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Somebody’s watching you

I

t’s fair to say that pro golfers, and golf’s authorities, have been caught on the hop by advancements in the technology used to cover the game.

Not only is there a camera to record the action on the tee, fairway and green at every tournament, but these cameras are capable of offering high definition, slow motion replays that were never previously available.

Every muttered swear word, spit, cough and splutter is caught by a microphone or zoom lens, which has resulted in some unpleasant

viewing at times, especially with impressionable children in the room. Golf is hardly an X-rated sport, but such is the microscope under which the modern professional is put these days that occasional lapses in etiquette and adherence to the rules are being highlighted like never before.

There are now literally thousands of armchair referees ready to call in the slightest misdemeanour. It’s not their fault that they feel compelled to do this, but it is playing havoc with the game.

Of course, golf once prided itself on being self-policing,

with players regularly calling themselves for rules infringements big and small.

But these days, it seems that unless something is caught on camera, it didn’t happen.

Batsmen no longer walk when they edge the ball, and tennis players never accept a line judge’s ruling unless they see it on Hawkeye. And so it seems it’s going that way with golf.

Until we have a tournament referee permanently watching the coverage that we, the viewers at home, are seeing, then golf is once again going to find itself held up as a sport that is out of step with the times.

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Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

News in Brief ENGLAND GOLF UNVEILS U16 REGIONAL SQUADS A total of 150 talented teenagers have been selected for England Golf’s U16 regional boys’ and girls’ coaching squads for next season.

The South East region squads feature eight girls and 10 boys, who will be coached by Matt Antell and Steve Orr respectively.

The girls’ squad is: Nicole Amos (Faversham), Penelope Brown (Worthing), Sharna Dutrieux (Wrotham Heath), Chloe Frankish (Chart Hills), Mollie Lawrence (Rochester & Cobham), Ainee O’Connor (Sundridge Park), Nicola Smith (Sittingbourne), Nicole Stewart (Chart Hills).

The boys squad is: Joshua Barley (Chart Hills), Tom Harrison (Nevill), Charlie Hilton (Ifield), Max Jordan (Langley Park), Tom Jordan (Langley Park), Nathan Longley (Worthing), Tom O’Reilly (Sidcup), Samuel Stedman (Chart Hills), Charlie Strickland (Ham Manor), Thomas Thurloway (Mannings Heath).

Wentworth tickets on sale High speed rail link Fans eager to snap up front row seats for next year’s BMW PGA Championship can do so now, after the European Tour opened the phone lines for advanced tickets to the only Tour event to take place in England outside of the Open Championship in 2014.

The Tour’s flagship event will welcome back the world’s leading players from May 22-25, with discounted advance tickets, along with various hospitality packages.

The BMW PGA Championship offers six days of high quality entertainment, including an official practice day, celebrity pro-am and four rounds of compelling competition for the equivalent of just over £10 a day if season tickets, priced £70, are purchased before Christmas. The pre-event price rises to £80 after Christmas and £95 on the gate. Concessions start at £45, rising to £55 and £65.

As ever, the action will really hot up over the final two rounds on Saturday and Sunday, when the successor to Italy’s Matteo Manassero will be revealed. A special

causes crisis at Ruislip

There are savings to be made on early tickets

adult weekend pass starts at £60 pre-Christmas, increasing to £70 and £80.

One key change for 2014 is for adult daily tickets, which must now be purchased for specific ‘named’ days of the championship (Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday), replacing the ‘Any One Day’ ticket. The three prices for Thursday and Friday are pegged at £30, £35 and £40, while Saturday costs £35, £40 and £45, and Sunday, when the drama reaches a climax on the West Course, costs £40, £45 and £50.

The increase in attendance in recent years prompted the European Tour to throw open the doors to the public on Tuesday last year, designated for the first time

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The effects of the government’s planned high speed rail link between London and Birmingham are already being felt in the golf community, after it was revealed that one golf club had lost half its membership since the route had been announced.

Ruislip Golf Club has reportedly lost 150 adult members and 34 of its 40-strong junior section since it was announced that the controversial high-speed rail line was to be built next to it.

HS2’s double-bore tunnel is proposed to emerge so close to the golf course that holes will be lost to the development, while a utility channel is planned to cut across several fairways.

“Members are telling us they would rather go now than be faced with a mess in three years,” said the club’s secretary Neil Jennings.

as an official practice day.

This will continue in 2014, with ticket prices remaining at £5, £7 and £10 on the gate with no concessions.

Wednesday will once again bring together stars of stage, screen, sport and entertainment with the Celebrity Pro-Am Day (£10 pre-Christmas; £12 pre-event and £15 on the gate), where the public will be able to mingle with the worlds of golf and celebrity.

Reserved seating in the 18th green grandstand will be available for pre-booking over all four days. Thursday and Friday tickets cost £10, rising to £15 for Saturday and £20 on Sunday. Children aged 16 and under will be admitted free of charge if accompanied by an adult ticket holder.

The London Borough of Hillingdon, which owns Ruislip, as well as Uxbridge Golf Course, has stated that both golf venues will close when HS2 is built. “We have been looking at ways of improving both the Uxbridge and Ruislip golf courses,” said council leader Ray Puddifoot. “But in view of the devastation the proposed HS2 route will cause, we can’t proceed at this time.

In effect, HS2 will close both courses, and residents need to recognise this.”

However, Mr Jennings wants to talk to developers to see if the club can be saved. “Our objective is to get an 18-hole course back that is the same distance or longer,” he said. “It could benefit everyone if someone does a complete redesign of the course, taking into account what has been lost because of HS2.”

Ruislip faces an uncertain future with the new rail line

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Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

Zane Scotland won four times on the Mena Tour

Scotland rises to the challenge Surrey professional Zane Scotland is looking forward to playing a varied schedule next year after winning a place on the Challenge Tour following his 57thplaced finished at the European Tour Qualifying School at PGA Catalunya.

The 31-year-old from Wallington gained his full card for the Challenge Tour with his steady performance over six gruelling rounds in Spain, where he finished on one-under-par following a final round 75.

As well as being entitled to play a full Challenge Tour schedule, Scotland can also look forward to playing some early season events on the European Tour, having secured guaranteed starts in

both the Dubai Desert Classic and the Qatar Masters.

He achieved these invites on the back of a hugely successful season on the Middle East & North Africa Tour, where he won four events in Dubai and Morocco, and also the Tour’s Order of Merit. Winning the MENA Tour has also given Scotland exemption in the final stage of the Asian Tour qualifying school, where he will be hoping to add to his collection of cards.

“It’s been a good finish to the season,” said Scotland, who is a brand ambassador for golf in DUBAi, as well as being attached to Prince’s Golf Club in Kent. “Winning the MENA Tour, and then making the cut at Q School, has taken me from having

no status to having the chance to play in up to seven events on the European Tour and a full Challenge Tour status. Even though I would have loved to have finished in the top 25 at Q school, which would have got me into a few more tournaments on the main tour, I am looking forward to more opportunities in 2014, and continuing the improvement I’ve made this season.”

Scotland, who has an equipment contract with Callaway Golf, attributes a lot of his recent success down to an investment in a Trackman swing analysis system, which pinpoints his shot trajectory, dispersion, spin rates and yardages, and has helped fine tune his overall game.

Calling all golf day organisers!

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 January 2014, 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 upto-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 as 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.

News in Brief HILLSON ON FIRE AT HANKLEY Tandridge assistant Mark Hillson shot a four-under-par 66 at Hankley Common to win the first of the Titleist & FootJoy PGA in England (South) Winter Series.

He finished two strokes ahead of Oliver Lewis (Farnham), while Virgin Atlantic PGA South Order of Merit star Robert Gowers (South Winchester) came third with a 69.

WILDERNESSE TO HOST OPEN QUALIFIER Wildernesse Golf Club in Kent is one of three new clubs to have been named as future venues for Open Championship Regional Qualifying from 2015-2019.

The Sevenoaks-based club has regularly hosted English Golf and county events throughout its 122year history, and was a Regional Qualifying course from 1998-2003.

The two other new venues are Sandy Lodge in Hertfordshire and West Lancs in Lancashire.

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Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

Hats off! Trilby Tour champion Seb Carmichael-Brown

Orrin leaves amateur ranks on a high Kent star Max Orrin has rounded off his final season as an amateur by winning the 2013 Titleist/FootJoy England Golf Men’s Order of Merit.

The 19-year-old from North Foreland has experienced many highlights over the past season, including being a member the GB&I Walker Cup team, but winning the men’s order of merit just 12 months after capturing the boys’ equivalent must rank as one his biggest achievements.

He topped the list with

122,056 points, almost 15,000 more than his England and Walker Cup team-mate Callum Shinkwin, while two more Walker Cup men, Garrick Porteous and Jordan Smith, claimed third

and fourth place.

“I’m pleased to have won the men’s Order of Merit, and I’m grateful to Titleist and FootJoy for their sponsorship,” said Orrin. “It is not an easy thing to win, as there are a lot of good players out there. But it does indicate that you have had a successful year. Getting selected for the Walker Cup was massive, but I didn’t play as well as I would have liked. However, it has been the highlight of my career so far, and something I’ll never forget. That also underlined how good a year I’ve had, but

after that I felt it was the right time to turn professional. I shall never forget my time as an amateur and how much I owe England Golf.”

The bulk of Orrin’s points, over 38,000, were gained from his reaching the Amateur Championship semi-finals, while a semi-final place in the English Amateur secured another 23,000 points. A runner-up spot in the St Andrews Links Trophy earned him more than 26,000, while victory in the Lagonda Trophy, one of his two titles, brought a further 20,000 points.

SHIRE MAN TAKES 2013 TRILBY TITLE A nine-handicapper from The Shire Golf Club in north London has been crowned grand champion of the 2013 Trilby Tour.

Seb Carmichael-Brown, a 28-year-old company director from Hertfordshire, captured the prestigious title after shooting 41 points at the grand final at Rockliffe Hall in Yorkshire, and then held his nerve to win a three-hole, fourman play-off.

A first time entrant on the Trilby Tour, Carmichael-Brown qualified for the final after finishing ninth at his regional qualifier at Hanbury Manor, where he had to win a nearestthe-pin competition to sneak through.

Asked how he won the tournament, which attracted over 1,200 competitors at the start of the qualifying process, he said: “I just seemed to make every putt I looked at, and I drove the ball well, which certainly helped. I was just able to make the crucial par saving putts and a few birdies thrown in there, too. Putting is everything, I have certainly learnt that from the experience.”

Despite showing nerves of steel in the nail-biting final, the winner has only been playing golf for five years, and only joined The Shire last year.

“I tried to really embrace the extra excitement, as opposed to worrying about the pressure,“ he added. “I tensed up too much in my qualifying event at Hanbury, and was concerned about avoiding the bad shots instead of focusing on making good ones, so I managed to learn from that experience.

“To be able to play a fantastic course like Rockliffe Hall, when set up with the sponsors boardings, leader board, spectators and Sky Sports cameras was amazing. William Hunt and his team do such a great job of setting it up, you really do get a sneak peak at what it is like for the pros and I thoroughly recommend entering the TT to any one who loves their golf.”

Seb in action during the play-off

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Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

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Bullock receives university award Eddie Bullock, golf business consultant and former captain of the Professional Golfers’ Association of Great Britain and Ireland, has become a Doctor of Business Administration.

Mr Bullock, who operates his own golf consultancy business, while he also sits as a non-executive director for Golf at Goodwood, received the award during the School of Tourism ceremony at Bournemouth University.

Bullock has acted as mentor and advisor for the successful Golf and Tourism programme at Bournemouth University, supporting students as they study, and has recently received a NATO Medal for promoting golf and sport in Afghanistan.

Penge picks up personality award Worthing Golf Club’s up-and-coming star Marco Penge has picked up a major award at this year’s Sussex Sports Awards.

A breakthrough season for the 15-year-old was rewarded with the Young Sports Personality of the Year award, which was presented to the Horshambased youngster at a special ceremony held at the Grand Hotel in Brighton on November 29.

Marco Penge receives his award

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Penge started playing golf when he was just five, and became a scratch golfer at the age of 13, and is now currently off plus three. He has played at every level for Sussex and made his debut for the Sussex men at the age of 14 – the youngest-ever player.

He was Sussex player-of-the-year this year, voted for by his fellow players, and he has won the Sussex under-15 Championship four times.

This year saw his biggest achievements. In March, he finished fourth in the Darwin Salver at the National under-21 Championships in Rye, and he was then picked to play against Australia for England Boys, where he won every match.

Speaking about the award, Penge said: “This is a great end to what has been a great season. It’s a big award to win, and tops things off nicely. Hopefully I’ll match it next year.”

Penge finished the year as the no.1 ranked U16 player in Europe, and the fourth best in the U18 age group.

The new rules allow phones to be used to check the weather

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R&A re-writes rules for mobile generation While few golfers give much regard to the etiquette of using mobile phones on the golf course these days, their use under the Rules of Golf has been the subject of a great deal of contention in recent years, as the functional capabilities of smartphones have improved.

The R&A, which governs the Rules of Golf, has often struggled to keep up with the pace of technological developments, but the latest revision of its Decisions on the Rules of Golf has seen an attempt to relax the rules on their use in the game, with golfers now allowed to use their mobiles to check on the weather during the course of a round.

Previously this was considered a violation of Rule 14-3, because it might influence play, but the new decision (14-3/18) not only recognises the proliferation of smartphone use on golf courses, but was also put into place to help golfers stay alert to impending bad weather.

