Gn 10 oct13 issuu new

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Issue 227 | October 2013

PLUS+ WIN a set of Callaway wedges INSIDE: EWEN MURRAY DAVID HOWELL THOMAS BJORN SARAH STIRK TIM HENMAN

We’ve revolutionised the putter. AgAin

P28-29

Will Rory rekindle his romance with golf?

TRUE ROLL INSERT

©2013 PING 82000 PhOENIx, AZ 85071

MCILROY REFLECTS The Scottsdale® TR™ putter’s new insert has consistency down to a science.

Its variable depth grooves, machined into an aerospace grade 6061 aluminium insert, create unmatched distance control. Whether you hit it dead centre or toward the heel or toe, your putts travel nearly the same distance. Add even more consistency with an adjustable shaft (optional) in one of 12 models. Visit a PING® Fitting Specialist or ping.com.

vAriABle depth grooves AdjustABle shAft length g25trputter_golfnews_262x80.indd 1 11/04/2013 15:48 EDDIE PEPPERELL P33 | EWEN MURRAY P36 | TOUR NEWS P40 | TOM LEWIS P44 | PRO SHOP P46 | WINTER GEAR P48 | ME & MY TRAVELS P55

EXPERIENCE LONDON GOLF CLUB THIS WINTER

In a world where the finest details matter, London Golf Club continues to raise the bar. As a European Tour Destination we promise a warm welcome, first-class service and a relaxing environment from the moment you arrive. Our two championship courses, designed by Jack Nicklaus are maintained in pristine condition all year-round and have some of the finest putting surfaces in the country.

• Sausage and Bacon Muffin with Tea / Coffee

£75

• 18 Holes of Golf on International Course • Welcome Gift Bag • Traditional Kentish Main Meal

per person Monday – Thursday

• Inclusive of Range Balls and use of Practise Facilities Available Monday – Thursday from 1st November to 31st March subject to availability. Must be booked in advance.

S U R PA S S I N G E X P E C TAT I O N S

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STANSTED LANE | ASH | KENT | TN15 7EH | 01474 879899 | golf@londongolf.co.uk | www.londongolf.co.uk

October 2013 / Issue 226

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Issue 227 | October 2013

Golf News, The Studio, 14 Deanway, Hove, East Sussex BN3 6DG. Tel: 01273 556377. email: info@golfnews.co.uk. Website: www.golfnews.co.uk For Advertising enquiries please call 01273 556377-07885 673258 or matt@golfnews.co.uk

Editor Nick Bayly editor@golfnews.co.uk

Design www.yotedesign.com

Advertising Production Kath Perry ads@golfnews.co.uk

Photography Kevin Murray (kevinmurraygolfphotography.com) Action Images, James Cheadle

Published by BlueGreen Media Contributors Paul Mahoney, Clive Agran, Ewen Murray, Denis Pugh, Alistair Tait

INSIDE: EWEN MURRAY DAVID HOWELL THOMAS BJORN SARAH STIRK TIM HENMAN

MCILROY REFLECTS We’ve revolutionised the putter. AgAin

Follow us on: Twitter@golfnewsmag

P28-29

Will Rory rekindle his romance with golf?

TRUE ROLL INSERT

©2013 PING 82000 PhOENIx, AZ 85071

Managing Director Matt Nicholson matt@golfnews.co.uk

PLUS+ WIN a set of Callaway wedges

The Scottsdale® TR™ putter’s new insert has consistency down to a science.

Its variable depth grooves, machined into an aerospace grade 6061 aluminium insert, create unmatched distance control. Whether you hit it dead centre or toward the heel or toe, your putts travel nearly the same distance. Add even more consistency with an adjustable shaft (optional) in one of 12 models. Visit a PING® Fitting Specialist or ping.com.

vAriABle depth grooves AdjustABle shAft length

© Copyright Golf News 2013. No part of this publication may be copied, photocopied or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in anyway or means, either by recording or otherwise, without permission of the publishers in writing.

g25trputter_golfnews_262x80.indd 1 11/04/2013 15:48 EDDIE PEPPERELL P33 | EWEN MURRAY P36 | TOUR NEWS P40 | TOM LEWIS P44 | PRO SHOP P46 | WINTER GEAR P48 | ME & MY TRAVELS P55

Editor’sview

Experience the magic of Trevose Golf Club

email: editor@golfnews.co.uk

The Great British Bunk Off

A

part from Justin a pretty ropey year for many about, and is clearly feeling the Rose’s marvellous of our ‘Great British Golfers’. effects of all those oh-so-close US Open victory McIlroy, Donald, Westwood finishes in the big ones. And at Merion, I can’t help but and Poulter have all gone Poults is 22nd (down from think that 2013 might well backwards, while there are 12th), with just four top 10s to be remembered as the year currently only seven British his name in 2013. that Britain’s best golfers players inside the world’s top There might be some larger suffered from a touch of post100. Justin is flying the flag in forces at work here, but I can Medinahitis and took their fifth, but has dropped down only think that there some collective foot off the pedal. from third; Rory started the glory bathing has been going After the emotional year on top, but has slipped to on following ‘The Miracle’. That hiatus of the Ryder Cup, it is sixth; while Luke is languishing said, I fully expect our leading not surprising that getting in 13th – down from 2nd – after lads to kick into top gear during pumped up for the Wells Fargo failing to win this year, and the Final Series, and into early Championship, let alone the playing very unDonald-like golf next year, when the hunt for Seve Trophy, proved a step too for much of the season.

Ryder Cup points gets serious – far for many of our top talent.

Lee, currently ranked 19th otherwise we might be seeing Rose’s heroic effort aside – (down from 6th), played his some fresh faces in the team and that of three-time winner heart out in the majors, but has come tee off time at Gleneagles Graeme McDowell – it’s been done1little else to write homePage 1 on September 26. shire-winter-promo-11:Layout 3/10/13 09:32

Located on the spectacular North Cornwall coast, Trevose offers three stunning courses for golfers of all abilities.

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October 2013 / Issue 226

YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PLAY AT AUGUSTA

BUT YOU CAN PLAY A COURSE THAT’S BETTER! “A GEM OF A SHORT COURSE, AUGUSTA DOES NOT COMPARE WITH NAILCOTE”

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, can do it all if they take a trip to Earls Court to visit the London Golf Show from November 9-11.

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 16bay indoor driving range, custom fitting, club testing, simulators and the latest golf gadgets all on offer, it will be supported by some of the biggest and best brands in golf, including TaylorMade, Titleist, Nike, Yonex, Callaway, Mizuno, Cleveland, Cobra, and Wilson. Visitors will be able to test and buy the newest equipment provided by retail partner

Brian Barnes British Seniors Open Champion 1995 & 1996

“THE COURSE IS A GREAT COURSE”

Ian Woosnam OBE Masters Tournament Winner 1991

“NAILCOTE IS A TRUE TEST OF SHORT GAME ABILITY” Tony Jacklin CBE Open Champion 1969 & US Open Champion 1970

“THE COURSE IS MAGICALLY CRAFTED AND MAINTAINED, IT PROVES BOTH A CHALLENGE AND A JOY TO PLAY” Sam Torrance OBE Ryder Cup Europe 2002 Captain

“NAILCOTE IS THE HARDEST GAME I HAVE EVER PLAYED” Peter Schmeichel MBE International Goalkeeper

the Internet Golf Store, which will have a 3,000-square foot store on site.

In addition, there’ll be trick shot displays, competitions, prizes, cars, the latest fashions and retail advice, as well as plenty of fun for golfers who wish to indulge their senses, skills and passion.

As an additional incentive for visitors, everyone buying advance tickets, which are on sale now, will receive a £50 voucher from Your Golf Travel to spend on an overseas golf holiday.

The show is open from 10am to 7pm on Friday, from 10am-5pm on Saturday, and 10am4pm on Sunday. Tickets cost £11.50 per person, or £9 each for multiples of two people, and £48 for groups of six. Afternoon-only tickets (from 3pm on Friday) cost £7.50.

The ticket hotline number is 0844 858 6749, or for more information visit www.londongolfshow.com

Stay and Play

THE BRITISH PAR 3 CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE 18 holes - £12.50 Adults Society Days from Corporate Golf Events from

Countdown to Golf Show continues

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• Mark Mouland Golf Academy Golf Tuition & Group Clinics • Golf Buggies & Clubs Available for hire • Golf Membership Find out more online

Pay & Play after 1pm - November 1st to March 31st and enjoy a free pint at the bar after play.

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‘Birdie’ Break

• Stay & Play including luxury accomodation • Full English breakfast in the Oak Room restaurant • 18 holes of golf • 3 course ‘Menu of the Month’ evening meal in the Oak Room restaurant • Use of Leisure Club & Gym £99pp per night* *based on 2 people sharing

Nailcote Lane, Berkswell, Warwickshire CV7 7DE

Tel: 02476 466174 Fax: 02476 470720 info@nailcotehall.co.uk www.nailcotehall.co.uk

The finest downland course in Sussex...

2014 bookings now being taken for our Dormy House, open March to November Twin bed en-suite rooms in the clubhouse with a five course dinner, bed & full english breakfast, including two rounds of golf from £82 in March to £147 in high season, per person per night

Society packages tailored to suit your needs, book now for 2014 For more information call Sue on: 01323 892442, email: sue@seafordgolfclub.co.uk or visit: www.seafordgolfclub.co.uk

S EAFORD G OLF C LUB SEAFORD GOLF CLUB, FIRLE ROAD, SEAFORD, EAST SUSSEX, BN25 2JD

Gallacher: “I owe my life to hotel defibrillator” Bernard Gallacher says he owes his life to a a vigil over their father. defibrillator, and some quick-thinking nurses, With his heart stabilised, and with no lasting after he survived a massive heart attack in side effects from his brush with death, the Scotland just over six weeks ago. former Wentworth professional has been told The 64-year-old former Ryder Cup captain fell he cannot drive for six months, and should not ill during an after-dinner speaking engagement play golf for four months. “Golf is off the menu at the Marcliffe Hotel in Aberdeen on August for a while, but considering I was dead a few 29. And it was only the quick thinking of three weeks ago, it’s amazing to know I’ll get back to a nurses who normal life soon,” happened to he said. “Anyway, be attending it’s not too big a the dinner that hardship. Winter saved his life. is coming!”

Gallacher, Gallacher who is now added: “Family, back home friends, and even in London total strangers, recuperating, kept us going said: “I had with their good no warning wishes. My family of what was in Scotland was coming. I had also a great help.

Gallacher is back at home after surviving a heart scare felt no pain.

We also got sent People said loads of cards I suddenly collapsed. They said it looked like and flowers. It’s been very touching.”

I’d been floored by a boxer. Three nurses gave He also received support from a host of me immediate help. The Marcliffe Hotel had a fellow golfers, including Sam Torrance, Lee defibrillator on site, which was incredibly lucky.

Westwood, Luke Donald and Tony Jacklin, who If it hadn’t been there, I wouldn’t be here. Those was in the middle of rehearsals for his shortpeople saved my life.” lived appearance on Strictly Come Dancing.

Gallacher was rushed to Aberdeen Royal Following his brush with death, Gallacher is Infirmary, where medics lowered his body to launch an appeal for more golf clubs to have temperature in a process called therapeutic defibriilators on site, and staff trained in how hypothermia to save his brain from injury. His to use them properly. He will be joined in the family rushed to be by his bedside, and slept on campaign by his wife, Lesley, with support from couches at the hospital for a week as they kept the European Tour and the PGA.

October 2013 / Issue 226

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Sandford Springs opens new hotel Sandford Springs Golf Club celebrated the opening of its new 40-bedroom hotel last month with a series of open days to introduce members and visitors to the new facilities.

The open days, which were held at the Berkshirebased club on consecutive days from October 6, were attended by the club’s president, former TV sports presenter Dickie Davies, and provided an opportunity for guests to take a tour around the contemporary four-star standard hotel, which is set in the grounds of the golf club.

Designed with both the corporate and leisure break markets in mind, the hotel

boasts a modern look and feel, with large windows overlooking the 11th green and 12th tee of the course. Rooms feature two different styles, and come with breakfast served in the hotel’s own restaurant.

Evening meals are served in the refurbished clubhouse restaurant.

Work started on the hotel in October last year, and the club’s general manager, Jeff Condliffe, expressed his delight at the new opportunities that it offers for both the club and its membership. “We’ve always been an attractive destination for functions such as weddings, business

meetings and corporate golf events. The addition of the hotel greatly enhances our offering in both the business and leisure markets. We’re already taking bookings for weekday corporate and business customers, as well as weekend leisure breakers.”

Designed by HFP architects, built by Leadbitter and finished by interior suppliers Concept and Bamptons, the £6 million hotel build was supervised

by Club owners Jennifer and Paul Gibbons.

The standard, superior and suite room prices start from £90 per night. For bookings call 01635 296800 or visit www.sandfordsprings.co.uk

Save over 50% on your October four-ball

Dale Hill

£100 four-ball valid for play on either course until the end of October.

Bring this voucher to redeem your saving.

Subject to availability. | One voucher per four-ball.

Contact 01580 201090 or golf@dalehill.co.uk

Ticehurst, Wadhurst, East Sussex, TN5 7DQ Jennifer Gibbons opens the new hotel with Dickie Davies

Winter Offers at Chart Hills.

Green Fees.

This winter you can enjoy a full English Breakfast &18 holes of golf for £45pp.

Offer available Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays from November 1st 2013 to March 31st 2014.

Terms and conditions apply.

Book on line at www.charthills.co.uk (7 days in advance only) or call the pro shop on 01580 292222 or email proshop@charthills.co.uk.

Society & Corporate Days. Nov 2013- March 2014 The Faldo: Tea/Coffee, bacon rolls, 18 holes & 1 course "light meal" on return, £49pp The Parkinson: Tea/Coffee, bacon rolls & 2 course meal on return, £59 The Underwood: Tea/Coffee, full English Breakfast, 3 course meal, scoring, range balls, bottled water. £79pp Societies (min 12 golfers) are welcome on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays.

For more news & offers, follow us on Twitter @Charthills and Face Book www.charthills.co.uk T: 01580 292222 E: info@charthills.co.uk Weeks Lane, Biddenden, Kent, TN27 8JX. 0638_A5PressAd.indd 1

13/9/11 15:54:18

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October 2013 / Issue 226

Winter All Inclusive Golf Days 1ST November- 31st March 2014 Guaranteed no temporary greens or tees From only per

£38 pers

on

Tailor your Winter Golf Day package Designed to give you a very memorable and great value Winter Golf Day, our all Inclusive Package can be tailored to meet your needs:

All for one set price

Tea & Coffee ~ A Bacon Roll or Full English Breakfast ~ Basket of warm-up range balls ~ Unlimited golf over the Championship, Princes and Hybrid Courses ~ Golfer’s winter warmer meal ~ A 2 ball voucher worth £80 for your Prize Table or Auction or 1 Player goes completely free of charge T&C’s apply

Including a two ball voucher worth £80 Facilities at Hever Castle Golf Club

Peter Jones with his golf day winners

Bearwood hosts ‘dragon’ Peter’s charity golf day Dragons’ Den star Peter Jones hosted his annual golf day at Bearwood Lakes Golf Club in Berkshire last month, and raised over £40,000 for his charity, the Peter Jones Foundation.

Jones and some of Britain’s biggest business leaders battled it out in a competition on the 18-hole course, before attending a dinner and a live auction, where the lots included a golfing trip by private jet, and an opportunity

to have lunch with the cast and crew on the set of Dragons’ Den. Speaking after the event, Jones said: “I am thrilled that we have raised such a significant amount for the Peter Jones Foundation.

Through our initiatives, we can reach out to young people across the country and inspire and enable them to realise their entrepreneurial dreams. I’ve been hugely impressed with the talent at today’s golf day, and the generosity of all our guests.”

Stoke Park’s red letter day Stoke Park Hotel & Golf Club in Buckinghamshire has been awarded ‘Five AA Red Stars’ – the highest accolade given to hotels by the renowned guide series.

The Stoke Poges-based resort joins a list of just 49 hotels in the UK to have been awarded the coveted rank of AA Inspector’s Choice.

Other five red star hotels include Claridge’s, The Dorchester, The Ritz and Gleneagles. Stoke Park becomes one of only five other golf venues in the UK that have five red star hotels.

“We are absolutely delighted to be recognised by the AA in this way,” commented Giammario Ragnoli, Stoke Park’s general manager. “It is always our aim to exceed guest expectations, with friendly customer service being our highest priority. It has been only three years since we were first rated, and awarded our five-star status, and a huge credit to our wonderful team for achieving the highest award for facilities, service and customer experience a hotel can receive in the UK.” In addition to the spa and hotel, Stoke Park boasts a 27-hole championship golf course, an allweather driving range, an indoor swing studio, an indoor swimming pool, 13 indoor and outdoor tennis courts, four restaurants, and a gym.

Scotland in charge in Dubai

• 27 Hole Championship Course • Practice facilities: Range, Putting, Chipping and Bunker.

• Conferencing and Functions in our Private Princes Suite.

• Castle Golf School: Individual lessons or group clinics.

• Stay and Play at Hever Castle.

• Astor Lounge, Bar & Restaurant with Terrace.

• Wide variety of Memberships, including Flexi and Corporate.

• Fully stocked Pro Shop.

Hever Castle Golf Club Hever Road, Edenbridge Kent TN8 7NP Telephone Claire: 01732 701003 Email: golfdays@hever.co.uk www.hever.co.uk

Surrey tour pro Maktoum Dubai Zane Scotland Open he fired enjoyed a boost to rounds of 65, 71 and his bank balance 67 to beat David after winning three Law. His first round events on the included a hole-inMiddle East & North one on the 185-yard Africa Golf Tour third hole – which Zane Scotland has been in unbeatable form within the space of was the first ace he a month. had achieved since The 31-year-old from Wallington won turning pro in 2003. His last win at Ras Al the Dubai Creek Open in September, and Khaimah was the most impressive of all. Five followed that up with victory in the Shaikh shots off the pace overnight, Scotland made Maktoum Dubai Open earlier this month, the turn at one over, but reeled off six birdies and then added stunning win in the Ras Al on the back nine to close with a 67 for a nineKhaimah Classic, where he came from five under par 207, one shot ahead of Law. shots behind on the to take the title. With a “It feels great to win four titles on the tour,” win in Rabat at the first event of the season said Scotland. “The intention now is to try and in March, Scotland now leads the MENA keep the momentum going in the remaining Tour’s Order of Merit by $28,000 with just four events of the season.” events left.

The MENA Tour season ends at the Tour Scotland, who is also a ‘Golf in Dubai’ Championship in Abu Dhabi on November ambassador, holed a 25-foot birdie putt on 10-13. The tour offers 54-hole stroke play the final hole to defend the Dubai Creek competitions, with the field limited to Open title that he won in 2012, closing with 100 players, of which 60 are pros, and the a five-under-par 67 – while in the Shaikh remainder amateurs.

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8/

October 2013 / Issue 226

News in Brief

Calling all golf day organisers!

SHIRE TEMPTS WINTER GOLFERS The Ballesteros Masters Course at The Shire London is tempting golfers to come and play it this winter with two special offers. The Shire Fourball comprises coffee and bacon rolls, 18 holes on the Masters Course, and a one-course lunch for £160 per group on Monday-Thursday, and £170 on Fridays. The offer starts from November 1 and runs until March 31 next year. Visitors can book at www.theshirelondon.com, or by calling 020 8441 7649.

CAKE TAKES THE BISCUIT Meon Valley’s Remi Cake and Waterlooville’s Sam Parsons won the Hampshire, IOW and Channel Islands County Foursomes Championship at a windy Tylney Park. They shot a nine-over-par total of 153 (79, 74) to take victory by two shots from Kevin Boxall and Mark Burgess (Blackmoor).

East Sussex relaunches as De Vere venue East Sussex National has joined a select group of resorts in the UK that is being managed by De Vere Venues, following an agreement between the two parties.

De Vere Venues, a leading provider of conference, meeting and event space in the UK, celebrated the official launch of the commercial tie-in at a party for key clients

and local businesses on October 3.

Speaking at the launch, De Vere Venues managing director of development, Darren Patt, said: “East Sussex National is located in a superb rural location, with stunning views over the South Downs and surrounding countryside, offering leisure guests and business delegates alike unrivalled hotel, golf and

conferencing facilities in the region. Its addition to the De Vere Venues portfolio is a signal of our on-going growth and expansion plans, and we are delighted to be working with the team here.”

De Vere Venues will only be managing the hotel and conferencing side of the operation at East Sussex National, with the golf club remaining under the control of the current owner.

Golf News’ Ultimate Society Golf Guide has been a musthave publication for every society and corporate golf organiser for many years, and the 2014 version, which is published in December 2013, is guaranteed to be even bigger and better, with many new features introduced to make it even easier to use in the digital age.

Showcasing many of the UK’s finest clubs and courses, this indispensible, handy, full-colour handbook provides all the information organisers need to make their golf day a success. Among details included are up-to-date prices and packages for societies and visitors, information on tee time restrictions, comprehensive directions and local accommodation tips, as well as detailed descriptions of all the courses, with full-colour photographs.

As well as being available in print format, the 2014 Ultimate Guide is available to download from the Golf News website – www.golfnews.co.uk – as a digital version and a standalone website – www.golfdayguide. com – which connects golf clubs and golfers like never before.

To order your free copy of the 2014 Ultimate Golf Guide, email your name and address to info@golfnews. co.uk, with ‘Ultimate Guide’ in the subject line.

