do you have an idea in your own head of how long it will take you to switch back to using a short putter? I’ve already used it in one tournament. I played in Asia in March, and I used it there. It wasn’t as much of a pressure tournament as maybe the PGA or a major is, but I felt okay with it. So I’ve been practising with the short putter, and on the practice green it feels great, but you just have to take it out on the course. I probably won’t put the short one in the bag until after the major season this year, then at the end of the year I’ll start playing a lot more tournaments with it.

Could you continue with some form of the long putter without anchoring? Yeah, that’s a possibility. Odyssey built me a longer putter with a lot of weight in the handle. In a way you can still use it fairly close to how the anchoring works, but not quite. But there will be ways. Guys are going to go back to the drawing board now, and see what works for them. In a way this is good for the equipment companies, as it will encourage them to come up with something new again. Do you think they should introduce the ban before 2016? It’s hard to say. I think the 2016 deadline gives the guys who are using it enough time to find another way of putting, but then again golf fans might react differently when they see guys using a method of putting that we all know is going to be banned in two-and-half years’ time. The tours might want to bring it forward, but we’ll have to see.

You were world No.1 for back in the late 90s. Do you remember what that felt like, and can you relate to the issues that Rory McIlroy went Hats off: Els celebrates after holing the winning putt at Muirfield in 2002 through last year coming to terms with the pressure that being No1 involves? I was No.1 back in ‘98, when I was 22 or 23 I think. I wouldn’t say lonely is the word, but you’re definitely exposed. People look at you and you’re kind of the leader of the pack. In a way, you have to act accordingly. You have to show that you’re No.1 in your game. You’ve got to perform. When I look back, I did a lot of silly things and what Rory’s done is nothing compared to what I did – speak to my parents! There’s a lot of guys out there that want to be wherever you are. So you have to out-work them, you have to outplay them. With that, you know, there comes a lot of work, and with that is a lot of stress put on your shoulders. Rory’s a great kid, and a great player, and he’ll win lots more tournaments.

9TH – PAR 5, 554 YARDS Short by modern par five standards, but the newly-lengthened hole often plays straight into the prevailing wind. The tee shot landing area is squeezed between a deep bunker to the left and thick rough on the right, leading many players to lay up. Even off a really solid drive, it is very difficult to chase a long running shot past the bunkers on the right to a green set uncomfortably close to the out of bounds wall that runs all the way down the left side. Expect to see plenty of birdies, the odd eagle, but a good number of bogeys. 14TH – PAR 4, 475 YARDS Played from an elevated tee into a stiff breeze from the prevailing south-west direction, this can prove a demanding par four. The fairway squeezes down to its narrowest point at 280 yards, just beyond restrictive bunkers left and right. It can then be as much as a long iron to a plateau green, which falls away on all sides and is protected by a lone bunker just off the right edge. 16TH – PAR 3, 186 YARDS Effectively there is only half a green to aim at. Anything pitching down the left side is in danger of sliding off down the contours into sand or rough. The clubbing can vary from a six to a two iron depending on the wind, but it is always sensible to get the ball into the middle of the green and be prepared to take a chance with the putter, rather than attacking a tight pin position. 18TH – PAR 4, 470 YARDS One of the great finishing holes in golf. Two bunkers cut into the fairway on the left side where it reaches its narrowest point, but any tee shot hit too safely to the right is threatened by more sand on that side. The prevailing cross-wind from the right enhances the difficulty of the drive, and the second shot is to a long, rising green, deeply bunkered on either side.

Last but not least: Muirfield’s 18th presents a tough finish

42 /

News in Brief HALL CLAIMS BRITISH AMATEUR Georgia Hall won the 2013 Ladies’ British Amateur Championship after beating Spain’s Luna Sobron in a dramatic final at Machynys Peninsula in South Wales. The 17-year-old England interna-tional from Dorset aced the par-three 17th to take the lead for the first time in the final and then took the title by halving the last with a par. Hall, who was Europe’s top woman amateur last year, She is already the holder of the British girls’ championship, which she also won in South Wales, and is the first ever player to hold the girls’ and ladies’ titles at the same time. “I’m so happy I can hardly speak,” said Georgia, from Remedy Oak in Dorset. “To get my first ever hole-in-one and win the British championship is like a dream come true. “I was behind all the way, in just about the strongest wind I have ever played in, but I never gave up. I knew I had to be patient and wait for things to turn my way. And they did!”

WELSH WIN FOR WESSELINGH

Paul Wesselingh saved his best for last at the ISPS HANDA PGA Seniors Championship as he posted the lowest round of the week at De Vere Mottram Hall to set the seal on a four-shot victory over Paraguay’s Angel Franco. His staggering 20-under par total proved insurmountable for the chasing pack, as he carded a flawless closing round of 64 to hold off competition from Franco and a charging Ian Woosnam, who posted a final round 65 and a third place finish.

PAUL LAWRIE AWARDED OBE Former Open champion Paul Lawrie has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. The 44-year-old Ryder Cup star set up a charitable foundation in 2001 - two years after he won the Open Championship - to encourage and support young people to play golf. I’m very proud, because it’s for the foundation this time as opposed to what you do on the golf course,” said Lawrie, who was awarded an MBE after his Open win. “I got a letter through a few weeks ago. It’s been quite difficult keeping it quiet. It’s a huge honour. The foundation is very, very important to my wife Marian and I. We’ve spent a lot of time, effort and money with the help of some sponsors getting it to where it is today.”

June 2013 / Issue 222

Coles to step down as Tour chairman Neil Coles, one of the most respected figures in the world of professional golf over the past six decades, is to step down as chairman of the Board of Directors of The PGA European Tour. The 78-year-old took on the role of chairman in 1975 and, over the past 38 years, has overseen not only the significant growth and development of The European Tour, but also the

formation and subsequent establishment of the Challenge Tour in 1989, and the European Senior Tour in 1992. “I took the decision last Christmas, at the same time as I agreed with the board for the entire structure and the constitution of The European Tour to be reviewed,” said Coles. “This was done to ensure the Tour was equipped to face the

many and varied challenges of the modern age. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as chairman, and it has been an honour and a privilege to serve such a prestigious organisation in a sport which has been my life, both inside the ropes and inside the boardroom.” George O’Grady, chief executive of The European Tour, led the many tributes from the world of golf. He said: “For as long as I have worked in golf, Neil has been a constant figurehead, giving stability to The European Tour. He has always possessed and a great concern for the game, and his unique contribution to professional golf has not only influenced the growth of the Tour, but will also make him a very hard man to replace.”

Cowley bags Ashdown pro’s job Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club in East Sussex has appointed 24-year-old Tim Cowley as its new head professional. The appointment makes Cowley (pictured) the youngest head professional of all the 36 Royal golf clubs in Great Britain and Ireland, and one of the youngest in the entire country. Previous Ashdown professionals have included Jack Rowe, who served the club for 55 years and was captain of the PGA in 192223, who was succeeded by Hector Padgham, who continued in his role for over 40 years. Cowley, who has been at the club since 2008, said: “It is a massive honour for me to follow in the footsteps of some of the great professionals that have worked here. I can only thank the captain and members of Royal Ashdown Forest for showing such confidence in me.’

Having attended Oathall County College in Haywards Heath, Cowley went on to attend The Golf College in Lindfield, before getting his PGA qualification in 2008, when he joined Ashdown as an assistant professional. His older brother, Sam, is a professional at West Sussex Golf Club in Pulborough “Seeing him become a pro made me all the more determined,” said Cowley. “If there is one person who inspires me to do well in golf, it is my brother.” Cowley has also become the first Golf College graduate to be offered a head PGA Professional’s position since the college was set up in 2005. Cowley said: “The Golf College gave me a fantastic foundation for me to progress into the PGA qualifications, and now I am looking forward to the career ahead of me at Royal Ashdown.”

Hartsbourne to host open day Hartsbourne Country Club in Hertfordshire is to host a society open day on September 25, when golfers who have yet to experience what the 27-hole venue has to offer are being invited to sample the facilities. The entry fee for the open day costs £20 per person (teams of two are required), which includes an 18-hole, 2-ball Stableford competition with a shotgun start for 9am. The fee also includes coffee and bacon rolls on arrival, and a buffet lunch after golf. There will be prizes for the top three team and a twos’ sweep. Hartsbourne is situated in Bushey Heath, on the county borders of Hertfordshire and Middlesex, and offers 27 challenging holes set in over 180 acres of mature parkland. The

6,336-yard, 18-hole course was first laid out in 1922 by Fred Hawtree and five-time Open champion JH Taylor, and is an enjoyable test of golf for all levels of golfers, while the 9-hole, 2,991-yard Hunt course is a no less challenging par 35, that makes for a superb 27-hole loop for golf societies. In addition to its famous architects, Hartsbourne is steeped in golfing history, with Bernard and Geoff Hunt, the only brothers ever to represent Great Britain in the same Ryder Cup team, being based at the club while they competed on the professional circuit in the 1960s and 70s. In 1954 Dai Rees won the Goray Championship here when he played with young Peter Alliss, while Peter Oosterhuis holds the course record with a stunning nineunder par 62 set in 1971. The club prides itself on offering a warm welcome to all guests, and its superb clubhouse facilities and excellent catering make it the perfect venue for corporate bookings and societies. For entries to the Open Day competition, please call 020 8421 7272 or email office@ hartsbournecountryclub.co.uk

Stoke to stage ladies’ event Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa’s reputation as a top-flight tournament venue has received a further boost following its selection to host a new professional event on the Ladies European Tour Access Series (LETAS). This exciting development in women’s golf will see The WPGA International Challenge added to the LETAS schedule and played at the popular Suffolk-based venue on September 26-28. The 54-hole tournament, which is the only event on the LETAS schedule to be played in the UK, will feature an international field of 120 players competing for a share of the €25,000 prize fund. There will be an opportunity for 20 WPGA members to compete in the event. Winners of each of the remaining five WPGA One Day Series events will qualify, with the remaining places secured via a qualifying Order of Merit over the same period. In addition, with the support of England Golf, 20 elite female amateurs will also compete in the event. Di Barnard, Tour Director of the LET Access Series, said: “We are delighted to announce the addition of the WPGA International Challenge to the 2013 LETAS schedule. There is a very strong golfing community in the UK and a large representation of players from this region on both the LET and LETAS. We are looking forward to working with the PGA and also the venue, which will offer first class facilities for the players.” Situated on the Suffolk/Essex border, Stoke by Nayland has plenty of experience of staging Challenge Tour, Senior Tour and PGA Europro events. Susanna Rendall, managing director of the family-owned resort, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be hosting the WPGA International Challenge here this September. We feel privileged to have been selected as the first venue in the UK to hold this event and very much look forward to welcoming these talented golfers here from all over the world – and to playing our part in helping to promote women’s international golf.”