In other significant changes to the rules that affect general play, new illustrations have been added to the Decisions book to show examples of when a ball is considered embedded (25-2/0.5). Adding the drawings helps golfers understand that, in order to take relief without penalty, the ball has to be embedded in soil anywhere on the course other than the tee, green, or any hazard on the course. It’s not embedded if it’s simply sitting in a grass impression where soil is not visible.

Additionally, golfers can now go forward up to 50 yards off the tee without forfeiting their right to return to the spot where they last played in order to hit a provisional ball (Decision 27-2a/1.5).

The latest copy of the Decisions of the Rules of Golf 2014-2015 is available from the R&A.

8/

News in Brief MOORE CLAIMS BOYS ORDER OF MERIT TITLE Consistent play throughout the year saw Derbyshire’s Bradley Moore secure top spot on the Titleist/FootJoy England Golf Boys’ Order of Merit. The 16-yearold from Kedleston Park claimed four victories in the year. Moore finished ahead of Hampshire’s Jack Singh Brar, with English Boy champion Ben Amor in third, and Sussex’s Marco Penge, the English U15 and U16 champion, fourth.

PETERS ON TARGET AT BOYCE HILL Eight former team members of the1966 World Cup winning squad took part in a charity golf day held at Boyce Hill Golf Club in Essex. Martin Peters won the prize for the best footballer’s score with 35 points. He was joined by Roger Hunt, Gordon Banks, Peter Bonetti, Geoff Hurst, Jimmy Greaves, George Cohen and Ron Flowers. Trevor Brooking was also in attendance, and all nine players signed a shirt which was auctioned off for charity.

SPOILS SHARED AT NORTH FORELAND Three pros shared the spoils at the second Titleist & FootJoy Winter Series event held at North Foreland on December 2. Jordan Godwin (Rochester & Cobham), William Bado (Thamesview) and Jay Kelly (West Kent) each shot a one-over-par 72 on a drizzly day at the Kent links venue. After a count back for the leading assistant, Bado won the valuable Titleist & FootJoy glove, ball and shoe contract.

HERTS SENIORS’ TREBLE TOP Hertfordshire won the South Eastern League Seniors final for the third successive year after narrowly beating Kent 5.5-4.5 at West Hill in Surrey. The match went down to the last green on the very last match, with a chip-in from off the green sealing victory for the Hertfordshire team, which comprised John Ambridge, David Dannhauser, Tyrone Carter, Nick O’Byrne, Douglas Cameron, Colin Hardman, Mike Ready, Gaius Potton, Martin McKenna and Ben Brown.

Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

Council fights decision to halt Fisher looks to bounce back after losing card Cherkley development The proposed appeal, making the transformation council’s own action of Cherkley unnecessarily costly.

Court in Leatherhead Conservationists into a five-star golf have fiercely opposed resort remains a highly development of the controversial subject, 370-acre site, all of after it was revealed which falls within the Cherkley’s future is still under review that the local council Surrey Hills Area of had won a vote to Outstanding Natural continue fighting the legal Beauty. battle to get the plans Work began on the golf approved course earlier this year, A last-ditch attempt to which developers claimed stop councillors spending would create 150 jobs and £220,000 in public money in include a cookery school and the fight to develop Cherkley underground spa; however Court into a hotel and golf an appeal was launched by course failed last month, the campaign group, leading when those in favour of the to the decision to quash the project going ahead won the council’s approval. vote 19-14.

According to the judge, The Conservative and the application breached independent coalition £130,000 of public money policies on green belt Mole Valley District Council fighting in favour of the development and there voted down a Lib-Demdevelopment, the council is was a lack of need for a led rebellion, backed by to appeal against the judicial golf course in a county that a 500-signature petition, review findings, which will already has 140. against plans to appeal the require an estimated further The Conservatives pointed decision of a High Court £90,000 of public funds for to the comment of specialist judge to halt the proposed legal costs, taking the total planning judge Lord Justice development of a luxury bill to £220,000.

Sullivan, who granted the hotel complex featuring an A group of 10 councillors council’s application to 18-hole championship golf launched a challenge against appeal and commented that course to be designed by the appeal, which they ‘the grounds of appeal have Tom Watson. described as ‘gambling with a real prospect of success’.

The council will now tax payers’ money’.

Cllr Simon Ling said that the proceed in the appeal Claiming that the council council could face paying against the judicial review was unlikely to defeat settlements to both sides of of Mr Justice Haddon-Cave all of the reasons given the debate if it pulled out at in September, in which its for the review decision, this point. “We have more approval of the Cherkley they revealed that the than adequate resources development was quashed. developer, Longshot, had and we should defend our Having already spent over already expressed plans to decision.”

‘Shermanator’ takes Golf Escapes title Ashford professional Paul Sherman claimed victory in the Golf Escapes PGA in England (South) Andalusian Overseas Pro-Am with a four-over-par total of 219.

Taking the £800 top prize with rounds of 72, 74 and 73 at Marbella Club Resort, Valderrama and Finca Cortesin respectively, Sherman pushed fellow Kent star and Titleist PGA PlayOffs contender Matt Ford’s total of 220 into second place.

Sherman’s performance was even more impressive as he’d never played any of the three courses before.

He singled out Valderrama for his highest praise, saying: “It lived up to all my expectations of a unique golfing experience. I’ve seen it many times on TV, but standing there over that shot to the 17th green is one of those ‘must do before I die’ kind of golfing

experiences!”

Leading the field going into the last round at Finca Cortesin, which recently hosted the Volvo World Match Play Championship, Sherman was two-under-par

with three to go, but blindsided a shot to the short 16th for a double bogey, and compounded his error by dropping another shot on the next hole.

“It was annoying,” he said, “and one of my only poor shots at the wrong time, but Finca Cortesin’s rough is scrub and bushes, and missing the target means severe punishment. But birdieing the last was a great way to finish, and proved to be my winning hole.”

Besides Valderrama and Finca Cortesin, next year’s Golf Escapes PGA South Andalusian Overseas Pro-Am will be going to Sotogrande’s La Reserva, which Sherman rates as even better. “On a trio of courses as good as these, this particular Pro-Am is a must for me every year,” he said. “And I’ll definitely be taking a team from my new club, Langley Park, for 2014!”

Essex tour pro Oliver Fisher has lost his full playing rights on the European Tour, after finishing an agonising 118th in the 2013 Race to Dubai money list.

The 25-year-old from Essex came up €25,000 short of the prize money total achieved by Ireland’s Peter Lawrie, who took the last place in 110th.

Despite missing out on his goal, Fisher can expect to play in a handful of early season European Tour events, while many of the higher-ranked players take a rest before the bigger tournaments get underway in the new year.

An attempt to win back his card at the European Tour’s qualifying school in Spain ended in further disappointment, when he could only finish 40th, with the top 25 players earning a card. However, Fisher took full advantage of an appearance at the Alfred Dunhill Championship in South Africa earlier this month, where he earned €10,350 for finishing in 37th place behind winner Charl Schwartzel.

Happy family: George and David Mills

Easy peasey for magnificent Mills!

Pease Pottage Driving Range owner David Mills and his 14-year-old son George have won the 2013 SkySports European Father and Son Golf Championship after scoring 84 points over two rounds at Valle del Este in Spain.

The winning pair exacted swift revenge in the popular pairs event, having finished second to Graham and James Ruth in last year’s finals. After opening up a four-point lead in the first round, professional David, and seven-handicapper George, who is a member at East Sussex National, made a fast start to the final round. George bagged a four-point birdie at the third hole, while David birdied the par-three ninth to take them out in 22 points. Despite scoring level twos for the back nine, their 40-point total saw them take the scratch title by a single point from the St Andrews pairing of Scottish Boys international Ben Kinsley and his father Pat, who dropped shots at the 10th, 11th and 15th holes.

George Mills showed composure beyond his years as he rolled in an eight-foot putt to win the championship with his mother, grandparents and sister watching the action unfold behind the green.

With the Mills family snatching the scratch title, the handicap event was thrown wide open, with Mark and Connor Jenkins from Exeter recording 124 points to see off all their nearest rivals by a shot. Mark, who plays off five, said: “We then had to wait about half an hour to see if we had won it. It was quite nerve-wracking, because it was bad enough with Sky cameras on every hole and set up as it was. And then the tournament director came over and shook our hands and said: ‘I’m delighted to let you know you have won the nett competition’, It was unbelievable, I can’t really put it into words.

To do that, playing with your son over in Spain, and to win something like that is great. I’d love to relive it again.”

For details of how to enter the 2014 European Father and Son Golf Championship, visit www.fatherandsongolf.co.uk

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10 /

Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

News in Brief NORTHWOOD WIN ROWSE FINAL Northwood defeated West Middlesex 71/2 - 41/2 to win the Rowse Trophy at Crews Hill. The Northwood team comprised Gary Nash, Ian Roche, Steve Bugden, Clive Peter, Justin Phelps, Paul Hopkins, Nick Lines and Joe Scibilia.

ENGLAND GOLF LOSES PAST PRESIDENTS England Golf is mourning the loss of two eminent past presidents following the recent deaths of 83-year-old Peter Dutton and 94-year-old John Hall. Cheshirebased Dutton was English Golf Union President in 1989, while Hall, who lived in Northumberland, served in the same role in 1979.

OXFORD LADIES’ DOUBLE DELIGHT

Golf Show proves Poults joins Stenson in a smash hit The 2013 London Golf Show proved to be a big hit with visitors and exhibitors alike over three days at the Earls Court exhibition centre last month.

The organisers and exhibitors all reported high levels of visitors throughout the annual exhibition, which showed the determination of visitors to attend the show, meet the exhibitors, and take advantage of the fantastic offers available.

Michael Angelides of TopGolf said: “We’ve had a really great show, there have been lots of visitors, which has meant our lads haven’t stopped coaching all three days.”

Darren Spry of City Golfing said: “We’ve had a fabulous three days meeting visitors at the London Golf Show, it has been absolutely brilliant, and to top it all we

sold many of our packages, so we’ll be back next year.”

Dominic McMullan, sales and marketing manager of the London Golf Show, said: “To hear such incredibly positive responses is great news and proves that we have an environment which is very important for the golf trade and has proved to be well attended by golfers.”

Damian Benstead, managing director of the Golf Show Group added: “There was a great buzz around the show this year; the aisles were busy and everyone enjoyed it. Thanks to all those who helped make it a great event.

We couldn’t have done it without them, or the support from our exhibitors and, of course, the golfers who make the event what it is. We look forward to seeing everyone again at next year’s show, which will be its 10th anniversary.”

Oxford Ladies Golf Club clinched a rare double with victories in the county’s silver and bronze leagues.

The feat had not been achieved by any club in Oxfordshire since 19

battle of the DJs

Forget Smashey and Nicey, there’s a new radio double act in town that’s about to rock the airwaves of a radio station near you.

Well, it’s not actually very near you, as the station is based in America – but thanks to the powers of satellite communication, golfers in the UK will soon be able to tune into the wry observations and dubious DJ skills of Messr Ian Poulter and Henrik Stenson, after the sparring duo decided to temporarily put down their golf clubs and let their voices do the talking in a new radio show for the PGA Tour.

The golfing rivals, who both have a reputation for possessing a quirky sense of humour, have been signed up by US network Sirius XM to do DJ duo Ian Ppulter and Henrik Stenson the new show, of which the launch date has yet to be confirmed.

“Those who know me know I’ve never The pair famously duelled for much been shy about sharing my opinions,” Poulter of the closing weeks of the European said. “So to have my own national radio show Tour’s season, as Poulter sought to reel in on SiriusXM will be great fun.”

Stenson’s big lead in the Race to Dubai, but Poulter added that he would talk on it was the Swede who came out on top, as everything from fashion to Ferraris, Formula he sewed up the money lists on both sides One and football (with the occasional of the Atlantic. reference to his beloved Premier LeaguePoulter managed to get Stenson to agree topping Arsenal), while Stenson, who once a bet where the Swede would have to serve produced a European Tour video with a split the drinks all night should he overhaul him camera in which he interviewed himself, has in the money list, but that situation failed to yet to reveal what he will be airing in public. materialise, and the bet went begging.

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/ 11

Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

News in Brief

Surrey stars regain Tour cards Tour pros James Heath, Adam Gee and James Morrison are looking forward to plying their trade on the European Tour in 2014, after winning back their full cards at the European Tour’s Qualifying School held in Spain last month.

The Surrey trio all came through the six challenging rounds at PGA Catalunya to earn their playing rights for next season.

The most relieved of the three players was 28-year-old Morrison from Weybridge, who lost his card last month after finishing 139th in the Race to Dubai, and then bounced back just two weeks later to regain his card by finishing 11th in Spain. The St George’s Hill man, who won the Madeira Open in 2010, made just 12 cuts from 29

events this year, with €141,000 in prize money.

Joining him on tour for the 2014 season, which has already started, is fellow Surrey player James Heath, who won the second qualifying stage at Las Colinas, before claiming the 12th card at Catalunya to secure a return to the European Tour for the first time since 2007.

The 30-year-old from Worcester Park has been playing on the Challenge Tour for the last few seasons, and finished a lowly 76th on the money list, before turning around his form in spectacular fashion in Spain.

He has already got two

Adam Gee is back on Tour

events under his belt for the 2014 season, making the cut in the South African Open thanks to a second round 65.

Heath will have plenty to talk about with fellow qualifying school graduate Adam Gee, who finished 26th in Spain to earn his card. Like Heath, he finished off the pace on this season’s Challenge Tour – in 41st place – but was delighted to have a taken full advantage of his good form in Spain to regain the European Tour card he lost in 2011.