C A M B E R L E Y H E AT H I S B A C K ON THE GOLFING MAP

WINTER WARMER Camberley Heath Golf Club, one of Surrey’s finest golf courses, is warming golfers hearts this winter.

For just £45 per person enjoy a tea or coffee before your round, play the challenging 18 hole, 6,400 yard, par 71 heath land course. Afterwards enjoy a warming bowl of soup with bread roll in the Clubhouse.

Set in 135 acres of Surrey countryside, the Harry Colt classic has towering pine trees, mature fairways and subtle greens, offering superb year round golfing conditions.

With an ideal location, outstanding course and warming hospitality, make sure Camberley Heath is on your winter must play list.

• Coffee on Arrival • 18 Holes of Golf • Soup and Bread Roll

£45

per person

This package is also available for Society Golfers for £40 * per person on selected dates: • 10th, 16th 21st and 31st October • 4th, 11th, 14th, 19th and 27th November • 2nd, 11th, and 16th December * Valid for 12+ golfers

CAMBERLEY HEATH GOLF CLUB | GOLF DRIVE, CAMBERLEY | GU15 1JG | T: 01276 23258 | www.camberleyheathgolfclub.co.uk

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October 2013 / Issue 226

RALPH SECURES FIRST PRO WIN Sussex professional Hannah Ralph bagged the biggest win of her career after coming home clear of the field at the inaugural WPGA International Challenge held at Stoke by Nayland in Essex.

The 54-hole tournament comprised a selection of Great Britain and Ireland’s top female professionals competing against rising stars of the future. Sponsored by the host venue, it was the only Ladies European Tour Access Series event scheduled in the United Kingdom this year.

Lying in second place after two rounds, following scores of 68 and 70, 25-year-old Ralph played in the final group for the last 18 holes and after a frustrating birdie-free front nine, held her nerve by posting birdies on the final two holes to finish three shots clear of former Curtis Cup player Amy Boulden and claim the €4,000 winner’s cheque.

Ralph, who is based at Cowdray Park in West Sussex, and is coached by Ryan Fenwick at Goodwood, was delighted to have secured her first professional win.

“It feels fantastic to have won such a big

tournament, and to have won it like I did,” said Ralph, who competed on the Ladies European Tour in 2010. “I had never been in this position before, and playing in the final group I had a lot of time to kill before my round. I felt calm all week and played my steadiest golf during the final round. I gave myself five or six good birdie opportunities on the front nine, but didn’t get one to drop until the 14th. I hit a great drive on 17, and then hit my approach to a foot for a tap-in birdie, and then I chipped in from the fringe on the par-three 18th to finish it off. At the time, I still didn’t know that I had won, until my caddy gave me the news.”

She added: “I had great support from my friends, and to have two of them caddy for me, and to be able to share the experience with them, makes it more special. A huge thank you to Brenda and Jane – you were fantastic! I’d also like to thank my mental coach, Karen Francis. We’ve worked hard together for the past two-and-a-half years, and to have achieved this is just so brilliant! I couldn’t have done it without her!”

Ralph bagged her first pro win at Stoke by Nayland

News in Brief COUGHLAN STRIKES AGAIN They shoot and score: The Legends Day winning team

Dons on target at The Addington Shots were flying in from all angles at AFC Wimbledon’s Legends Golf Day held at The Addington earlier this month – but none were better than the 250-yard approach to the 16th green by the Dons’ assistant manager Neil Cox. The onehandicapper holed out from the fairway for a rare albatross on the 507-yard, par-five hole, which helped him to level par 73.

The event, which was organised by golf break specialists yourgolftravel.com, was won by the team comprising Martin Clarke, Lee Barham, Paul Burton and Nick Todd, who combined to shoot 86 Stableford points. The day, which ended with a charity auction, saw a host of Dons’ managers and players from past a present take part, including Dave Bassett, Dave Anderson, Terry Brown, Efan Ekoku and Ben Thatcher.

Out of the current Wimbledon players, Charlie Strutton fared best, as he was part of the runners-up team, while Thatcher’s team finished third. Ross Worner, George Francomb, and Rhys Weston were the other current Wimbledon players who also played.

All funds from the event, which included an auction, with Wimbledon club President Dickie Guy presenting the prizes, were donated to the We Are Wimbledon Fund, which goes directly to the club’s playing budget. The star prize of the auction was a signed photograph of Tiger Woods when he won this year’s Players Championship.

Special Offers

Winter Collection

Available from 1 November 2013 to 28 February 2014 (excl 24-31 Dec 2013)

4 Ball Offer

£160.00 Mon-Thu / £180.00 Fri, Sat, Sun To include 1 course lunch (To be reserved in advance)

Golf & Accommodation

from £110.00 per person Overnight accommodation for 2 people sharing a standard room (twin or double) Includes: Breakfast, 2 rounds of golf & 2 course Bar Menu Dinner

T: +44 (0) 1304 898652 E: office@princesgolfclub.co.uk W: www.princesgolfclub.co.uk Prince’s Golf Club, Sandwich Bay, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9QB

/princesgolfclub

@Princesgolfclub

Wkye Green’s Daniel Coughlan claimed his third PGA East Region pro-am success of the year at Eaton Golf Club in Norwich, where six birdies in a two-under par 68 helped him to a one-shot win over Stuart Brown (Orton Meadows). Coughlan’s earlier wins came at Grims Dyke in August and Bedford and County in July.

KENT CLINCH FIFTH SENIOR TITLE Kent’s regained the English Senior County Championship by beating Devon 5½-3½ on the final day at the RAC Club in Epsom. After tieing the morning foursomes, singles wins from Richard Partridge, Chris Hurst, Chris Reynolds and Ricky Moore, and a half from Ray Pauley, sealed a fifth championship win for the county.

HONOURS SHARED AT DALE HILL Matt Ford, Charles Wilson and Chris Gane shared the spoils in the second PGA Leaderboard Challenge Pro-Am after shooting four-under-par 66s to tie at Dale Hill in East Sussex.

10 /

October 2013 / Issue 226

Farleigh £3M facelift delivers ‘wow factor’

Winter Warmer Available from the 1st October to 31st March 2014

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Visitors to the completelyrefurbished clubhouse and remodeled golf course at Farleigh in Surrey will find a club barely recognisable from the one that was in existence just three years ago.

Formerly known as Farleigh Court, the club was bought by the owners of Foxhills Hotel & Golf Resort almost three years ago, with the intention of transforming it into a sister club to its upmarket venue in Ottershaw.

The Hayton family, which has owned Foxhills for over 30 years, renamed the club ‘Farleigh’, and has invested over £3 million in transforming the Croydon-based venue into a high-end club that offers five-star facilities both on and off the course. The first part of the redevelopment project saw the 27-hole course’s original architects, John Jacobs Associates, brought back to carry out a £500,000 upgrade to the 350-acre layout, which also benefitted from a new fleet of greenkeeping equipment. The Red, Green and Blue courses have all now undergone impressive makeovers, with the addition of new features and challenges on each of the nines, while a new irrigation and drainage system has helped to take the playing conditions to new levels.

The end of last year also saw the completion of the refurbishment of the 1,500

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square-metre clubhouse, which underwent a £1.6 million transformation at the hands of architects DesignLSM, whose awardwinning work includes the refurbishment of The Runnymede Hotel in Egham. The new interiors give the clubhouse a contemporary and sophisticated feel, and provide an ideal setting for members, visitors and corporate guests to enjoy a wide range of facilities, including the Nineteen restaurant, which offers brasserie-style cooking that is proving popular with golfers and local businesspeople alike.

As well as modern changing rooms and an impressive pro shop, the clubhouse also benefits from a state-of-the-art games room, whose centrepiece is Europe’s first widescreen HD indoor golf simulator, which ensures golfers can get their fix on the world’s best courses whatever the weather conditions outside.

The club currently offers eight levels of membership packages, while visitor green fees can be booked online for £25 per round at peak times on weekdays and £35 at weekends. For more details visit www. farleighfox.co.uk or call 01883 627711.

Grant bags Masters title at Woodcote Park

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The 2013 Senior PGA Professional champion Wraith Grant overcame stormy conditions to add the inaugural PGA in Surrey Masters title to his growing collection of trophies.

The Woodcote Park professional took home the winner’s cheque for £888, after shooting a two-under-par 70 over his home course to finish the two-day event with a total of 142, nudging his club colleague Kieran Staunton into second place.

Although the course was at its best, the rain and strong winds blew a lot of performances off course.

Despite that, and a little jet lag, Grant shot the second best score of the morning, an evenpar first round of 72, to match Robert Humphrey (Tyrrells

Wood), but both were still six shots behind the 66 set by another local man, and former Tour player, Staunton.

In the afternoon, the deteriorating weather made things even more difficult, and despite making three birdies, Staunton also made six bogeys in 16 holes. Reaching the 17th on three-over-par, he still had a slender lead, but a double bogey on the 17th put paid to his championship chances.

Starting on the 10th, Grant was making better headway after reaching the turn in par.

His birdie on the second was offset by a bogey on the third, but two more birdies on the sixth and seventh left him in the lead after carding a closing 70, which was enough to win.

Grant said: “I’d flown back from playing in the Senior Russian Open the night before, so lack of sleep, plus all the wind and rain, made things pretty difficult, but I managed to score well. I was pleased with an opening 72.

The afternoon round had a bit of thunder and lightening, but I just kept grinding away.

Making those two birdies with the finish in sight was very pleasing – and it’s always nice to beat the youngsters occasionally!”

October 2013 / Issue 226

/ 11

Highs and Lowes at Wildwood as Wallis secures fourth OoM title!

Leatherhead pro Michael Lowe shot two rounds of 66 to win the Wildwood Invitational, yet it still wasn’t enough for him to qualify for the seasonending Titleist PGA Play Offs in Turkey.

Lowe’s terrific scoring around the popular Surrey venue netted him £1,111 and his first Virgin Atlantic PGA South Order of Merit victory, but it left him agonisingly short of the points required to win one of three play-off places up for grabs.

Those coveted places went to Order of Merit winner Richard Wallis, who was taking the title for a record fourth time in succession, Keith

Trilby Tour 2014 launch

Entries for next year’s Trilby Tour were opened up earlier this month, with the popular amateur event expected to be heavily over-subscribed.

Entrants are required to put down a £50 deposit to register their interest, which will be rolled over to secure a place on the 2015 Tour should they not gain a place for 2014.

Successful entrants will then be able to choose a venue and/ or region to compete in, with full payment required at a later stage. In addition to the singles competition, there is also a separate pairs competition, which requires a £100 deposit.

The tour, which is the brainchild of Savile Row tailor William Hunt, has consistently sold out within a matter of days. Speaking about next year’s season, Hunt said: “The Trilby Tour is all about giving normal guys a chance to look and feel like golfing superstars for the day. To watch grown men shaking at the first tee is what this competition is all about.

Next year’s schedule is going to be bigger and better, and I’m looking at a selection of top clubs across the country and abroad. I’m confident that 2014 is going to be exceptional year for the Trilby Tour.”

This season’s tour has already concluded, although the results are kept a closely-guarded until they have been aired on Sky Sports, which televises all the regional qualifiers and the grand final, which this year took place at Rockliffe Hall Golf Club in Durham.

The Grand Final will be shown on December 2.

To register for the 2014 Trilby Tour, visit www. williamhunttrilbytour.com.

MacDonald Match Play champion Matt Ford, and Robert Gowers (South Winchester), who finished third at Wildwood courtesy of a final round 64. As the runner up in the Glenmuir PGA Professional Championship, David Callaway (Milford) also won a coveted place in Turkey.

Wallis was delighted to be holding the PGA South Order of Merit trophy again, even though he’d enjoyed less wins than in previous years. “The 2013 season attracted the strongest ever group of players,” he said. “I only won one event, but I had lot of second- and third-placed finishes, which all

added up to a very consistent season.”

Another happy man was Wildwood’s director of golf, Phil Harrison, who was delighted with how the course stood up to the region’s top players. “Wildwood was in great condition and the weather was kind, but the golf was spectacular. The best were very good indeed, while most of the field was under par, so I’m glad I turned down the special invitation to play! We’ve enjoyed terrific support from our sponsors, our officials, and our players, and you can’t ask for more than that.”

There’s Links at the end of the tunnel

Hayling golf links Distant Membership Hayling Golf Club offers a classic 130 year old Links course forcing blind shots over sand dunes with tight fairway lies tempting putts from 100 yards and pot hole bunkers protecting lightning fast Greens.

Surface water drains rapidly into the old shingle banks below which means that the course reopens 20 minutes after the heaviest Summer cloudburst and even in the depths of Winter you can wear white shoes!

Distant memberships are now available for members of golf clubs living 50 miles or more away.

The new tunnel on the A3 at Hindhead has collapsed the journey from South West London to below 90 minutes – even less from many parts of Surrey, Berkshire and Middlesex.

So, if you enjoy playing golf all year round without preferred lies, plastic mats or temporary Greens call or email Lance Quantrill on: 02392 464446 secretary@haylinggolf.co.uk

www.haylinggolf.co.uk H a y ling g olf Club, links l ane , Ha yling i sland, Hants, P o 11 o b X

12 /

News in Brief CHISLEHURST WIN SRIXON JUNIOR 4SOMES LEAGUE A team representing Chislehurst Golf Club in Kent won the 2013 Srixon Junior 4somes league after beating Sundridge Park 2-1 in a closely-fought final held at Knole Park. Royal Blackheath won the plate competition against Dartford by the same margin.

GANE IN THE FRAME AGAIN Chris Gane shot a five-under-par 67 to win the King’s Hill Pro-Am by two shots from King’s Hill pair Mark Trow and Benn Barham. After double bogeying his first hole, the left-hander’s chances of winning didn’t look good, but seven subsequent birdies put him back on track to win the £650 first prize.

October 2013 / Issue 226

Lewis secures Tour card with Dunhill flourish Tom Lewis secured his place on the European Tour next year with a tied-third placed finish in the Dunhill Links in St Andrews.

The Welwyn Garden Citybased pro was in danger of losing his spot on the Tour, after starting the week in Scotland a lowly 155th in the rankings. However, the 22-year-old shot 22-underpar in the tournament in which the first three rounds are played at St Andrews,

Carnoustie and Kingsbarns, before a final round 64 over the Old Course earned him just under €200,000, and lifted him to 90th in the Race to Dubai.

After a stunning victory in the Portuguese Masters in 2011, Lewis has struggled to rekindle the form that earned him the Rookie of the Year title that same year. He missed 14 cuts in 26 events in 2012, and this season has missed a further 12 cuts from 23 tournaments. But a high finish at one of the European Tour’s richest events has saved the day, taking his season’s earnings from just €90,000 to close to €300,000.

“I can’t complain about the position I’m in, but I’m disappointed with the way I have performed over the last two seasons,” said Lewis. “There was a lot of expectation on me after I won so early in my career, but there was even more expectation from myself.

The last couple of years have been a massive learning curve for me, and I just haven’t played as well as I have wanted to.”

He added: “It’s probably

been the toughest two years of my life, but I’ve come out of it as a stronger player.

I’ve simply not been ready to perform in these sorts of high-level events. I’m still learning, and when I’m back at the top, I’ll be ready to be back at the top; whereas before, I probably wasn’t.

Hopefully I can get my game back, and I feel like I’m getting there now.”

In a bid to shake things up, Lewis ended his association with coach Pete Cowen, and is now receiving advice from Butch Harmon.

“I need to get to the standard where even if I play poorly, I will still be in the top 10,” he explained. “Like Tiger has done, and like Justin Rose and Ian Poulter do now. They are all-round good players.

The good thing, in a way, for me is that everything needs to improve. I have to swing it better, have better course management, be more consistent, and my short game needs to be massively better. If I stood here now and said I was good at everything, but still struggling, I think that would be a problem.”

Tony ain’t got that swing!

Tony Jacklin’s moment in the spotlights in sequins in this season’s Strictly Come Dancing proved all too brief, as the dual major champion became the first celebrity to be voted off the hit BBC Saturday night show.

Jacklin and professional partner Aliona Vilani faced a ‘dance-off’ against fashion designer Julien Macdonald and his partner Janette Manrara, but the 69-year-old golfer failed to wow the panel of judges with his Charleston dance to the aptly-chosen It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing), in which he used a golf club as a prop and wore a bright diamond-patterned golf jumper, with plus fours and diamond-patterned socks.

After the first three judges all voted to give Jacklin the boot, head judge Len Goodman was left to sum up: “Tony, you have only been dancing for about five weeks. I’ve been golfing for 50 years, and I am still terrible. You are the same age as me, and at 69 to come out and dance a very energetic dance, I commend you for that.”

The hero of Royal Lytham in 1969 later admitted to feeling ‘petrified’ throughout his short time on the show.

“It was a very, very intimidating situation going on stage in front of 10 million people – I felt like running away half an hour before going on stage, but there was security all over the place,” he joked. “That’s the feeling you get, you are just completely petrified.”

But he said the experience had been very positive, and he had no regrets about taking part in Strictly. “I did not want to be the first one out. I gave it my best shot, but it was not good enough, so you have to take your punishment. Overall, it was a very positive experience and I shall look back and think ‘Well I am glad I did that’,” he said. “It was exhausting, but I am very, very glad I did it. It was a wonderful few weeks, and I met some fantastic people.”

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/ 13

October 2013 / Issue 226

News in Brief

New Seaford clubhouse rises from the rubble

ABBEY WINNERS IN THE HABIT

Colts riding high at Warley Park Warley Park Golf Club’s future looks to be in safe competitive hands following a string of excellent county and club-level results from the Essex club’s juniors in 2013.

The colts’ team reached the semi-finals of the prestigious Essex Youth Shield, losing narrowly to Stoke-by-Nayland at Rochford Hundred. Meanwhile, Ryan Cox and Bailee Curran have represented Essex at U16 level, with Joe DeFries and Edward Brown also representing the Essex U14 and U13’s respectively.

DeFries also won the U14 Essex Tour, beating over 70 rivals over six games during the season, while 15-year-old Cox won Warley’s Midweek Club Championship after beating his father in a play-off. However, he lost a play-off for the mens’ club championship to another teenager, 16-year-old Tom Fenton.

The Warley girls held their own too, with Ellisha Cox playing for Essex U12s and Sophie Wheeler winning a number of county events, giving her strong prospects of playing for Essex in the near future.

While the players must take credit for their performances, club manager Stuart Orrin said that the whole team at the club should be praised for the time and effort that is putt into running all the junior sections. He said: “The standard of our juniors at Warley Park is mind-blowing and a lot of that is down to the hard work of the organisers, John Williams, Ron Lowe, Michael Cox and Elizabeth Brown, along with Wayne Selley and Russell Killington, the PGA professionals who teach the colts.”

Builders move in to clear the site

Abbey Hill Golf Centre members Brian Harvey and Jackie Boon reclaimed the men’s and ladies’ club championships they respectively won in 2012. Harvey, who plays off three, saw off 40 rivals in the 36-hole contest, winning with a two-over-par total of 144. While 36-handicapper Boon used up of all her shot allowance in the first round of the ladies’ championship, but fired an impressive level-par gross round on the second day to ensure she recaptured her title ahead of runner-up Chris Levaggi.

How the new building will look

One of the oldest publicly-funded golf clubs in the South East is set to bring itself firmly into the 21st century next year, after work began on the construction of a new clubhouse at Seaford Head Golf Course.

Founded in 1887, the East Sussex course is steeped in history, and is one of the most picturesque in the country, offering panoramic views over the English Channel and the South Downs. The club has been ‘making do’ with a temporary clubhouse since 1963, but over half a century of wear and tear has made it ‘unfit for purpose’, according to its management team.

Seaford Town Council has had plans to rebuild the clubhouse for many years, but only recently gave the go ahead to construct a new clubhouse on the site of the existing building, which was knocked down last month to make way for the new structure.

The £1.7m project is scheduled for completion towards the end of next summer, with temporary accommodation in place so that the day-to-day running of the club can continue during the

construction process. The course remains open, although players will start on the fifth hole.

With the golf course located in a National Park and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, planning consent was far from straightforward, but local planning officers and the South Downs National Park Authority worked together to approve a final design that met all requirements with regards to its impact on the environment.

The clubhouse will have a green roof to blend in with the downland, while the upper floor will feature untreated horizontal timber boarding and there will be a cladding of limestone on the lower ground floor. Facilities will include a full catering kitchen and bar with an outside balcony, where visitors will be able to take advantage of the views of Seaford Bay. Always a popular society and green fee course, Seaford Head’s new clubhouse will enable the club to cater for larger societies and other functions, while still supporting a vibrant membership.

LANCS WIN COUNTY TITLE ON POINTS Lancashire won the English County Championship for the third time in the last six years after beating Devon on points. Needing to win their final match against Hants, Isle of Wight and Channel Islands by a wide margin, they did just that, beating their rivals 6½-2½, while Devon could only beat Leicestershire & Rutland 5½-3½, leaving Lancs 1.5 points clear.

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14 /

October 2013 / Issue 226

DUAL SOCIETY OFFER 2014

COMPETITION

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A SET OF CALLAWAY GOLF MACK DADDY 2 WEDGES!

Broke Hill Golf Club & Chelsfield Lakes Golf Centre

TO INCLUDE ON BOTH VISITS: COFFEE ON ARRIVAL 18 HOLES OF GOLF 1 COURSE LUNCH

Golf News has teamed up with Callaway Golf to offer one lucky reader a choice of three wedges from the company’s high performance Mack Daddy 2 wedge range, as used by Phil Mickelson and many of Callaway Golf’s global tour staff.