Cromer fog clears the way for Pateman Middlesex PGA champion Nick Pateman won the weather-shortened Royal Cromer 125th Anniversary Championship, which was the opening event in the PGA England (East) order of merit schedule. The Pinner Hill assistant’s four-under-par first round of 68 was enough to secure victory after the second day was abandoned because of dense fog. Rayleigh pair Matthew King and Mark Hooper were second and third, with rounds of 69 and 70. Fourth place went to Duke Meadow’s Bruce Cuff with one under par 71. Royal Cromer club captain Rick Taylor was presented with an engraved cut glass bowl by PGA of England (East) secretary John Smith to mark the 125th anniversary of the club.

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News in Brief BOYD BAGS ENGLISH AMATEUR Sarah-Jane Boyd birdied the last hole to seal a two-shot victory in the English Women’s Amateur Championship at Kings Norton Golf Club in Worcestershire. The 21-year-old beat English stroke play champion Alex Peters, who made a spirited charge over the closing holes, while Gabriella Cowley took third place.  Boyd finished the 72-event on two over par and adds this success to the British stroke play title, which she won last year.

June 2013 / Issue 222

Caversham raises its game with £150k investment Caversham Heath Golf Club in Berkshire has announced a substantial investment in its on- and off-course facilities to enhance its growing reputation as one the South East’s top clubs. Clubhouse facilities have been improved at the Reading-based club, with the opening of a new state-ofthe-art indoor swing studio, and the arrival of new course machinery to upgrade the club’s current fleet. The Performance Golf Centre has an indoor studio with two putting greens and a golf simulator for true-to-

life virtual golfing. The new machinery includes four greens hand mowers, greens turf iron, fairway mower, semi-rough mower, and bunker rake. Recently-appointed general manager Martin Robinson said: “We have invested quite a substantial sum – £150,000 – which shows our commitment to improving the club year-on-year. The GC2 and Putting Studio have access to 13 of the world’s best golf courses for members and guests to test themselves. This is available all year round and is ideal for wet days, evenings, social and corporate events, and

just for something different to do at the weekend. “We have an online booking sheet for simulator use at the centre and for custom fitting of clubs and putters, allowing access to the state-of-the-art technology for ensuring golfer’s equipment is matched to their game.” He added: “The course has come through the winter months in very good condition, and has been praised by both members and visitors. Built to USGA standards, it is dry in winter, while fully irrigated in summer, and therefore offers dependable year round play.”

Caversham Heath’s new machinery

WOBURN’S FOUNDATION AWARD Woburn Golf Club won The Gus Payne Award at the recent Golf Foundation Presidents Awards in recognition of raising the most money for the Golf Foundation’s initiatives during 2012. Woburn raised £2,320 through instigating a fixed levy on its membership.

KENT VENUES HIT BY THEFTS PGA Professionals and golf facilities across Kent are being urged to stay alert after thieves hit two venues in the county. The Olympic Golf Driving Range in Swanley was broken into on June 4, with intruders taking computer and camera equipment worth in excess of £6,000. Neighbouring Pedham Place Golf Centre was also targeted, with the venue’s ball machine broken into, and bat-teries were stolen from several buggies.

HARRIS BAGS MID KENT PRO-AM TITLE The Nevill’s Jamie Harris shot a five-under par 65 to win the Mid Kent Pro Am by three shots and bag himself a £1,000 first prize. Three players – Steven Green (Micros Golf), James Ablett (Leeon-the-Solent) and Benn Barham (King’s Hill) – shared second place. Harris also won the Sand Martins Pro-Am two days earlier, but had to share the prize money after tieing with Hindhead’s Ian Ben-son, after the pair shot matching 67s.

Khan joins forces with Brocket academy European Tour star Simon Khan has given his full backing to Brocket Hall Golf Club’s bid to unearth the golfing stars of the future, after being named as the Hertfordshire venue’s ambassador for its new junior section. Khan, 40, who clinched the biggest win of his career at the 2010 BMW PGA Championship, and finished joint second at last month’s renewal, has agreed to become the new figurehead for the club’s junior and intermediate programmes, which will undergo an overhaul over in the coming months. As part of his new role, the Epping-based star will oversee

a series of junior clinics throughout the year at Brocket Hall’s Palmerston Golf Academy, as well as use the club as his UK base to practice. Khan said: “With two championship courses and an outstanding academy set-up, Brocket Hall has some of the best facilities to be found anywhere in the country. It is a club that has been close to my heart for a long time and the chance to join their ambassador programme and work with some of the most talented juniors is a very attractive proposition..” Khan’s new appointment is the latest in a series of developments at Brocket Hall since the start of the year. Led by new club manager David Griffin, the 36-hole venue’s management team is overseeing a major drive aimed at growing its golf business in both individual and corporate sectors, as well as introducing a new junior membership – with packages available from £250.

Stay safe this summer with GolfCare As spring turns to summer, and golf starts to grab headlines once again, fairways up and down the country are being inundated with golfers looking to emulate their favourite players. With more golfers on the course, however, the dangers associated with the sport inevitably increase. Getting hit by a stray ball, or having your clubs stolen, are unfortunately all-too common occurrences for those who play the game. Thefts and accidents happen to us all, regardless of how well prepared and cautious we are. One way to protect

yourself is to take out golf-specific insurance. Golf Care, the UK’s leading golf insurer, has a host of policy options, depending on the level of cover you require. The company is represented by three-time Ryder Cup Captain Bernard Gallacher, who says: “I find it really interesting to hear about the number of golfers who aren’t properly insured. Mishaps and accidents can happen to anyone.”

And with three free rounds of golf for all new policyholders at a choice of Marriott, De Vere and Q-Hotels, it has never made more sense to take out a specialist golf insurance policy. To save 30% off any policy, visit www.golfcare. co.uk/gn and get covered today for just £22.99 a year.

Gary Player with Richmond Park’s general manager Jon Dummett

‘Black Knight’ drops in at Richmond Nine-time Major champion Gary Player paid a visit to London’s Richmond Park Golf Course earlier this month to film a advertisement for equipment company Callaway Golf. The undercover filming took place on the 36-hole venue’s Duke’s Course. Jon Dummett, Richmond Park’s general manager, said: “We’re delighted that Callaway chose our course to shoot their latest promotional video, featuring Gary Player. Much to the delight of unsuspecting members of the public, Gary took time out from filming to mingle and joke with golfers back in the clubhouse.” Dummett added: “Being in the business of course design, Gary was

very interested to find out more about our recent developments. He was a true gentleman and even donated cash towards a charity golf day that happened to be taking place on the same day. It was a real privilege to meet one of golf’s biggest stars.” Richmond Park Golf Course is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, and will be hosting an number of special events, including an Open Weekend on August 17-18. It is also hosting the PGA Surrey Open on July 2224, a prestigious three-day event on the Virgin Atlantic PGA Order of Merit calendar, which starts with a Pro-Am and is followed by a 36-hole competition for professionals, who will be battling it out for a prize fund of £14,000.

World of Golf extends opening hours World of Golf New Malden has announced extended opening hours throughout the summer. The centre, which is located just off the A3 in Surrey, will now be open from 6am until midnight Monday to Friday, and from 7am until midnight on weekends, in response to customer demand following its recent re-build. The range, which has 60 newly revamped heated bays, located over two tiers, also offers an 18-hole adventure golf course, an American Golf superstore, as well as a Costa Coffee outlet. Grant Wright, World of Golf’s chief executive, said: “It’s great to be able to offer golfers the opportunity to use our facilities at a time that fits in with their busy lifestyles. The driving range

is now open an additional four hours on week days and three hours on weekends, and we hope this flexibility will work well for customers.” The range experience at the popular venue has also been enhanced with the arrival of Protracer technology, a unique device which allows golfers to see the arc of their range shots as if they were taken on a golf course. The process, called normalisation, allows customers to use every club in their golf bags, whether a sand wedge or a driver, and checks it against real-time yardages. Downloadable to any smartphone or tablet, Protracer provides viewers with on-screen detailed analysis of shot and swing accuracy.

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June 2013 / Issue 222

2013 US OPEN REVIEW

TRUE BRIT Justin Rose chose father’s day at the 2013 US Open to remind us what a very special talent he is by becoming the first Englishman to win a Major title in 17 years. Words by Nick Bayly

Lauded as the second coming – or, at very least, the next Nick Faldo – ever since his appearance as an amateur at the 1998 Open Championship, 32-year-old Justin Rose finally showed that he had the big game temperament to match his big game talent with a peerless performance at an unforgiving Merion Golf Club. And while the host venue for the 2013 US Open proved a rather cruel mistress, Rose showed that he is a true master when it comes to remaining calm under pressure, as he fought off a succession of contenders for the season’s second Major title to become the first Englishman to land one of the ‘Big Four’ since Nick Faldo’s US Masters triumph in 1996. Played amid freshening winds, and a surprise 30-minute downpour, Merion bared its teeth for one last time, making some of the world’s best players look like weekend hackers, as they flailed helplessly about in anklehigh rough, and three-putted for fun on greens which gave new meaning to word ‘tricky’. Going out in the third to last group with fellow Englishman Luke Donald, Rose first hit the front at the eighth hole, as the lead changed hands countless times on a tumultuous final day. Mickelson’s run at his first US Open win was seemingly finished after

two double bogeys in his first five holes, but the mercurial home favourite holed his second shot for an eagle at the 10th to regain top spot and reignite his challenge. The pair duelled down the notorious final stretch – with Hunter Mahan also sharing the lead at one point – but the driverless Mickelson was unable to avenge his Ryder Cup singles defeat by Rose last year, as his inability to find the fairway

“I couldn’t help but look up to the heavens and think that my old dad Ken had something to do with it”

with his 3-wood took its inevitable tool. Donald, many people’s idea of the winner at the beginning of the week, fell away early – and surprisingly tamely – with three successive bogeys from the third, and then a double bogey on the sixth crush his hopes of bagging a longedfor Major. Leading by just one stroke standing on the 18th tee, Rose split the fairway with a towering drive, which ended up just yards from the spot where

Ben Hogan had hit his 1-iron to win the US Open in 1950. Perhaps summoning an ounce of Hogan’s spirit, Rose then hit the shot of his life, a laserlike 4-iron — technology has come a long way in 63 years — that found the target with unerring accuracy, and set up a straightforward par four that proved the killer blow to the rest of the field’s dreams. After tapping in his final putt, he looked up to the sky with tears in his eyes, and admitted later to thinking of his father, and long-time mentor, Ken, who died from leukaemia in 2002. “It wasn’t lost on me that today was Father’s Day,” said Rose of his gesture when he was presented with the trophy on the 18th green. “A lot of us come from great men, and we have a responsibility to our children to show what a great man can be. For it to all just work out for me, on such an emotional day, I couldn’t help but look up to the heavens and think that my old dad Ken had something to do with it.” While there was no doubting who the Philadelphia crowd wanted to win, in the absence of any last-hole heroics from birthday boy Mickelson, the attendant fans were more than happy to celebrate the achievements of a player whom many thought had long since served his apprenticeship in the Major leagues. Rose readily admitted that after winning his first major that his over-riding emotion was one of relief, rather than elation. “Most golfing CV’s are empty, or definitely missing something, unless you have a major championship on there, no matter how good a player you are,” he said. “It’s nice to have got that off my chest relatively early, because only in the last year or two I’ve been talked about as one of the players who should, or could, win majors. I certainly didn’t want the title