The 33-year-old, who is a member at The Wisley Golf Club, has started his new campaign brightly, making the cut at the South African Open – although he will be hoping that the €5,720 cheque for finishing tied 46th is just the beginning of a return to the big league, after suffering long spells out of the game with injury.

James Morrison

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Richard Latham topped the Titleist/FootJoy England Golf Seniors Order of Merit in his first season on the over-55s circuit. Latham, who is based at Woodhall Spa, won the English Seniors Championship and the Scottish Seniors Open to pip Andrew Stracey (Denham) and Richard Partridge (Wildernesse) to the order of merit title.

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Nevill Golf Club in Kent is one of five clubs in the South East celebrating its centenary in 2014.

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12 /

Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 219

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Golf News has teamed up with Srixon, the fastest-growing ball brand in the UK over the last 10 years, to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a year’s supply of the very latest version of Srixon’s AD333, the UK’s number one two-piece ball.

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/ 15

Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

Brocket Hall is to upgrade its changing rooms and replace its buggy fleet

WENTWORTH WINS MAIL ON SUNDAY TITLE

Brocket unveils £450k investment Brocket Hall Golf Club in Hertfordshire is to splash out almost half a million pounds on upgrading its golf facilities to help maintain its position as one of the leading clubs in the country.

The Welwyn-based venue will carry out improvements and investments over the coming months, including buying a new fleet of golf buggies and greenkeeping machinery, refurbishing the changing room facilities for both members and

guests, and redecorating its Watershyppes restaurant.

Over £200,000 has already been spent on several pieces of greenkeeping equipment, including three Ransomes Jacobsen mowers, while the visitor changing rooms are to undergo a £15,000 refurbishment, with all the showers being replaced and toilets and changing area upgraded.

Director of golf operations David Griffin believes the new investment will see the club’s popularity amongst members and prospective

members continue to soar. He said: “Brocket Hall prides itself on delivering a five-star golfing product and high standard of service on and off the course to our members and guests alike and, in order to do that, it’s important that we continue to invest. The latest programme will ensure that the club and golf courses are presented in the best possible condition, and is part of our ongoing commitment to making Brocket Hall one of the top places to play in the UK.”

Hull captures rookie title Charley Hull is sporting a shiny new Rolex watch on her wrist after winning the Ladies European Tour’s Rookie of the Year award, which is sponsored by the famous Swiss watchmaker.

The 17-year-old from Woburn Golf Club finished just above Holly Clyburn on the ISPS HANDA Order of Merit to clinch the coveted title, which is open to all firstseason players on tour.

Hull finished in a tie for eighth at the season-ending Omega Dubai Ladies Masters and ranked sixth in the Order of Merit with earnings of €135,994.36. Clyburn could only managed 39th in Dubai and finished one place back in seventh with €116,100.83.

“It’s an honour to win it,” said Hull, who also posted

ten top-10 finishes in 15 appearances on tour. “I think I’ve had tough competition in Holly; she’s a great player and I expect we will be battling it out for many years to come. It’s been a fun season. The Solheim Cup was great, and all my second place finishes, so it was good

Woldingham to host EuroPro qualifier

to top it off with the award.”

The rookie title capped an outstanding first year on Tour for Hull, who is the LET’s youngest member.

She turned professional in January and started with a run of five straight second places. She was then selected to represent Europe in the Solheim Cup and was part of the first European team to beat the Americans on home soil in Colorado, enjoying a 5&4 singles win over Paula Creamer.

Hull is now looking forward to spending Christmas at home, before heading to Australia. Of her future goals, she added: “It would be pretty awesome if I could win a major next year. I think that’s any golfer’s dream.”

News in Brief BB&O CLAIMS SE COUNTY FINAL BB&O won the South Eastern County League Final after beating Surrey 6.5-5.5 over Brocket Hall’s Palmerston Course. BB&O enjoyed a one-point lead after the morning foursomes, while the afternoon singles matches were shared at 4-4.

WOBURN’S WELL UP TO SCRATCH!

The Wentworth Club won the Mail on Sunday National Golf Club Classic for the second time in three years, after battling through a play-off against Haydock Park in the finals held at the El Rompido resort in Spain.

Haydock took the first point when 19-year-old Louis Tomlinson, playing off plus three, beat 18-year-old Scott Bryan, 4&3. The golf performance student hopes to turn professional next year and was five under when he won, while Bryan, a member of the Wentworth scholarship programme, will shortly be heading to the University of Alabama to pursue his golfing ambitions.

Wentworth won the next point, when 16-year-old Robbie Bicker beat Andy Eyre 7&6. Bicker, along with his brother James, had been given special permission by Charters School to compete in the final.

Haydock’s team captain Ken Sargent levelled the match with his 3&2 victory, while his son Philip produced the shot of the tournament to keep the Merseyside club’s hopes alive. The two-handicapper was one down going to the par-five 18th with 17-yearold James. The electrician sank a remarkable uphill chip from the edge of the bunker for a birdie to win the hole and halve his game, tying the match 2½-2½.

This meant Leyton Hardwick, who had already beaten scratch golfer Barry Giblin 4&3, had to head back out for a decider. After halving the first hole, Hardwick put his second shot to within five feet for a potential birdie, while Giblin’s third landed in the water, and he had to take a penalty drop before conceding.

Hardwick, who also clinched victory for Wentworth in 2011, will now step aside to let someone else at the club experience the same thrill.

“It’s such a buzz. I love it,” said the 40-year-old.

“Having been in the final throes of it twice, it’s time for someone else to have a bash. We have a lot of amazing golfers who are very capable of repeating the trick.”

Team Captain Ed Spitzer added: “I took a little bit of a risk picking three young players and three senior players. Leyton enjoys the stage and he held up to the competition. We are extremely proud of winning such a prestigious tournament.”

Woldingham Golf Club in Surrey has been chosen as one of four venues in the UK to stage qualifying events for the 2014 PGA EuroPro Tour.

The attractive North Downs club will host the EuroPro hopefuls for two days between March 26-27. The successful players from the 36-hole event will progress to final stage, which is being held at Frilford Heath from April 2-4. Daniel Godding, director of operations at the PGA EuroPro Tour, said: “We have added Woldingham and Formby Hall to our First Stage Qualifying School line-up to give our members a greater choice of course, and increase the number of players who will find a qualifying school within reasonable

driving distance of their home.

“We have four top-quality courses this year. Once again we are returning to De Vere Slaley Hall and The Players Club, and I am delighted to be able to add Formby Hall and Woldingham to the Qualifying School schedule. I am very excited about the 2014 schedule, we have some of the best courses in the country and we will be announcing those venues in the New Year.”

The EuroPro Tour qualifying school is open to all pro golfers and amateurs with a handicap of two or less. Entries open on January 6, coinciding with the launch of the full schedule, with application forms available at www.europrotour.com.

Woburn Golf Club has become first club in the history of Buckinghamshire county golf to win all four scratch leagues in the same season. The men’s scratch team won the Bucks Inter County Scratch League for the second year running, the Ladies scratch team captured the Bucks Winter and Summer Scratch Premier Division Leagues, and the Bronze ladies won the Bronze Scratch League.

BRIGHTON GREENKEEPER WINS NATIONAL AWARD Jason Sarna, head greenkeeper at Brighton & Hove Golf Club, is celebrating after being shortlisted in the top three of the Greenkeeper of the Year category at the Pro Shop Europe Industry Awards, which were held at Wentworth.

Sarna was nominated for his ‘tireless dedication’, which has transformed the 18-hole downland venue.

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE FOR REIGATE HEATH PGA Professional Scott Patience has been appointed as the new club manager at Reigate Heath Golf Club in Surrey.

KAMARA ON TARGET AT HEATHFIELD PARK Former Premier League footballer Chris Kamara was among almost 200 golfers who attended the opening of Oxfordshire’s newest driving range last month. The Sky Sports presenter is a friend of PGA professional Geoff Robbins, who owns Heathfield Park Driving Range and Teaching Academy at Bletchingdon. The new venue includes 19 floodlit, covered bays and 10 outdoor bays, a giant putting green, bunker, café and shop.

16 /

Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

Charity Society Golf Packages Savannah Charitable Trust will donate 100% of your day (excluding drinks) back to the charity or local good cause of your choice (must be approved).

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London Beach launches charity giveaway Golf societies, large groups, and corporate golf day organisers looking to stage a memorable golf day and raise additional funds for charity, should take a look at a fantastic deal currently being offered by London Beach Golf Hotel, Golf and Country Club.

The Tenterden-based resort, which is located in 100 acres of beautiful Kent countryside, has formed a partnership with a charitable trust run by one of the club’s owners, former England cricketer Phil Edmonds, which will donate the entire cost of any golf day back to the charity of your choosing.

This unique offer, which is not available at any other golf club, means that if the golf day costs £1,500, then that sum will be forwarded to the golf day’s chosen charity upon payment of the invoice.

The generous cash rebate comes courtesy of the Savannah Charitable Trust, a fund set up by Edmonds to support good causes in the local area, although the money can be given to any approved charity. Last year, the trust donated over £78,000 to charity, and the owners are hoping to hand over even more in 2014.

The club is currently offering winter society packages for just £35 per head, with a minimum of 20 players required to qualify as a society or group booking. That means that without any

additional spend, the minimum amount raised for a charity would be £700.

The society package includes bacon rolls and coffee on arrival, 18 holes of golf, and a onecourse lunch or dinner, with options to upgrade with more golf or more food as required. The offer is available for golf days taken before April 30.

Despite its rural location, London Beach is only 10 minutes from the M20, making it easy to reach from all corners of the South East. The resort offers a challenging 6,200-yard parkland course that is one of the longest 9-hole layouts in the country. And with a multitude of teeing options, and differing pars, there is a great variety of holes to test the very best golfers.

The hotel also provides the perfect excuse to make a weekend of it and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The hotel has 42 rooms in total – 28 of which are large en-suite bedrooms – as well as a spa, swimming pool, and state-of-the art gym.

The club is currently offering a special winter golf break for two people to enjoy an overnight stay with breakfast, 36 holes of golf, and a two-course dinner for just £130, with £50 being donated to either a breast or testicular cancer charity via the Savannah Trust.

For further details on all golf day bookings, call Mark Chilcott on 01580 767616 or visit www.londonbeach.com.

Lydd wins Kent Knock-Out Cup Lydd Golf Club has won the East Kent League Knock Out Cup after beating Chestfield 4-1 in the final held at Canterbury Golf Club.

Each year up to 16 clubs across East Kent compete for the Knock Out Cup, which consists of five pairs’ matches, with the first three played off scratch and the remaining two handicap, with a maximum eight handicap.

Lydd’s proud team captain, Chris Bray, said: “It was quite an achievement to win the trophy for the first time in the club’s history. Beating a very strong Prince’s team in semi-final, and also taking into account the limited number of low handicap players from which we have to choose, makes it even more satisfying.”

Lydd has now been promoted to Division 1 next year, while team captain Bray topped off a great year by also winning the Lydd’s club championship for the first time.

Left to right: Paul Gasson, Phil Noble, Alan Carter (Club Captain) Pete Mills, Dave Loftus, Chris Bray (Team Captain), James Alford, Dave Mills, Craig Alford, George Waite, Adam Bartlett (not shown)

Harpenden raises £20k for hospice Members of Harpenden Golf Club in Hertfordshire have dug deep into their pockets this year to raise over £23,000 for a local hospice.

Under the leadership of club captain Peter Chapman, members raised the impressive amount for the St Francis Hospice in Berkhampsted through various initiatives, including the captain’s day, invitation day, charity day and christmas raffle.

Mr Chapman said: “I’ve had a smashing year as captain of Harpenden, and the icing on the cake has been raising this super amount, which will help make a difference to the work of the St Francis Hospice.”

The golf club has already pledged its support for the hospice for a further year, as both incoming captains David Oxley and Liz Salvesen have nominated it as their charity for 2014.

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www.mytimegolf.co.uk/GNoffer Terms and conditions apply, correct at time of going to print (August 2013). Mytime Active reserves the right to amend the promotion at any time. A minimum of twelve golfers per society day. Golf society bookings apply to Barnehurst Golf Course, Bromley Golf Centre, Cobtree Manor Park Golf Course, High Elms Golf Course, Hollingbury Park Golf Course, Orpington Golf Centre, and Waterhall Golf Course only. To receive discount, golf society days must be booked all at once by 14th February 2014 and used within 12 months.

18 /

Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

After bagging his first Major at June’s US Open, Justin Rose reflects on a job well done, but feels there is plenty more work to do as he enters the middle stretch of his career Words by Paul Mahoney

PRIME TIME Justin Rose was supposed to be the new Nick Faldo. His friend Adam Scott was supposed to be the new Greg Norman. They seemed doomed to fail. Yet lately, the Englishman and Australian have begun to live up to their billing. When Scott won the Masters at Augusta National in April, he sent a text to Rose. “This is our time,” it said. Two months later, Rose became US Open champion at Merion in Pennsylvania.

Looking back on their major breakthrough year, Rose says it is special that, in the same 12-month period, they both lived up to the expectations heaped upon them. “To follow Adam to the very next major is unbelievable,” he says. “We stayed at Augusta on Sunday night and my whole family were in the living room of the house that we rented watching the finish. We were just really pulling for Adam, and we were so excited for him. I’ve got some video on my phone of my little boy copying Adam’s celebration, but he was doing it in slow motion because the TV kept replaying the putt on 18 in slow motion. I shared that in a text to Adam. I’ve sort of emulated him, moving to America and doing similar things. But if he continues to win majors, I don’t mind following him.”