The winner will be able to take his or her pick from a choice of eight wedges in the range, which includes lofts from 52 to 60 degrees, with a variety of grind and bounce configurations to ensure maximum performance for all types of swing style and course condition.

FORGED FEEL, CLASSIC SHAPING Designed by wedge guru Roger Cleveland, the Mack Daddy 2 wedge range builds on a new approach to groove design and microscopically-engineered surface roughness, which combine to enhance spin, trajectory and distance control like never before. Visually appealing, yet inspiring confidence at address, they offer the soft, buttery feel that can only be produced by a forged head.

the sand more easily, giving consistent performance.

“Alternatively, if you play courses where the turf is firm around the green, and the bunker sand is also firm – a links course is a good example of this – the narrower sole of the C-Grind works better, as the leading edge gets into the back of the ball much quicker.”

Upgrades Available £5.00 supplement for Fridays at Broke Hill Excludes weekends at Broke Hill Minimum number of 12 people - Terms and Conditions apply.

To make a booking please call:

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*Bookings for November, January & February only *Excludes weekend bookings at Broke Hill

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To make a booking or enquire about membership Please call Sally at Broke Hill Golf Club on 01959 533225 or email sales@brokehillgolfclub.co.uk or Sonia at Chelsfield Lakes Golf Centre on 01689 896266 or email sales@chelsfieldlakesgolf.co.uk

WIDER, STEEPER GROOVES The forged stainless steel face features larger, wider grooves than found in Callaway’s previous wedges, while the groove design incorporates a steeper wall angle – five degrees steeper on the higher lofts – to improve the potential for spin on shots played from the rough. In addition, the space between grooves features rows of lasered micro-grooves that are designed to enhance friction, whether the clubface is positioned square or open. The micro grooves offer 25% more spin than Callaway’s X Forged wedges, and also helps focus the eye on the hitting area of the clubface.

MULTIPLE SOLE OPTIONS The Mack Daddy 2 wedges are available in three different sole options: Standard, U-Grind and C-Grind. Each has its own specific function, as Roger Cleveland explains: “If your swing path is steep, and you retain this angle into the ball, you will require additional bounce to stop the club digging into the turf. The Standard wedges will help the majority of steep-swinging golfers alleviate this problem and generally perform well in most conditions.

“However, if you predominantly play courses that feature soft bunker sand, the wider sole of the U-Grind will be really helpful. Golfers can open these wedges right up, effectively creating more bounce, so the club has the ability to stay on top of

CHOICE OF FINISHES The wedges are available in two different finishes – slate and soft chrome. The slate head looks like it has just emerged from the workshop, with the milling pattern on the back of the head and its beautiful patina of gunmetal blue offering a stunning finish. The more traditional soft chrome option has a satin finish that, like the slate model, resists glare in bright conditions.

GET YOURSELF WEDGEDUCATED! To find out how to get the most from your Mack Daddy 2 wedges, visit Callaway Golf’s website – www.callawaygolf.com – and follow the links to ‘Wedgeducation’, where Roger Cleveland offers a series of exclusive videos which offer top tips and expert advice on how to improve your wedge play.

HOW TO ENTER To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize, simply answer the question below and email it, together with your name, address and telephone number, to: info@golfnews.co.uk, with ‘Callaway Competition’ in the subject line. The closing date for entries is November 30, 2013. There is no cash alternative to this prize.

QUESTION: How many sole options do the Mack Daddy 2 wedges have?

A) 2 B) 3 C) 4

November 8th-10th at Earls Court

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October 2013 / Issue 226

/ 17

Taylor makes fast start to pro career Just six weeks after turning professional, Woburn’s Lauren Taylor has enjoyed a string of top finishes in the LET Access Series, as she bids to earn her card for next season’s European Tour.

The 19-year-old from Rugby made her professional debut at the Ladies Norwegian Challenge in Oslo, where she missed the cut, but a top 20 finish at the WPGA International Challenge at Stoke by Nayland, and a tied ninth at the Azores Ladies Open, boded well for her plan to qualify for the 2014 Ladies European Tour.

Taylor decided early in the year not to continue with her US college scholarship at Baylor University, and had planned to play the remainder of the LET Access Series season as an amateur.

However, after winning the Norrporten Ladies Open in Sweden in August, she decided the time was right to turn pro, with the aim of qualifying for next season’s Ladies European Tour.

Taylor said: “I was going to stay amateur until Tour School, but I thought there was no point, because I’m only playing in pro events

for the remainder of the year. I left college because I didn’t want to stay amateur for another three or four years, and I feel I’m playing well. I felt like the time was right.”

Taylor, who won the Big 12 Women’s Golf Championship individual title in the United States by eight shots in May, is keen to acknowledge the contribution of her coach, Andy Dunbar, sports psychologist Dan Abrahams, and her parents, to her success to date. “My parents are very supportive of my decision to leave Baylor and everyone has been right behind me. My parents have done a lot for me, so I hope to be able give them something back.”

With just two events remaining on the 2013 Access Series, Taylor is ranked 18th in the order of merit, which is topped by Spanish player Mireia Prat.

Membership of the Ladies European Tour is on offer to the top five players in the ranking, while players in sixth to 20th positions will have the opportunity to progress to the final stage of Tour School, which begins on November 28 in Morocco.

Basildon under new management The chairman of the Organisation of Golf and Range Operators, Colin Jenkins, has taken over the management of Basildon Golf Course in Essex.

Jenkins, who also runs three other courses in the UK, including Staplehurst Golf Centre in Kent, said: “I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to run Basildon Golf Course. I am looking forward to getting started and hope it will be a success for many years to come.”

The deal means the future of the course, which has had a troubled recent history, has been safeguarded. In 2005, the council handed over the management of the course to Jack Barker Ltd, which took on various municipal courses around the UK and planned to redevelop them via the use of imported spoil. However, in most cases the projects ran into financial difficulties, and the work never took place.

Since then, London Golf Management has operated the club on a temporary contract, during which time Basildon Council searched to find a new operator. After failing to find a new leasee, councillors investigated plans to convert the site into a housing estate, which led to the creation of ‘Friends of Basildon Golf Course’, a group formed by local residents to prevent its loss to the community. That group then played a role in forging the deal between the council and Jenkins.

Jenkins, who has taken on a 75-year lease for the course, said: “We want to restore the course to its former glory. We have given performance assurances to the council, which guarantee I run the course as it should be run, and I will work hard with the fantastic team here to make sure that happens.”

Epsom launches winter-only membership Epsom Golf Club in Surrey is offering an exclusive new winter-only membership in order to encourage local golfers to play more often during the colder months. Available from October 1 until March 31, 2014, the new membership category was launched at an open weekend held at the club on October 4-5, where one lucky golfer was given a free winter membership, which is worth £450.

The weekend saw over 80 visitors play the

course for just £10, then enjoy coffee in the clubhouse and meet the staff and members.

Stuart Walker, Epsom’s director of golf, said: “We have a wide range of memberships to all suit all ages and abilities, and are delighted to be able to offer another for the winter season.

The course has good natural drainage and therefore a great winter course.”

For more details call 01372 741867 or email stuartwalker@epsomgolfclub.co.uk.

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Experience Golf ’s Heritage At Epsom you play a golf course with history that has witnessed four Open Golf Champions. A great winter course with stunning views of London, which has been dramatically improved since its beginnings in 1889.

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Book before 31st December to secure 2013 prices for Society bookings in 2014.

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EPSOM GOLF CLUB Longdown Lane South, Epsom Downs, Surrey KT17 4JR t: 01372 741867 / e: stuartwalker@epsomgolfclub.co.uk / www.epsomgolfclub.co.uk

18 /

October 2013 / Issue 226

A PRINCE AMONG LINKS Nick Bayly recommends a trip to Prince’s Golf Club in Kent, where 27 holes of stunning links golf and luxury lodgings await

“Occupying a stunning spot overlooking the golf courses and Sandwich Bay, the Lodge is The Ritz of all dormy houses”

October 2013 / Issue 226

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It’s getting to that time of year when a golfer’s thoughts turn to the links.

Although free-draining coastal courses are great year-round venues, it’s when the nights start to draw in, and more pertinently, when the parkland layouts begin to get a bit more spongy under foot, that the joy of playing links golf on dry, springy turf comes into its own. Well, it does in my book.

With the greens still fast and true, yet with an element of hold, there’s little to beat a breezy day on the links to blow the cobwebs away, and remind yourself of what’s most important in life.

Kent is blessed with some stunning examples of links golf, from the two celebrated Royals – St George’s and Cinque Ports – to the less celebrated, but equally enjoyable, such as North Foreland, Littlestone and, of course, Prince’s. While the ‘Royals’ are certainly worth their lofty status, and should be on anyone’s golfing bucket list, I strongly recommend putting Prince’s at the top of any golfing itinerary for the Garden of England.

Prince’s, like its next door neighbour St George’s – the two courses are separated by nothing more than a wire fence – has a long and established relationship with the Open Championship, having hosted the tournament in 1932, and is a Final Qualifying venue whenever the Open is held over the aforementioned fence. Sharing the shame stretch of natural links land, Prince’s 27 holes combine to create a magnificent day’s golf, with the three loops of nine – the Shore, Dunes and Himalayas – offering a superb challenge, with holes heading off in all directions, ensuring that the wind is helping and hindering in equal measure, whichever way it is blowing.

While the 6,680-yard Shore/Dunes is the recognised 18-hole layout, the 3,417-yard Himalayas nine makes for a very tasty starter, before you move onto the main course. From the Himalaya’s testing 570-yard sixth, a brutal par five which runs alongside the sea, to the 196-yard seventh – which Tony Jacklin once described as ‘the best par three in golf that doesn’t have a bunker’ – it’s a stretch of holes will test every element of your game.

The Dunes is no less of a challenge, with its 440-yard dog-leg par-four opener being one of the

Prince’s offers 27 holes of stunning links golf

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The recently-remodelled bunkers present a fearsome challenge

toughest first holes you’re ever likely to encounter, requiring a towering right-to-left drive over a whole heap of trouble, followed by a long iron into a wellguarded green. And while the holes do get easier, they don’t become any less entertaining. With rivetted pot bunkers, occasional blind tee shots, tangly rough, undulating fairways, and fast, true greens, Prince’s ticks all the links boxes, and, unlike its more famous neighbour, you can play as a four-ball any day of the week here.

The club, which hosted the stroke play rounds of this year’s Amateur Championship to much acclaim from both players and the R&A, has invested significant sums in recent years to ensure that its hard-earned reputation for offering championshipstandard golf is maintained and improved upon.

A major course renovation programme has taken place over the last three or four years, including a bunker refurbishment project which required the complete reconstruction of many of Prince’s famous hazards. Overseeing much of this work was course superintendent Sean McLean, who arrived at the club from Turnberry in 2009, following spells at other top-end venues, including Oak Hill in New York, which hosted the US PGA Championship in August. Sean is aiming to provide visitors to Prince’s with a true links golf experience, and it’s hard to argue with the results to date. Over the coming winter, the next round of improvements will be noticeable on the paths and tees on the Himalayas.

As Golf News went to press, the club was in the midst of hosting the EuroPro Tour Championship, with Sky Sports’ cameras on hand to follow every shot of the finale to the tour’s 2013 season.

Choosing to host the tournament here provides just another example of why top golfers, from Sam Snead to Phil Mickelson – who is an honorary member – to the rising stars of the game, find that Prince’s has it all when it comes to offering worldclass golf. The club also hosted the Kent Open earlier this year, while the infamous Laddie Lucas Spoon continues to attract the cream of England’s finest

The Lodge at Prince’s

A lounge in one of the comfortable suites

young golfers.

As well as being the perfect place to play, Prince’s is a place to learn, and golfers can also fine-tune their games – and their equipment – with a visit to the Links Academy, where the club’s team of experienced PGA Professionals are on hand to offer their expertise, using some of the latest coaching aids, including a TrackMan launch monitor, to improve your swing, as well as ensure that your equipment is helping to get the most out of your game.

After a challenging day on the fairways, or out on the practice facilities, golfers of all abilities will definitely feel like putting their feet up, and there’s no better place to stay than at the club’s recentlyopened Lodge, which is located on the site of the club’s former clubhouse. Occupying a stunning spot overlooking the golf courses and Sandwich Bay, it provides the ideal base for any golfing trip to the region. Featuring 38 en-suite bedrooms, including a mix of family rooms, suites and two-bedroom apartments, all of which come with kitchens, sitting rooms and golf bag storage facilities, the Lodge is The Ritz of all dormy houses.

It is also home to a superb restaurant, the Brasserie on the Bay, where two AA Rosette-winning chef Michael Fowler focuses on serving traditional Kentish produce with a modern twist, as well as more traditional golfer’s fare. Such is the Brasserie’s exalted reputation that diners without much of an interest in golf are travelling to sample Michael’s magnificent menu – which includes plenty of locally-sourced produce, including salt marsh lamb and Kent-caught crabs.

Other facilities in the Lodge include a large lounge and bar, terrace and snooker room, all of which should keep a golfing group thoroughly entertained until a day spent in the Kent fresh air finally takes it toll and sends you off to bed dreaming of outrageous up-and-downs and unlikely hole-in-ones.

With winter green fee rates now in full swing – where £60 provides unlimited golf for the day from Monday to Thursday – now is the time to book up your next game, whether it be an away day with some friends, or an extended stay-and-play break. And, if you happen to be lucky enough to live locally, a membership might also prove too tempting to overlook…

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October 2013 / Issue 226

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Cherkley developers launch fresh appeal Battle lines were being redrawn this month after it was confirmed that appeals will be lodged over the decision to quash planning permission to turn the former private home of Lord Beaverbrook into a luxury hotel and golf course.

The developer of the proposed new complex at Cherkley Court in Leatherhead has been joined by the local council in an appeal against the High Court’s decision to quash planning consent.

Longshot, a company controlled by the chairman of the Royal Parks Foundation, Joel Cadbury, had originally received approval from Mole Valley District Council for its plans to develop the site of the former home of Lord Beaverbrook in an ecologically-sensitive green belt location near Leatherhead.

Environmental campaigners and local residents took legal action to contest the decision however, leading to the High Court ruling in August. As part of the appeal process, Longshot has sought the advice of planning law firm Berwin Leighton Paisner. In a statement, Tim Hellier, head of planning at

the company, commented: “We feel entirely let down by the judicial system. Our legal team remain of the view that the decision of Mole Valley District Council to grant planning permission is robust, lawful and correct.”

Cadbury, speaking on behalf of Longshot, said: “Our overall plan remains unchanged, we are determined to fulfil the commitments made in our original planning application, which included ongoing public access, 190 new jobs, and the building of a world-class facility. I believe that we have demonstrated, with the works carried out to date, that our commitment to quality and our promises on the environment will be fulfilled. The majority of Mole Valley residents support us, and we will deliver a product that Mole Valley can be proud of.”

Development work on the 18-hole championship course, which was to be co-designed by five-time Open champion Tom Watson, had already begun before the judge’s decision to revoke the planning consent was issued. All further works have been suspended while the appeal process takes place.

Flynn claims Burhill crown Burhill Golf Club’s club championship was by won by sixteen-year-old Jordan Flynn, after the youngster shot rounds of 67 and 69 around the Surrey venue for a fourunder par total.

Playing over Burhill’s Old and News Courses, two-handicapper Flynn was four shots clear of the field after his opening round, and he held his nerve during the second round to hold off the challenges of Richard Barnes and Lucca Horwitz to become the youngest ever winner of the club’s men’s championship.

David Cook, Burhill’s general manager, said: “The tees for the second round were placed as far back as they go, which makes the New Course nearly 7,000 yards. This is a stern test for tour professionals who compete here, so Jordan should be very encouraged by his performance. It is also particularly pleasing to see young talent coming through and competing at the highest level in the club.”

In the Seniors Club Championship, sixhandicapper Peter Maskell successfully defended the title he earned in 2012 with a round of five over par on the Old Course.

October 2013 / Issue 226

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It alls adds up for Dickson!

Roger Dickson and Tony Clayton

Roger Dickson won the inaugural 64 to secure their place in The Addington, TheSocialGolfer.com MatchPlay having played six matches across the year.

Championship after a dramatic play-off at Dickson said: “Many thanks to The Social The Addington Golf Club in Surrey.

Golfer for all the time and energy they put With nothing to separate Dickson and into organising this competition, and for fellow finalist Tony Clayton after 18 holes, marshalling Tony and I throughout our final the pair replayed the 147-yard opening round. Having a match referee was certainly hole, with Dickson’s bogey four being good a new experience for me! With one match enough to take the title. decided on the 18th, and three 19th hole The TSG MatchPlay Championship was play-offs, this competition has been a nail a knockout competition, with participants biter throughout for me, and the final could arranging each round of matches at a have easily gone the other way. course of their Simon choice, with Hodsdon, The Altonwood managing Group offering director of The preferential Altonwood Group, green fees at its said: We have venues, including really enjoyed Westerham, welcoming the Woldingham and TSGers to our Surrey National, courses this throughout the summer, and summer. The look forward to finalists both supporting this worked their way event again in The Par 5, 12th at The Addington through a field of 2014!”

Hawes pips Harris to Sussex title Littlehampton amateur Wayne Hawes showed his professional rivals a clean pair of heels in the PGA Sussex Open Championship, shooting a two-under-par 140 at Sweetwoods Park to win the title by one shot.

Rising to the challenge of a new competition format, which enabled the county’s leading amateurs to pit their skills against the county’s top pros, Hawes pipped both money list leader Jamie Harris and Lea Cooper to the top spot by one shot.

Hawes wasn’t the only amateur to perform well, with his colleague Oliver Kenning (Ham Manor) matching the new Nikon PGA South Assistants & Trainees Order of Merit champion Chris Croucher’s level par 142 to share fourth place. Hawes shot 70 in the first round to be two shots off the lead, while four birdies in the second round set up his victory bid, after Harris fell away in the closing stages.

Secretary of The PGA in Sussex Sam Smith was delighted with the way the event’s new format had worked out, enabling more amateurs to play in the second round. “It’s a great way to see the expertise of top amateurs compared to those of seasoned pros, and congratulations to Wayne for his excellent performance on a very challenging course,” he said. “We’d also like to thank Sweetwoods’ owner Martin Long for offering to hold this event at his championship course, and for presenting it in top class condition.”

Penfolds on the ball at Celtic Manor Two teenage brothers from Chart Hills Golf Club are the new London Beach Golf Hotel’s Bulmer’s Pairs champions, after winning a closely-fought final held at Celtic Manor Resort in Wales.

Danny and Jacob Penfold, aged 16 and 14 respectively, who play off handicaps of five and four, came through four rounds in the combined pairs Stableford event to take the title, beating the Sene Valley pairing of Paul Bradley and Glen Reed over Celtic Manor’s Montgomerie Course. All four teams to make the semi-finals travelled to Celtic Manor, where the contestants enjoyed a practice round before two days of competition.

The qualifying rounds of the Bulmer’s Pairs Competition, which is now in its tenth year, are held throughout the summer at the London Beach Golf Hotel in Kent, with the event open to all visitors. For entry forms for the 2014 Bulmer’s Pairs Championship, call 01580 767616 or email markchilcott@londonbeach.com.

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October 2013 / Issue 226

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Brown comes good on the greens!

Former Sussex club professional Simon Brown surprised himself, and a good many of his rivals on the European Senior Tour, when winning last month’s Russian Open at Moscow Country Club.

It has been quite a journey for the Worthing-born Brown, who finished tied fourth at the Russian Open 17 years ago on the Challenge Tour, and has spent much of his life as a club professional in Germany.

“It’s been a bit of a story, I suppose,” said the 50-year-old, who did his PGA training at Goodwood and West Sussex Golf Club, but has been based in Germany since 1991. “I think I expected a bit too much of myself when I first got on Tour, but changing back to my old putter has helped me to play well again in the last few weeks.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of my time as a professional in Germany, but the Russian Open is the biggest win of my career by far – a proper lifechanging event,” added Brown, who turned professional in 1983. “Funnily enough, I was quite calm, despite how the score card must have looked. I was disappointed to lose a ball at 14, but I told myself just to keep going and hang in there for a strong finish, and thankfully I was able to enjoy the walk up to the green on the last, knowing I had the tournament won.”

In the build-up to his tilt at the European Senior Tour, which he joined in May, Brown worked hard on his fitness with the Titleist Performance Institute, and also received regular coaching from tour coach Denis Pugh, who is based at The Wisley, but lives in Germany for most of the year.

“The tour is a new adventure, I got my tour card, and have been working quite a bit towards this over the last few years,” said Brown, who completed a wire-towire win with a closing 70 in Moscow to finish two shots clear of Mike Harwood and Carl Mason. Victory propelled him from 51st to fifth in the Order of Merit, thanks to a winner’s cheque of €97,305, and the former Sussex club pro is now looking forward to banking more money while the old putter remains hot.

Oxford’s best kept secret

Crown launches credit-based membership Crown Golf, the UK’s largest golf club owner/operator, has launched a new scheme designed to encourage more golfers to take up club membership.

Its new Freedom Play package lets golfers pay a low annual subscription fee and receive credits that can be exchanged for rounds of golf. The credit-based system, which is already in operation at dozens of clubs around the country, charges more for playing peak-time rounds, but can be a cost-effective way for irregular golfers to enjoy the benefits of membership.

The new Freedom Play membership is now available at eight of Crown Golf’s venues, including Blue Mountain, The Hertfordshire, South Essex, Stapleford Abbotts, Oak Park and Merrist Wood.

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October 2013 / Issue 226

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Migliozzi pips Brar to Duke of York crown

just like a full member,” said Crown Golf CEO Stephen Lewis. “It’s ideal if you’re one of the thousands of golfers in the UK who feels that they don’t play quite enough golf to justify a full annual membership.”