June 2013 / Issue 222

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Woods, McIlroy and Scott cut a forlorn picture

Rough going: Tiger missed too many fairways to add to his Major haul

Ian Poulter keeps score during the opening round

Even Mickelson’s magic touch with the wedge was not enough to secure a first US Open win

Sergio was heckled by the crowd during four error-strewn rounds at Merion

Aussie Jason Day bagged a third Major runner-up finish

FINAL ROUND LEADERBOARD of ‘best player never to win a major’, and I’ve felt I’ve been getting closer to that tag, and now I’ve knocked it off fairly early, which is good. Going forward it gives me a lot of confidence. I don’t know if it takes pressure off, but it’s a moment where you can look back and think childhood dreams have come true.” The Major victory – at the 37th time of asking – has taken Rose to No.3 in the world rankings, and with the two players above him blowing hot and cold, the door has been ever so slightly opened for him to harbour dreams of taking the No.1 position, should be manage to sustain his upward curve. He will have his next opportunity to put his name in the record books when the golfing circus

moves on to Muirfield. For the superstitious among us, Tony Jacklin’s win at Merion in 1970 proved to be his last Major triumph. Rose, for his part, will be hoping that this win will be the first of many – a sentiment that will surely be echoed by all fans of English golf, for whom 17 years of hurt is finally over. Meanwhile, for Merion, the jury remains out on whether a Major should return here or not. Some players would have no hesitation in blowing it up, after suffering at its merciless hands, while others, like Rose, came to love its intricacies, and it’s ability give and to take away. Either way, there hasn’t been a Major quite like Merion in recent years, and that must surely count for something.

See page 48 for an interview with US Open Champion Justin Rose.

Rose Day Mickelson Dufner Els Horschel Mahan Donald Stricker Colsaerts Fdez-Castano Fowler Matsuyama

ENG AUS US US SA US US ENG US BEL SPA US JPN

Rd1 71 70 67 74 71 72 72 68 71 69 71 70 71

Rd2 69 74 72 71 72 67 69 72 69 72 72 76 75

Rd3 71 68 70 73 73 72 69 71 70 74 72 67 74

Rd4 70 71 74 67 69 74 75 75 76 72 72 74 67

Total 281 283 283 285 285 285 285 286 286 287 287 287 287

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June 2013 / Issue 222

JUSTIN’S TIME Congratulations on your first Major victory. Has it sunk in yet? Probably not. It was an amazing week, almost an amazing two weeks from when I first came to Merion. It’s just been an incredible experience and a childhood dream come true. What does it mean to not only on win the US Open, but to do so at a club like Merion, and under such testing conditions? Lee Trevino once said that he ‘fell in love with a girl named Merion, just didn’t know her last name’. I’d been sort of joking about that all week, but I came to respect and love the course as the week progressed. I feel like I established a game plan that really worked for me. I don’t think anybody expected the course to hold up the way it did. I certainly didn’t buy into the 62s and 63s that were being talked about, but I figured that maybe five or six under par would be the winning total. But it surprised everybody. And I’m just glad I was the last man standing. You’ve said this is a dream come true. Can you expand on that dream? I’ve been striving my whole life to win a Major Championship. I’ve holed a putt to win a Major hundreds of thousands of times on the putting green at home. I’ve dreamt about the moment of having a putt to win. I was pretty happy that it was a two-incher on the last. To win the US Open is, in a way, a very fitting tribute to the way my game has been going in the last couple of years. I’ve felt like the US Open was becoming the Major that would suit me the most. I had always felt good at Augusta, and always dreamed about winning The Open Championship, but I thought this one actually might be my best chance, so I really targeted Merion. When your drive on 18 landed next to Ben Hogan’s 1-iron plaque, did you think your time had come? It’s hard not to play Merion and not envisage yourself hitting the shot that Hogan did. That was not lost on me. When I walked over the hill and saw my drive sitting perfectly in the middle of the fairway, with the sun coming out, it was almost fitting. And I just felt like at that

In a frank and revealing interview given immediately after winning the US Open, Justin Rose talks about the elation of breaking his Major duck, the influences of his late father and his current coach, and battling back from the very public and very slow start to his professional career

point it was a good iron shot on to the green, two putts, and possibly win the championship. I’d like to think that Hogan would have thought that I hit a decent shot in there. What was going through your mind as you stood over that shot? There was definitely some deep breathing going on. I focused on keeping my rhythm, trusting my golf swing, and committing to the shot. A lot of golfers struggled to cope with the course and the conditions. What was it about the challenge that you enjoyed the most? I loved the fact that the course has an ebb and flow to it. The first six holes are drama, the second six holes are comedy, and the last six holes are tragedy. It’s like a good theatrical play. And that was the way I framed up the golf course in my mind. Just trying to get off to a solid start, then trying to gain a little bit of ground in the middle, and then hang on. So very rarely do you get a course that has distinct feels through stretches of holes like that. I think that’s why the leaderboard changed so much. A

4-iron into the 18th green

lot of guys faltered coming down the stretch, particularly the last two holes. I felt pretty despondent for a second or two after finishing my third round, until I realised that the whole field had had trouble on those last couple of holes. So it was nice to play those last two holes in even par, and that was the difference. People were saying that a Sean Foley pupil might win this tournament, just not perhaps this one. What do you owe Sean? Sean has been coaching me for four years now, and I feel like my game has got better every year. For me to have a legitimate chance to win a Major is down to my improved ball striking. Last year, I lead both Tours in greens in regulation, and this year there’s been a big improvement in my driving stats. I picked up a little bit of yardage, and I’ve been hitting it a little bit straighter. So I’ve got to give a lot of credit to Sean. He texted me and said something along the lines of ‘just go out there and be the man that your dad taught you to be, and be the man that your kids can look up to’. So today was about winning the US Open, but it was also about honouring the great men that have come before us. A lot of us have that sort of situation with their fathers. Has Sean become something of a father figure to you? Obviously the relationship that Sean and I have is more than just a player/coach relationship. I regard him as a true friend and I regard him as someone who, if I ever had a question upon golf or upon life, he would be very much at the top of my list. He’s a very interesting character and very strong mentally. And he passes that on as well. I was 21 when my dad passed away, and I always think that the time we had together was about quality, not quantity. I would rather have had a 21 fantastic years with my dad, than 40 years of a relationship that

was, you know, soso. But I have very fond memories of the way I grew up. My dad and I were lucky enough to spend a lot of quality time together learning to play the game, so I can look back at our life together with a lot of fondness. And in your darkest hours did you ever think that you’d be good enough to win a Major? There’s been a lot of water under the bridge since I turned pro. My learning curve has been a steep one, and I announced myself on the golfing scene at Birkdale before I was ready to handle it. I’ve had the ups and down, but I think that ultimately it’s made me stronger and able to handle pressure situations better. When I was missing those 21 cuts in a row, I was just trying to not fade away, really. I just didn’t want to be known as a one-hit wonder. I believed in myself, and deep down I always knew that I had a talent to play the game. And I simply thought that if I put talent and hard work together, surely it would work out in the end. But there have been times in my career where I found it hard to close out tournaments, and I think a lot of that goes back to the scar tissue form earlier in my career. I only really started to believe in myself in 2010, when I won twice on

the PGA Tour. That was when I first felt like I could trust myself under pressure. It’s been a long time since an Englishman won a major. Is this a monkey off the back not just for you, but a generation of English players? Yeah, there’s been a very strong crop of English players for some time now, with myself, Luke, Lee, Ian and Paul. I think it was always going to be matter of time before one of us broke through. I always hoped it was going to be me to be the first, but I really hope that it has broken the spell and the guys can bag some for themselves going forward. Do you feel like this will open the Major floodgates for you? Winning a Major is always going to make you hungry for more. It’s not necessarily the trophy that feels so great, it’s knowing that you’ve answered the doubts in your own head, you’ve answered the questions, you’ve taken on the challenge and you’ve risen to it. So those feelings of selfaccomplishment are great in the moment, and I think that that’s what inspires you to try and win more golf tournaments.

G OLF

Golf

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G o o dwo o d

Congratulations to Justin Rose, winner of the 2013 US Open & Golf At Goodwood Ambassador

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News in Brief BALLOT OPENS FOR RYDER CUP TICKETS Tickets to the three practice days of next year’s Ryder Cup are now available to buy on a first come, first served basis. However, those looking to attend the competition days (September 26-28) must complete a two-stage process that includes registering a photograph, before applying for tickets. The closing date for applications is July 22. Tickets range from £10 for U16s on practice days, to £145 for the Sunday singles. Successful applicants, whose names will be drawn from a ballot, will be notified by August 12. For more details visit www.rydercup.com/ europe/2014tickets.

MIKKO IN THE MONEY Finland’s Mikko Ilonen secured his first victory on the European Tour in six years when winning the Nordea Masters at Bro Hof Slott Golf Club, near Stockholm. The 33-year-old started the final day two shots clear and a final round 69 ensured a 21-under total and three-shot victory margin over Sweden’s Jonas Blixt.

BROOKS ENTERS HISTORY BOOKS A final round 66 helped American Brooks Koepka set a new record for the largest winning margin in the 25-year history of the Challenge Tour with a 10-shot victory at the Fred Olsen Challenge de España. The 23-year-old was 24-under par for his four rounds at Tecina Golf in the Canary Islands. His margin of victory beat the previous record of eight strokes, shared by Bradley Dredge (2003 Madeira Islands Open) and Markus Brier (2004 Austrian Open).

HOLLY TOO HOT FOR HULL England’s Holly Clyburn recorded her first victory on the Ladies European Tour at the Deloitte Ladies Open in Holland, with a three-shot win over Charley Hull. The 22-year-old rookie from Lincolnshire, playing in just her fourth event of the season, carded rounds of 71, 69 and 71 for an eight-under-par total at The International in Amsterdam.

June 2013 / Issue 222

Woods cries foul over Garcia chicken comment An unseemly row between Sergio Garcia and Tiger Woods came to a head at Wentworth last month, when the Spanish Ryder Cup star appeared to make a racist comment during the European Tour’s annual dinner at the Surrey club. The two players, who have never been the best of friends, publicly fell out following an incident at last month’s Players Championship, when Garcia felt that Woods should have apologised for an episode during the final round which caused the Spaniard to lose concentration mid-swing. Garcia rounded on his rival, saying: “He’s not my favourite guy to play with. He’s not the nicest guy on Tour. We don’t like each other. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out. He is who he is. I am who I am.” When asked about whether he was planning to make up with Woods by inviting him round for dinner, Garcia replied: “We will have him round every night. We will serve fried chicken.”