Rose made his own piece of sporting history hitting a 4-iron from alongside Ben Hogan’s plaque on the final hole at Merion to seal his US Open victory. “There’s a period when you’re holding the actual trophy that Jack Nicklaus and Ben Hogan and Tiger Woods have all held; that’s what makes it very special,” Rose says. “I catch myself – if I see it in the house, it makes me smile out of the blue, because I’m still in that phase of really enjoying it, the magnitude of it, and the history of it.”

But Rose also feels it’s time to wipe the slate clean, to look forward to 2014 rather than reflect on that glorious week last June. “When you win a major, you never want it to be, ‘Okay, I’m done, that’s enough for me.’ You really want to kick on and win as many as you can,” he says. “It is only great to truly reflect on it at the end of your career when you’re an old man sitting on your verandah. But there have great players who have never won a major. So I feel very grateful to have that monkey off my back.”

Rose believes he is only just entering his prime, and has always thought that his time would be between the ages of 30 and 40. “You take encouragement from guys like Phil Mickelson, who didn’t start winning his majors until probably my age and Adam’s age.”

Rose and Scott are both 33. Mickelson won his first major at the Masters in 2004, also aged 33.

“I figure seven years is a good spell of time to really dedicate myself and try and do some great things,” Rose adds.

So rather than viewing his major victory as the end of a long journey that started with 21 missed cuts in a row, after finishing fourth as an amateur at the 1998 Open, Rose believes it is all part of the same process.

“I feel like the last three or four years, I’ve been on the same journey, the same track, the same thought process, the same mind‑set, and the same kind of improvement trend,” explains the world number five. “So I feel like everything has progressed nicely to this point and I feel confident I can continue the graph. I’m playing well and have a really good team around to help me keep playing well.”

Closing out tournaments hasn’t always been easy for Rose. He knows he’s not a prolific winner, but he seems to perform well in the elite tournaments. He says he’s tougher now and believes 100 per cent in his ability to handle the pressure down the stretch on Sundays.

“The rest of it is a break here, a bounce there,” he says. “For me at Merion, that’s what it was all about. Me signalling up to my dad before I’d even won, it was the fact that I didn’t know I’d definitely won, but I felt I had done the job I needed to do.”

Just as Scott’s victory at Augusta inspired Rose to win at Merion, the Englishman hopes his success will be the catalyst for more British major victories from the likes of fellow Ryder Cup players Ian Poulter, Luke Donald, Lee Westwood and Paul Casey.

“I think it probably makes them even more determined, even more hungry to do it,” Rose says. “And I think we don’t really go into it with a team mentality. Golf is an individual game, but we are friends. When you see one of your friends, or rivals, go and do it, you believe you can do it.

I’m sure the boys are looking at it and thinking, ‘okay, my turn could be around the corner and I’ve just got to persevere’.”

Asked to sum up his major breaththrough season, Rose pauses, then comes up with: “Amazing”. But that wasn’t sufficient to express his feelings. “One word is difficult,” he protests.

“It’s definitely been a dream‑come‑true season.

Winning a major is what I’ve dreamed of ever since I’ve played the game. That’s been the benchmark and the goal, so to have it now done and dusted is an amazing feeling.”

Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

/ 19

“When you win a major, you never want it to be, ‘Okay, I’m done, that’s enough for me.’ You really want to kick on and win as many as you can”

Rose enjoy’s spending time at Golf at Goodwood, where he is their touring professional

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Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

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When did you first start building the Cromwell Course?

It actually started as soon as I rescued the hotel from receivership in 1991. At that time, there were no leisure facilities, but there was a very scruffy field in front of the hotel, which provided the ideal space to put three golf holes for guests to enjoy.

The layout that now exists was developed in 1993-4 after I acquired five acres from a neighbouring farmer.

Following his successful revival of the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship, Rick Cressman, owner of Nailcote Hall, is hoping to begin a trend towards the development of shorter, more accessible golf courses

Have you made any changes to the layout since?

We’ve introduced two new water features in the last three years, which are a stunning addition to the challenge. There is very limited scope for further improvements, but you never know!

company which represents several top Tour players, including Scott Jamieson, Marc Warren, Graeme Storm, and Gary Wolstenholme. Having Tony Jacklin on board as event host has also really lifted the interest of more and more top players. And then, of course, there is the prize money.

With the help of title sponsor, Farmfoods, and a lot of other corporate supporters, the prize money was lifted to £100,000, which made it the third most valuable golf event in England in 2013.

What is makes you so passionate about this short form of the game?

The most important thing is that holes of between 90 and 150 yards can be played by anyone, which allows people to enjoy the game of golf for all their life in a way that they can few other sports.

Why do you think it is so important that more quality short courses be built?

I think the answer is simple: opportunity.

The big 7,000-yard championship courses are geared towards low handicappers and really don’t give the majority of regular amateurs something to enjoy playing.

Golf needs players of both genders and all ages to enjoy it. Quality short courses give players a challenging, but fun experience that is affordable and takes up less time than playing full-size, 18-hole layouts. They are enjoyable for corporate and society days out too.

What has inspired you to reinvent the British Par 3 Championship?

Shortly after I bought NaiIcote Hall, I was introduced to Sid Mouland – a six-time Welsh champion and father of Tour player Mark. Sid’s enthusiasm for the short course was infectious, and he told me stories about the old Short Course Championship, which started at the Place Hotel in Torquay in 1933 and ran until 1973. He won the title three times. By 1997, Sid thought the Cromwell Course was ready to host it, and that’s when the real work started.

What was it like to have not one, but three former Ryder Cup captains taking part this year?

I have never felt so proud about anything in my entire business life. But even more satisfying than having them competing on the course I’ve designed and built, have been the wonderful comments they have made about the course. This year, Sam [Torrance] told me that it was ‘magically crafted and a joy to play’, while Brian Barnes called it ‘a gem of a short course’, and made favourable comparisons with Augusta’s short course. To receive tributes from legends of golf like this was very touching.

What do you need to design a great par-three course?

Around 10-15 acres of land and plenty of imagination! I’ve always said about the Cromwell Course that it’s a case of ‘Honey, I shrunk the golf course’ design. By that I mean that to make a good, short, parthree course, you need a combination of big hazards surrounding greens that are half the normal size, which creates a fun challenge for those 90-150 yard shots. As Tony Jacklin says, ‘Winning is all about the fiddly part of the game approaching the green, around the green, and on the green’.

Par threes are the toughest to play on any golf course, and we’ve got nine of them!

You’ve pulled in some big names for the tournament down the years. How have you managed to achieve this?

Although the prize fund for this year’s professional event was a record £100,000, money has never been the only reason the players have been so supportive. When I first started, Mark Mouland’s contacts, and a little arm twisting, persuaded quite a few players to compete, and I think they enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and the fun of playing in a very different event, compared to the regular grind of 18-hole courses on Tour. The event took another step forward in 2007, when I linked up with Champions UK plc, a management

What has been the biggest challenge in developing golf at Nailcote?

The biggest challenge has been, and to some degree still is, convincing people that they can find a serious golfing challenge on a par-three golf course. Sadly, a lot of short courses are just ‘pitch and putt’, but the future could be different if they were upgraded, and given more interesting features. A lot of golfers don’t think they are playing the proper game if they are not using woods off the tee all the time.

All I can say is they are missing out on the real skill side of the game, and a lot of fun, which would certainly make them better all-round golfers.

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The Cromwell Course at Nailcote Hall has been described as England’s answer to Augusta’s par-three layout

Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

/ 21

Over 2,500 Hugo Boss watches have been won since the hole-in-one promotion was launched

Ascot ace shows who’s boss!

A Windsor golfer has won a limited-edition Boss watch by scoring a hole-in-one during a competition round at Royal Ascot Golf Club.

James Rackley scored his ace on the 178yard sixth hole at the Berkshire-based club after hitting a three-wood into the wind on the testing par-three hole.

The 72-year-old 13-handicapper was rewarded with membership of the exclusive Boss Watches H1 Club and a speciallycommissioned, commemorative timepiece.

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The luxury German brand has pledged to reward club golfers with an exclusive watch for every hole-in-one recorded during a club competition this year. The scheme is open to any golfer whose club uses HowDidiDo – a free-to-use, web-based social network for golfers – and anybody playing in official club competitions will be eligible.

So far, over 2,500 golfers have won limited-edition watches – a figure that may have surprised the sponsor.

Page 1

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Olympic sailing champion joins Goodwood team Double Olympic sailing gold medallist Sarah Ayton is to head up a new campaign at Golf At Goodwood to bring more women and children into golf.

Ayton, who won Olympic gold in the Yngling class in 2004 in Athens, and again at the 2008 games in Beijing, will bring her knowledge of competing at the highest level to the role at the West Sussex-based club, which has brought in a number of athletes from outside of golf this year to boost its core team of coaching staff.

Ayton, who retired from competitive sailing in 2012, is a newcomer to golf, but hopes that her progress under the guidance of Goodwood professional and Sussex coach Ryan Fenwick (pictured above) will provide an incentive for other women and girls to get involved.

The wide range of activities in her new role will also include visits to schools, giving speeches to businesswomen and youngsters on the benefits of golf, as well as providing a series of motivational sessions. She said: ”I want to be able to communicate my love of golf and sport in general to encourage others to discover the enjoyment and satisfaction it offers.”

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Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

Eastbourne members support grassroots golf Royal Eastbourne Golf Club presented a cheque for £1,150 to the Golf Foundation last month through a unique ‘£2 per member’ donation scheme. The members of the East Sussex club made the generous sum in order to help the leading golf charity to make the game more accessible for young people.

Club secretary David Lockyer said: “There is great goodwill towards

new players from our members, who recognise the importance of encouraging the next generation. Our membership raised this money by adding a £2 donation to their annual subscription fees. This is a very simple way to support a great cause in golf.”

The support from Royal Eastbourne has helped to forge a strong relationship with the Golf Foundation which, through its national HSBC

Golf Roots programme, introduces boys and girls to golf in schools and communities, and then creates positive links with golf clubs through its new Junior Golf Passport scheme.

The club has been one of the early adopters of the passport, which apart from helping children to become ready for regular play after coaching from a PGA Professional, is encouraging more family interest in

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.

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the game at club level.

The Golf Foundation’s Andy Wright said: “Royal Eastbourne’s members should be very proud of the commitment they have shown to junior golf. Head Professional Alan Harrison and fellow PGA professional Laurence Collier really understand the importance of encouraging youngsters and families to enjoy the game.”

Sammy swings into action to promote girls’ golf Fourteenyear-old Surrey golfer Samantha Fuller is to lead a campaign to encourage more young girls to take up golf.

The sweet-swinging teenager, who is based at the Dukes Meadow academy in West London, has been asked to be an ambassador champion for StreetGames initiative Us Girls, which aims to promote girls participation in a wide range of sports, including golf.

Other Us Girls Champions include its president, Olympic judo gold medalist Nicola Adams, Sophie Cox, Sarah Stevenson, Lucy Adams and Kate Grey.

Fuller, who took up golf at the tender age of two and won her first tournament at five, is most successful English girl golfer for her age. Her role with Us Girls will involve holding masterclasses and a series of open days at Duke Meadows to encourage more young women to take up the sport.

Speaking about her new role, which is a voluntary position, Fuller said: “Golf is a massive part of my life, and I have been so lucky with all the help and coaching I have been given at Dukes Meadows golf academy. I hope that being a champion for Us Girls will mean I can help more girls understand why golf is such a fun sport to play and why it’s not just for boys.”

Claire Wheeler, a spokeswomen for Us Girls, said: “Sammy is a great role model for any young player.

She stands out from the crowd, and has such a strong mindset on the course and the true attitude of a champion. We are delighted to have Sammy on board as a champion. Despite her age she has already achieved so much, and she has all the qualities to inspire other young females to take up the sport. We are very excited to work with her and her team at Dukes Meadows.”

Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

/ 23

Eddie Pepperell’s TOUR DIARY

MISSED CUTS, HIPPOS AND GOODBYES….

Frilford Heath’s Touring Professional Eddie Pepperell ends his first season on the European Tour bloodied but unbowed, and ready for a well-earned rest As 2013 nears its end, so do my them. Justin said how he understood my blogging aspirations. To be honest, disappointment and why we hadn’t joined for a little ‘side dabble’, I’m amazed them sooner. Then it hit me – this guy had it’s lasted a year. But only because I see it just lost his mother. And, as I seated myself as such am I amazed. I’ve enjoyed it next to Justin’s father, who had recently immensely. In fact, if I weren’t a golfer, I lost his wife, I realised how abundantly would love to be a writer. insignificant my finish really was.

I’m not entirely sure what it is I enjoy so I remember how, when I was an amateur, much about the schedule writing – was such that whether it is come September the opportunity I wanted to take to be reflective two months or hold an off so that by objective point January I would of view on be raring to go something, or again. But with the freedom the European of more than Tour being a 140 characters year-round circuit to express – or ‘circus’, as an opinion some call it – on a subject. taking time off “After tapping WordPress and scheduling in for a doublehas been my becomes far more bogey seven on notebook for tricky. Rest and my 36th hole to a year, but I’ve recuperation is miss the cut by missed the absolutely critical Moleskine form. for my state of one, all I could The fortunate mind, above think about was thing about my anything else, how I was going life is that I am and with there to obliterate my around enough being a lot of golf bag in the good people to pressure out here, realise what’s a fresh mind goes locker room” important, and a long way. what’s not. As I I have tapped in for a forgotten what it double-bogey seven on my 36th hole at the feels like to be mentally alert and physically Alfred Dunhill Championship to miss the cut fresh, which tells me this break is required. by one, all I could think about was how I was The festive season will be used wisely, and I going to obliterate my golf bag in the locker have decided to take a month off until Abu room.