Surrey golfer Geoff Husband said it made joining a golf club a less forbidding prospect. “I think it’s a good way to get more involved at the club where you regularly play. A figure of £295 is a more reasonable price for someone like me, who only plays around three or four times a month. If I could play more often than that, then it would make sense to take up a full membership, but Freedom Play gives me the flexibility to play when I want, without the feeling that I am spending more than I need to on my golf. It’s a good balance, and fits the way my life is at the moment.”

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Italy’s Guido Migliozzi held off a spirited final day challenge from Hampshire’s Jack Singh Brar to win the 13th edition of the Duke of York Young Champions Trophy held at Royal St George’s in Kent.

Migliozzi, the reigning Italian Boys champion, began the final round of the 54-strokeplay event with a four-stroke lead, but had to hold his nerve all the way to the 18th, before sealing the narrow one-stroke win in one of game’s most prestigious amateur events at under-18 level.

The Italian Boys champion shot a final round two-over 72 for a winning aggregate of 215, one ahead of Brar, who signed off with a 69 to equal the low round of the week.

“I didn’t play my best today, but the short game got me out of trouble,” said a relieved Migliozzi. “The battle with Jack was very hard. He missed the par putt at the last, but he put it up to me all day long. I felt some pressure on the back nine, but it was ok. I’m very happy to have won this tournament, my biggest win so far,” added the champion.

Prince Andrew presented the winner’s trophy

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Goodwood to host ‘DNA coaching’ Four of Britain’s leading LET player Hannah Ralph, sports specialists have will explain the dynamics combined their unique between basic technical expertise to devise a new ability and the mental concept in golf teaching aptitude needed for success. that is to be unveiled Goodwood’s head in November at the professional, Christian Goodwood Golf Academy Fogden, brings the latest in West Sussex. technology to the science of The philosophy behind putting, including ultrasound the DNA coaching approach sensory analysis of each is to focus on all aspects of putting stroke in which a golfer’s game, including even the golfer’s smallest Karen Francis with Hannah Ralph technique, mental approach movements are recorded to and fitness, and all four develop improvement and specialists will deal with their training methods. particular areas of expertise.

Meanwhile, fellow PGA Olympic coach Steve Gent, professional Ryan Fenwick who has helped prepare will take on the role of athletes, including Ben technical and tactical coach.

Ainslie, for three Olympic Ryan has worked with US Games since 2004, will Open Champion Justin Rose, outline the importance who represents Goodwood of conditioning and golf in an ambassadorial role, as screening to pupils. Steve well as the Sussex county has been a conditioning squad and numerous top coach for more than 15 years level amateurs. He said: “By Steve Gent and has applied his expertise bringing all these experts to a variety of sports, together we will develop including sailing, diving and triathlon. However, a holistic approach to playing golf, instead of he started his career in elite sport working with a concentrating on separate aspects of the game.” professional golfer. He said: ‘I’ve been particularly The DNA teaching programme, which takes involved with athletes whose body mechanics place on November 9, will be divided into oneand posture are essential for success, this is none hour sessions with the each expert, where they more so than in golf.’ will assess a pupil’s performance, and complete The mental coaching of the game will be led comprehensive reports of their findings, with

by Karen Francis, an acknowledged expert in recommendations for improvements. the field of psychology and neuroscience, who For details of how to join the programme, reached county standard at squash and golf. email ryan.fenwick@goodwood.com or call Karen, who is currently working with recent 07795 564345.

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If you’re going to wait seven years to win a golf tournament, it might as well be one that comes with a €589,000 first prize. How does it feel to be back among the winners?

It doesn’t get any better. It’s a long time to wait, seven years, and I’m glad it’s over. It was a funny week for me really, as I was a nervous wreck for most of the time, but when it came to the crunch I found a little bit more inner strength, and managed to stay calm. What pleased me most was how I stayed in control of my swing, and how I holed the putts that I had to at the end.

Can you describe what the last seven years have been like? it’s been an interesting time. I’ve talked a lot about the ups and downs of it all, and the downs were really pretty poor. I lost my way in life on and off the golf course. So it’s a really sweet moment to be happy and settled at home with my wife, Emily, and son, Freddie, and with the twins on the way in December. My home life has never been better, so finally to win a massive championship seals how good things are at the moment, and shows that I’m in a really happy place.

When were you at your lowest ebb, and how did you get through that stage?

I can’t remember the lowest golf point, to be

After enduring a run of injuries and loss of form, Surrey-based David Howell describes what it’s like to be back in the winner’s enclosure, following his gutsy win at the Dunhill Links

October 2013 / Issue 226

honest. I just knew I was playing pretty damn poorly for a number of years. I don’t want to go into too much detail about my life off-course, suffice to say I wasn’t a happy camper. I made some poor decisions and I took a while to sort through them. That would have been around 2008, I guess. And it just takes its toll on a professional career; whether you’re a sportsman, a businessman, an entertainer, or anything. You can’t do your job well if you’re not happy, and it certainly didn’t help my cause. I owe Emily a debt of gratitude for having me back, and showing me the light, shall we say. I owe a lot of people a lot thanks for getting my golf back on course, as well. Jonathan Wallet, my coach, has come on board, and I owe him a lot of credit for getting me thinking better and back towards being the player that I once was, and hope to be again.

What things have you been working on?

I was making the game too complicated a couple of years ago, and added to that were some injuries. I really lost my way. To use a cliché, I got in my own way. For the last 18 months my game has been a lot simpler, and I’ve reminded myself that I’ve always been a reasonably talented golfer. It’s been baby steps, and I’m certainly not back to where I was in 2004 or 2005, but we’ve taken some great strides to getting back in that direction.

You gave your caddie, Steve Brotherhood, a mention in your winner’s speech. How important has he been in your revival?

Steve’s been great. He came on board two years ago, and immediately bought into what I’ve been doing with my coach. He’s been very intensive with Steve, to make sure we are on the same page, and Steve has the right characteristics to be open-minded enough to do things a little bit differently, and sure enough, this is a pay-off. I’m delighted for him as well as me. He’s just had a little girl, and you know, ten per cent of this cheque will go a long way to making his family a little bit more comfortable.

How much of an inspiration was your team partner, Hugh Grant, in your victory?

Well, I used Hugh to suit my own ends. I told him at dinner before the final round that I was going to use him for my own benefit. I told him I was going to laugh at all of his bad shots just for my own entertainment, to keep me calm. Seriously, he’s been a great partner for the four or five years we’ve played. We’ve had a lot of fun, and it was great that he made the cut, and I was thrilled that he could watch me play some of the golf I always knew I could and haven’t done over the years in his company, as well. We have been a terrible partnership in this event, a lot of fun, but no good results. But this changes that rather dramatically.

So when Hugh duffed one down the first fairway, did that calm the nerves?

I try not to watch him pitching, because he really is very poor at that. No, he knows I’m going to laugh at him, and we have a similar sense of humour. I just tried to make myself as calm as possible, and that’s the way it works.

When did you feel that your game was turning around?

During the second half of last year I played some nice stuff, and then started off again well this year. I had a chance to win in Abu Dhabi, but had the poor putt on the final day and that was obviously a bitter blow, but overall it was a big boost to my confidence. This in only my fifth win in a 17-year career, so winning has not come easy to me, and you gain confidence when you do win. So to win in a play-off, which I also haven’t done before, is another big thing, and I’m hoping it’s going to spur me on to bigger and better things.

How do you rank this against your win at the BMW PGA Championship in 2006?

This is a huge event, but I can’t put it above the PGA Championship. That is our

HOWELL’S DELIGHT

Happy place: Howell is back where he belongs

“Why can’t the next ten years be the best of my career?” flagship event, and it’s the professional golfer’s championship of the British PGA, so that’s always going to be my highlight. But this ranks a very, very close second. The HSBC Champions in 2005 was also a huge win for me, especially playing alongside Tiger Woods, but that was the first year of that event, and I would say the Dunhill has a bigger feel to it than that the HSBC did back in those days.

You played with Henrik Stenson at the Ryder Cup in 2006. Did you take any inspiration from the year that he’s had?

I wouldn’t say it’s been at the forefront of my mind, but I was certainly aware of how brilliantly Henrik has turned things around; he’s now better than ever, and that’s what I’m working towards with my coach. Why can’t the next ten years be the best of my career? If that’s the case, I’ll be more than satisfied with the life’s work that I’ve put together as a golfer.

It has been seven years since you played in the Ryder Cup. Is next year’s event in the back of your mind now?

You can’t get into Ryder Cup without winning tournaments and playing in the world championships, so that’s what makes a tournament victory like this so important.

Of course, I’d love to play in another Ryder Cup. When you’re not playing well, the Ryder Cup is a pretty nerve-wracking event, and you can only really cope with it if you’re playing extremely good golf. But sure enough, with a big victory, it’s going to be on the mind much more than it was just a couple of hours ago.

Given that you live in Dubai in the winter, how nice will it be to be actually playing in the DP World Championship, rather than watching it from the sofa?

It was my first goal for the year really, as I haven’t played in Dubai in the season finale since it moved there. So I’m delighted to finally be playing in it after years of commentating on it, or watching it on TV. Jumeirah Golf Estates is my home course, so it will be very nice to be able to play in a tournament there.

One of my best mates, Neil Graham, is the golf operations manager Jumeirah, so it will be pretty cool to be able to play his course and try and keep this form going. I have a lot of friends in Dubai now, which brings its own little pressures, but it definitely adds to a tournament when you feel at home and have lots of support from the galleries.

October 2013 / Issue 226

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Camberley looks to the future after successful centenary year Camberley Heath Golf Club’s year of centenary celebrations may be reaching its end, but the historic Surrey venue is already setting its sights on adding to its legacy over the next hundred years.

The club’s centenary committee has worked tirelessly for over two years to organise numerous competitive and social events to mark the major milestone, including the Centenary Trophy in June, the Presidents Centenary Day in July, and a special day earlier in the season when all the members played the course wearing period costume to replicate the first golf played at the club in 1913. Last month saw the club enjoy a 20-a-side match against The Nevill, which celebrates its centenary in 2014.

Earlier this summer, Camberley’s club captains unveiled a specially-commissioned artwork, the Centenary Stone, under which a time capsule will be buried containing memorabilia from the centenary celebrations.

Set in the heart of the beautiful Surrey countryside, Camberley’s heathland course has been challenging generations of Surrey golfers with its pine and heath-lined fairways, clever bunkering, and tricky greens. Designed by the legendary Harry Colt, the 6,400-yard layout was described by Bernard Darwin when it first opened as being ‘sandy and heathery, long and difficult, and laid out with the most consummate ingenuity’, and that remains very much the case today, with the par-71 course still enjoyed by members and visitors alike.

Given the importance of the year, course manager Nick Paris and his staff of greenkeepers have worked around the clock to present the 18 holes in superb condition for this season’s events, as well as the years ahead. Managing the course’s plentiful heather is a constant battle for Nick and his team, but such has been their success that bees have returned to the course in large numbers this year, with the hives producing enough honey to be sold in the clubhouse.

The course benefits from a sustained programme of conservation and management.

The original features have been preserved and enhanced, using modern greenkeeping methods and machinery to ensure the long-term future of the club’s main asset.

While the course is 100 years old, the clubhouse is a slightly more modern affair, and is naturally equipped with all modern conveniences. Built in 1990, with spacious locker rooms, a well-stocked pro shop, and a sizeable function room, it also offers a magnificent bar and restaurant on the first floor, which overlook the 18th green, and provide a welcoming and relaxing venue Royal Ashdown for members and visitors alike.

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26 /

October 2013 / Issue 226

NickBayly

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

WANTED: Top golfers to play more golf Old golfers never die….

With so many golf tournaments, and so few genuinely bankable players to go around, it is only a matter of time before the whole edifice comes tumbling down.

The constant cry from the world’s top players is that they are mentally drained, emotionally exhausted or, as Tiger Woods so eloquently described it last month, ‘running out of gas’. They’re tired of the travel, the constant demands on their time, and the need to be seen to be keeping their sponsors happy.

They just want to be left alone to count their money in peace.

The way some of these players describe their various physical and psychological problems, it’s almost as if they had a proper job. Now I for one know how tiring it is to travel long distances and play a lot of golf, as it’s something my job often requires me to do (sadly, without the massive

Missing from action: The game’s top players are becoming rare sights outside of the big events

payout at the end of the trip), but it must be more than a little hard for the sponsors of all these tournaments to hear these lame excuses trotted out every time a top pro bails out at the last minute – or, even worse, just simply blanks the event.

Take away appearance fees and bulging prize funds, and you end up with the situation that faced the hosts of this month’s Seve Trophy.

The captain of the GB&I team was unable to call upon the services of Rory McIlroy, Justin

Rose, Graeme McDowell, Luke Donald, Lee Westwood, or Ian Poulter, as all had cleared that week in their diaries in order to recharge their batteries before the European Tour’s Final Series. The result was that Europe won the Seve Trophy for the first time in 17 years. However, it was a pretty poor show, and one that explains why the Seve Trophy, and many other ‘non-essential’ events, have had such a hard time of getting onto the schedule at all.

With bank accounts

swollen by PGA Tour dollars, the top British players are growing reluctant, quite understandably, to leave their comfortable American lifestyles and travel half way around the world to hit some more shots. With more money than they could possibly spend in a lifetime already at their disposal, the schedules of these players are now geared solely around the majors, the WGCs, and a handful of other key events that make up the minimum requirement.

This scenario looks only set to get worse in the seasons ahead, as the elite follow Tiger Woods’s lead of playing no more than 18 events a year, rather than the 25 to 30 that they typically entered a few years ago. It seems inevitable that tournament hosts, TV companies, sponsors, and, above all, the fans, will have to get used to seeing a lot less of golf’s main attractions.

oh yes they do

I was heartened – quite literally – when I read the headline on a press release I received last month from Heart Research UK, which read ‘Golfers live five years longer’. Feeling giddy with excitement that my almost non-existent pension pot would have to fund a further five years on this planet, I thought about how I would pass these extra days of life, before realising that I would more than likely be spending it dribbling in a nursing home whingeing about golfers ‘not being as rude as Tiger Woods was in his day’, rather than tearing it up on the fairways of the world.

Oh, how I would love to have been able to tack on these five extra years 20 years ago, so that my hedonistic late teens could have been extended well beyond a decade. However, on closer inspection of the release, I noticed in the small print that playing golf, per se, didn’t give you these vital extra 60 months. No, it had to be combined with something called a ‘healthy lifestyle’, which preclude things like eating bacon rolls; drinking copious amounts of post-match beer and red wine to drown your sorrows, and not getting too stressed over missed putts.

All that has combined to take five years off my life, at the very least, rather than adding to the sum of my longevity.

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28 /

October 2013 / Issue 226

WHERE’S THE REAL RORY? After enduring an ‘annus horribilis’ on and off the golf course, questions are being asked as to whether Rory McIIroy has the hunger to get the results that his immense talent deserves.

Words by Nick Bayly

MCILROY’S 2013 PGA TOUR SEASON

BY NUMBERS (2012 FIGURES IN BRACKETS)

TOURNAMENTS PLAYED: 16 (16) CUTS MADE: 14 (13) WINS: 0 (4) TOP 3s: 0 (3) TOP 10s: 5 (10) TOP 25s: 7 (11) MISSED CUTS: 1 (3) PRIZE MONEY: $1,802,443 ($8,047,952) WORLD RANKING: 6 (1)

Rory McIlroy used to bounce along the fairways, looking all around him as if he didn’t have a care in the world.

These days, he walks with a slightly subdued gait, and is more likely to be gazing at his feet, or worse still, searching in the rough for another ball that has failed to find the short stuff.

To say it’s been a difficult season for the world No.2 is something of an understatement. Without a win to his name, just one top-five finish (in the highly uncompetitive Texas Open), and a poor run in the majors, he’s had a poor year by anyone’s standards, and not just the high bar that the 24-year-old Northern Irishman has set for himself.

Failure to qualify for the Tour Championship in the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup served to add insult to injury to the boy wonder who had carried virtually all before him in the preceding two seasons. And while the obituary writers are far from ready to sharpen their pencils, there have been loud and persistent mutterings from the sidelines about some poor decisions, both on and off the course, that have taken McIlroy to the point in his career where we currently find him.

With his trademark curls no longer spilling from under his cap, replaced instead by a more businesslike cropped mop, McIlroy looks very different

from the carefree lad who pummelled his rivals by eight shots at the US Open in 2011, and by the same margin at the US PGA Championship in 2012.

Hairstyles aside, he has thrown in some big numbers this year, leading to comments that he is chucking in the towel when he’s not in hunt. This particular chicken came home to roost when he injudiciously walked off the course at the Honda Classic in May, citing pain from a wisdom tooth for his early departure. It was a poor, and seemingly madeup excuse, perhaps revealing that the only thing lacking in the McIlroy camp was wisdom – especially when it came to keeping sponsors happy. It was a total PR disaster for a man who had just banked a reported £100m for a 10-year contract with Nike.

In the aftermath of ‘Toothgate’ there was a queue of golf’s greats willing to offer their own words of advice, including Sir Nick Faldo, who, it should be said, wasn’t adverse to episodes of foot-in-mouth disease at the height of his own career. Speaking about the off-course distractions that had caused McIlroy to play a limited schedule this season, he said: “You have a 20-year window of opportunity as an athlete. You

have to concentrate on golf, nothing else. The ideal preparation I can think is to go to the club at nine in the morning, hit balls all day long, and leave at five.

You have to do that. When you retire, hopefully you’ll have another 40 years to enjoy it.”

McIlroy didn’t act kindly to being told how to organise his life, and brushed off the six-time major winner’s comments. “I know he wasn’t trying to get on my case, but I think he has to remember how hard this game can be,” he retorted. “I know that I haven’t played my best golf this year, but I also know that I’m working on the right things, and that sooner or later it will turn around and I’ll play the golf that everyone knows that I’m capable of, and I’ll be back lifting trophies again.” He then added, somewhat tellingly: “The thing I think is ‘what’s the big deal?’ I haven’t had the best six months, but it’s OK. I’m fine, I’ve got a good life so it doesn’t bother me. I guess the best way is for me not to read or listen too much to what people say, and to try to stay in my own bubble.”

Bubble or no bubble, McIIroy is not a robot like Faldo, and hitting hundred of balls, and chipping until his hands bleed, is not what makes him tick. He’s a feel player, and right now nothing feels that good. Or, at least, not as good as it should. He’s trying to look for something he’s already got, and, not surprisingly, he can’t find it. It’s a spark, and you don’t find sparks down the driving range, or from a coaching manual.

Those looking for easy answers to this season’s hiatus will point to McIlroy’s 14-club switch at the

October 2013 / Issue 226

/ 29

“I know that I haven’t played my best golf this year, but I also know that I’m working on the right things and that sooner or later it will turn around”

Rory’s romance with tennis star Caroline Wozniacki ended last month

end of last year, which saw him replace his trusty Titliest sticks with a whole rack of Nike kit. Others will say that the weight of expectation that comes with a multi-million dollar endorsement contract, and all the corporate glad-handing that is required, is dragging him down. While others will pass judgment on his recently-ended romance with tennis star Caroline Wozniacki as the reason for ‘Rors’ taking his eye off the ball. And there are those who believe that his decision to end his relationship with his management company of the past two years, and all the legal fallouts that have ensued, is the reason behind his unsettled off-course life. And then there are yet others who are pointing to flaws in his technique.

After missing the cut at the Irish Open, in front of an expectant and ultimately wildly disappointed home crowd, McIlroy candidly spoke of ‘feeling lost’ on the golf course, and not knowing whether the ball was going to go left or right off the tee. “The game is not coming as easy to me as it did last year,” he admitted.

All golfers know there’s nothing worse than standing on the tee and not knowing where the ball is going. At McIlroy’s level, you can cope with one or the other, but not if you’re seeing both sides of the golf course as your enemy. Watch him for a few minutes on the driving range, and he bangs ball after ball straight down the middle. Out on the course, however, a small flaw in his takeaway reappears and causes all sorts of mental destruction.

McIlory himself sees no specific breakdown in his technique, and instead points to his timing as the reason for his all-too-frequent misfires. “The speed of my body through the ball has always been one of my biggest advantages, and also one of my disadvantages, as well,” he explained, following one of his recent poor showings. “Because I have so much speed through the ball, I need to time it perfectly for it to work well all the time.”

He talks of finding a more ‘flowing, care-free movement’, rather than getting bogged down with the fundamentals, which explains why he has found it so hard to recover.

None of these issues, in isolation, seems to hold

the key to understanding McIlroy’s mini meltdown, if that’s not too strong a description, but when heaped together, they certainly add up to a muddling time for a young lad who would rather think about holing putts and kicking back with his friends, than sorting out the accounts or playing in yet another corporate pro-am.

Ultimately, no-one should, or will, lose any sleep over McIlroy’s blip in form. Nike, who have invested eye-watering sums in retaining the young man’s services, sell enough trainers and t-shirts not to have to worry about a few sets of irons and bright red drivers going unsold.

McIlroy’s comment about his ‘good life’ speaks of a man, who, at 24, already has more money than he could possibly need, and with two majors already in the bank, has basically just taken his foot off the pedal and realised that it’s quite good fun being young, rich and famous, and hitting a small white ball around a field isn’t a matter of life or death. He’s a self-employed man who has no-one to please but himself.

So there you have it, no need to panic. Rors is not having a mental or physical breakdown, and he’s not going to throw it all in and live in a monastery. He’s working at his game, and one day he’ll get it back.