McGinley pins hopes on three wild cards Garcia has apologised to Woods after his comments

The comment was judged by many to be a racist remark, and resulted in Woods responding on Twitter with: “The comment that was made wasn’t silly. It was wrong, hurtful and clearly inappropriate.” The World No.1 then added: “I’m confident that there is real regret that the remark was made. The Players ended nearly two weeks ago and it’s long past time to move on and talk about golf.” Following Woods’ s comments, Garcia issued a heartfelt apology denying his joke was meant ‘in a racist manner’. He said: “I want to send an unreserved apology. I didn’t mean to offend anybody. I was caught

off guard by the question and I understand that my answer was totally stupid and out of place. I can’t say sorry enough about that. Most importantly I want to apologise to Tiger. I’m truly sorry. It wasn’t meant in a racist way. I tried to give a funny answer that came out totally wrong, and I want to make sure everybody knows that I am very sorry.” The European Tour had the option to sanction Garcia with a fine, suspension of membership or even expulsion from the European Tour, but ended up issuing a public reprimand, which also back-fired when European Tour chief executive George O’Grady described some of Garcia’s best friends as being ‘coloured’.

McDowell lands World Match Play Graeme McDowell overcame Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee 2&1 in the final of the Volvo World Match Play Championship to become the first Irishman to put his name on the trophy alongside some of golf’s most legendary names. McDowell, who defeated Branden Grace in his semi-final 3&2 to book his place in the final at Thracian Cliffs Beach and Golf Resort in Bulgaria, was delighted to win for the second time in the space of just four weeks, following his victory in the RBC Heritage on the PGA Tour last month. Those two successes have propelled the 33-year-old Ryder Cup star to seventh on the World Golf Ranking, while his €800,000 first prize took him to the top of The European Tour’s Race to Dubai. Reading the names of the past champions of the 50-year-old tournament, McDowell said: “Els, Montgomerie, Westwood, Ballesteros, Norman, Lyle, Faldo, Player, Palmer – it’s just crazy stuff really. These guys are legends of The European Tour and legends of golf so to have your name on such a trophy is pretty special. This is a special moment in my career, no doubt about it.”

in an effort to keep open his options for the 2016 Olympics. The Northern Irelandborn McIlroy has the option to play in the Olympics for

team,” said McGinley, whose proposed selection criteria received unanimous backing from the European Tour’s Tournament Committee during its meeting at Wentworth last month. “You only need to look at the record books to see that we haven’t done too badly of late, so I didn’t see the need to make sweeping changes. “I’ve kept the qualification list order the same as Olly had it for Medinah, the only difference being that I’ve increased the number of picks from two to three. I’ve done that to give myself a little bit of extra flexibility when it comes to making my selections. Hopefully this will ensure that I have the right players to face the examination paper that Gleneagles will set out next September.” The qualification process for the 2014 Ryder Cup begins at the ISPS Handa Wales Open, which is being staged at Celtic Manor on September 5-8.

Woods secures record fourth Players title

Only one Irish team to compete at World Cup Contrary to reports that Northern Ireland may field its own team at the World Cup later this year, the PGA Tour has confirmed that while England, Scotland and Wales will have their own separate teams at Royal Melbourne, Ireland and Northern Ireland will compete together under the Irish flag. The clarification is in line with all prior renewals of the competition, and means that world No.2 Rory McIlroy is not likely be among the 60-man field in November,

European Ryder Cup Captain Paul McGinley has announced he will have three wild card selections to complete his team for the 2014 Ryder Cup. The move represents an increase from the two picks his predecessor, José Maria Olazábal, opted for before the trip to Medinah last September, and will bring McGinley in line with his American counterpart Tom Watson who, in March, announced he was reducing his number of picks from four to three for the contest at The Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland in September 2014. McGinley’s decision leaves nine automatic places up for grabs, with the first four coming from the European points list, while the remaining five will come from the world points list. “I have said on a number of occasions that if something ain’t broke then don’t fix it, and I think that applies to the qualification process for the European Ryder Cup

either Great Britain or Ireland. Olympic laws state that players cannot change allegiances within three years of representing another country in an international competition – essentially meaning that the Ulsterman would be forced to play for Ireland in Rio should he participate at Royal Melbourne. McIlroy, who represented Ireland at both the 2009 and 2011 World Cups, has, to date, a remained noncommittal about his 2016 allegiances.

Tiger Woods secured his fourth win of the year with a two-shot victory at The Players Championship at Sawgrass. The World No.1 was tied with Sergio Garcia with just two holes to play, but the Spaniard put two tee shots in the water at the notorious island green 17th hole, meaning that par on the 18th was good enough for Woods to finish two shots clear of Americans Kevin Streelman and Jeff Maggert and Sweden’s David Lingmerth, on 13 under par. Garcia also found the water on 18, and ended up finishing six shots behind the winner. The 33-year-old Spaniard, who went from being in contention to win £1.2 million, to collecting under £200,000, said: “I have to be disappointed, not so much with 18, but with 17. I got going nicely from the 11th onwards, I felt I was hitting the ball

better, felt calmer and got too confident on 17. I’d hit so many good shots in a row and I under-hit it.” Woods returned to the top of the world rankings in March, but his three previous wins this year had been on courses he has traditionally been successful on. But, having won at Sawgrass in 2001, this was just a second victory at The Players Championship, sometimes called ‘the fifth major’ in the United States. “I was in control and hit the worst shot I could hit on the tee at 14 and made a double, but I just stayed patient,” said Woods.

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June 2013 / Issue 222

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June 2013 / Issue 222

WHAT YOU CAN LEARN FROM

GONZO’S GAME This month Cleveland Golf and Srixon bring you a couple of tips from one of the best iron players in the game, Spanish mid-iron maestro

Gonzalo FernandezCastano TIP 1: DISTANCE CONTROL Two of the most important aspects of good iron play that I think are fundamental if you want to improve is knowing your distances, and distance control and rhythm. Whenever I play with amateurs, one of the most common mistakes I see being made is club selection. When choosing the best available option, and deciding which club to hit, always focus on the distance you have to the pin and take the elements and any hazards around the green into consideration. If you want to hit more greens in regulation, your first thought should be about distance control. I know it is difficult for amateurs, as you don’t always hit the same distances with each club, but you need to know how far you hit each club with your best swing. Make a note of these distances, and even write them down and stick them to the shaft of your irons if you think it will help you to remember them. Choosing the right club is crucial. If you have 150 yards to the flag, and the flag is behind a bunker, and you know on average you hit your 9-iron 140 yards, you should always be clubbing up in this scenario, as even your best shot may still come up short. You need to make sure you can fly the ball the whole way, rather than relying on running it up to

Spain’s Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano is undoubtedly one of the most improved players on the European Tour in recent seasons. The 32-year-old Cleveland Golf and Srixon staff player has quietly gone about winning six times since 2005, with his most recent victory coming at the Italian Open at the back end of 2012 – a tournament he also won in 2007. Currently ranked 37th in the world, Gonzo, as he is affectionately known on Tour, has recently accepted special temporary membership on the PGA Tour, which can only help to further establish him as one of the world’s best players. One of the key features of his game is his consistent iron play, and his ability to hit a lot of greens in regulation. So who better to give you the inside track on how to improve your iron play?

the green, especially when there are hazards guarding the green. This may sound like common sense, but many amateurs will add between 5-10 shots a round to their score through bad club selection, sometimes more, so take my advice and club up! TIP 2: SAFETY FIRST My other big tip to help you hit more greens in regulation is to always take the safer option when hitting to the green. Don’t always play to the flag, especially if you don’t know the course very well. You need to try and play to the biggest part of the green, and sometimes this will be away from the flag. If you do this successfully, you will save yourself a lot of shots.

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THE NEW FACE OF SPIN • • •

Cleveland Golf, the leaders in wedge innovation, introduce the new 588 RTX Rotex Wedges: 16% larger grooves for increased contact and friction at impact Enhanced laser-milling for improved durability and surface roughness Unique directionally-optimized Rotex face pattern for maximum spin

588 RTX Blade

588 RTX CB Cavity Back

TIP 3: FIND YOUR RYHTYM Rhythm is one of the most important parts of the swing. How often can you say that one day you’ve played well and had good rhythm, woken up the next day and your swing just isn’t there? The swing itself doesn’t come and go, it’s all about rhythm. When trying to achieve a good rhythm in your golf swing, you don’t want to swing so much with your arms. The key to achieving a good rhythm is to focus on using the larger muscles in your upper body to power the swing. A great drill to practise your rhythm is to hit balls after stopping at the top of your backswing, so you swing back to the top, stop, and then hit it. Try this a few times and you’ll be amazed how much power is generated from the rhythm of the downswing.

APP’S THE WAY TO DO IT! To get more free instruction from Cleveland Golf and Srixon’s staff players, you can now download the Cleveland Golf and Srixon Iron Play Tips app. Available from the iTunes store, it features Graeme McDowell, Shane Lowry, Soren Kjedlsen and Gonzalo FernandezCastano, who all share their own unique advice to help your game.

Trade in any old wedge for any brand new 588 Wedge and get

£25 off

A maximum of three wedges can be traded in saving you £75 off three new 588 Wedges

Offer closes 30/06/13 – for terms and conditions, go to www.clevelandgolf588.eu

*Available in participating stores only.

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June 2013 / Issue 222

In association with

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Ping Collection Polos RRP: £39.99-49.99 Contact: pingcollection.co.uk Ping Collection’s range of summer polo shirts offers a choice of bold designs combined with in-built fabric innovations to ensure comfort in all conditions. Made from a 70/30 mix of polyester and cotton, the shirts offer technical performance courtesy of the brand’s Dry Fibre Dyanmics, which wicks away excess moisture to keep the wearer feeling cool in all climates. Featuring fine detailing and striking patterns, the Vigo, Miro, Wilkie, Miro and Desi polos offer a fitted, athletic look, without being too clingy, and are available in sizes S to XXXL.

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Silhouette Sunglasses RRP: £239 Contact: silhouette.com Put your rivals in the shade, and give your eyes some vital protection from the sun with a pair of Centre Court sunnies from leading sunglasses brand Silhouette. Although they may sound like they’re designed for tennis, they’re also ideal for golf, with the green lenses intensifying the colour of the grass, making the ball easier to see. As well as offering 32SPF protection from harmful UV rays, the lenses have an extra curve in order to prevent glare, and can be adjusted to the shape of your face.