Dhabi comes along, and almost definitely The fury and rage was as much as I not play more than 22 events during the have ever felt. I did give it a few heavy 2014 calendar year. whacks – the kind that would maybe floor As I said above, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed a featherweight boxer – but still the bitter writing this column, and it’s been nice disappointment remained. to receive feedback, corrections, and the For the first time ever I cancelled my occasional bit of praise. dinner plans, which just so happened to be Thanks for your support, have a lovely with Jamie, my caddie, who had arranged Christmas, and here’s to a successful 2014 for me and Jen to have dinner with Justin for all.

Walters, his girlfriend, his caddie, and his Dad, Jeremy. I sulked for a little while and This column was written whilst sitting by the then decided we best go and eat. So we Crocodile River in South Africa watching the strolled across the road in the dark, braving hippos – every missed cut has a silver lining! the snakes, creepy-crawlies, and the odd big cat, and walked into Hamiltons, the best restaurant around.

Jamie was sitting with Justin and the rest of the gang inside, who invited us to join From That Wise Old Owl, cheers.

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Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

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“We use Chipstead Golf Club each year for our Rugby Club Golf Day and each year they pull out all the stops.

The Club provides great service and first class hospitality along with a golf course that is always in tip top condition” Paul Champion Chipstead Rugby Club “I have been running the Palace of Westminster Golf Day for twenty five years and have always chosen Chipstead as our venue. The club provides great value and excellent service and a golf course that provides a challenge for golfers of all abilities” Pat McCabe

For further information on our Society or Corporate packages please call Gary or Emma on 01737-555781 or Email office@chipsteadgolf.co.uk www.chipsteadgolf.co.uk

GOLF CLUB TV BEGINS NATIONWIDE ROLLOUT Flat screen televisions are a common sight at golf clubs up and down the country, but customer communication at UK clubs is about to be taken to a new level following the launch of Golf Club TV. Giant 55-inch digital screens will soon appear at golf clubs throughout the UK, which will be used to show club announcements and golf course information, plus local weather, breaking news, golf tips, and general content from the world of golf, as well as short lifestyle features.

The content will be presented in a variety of three-minute loops, and the screens will also carry both local and national advertising. The high-definition 2m-tall displays are stand-alone, upright units, which will be placed in high traffic areas. Among the early adopters of Golf Club TV is Crown Golf, whose 20-strong portfolio of venues has signed up to the new venture.

The first five Crown Golf clubs – Merrist Wood, Hampton Court Palace and Pine Ridge in Surrey, Blue Mountain in Berkshire, and Cams Hall Estate in Hampshire – will receive their Golf Club TV units later this month.

Golf Club TV is the brainchild of Julian Clogg, managing director at Surrey-based firm Leisure Media & Communications. He said: “Historically, golf clubs post notices on corridor walls to promote events and give out customer information. The new Golf Club TV screens can be used as high-impact electronic club noticeboards, and will revolutionise even simple things like monthly medal results. They have the

immediacy of the club’s social media output, but the visual impact will be much greater.”

He added: “Our first 30 golf club installations will be in place by the end of January 2014, and our long-term plan is to help all clubs in the UK to improve their customer communications.”

As a service to golf clubs, Golf Club TV will broadcast golf content by Wi-Fi including realtime local weather; breaking news; financial information; golf tips; course conditions; club event information; club pro shop offers; staff or member news; birthday and anniversary messages; rules advice; Tour golf clips and interviews; prize competitions; charity announcements, and other general notices.

“Golf Club TV will help our managers and their teams to inform and entertain their customers in a totally new way, making their visit to the golf club more enjoyable” said Crown Golf CEO, Stephen Lewis. “We have had interlinked TV screens before, but these new displays are much more eye-catching, and will attract a lot more attention.”

Golf News will be providing weekly news items for Golf Club TV. For a full list of clubs operating screens, visit www.golfclubtv.co.uk.

Gallacher helps Clacton takes care launch defibrillator of its neighbours campaign Clacton-on-

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Former Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher, who survived a massive heart attack in August, is to spearhead a campaign to encourage more golf clubs to install defibrillators and to train staff to help save lives up and down the country.

The 64-year-old star says he owes his life to a defibrillator after he survived a massive heart attack in Scotland in August. He fell ill during an after-dinner speaking engagement in Aberdeen on August 29, and it was only the reactions of three nurses who happened to be attending the dinner that saved his life.

Gallacher, and his wife Lesley, hosted a launch event at Wentworth, where he served as head professional for many years, on December 16, and he is hoping that the media attention surrounding his illness will help promote the benefits of having a defibrillator as part of all golf club’s health and safety protocol.

Gallacher, who is recuperating at his home in London, said: “I had no warning of what was coming. I had felt no pain. People said I suddenly collapsed. They said it looked like I’d been floored by a boxer. Three nurses gave me immediate help. The Marcliffe Hotel had a defibrillator on site, which was incredibly lucky. If it hadn’t been there, I wouldn’t be here.”

Sea Golf Club in Essex has built a golf practice facility specifically for care home residents living nearby.

Residents at Care UK’s Silversprings care home have the ‘Silversprings Woodland Course’ six-hole putting green effectively in their own garden, after the club designed and built the course, and even donated equipment for the care home residents.

The home’s manager, Sally Rushant, said: “Many of our residents have been keen golfers for years. When we looked at how we could develop our large grounds, they were very keen on the idea of a course. We were delighted when the team at Clacton-on-Sea Golf Club generously offered to design and build the course, as well as donating putters and balls. Not only will it please experienced golfers, but it will also provide an opportunity for other residents to try something new. It will help residents to get outdoors and stay fit.”

Clacton-on-Sea’s captain Bill McGrath said: “Golf is a passion and we were delighted to be able to help some former golfers keep their hand in, as well as introducing some newcomers to the game. Our head greenkeeper Alan Smith has done a great job laying out the course in the wooded area near the entrance and the greens are looking very good. I am sure the residents will enjoy them.”

Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

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MEET THE PRO

Patshull Park Golf and Resort Hotel Pattingham, Nr Wolverhampton WV6 7HR

Craig Ferris gives us the inside track on life as head professional at Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa in Hertfordshire How long have you been a PGA pro?

Five years. Four of those at the Grove, and 10 months as head professional at Luton Hoo. What is your day-to-day role at Luton Hoo? I am responsible for all tuition and the day-today running of the pro shop. The role is very broad ranging, which is something I enjoy, as every day offers up something different. I also work closely with the Director of Golf, assisting in all aspects of managing golf-related business to ensure we are performing well as a department, and moving forward as a facility.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Teaching a sport I absolutely love for a living, and passing my passion for the game to others to begin or develop their golfing careers. I also take great pride in ensuring the progression of Luton Hoo as a golfing venue.

And the worst?

When you are office or golf shop-bound for the morning on a hot summer’s day and you are watching golfers teeing off!

Tell us something about the golf course…

The 18-hole championship course is set within the grounds of the 1,062-acre Luton Hoo country estate. Built on parkland designed by Capability Brown, its most unique characteristic is the absence of any bunkers, although its length – 7,107 yards from the back tees – coupled with water hazards and natural contours, ensures it provides a stern test for all levels of golfer.

In a tough economic climate what have you done to keep existing members and attract new ones? We haven’t been as hard hit as some clubs – in fact our membership has increased by 35% this year. This growth has been a result of improvements on and off the course, as a new team has introduced fresh ideas and energy to keep members interested and growth healthy. These improvements have built awareness of Luton Hoo as a golfing destination, having a positive impact on both membership and pay-and-play business.

What is the club doing to attract juniors?

Typically Luton Hoo hasn’t been a popular venue for junior golfers due to the length of the course. With recent improvements to our practice facilities, and the introduction of junior summer camps, we hope to see an increase in young golfers. Next year we are offering opportunities for junior and academy memberships which should help grow the junior section.

How much time do you spend teaching?

During the summer, teaching takes up the majority of my working days, ranging from 15-25 hours per week. Lessons include regular clients, members, hotel residents, corporate clinics, members’ groups, and junior classes.

What’s selling well in the pro shop?

I would have to say pretty much all branded FootJoy apparel, and especially the half-zip chillout pullovers, for which I am struggling to keep up with the orders!

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

Dave Pelz told me that with every chip shot the ball should be positioned beneath your right armpit and not simply ‘back in the stance’. The reason being is when you stand open to the target, the ball position automatically seems further back, when, in fact, it isn’t. This results in an angle of attack that’s too shallow, which can cause the leading edge of the club to hit the ball first.

What was your career highlight as a player?

The first conference match I played during my golf scholarship in the States. The conference consisted of some well-known players in today’s pro game, with Rickie Fowler and Anthony Kim on opposing teams. Our college team, Mount San Jacinto, finished tied first.

What’s your favourite course in the world?

Royal Portrush. I am a little biased, coming from Irish roots, but it is an amazing place.

Who is your golfing hero?

I am a big fan of Sergio Garcia, as he really wears his heart on his sleeve.. He has a very flamboyant personality, which makes him a fan’s favourite.

Who inspired you to take up golf?

My parents. They dropped me of at my local golf club during school holidays, and I used to be there from 8am until 8pm.

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Who would be in your dream four ball?

Paula Creamer, Natalie Gulbis, and Sophie Horn – purely for golfing ability obviously!

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

I would definitely have been involved in another sport, although I might have ventured into personal training.

For more information about Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa visit www.lutonhoo.co.uk

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Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

NickBayly

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

Tour must resist player power The European Tour will face a test of both its strength and its self-confidence when it comes to shaping the qualification criteria for next year’s Final Series.

Following the absence of a number of high-profile players from this year’s final event in Dubai, the Tour can go one of two ways. It can either choose to suck it up and say ‘these are the rules and we’re gonna stick with them’, or it can bow to player pressure and make it a free-for-all.

I sincerely hope that the Tour holds fast, and sticks two proverbial fingers up to the handful of players who aren’t able to commit to three events in a month where they play for buckets of cash and are treated, as Colin Montgomerie so aptly described it, ‘like royalty’.

Veiled threats to quit the tour by the likes of Charl Schwartzel should be ignored, as he sees it as his duty to play in the dozens of events held in South Africa, and is unlikely to want to give those up. Other rumblings about staying away should be likewise given short shrift.

With the new PGA Tour schedule wrapping up in mid-September, there

is little else for the game’s top players to do at this time of the year, bar staying at home and counting their money, so there is no excuse for not getting stuck in. They simply need to sort out their schedules so that they aren’t burnt out when the season reaches its climax – as Ian Poulter so spectacularly demonstrated this Charl Schwartzel failed to qualify for the DP World Championship after not entering enough events in the Race to Dubai’s Final Series

season.

With 48 tournaments taking place in 26 countries on the new European Tour schedule, clearly something has to give. Some quite big events will be missing headline acts next year, but when you put so much bread on the table, the butter is always going to be spread very thin.

Is your future flexible?

Regular readers can’t fail to have noticed how many more clubs are choosing to offer flexible membership categories these days. From just a handful three or four years ago, the latest figures show that nearly 20% of all clubs in England have adopted some sort of pay-as-you-go option for players who might otherwise have given up on the whole idea of remaining a member of a club or joining a new one.

With changing work patterns, increasing financial pressures, and a more egalitarian attitude towards family responsibilities, the traditional model of coughing up annual subs at the beginning of the year is under threat. Although unlimited seven-day membership remains by far the most popular category, there is a growing portion of the population that still wants the benefit of membership (handicap, competitions, social events etc), but can’t commit to the 50-plus rounds a year that are required to make 24/7 membership a viable option.

It’s clearly unnecessary for members’ clubs to go down the 100% flexible route, but as long as seven-day members don’t feel like they’re subsidising part-timers, the flexible model can certainly help with member retention.

With almost two-thirds of all clubs no longer charging a joining fee, and subs fees remaining largely the same as those levied five years ago, it’s clearly a tough time to be a golf club owner or operator, but those that are prepared to bite the bullet in the short term, and are able to manage with a steady drip-drip of income throughout the year, as opposed to the old April windfall, will be better placed in the long term.

Whichever way you choose to play your golf in 2014 and beyond, just remember that golf clubs only exist because enough people play them, and, as the last 12 months has clearly shown, they won’t stay in business if you don’t.

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Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

Volunteers required for PGA Champs Following the success of the volunteer programme at this year’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, the search is already underway to find helpers for 2014.

Based on the Olympic Games’ ‘Gamesmakers’ programme, the European Tour is once again seeking volunteers to assist in welcoming, directing and helping spectators at several facilities, including the park & ride, welcome pavilion, tented village, information points and players’ practice area.

Volunteering at the tournament provides a unique opportunity to be involved in a major sporting occasion, and also gives golf fans an insight into the running of such an event.

Volunteers, who receive tournament clothing and food vouchers for each day, also have the chance to see some of the biggest names in golf up close, while a lucky few will even have the opportunity to walk inside the ropes as an official scorer.

This year, 60 volunteers took part in the running of the tournament, working morning and afternoon shifts alternately, and gaining free access to the tournament when not actively assisting the general public.

Jamie Birkmyre, championship director of the BMW PGA Championship, said: “We are, as always, hugely indebted to the volunteers who give up their time and effort to play such a major role in one of Great Britain’s most significant sporting events. Without our volunteers, the tournament would simply

not run as professionally as it does year-in, year-out, and we look forward to working with another talented and dedicated team of helpers next year.”

To apply for a volunteering role, send an email, including your name, age and contact details, to BMWPGAvolunteers@ europeantour.com. Include any previous experience and a short brief on why you think you would be suitable in your application.

Applicants will need to be available for a selection day, and those who are chosen will also partake in a separate training day.