End of. Either way, it’s fine. “I love proving people wrong,” McIlroy told a group of reporters after the US PGA Championship.

Let’s hope he does.

30 /

October 2013 / Issue 226

Storybehindthepic Majlis Course, Emirates Golf Club, Dubai March 1988 and March 2013

A

As Europe’s top golfers prepare to descend on the gleaming towers of Dubai, or rather the emerald fairways of the Earth Course, for the finale to the 2013 season, it is worth remembering from what humble beginnings this littleknown Middle Eastern state arose, in golfing terms at least.

While the DP World Championship will be hosted at Jumeirah Estates’ aforementioned Greg Norman-designed layout, Dubai’s interest in golf began with the construction of the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

Back then, there were plenty of naysayers who thought it madness to try and grow grass in the desert, let alone build a championship golf course.

But the vision of Dubai’s rulers came to fruition, and the club

was officially launched in March 1988, with the then Pakistan president, General Zia Ul-Haq, hitting the first shot from a golden tee in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Maktoum. And just eight months later the tournament hosted the Dubai Desert Classic, which has gone on to become a mainstay of the European Tour’s schedule over the last quarter of a century, with its traditional arabic coffee pot being one of the most prized trophies.

With its iconic clubhouse, designed in the shape of Bedouin tents, the Emirates Golf Club became an instant symbol for Dubai’s ‘can do’ attitude – and one that resonated throughout the world. During the intervening years, the tournament has welcomed many of the world’s top players, with its roll call of champions including Ernie Els (three times), Tiger Woods

Sponsored by

The Majlis Course then.....

(twice), Severiano Ballesteros, Fred Couples, Rory McIlroy and Colin Montgomerie.

McIlroy will be back next January, competing alongside his Nike stablemate in the 25th staging of the tournament, which will once again give the rulers of Dubai the chance to show off the progress that golf has made in this oil-rich state.

The before and after pictures

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DOWNSHIRE GOLF COMPLEX

of the Majlis Course tell their own story, with what was once an oasis in the desert now surrounded on all sides by towering office blocks and luxury hotels; while dirt tracks have been transformed into sixlane highways stifled by traffic.

And where once golfers had to rely on the yardage book and the caddy’s knowledge to give them an indication of where to hit the ball, they can now pick out the window of some luxury penthouse suite from which to take their lines into greens.

Today the Emirates boasts not one, but two courses, with the recently re-designed Faldo Course having the distinction of being the only 18-hole course in the region to offer night golf. The Majlis continues to rank highly in Golf World’s Top 100, and regularly wins the ‘Best Course Middle East’ award despite increasing competition for a host of newcomers in Abu Dhabi, Oman and Qatar.

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October 2013 / Issue 226

/ 31

Blue Mountain remodels ‘road hole’

London Club launches app Members of, and regular visitors to, the London Golf Club in Kent can keep in closer touch with activities and playing conditions at the popular European Tour destination, following the launch of new app for mobile devices and tablets.

The app offers a wide range of functionalities for both members and visitors, including directions

ALTONWOOD_SOCIETY_GN1_AW2.qxd

Homeowners overlooking the 13th hole at Blue Mountain Golf Centre in Berkshire will be able to rest easy in their houses later this year, after the club put forward plans to remodel the par-four hole.

Following a health and safety review, the par-four 13th at the Binfield-based club, which runs alongside a busy road lined with houses, is being remodelled to minimise the chance of golf balls tangling with the traffic or hitting the properties.

The renovation work, which is already under way, will not only make it safer for residents, but it will also ramp up the challenge for golfers, as the project includes extending an existing lake to stretch across the full width of the fairway, turning the approach to the green into a more demanding shot.

The hole will also be slightly lengthened, and will become more of a dogleg, with the tees repositioned. A lateral water hazard will also be created to run along the full length of the hole.

The changes will make the 13th more strategic, requiring a lay-up shot off the tee, which will remove the risk of golfers hitting shots off the golf course with their driver. The following hole, the par-three 14th, will be shortened and improved at the same time.

The enlarged lake is set to come into play later this month, while the full changes will be complete before the start of next season. The hole will remain in play while changes are made, although at times it will be reduced to a temporary par three while workmen are on site.

“Golfers are about to face a new challenge at Blue Mountain, which will enhance their golf for years to come,” said James Elster, the club’s general manager.

19/10/13

12:44 am

Page 1

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October 2013 / Issue 226

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Eddie Pepperell’s TOUR DIARY

RIDING THE ROOKIE RAPIDS With a successful rookie season coming to an end, Eddie reflects on the lessons learned and acknowledges that playing professionally has affected him, and also those closest to him It has been the weeks off, the hours of practice interrupted by kind and genuine people, that has made me realise the extent of my successful rookie year on the European Tour.

To me it feels normal, I still hit the bad shots and feel the frustrations. Smash the clubs and growl at the referees. The bits few people see. But yet as time has passed by this year, I have received perpetual praise and endless compliments. I’m of course flattered and thankful, but there is a growing part of me that is becoming more and more uncomfortable.

Recently I was in Oxford with my girlfriend and we were talking about a few random things. After five minutes she became irate and asked me to stop twisting the conversations into something related to me. I was shocked. I didn’t even know I had. Since when did I go from being single minded to self absorbed, I thought! (the line is fine but must be adhered to) I have changed slightly, and although I’ve felt aware of it occasionally it’s been pretty automatic and difficult to rebuff. It’s been challenging not to let all of the kind words infect the mind at least a little bit. It just seems that it’s always about me.

The people I feel most sorry for are my family.

My dad, brother and sister who all work in golf environments suffer constant enquiries about me. They have to explain the inexplicable poor finishes and numbers that scorecards read, many times over. They take the hit 30 weeks a year, I take it the other 22! I don’t want to sound ungrateful and we as a family do appreciate the incredible support I receive. (To have over 50 people travel to Portugal to watch me play shows just how popular my dad is!)

It was only when I read up on aspects of the human mind a few years ago that I came to understand how excessive praise can lead to complacency and other unwanted outcomes, therefore I am thankful to my subconscious for pushing the ‘be extra hard on yourself’ button. It’s the only way I know of stopping myself looking too far ahead. But that doesn’t come without problems. It’s a mix I’m finding to be tricky, but probably the most important thing I can learn.

Success ultimately depends more on your perception of what the world throws your way than the hours spent on the driving range.

Maybe it’s not just me who has lost a slender touch on reality. After finishing double-bogey, bogey on the Sunday of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, the headline in the local paper, which a few friends have amusingly renamed the ‘Pepperell Herald’, read ‘POOR FINISH COSTS PEPPERELL’. It did cost me some places, points and money but £29,000 is a lot of money. If my finish had of cost me my tour card I would have understood the potential rapacious implications behind the headline. But rather, in reality it has added to what they themselves have already labelled a fantastic rookie year. £29,000 is an amount that if offered 18 months ago I would have snatched with both arms. I’m sure the Editor would too.

I know rookie years in demanding environments teach you many lessons and I’m in no doubt that many of my counterparts and friends have had similar feelings. I feel fortunate to have another shot lined up at the ‘big time’ next year on top of what I’ve learnt. I am determined to remain the same Eddie despite the eddy going on around me.

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34 /

October 2013 / Issue 226

European Swingers swoop to Gleneagles glory

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Another memorable Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Swingers’ final saw Team Europe comfortably beat their Rest of the World counterparts 16.5-7.5 at the Gleneagles Resort in Scotland.

Played on the resort’s PGA Centenary Course, almost a year to the day before the 2014 Ryder Cup begins at the same venue, this year’s Swingers’ final was spectacular in every sense – the courses, the hotel, the matches, and the unique atmosphere which the event manages to create.

The first round foursomes matches were incredibly tight, with Europe doing well to finish the day with a one-point lead. Two matches, in particular, will live long in the memory. Geff Briant and Alan Clifford of Europe and Tom Riddell and Jan Horn of ROW battled all the way to the 18th green. Both Geff and Tom played superb chips to within inches of the pin, which led to great applause from their teammates on the balcony, but the blue of Europe held their nerve to win by one hole to seal a crucial point.

If there was ever a half point which felt like one point, it was in the match between the pairing of European team captain Alastair Price and Margaret Clifford, and ROW’s Brian O’Connor and Doug Douglass. At dormie three, Europe looked all but buried, but Alistair and Margaret refused to give in, squaring the match on the last to finish the opening day with the scores 3.5-2.5 in Europe’s favour.

The second day’s betterball round swung the scores heavily in Europe’s favour, with a 5-1 win taking the match all but out of the visiting team’s reach. The ROW team’s only points came from halves, with Kribs Govender, PK Dhawaan, captain Janus Horn, and the ever-

dependable Joan Heeter, digging deep to avoid a whitewash.

With the scores at 8.5-3.5, and needing a Medinah-like miracle in the final day’s singles matches to save them from defeat, the ROW team faced an even tougher uphill struggle when the Scottish weather intervened to give the home side a leg up to victory. With the rain coming down, the European team used their experience of wet weather golf to full advantage, taking the singles 8-4 to run out convincing 16½-7½ winners.

The competition was just a small part of what the final, and indeed, the Swingers is all about.

Making new friendships and lifetime memories, as well as the experience of playing team golf on some of the best courses in the world, is the real legacy. Team Europe may have won the final, but all 24 finalists were winners, playing in the right spirit, having fun, and making the final a special occasion for all involved.

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A lot of fun was had by all at Gleneagles

Up for the Cup: members of the European team celebrate their win over the ROW team

New on-line interactive ‘Special training ffer’ Launch

O

October 2013 / Issue 226

/ 35

MEET THE PRO

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James Cornish, Director of Golf at Chart Hills in Kent, lifts the lid on running one of the South East’s most renowned clubs How long have you been a professional?

Seventeen years, and I’m in my 10th year as director of golf at Chart Hills.

teaching staff to keep the Leaderboard Golf Performance Centre busy and make sure we are offering some great coaching packages.

What is your day-to-day role?

I am responsible for managing all golf-related business to ensure that we are generating revenue, while also providing the level of service expected by Chart Hills’ customers.

What facilities do you have for custom fitting?

We have a Callaway custom-fitting cart which provides golfers with the opportunity to ‘try before they buy’ any Callaway wood or iron and to benefit from a free custom fitting with our Callaway-trained staff.

What’s the best swing tip you’ve ever received?

About 20 years ago, I had a tip from Andrew Reynolds, the pro at Royal Cinque Ports. He told me to try to watch the club hit the ball. This was quite impossible, of course, because the clubhead moves so fast; but in trying to achieve it I kept my head very still through impact. I still recommend this tip when I see golfers hitting too hard, and coming out of their drives early.

What’s the best thing about your job?

The freedom to be creative and implement strategies to keep business coming in. Also, no two days are the same, so variety is another good aspect. I can often be working from dawn to dusk in the summer, but the hours are somewhat shorter during the winter!

And the worst?

The worst aspect is having a quiet spell, which can ruin a month. The whole industry needed this great summer, because business was extremely tough for everyone due to the economic climate and the prolonged winter.

What can you tell us about the facilities?

Chart Hills is best known for its award-winning course designed by Nick Faldo, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. It also has a luxuriously-appointed clubhouse, which includes a fine restaurant, function rooms for weddings and conferences, and a first-floor bar which provides fantastic panoramic views over the Kent countryside.

What is the club doing to retain existing members and attract new ones?

We have managed to maintain membership numbers, which I think is largely due to our owner’s commitment to continue investing in the course and the facilities. For example, this year we invested over £200,000 in new greens and fairway mowers, and we are mid-way through a five-year bunker renovation plan.

And what about juniors?

I’m really proud of our junior membership scheme. Two years ago we started a junior section pretty much from scratch, and we now have 70 members and a waiting list. Children and grandchildren of members are offered free membership for one year, and we also provide a limited number of scholarships for those who show passion and commitment to developing their golf.

How much time do you spend teaching?

My job is too varied to provide a lot of time for me to teach, but it’s something I really enjoy doing, so I make sure that I can provide up to 12 lessons per week. I work closely with our PGA

What was your career highlight as a player?

My first professional win was important, because until I achieved it I wasn’t sure that I was good enough to be competitive. Previously, I was most proud to win the Kent Youths Amateur Championship, as it was something I had worked hard to achieve after more than ten years of playing golf in Kent.

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We hadn’t heard of them either!!

What’s your favourite course in the world?

My favourite has to be Le Touessrok in Mauritius, which is stunning. I feel privileged to have been to such a beautiful part of the world.

Who is your golfing hero?

Sam Snead. He couldn’t afford golf lessons, so he taught himself golf using a homemade club.

I read his book The Education of a Golfer when I was a child and used to practise my short game in my parents’ garden for hours using an ancient niblick. I couldn’t afford lessons either, and didn’t have a lesson until I was 20, so I guess I felt a connection with Slammin’ Sam! Who inspired you to take up golf?

My dad played and he gave me my first club, which was a cut-down niblick. I nearly wore the face off that thing!

Who would make up your dream fourball?

Sam Snead, Phil Mickelson and my dad, because he would be so excited to play with those two!

What would you have done if you hadn’t become a pro?

My favourite subject by far at school was business studies, and I excelled at it because I found it so interesting. I have quite a few friends who work in the City, and I think I’d have enjoyed pursuing a similar career path if I hadn’t got the golfing bug.

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36 /

October 2013 / Issue 226

EwenMurray

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

Seve Trophy deserved a much better turnout

My worst fears were realised as the teams for Europe and GB&I took to the fairways of St Nom la Breteche earlier this month for the bi-annual Seve Trophy.

Throughout the season, the GB&I team looked like fielding a strong line up, with Donald, Poulter, Westwood, Rose, McIlroy and McDowell seeming likely to form the nucleus of an impressive side. And with Garcia playing consistently, and the in-form Stenson setting the game alight during his magical summer, Europe were also taking shape nicely. It looked all set for a cracking four autumnal days in the south west of Paris.

With José Maria Olazabal in charge of the Continentals, and Sam Torrance back at the helm for GB&I, how could it be anything else?

The reality was that the 2013 Seve Trophy was one that will be remembered as the one where the game’s leading

players and, consequently, the spectators, failed to turn up. It was the one where the name of Severiano Ballesteros was embarrassingly disrespected.

There were faults here on both sides. The tournament was not confirmed until the start of the autumn, and there were problems with sponsorship and venues, which made is difficult for players to organise a schedule, with so many effectively playing an 11-month world tour.

The players, however, have to take a long look at themselves.

Once the event was confirmed, it would have taken little effort on their behalf to play.

Some had valid excuses. Justin Rose has had a whirlwind few months since his magnificent victory at Merion. Graeme McDowell had arranged a wedding, and Henrik Stenson needed time off to nurse a wrist injury after a fabulous few weeks had seen him make an exhilarating move into the world’s top four. But what about the others?

Garcia has had four weeks off, as has Donald. Peter Hanson has had more.

Poulter, Westwood and McIlroy did not make it to the Tour Championship in Atlanta, so enjoyed a fiveweek break there. Had these players made the trip to the delightful St Nom la Breteche, the tournament would have enjoyed considerably better galleries, and the name of Ballesteros would have been honoured in the fashion it truly deserves.

Sometimes you have to make an effort and give something back. Without the influence of the mercurial Spaniard, their careers might have taken a different route.

Seve invigorated the European Tour, and he led us into the era we enjoy today. Maybe I’m being a fantasist, but I believe those who played alongside our greatest European golfer in the 70s through to the 90s would have swum the Atlantic to be in France.

What ever happened to It’s a subject I return to time and time again, but I still think the influence of modern technology is in danger of spoiling the professional game.

At the Dunhill Links Championship, Peter Uihlein came within a whisker of the European Tour’s first 59 at Kingsbarns, while there were 62s and 63s at St Andrews, and 64s at Carnoustie. To

be fair, the weather was perfect over the four days, and because of the amateur involvement, the pins were in relatively easy positions, but with these numbers, our truly great courses are becoming obsolete.

I’m not in favour of a change that will hold back club players. They are the lifeblood of the game.

Without them, there is no

professional golf, and they like to play the equipment their favourite players play with. I would, however, like to see further changes when the use of the anchored putter ends in 2016. The driver head is too large.

If you look at the tours across the globe, there are no poor drivers of the ball these days. If it doesn’t go over 300 yards, it’s almost

Too many points spoils Presidents Cup drama It was a real thrill to join my colleagues American John Swantek and former Players champion Craig Perks at the home of Jack Nicklaus in Ohio for the Presidents Cup. Muirfield Village oozes Nicklaus class, and of all the fine courses he has created, this one is his jewel in the crown. Throughout 18 memorable holes, you can see many of the design elments that have influenced Jack during his worldwide career. The clubhouse, recently redesigned, has a Valderamma look to it, and the signature 12th hole was surely inspired by the 12th at Augusta, and positioned in the same part of the course.

Indeed, three of the par threes are the same as Augusta – the 4th, 12th and 16th.

The event itself suffers from too many matches before the Sunday singles. It offers the opportunity for one side to build a large lead by Saturday evening. The only close match, which went to a play off, was at the Links at Fancourt in 2003, when the respective captains, Player and Nicklaus, shook hands with Tiger Woods and Ernie Els in gathering gloom and the cup was shared.

International captain Nick Price

wanted to change the format to mirror the Ryder Cup, which has 16 points available throughout the foursomes and four balls. The Presidents Cup has 22 points before the singles. The popular three-time major winner compiled a dossier at Christmas last year, which I had the privilege of reading, and had the Cup committee taken note of his findings and solutions, the match would have been much more closely contested.

Despite some good performances from lesser-known players such as Graham De Laet and Brendon De Jong in the early exchanges, the Americans took an almost insurmountable six-point lead into the 12 Sunday singles.

Over the first four sections of foursomes and four balls, it’s a little like cat and mouse, and events like these should be settled by the singles. As we know from the American comeback at Brookline in 1999, and Europe’s amazing resurrection at Medinah, a lead of four points is not a comfortable one. With 16 points to play for, a bigger lead is unlikely; with 22, the chances are considerably greater.

The powers that be would do well to listen to Price’s measured thoughts and ring the changes before the next event in South Korea.

the bad drivers? considered a miss-hit. The head needs to be reduced in size. The good drivers will then be identified, and the less talented ones will suffer.

I’m OK with the 60- degree wedge, but not quite so happy with utility clubs. And, the ball is close to being out of control – or rather the opposite, as most players seem to have

got it on a piece of string. Our revered courses no longer offer the challenges they were designed for.

It’s a tough call, and you will all have your own ideas for and against the influence of modern technology. With the winter approaching, let me know your thoughts, and we can devote a future column to your replies and ideas.

October 2013 / Issue 226

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TAKE YOUR GAME TO HEAVENLY HEIGHTS! New concept in iron design offers forgiveness through the bag

While most golfers have at least one or two hybrids in the bag these days, there are plenty of players who would benefit from having a set that is entirely made up of them, on the basis that they would benefit from their distance-enhancing and forgiveness qualities through the bag.

This fact was not lost on golf professional Stuart Smith, who came up with the design for a completely new concept in club design, the Heavenly Hybrids.

Featuring a hybrid look to the sole and shape of each of the nine clubs in the set, the Heavenly Hybrid range gives golfers of all abilities greater distance, improved ball flight, and better control from all types of lies.

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Smith, who has been a golf professional for over 20 years, said: “I wanted to produce a complete set of hybrids which would enable golfers of all abilities to improve their game and get more enjoyment from playing, but without having to change their swing. “ He added: “The response from people who’ve tried or bought the Heavenly Hybrids has been fantastic. We’ve had orders for well over 200 sets in

the last six months, and we’ve had some great feedback from golfers who have bought them. Customers are emailing us all the time to let us know of their success since using these clubs, which makes all the hard work and risk in this new design worthwhile. We truly believe that hybrids are going to play a bigger part in everyone’s game in the foreseeable future. We’re now looking to expand into Europe, and possibly America next year.”

Available in men’s and ladies’ sets, the nine-piece Heavenly Hybrid range comprises 3-9 irons, plus a hybrid pitching wedge and sand wedge. The set costs £349, but clubs can also be bought individually for £45, and clubhead covers are included.

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Mention Thomas Björn to the average man on the driving range and most minds wander back to the final round at Royal St George’s in 2003 when, standing on the 16th tee, the 32-year-old Dane was two up with three to play. We all know what happened next, as he hit his tee shot into the greenside bunker, took three to get out, and ultimately gifted unknown Ben Curtis the Claret Jug by one shot.

Ten years on Björn remains without a longed-for major and, while he says he has long since got over the heartache of throwing away golf’s oldest major title, he must still be haunted by those few seconds of madness in the St George’s sand.

“People want to talk about that day, whenever the Open comes around. That’s only natural,” Björn says. “I have always been fine with everything I did that week. I played the best golf of my life. And I made a mistake.

Things just didn’t go my way.”

Although the scars might still be etched deep in Björn’s psyche, he hasn’t let the small matter of a Claret Jug get in the way of carving out a supremely successful career by anyone’s standards. With 14 wins to show from his 18 years on the European Tour, and over €17 million in prize money banked from playing well in excess of 400 events, Björn is one of the most successful players of his generation.

And he’s not done yet. Having registered seven top-10s so far this year, including two runners-up spots, and an impressive play-off victory at last month’s European Masters, the 42-year-old is enjoying a vintage season – one that looks likely to propel him into the reckoning for next year’s Ryder Cup team, and not just as a vice-captain to assist good friend Paul McGinley.

One of the first text messages Björn received after defeating Craig Lee at the first extra playoff hole at the European Masters was from McGinley, who congratulated his former Ryder Cup team mate, and offered him words of encouragement to keep his form going during the year-long qualification process which began last month.