RRP: £100-£150 Contact: ducadelcosma.com Widely available in mainland Europe since the brand’s launch in 2004, the entire Duca del Cosma range is now available in the UK for the first time this summer, with a range of three spikeless and three cleated models in the new 2013 collection. Featuring calfskin and cowhide leather uppers, which are given a hydroponic treatment to make them water repellant, the collection includes the spikeless Dandy You shoes from the sporty Airplay III range, while those looking for a more traditional shoe will like the Corleone, which features a brogue-style upper and a rubber composite spiked sole.

iPing App RRP: £25 Contact: ping.com

Progen Chromo RRP: See below Contact: direct-golf.co.uk A popular brand with beginners in the mid-80s, Progen is making a welcome re-appearance on the golfing scene. Aimed at the entry-level market, with price tags to match, the new range of Progen gear comprises the Chromo, Haema and Red Eye sub-brands, the latter of which is sold as a complete 18-piece starter set, including a stand bag, for £249. The Chromo driver (£99) features a titanium head, while the fairway woods (£69) and hybrids (£69) are made from hyper steel. The matching stainless steel irons (£249, 3-SW) are a combination set, with irons from 5-SW and hybrids replacing the 3- and 4-iron. The irons have a high-polish finish and feature an undercut channel and milled faces for easylaunching shots, and a dual bounce sole for playability from all types of lies. Specialist wedges and a range of putters, including mallet and heel-toe weighted blade designs, complete the Chromo line-up.

The innovative iPing putter app is now available as a free download on the Google Play store for the Samsung Galaxy S III. Previously only available for iPhone and iPod handsets, the iPing app is a wireless putting improvement and fitting tool, which identifies a player’s stroke type, analyses impact angle, and measures tempo, lie angle and shaft lean. The app records the golfer’s consistency in each area and establishes a putting handicap, which gets lower as the player becomes more consistent. The app works in conjunction with a specially-designed cradle – which costs £25 – that holds your mobile and clips onto the shaft below the grip.

Gift

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June 2013 / Issue 222

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2014 RRP: £39.99 Contact: easports.com Like EA’s popular FIFA game for sofa-based footie fans, there’s little to rival the company’s all-conquering Tiger Woods PGA Tour franchise when it comes to computer-based golf gaming. Now in its 16th year, the 2014 version has Tiger featuring prominently on the cover, plus plenty of new features, including the new ‘Legends of the Majors’ section, which allows players to match themselves up against some of the game’s greatest players at a selection of Open venues. So you can duel with Jack Nicklaus for the Claret Jug at Turnberry, try to keep pace with Seve Ballesteros at St Andrews, or take on a talkative Lee Trevino at Birkdale, among others. There’s also a new LPGA Tour career mode that puts you up against the world’s best women for the season. It is available on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms.

SkyCaddie SkyPro

Callaway HEX Chrome+ ball

RRP: £169.95 Contact: skycaddie.co.uk

RRP: £34.99 for 12 Contact: callawaygolf.com

From the makers of the most successful GPS rangefinders in golf comes a powerful new training tool that looks set to become a trusted accessory for club golfers and teaching pros alike. The lightweight portable device, which clips onto the shaft of the club, records almost every aspect of a golfer’s swing – including clubhead speed, swing tempo, clubface rotation, backswing length, shaft angle and swing path – and sends this data to a smartphone or laptop, where it can be digested in a user-friendly format. The SkyPro app enables golfers to see and store information on how they typically swing every club in the bag, enabling them to store ‘good’ swings to use as a template for future practice, whether they be on the golf course, in a bay at the driving range, or swinging in a suitably spacious office. Users can also view every element of the swing, from address back to impact, from any angle in 3D highdefinition, while SkyPro’s Groove and Practice feature provides instant feedback on successful swings, giving instant ‘alerts’ after every swing, to identify the most common faults. It also features challenge sessions to correct swing flaws, helping golfers to learn how to correct their errors. SkyPro’s 3D inertial motion sensors capture up to 100,000 data points from address to impact – 3,200 samples per second – providing far more accurate swing data than is offered by a video camera, which typically records at 24-60 frames per second. Users can also synchronise and compare two stored swings on-screen, and post swings on social media sites, or email them to coaches.

A new addition to Callaway’s Hex Chrome range, the Tour-grade four-piece Chrome+ is geared to producing maximum distance off the driver for golfers with mid to high swing speeds. Featuring a resilient core, combined with a thin inner and outer mantle, and a soft cover, the Chrome+ produces low spin off the tee, but Tour-level control around the greens. The tried-and-tested hexagonal dimple pattern on the cover enhances aerodynamics by reducing drag, increasing lift, and promoting a stable, penetrating ball flight. The ball, which comes in white and optical yellow colour options, has been put in play by a number of Callaway’s Tour players, including Gary Woodland and Pablo Larrazabal.

Adams Golf Idea Super Hybrids

TRIED &

TESTED Big Max Blade Trolley Ping Nome TR putter Rating: RRP: £239/£259 Contact: ping.com

RRP: £159.99 Contact: adamsgolf.com Adams Golf’s new Super 9031 and Super DHy, which, like all hybrids, are designed to replace long irons, feature a slot in the sole which serves to increase ball speeds from the thin steel face and promote extra distance. The compact 80cc head of the 9031 model is geared towards better players, and is weighted to produce a mid to low trajectory for more penetrating shots, while the DHy hybrid features a bulge and roll face design, which encourages straight, long and powerful shots, with a slightly higher trajectory that most higher handicappers will prefer. The 9031 is available in 16°, 18°, 20° and 23° lofts, while the DHy comes in 18°, 21°, 24° and 27° options.

Grooves are becoming a common feature on high performance putters, with plenty of brands following a trend first started by Yes! Golf with its concentric C Grooves, which claim to get the ball moving forward faster with topspin, rather than bouncing and skidding. The True Roll grooves on the Nome are milled directly into the face, and are variable in depth, with the deepest in the centre and the shallowest towards the heel and toe. This unique design claims to deliver a 50% increase in ball-speed consistency when measured from nine different points across the face, resulting in improved distance control. The Nome also features extreme perimeter weighting for added stability through impact, while a distinctive alignment bar and contrasting sightline make it easier to line up putts. The head comes with three different neck options, and a choice of a fixed or telescopic shaft, the latter of which can be adjusted between 31 and 38 inches.

RRP: £299 Contact: bigmaxgolf.com Fitting a bulky golf bag and trolley into the back of a car is always a bit of a palaver, even if you have taken out all of the detritus that clutters up the average bootspace. So Big Max’s new Blade trolley must be regarded as a welcome addition to the burgeoning trolley market, given that it measures just 12.5cm deep when folded down into its recovery position. The push-powered three-wheeler also comes with its own carry case, and its minimalist dimensions leave plenty of room for the biggest of tour bags to be balanced on top.

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June 2013 / Issue 222

Callaway X HOT Pro

Cleveland Golf 588 TT

RRP: £699 Contact: callawaygolf.com

RRP: £499 Contact: clevelandgolf.com

With varying the levels of stiffness across the face, the X Hot wants to behave like a driver, with the spring-like face acting as a trampoline to fire the ball out faster and further. The Pro offers a mid-sized head profile, with a thin topline and sole, and a small amount of offset. The face features Close Spaced V Grooves, which offer more backspin and control, especially from the rough. It is available in 3-PW with Project X 95 Flighted steel shafts in 5.5 (R), 6.0 (S) and 6.5 (XS) flexes.

Cleveland’s 588 irons offer different levels of feel, forgiveness and flight across three distinct head designs. The Altitude, Mid Trajectory and Tour Trajectory irons can be mixed and matched in order to create a customised a set which best suits performance needs. The pro-orientated TT irons feature forged faces with a small undercut cavity to provide a more penetrating trajectory, yet still offer high levels of forgiveness.

Aspire to play like a pro with the latest Tour-inspired irons

INSPIRING

Ping i20

RRP: £90/£110 per club Contact: ping.com The i20 looks very much like a players irons, but possesses bags of forgiving features, including a custom tuning port and stabilisation bars in the cavity, both of which improve feel along with a thicker face in the impact area. The set transitions in size and topline widths, while tungsten weighting in the toe helps to increase MOI at impact, and makes it easier to manipulate the club through rotation, while not losing forgiveness off slight miss-hits.

Mizuno JPX825 Pro RRP: £110/£80 per club Contact: mizuno.eu Made from grain flow forged carbon steel, the long to mid irons (3-7) feature a deep-milled pocket cavity, which is toe/heel weighted to increase the sweet spot. The short irons (8-GW) have a solid cavity for precision and control. The sole offers a triple cut design, and the heads are double nickel chrome plated. They’re easy to get up in the air and better than average at shaping shots. The slight – and progressive – offset, medium-thick topline, and mid-sized face inspire confidence at address.

Titleist AP2 RRP: £720 Contact: titleist.co.uk The AP2s feature a dual cavity design and multi-material construction, while a ‘Tuned Feel System’ – comprising a medallion of soft elastomer and aluminium plate in the cavity – improves the sound and feel. A forged carbon steel body combined with a tungsten nickel sole reduces low frequency vibration, for solid feel, while reduced bounce angles in the short irons improve ground contact, and variable hosel lengths help to boost launch conditions throughout the set.

Cobra AMP Cell Pro

Nike VR Pro Combo irons

RRP: £749 Contact: cobragolf.co.uk

RRP: £720 Contact: nikegolfeurope.com

The AMP Pros are a combination set, featuring dual cavity long irons, single cavity mid irons, and muscleback short irons – although a complete set of musclebacks is also available. Made from forged carbon steel for soft feel and responsive feedback, the compact heads feature a hidden weight cell that places the centre of gravity in a slightly different location for each club to optimise ball flight.

The design of the Pro Combo irons changes from a pocket cavity in the long irons (3, 4), to a split cavity in the mid irons (5, 6 and 7), to blades in the short irons (8-PW). The pocket cavity offers higher trajectory on longer shots although still looking like a blade, the split cavity enhances control and workability, while the blades deliver precision and feel. Forged from carbon steel, each face features high frequency grooves that are placed closer together to produce a more consistent ball flight and spin.

Taylormade RocketBladez Tour RRP: £899 Contact: taylormadegolf.eu The RocketBladez iron falls into the progressive cavity category, courtesy of a Speed Pocket in the back of the cast steel head, combined with a weight channel in the sole, which features in the 3- to 7-iron. The channel, which contains a polyurethane filling to dampen vibration, is designed to allow the face to flex at impact. It also moves the centre of gravity lower in order to raise launch angles. The midsized face has a broader sweet spot than most players’ irons, and offers a crisp feel at impact.

Adams Idea CMB RRP: £899 Contact: adamsgolf.com The Cavity MuscleBack irons feature forged carbon-steel heads with two tungsten weights fused behind the toe section. The weights shift the centre of gravity near to the middle of the face, and raise the moment of inertia for improved forgiveness. The ultra-thin face helps produce fast ball speeds, while a three-way sole camber delivers the kind of playability that better players demand. They come with KBS Tour C-Taper shafts as standard, which have a matt graphite-style finish.