Many volunteers get to enjoy a ringside seat at the PGA Championship

News in Brief Surrey pros bring thousands into golf Surrey golf professionals have been leading the way in bringing new and returning golfers to the sport. Surrey Golf Partnership’s highly successful GolfMIX project, which offered free beginner lessons and brought in over 2,000 participants each year between 2010-11 became the blueprint for the national Get Into Golf scheme now run

by England Golf.

Surrey’s Get Into Golf sessions have run at 14 clubs and golf centres since 2012. The impressive figures just returned from the clubs show they are already at double the yearly participation target set by England Golf at the half-year stage – a figure of nearly 3,000 golfers.

All this is testament to the hard work of the coaches, who have not only delivered the lessons, but have also invested time and money in finding new golfers through their own efforts.

This year Surrey professionals have been giving taster sessions at events across the county, such as the Surrey Youth Games, the Reigate and Banstead Golf Festival, the Merrist Wood Summer Show and the Reigate and Runnymede Youth Festivals.

One of the most successful of these was Party In The Park in Woking, where Hoebridge Golf Centre assistant David Nickson taught over 150 people. Several centres, including Horton Park, have run successful open weekends at their facilities, which have encouraged visitors to return regularly.

BB&O WINS DAILY TELEGRAPH SALVER BB&O won the final of the Daily Telegraph Salver after beating Surrey 6.5-5.5 in a tense match held at Brocket Hall. BB&O took the morning foursomes 2½-1½, while the afternoon singles were tied at 4-4 to give BB&O the title for the first time since 2006.

COUPLE CLAIM STEWARDS CROWN The Fuller’s London Pride Golf Steward of the Year prize had to be shared this year, after the winners of the prize went to a husband-and-wife team. Simon and Karen Ward from Wilmslow Golf Club in Cheshire were named as the 2013 winners of England’s top title for golf club stewards at a presentation in London.

New Lane, Sutton Green, Nr Guildford, Surrey, GU4 7QF Tel: 01483 747898 email: admin@suttongreengc.co.uk

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Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

RYDER CUP 2014 COUNTDOWN

McGINLEY V WATSON With just eight months to go before they lead their teams at the 2014 Ryder Cup, the two opposing captains, Paul McGinley and Tom Watson, came face to face at Gleneagles for a midterm meeting.

Here are their thoughts on the build-up to the eagerlyanticipated matches

Tom, how do you fancy your chances as an away team, not having won since 1993?

WATSON: Thank you for that reminder.

We are going to go in as the underdogs because of the results of recent Ryder Cups, coupled with the record of away teams.

Yes, we are on away turf, and of course we know Scotland is going to show its support for Europe, so obviously the European team is the favourite.

We also know there’s going to be an edge to these matches. And we all know that Paul is going to go into his corner, and I’m going to go into mine, and I’m going to try to do everything possible to create a winning atmosphere.

But the one thing that Paul and I really agree upon is the manner in which the matches are going to be played. The way we’ll handle it is the important thing. Golf is a game that requires respect; bottom line, it requires respect. When you lose, you have respect for the person who beat you. When you win, you have respect for the person you beat.

Today’s Ryder Cup teams have played against each other for many years, so they are familiar with each other, and many of the players are good friends. But they draw a line in the sand when it comes to competition. And what makes this event so wonderful is that at the end there’s a winner and a loser, but the guys go back to being friends again.

Tom, given your affinity with golf in Scotland, how do you feel your PR battle has begun on Scottish soil?

WATSON: My PR battle? I don’t see it as a PR battle.

I just see that I love the game of golf over here.

After about four years of playing links golf here, I finally fell in love with it. The Scottish people are knowledgeable. They understand the game, and, of course, they are going to be very partisan, we know

that. When I played my very first Ryder Cup match at Lytham, I recall Hubert Green and I had the team six down after ten holes, and I got onto the 11th green, and I three-putted after they made a 10-footer for birdie. And when I missed my five-foot putt, there was a big cheer, and I had not heard that before. I had never previously heard somebody cheer when I missed a putt. Even though I knew it was going to happen, I was still taken aback. But the more you play in the Ryder Cup, the more you understand the passion behind it, and that’s the beauty of this event.

Tom, some people have said you’re a little too old to be a Ryder Cup captain. What do you think about that?

WATSON: The way I’ve answered that question is that my age is not an issue, because the players that will be on my team, our team, know that I’ve been a Ryder Cup player, they know I’ve been a Ryder Cup captain before, and they know that I know that they know. And that’s all that matters.

Paul, do you feel like this is yours to lose, rather than Tom’s to win?

McGINLEY: Not at all, and it’s dangerous to think like that. Of course Europe has enjoyed a lot of success in the last decade, no doubt about that. But if you look at the overall scores, the margin of victories, certainly in the last two, has been very small. So the difference between the two teams is very slight in my mind. The teams are very well matched, and I’m very aware Tom is going to lead a very strong America team. And when you factor in Tom’s experience as a player and as a captain, that’s going to make the US a very formidable package.

What are your impressions of the course, and which players in particular on your team do you

think the set up will suit best?

WATSON: I was here after The Open Championship in July, with my assistant, Andy North, and we had a good look around the course. My first impression was that without the wind, I think the players will make some birdies. The fans will enjoy that.

Obviously, cold and windy conditions might put a dampner on that, but if the weather is good, fans can expect to see a lot of birdies being made – I just hope that my team makes a few more birdies than Paul’s team!

Paul, the course set-up for the Johnnie Walker Championship was a bit tougher than it has been in recent years. Can you give us an idea of some of the feedback you’ve had from players?

McGINLEY: The feedback has been very clear from the guys who have played the Johnnie Walker. I’ve played every edition here, and every time I come back, the course is in better condition than it was the year before. It’s testament to the great work going on behind the scenes here. There’s no doubt with the addition of the SubAir system, the greens have quantifiably improved, and now with the drainage in the fairways, too, I really think there should be no issues regarding water-logging of the course next year. I think we have things in place that should take care of that. So I think the course will be turned out impeccably, and the feedback from the players is very strong. Everybody is looking forward to it.

Have you made any specific recommendations for the set-up in September?

McGINLEY: Jack Nicklaus was up here two years ago. He made a few subtle changes to the course, particularly around 18; but I can assure you that I will be not putting America-style rough around the greens, because not only will I have Tom coming

Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

after me, but I’ll have Jack, too. So the run-off areas will be maintained as Jack has designed them.

Tom, you referred to Europe as being slight favourites, but there are six Americans in the world’s top 10, and only three Europeans. Do you feel that Europe might need another miracle to pull this one off?

WATSON: After losing seven out of the last nine Ryder Cups, I don’t think that question has any merit at all. The European team has been absolutely sensational. I have to say, our defeat at Medinah left a pit in my stomach. I know for a fact that the players were absolutely depressed over the fact that they lost, and it stayed with them for a while.

Actually, I hope that feeling remains for some of those players who will be on my team next year, so that they will be able to use that as a motivator.

I don’t think there’s going to be much motivation necessary, but maybe a word or two about not wanting this to happen again will carry them over the line, and help them make a few more putts when they need to.

McGINLEY: Yeah, the margin between the two teams is so slight, and has been for a number of years. And I can tell you right now, luck has been on our side at the right times in the last two Ryder Cups. We’ve seen some wonderful play, and great heart from our team at the right moments, but luck has always played a factor, and we have been on the right side of it for a while. I think it’s going to be a very closely-fought match, and we know it’s going to be a heavyweight contest from start to finish.

Tom, you talked about the pressure, and how you needed to try to ease it for the players. Who are the more light-hearted individuals on your side who will bring a bit of humour into the mix?

WATSON: The player that comes to mind is Jason Dufner with his wry wit. Although he’s not outspoken in public, I hear he’s quite a funny person when in private. That type of humour is what I would like to encourage the players to have during the heat of the contest, because there is a tremendous amount of pressure.

What does Tiger Woods bring to the party in that respect?

WATSON: He knows how to needle people the right way. He became very much a part of the team this year. In talking to Davis, he was very much a

/ 29

leader, and we need him to be a leader. There’s no question about that. I don’t care who you are – if you don’t look up to Tiger, what he’s accomplished in his career, and say ‘I want to play like Tiger Woods’, you don’t know what you’re talking about. He’s had the most remarkable career probably of almost any professional golfer in the history of the game.

McGINLEY: We’ve got Ian Poulter…

Paul, you described some of Europe’s big guns as ‘flat-lining’ this season. What did you mean by that?

McGINLEY: Yeah, my reference to flat-lining is that they haven’t reached the heights they have in previous years of winning majors and such – Rory being one example – but that’s okay. We have not had the success we might have had this time last year, but having said that, we’ve just produced a US Open champion and the FedEx Cup winner. When some guys don’t have a run of form, there is always somebody to pick up the mantle and go forward with it. That’s the great thing about the quality of golf that we have on the European Tour nowadays, and I’m quite confident that this time next year I’ll have 12 players all playing very well and looking forward to another titanic battle.

Are you any closer to having some of the pairings worked out following the President’s Cup? WATSON: I watched the President’s Cup with great interest, but right now, it’s too early to tell. I want to see how the players are playing. I want to get a good understanding from the players themselves, from direct conversations with them, who they would like to play with. That’s a long way in the future right now. I’m just formulating the questions I’m going to be asking. I’ve done this before, and I basically am going to be doing pretty much the same thing again, as far as how I handle the pairings – and that’s a secret, but I don’t think it’s rocket science.

Do you think Europe will or won’t be the favourite eight months from now?

McGINLEY: Any bookmaker will tell you that we are marginally favourites, for the reasons that Tom gave.

We are playing at home; we have had great success over the last decade; and that’s going to give us that little bit of an edge when it comes to the betting market, and I have no reason to argue with that.

WATSON: The bookies can be wrong, though.

McGINLEY: Irish bookies are always on the money.

If you had 12 picks, would the teams look significantly different?

McGINLEY: That’s such a difficult question to answer.

But whichever way you look at it, it’s very important to have form going into a Ryder Cup. All players go through ups and downs, and hopefully we’ll have as many players as possible on an upward curve going into the match next year.

WATSON: If you really look at it, the purest form of Ryder Cup would be no captain’s picks, just 12 players who all qualify. That’s the way I qualified for my first three Ryder Cups. We had 12 qualified players and no picks. Maybe that’s the way it should go back to. I reduced my picks this year from four to three, and was actually thinking of having just two, because I wanted the players to have that as a goal.

If they got there, then they knew that had earned something very, very special. And maybe we should go back to no picks. What do you think about that, Paul?

I think it’s going to be a very closely-fought match, and we know it’s going to be a heavyweight contest from start to finish Paul McGinley

McGINLEY: It’s a different dynamic on the European side, when we have so many players playing on the PGA Tour, so let’s defer that one, thank you.

Since 1993, Tom, when you were last involved with The Ryder Cup, how has the scale of the event changed?

WATSON: Actually, in 1993 the tide was already turning against the Americans regarding their dominance in the Ryder Cup. Prior to adding the Europeans, everybody knows the history there: that Americans dominated and it was kind of a yawner. Nobody really paid much attention to the Ryder Cup, because they expected the Americans to win.

The European side, with the addition of Seve and crew, changed the dynamics dramatically, and the Europeans started to win. Now they are winning a lot. It’s really opened the eyes of the American public, because, hey, we are supposed to win this thing, and now, you don’t hear that in America; we hope we win this thing.

Paul says it’s two heavyweights going toe to toe.

And, as I said earlier, it’s great theatre, and people have seen this theatre several times come down to the last two or three matches, and they love to watch that and expect it now from the Ryder Cup. And that’s how it’s changed. Before it was a yawner, and now it’s something that people really look forward to coming out for and tuning into.

Fighting talk: Waton and McGinley will be in less of a mood for jokes come September

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Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

Storybehindthepic The Wentworth Club, Surrey October 3, 1953

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ast month saw the great and the good, and the recentlyrecovered from near death experiences, gather at Wentworth to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the famous Surrey club’s one and only hosting of the Ryder Cup in 1953.

Making his first public appearance following his heart scare in Scotland just two months earlier, former Ryder Cup captain and Wentworth professional Bernard Gallacher didn’t want to miss the celebrations, which attracted a stellar cast list of golf’s glitteratti.

Among the most honoured guests was 82-year-old Peter Alliss, who, aged just 22, played in his first ever Ryder Cup at Wentworth. Following Bernard Hunt’s death earlier this year, Alliss is sadly the only surviving member of the team that

narrowly lost to America all those years ago, a fact which was not lost on ‘The Voice of Golf’, when he described himself as the ‘panda in the zoo’.

Back in 1953, the 10th Ryder Cup was a relatively low-key affair, with America having won seven of the nine renewals since the matches began in 1927. The format at the time offered just 12 points, with four foursomes on the opening day, followed by eight singles on the second and final day. However, unlike the Ryder Cup of the modern era, all the matches comprised 36 holes, so there was no shortage of action.

Just over 8,000 spectators turned out to watch the final day’s play over the West Course, the start of which was delayed by fog due to its lateautumn date in the schedule.

With the score tipped slightly in the visitors’

favour after a 3-1 win in the foursomes, America looked poised to capture its sixth straight success, needing just three points from eight games to retain the cup. However, the GB&I team, which hadn’t won Samuel Ryder’s famous trophy since 1933, had other ideas.

Boasting a relatively young and inexperienced squad, led by non-playing captain Henry

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Cotton, the home side fought a brave rearguard action that took them to the brink of a famous victory.