Speaking publicly about Björn’s performance, McGinley said: “Thomas is a wonderful player. He may have missed one or two Ryder Cups along the way, but he is fully capable of slipping back into the team.”

Besides his near-misses at the Open, and his tremendous individual record, Björn’s performances in the Ryder Cup in 1997, and again in 2002 (both of which were won by Europe) are a huge source of pride for the Dane, who has subsequently performed the role of vice-captain in the 2010 and 2012 renewals. As the first Dane to compete in the Ryder Cup, he has managed 3.5 points from his six matches – a record which he is keen to improve upon.

As well as his place in the points list, Björn’s chances of bagging a third Ryder Cup cap will be enhanced by his excellent track record at Gleneagles, host venue for the matches next year. Since 2006, he has played the Johnnie Walker Championship six times at the course, finishing in the top 10 three times, with a title win in 2011. If McGinley is looking for course form when it comes to deciding his wildcards, there would be few better men than Tommy B. Should that situation arise, McGinley will ignore Björn at his peril, as the notoriously prickly Dane didn’t take too kindly to being overlooked for Ian Woosnam’s team at the K Club in 2006. After Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke were handed the wildcards, Björn launched a vitriolic attack against the Welsh captain, describing him as ‘barmy’ and ‘not burdened with leadership qualities’. It wasn’t

October 2013 / Issue 226

Following his gritty victory at the European Masters, there’s plenty of life left in great Dane Thomas Björn, who looks destined for Ryder Cup duties in the very near future, and perhaps not just as a captain Words by Nick Bayly

BJORN AGAIN

Bjorn’s finest hour, and he was subsequently fined £5,000 by the European Tour for his unseemly outburst. Björn’s fiery temper maybe his greatest weakness – but it’s also his strongest asset, making him the strong competitor that he is.

In addition to taking his season’s earnings comfortably over the €1 million mark for the eighth time in his career, victory in Switzerland last month moved him significantly back inside the world’s top 50 (45th), and gave him automatic entry into next season’s majors and World Golf Championship events, should he manage to hold his form into 2014. It’s a challenge that the man himself looks ready to rise to.

“I do feel very comfortable with my game at the moment,” says Björn, who has now fully recovered from a neck injury that plagued him through the early part of the season. “I had a really good run through the summer, and it was nice to translate that consistent form into a win.

“I’ve had to grit my teeth for a while, and I really wanted to get out there and try to win a golf tournament again,” he adds. “I came into that week not playing particularly great, but promised myself I’d stick to my game plan. I did that and had only two bogeys in 72 holes, which is good going around Crans. It was particularly satisfying to win in a play-off.

I’ve had a hard time dealing with pressure situations in the past, and there is no more pressure than that.”

With his improved world ranking comes the added stress of maintaining his upward curve, without taking his foot off the gas. “I have to stay in that top 50 until the end of the year, and hopefully improve that position,” he says. “When you are top 30 in the world you feel like you can compete. From a confidence point of view, I feel like if I can get back there I will go into big championships knowing I can compete and not have a fluke week. My world ranking over time has shown I can compete with the best. I feel like I have a lot of golf left in me.”

That’s good news for Björn’s many supporters, as there’s a lot of golf left to be played this season still, including the newly-created Final Series, which involves two big money events in China, and one in Turkey, before culminating in the DP World Championship in Dubai in November. Bjorn currently lies eighth in the Race to Dubai rankings, although some way adrift of race leader Henrik Stenson, another idiosyncratic Scandanavian who has also enjoyed a stunning season.

“There are some guys quite a bit in front of me, so it will be very difficult to win it, but hopefully I can continue to contend, and then we will see what position I am in going to Dubai,” says Björn. “It [Dubai] is always a great place to play golf. It’s one of the players’ favourite places, whether it be the Desert Classic or the DP World Tour Championship. I had to miss it last year because of injury, but obviously it is a special place for me for many reasons, and I am looking forward to going back.”

One of those reasons was his win in the Dubai Desert Classic in 2001, where he beat a rampaging Tiger Woods by two shots, and laid down his marker as being one of the Tour’s brightest talents, while he also enjoyed a string of high finishes there over the years.

The one glaring omission from the Björn CV is, of course, a major championship. He’s come closer than most, accruing five top 10s in the Open, with the aforementioned runner-up finish in 2003 his nearest miss, along with his third place in a packed leaderboard at Muirfield in 2002. He occupied the runnerup spot two years previously at St Andrews,

October 2013 / Issue 226

/ 39

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Bjorn looks nailed on as a future Ryder Cup captain

“My world ranking over time has shown I can compete with the best. I feel like I have a lot of golf left in me.” although the fact that he was seven shots adrift of Tiger Woods relegates it out of the ‘near-miss’ category.

A far closer call came at the US PGA Championship in 2005, when only a mercurial up and down from Phil Mickelson at the last at Baltusrol, and a missed birdie putt from Bjorn, denied him a famous, and somewhat unlikely victory, from a man who had largely turned his back on the attractions of the PGA Tour.

“Of course it’s disappointing that I haven’t won a major yet, but it is definitely something I would love to achieve before I’m done. I did have a chance at Muirfield in 2002, and, of course, at St George’s, but it wasn’t to be.

Links golf suits the way I play, and I think it is a fantastic way to play golf. The Open is one of the best tournaments, and it certainly gets the best out of me.”

As well as being an outstanding player for club, country and continent, so to speak, Björn has also carved himself a role shaping of the present and future of the professional game. As an outspoken chairman of the European Tour’s players’ committee, as well as chairman of the Ryder Cup committee, whose job it is to select European host venues and the team captain, he is right in the thick of it

as an administrator.

He was most recently involved in formulating a new five-man panel that will decide the Ryder Cup captaincy from 2016 onwards. The panel will include three immediate past captains (i.e. McGinley, Olazabal and Montgomerie), the chief executive of The European Tour (currently George O’Grady), and one representative from the tournament committee. Seeing as Björn currently heads that committee, that role might well result in a conflict of interest should he seek election for that high post in the not too distant future, as he surely will.

A mature 47 by the time the 2018 Ryder Cup comes around, the competitive Dane must be a strong contender to lead Europe in France.

But for now, Denmark’s greatest golfing export is concentrating on holding his form for as long as he can, and keeping his name high up on leaderboards around the world. He insists, rather half-heartedly, that he is not yet thinking about next year’s Ryder Cup. “That’s a long way ahead,” he says, with a glint in his eye. “I would love to play one more, but only time will tell.”

It certainly will – but no-one will be trying harder to make that team than Thomas Björn.

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Bjorn has played his way into contention for a place in next year’s Ryder Cup

40 /

Tour News

in Brief US WINS PRESIDENTS CUP The United States secured a fifth successive Presidents Cup win with an 18½-15½ victory over the Internationals at Muirfield Village in Ohio. The US needed only four points from Sunday’s singles to retain the Cup, having established a lead of 14-8 after the delayed final foursomes session. The Internationals won six of the first nine matches, but Tiger Woods’s one-up victory over Richard Sterne sealed the result with two matches still out on the course.

WOODS NAMED PLAYER OF THE YEAR Tiger Woods was voted the PGA Tour player of the year for the 2013 season. The world No.1 won five times, including the Players Championship and two WGC events, to take his career tally to 79 wins. Jordan Spieth won the rookie of the year award, after finishing seventh in the FedEx Cup, earning a wildcard pick for the Presidents Cup, and winning the John Deere Classic. He started the season ranked 810th in the world, but currently lies in 21st.

October 2013 / Issue 226

TOUR NEWS

Europe enjoys Seve Trophy triumph Continental Europe won the Seve Trophy for the first time since 2000 with a 15-13 victory over Great Britain & Ireland at St-Nom-LaBreteche in France.

The teams were locked at 9-9 going into the final day’s singles, and the contest went down to the final match between Francesco Molinari and Chris Wood, with the Italian winning 3&2 thanks to a birdie at the 16th hole. France’s Gregory Bourdy beat Scotland’s Scott Jamieson 4&3 to finish with five victories from his five matches – the first time that

has been achieved in the history of the event.

Dutchman Joost Luiten, who won his first four matches, lost to England’s Tommy Fleetwood 3&2 in the first singles match completed, before Bourdy closed out his encounter and Nicolas Colsaerts edged out Paul Casey by one hole.

Marc Warren levelled the scores for GB&I with a 4&3 defeat of Thorbjorn Olesen, but Matteo Manassero beat Stephen Gallacher 3&2, and Spanish veteran Miguel Angel Jimenez was a 6&4 winner against David Lynn to put Europe within half a

Clarke takes up PGA Tour card Darren Clarke has joined the growing list of European players who have recently taken up membership of the PGA Tour.

The 45-year-old Northern Irishman, who is returning to the PGA Tour for the first time in seven years, will use a five-year exemption from his 2011 Open Championship victory to claim his card.

“I’ve decided I will be taking up my US tour card next season, but that does not mean I will be abandoning Europe,” said Clarke, who gave up his PGA Tour card in 2006 to concentrate on the European Tour.

The former Ryder Cup star joins a growing list of international players who have recently decided to accept PGA Tour membership, including Martin Kaymer, David Lynn, Nicolas Colsaerts and Peter Hanson. Like those players, Clarke expects to retain his European Tour membership.

SINGH’S SENIOR DEBUT Three-time Major champion Vijay Singh made his debut on the US Seniors Tour last month, after taking part in at the Pacific Links Hawaii Championship at Kapolei. The Fijian, who turned 50 in February, finished tied sixth on his seniors’ debut, three shots behind winner Mark Wiebe. Singh has played in 19 regular PGA Tour events this year, with a best finish of 20th at the Sony Open in Hawaii.

QUESNE ON TOP IN TURIN France’s Julien Quesne won the Open d’Italia in Turin after firing a closing 67, which included a back nine of just 31 shots. The 33-yearold began the final day four shots off the lead, but a storming back nine 31 set a clubhouse lead which saw him finish one shot clear of David Higgins and Steve Webster.

PETTERSEN’S SECOND MAJOR Suzann Pettersen claimed the second major of her career after carding a final round 68 to win the Evian Championship in France.

The Norwegian, who also won the previous week’s Safeway Classic, beat Kiwi amateur Lydia Ko by a single stroke.

point of victory.

Paul Lawrie pulled one back with a 2&1 victory over Finn Mikko Ilonen, but Molinari bagged the winning point for José Maria Olazabal’s side with a longrange putt.

The tournament lost much of its star-appeal with the absence of all of Britain’s leading players inside the world’s top 20, while Sergio Garcia and Henrik Stenson were both notable absentees from the European side. Crowds were also sparse at the French venue, robbing the event of any real atmosphere.

PASS NOTES: JORDAN SPIETH Billed as the second coming, and the best rookie since Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth is flavour of the month on the PGA Tour Who is this guy?

Well, that’s precisely the same question most golf fans on this side of the Atlantic were asking up until about July this year.

What did he do?

He became the fourth youngest player to win a PGA Tour event after winning the John Deere Classic in July.

How old is this dude?

He was 19 years and 352 days old at the time of his win. He’s now 20, and this month became the youngest ever player to take part in the Presidents Cup. Where did he come from?

He’s been on the radar for a while, winning the US Junior Amateur in 2009 and 2011, and playing in the Walker Cup team that got beaten at Royal Aberdeen the same year – although he won both of his singles matches.

No, I mean where does he come from in the geographical sense?

Oh. Dallas, Texas.

When did he turn pro?

He joined the paid ranks in December last year, and in the last eight months

has gone from 811th to 21st in the world rankings and picked up $3.8 million in prize money in his rookie season. He also finished second in the Puerto Rico Open and lost in a play-off Patrick Reed for the Wyndham Championship.

OK, so the kid’s got talent. What has Tiger got to say about him?

“He’s a little wide-eyed, but he’s played exceptional golf this year and his talent is going to take him a long way over the years.”

Sounds like Woods is a little scared?

With good reason. Spieth won the PGA Tour’s Rookie of the Year Award by a country mile and finished seventh in the FedEx Cup, despite his ‘wide-eyedness’.

Those sponsors must be all over him?

He signed a deal with Under Armour in January to wear its clothing, but is currently a free agent on the equipment front. His bag is currently mainly filled with Titleist clubs.

What next for the boy wonder? The sky is the limit. He’s ranked 21st in the world and looks nailed on for further success in the 2013-14 season, which, you might be interested to know, has already started.

McIlroy adds European events Rory McIlroy has added the Dubai Desert Classic and the Scottish Open at Royal Aderdeen to his schedule next year.

Discounting majors and the WGC events, between now and next July the 24-year-old will play in seven European Tour events, compared to five on the PGA Tour.

“I don’t feel I got my schedule right this year – taking time off before The

Open – and Royal Aberdeen is exactly the sort of tough links course I need to play to get in the right frame of mind for Hoylake.”

He added: “I’m pleased to be able to compete a bit more in Europe. One of my sponsors, Omega, sponsors the Dubai tournament, so I have a good reason to play there. I missed it this year – but it was a mistake on my part not to play.”

PGA Tour’s new season already under way Following a major reshuffling of the tournament schedule, the PGA Tour’s new 2013-2014 season got under way earlier this month, with the staging of the Frys.Com Open. The curtain fell on the 2013 schedule following the completion of the Tour Championship on September 14, which was won by Henrik Stenson.

As a sign of the PGA Tour’s growing international links, three of its next five events are taking place outside of American borders, with tournaments in Malaysia, China and Mexico. The tour will then take a six-week break over the Christmas period, before returning in early January with the Hyundai Tournament of Champions in Maui, and then starting the traditional schedule, which kicks off with the Sony Open in Hawaii.

In other changes to the season, next year’s FedEx Cup Playoffs will be held over four consecutive weeks in order to give Ryder Cup players an extra week off before the matches begin at Gleneagles on September 26.

In addition to the Masters, the other three majors venues for 2014 will be Pinehurst No.2 for the US Open (June 12-15), Royal Liverpool for The Open Championship (July 17-20), and Valhalla for the US PGA Championship (August 7-10).

Alfredsson announces retirement Former Solheim cup star Helen Alfredsson has retired from the professional game. The 48-year-old Swede competed for 22 seasons on the LPGA Tour, won eight times, and earned more than $5.6 million in prize money.

Alfredsson retired after the Evian Masters, a tournament she won three times. She said: “I’m 48 and I think that’s reason enough to retire. Not everyone is an iron woman like Laura Davies. I really want to just take it easy. I love playing on Tour, but the travelling is too much. I think it’s time to get a real job.”

Speaking of her post-golf plans, Alfredsson added: “I’m going to study sports psychology, and I also have set up a tournament for my mother, who died of Alzheimer’s. I would like to spend some time promoting it, hopefully get more sponsors on board, and make it a much bigger event.”

Alfredsson’s first victory came at the British Open in 1990, and her last in 2008 at an LPGA event in China. Her seven LPGA titles included one major, the 1993 Nabisco Dinah Shore. She also played in the inaugural Solheim Cup in 1990.

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October 2013 / Issue 226

THE NEW ERA NEW & IMPROVED SRIXON AD333

A new era dawns with our best-ever AD333. The 2014 version offers superb feel, greater distance and excellent spin on every shot for all abilities.

THREE IS THE MAGIC NUMBER The sixth generation of the UK’s number one selling two-piece golf ball, Srixon’s AD333, looks set to have golfers rushing to the pro shops

The ever popular AD333 has been the UK’s number one selling two-piece golf ball since 2007, and Srixon’s latest offering is set to extend this position of dominance.

The new AD333 offers incredible feel, but has been designed for players who are looking for an all-ability ball, offering greater distance and excellent spin on every shot, and the perfect combination of distance off the tee and spin control around the green.

SPINSKIN TECHNOLOGY

NOW WITH

TECHNOLOGY

for increased friction with club face for more greenside spin and short game control.

Srixon’s most advanced two-piece golf ball to date, the AD333 now features the company’s proprietary coating, Spinskin Technology, as first released in its premium Z-STAR range. This coating improves friction between the ball and the clubface, and offers added feel and control on shots from close range, which is a benefit not readily associated with most two-piece balls.

IMPROVED CORE STRUCTURE The new AD333 is also longer than ever, thanks to the improved large

ENERGETIC GRADIENT GROWTH™ CORE for explosive ball speeds off the tee with reduced spin for longest-ever distance.

NEW SPEED DIMPLE PATTERN

for enhanced performance cutting through the wind, promoting a penetrating flight.

Proprietary SPIN SKIN™ coating Highly resilient and soft RABALON® HR+ and PANA-TETRA® blended thin outer cover Large and highly resilient soft Energetic Gradient Growth™ core New speed dimple pattern

The Srixon AD333 is available in Pure White and Tour Yellow, for increased visual performance, for £28.99 per dozen. For more information, please visit www.srixon.co.uk.

AVAILABLE IN WHITE & YELLOW

_0331N_SRX00050 AD333 Half Page Advert 128.5 x 360 AW.indd 1

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Energetic Gradient Growth core, giving the ball a firmer outer layer, which becomes progressively softer towards the centre. This core structure creates explosive ball speed off the tee with reduced spin for maximum distance.

NEW DIMPLE PATTERN Performance in the wind has been enhanced by a new speed dimple pattern to promote a penetrating flight, while the AD333’s durability is highly resilient and soft thanks to a RABALON HR+ and PANA-TETRA blended thin outer cover.

October 2013 / Issue 226

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PRECISION-MILLED WITH ADVANCED LASER TECHNOLOGY

THE NEW FACE OF SPIN Cleveland Golf, the leaders in wedge innovation, introduce the new 588 RTX Rotex Wedges: • • •

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THE HISTORY OF THE AD333: BETTER BY DESIGN Srixon first launched the AD333 in the UK in 2003, and since then its popularity among club golfers has grown and grown, holding the title of number one selling two-piece golf ball in the UK for the last six years.

At release, Srixon promised golfers a golf ball unlike any other twopiece ball on the market, with its advanced aerodynamics for longer distance and superb feel.

On the outside, the original AD333 had a revolutionary Rabalonblended elastomer cover – providing greater ball speed and initial velocity off the tee, while offering soft feel and spin on all shots from tee to green. On top of this, it also featured an aerodynamically-superior 333 dimple pattern that provided greater low-velocity lift for increased carry and roll.

The technology on the inside of the ball is something that remains to the present day, but has evolved through the years. Powered by a proprietary super-soft Energetic Gradient Growth core, the AD333 has consistently delivered optimal launch conditions (high launch and low spin).

Some of the first changes made to the original ball were found in the core – the new Energetic Gradient Growth core became firmer in its outer regions, and even softer towards the centre – providing high repulsion.

This produced a marked improvement in distance, by virtue of reduced spin and an increased launch angle.

The ball was now seen to be outperforming category leaders of the time, with a reduced compression and softer feel starting to make this a favourite among even highly skilled golfers. Srixon would soon been declared the number one two-piece ball brand in the UK, with the AD333 its leading star.

The 2007-2008 version of the AD333 saw a new Pana-Tetra blended cover added to the exterior. The strong micro-crystal structure of the PANA-TETRA cover provided incredible resilience, without sacrificing cover softness. A new butadeine rubber core increased velocity further, giving Srixon a faster ball speed than any of its competitors.

The 2009-2010 version of the AD333 advanced with Srixon developing the largest Energetic Gradient Growth core since the AD333’s conception and a thinner cover, resulting in a longer, softer ball that generated excellent spin and control for short iron shots. Players now saw a higher launch with lower spin for even greater distance than its predecessor.

The fifth generation of the AD333, released in 2011, saw it maintain its position at the top of the two-piece ball market in the UK. The Energetic Gradient Growth core was again increased further, resulting in even more distance off the tee, while a specialised dimple pattern aided this further by giving a more penetrating flight. The outer cover advanced further to give golfers even more durability and feel from their ball.

With so much evolution in the history of the AD333, Srixon has stayed true to the ball’s mantra, offering all ability golfers incredible feel, greater distance, control and durability year after year.

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October 2013 / Issue 226

STEP 1 The first thing to do is place three balls side by side, as shown. Armed with a driver, a mid iron and a short iron, you should take up an address position in which the first ball – the one on the left as you look at it – is opposite your left toes.

Next, open out your left foot about 30 degrees, as that is the position it should be in for every shot in the bag.

TOM LEWIS TIPS FROM THE TOUR

SET UP FOR SUCCESS In third part of his exclusive instruction series for Golf News, Tour star Tom Lewis looks at the importance of finding the correct set up There are two schools of thought when it comes to where your ball should be in relation to your feet at address. Some players and coaches believe you should keep the ball in the same position for every club in the bag, while others believe the ball should be further forward in the stance for long clubs (ie. driver, fairway woods and long irons), a little further back for the mid irons, and towards the middle of your stance for the short irons.

I am a believer in the second of those theories, and have developed a simple four-part drill which will help you to get into what I believe is the right position time after time.

It’s a drill which you might like to try the next time you have a practice session, and I’d recommend you return to it on a regular basis, as ball position is one of those areas in which it’s easy to get into bad habits if you don’t concentrate.

I should add that, as a general rule, slicers tend to have the ball too far forward in the stance, while hookers are more likely to have it too far back, so it’s also worth checking your ball position if you suffer from one of those faults.

1

2

3

STEP 2

STEP 3

Using your driver, the next step is to push the first ball away from you until you find yourself a comfortable distance away from it. Be careful to push the ball straight away from its original position. In the correct position (see photo below left) the ball should still be in line with your left toes.