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June 2013 / Issue 222

Howell joins Adams’ ANCHORING AWAY AS R&A CONFIRMS 2016 BAN Tour staff

WINNERS ON TOUR

Golf’s two ruling bodies have confirmed their intention to ban the anchoring of putters in competition from January 1, 2016. The ban will apply to any club rested against a part of the body, such as broomhandle or belly putters. Rule 14-1b, which was proposed on November 28 last year, has now been given final approval by the R&A and the USGA, following an extensive review by both organisations, and prohibits anchoring the club in making a stroke. A 90-day consultation process was allocated for consideration of comments and suggestions. The USGA dealt with over 2,200 individual responses, while around 450 comments from 17 countries were received by the R&A. The PGA Tour, who said in February that there was no overriding reason to ban putter anchoring, said they would have discussions with their Player Advisory Council and Policy Board members over the next month. “We will now begin our process to ascertain whether the various provisions of Rule 14-1b will be implemented in our competitions and, if so, examine the process for implementation,” a PGA Tour statement said. “We will announce our position upon conclusion of our process

DRIVER: Cleveland Classic 290 (9°) FAIRWAYS: Cleveland Launcher FL 3-wood (14°), Srixon XXIO 5-wood HYBRID: Adams Idea a7 PNT (22°) IRONS: Cleveland 588 TT (4), Srixon Z-TX II (5-9) WEDGES: Cleveland 588 (48°, 52°) Cleveland 588 RTX (58°) PUTTER: Odyssey White Hot #7 mallet BALL: Srixon Z-Star XV Pure White

and we will have no further comment on the matter until that time.” Four of the last six major winners have used anchor putters, most recently Adam Scott at this year’s Masters in April. Several players have spoken out in defence of the proposed ban, and all are in agreement that the rules need to apply globally, and not just in Europe. Sergio Garcia is one of many players who insisted

the PGA should accept the verdict. “If the decision is made I think everyone should follow it. You can’t have one tour banning it and then one not. There are already too many things going on, so I think we should all go with it, I’m sure the guys affected by it will figure a way to putt within the new rules.” Peter Dawson, chief executive of the R&A, said: “We recognise this has been a divisive issue but, after thorough consideration,

we remain convinced this is the right decision for golf. We took a great deal of time to consider this issue, and received a variety of contributions from individuals and organisations at all levels of the game. The report gives a comprehensive account of the reasons for taking the decision to adopt the new rule and addresses the concerns that have been raised.” The USGA president Glen Nager said: “The new rule upholds the essential nature of the traditional method of stroke and eliminates the possible advantage that anchoring provides, ensuring that players of all skill levels face the same challenge inherent in the game of golf.” David Rickman, executive director of rules and equipment standards at the R&A, added: “This rule change addresses the future and not the past. Everyone who has used an anchored stroke in the past, or who does so between now and 1 January 2016, will have played entirely within the rules and their achievements will in no way be diminished.” World number one Tiger Woods said: “I just believe the art of putting is swinging the club and controlling nerves. Having it as a fixed point is something that’s not in the traditions of the game. We swing all other 13 clubs. I think the putter should be the same.”

Choi goes shopping for Mizuno irons Tour pros don’t often buy clubs from high stree golf shops, especially those who have won PGA Tour events. Those golfers can call just about any equipment manufacturer in the world and have a set of custom clubs sent to them overnight if they so please. That’s why the equipment world was surprised to hear that KJ Choi, who has won eight times on the PGA Tour, took a detour on his way to last month’s Memorial Tournament in Ohio to visit a golf retail outlet, where he bought a set of off-the-shelf irons that he went on to use on the range in preparation for the event. Choi is known as one of the most frequent equipment tinkerers on Tour, but he took it took it to a different level at Golf Galaxy.

There are no equipment vans allowed on site at the Memorial, so Choi tested four different sets of irons at the store before purchasing a set of Mizuno MP-64s with the company’s stock grips and stock True Temper Dynamic Gold S300 shafts. “He tried a few different Mizuno irons, the MP-59s, MP-69s and MP-64s,” said Doug Fleischmann, a shop assistant at Golf Galaxy. “He also tried the Titleist 712 CBs.” According to Fleishmann, Choi went into a hitting bay in the shop and hit each club about five to 10 times, before settling on the MP 64s. Choi currently uses a mixture of TaylorMade woods, hybrids and wedges, while his irons are a set of Miura CB501s.

Adams Golf has signed former Ryder Cup player David Howell to the company’s Tour staff, with the 37-year-old from Swindon making his debut for the brand at last month’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. Sporting the Adams Golf logo on his bag and headwear, the 2006 BMW PGA champion has also put Adams’ Super 9031 hybrid into play. “Throughout my time on the tour, particularly when I’ve played in the US, I’ve been aware of the number of players that have benefitted significantly from using Adams hybrids,” said Howell. “The company has great products and big plans for Europe; I’m delighted to be joining them at such an exciting time.” Howell, who is based in Dubai for half the year, is enjoying a welcome return to form this season, with four top-10 finishes since March seeing him ranked inside the top 50 on the Race to Dubai. Simon Homer, head of Adams Golf Europe, said: “Our ethos is about making innovative, easy-to-hit products for golfers of all abilities, and therefore making the game fun. David is very popular among his fellow professionals and fans alike, so is the perfect fit for the Adams brand. We have goals to increase our usage on tour in Europe, as well as presence at retail, and we are delighted to welcome David on board as the first European Tour Adams Tour staff professional as part of that process.”

Get your kit sorted with GolFIT! Golfers looking for the ultimate custom-fitting experience without having to become a tour pro should book a visit to the studios of GolFIT, a new West Londonbased bespoke customfitting service. Located in Brentford, West London, GolFIT opened in September last year with the goal of providing Tour level custom-fitting services to players of all skill levels. Kevin Marron, who is one of GolfFIT’s founders, as well as being an expert customer fitter, says: “It is a tragedy to watch a golfer trying to manipulate themselves to accommodate an ill-fitting club. When clubs fit, your swing can act naturally, as the shaft will load properly, and you can establish a proper groove. The results are efficiency, consistency and improvement.” He added: “It is nigh on impossible to walk into a pro shop or a retail outlet and pick up a driver or set of irons that is perfect for you, however much it costs. At GolFIT, our fitting centre has all the tools to best frequency match your club to within 1% of your needs. “GolFIT custom-fitting sessions are not 15-minute tweaks, but a complete overhaul of your equipment needs, from your driver through to your putter, and even the type of ball you use. As Kevin says: “The ball makes a huge difference and using the wrong ball can result in 15% less efficiency. GolFIT can personalise and refine these efficiency savings, and apply them effectively to your game, making you a better golfer.” Using state-of-the-art Trackman radar systems to monitor ball flight, spin and trajectory, as well as angle of attack and swing/ball speeds, Kevin and his team will soon have you reaching your full potential as a golfer. Prices for a three-hour equipment audit start from £145, which involves a complete assessment of your existing equipment, with tests for suitability. Golfers will then have a chance to test a range of irons and drivers, with all relevant heads and shafts being looked at in different combinations to provide personalised fitting for your driver and irons. A one-hour driver fitting using Trackman costs from £59, while a 15-minute ball fitting costs from just £12.99. For bookings or more information visit www.golfitlondon.com or call 0800 612 6726.

Graeme McDowell Volvo World Match Play

Peter Uihlein Madeira Islands Open DRIVER: Titleist 913D3 (8.5°) FAIRWAY: Titleist 913Fd (13.5°) IRONS: Titleist 712U (3), Titleist 680 (4-PW) WEDGES: Titleist Vokey Design SM4 (50°, 56°, 60°) PUTTER: Scotty Cameron GSS BALL: Titleist Pro V1 Matteo Manassero BMW PGA Championship DRIVER: Titleist 913D2 (8.5°) FAIRWAY: Titleist 913F (13.5°) HYBRID: Titleist 913H (17°, 21°) IRONS: Titleist 712 AP2 (4-6), Titleist 712 MB (7-PW) WEDGES: Titleist Vokey SM4 (52°, 58°) PUTTER: Scotty Cameron GoLo5 BALL: Titleist Pro V1x Boo Weekley Crowne Plaza Invitational DRIVER: TaylorMade R1 (9°) FAIRWAY: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 (15°) HYBRID: TaylorMade RBZ (21.5°) IRONS: Cleveland 588 MB (4-PW) WEDGES: Cleveland 588 RTX (52°, 56° and 60°) PUTTER: Odyssey Versa 2-Ball BALL: TaylorMade Lethal Mikko Ilonen Nordea Masters DRIVER: TaylorMade R1 (10°) FAIRWAY: Callaway X Hot (15°) IRONS: Callaway RAZR Forged (3PW) WEDGES: Cleveland 588 (51°, 55°, 59°) PUTTER: Odyssey Versa #2 BALL: Titleist Pro V1x Matt Kuchar Memorial Tournament DRIVER: Bridgestone J40 430 (9.5°) FAIRWAY: Ping G25 (15°) HYBRIDS: Ping Anser (19°, 22°) IRONS: Bridgestone J40 Cavity Back (5-PW) WEDGES: Bridgestone J40 Black Oxide (52°, 57°), Titleist Vokey Design SM4 (63°) PUTTER: Bettinardi Signature Series Model 1. BALL: Bridgestone B330-S. KARRIE WEBB Shoprite LPGA Classic DRIVER: Taylorma de R11 (8°) FAIRWAYS: Cleveland Launcher (15°), Taylormade R9 (19°) HYBRID: Taylormade Rescue TP (22°) IRONS: Ping S56 (4-PW) WEDGES: Ping Gorge Tour (52°, 58°) PUTTER: Ping Scottsdale Senita BALL: Bridgestone Tour B330 Harris English FedEx St Jude Classic DRIVER: Ping G15 (10.5°) FAIRWAY: Ping G5 (15°), Ping G20 (18) IRONS: Ping S56 (4-9) WEDGES: Ping Gore Tour (47°, 52°, 56°) PUTTER: Ping None TR BALL: Titleist Pro V1x

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June 2013 / Issue 222

“A “A short short “A short game expert” game expert” game expert”

Says Barrie Trainor, PGA Professional PGA whoSays thisBarrie year Trainor, is playing inProfessional his 5th Irish

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kind of accolade that Stuart Smith is receiving as the results that golfers are seeing after having short game with him are extremely high. Here at Golf News we have teamed up with Stuart to show the importance of the set itting a chip, as you can see he has four different set ups that will have four different results when chipping a ball.