Ireland’s Fred Daly hammered Ted Kroll 9&7 in the opening match to take the score to 2-3, and then the home side surged into 4-3 lead with two wins, the first from Eric Brown, and then Harry Weetman, who beat

Sam Snead 1-up after being five down with six to play.

After Welshman Dai Rees lost 2&1 to Jack Burke, the scores were tied at 4-4, with just four matches left out on the course.

Moments later the scores were level on 5-5, after Max Faulker lost 3&1 to Cary Middlecroft, while Ireland’s Harry Bradshaw beat Fred Haas 3&2.

With just the young Alliss,

and the equally-inexperienced 23-year-old Bernhard Hunt left out on the course, the match was still finely balanced. With history in his grasp, Alliss was one-up over Jim Turnesa with three holes to play, but he lost the 16th to a par; hit his tee shot out of bounds on the 17th; and then lost the match with a bogey on the 18th, after missing a putt from two feet.

With a tie now being the best possible outcome for GB&I, Hunt required just a half on the last hole to win his match against Dave Douglas.

But, like Alliss moments earlier, Hunt crumbled under the pressure, missing a three-foot putt to lose the hole, and with it the match, 6.5-5.5.

“I made an awful bodge of it,” Alliss would recall years later.

“I’ve had to live my whole life with the guilt of messing up that chip.”

Such is the power and affect of the Ryder Cup.

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Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

/ 31

European Tour appoints new chairman The European Tour has appointed highflying city executive David Williams to replace its outgoing chairman Neil Coles, who retires from the role this month after serving the tour for 38 years.

Williams (pictured) brings considerable commercial experience to the European Tour, having led a wide range of public and private businesses over the last 35 years, including senior roles at Whitbread, Diageo, PepsiCo and Mothercare. A governor at the London Business School, he is currently chair of the operating partners at city investment firm Duke Street Capital.

Commenting on his appointment, Williams said: “To follow in the footsteps of someone who has been as much of a figurehead as Neil Coles is a tremendous honour.

The European Tour brand is strong and I will work with George O’Grady, his executive team, the players and the board to take the organisation forward. In particular, I’ll be looking to ensure that the Tour is structured in a way which enables it to further increase its expansion and appeal across the globe, as well as working with our business partners to promote long-term sustainable growth.”

David Jones, European Tour board director and chairman of the nomination committee commented: “For the first time ever the board and players took the step of looking outside the ranks of professional golf for a chairman. In David we have chosen a chairman who brings a powerful business background, and his broad experience will be a huge asset in developing our influence in the world of golf.”

Don’t miss out...

Read Golfnews online at www.golfnews.co.uk

Lilly in the Pink at Palm Desert!

Wellingborough professional Simon Lilly banked another victory on the popular American Golf Holiday’s Pro-Am Tour after holding off a strong field in the 20th California Classic Pro-Am, which was held at six courses in Palm Desert.

A regular winner on the tour, Lilly shot rounds of 68, 66, 65 and 70 to compile a 19-under par total and win by four shots from Ian Walley (Kedleston Park), with St George’s Hill’s Andy Raitt a further shot back in third.

Under sunny skies at PGA West, it was Raitt who took an early lead with a superb opening 65. The low scoring continued in round two at SilverRock, where Kings Hill’s Barham fired a magnificent 64 to leave him a shot behind the consistent Raitt.

However, Pro-Am Tour regular Lilly returned

to form in the third round at the Classic Club with the day’s low score of 65, and despite final round charges from James Ablett and Ian Walley at Indian Wells, Lilly held on for the win and the £1,410 first prize.

Ablett’s superb final round 67 helped his team of Terry Drake, Denis Bowden and Gill Graham secure victory in the team event.

Barham had the consolation of winning the shot of the tournament with a hole-in-one at the 17th hole at Indian Wells Player’s Course, a feat South Region No.1 Richard Wallis matched in the night golf pitching contest which was organised to celebrate 20 years of the tournament.

Next year’s California Classic Pro-Am will be held from November 29-December 6. For further information visit www.pro-amtour.com.

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The Hoganesque winning team: (l-r) James Ablett, Gill Graham, Denis Bowden and Terry Drake

California Classic Pro-Am winner Simon Lilly (right) with tournament organiser John Hooper

Cook’s in charge at Moor Park Moor Park Golf Club in Hertfordshire has appointed David Cook as its new chief executive.

Cook joins the prestigious Rickmansworth-based venue from Burhill Golf Club, Surrey, where he had been general manager since 2000. Prior to that he had had a successful career with the De Vere Hotel Group, having joined them in 1981 as a management trainee.

Cook has a strong food

and beverage background in prestigious hotels, and latterly a good golf and business background, and he is only one of 27 managers in Europe to qualify for the Certified Club

Managers’ qualification.

Speaking about his new role, Cook said: “I have visited Moor Park on a number of occasions, and have always admired the magnificent mansion and the facilities that this great club has to offer. I was delighted to be offered the position, and I’m looking forward to working with the board, the team and the membership to enhance the club’s standing, and drive the business forward.”

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News in Brief MONCUR ON TOP AT TOOT HILL Ingrebourne Links head professional Nick Moncur put in a classy performance at a cold and windy Toot Hill Golf Club to win the individual professional prize at the Essex PGA Pro-Am by two shots. His level-par 70 saw him finish clear of Mark Baker (Colchester) and Jason Levermore (Channels), who compiled 72s.

TALBOTT ON TARGET AT WILDERNESSE Thorpe Hall assistant Mark Talbott came out on top in the Essex PGA Pro-Am at the Wildernesse Golf Club in Kent. His decision to travel to Sevenoaks was vindicated as he came away with 38 points to claim the Eddie Sadler Trophy as the leading professional. John Judd (Hartswood) and Terry Moncur (Langdon Hills) finished second and third.

ARE YOU THE NEXT STAR? Playgolf London are looking for 4 budding stars to award scholarships to. Offering membership to all Playgolf sites, free range balls, free instruction as well as mental coaching up until the age of 18. www.playgolflondon.com

MEMBER CELEBRATES 100TH BIRTHDAY A golfing great-grandmother who recently celebrated her 100th birthday said the secret to reaching the landmark age is to ‘enjoy life’.

Christine King, who reached the milestone on November 20, celebrated the special day with her son and daughter at Moor Park Golf Club

EAST BRIGHTON OFFERS NEW MEMBERSHIP East Brighton Golf Club has launched a flexible annual membership, which has been specifically designed for the occasional golfer.

The new membership category at the Sussex-based venue costs £39.

For more details email office@ ebgc.co.uk.

Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

EARNS St Mellion sets up junior SHUTCHEON PGA CROWN AFTER scholarship programme TURKEY SHOOTOUT St Mellion International, the flagship venue for golf club operator Crown Golf, is to develop its next generation of golfers with a new scholarship programme.

The new scheme will offer free membership and coaching to a group of 25 young golfers at St Mellion for up to six years.

The children must be aged between 12 and 18 and live close enough to the resort in order to have easy access to the facilities.

The scholarship programme, which is also open to existing junior members, gives full playing access to the club’s two championship courses, the Nicklaus and Kernow. The Scholarship is the brainchild of club PGA professional Jason Avery, and David Moon, St Mellion’s Director of Golf.

“This will be a gamechanger here at St Mellion” said Moon, “not just for our junior section, but also

for the way we develop long-term members at this club. Our goal is to create a strong, loyal and competitive junior team who are each developing their involvement in golf at their own pace. And over time, we believe they will flourish not only as better golfers, but also as young ambassadors for St Mellion and everything it stands

for. This is our chance to create a golf club for the future.”

The coaching programme begins in February, with students being offered free coaching up until their 18th birthday.

Potential applicants should contact Jason Avery on 07816 189519, or email stmellion-academy@ crown-golf.co.uk.

PGA Pro Jason Avery, junior organiser Paul Giles, new scholarship pupils Alex Swabey and Jack Lambert, and club captain Robin Hancock.

Scotland’s Greig Hutcheon won the Titleist PGA PlayOffs at Antalya Golf Club in Turkey after eagling the final hole in a sudden death play-off with Rothley Park’s Matt Cort.

Both players had tied at nine-under-par for the 54hole tournament just ahead of overnight leader Matt Ford, but following pars on the first and second pay-off holes, Hutcheon delivered a perfect blow to six feet to secure the £15,000 title.

“It’s really a huge honour to be the PGA’s number one, I’m delighted to win it again and it caps off a really good season for me bar winning my singles in the PGA Cup,” said Hutcheon, who also won the Tartan Tour and Scottish PGA Championship.

The Banchory pro’s spoils include a place in next year’s BMW PGA Championship and the Wales Open.

Ford was left rueing a double bogey on the first and a bogey on 16, where he found the water on both occasions.

“They were a couple of poor shots, but probably got punished more than they deserved,” said the Kent man. “I played great in the middle stretch, including an eagle on seven and birdie on the last, but left a few putts short.”

Ford can console himself with earning entry to next year’s BMW PGA Championship, as can Ian Ellis, Jason Levermore, Graham Fox, Damian Mooney, Mark Hooper and Chris Kelly, with Liam Bond defeating Adrian Ambler in a play-off for the final berth at Wentworth.

Nevill prepares to celebrate centenary Staff and members at The Nevill Golf Club in Sussex are preparing to embark a year-long series of events and competitions to celebrate the club’s centenary.

In preparation for it centenary year, the parkland course has undergone some significant improvements following a visit from renowned Sussex-based golf course architect Donald Steele in 2012. On his advice, the course’s trademark gorse has been thinned out, unwanted trees have been cut down, and some of the bunkers have been moved.

The year gets underway with the captain’s drive-In and flag-raising, which will be attended by club president Christopher Nevill, the 6th Marquess of Abergavenny. Resplendent in Edwardian dress, men’s captain John Oliver and ladies’ captain Jo Hamer will drive off on January 12, The day will feature a 9-hole fourball competition, with local MPs Greg Clark and Charles Hendry also expected to attend.

The year will also be marked by the publication of a history of the club written by John Dunton. Copies of The Nevill Golf Club - The First 100 Years: 1914–2014 are on sale now.

While the club will be celebrating its centenary in 2014, one of its members will also be reaching the famous milestone this month.

Molly Hodgson celebrated his 100th birthday on December 11, and she has vowed to make it her New Year’s resolution to take up the game again, having last played in 2009.

A traditional members’ club, the Nevill is flourishing and has exceptionally strong ladies’ and juniors’ sections. Among the 800-plus members are some genuine golfing heroes. Paul Way is the second youngest player to represent Europe in the Ryder Cup and has an outstanding record in the event of six wins, two losses and one half. Jamie Spence was a two-time winner on the European Tour and is a former chairman of the European Tour’s tournament committee.

Another Nevill member, Todd Adcock, captured the prestigious English Amateur Championship in 2008, and has recently joined the professional ranks.

The club’s current crop of youngsters are carrying on the tradition, as reigning Sussex Junior Champions, and they are quietly confident of mounting a strong defense of their title next year. Five of the team is in the Sussex Under-14 squad and one, Thomas Harrison, is in the England squad.

Evolve Tour announces Spanish winter schedule A golf tour aimed at offering competitive opportunities for aspiring tour pros is kicking off another series of events for the winter months.

The Evolve Pro Tour, which first started in 2012, will be staging a series of tournaments in Spain from early February to mid-March, providing ideal warm weather preparation for UKbased professional golfers.

The tournaments will be primarily based around the south east region of Murcia in Spain, with the José

Maria Olazabaldesigned Corvera Golf & Country Club being the base, while other quality venues on the schedule include Alhama, El Valle, Mar Menor Recent Evolve Tour winners, including and Hacienda title holder Bradley Dredge Riquelme.

The management team behind Tour and ran the Hi5 Pro the Evolve Pro Tour includes Tour for five years, and has a Wayne Hachey, who 15-year history of operating established Germany’s EPD successful professional

satellite tours in Europe. Past players on the tour include European Tour stars such as Thorbjorn Olesen, Jeppe Huldahl, Joost Luiten and recent Q School winner Carlos del Moral.

The Evolve Pro Tour will be running one- and two-day events on a weekly basis,

to give players a focused programme of seven tournaments, including the three-day Tour Championship and the Thomas Sabo Match Play event.

For competitors who stay for the full 28-night programme, the price comes in at €24.83 per day – including accommodation, unlimited rounds of golf and free range balls. Also available is a weekly rate of €245, including the same benefits.

For more details visit www. evolveprotour.com.

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Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

SWEDE DREAMS How does it feel to have to have done the ‘double-double’?

It will take a little time to sink in. It has with the FedEx Cup, which feels better and better as time goes, and I’m sure it will be the same with the Race to Dubai. I have managed to achieve something very special in winning all of these events, and it’s certainly going to take some beating going forward.

You’ve been carrying a wrist injury for the latter part of the season, although it didn’t seem to affect your game too much. How is it holding up?

I’ve been taking anti-inflammatories to keep me playing, but it urgently needs some rest. I’m in desperate need of some time off, and I don’t want to jeopardise my long-term ambitions by keeping on playing this year, so I’m going to be taking some rest from the game.

How important was it that you finished off the season with a win in Dubai?

I was very, very pleased with the way I played. I knew it was going to be a tough week. I knew the guys were going to try to catch me, especially Ian [Poulter], Justin [Rose], and a few others. So I was just very happy with the way I managed my way around the course for those four days. Obviously, I was aware that I hadn’t won on the European Tour this season, so it was satisfying to achieve that in the final tournament. It was also sweet to pull it off in Dubai, which is somewhere that I’ve called home for the last 10 or so years.

There’s no doubt you’re the hottest golfer on the planet right now. Do you have any expectation of toppling Tiger from the no.1 spot next season?