Using your mid iron, drag the second ball directly back towards you until it’s a comfortable distance away from you to address the ball. Make sure you pull it straight back and it remains in its starting position just inside your left heel (see above).

STEP 4

Tom Lewis is a brand ambassador for Marriott. The photographs were shot at Marriott Hanbury Manor in Hertfordshire.

For details visit www. marriott.co.uk or download the Marriott app from iTunes.

4

The process is the same for the short irons (see above). Simply drag the third ball back until it feels a comfortable distance away from you to address the ball, while at the same time making sure that it remains in its original starting position, just to the left of the middle of your stance.

There are no hard and fast rules about exactly how far the ball should be away from you at address. That’s governed both by your physique and the club you are using – but in all cases I would stress you should feel comfortable, because stretching too far, or feeling constrained, will undoubtedly lead to other problems as you swing the club.

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October 2013 / Issue 226

Callaway Apex Irons

Big Max Concourse

RRP: TBC Contact: callawaygolf.com

RRP: £329 Contact: bigmaxgolf.com

Golfers of a certain age – and a low handicap – will have little trouble recalling the Ben Hogan Apex iron. Designed to spread butter, such was the thinness of the blade, the Apex was an object of beauty, but one that was only safe to play in the hands of an expert player.

To much surprise, Callaway bought Hogan some 10 years ago, and did an expert job of sitting on it. Until now. Well, in fact, they’re still sitting on it, as the Apex irons come under the Callaway umbrella, not Hogan.

Moving significantly away from its predecessor’s blade-style looks and performance, the all-new Apex irons are designed to appeal to a much wider range of golfers, with a sizeable cavity offering levels of forgiveness that owners of the original could only dream of.

Designed to fit somewhere between its X Hot Tour and X Forged ranges, the Apex is forged from carbon steel for improved feel, and features a thin, high-strength steel face insert to help the ball jump off the face. A tungsten insert has been placed in the sole of the harder-to-hit long irons to lower the centre of gravity and to increase launch angle and spin rate.

They are available in 3-SW, and come with True Temper XP95 steel shafts or UST Recoil graphite shafts as standard.

We’re not quite sure whether this product is bonkers or could be the answer for all those people – come on, we

Ping S55 iron

brilliant, but the Big Max Concourse know you’re out there – who struggle with the practicalities of owning a trolley bag and a trolley, and waste minutes of their busy lives trying to get the former onto the latter.

Weighing in at just 2.1 kg, the trolley part is light enough – and compact enough – to remain permanently attached to the golf bag, with its neat folding mechanism ensuring it folds down flush to the contours of the bag. Once needed, the Concourse opens up with a one-touch operation and, after attaching the click-on wheels, it’s ready for action. The trolley has a special adaptator to secure it to the Big Max bag, which has a 14-way divider top, along with a range of storage, including large pockets for clothing, a dry pocket for gloves, cooler pocket, and a lined pocket for valuables. It also features an external putter holder and an umbrella holder. It’s on the pricey side for a battery-free trolley, but it certainly fills a gap in the market.

SHOP

RRP: £118/£140 per club (st/gr) Contact: ping.com Improving upon the popular S56 irons, which have been a mainstay in Ping’s line up for better players for the last three years, was never going to be an easy task, but the company believes it has achieved it with the new S55s.

Already in the bags of staff players such as Hunter Mahan and Bubba Watson – who had previously been using the same set of irons for the last nine years – the S55 offers improved workability over its predecessor, and feels softer off the face. The latter feature has been achieved through a new flexible urethane insert, which dampens vibration, while the entire custom-tuning port is also larger and sits lower in the back cavity than the S56, which positions the centre of gravity lower and deeper to promote higher launch and longer distance.

The face is slightly thinner than the earlier model, with more weight placed around the toe and heel to improve energy transfer and increase MOI. A single progressive weight stabilisation bar is located at the base of the cavity, which gets smaller in the long irons and bigger in the short irons to keep the ball flight down.

Another point of difference is the lofts, which are slightly stronger in the mid to short irons – more in line with Ping’s i20s – although the long iron lofts remain unchanged. This promotes more penetrating shots to the green. Available in 3-PW, with stock steel Ping CFS or KBS Tour Dynamic Gold steel shafts, the S55s go on sale next month.

Adams Golf Puglielli Black wedge RRP: £119 Contact: adamsgolf.co.uk Made from forged carbon steel with a plated black finish, Adams Golf’s Puglielli Black wedge is designed to enhance playability and increase shot-shaping options around the green. Each milled groove has been cut to precise width and depth, and pushed to the legal limits for maximum spin and control, while the specially-ground trailing edge helps to reduce turf interaction for a more consistent strike and improved accuracy. The black nickel/chrome finish, which will tarnish over time, is designed to reduce glare at address. They are available in 52°, 54°, 56°, 60° and 64° lofts.

Ping Collection Challenge Playing Top RRP: £79.99 Contact: pingcollection.co.uk The Tour-inspired Challenge Playing Top is one of the key pieces in Ping Collection’s 2013 autumn/ winter collection. Featuring four-way-stretch and a half-sleeve design, it provides the wearer with the ideal combination of 100% weather protection and complete freedom of movement. Available with a three-year waterproof guarantee, it features a Tefloncoated polyester outer, with a 100% polyester stretch mesh lining. It also boasts weatherproof zips. It is available in asphalt/black or purple/black, in sizes S-XXXL.

October 2013 / Issue 226

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TaylorMade SpeedBlade irons RRP: £699/£599 (gr/st) Contact: taylormadegolf.eu

Srixon AD333 RRP: £28.99 per dozen Contact: srixon.co.uk Having carved out something of a niche for itself over the last seven odd years, the triple three is clearly going to run and run as a brand name – which seems fitting for a ball that does just that out on the golf course.

The sixth edition of the UK’s number one selling two-piece golf ball is, like the others that came before it, designed for players with swing speeds hovering around 75-85mph, who are looking for a solid all-round ball with a balance of distance and spin on every shot.

While a new, larger core gives the AD333 a slightly firmer outer layer than the previous model, the real game-changer is the appearance of Srixon’s Spin Skin cover, which was first used on its premium Z-STAR range.

This proprietary coating improves friction between the ball and the clubface, and offers added feel and control on shots from close range, which is a benefit not readily associated with most two-piece balls.

Fitting solidly into the ‘game improvement’ category, and a marked improvement on the rather clunky-looking RocketBladez irons that preceded them, TaylorMade’s new SpeedBlade iron is all about getting the ball as far as possible from its starting point with the least amount of effort.

The engine room behind its performance is a handlebar-shaped slot in the sole of the mid to long irons that enables a large area of the face to flex at impact, resulting in faster ball speed, higher launch, and better feel. With most high handicappers hitting the ball on the lower part of the clubface, the extra flex and weight behind this area helps shots to fly higher and longer – up to 10 yards further than the Tour Burner iron, which TaylorMade brought out in 2009, if you’re looking for a comparison with ‘old’ technology.

The SpeedBlade irons also feature progressing shaping, which translates to a thinner topline and sole in the short irons, widening through the set to the long irons to promote confidence at address as the heads get slightly smaller.

The eight-piece set also includes a 50° gap wedge, a 55° sand wedge, and a 60° lob wedge.

Appearance-wise, the heads combine two-tone satin nickel chrome plating with dark smoke satin ion plating, which gives a contrasting, yet concentrated look at address.

The stock steel shaft weighs 85g, while the graphite shafts include 75g, 65g, 55g and 45g options matched to stiff, regular, senior and ladies flexes.

TRIED &

TESTED Wilson Staff FG Tour M3 Irons Rating: RRP: £699/£599 (gr/st) Contact: wilsonstaff.com

Nike Golf VR_S Covert Junior set RRP: £149.99 (size 1), £189.99 (size 2) Contact: nikegolfeurope.com Nike Golf has launched two sets of junior clubs from its Covert range for all the young Rory and Tiger wannabes out there. The VR_S Covert Junior set features the same look, feel and signature red colour as the set made for the world’s top two players, although they’ll hopefully find a few more fairways that young Rory is managing at the minute.

The sets are available in two sizes, and offer a range of Nike Golf clubs designed to promote proper swing fundamentals through ideal length, weight and design. The Size 1 set features an oversized, ultra-light driver, 7-iron, sand wedge and putter, and is enlarged to include a hybrid and 9-iron in the size 2 set. Both the five-piece and seven-piece sets include a lightweight kickstand bag, which features a four-way divider and three pockets.

After enjoying a good deal of success with the higher handicappers D-100 range, Wilson is hoping to bag a slice – if that’s not an inappropriate word – of the better players’ irons market with the launch of the FG Tour M3s.

Constructed with input from Wilson Staff Tour pros, including Padraig Harrington and Paul Lawrie, the heads feature a progressive cavity design, and will appeal to players looking for a halfway house between a game improvement model and a traditional players’ iron. In the Wilson spectrum, this means someone who falls between the C11 and the FG Tour V2.

The head design sees a uniformly thin topline throughout the set, which lowers the centre of gravity, while the faces are thinner in the long irons for increased ball speeds, transitioning to thicker in the short irons for precision and workability. A large percentage of the overall head weight has been moved to the heel and toe area in the long irons for an increased MOI and more forgiveness, transitioning to a more consistent thickness in the short irons for consistency.

Performance-wise, the M3s offer much more forgiveness than was offered by the original FG Tour irons that I had in bag a few years back – which these replace – while the progressive cavity design, although thin, is perhaps slightly more pronounced in a club aimed at better players than I’ve seen for a while.

Forged from carbon steel with a matt black PVD finish, they are, without doubt, classy-looking irons, and deliver high levels of feel and workability, while not punishing your slight miss-hits with anything like the severity that the old FG Tour’s dished out. On the downside, I’m not sure how many players will like the black finish, which seems like a retrograde design.

Footjoy FJ Sport RRP: £110 Contact: footjoy.co.uk FootJoy has added new lime and black colour options to its FJ Sport range of performance footwear. The shoe itself features full-grain leather uppers with a waterproof membrane, while a mesh lining helps keep water at bay while still allowing moisture to escape. With plenty of in-shoe cushioning and a flexible, lightweight outsole, the Sport shoe makes for easy walking, while its bold patterns and striking colour options offers plenty of youth appeal.

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October 2013 / Issue 226

Gustbuster Doorman Umbrella

Abacus Putter Trousers RRP: £99.99 Contact: abacussportswear. com Made from a waterproof two-layer stretch material, these lightweight trousers can double as waterproofs and be worn as an outer layer. Fully lined for additional warmth, they are also fully breathable and have a stain-resistant coating. Choose from a range of bold colours, including light grey/ shocking orange, and dark grey/green gecko.

Lyle & Scott Beanie RRP: £29 Contact: trendygolf.com Never leave the house this winter without a cosy hat in your golf bag. While not a mantra for life, but it’s sound advice nonetheless. This belter of a beanie from Lyle & Scott is made from a 50/50 mix of wool and acrylic for a warm and stretchy fit, and features a stylish houndstooth design with a turn up hem. It’s definitely the dogs.

Hugo Boss Zeen Cardigan RRP: £169 Contact: trendygolf.com Show who is boss on the greens this autumn with an ultra-stylish full-zip sweater from the chaps who kit out cool kids on Tour such as Tom Lewis and Martin Kaymer. Made from a 95/5 mix of virgin wool and polyester, this lightweight cardy is perfect for days when a rain shirt is overdoing it slightly. It would also look pretty dench out on the town. It is available in S-XL in night watch blue.

Adidas ClimaProof Wind Vest RRP: £39.99 Contact: adidas.co.uk You’ll never appreciate the joys of a warm torso, while still having your arms free to swing, until you’ve worn a wind vest or, to use the French term, gilet (with a silent ‘t’).

Popular with dog walkers the world over, they are also perfect for the golf course. This lightweight adidas version features Lycra stretch panels on the back and sides, while the main body is water resistant. It’s also available in black, in sizes S-XL.

RRP: £48 Contact: theumbrellashop.co.uk The Doorman is just the type of contraption you see being wielded by a sturdy chap at the entrance to The Dorchester Hotel, ushering well-dressed women from taxis. Popular with resorts and hotels worldwide, it features a classic curved hardwood J-handle, while the Gustbuster double canopy design ensures the umbrella remains intact in winds in excess of 55mph, and its 68inch span keeps the rain at bay from all angles. A smaller 62-inch version is available for £39.99, while Gustbuster designs with straight handles, for easier attachment to trolleys, are priced at £34.99.

FootJoy HydroLite Rain Shirt RRP: £130 Contact: footjoy.co.uk The versatile HydroLite range has been designed to protect players against wet weather in warmer conditions, and features the lightest rainwear material ever produced

by FootJoy. Made from a 2.5-layer bonded fabric, complete with fourway stretch technology, it offers a 20,000mm waterproof barrier, waterproof zippers and double storm flaps. Easily packable, it comes with a three-year warranty in black, white/royal and navy/white/ black. Also in the HydroLite range is a half-zip rain shirt (£125), a short-sleeved rain shirt (£115), and a matching pair of black waterproof trousers (£90).

COLD COMFORT

Golfing gear to see you through the darker days

Ping Collection Barrier Jacket RRP: £74.99 Contact: pingcollection.co.uk

The thermal-lined Barrier jacket could be just what you’re looking for in order to survive the Arctic blasts this winter. The outer body and sleeves are water resistant and feature stretch fabric for freedom of movement, while a polyester tricot lining keeps the chill out and the heat in. It is available in black and asphalt/mustard, in sizes S-XXXL.

Lyle & Scott Half-zip Pullover RRP: £99 Contact: trendygolf.com If you’re looking to invest in some new knitwear this winter, then you can’t go wrong with a classis argyle sweater from our old friends Lyle & Scott. This on-trend sweater is made from 100% cotton and features a quarter zip on the front, tipped cuffs and hem, and the signature green eagle logo on the chest. Choose from green or red in sizes S-XXL.

Abacus Druids Turtleneck RRP: £69.99 Contact: abacussportswear.com Swedish technical clothing brand Abacus uses high-performance stretch waterproof fabrics in its new autumn/winter collection, which includes the multi-functional Druid turtleneck top. Made from DryCool material, it can be worn either as a jumper or a base layer, as the lightweight fabric disperses heat during vigorous exercise, but also features a thin inner-lining fleece which helps the wearer to stay dry at the same time. It is available in sizes S-XXXL in green, black or white.

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October 2013 / Issue 226

EQUIPMENT NEWS

SkyCaddie drops fees for Sport Series SkyCaddie has dropped its annual membership charges for golfers who own or plan to purchase any of its new Sport Series models.

Buyers of Skycaddie’s Aire, Gimme and Watch models, which were launched earlier this year, can now access more than 30,000 golf course maps without paying a penny in fees. The move comes as SkyCaddie faces strong competition from rival GPS providers which do not charge subscriptions to download course data.

“SkyCaddie is 100% dedicated to golf, and we have always adapted

to the way the sport is changing,” said Skycaddie’s managing director, Jacqui Surman. “Newcomers to the sport, and to the distance measuring devices market, should have the easiest possible access to the most accurate information.”

SkyCaddie Sport Series users will be able to access the new promotion, entitled ‘Go Play’, at no charge as soon as they register their devices. This provides front, middle and back yardages to greens on all Skycaddiemapped courses around the

world. Customers will still be able to access SkyCaddie’s Club SG service, enabling them to upload scores and odometer data, for an extra payment of £14.95 per year.

SkyCaddie claims to be the only GPS brand that surveys every single golf course on foot, rather than using Google Earth or other mapping platforms. It refreshes its maps database several times each year to reflect courses alterations, which means that Aire, Gimme and Watch owners have the most up-to-date golf course maps available in the UK. In the Sport Series, the Aire costs £129.95, the Gimme £169.95, and the Watch retails for £179.95.

Nike prepares to Launch Covert 2.0 Nike Golf has leaked images of its new VR_S Covert 2.0 driver for 2014, the successor to the brand’s VR_S Covert as used on Tour by both Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.

The new Covert driver has the same metallic red crown as its predecessor, with the iconic white Swoosh painted on the side, but in a point of departure, the 460cc model have a silvery steel face, while the 400cc Covert Tour model has darker, more muted face, which is designed to suit better players.

First spotted in Charl Schwartzel’s bag at the Tour Championship, and also at the PGA Tour’s opening event, the Frys.com, it’s now in several Nike Golf players’ bag, including that of Francesco Molinari.

The Covert Tour 2.0 has many similar

features to the 2013 version, including Nike’s FlexLoft adapter and distinct cavityback in the sole. While they may look almost identical, there are also noticeable cosmetic differences, with large a ‘TOUR’ emblem featuring on the sole, while Nike has also swapped the red paint that surrounded last year’s cavity-back area on the driver for white paint, which should further highlight the driver’s unique selling point.

The cavity section of the driver also appears to be larger than last year’s Covert Tour model, which should further increase the driver’s forgiveness on miss-hits.

Nikon joins forces with Poulter Ryder Cup star Ian Poulter has formed a commercial partnership with Nikon to launch a limited edition Coolshot Golf Kit. The box contains Nikon’s Coolshot laser range finder – which is used by Poulter and his caddy during preparations for Tour events – together with a range of Nikon-branded accessories, including a protective skin, pencil, ball marker, pitch-mark repairer and tees.

Each box, which retails for £239, also comes with a £50 voucher to spend with Your Golf Travel.

The Coolshot enables quick measurement of the distance to the flag or any other key features on the course, and offers x6 magnification. Fully waterproof, the Coolshot comes with a 30-day risk free trial, after which you can claim a full refund if you’re not happy with the product.

R FIT AY RAZ ODELS W A L L CA TM & X HO MO’S, E M E R E EXT CK & D EMO’S O T S N I D OCK & OLD ST OST!!!!!!

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THE GEAR EFFECT WINNERS’ BAGS ON TOUR DAVID HOWELL Dunhill Links DRIVER: TaylorMade R1 (8) FAIRWAY WOOD: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Tour (13) HYBRIDS: Adams Super 9031 (18, 20) IRONS: TaylorMade TP MC Forged (5-9) WEDGES: TaylorMade ATV (47, 50, 54, 58) PUTTER: Yes! Callie BALL: Titleist Pro V1x

Tour stars launch new Wilson range The cream of Wilson Staff’s European Tour players were all at St Andrews last month to launch a new range of matte black forged irons and adjustable woods from the popular brand.

Padraig Harrington, Paul Lawrie, Anthony Wall, and Andreas Hartø were on hand to add star appeal to the launch of Wilson’s new FG Tour M3 range of clubs, which are designed for better players. The company has consistently relied on feedback from its Tour staff during the prototype stages of designing new clubs, and this was certainly the case with the new M3 irons, according to Michael Vrska, Wilson’s director of research and development.

He said: “The Tour players were instrumental in helping us dial in the look, feel, trajectory, and specs for the clubs.

They provide invaluable feedback that we can’t get from either robot testing or testing with amateurs, both of which we do a lot of.”

He continued: “As more Tour players switch to lighter equipment, Wilson has shown that virtually all players, from low handicappers to Tour players, will increase both distance and control by using ‘The Right Light’ Technology and applied to this range it optimises head, shaft and grip weight to improve performance.”

The M3 driver, fairway woods, and hybrids feature a new system to enable both loft and weight to be customised to maximise clubhead speed and gain more distance.

Selecting the right launch angle and spin rate from six adjustable hosel settings and three interchangeable sole weights helps to increase clubhead and ball speeds. Three different weights - 3, 7 or 11 grammes - can be fitted to each wood to provide the perfect balance and feel. They are contained in a pouch along with an adjustable wrench and instructional booklet.

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JULIEN QUESNE Italian Open DRIVER: Ping G20 (9.5) FAIRWAY WOOD: Ping G25 (14) HYBRID: Ping G25 (17) IRONS: Ping Anser (3-PW) WEDGES: Ping Gorge Tour (52, 58) PUTTER: Ping Redwood Anser BALL: Titleist Pro V1x

HENRIK STENSON Tour Championship DRIVER: TaylorMade R1 (9) FAIRWAY WOODS: Callaway Diablo Octane Tour (13, 18) IRONS: Callaway Legacy Black (3-9) WEDGES: Callaway Legacy Black (48), Cleveland 588 RTX (51, 58) PUTTER: Piretti Cottonwood II prototype BALL: Titleist Pro V1x

BRANDT SNEDEKER Canadian Open DRIVER: TaylorMade SLDR (8.5) FAIRWAY WOOD: Tour Edge Exotics CB4 Tour (13) HYBRID: Ping Anser (17) IRONS: Bridgestone J40 Cavity Back (4-9) WEDGES: Bridgestone J40 Cavity Back (48, 52, 56), Titleist Vokey TVD-K (60) PUTTER: Odyssey White Hot XG Rossie BALL: Bridgestone B330

ZACH JOHNSON BMW Championship DRIVER: Titleist 913 D2 (8.5) FAIRWAY WOOD: Titleist 913F.d (15, 17) HYBRID: Titleist 909H (21) IRONS: Titleist 712 AP1 (4), Titleist 712 AP2 (5-9) WEDGES: Titleist Vokey SM4 (48, 54), Vokey Hand Ground (60) PUTTER: SeeMore FGP BALL: Titleist ProV1x

JOOST LUITEN KLM Open DRIVER: Titleist 913D2 (7.5) FAIRWAY WOOD: Titleist 913Fd (13.5) IRONS: Titleist AP2 (2), Titleist CB (3-PW) WEDGES: Titleist Vokey SM4 (54, 60) PUTTER: Scotty Cameron R&D Concept 2 prototype BALL: Titleist ProV1

DAVID LYNN Portugal Masters DRIVER: TaylorMade SLDR (9.5) FAIRWAY WOOD: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Tour 3 (14.5º) HYBRID: TaylorMade Burner Rescue (18) IRONS: TaylorMade R9 TP (3-9) WEDGES: TaylorMade R9 TP (48), TaylorMade TP xFT (54, 60) PUTTER: TaylorMade Ghost TM-110 BALL: TaylorMade Lethal

50 /

October 2013 / Issue 226

SarahStirk

Sarah Stirk savours every hole, every shot, and every view during a longed-for game at the magical links that is Pebble Beach

PLAYING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF CHAMPIONS Pebble Beach, along with its über-exclusive golfing neighbour, Cypress Point, has long been on my golfing hit list. The wait to play the members-only layout goes on, but the former has been ticked off the bucket list. The famous links is a storied venue, which is a huge part of its appeal and allure. Just like at St Andrews, you get to follow in the footsteps of the games greats, and walk the same famous hallowed turf.