4 erent Spins

Core Board

Core Board Short Game Days

High Chip

Normal Chip

Stuart Smith Normal Chipis 1 Day Courses £95 the only PGA

Check Chip

Running Chip

Core Board.

Check Chip Running Chip 2 Day Courses £165

Own Your Own Core Board and learn > An introduction to the board, booklet > 1st Day is the same as one day course Professional HighbyChip Normaland Chip Running Chip 1 Day Courses £95 2 Chip Day Courses £165 its secrets attending one of Stuart’s how tothe use them Check > Going through the first days using Own Your Own Core Board and learn > of An1 or introduction torevolutionary theand board, booklet the>four 1st Day information is the same as one day course Short Game Days. A choice 2 day > Learning understanding courses where you will receive your own and how they are different> Going>through Understanding where to play each of its secrets by attending one of Stuart’s and how to useshots them the first days Core Board. board and showing you how and>understanding Learning the fourthe different the four shots from Short Game Days. A choice of 1booklet or 2 day > Learning four set upsinformation to transform your short game. Allto days > Understanding the four>techniques to > Going through the choice of clubs for Own Your Own Corecourses Boardwhere and learn > An introduction the board, booklet 1st Day is the same as one day course you willcome receive your own shots and howthe they are different > Understanding where to play each of with coffee on arrival and lunch, shots each style of chip Core Board High Chip Normal Chip Check Chip Running Chip its secrets by attending one of Stuart’s and how to use them > Going through the first days board and booklet showing how we can > Learning theDay four setJuly upsday 2 - Tuesday the four for two you day sessions advise 1 -different Monday 22nd 23rdshots July atfrom Thetford golf club Short Game Days. Atochoice of 1your or 2short day > stay Learning and understanding the information transform game. All locally days if required. > Understanding four four techniques to > Going through the choice of Golf clubs for where to Daythe 1 - Saturday 27th July day 2 - Sunday 28th July at Heydon Grange Club

Core Board Short Game Days

Short Game Days

ame Days

1 Day Courses £95

2 Day Courses £165

come withtocoffee onown arrival and the shots each style where of chip to play each of where you receive your how different > Understanding Own Corecourses Board and learn > An will introduction the board, booklet > shots 1stlunch, Day isand the same as they one dayare course by attending one of Stuart’s and for howtwo to use them > Going through the first days day sessions we can advise Day 1 Monday 22nd July day 2 Tuesday 23rd July at Thetford golf club board and booklet showing you howthe four > Learning the four different set ups the four shots from me Days. A choice of 1 or 2 day > Learning andto understanding information where stay locally if required. Day 1 - Saturday 27th July day 2 - Sunday 28th July at Heydon Grange Golf Club to receive transform yourshots short Alldifferent days >> Understanding the techniques to > Going through the choice of clubs for here you will your own and game. how they are Understanding where to playfour each of d booklet showing you how > Learning the four different set ups the four shots from come with coffee on arrival and lunch, the shots each style of chip rm your short game. All days > Understanding the four techniques to > Going through the choice of clubs for two we can advise Day 1 -style Monday h coffee onfor arrival andday lunch,sessions the shots each of chip 22nd July day 2 - Tuesday 23rd July at Thetford golf club ay sessions we can advise Day 1 - Monday 22nd July day 2 - Tuesday 23rd July at Thetford golf club where to stay locally if required. Day 1 Saturday 27th July day 2 - Sunday 28th July at Heydon Grange Golf Club stay locally if required. Day 1 - Saturday 27th July day 2 - Sunday 28th July at Heydon Grange Golf Club Stuart Smith

Stuart Smith

www.stuartsmithgolfacademy.com Stuart Smith

www.stuartsmithgolfacademy.com www.stuartsmithgolfacademy.com

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June 2013 / Issue 222

HEAVENLY HYBRIDS LAUNCHES

‘TRY BEFORE YOU BUY’ Golfers in search of a risk-free deal when it comes to purchasing a new set of clubs should check out a new trialling initiative being launched by equipment brand Heavenly Hybrids. Readers of Golf News can test out a set of the gamechanging clubs completely free of charge (with the obvious guarantees) and test then out with absolutely no obligation to buy them. If you find they are not to your liking, then simply send them back – no questions asked. However, the maker of Heavenly Hybrids is confident that you won’t just like them, you’ll love them, as many golfers up and down the country have already discovered. Designed by golf professional Stuart Smith, Heavenly Hybrid’s give golfers of all abilities greater distance, improved ball flight, great accuracy, and better control. Tests have shown that the clubs hit the ball nine per cent further than equivalent irons, and are 10 per cent more accurate from inside 20 yards.

The unique design of the Heavenly Hybrid pitching wedge make those scorecard-wrecking shots from around the edge of the green as simple as putting, while the sand wedge makes escaping from bunkers similarly easy. Quite simply, the Hybrids are guaranteed to allow your offcentre shots go straighter than an equivalent iron. Naturally, that makes the game easier for you. Available in sets for men and women, the nine-piece Heavenly Hybrid range comprises 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 irons, plus a hybrid pitching wedge and sand wedge. The complete set costs £349, although clubs can also be bought individually for £45 each. But before you dip your hand into your pocket, take advantage of this exclusive Golf News offer, and log on to www.heavenlyhybrid.com and ask to be sent a trial set of Heavenly Hybrids, so you can try before you buy. This offer is strictly subject to availability and has to be limited to first come, first serve basis.

On average you will hit your shots 9% longer with Heavenly Hybrids making your shot into the green easier On tests that we carried out we saw that you would have 65% success in hitting your shot out of a bunker and onto a green on your first attempt! Which we feel is very impressive, especially when playing your own sand iron the percentage of first time shots hitting the green dropped to 52%. 70% of your pitch shots hit the green when using the Heavenly Hybrid Pitching Wedge from the rough under 20 yards (59% with traditional irons) 77% of your chips over bunkers using the Heavenly Hybrid

Wedges ended on the green (68% with traditional irons) So as you can see the results that you get when using the LSH-c Heavenly Hybrid Irons are impressive, and the added bonus to using these is that you are unable to shank the ball!! We can guarantee that the above statistics are all 100% genuine. They all came about by us testing the clubs on a wide range of golfers’ ability from scratch to 36 handicaps, both men and ladies and without any practice first.

Let us help you Feel free to have a try before you buy! Simply send us a email and we will send you some trial clubs as soon as we can. Email: admin@heavenlyhybrid.com To find out more about the designer, PGA professional Stuart Smith, please go to his website: www.stuartsmithgolfacademy.com

www.heavenlyhybrid.com

"I think I have found a new lease of my golfing life" Is how one man described his impressions after trying out the new LSH-c Heavenly Hybrids. Joe Barnett, 71 years old and Vice Captain of Ashford (Kent) Golf Veterans section tried out a half set of the revolutionary hybrids and was immediately impressed. "I received them on a Tuesday and won our Vets Swindle on Wednesday, shooting 5-over gross for 39 points around our tree-lined par 71 course. I now play off a 8 handicap, having gone up from 6 in the past 2 years and my game was not as reliable as before. My mid to long iron play was by far the worst aspect of my play and these hybrids have really helped me. In addition I had begun for the first time to suffer from the occasional shank, especially around the greens, but it is absolutely impossible to do so with these clubs, which greatly improves one’s confidence. I was concerned that they might not be as accurate as my irons but it was soon obvious that they were in fact straighter. Also they were about a club longer. In fact they were better for me in every way except in working the ball. To me they are meant to go straight and indeed that is what they do, but so far after just a couple of rounds I do find it hard to deliberately draw or fade them. But hey, straight isn’t bad, is it? Overall I am very impressed and look forward to playing with them for a long time. After my own experience I would have no hesitation in recommending these clubs to anyone. Give them a try, you will be surprised just how good they are." "Sand play is now a joy." "As a beginner I always struggled with my iron play and was always happier using my rescue hybrid, and then I was introduced to the Heavenlies and that's exactly what they are! After trying them out I was so impressed that I bought the full set. I now prefer the 3 & 4 to my fairway wood and am confident using all of them as opposed to the irons where I could never get on with the 5. The results/distance are so much better than with traditional irons, which for a lady golfer is vital. The sand wedge is something else, almost a pleasure to land in a bunker! Invariably the ball just pops out now! They have certainly improved my game and have helped me to lower my handicap." Debbie Sales

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June 2013 / Issue 222

Frimley Hall puts you in the heart of Surrey golf With a host of championship courses right on its doorstep, Macdonald Frimley Hall Hotel & Spa in Camberley, Surrey is the ideal base for a weekend golf break. From just £60 per person, based on two adults sharing a double or twin room, guests can enjoy overnight accommodation at the luxurious four-star venue. This includes breakfast and full use of the extensive spa facilities, which boast a 17m indoor pool, jacuzzi and steam room, split level gym, and beauty treatment rooms.

With the likes of Wentworth, Windlesham and Pine Ridge located close by, golfers will be spoilt for choice with the outstanding local golf facilities. With this in mind, guests will also be given a golfer’s snack pack to fuel them on the course – which includes a soft drink, cereal bar, fruit, and a sweet treat. Macdonald Frimley Hall Hotel & Spa is one of Surrey’s hidden gems, surrounded by tranquil private gardens and woodlands. The beautiful and luxurious country house setting includes four poster rooms and suites,

with fine dining available at the award-winning 2 AA rosette Linden Restaurant. Conveniently located for access to the M3 and M25, and only 16 miles from Heathrow Airport and a 45-minute train ride to Central London, the hotel is ideal for golfing couples seeking a romantic weekend getaway. The rate is based on two people sharing a double or twin room. There are no golf facilities at the hotel. To book, call 0844 879 9110 or email general. frimleyhall@macdonald-hotels. co.uk.

St Pierre’s Old Course

Stunning St Pierre makes for perfect getaway With breathtaking views, 400 acres of picturesque parkland, and a stunning 14th century manor, St Pierre, a Marriott Hotel & Country Club, is an idyllic retreat. The resort, set in the rolling hills of South Wales, features the perfect blend of ancient architecture and modern amenities, and is also home to two superb golf courses. The Old Course has been instrumental in the establishment of St Pierre as one of the best golf resorts in Wales and beyond. The challenging CK Cotton-designed layout has the reputation of being one of the finest courses in the UK. Among its many stunning holes is the iconic 18th, a 235-yard par three played to an elevated green, which has seen the climax to many professional tournaments. In fact, St Pierre has staged no fewer than 14 European Tour events, as well as the Curtis Cup in 1980 and the 1996 Solheim Cup. First opened in 1962, the golf course has recently benefitted from a multi-million pound upgrade, which should confirm its position as one of Wales’s finest inland courses for many years to come. The 6,741-yard championship layout, which costs £60 in the summer, is ably supported by the 5,748-yard Mathern Course, which has been vastly improved since its overhaul in 2008, when 18 new tee sites were added, a sizeable number of bunkers reconstructed and repositioned, and a modern irrigation system installed. Its signature hole is undoubtedly the 14th, which crosses two rivers, but there is much else to enjoy, however you happen to play. Green fees for the Mathern cost just £30 during the

summer. After golf, guests can relax in the four-star Marriott hotel, with its 148 elegant guest rooms offering luxury bedding, dedicated workspace and 24-hour room service. The hotel also offers a fitness club, spa, indoor swimming pool, tennis courts and plenty of outdoor activities. Guests can while away summer days overlooking the ornamental lake or spend a winter’s evening relaxing in front of spectacular log fires with a glass of something equally warming to hand. When ready to dine, guests can choose from the oak-panelled Morgan’s Restaurant, which offers Welsh-inspired contemporary cuisine, and the sporty Zest Bar, which serves continental food in a more relaxed setting. Stay and play packages are available directly through the Marriott website, starting from just £109pp for the Sunday Driver package, which includes one night’s dinner, bed and breakfast, and two rounds of golf. For details of the very latest packages at St Pierre and Marriot’s 11 other UK golf destinations, visit www.marriottgolf.co.uk or call 0800 054 6505.