Tiger Woods’s remarkable 15-shot victory in 2000 stands out as the most celebrated performance, but from our perspective, Graeme McDowell becoming the first European to win the US Open for 40 years was pretty magical too.

The most anticipated hole of them all was the par-three 7th, one of the most

photographed holes in golf. At just over 100 yards, it’s a little nudge with a wedge, but there is, of course, the distraction of the Pacific Ocean bordering the green. The putting surface was found, but sadly the birdie putt didn’t drop. Still, it was a prized moment – a time to stand still and admire.

The stretch of holes from 8 to 10 is an intoxicating mix of both trickery and beauty.

Jack Nicklaus described the second shot to eight as his favourite approach in all of golf, and the 10th was without question my favourite hole on the course. It’s a long par-four, with water bordering the righthand side, while bunkers down the left of the fairway bring the cliffs into play for the tee shot. The green itself is surrounded by bunkers, meaning the second shot demands bravery. A par four there leaves you smiling.

As we neared the end of the round, my aim was to shoot sub-80, but sadly nerves took

hold down the stretch. I pulled my tee shot left at the par-three 17th, handing the Pacific my first ball of the day, and resulting in an ugly double bogey. Still, the past was quickly forgotten, and it was onto the final hole, one of the most memorable closing holes in the game. Now, the aim off the tee is not to go left, and I was hoping my pull hook wouldn’t resurface at such a crucial time! A leaked drive to the right was fine by me. The walk up to the clubhouse, however, I’ll never forget.

Many of the legends of the game have produced heroic performances at this iconic venue, and we have all witnessed and applauded their celebratory walk of champions up the fairway. Unfortunately, it was a bogey six to finish and a round of 81, but as the sea fog rolled in we ventured inside to reflect on a momentous day.

Of course, $495 is a hefty price tag for a green fee, but it’s one of those courses which

“The putting surface was found, but sadly the birdie putt didn’t drop.

Still it was a prized moment, a time to stand still and admire.”

demand a premium, and one you simply want to say you’ve played.

During the course of my work, I occasionally get the chance to play a tournament course the day after the pros, and that’s exactly what happened at the recent Portugal Masters in Vilamoura. It was a memorable day for many who had worked or volunteered at the event, but on the Monday the Victoria layout was an oasis of calm after a busy four days of competition. The grandstands were empty, but the set-up was the same, and thankfully the challenge off the red tees was a much easier task!

It’s a pretty inspirational experience to have watched the stars of the European Tour perform under the pressure of a tense final round, and then have the opportunity to work your own bit of magic just hours later.

But, as one keen volunteer noted, it makes you realise just how good they are!

October 2013 / Issue 226

/ 51

CELTIC MANOR LAUNCHES LUXURY LODGES xxx

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27 holes of fantastic golf

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Pack yourself off to Patshull!

Patshull Park Hotel, Golf & Country Club, which is set in glorious Shropshire countryside, in the West Midlands, has long been a favourite for golf and leisure breaks, and its convenient location is just 10 minutes from Junction 3 of the M54, 20 minutes from Junction 10a of the M6, and only two hours from the M25, makes it easy to reach from all corners of the country.

The beautifully-mature par 72 parkland course is an enjoyable challenge that will test the best, as it winds it way through majestic old oaks, elms and Lebanese cedars. Designed by John Jacobs, the layout is not long, but it’s relatively tight, especially on the heavily tree-lined holes around the turn.

Elsewhere, elevation changes, and a few ponds, ditches and well-placed bunkers, ensure golfers have to keep their concentration at all times, while the true greens are a pleasure to putt on.

After a round, players can relax in the clubhouse before retiring to one of the hotel’s 49 wellappointed bedrooms, all of which are tastefully furnished, with many commanding stunning views over the course or the lake.

In addition to the golf course, there are numerous other health and fitness facilities, including a large indoor pool, Jacuzzi, steam rooms, saunas, solarium, beauty treatments and a well-equipped gym.

Diners are spoilt for choice, with the Lakeside Restaurant offering panoramic views over the trout lake and serving imaginative dishes made from fresh local produce. Less formal meals are available throughout the day in Earl’s Brasserie.

To book a golf break, call 01902 700100 or visit www.patshullpark.co.uk.

FREE GOLF Air-conditioned clubhouse facilities l Restaurant offering an extensive menu l On site accommodation in the Dorset Golf Hotel 16 twin rooms l From £67.95 pppn including Dinner, B&B and FREE GOLF l l

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These include a Forest Jump high ropes course, adventure golf, indoor swimming pools, spa, tennis courts, laser combat, archery and kids’ club activities.

In two different designs, the log cabins will have open plan living areas, with high windows and ceilings, and include lounge, dining and kitchen spaces. In addition to four bedrooms, which can all be converted from double to twin beds, every lodge will have its own sauna and outdoor jacuzzi.

Celtic Manor’s chief executive, Ian Edwards, said: “At present, we are filling our hotels with leisure guests and families at weekends, so we need to build more

accommodation, and these family lodges offer a different style of luxury break and experience for our customers. These highquality lodges are aimed at families who want the space to kick back and relax for a few days or a week. They will be built to the resort’s five-star standards to ensure guests have everything they could wish for while they are here.”

All lodges will be fully equipped for self-catering, although guests will be able to use the restaurants at the Celtic Manor Resort or order a gourmet-to-go hamper or takeaway favourite, delivered direct to their lodge.

A two-night stay in a lodge, with rounds of golf on the Twenty Ten, Roman Road and Montgomerie courses, plus continental breakfast, will cost from £274pp, based on eight people sharing.

There will also be a range of four and seven-night packages available.

For more information visit celtic-manor. com/hunterlodges or call reservations on 01633 410262.

yd NE ro W Sp a

The planned lodges

THE DORSET GOLF HOTEL AND LUXURY LOG HOMES FOR RENT

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Golfers looking to stay together in groups, or bring their families when they tackle the three courses on offer at former Ryder Cup venue Celtic Manor, will be able to do so in comfort and style early next year, when the popular Welsh resort opens the first phase of a new £4.3-million luxury lodge development.

Construction work on 10 new lodges, which will each sleep up to eight people in four double or twin bedrooms, began last month with a view to opening them in time for next Easter.

A first phase in a potential development of 60, the large log cabins will be known as Hunter Lodges, and will all be situated close to Celtic Manor’s Twenty Ten Course, with fantastic views across the Usk Valley. They will overlook the 16th and 17th holes, where Graeme McDowell famously won the Ryder Cup for Europe in 2010.

Opening in early Spring, the lodges will be aimed primarily at the family market for three- or four-night or week-long leisure and activity stays. In a secluded rural setting, the Hunter Lodges will make the ideal base for a relaxing stay with family or friends, with country walks and woodland trails on their very doorsteps.

Enjoying the best of both worlds, guests will also be able to take advantage of Celtic Manor’s range of restaurants and bars, and its extensive family facilities.

• FREE GOLF • FREE BUGGIES • RANGE TOKENS

Early 2014 Bargain Breaks from: 3nts £135pp • 4nts £160pp Sports Bowls Table Tennis 5-A-Side Basketball

Additional Facilities FREE to residents of our hotels Racket Sports Leisure Family Tennis Swimming Funhouse Badminton Spa & Sauna Gamezone Squash Snooker Waterslides Short Tennis Ten-Pin Play Area

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PLUS unique Craft Centre featuring 17 tutored crafts, including Pottery & Woodwork

0800 389 9892 ashburygolfhotel.com All rooms en-suite • Full board • Child rates • Party discounts

52 /

October 2013 / Issue 226

TRAVEL Oitavos Dunes

www.algarvesportandleisure.com

Time to book your place for the Oitavos Classic Golfers looking to combine much-needed winter sunshine with some competitive golf against likeminded people should consider booking a place on the third annual Oitavos Classic, which takes place in Portugal in early February.

The popular tournament, open to all amateur golfers with official active golf club handicaps, features three competitive rounds on the stunning course at Oitavos Dunes, which has recently jumped up to 65th in Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Courses in the World ranking – the latest edition of which was published last month.

Located 30 minutes west of Lisbon, and set among the natural dunes of the stunning Sintra Cascais National Park, Oitavos Dunes has hosted the Portuguese Open four times since 2001, with its dramatic coastal location providing the backdrop to a superbly-entertaining 6,300-metre, par 71 course.

Designed by American architect Arthur Hills, the layout is a rare mixture of woodland and links-style golf, with the first half dozen holes played among the trees, before opening out to the more dramatic holes besides the sea, and

Call us on

0845 543 6674

then returning to the woods for the last two holes. The signature hole is the par-three 14th, a scary-looking 165-yard hole played across a deep storm ravine.

Competitors in the tournament will stay at The Oitavos, a contemporary five-star hotel which opened in 2010, and is located opposite the golf course. Set within the Quinta da Marinha estate, the sporting resort also boasts an equestrian centre, a health spa, and a racket club.

The Oitavos Classic takes place from February 6-9, with a three-night package starting from €669 for single occupancy, rising to €924 for double occupancy. The package includes daily buffet breakfast, three rounds at Oitavos, a welcome cocktail party and a closing ceremony dinner, where prizes and awards for the week will be handed out. Access to the hotel’s spa faciltiies is also included in the package.

Flights are not included, but are readily available from Heathrow or Gatwick to Lisbon with TAP Airlines. For bookings email reservations@theoitavos.com. or visit www. theoitavos.com.

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October 2013 / Issue 226

/ 53

TRAVEL

Czech out the magic of Prague While Prague has long been a favourite with UK visitors in search of stunning architecture and its legendary nightlife, golf has been something of a well-kept secret for many British golfers.

However, all that has changed following the rapid development of the game in the Czech Republic, highlighted by successful stagings of events on the European Tour and the European Seniors Tour in recent years, while this August saw the stars of the Ladies European Tour take part in the Pilsen Golf Masters at Golf Park Plzeň.

Although able to trace its roots back as far as 1904, when the first course was built

in the spa town of Karlovy Vary, it is only in recent years that the numbers and, more importanly, the quality of courses has reached a level to attract interest from foreign golfers.

The Czech Republic has experienced an extraordinary golf boom in the last 20 years, underlined by the fact that whereas there were only three 18-hole courses in 1990, there are now nearly 70. And with the arrival of Tour events and world-class resorts, and the development of its own golfing infrastructure, the country is now well placed to offer golfing holidays to rival any European competitors.

The architecturallystunning city of Prague is understandably the first choice

Albatross is one of many great tracks located close to Prague

available Two rooms ers week for U.S Mast u g at Au sta.

for visitors as a base, as most of the low cost airlines offer regular flights there, and with a number of top quality golf courses on the doorstep, it’s a great place to stay for a weekend break. Full of historic and cultural highlights, including the majestic Old Town Hall, and the stunning Charles Bridge, which is one of many that crosses the Vltara River, Prague is also ideally placed for those who want to shop along narrow cobblestone streets, or enjoy the many restaurants, bars and excellent nightlife.

The Prague area has more than ten attractive 18-hole courses within an hour’s drive of the heart of the city, including the 27 magnificent holes on offer at Karlstejn,

and the 45 available to play at Konopiste, the biggest golf resort in the Czech Republic. A new kid on new block worth playing is the Albatross Resort at Vysoký Újezd, which is easily accessible from Prague airport. A venue for the LET’s Prague Golf Masters, it will be hosting the Czech Open in 2014 and provides a suitably challenging test for golfers of all abilities. Another equally accessible venue located on the eastern edge of Prague is Black Bridge, which opened in 2011. Offering an interesting and quality round of golf, it features a modern clubhouse, and on-site accommodation in family-style bungalows. It also offers impressive practice facilities, where European Tour coach Clive Tucker is available

The stunning clubhouse at Albatross

Prague is one of Europe’s most-visited cities

for lessons.

Those wishing to stay longer should look beyond the capital and take advantage of the beautiful scenery on offer at countryside resorts such as Karlovy Vary and Ostrava in North Moravia, and Austerlitz Golf Resort in South Moravia, where the courses are equally memorable.

Whatever your golfing needs in the Czech Republic, tour operator Abante Golf, which is based in Prague, is well placed to organise your next trip there. With highlyefficient English-speaking staff,

the company can manage all airport and golf transfers, as well as book accommodation and arrange convenient tee times.

Two-night golf packages, staying in Prague on a B&B basis, playing two rounds, and including all airport and golf transfers, start from £199 per person, based on four goflers sharing two twin rooms.

Seven-night breaks, with five rounds of golf, start from as little as £599pp. For the latest offers and packages, visit www. abante-golf.co.uk, or call 020 8133 4366 for a free brochure.

54 /

October 2013 / Issue 226

TRAVEL

Golf Escapes launches breaks to the Sicilian sunshine The staging of the Sicilian Open over the last three seasons has not only opened up the eyes of the game’s elite to the delights of golf in this Italian principality, but has also introduced a new generation of holiday golfers to what the majestic Mediterranean island has to offer.

The host venue for the last two renewals of the European Tour event has been the Sir Rocco Forte-owned Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, a five-star resort boasting a total of 45 holes of golf, including two superb championship layouts.

First opened in 2010, Verdura is located on a stunning stretch of coast in the rugged south-west corner of the island, an hour’s drive south of Palermo. It boasts three Kyle Phillips-designed courses – the West, the East, and a nine-hole par 3 course – which occupy the lion’s share of a 580-acre beach-fronted property that also boasts a 200-bedroom five-star hotel and spa.

The holes used for the Sicilian Open were a composite of the two main courses, with many set against the backdrop of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.

The practice facilities are no less impressive, with a doubleended driving range, putting and chipping greens, practice bunkers, and PGA-qualified professionals for tuition.

In addition to the golf offering, other facilities include a 4,000-square foot spa, fitness and beauty centre, six tennis courts, four swimming pools, nine restaurants and bars, and 1.8km of private beach.

Children are well catered for, with a complimentary kids’ club offering a varied activity programme for all ages, while in the evening, babysitting services are available.

For golfers looking for a short break to this stunning resort, Sussex-based tour operator Golf Escapes has launched a range of packages, including a three night half-board stay, with three rounds of golf, for £299 per person, based on two people sharing a twin room with uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean.

A lengthier five-night break, including five rounds, costs from £499pp. Both offers are for stays in November and December.

For further details visit www.golf-escapes.com or call 01342 811777.

Verdura boasts 36 holes of championship golf

Call us on

0800 279 7988

TURKEY RUFFLES IBERIAN FEATHERS Turkey’s rising status as a golf holiday hot spot has been underlined by a new survey of golf tour operators. The Golf Travel Insights 2013 report, which was compiled by KPMG’s Golf Advisory Practice, revealed that Turkey is now the fourth most popular golf destination after Spain, Portugal and Scotland.

The survey, which questioned more than 110 golf tour operators from 38 countries on their results in 2012, also found that price is now the most important factor for customers when choosing a golf holiday.

More than half of the operators said they had maintained the same price points for golf packages year-on-year, while 35% had increased prices. Turkey and other emerging markets, including Vietnam and Thailand, saw an increase in package prices, but remain competitive.

The majority of golf holidays were based around a four- to seven-night stay, the survey also found. Package prices start from €300, but are typically €600-900, with 40% of bookings being for small groups of four to six people, or eight to 12 people.

While operators are reporting greater effectiveness in online booking systems, 40% of golf holidays taken in 2012 were still booked over the telephone, while 21% were booked face-to-face with a sales person.

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October 2013 / Issue 226

/ 55

Me&MyTravels Former tennis ace Tim Henman has played Pine Valley and Augusta several times, and, even more impressively, has never missed a flight in his life My most recent holiday was to… Tuscany. I’m an ambassador for The Hideaways Club, and we stayed in our villa just outside Florence in August. Every member has an equity stake in The Hideaways Club villa in Tuscany the properties, so we see each one as ours! It’s in a fabulous spot – remote, yet 20 of Sunningdale, but Pine minutes from the Ponte Vecchio.

Valley is Sunningdale on steroids.

My best ever holiday was to…

Singita in the Kruger National Park.

My ideal fourball would We went for our 10th wedding include…Rory McIlroy, anniversary, returning to the Ernie Els and Adam Scott. I’ve same spot where we went on played with Adam before, and I’m honeymoon. Lucy loves animals in awe of Rory and Ernie. and we have horses, dogs and cats at home, but to see the ‘big five’ My most memorable ever round in their natural environment was was at… Augusta. It’s every golf simply breathtaking. fan’s dream to play at Augusta, and it didn’t disappoint. We stayed in My favourite golf course is… the clubhouse, played 36 holes and Pine Valley, on the outskirts of the par-3 course on both days, and Philadelphia. I’ve played it three also had dinner there. It was an times, and every single one of the incredible experience. We played holes is a challenge. I’m a member off the tournament tees twice,

enough to play in the Dunhill Links and all three courses – St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns – are like nowhere else on earth.

I always travel with… my iPad. It’s great for keeping in touch with the kids on FaceTime whenever I’m travelling.

The best hotel I’ve ever stayed at was… the Dolder Grand in Zurich.

It’s just in the greatest location – on a hill overlooking the lake. No expense is spared and the facilities are unrivalled.

Singinta Resort in South Africa

Pine Valley

which makes you realise what a tough course it is.

My favourite golf resort is…

St Andrews. It’s not technically a resort, but I have been lucky

My favourite city in the world is… Melbourne. I was always in Melbourne for the Australian Open when it was arguably the UK’s coldest period, so getting away from the snow and cold and spending time in the sunshine was always extra special. But even more

than that Melbourne has a great attitude towards life and sport and combines them so well.

I’m planning a golf trip to...

Augusta this November. I’ve been fortunate enough to be invited back with some friends, so it’s something I’m looking forward to.

My top travel tip would be… plan properly. From the ages of 16 to 33 I was travelling 35 weeks of the year, and so I naturally became accustomed to life on the road.

Whenever travelling long distance I would always try and get used to that country’s time zone as early as possible – even changing my watch on the way to the airport. I plan well, which is why I’ve never missed a flight in my life!

Tim Henman is both a member and an ambassador for The Hideaways Club, a global property portfolio of villas and apartments. For details visit www.thehideawaysclub.com.

NORTHUMBRIA GOLF BREAKS

We’re the golfing holiday experts.

WINTER SUN OFFER THE 4* RESORT HOTEL Islantilla, Spain

7 Nights • Half Board • Free daily golf at Islantilla golf courses (27 holes) • Car Hire • For groups 1 in 8 free • Transfers from Faro airport available • Single room supplement £84 per week • Prices do not include flights

MAURITIUS

MEXICO

from £1,695 PP

5* Belle Mare Plage

12 nights half board & £250 resort credit pp unlimited golf on 2 courses incl. flights & transfers

SOUTH AFRICA

from £1,695 PP

from £2,550 PP

5* Le Blanc Resort 2 weeks all inclusive

unlimited golf on 2 courses incl. flights & transfers

THAILAND

from £2,695 PP

5* Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort 12 nights b&b 5 rounds of golf on 5 different courses incl. flights & transfers

ABU DHABI

ITALY

4* Crowne Plaza Yas Island 7 nights b&b 5 rounds of golf on 3 different courses incl. flights, airport & golf transfers

www.chakatravel.com enquiries@chakatravel.com

from £525 PP

5* Verdura Golf & Spa Resort 5 nights half board 5 rounds of golf excl. flights & transfers

CALL OUR SPECIALISTS

028 9023 2112

Details as above Available from 14th May to 14th June 2014

Short breaks available (please ask for price)

2 weeks Garden Route & Cape Town 12 nights b&b 6 rounds of golf on 6 different courses incl. flights & car hire from £1,199 PP

AMAZING SUMMER OFFER

Available from November up to 14th February 2014

£365 pp per week

£390 pp per week

MIXED SPRING TOURNAMENT WEEK Punta Umbria, Spain From 22nd to 29th April 2014 • Limited vacancies for single golfers, £84 supplement • Contact us for the full itinerary

£560 ALL INCLUSIVE pp per week

Contact us for a quote for your next golfing break. We beat most companies for prices!

Tel: 01207 562 322 or Mob: 07889 943 753 Email: brian@golfnorthumbria.com www.golfnorthumbria.com Northumbria Golf Breaks, The Office, Ravenside Farm, Hedley, Stocksfield NE43 7SX Your holiday package is protected through our ATOL Licence

MAKING AN IMMEDIATE IMPACT. NEW IRONS FROM PING.

ENDORSED BY THE GAME’S BEST. After the first swing, I knew the S55 was going in my bag.

No question. I love the control, the trajectory and the forgiveness. It’s everything I want in a golf club.”

- HUNTER MAHAN

THE S55 IRONS CAN HAVE THE SAME IMPACT ON YOU. SEE A PING FITTING SPECIALIST TODAY OR VISIT PING.COM