Enjoy five-star treatment at the Manor Golfers can stay in the height of luxury when they visit The Manor House Hotel and Golf Club in Wiltshire this summer, with the Castle Combe-based venue offering a range of new five-star golfing breaks, with prices starting from £142 per person. Stay-and-play packages include 36 holes on a course rated the best in Wiltshire in the ‘Top 100 Golf Courses in England’ poll, luxury bed and breakfast accommodation, and a three-course dinner in the clubhouse. Use of the club’s driving range facilities are also included, which is based on two people

sharing a room, with one golfer going free when staying in groups of eight or more – and visitors can upgrade to the hotel’s Michelin-starred Bybrook restaurant for just £30 per person. Dating back to the 14th century, The Manor House nestles in 365 acres of stunning countryside in Castle Combe, near Bath – one of the most picturesque villages in England – and its five-star facilities include a collection of 48 bedrooms and suites. To make a booking call 01249 782206, email enquiries@ manorhousegolf. co.uk or go to www. manorhousegolf. co.uk

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June 2013 / Issue 222

Celtic Manor remains top choice It’s a measure of the continued popularity of golf in the UK – as well as golfers’ decisions to cut back on short-haul flights – that five of the 10 most popular golf breaks booked with Yourgolftravel.com this year are for UK-based golf resorts. The number one break is to Celtic Manor, which is still buzzing with activity almost

three year after the cheers died down following Europe’s dramatic victory in the Ryder Cup. YGT’s one-night break with two rounds of golf, which costs from £89pp, proved a runaway success in 2012, with bookings already busy well into 2013. Slipping in at No.2 is another Ryder Cup venue, Gleneagles, host of next

year’s matches, where one night’s B&B and one round of golf at the luxury five-star Perthshire venue costs from £175pp. The third most popular break is to yet another former Ryder Cup venue, The Belfry, where golfers continue to flock to the iconic Warwickshire resort in an attempt to relive some

of the most memorable moments in the history of the game. Bed and breakfast and two rounds of golf, including one on the famed Brabazon Course, start from £99, making a trip to the UK’s home of the Ryder Cup eminently affordable. For details of breaks to all these venues and more, visit wwwyourgolftravel.com.

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ROLL UP TO THE ENGLISH RIVIERA! Playing golf on the English Riviera is proving more popular than ever, after organisers of the South Devon Golf Tour revealed that bookings have risen by ten per cent in 2013. The tour, which was launched in 2010, has experienced a significant increase in interest on the corresponding period last year, with golfers flocking to enjoy nine of the region’s top golf venues in some breathtaking locations. Visitors have a wide selection of courses to choose from, with Dartmouth Golf & Country’s Club’s highly-regarded Championship Course, Bovey Castle, Thurlestone, Bigbury, Churston, Dawlish Warren, China Fleet, Dainton Park and Wrangaton all available. Packages for the South Devon Golf Tour are on offer from just £209 per person between now and September, and include two nights’ bed and breakfast and one two-course dinner,

in addition to three rounds of golf – based on two people sharing a twin or double room. Dartmouth Golf & Country Club’s three-star hotel provides the base for the breaks, and packages include a round on the resort’s Championship Course, as well as unlimited golf on the nine-hole Dartmouth layout in addition to the choice of the other courses on offer.

The English Riviera’s unique mild climate makes it an ideal destination for a golf break, and with Dartmoor, the River Dart, fantastic beaches, and a host of picturesque towns and villages nearby, there is plenty to do away from the fairways. For more information or to book, call 0800 043 3497, or visit www. southdevongolfbreaks. co.uk.

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June 2013 / Issue 222

Oceânico launches sizzling summer offers

Oceânico Golf, which represents seven golf courses in Portugal’s Algrave, is celebrating the summer season with attractive rates for golfers in search of the ultimate in affordable golfing breaks. Between now and September 15, guests teeing off after 11am can enjoy discounted rates on all rental equipment and buggies. Golfers can hire clubs for €10 at any of the Oceânico courses, and a buggy from just €15, as well as enjoying reduced rates on the shuttle between Vilamoura and the Amendoeira Golf Resort. In addition, groups and families can also enjoy one complimentary green fee per group of eight around the Oceânico course of choice, as well as a courtesy junior green fee for those accompanied by a paying adult. Ideal for groups and families, all summer rates are available when playing any of Oceânico’s seven championship courses. Differing in style

and difficulty to suit a diverse range of visitors, the portfolio is made up of Vilamoura’s ‘famous five’: the Old, Victoria, Pinhal, Laguna and Millennium courses. A further three courses are located at the luxurious Amendoeira Golf Resort – the Faldo, O’Connor Jnr and Academy courses. Visitors can also explore the first class practice facilities and accommodation options at Amendoeira, which is situated 35 minutes from Faro airport in the beautiful central Algarve countryside. The resort consists of luxury apartments and villas, and a wide range of recreational sports facilities, including two five-a-side football pitches, six tennis courts, beach volleyball/football, a gym, shop and bar. Guests are well placed to explore a host of local attractions, from the Aqualand Water Park to horse riding on the beach. For more information and bookings visit www.oceanicogolf.com.

More golf for less at Mar Menor Members of a regular golf group looking to go away for a bargain short break in sunny Spain this autumn should checkout Golf Escape’s special offer for groups of eight, where the eighth person goes free. Based at the self-catering Mar Menor Residences, near Murcia, sharing two two-bed apartments for five nights with four rounds of golf costs from just £299 per person during October and November. Players can choose rounds from a host of great layouts, including Mar Menor, La Torre, Saurines, Hacienda Riquelme, El Valle and Alhama. Located just 10 minutes from Murcia airport, the Mar Menor resort represents top value for a Spanish golf break and is overlooked by a splendid course with two other quality layouts nearby. Guests are based in luxury self-catering apartments, while the resort provides a variety of bars and restaurants offering typical Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine. You’ll also find a fantastic selection of new restaurants at the entrance of the resort, including La Perla Negra pub, an Italian, and a tapas bar, as well as La Mombasa café and the Rock N Roll Circus – an ideal place for post-round music and drinks. For more details and bookings visit www.golf-escapes.com or call 01342 811777.

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Lap up the luxury at Saadiyat Host to the Abu Dhabi Golf Championships, Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Gary Player’s masterpiece Saadiyat Beach Golf Club have unveiled exclusive summer packages in conjunction with their 5-star facilities; Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa and St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. Golfers can take advantage of the summer deals and check into Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa or St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. Two rounds of golf can be played at either of Abu Dhabi’s championship courses with an additional opportunity to experience ‘night golf’ over Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s floodlit course. Throughout June and July ‘Summer in Abu Dhabi’ is available at Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa from £180 for a superior room, while St Regis Saadiyat Island is available from £210 in a deluxe room until September 30. Both packages include daily breakfast, and a 20% discount on all food and beverage and spa treatments. Much lauded by the world’s elite golfers, Abu Dhabi Golf Club meanders through

pockets of palms and lakes and is flanked by Westin Golf Resort & Spa. Meanwhile, unrivalled views across the Arabian Gulf from Saadiyat Beach and the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort have caught the imagination of golfers around the globe. The golf course is the first beach-front course in the Middle East, as well as home to an impressive golf academy and Hawksbill Restaurant. For reservations, email reservations. saadiyat@stregis.com or westinauh. reservations@westin.com

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June 2013 / Issue 222

Me&MyTravels with Mike Tindall - The Gloucester and former England centre has Pebble Beach on his bucket list, and is looking forward to a golf trip to Greece’s Costa Navarino My most recent golf trip was to…Unfortunately due to rugby commitments I haven’t really gone on a golf trip, but on the back of rugby tours I have been lucky enough to play some great courses abroad. One of the most memorable was Royal Melbourne, not only because of how nice the course was, but also because of how poorly I played there! If I had to play one course for the rest of my life, it would be… too early to say. I’m not sure I have played enough courses to settle on one just yet. Hopefully, once I retire, I will be able to experience some of the world’s best courses and then I will let you know. I have always wanted to play Pebble Beach. My dream fourball would include…Samuel L Jackson, Robert Downey Jr, and Michael Jordan. My usual fourball includes… Jimmy Cowan, Huia Edmonds and Ben Morgan.

to jump a small stream instead of walking round it. The bank on the far side was very soft and gave way, so I fell back into the water and had to play the last 12 holes very muddy and wet.

I’ve modelled my swing on… no-one in particular. I don’t want to insult anyone by comparing my swing to them. My swing is unique and my own. My best gross score was…a 75 at Minchinhampton in Gloucestershire, where I am a member. I also hit a 78 a Gullane, which was probably the better score when you consider the difficulty.

Royal Westmoreland, Barbados

Costa Navarino, Greece

My favourite golf resort is…Royal Westmorland in Barbados.

The best piece of golf advice I’ve ever received was…grip it and rip it, although it wasn’t John Daly who said it!

The best hotel I’ve ever stayed at was…Karma Kandara in Bali. All Karma resorts are exceptional, but this one stands out in my mind.

I’m planning a golf trip to…Costa Navarino in Greece with a few of the lads when we have a weekend off in the pre-season.

11 best mates and family. We had a great day, and I also managed to shoot my best round ever too (see below).

My favourite city in the world is… Sydney, Australia. I’ve lots of good memories there.

My most embarrassing moment on a golf course was…when I tried

My golfing hero is…Greg Norman or Fred Couples.

Mike Tindall MBE is an ambassador for The Midlands Air Ambulance and patron of Rugby For Heroes. For more details visit www. midlandsairambulance.com and www.rugbyforheroes.org.uk

Gullane, Scotland Samuel L Jackson

My most memorable ever round was at…Gullane in Scotland. It was the day before my wedding and it was a beautiful sunny day, which is rare for Scotland. I played with my

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