I’m certainly going to be trying, but it’s going to take a lot of good golf to reach no.1 from where I am. I’ve been told that everyone who has won the Race to Dubai has managed to be world No.1 at some stage, so it wouldn’t be fair not to try, would it? So I’m going to keep on trying to get better and keep on practising, and we’ll see what happens.

Did you feel a bit like a home-town hero?

Absolutely. It was really sweet to be able to have so many of my family and friends watching me this week.

I made a lot of friends in Dubai over the ten years that I lived here, so it was nice to be able to go out and play as well as I did in front of everyone. I also saw a lot of Swedish support out on the course, which was great.

The Stenson Boys were out there all week.

At what point during the final round did you say to yourself, ‘Job done, let’s enjoy this’?

It’s hard to let your mind wander too much, even when you’ve got a five- or six-shot lead and just a handful of holes to go. You probably would have to break a leg to mess that up, but you’ve still got to focus. I think when I hit that 5-iron to about 18 inches on 12, that was a key moment. After that, I definitely felt like it would be mine to lose, and that it would be hard for the other guys to make up the gap over the closing holes.

How pleased were you to win your side bet with Ian Poulter?

There has been lots of friendly banter between Ian and me, and it certainly added some fun to the Final Series for both of us. I’m not going to be serving him drinks, but he can feel free to serve me one! It was fun to see him waving the white towel on the final green, and he helped me dry off with it after I got sprayed with water by all the Swedes. Ian was a long way behind me at the beginning, but he was really motivated to turn his season around, and he certainly did that in the last couple of weeks.

Do the well-recorded lows you’ve been through over the last few years make your achievements this year all the more rewarding?

To be able to come back this year like I’ve done, and play so many good rounds, and so many good tournaments, is what we all practise and play for. It’s just great to have been able to do that so many times this year. I’m going to keep on trying to put myself in that position over and over again.

How much more improvement is there to come from Henrik Stenson?

Golf is a game where you’re never going to think you’ve reached the end of the line as far as improvement is concerned. There’s always room for improvement, and I’ve certainly got a couple of areas that I know I can develop which could make me a better player. Sometimes you improve technically, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that your results improve instantly. But at some stage, it kind of catches up with you, and you get the rewards for your hard work. It’s not what I did in June that created this; it’s the effort and time that I put in over the last couple of years that’s made the difference.

After you won in South Africa 12 months ago, did you foresee any of what followed?

I’d be lying if I said I was thinking that I’d be sitting here as the Race to Dubai champion, the DP World Tour champion, the FedEx Cup champion, and the Tour Championship champion. Obviously, it’s been a dream year, a dream summer for me, and the season of my life.

I would be lying if I said I‘d seen all that coming.

You’ve pretty much already sewn up your place in the European Ryder Cup team. How good is it to have that sorted so quickly and to be back in the Ryder Cup mix?

I’m not sure that’s quite the case, but if it’s true I will gladly accept it. Getting back on the team has always been one of my big goals, so to get some Ryder Cup points on the board early was always my aim. Some of the greatest moments in my career were in the

As Henrik Stenson becomes the first player to win the FedEx Cup and the Race to Dubai in the same season, Golf News catches up with Sweden’s most profitable export since Abba, IKEA

and Volvos Ryder Cup in ‘06 and ‘08.

Having missed the last two, I was always going to try hard to make it back on the team for Gleneagles, so it’s going to be a great experience again and I’m really looking forward to it. Can you guarantee 20 degrees and sunshine the whole week, as well?

Word has it that your caddy, Gareth Lord, has bought two Ferraris with his share of this season’s winnings. Is that true?

There was only one, I believe. Whatever he chooses to spoil himself with is not really my business. Lordy’s done a great job, he’s been a huge part of my success, and we work really well together out there. We were a little bit off when we started the Final Series, but we really stepped up together as a team in the end, and that showed in the final result. All credit to him and everybody else that helps me out: Cornel Driessen, my physio; Pete Cowen, my swing coach; and Torsten Hansson, my mental coach. I have a great team around me, and they deserve to take a lot of the credit for my success.

Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

/ 35

Portrush ‘could host US PGA’

Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland has emerged as a surprise contender to stage the US PGA Championship if the PGA of America goes ahead with plans to stage the event outside the United States.

The PGA of America confirmed last month that a committee is studying the impact of holding the event around the world, with the earliest possible date in 2020.

It had been thought that Asia would be the most likely venue, but PGA of America president Ted Bishop is said to have expressed an interest in Portrush.

“Royal Portrush would be a great first international

major,” Mr Bishop said. “I think given the powerful effect that Irish golfers have on the professional game today, that might be a good place to start.”

The R&A denied reports this summer that the Open Championship was set to be held at Portrush in either 2018 or 2019. R&A chief executive Peter Dawson admitted earlier this year that Portrush is ‘a fantastic golf course’, but concerns remain over the infrastructure required to stage a major, and Dawson said that the current ninecourse Open rota is not about to be expanded.

The Northern Irish course has not hosted a major since the 1951 Open, but the Irish Open was a huge success

there in 2012.

Former US Open champion and Portrush native Graeme McDowell admitted the possibility of staging one of golf’s four majors was ‘very bizarre’, adding: “It’s always been a dream of mine to play the Open there, but the US PGA would do nicely. It’s very bizarre and an amazing statement. I couldn’t believe it and read it three times. I had heard the US PGA was looking at going global, but I was expecting Asia, not the north coast of Ireland. Even if it never comes to fruition, it’s a great boost to be mentioned in that breath. My brother Gary is on the greenkeeping staff there, and he will have a spring in his step.”

Counting the cost of keeping quiet Golfers who expect to be warned of errant tee shots when playing on the golf course might want to keep their eyes open, rather than their ears, following a recent ruling made at a court hearing in America.

A judge presiding over a case of a golfer who was partially blinded by a ball hit by another golfer, decided that golfers have no legal responsibility to issue a verbal warning if a fellow playing partner hits a wayward drive.

New Jersey judge Thomas Vena’s ruling was part of a case involving an errant tee shot that injured a golfer’s eye at Skyview Golf Course in Sparta. James Corino needed several operations to restore vision to his right eye after he was

struck by a shot hit by another golfer, Kyle Duffy. Neither Mr Duffy or the two players in his group bothered to shout ‘fore!’

In his ruling, Judge Vena consulted both state law and the Rules of Golf before clearing the two other players of wrongdoing, although Mr Duffy is still defending his case. In summing up his reasons for dismissing the claim against the playing partners who witnessed the shot, the judge said: “The plaintiff, Mr Corino, has failed to provide any evidence to demonstrate that the two witnessess were obligated to shout ‘fore’ or warn Mr Corino of Mr Duffy’s errant shot. That duty, according to the Rules, belonged solely to the acting player, Mr Duffy.”

Virgin Flying Club launches new season with spring society days After the success of its tenth anniversary season, plans are well under way for Season 11 of Flying Club Swingers, Virgin Atlantic’s innovative online golf league, which boasts over 5,500 members worldwide.

The new season will officially launch early in 2014, but keen golfers are encouraged to sign up now, as scores from December 14 onwards will count towards leaderboard positions in the quest for a place at the end of season Ryder Cup-style final.

Even if you don’t quite make the final, there’s a great opportunity to meet fellow

Swingers at one of two UK society days to be held in the Spring. Flying Club Swingers will be visiting West Hill Golf Club in Surrey on April 10, and Ashridge Golf Club in Hertfordshire on May 19.

Both days provide a great opportunity to not only play two of the best private members’ clubs in England, but also to compete for a range of stunning prizes from the likes of Cleveland Golf, while also receiving a bumper goody bag.

There’s also the opportunity to win a space in an exclusive Flying Club day next summer.

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Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

EwenMurray

MY 2013 TO

Ewen Murray recalls the highs and lows of the 2013 season, which included a long-awaited English major winner, a stunning success for Europe in the Solheim Cup, Tiger’s return to the top via some brushes with the rules, the trials and tribulations of Rory McIlroy, and a miracle comeback by super Swede Henrik Stenson

March: T iger is

Colorado pen comes to February: As

JANUARY Although the 2013 season started in December, the New Year opened with the Volvo Champions at the Durban Country Club, where Louis Oosthuizen became the calendar year’s first champion. Sadly, it would be a rare high for the 2010 Open champion, as his season was to be interrupted by a recurring back injury, which resulted in a long lay-off and continuing medical intervention. His world ranking has now fallen to 36, but he will come back stronger in 2014 and could well add to his Open win before too long.

And then it was onto the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, and the first of Tiger Woods’s troubles with the rules. Most other players would similarly have got the Tour’s relief rule wrong, which allows balls to be lifted that are plugged ‘through the green’, but not from sand. Other headlines that week saw the unveiling of Rory McIlroy as the new poster boy for Nike Golf.

Sadly both Woods and McIlroy failed to let their clubs do the talking, and I felt sorry for the tournament’s sponsor, HSBC, who paid a princely sum for the world’s top two players to miss the cut.

FEBRUARY In between South African players mopping up three events in their native country, the first of the year’s World Golf Championship events, the Accenture World Matchplay, was halted by a freak snowstorm that turned the Arizona desert into something resembling the nursery slopes of Aspen. Matt Kuchar was the last man standing at Dove Mountain, after beating Hunter Mahan in an all-American final, while Ian Poulter, who won the same event in 2010, took third place. Tongues were continuing to wag about Rory McIlroy’s form, following his shock first round defeat to fellow Irishman Shane Lowry.

MARCH It was a case of déjà vu for Tiger Woods at the WGC Cadillac Championship, as he returned to his old stomping grounds to demolish the field at the recently-revamped Doral and claim his 17th WGC title. On the other side of the world, young Thai player Kiradech Aphibarnrat won the Malaysian Open. The 23-year-old ended the year with a European Tour exemption, and a conditional card for the PGA Tour, having taken the Asian Order Of Merit by a street.

Back Stateside, Tiger Woods collected his 77th career win in the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill to take him back to the top of

back on track at B ay

stin Rose June: Ju

Hill

s the US capture

Open

July: April: A dam

the world rankings. From first to 58th, and all the way back to first again, it has been some journey.

APRIL April is all about The Masters, and by the end of this year’s renewal there was much to discuss. Tiger Woods’s exquisite pitch to the 15th green during the second round could have been a contender for shot of the year. Instead, it clattered the pin before finding the water. At the time, I thought his subsequent drop was near enough from where he had originally hit his approach, but the TV re-runs led to a different conclusion, later backed up by Woods, who proved his own judge, jury and executioner when he said: “I went back a yard or two to get a comfortable yardage”. He had clearly broken the rules, and with the card already signed for a wrong score, it seemed to be Roberto de Vincenzo in 1968 all over again. But, no. Tiger was given a reprieve that sent shock waves around the golfing world. I still believe that he shouldn’t have continued.

With 14-year-old Chinese sensation Tianlang Guan creating Masters’ history, many were furious that the teenager was penalised a shot for slow play. He may have been a little slow at times, but then so have many others been down the years without suffering any consequences.

It was not all bad news at Augusta, as we enjoyed one of the truly great Masters’ performances from Adam Scott, who gave his country its first green jacket via a play-off, and, in doing so, denied Angel Cabrera his second. Angel’s walk back to the clubhouse, arm in arm with his caddie, Angel Jnr, was one of the great images of the year. I don’t cry often, but the sight of them as they made their way back up the 10th fairway was humbling.

MAY Woods’s next brush with the rules came at The Players Championship at Sawgrass. A wildly hooked tee shot at the 14th found water. Woods turned away in disgust, so he could not have known where the ball had crossed the hazard. After consulting his playing partner, the ball was dropped. Many thought it should have been back where Vijay Singh and Phil Mickelson had

Scott b ags a lo ng ove rdue G reen J acket

been after their mishaps at the same hole, but Howard Clark, who was following the match for Sky, said it was fine, and I trust his judgment. Amid the murmurings, Woods would go on to claim his second Players Championship.

Meanwhile, at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, Sergio Garcia voiced some ill-chosen words regarding Woods, and the European Tour’s chief executive, George O’Grady, became embroiled in a media storm. It was all very regrettable, to say the least. The week ended with record crowds in glorious sunshine, with onlookers hailing the PGA Championship’s youngest ever winner, the impressive Matteo Manessero.

JUNE After a 43-year wait, England had another US Open champion. At old-fashioned Merion, Justin Rose came of age. As his tiny putt disappeared, the player who had experienced the devastating lows of professional golf looked to the sky and whispered a few words to his late father and mentor, Ken. Fifty years on from that famous shot by Ben Hogan, Justin’s was just as good. Despite the torrid times Justin suffered in his early professional career, he has never changed. As with Scott’s win at Augusta, the vast majority of golfers around the world rejoiced in Rose’s triumph. It does happen to the good guys. For the sixth time, Phil Mickelson finished second in his national open, but his time was not far away.

JULY In July, my homeland of Scotland belonged to Phil Mickelson.

Firstly, with a stunning victory in the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart, then onto Open Championship glory at the majestic Muirfield.

The Open was never meant for the left-hander’s

Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

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Sky Sport’s voice of golf reviews the past year

OUR DIARY

on n at Meri

d er ha Dufn n o s Ja ust: Aug

Sep tem ber: the Stat ue o f

y oph A tr e PG h t n ye o his e

Libe rty s ays it all for

Rory

d ‘cavalier with the rules’ October: Woods was calle

: Micke lson ca ptures the Cla ret Jug in

style

style of play, but the wily American produced the round of the year to land the Claret Jug. Next year, the US Open returns to Pinehurst where, in 1999, Mickelson finished runner-up to the late Payne Stewart. Mickelson’s career deserves a grand slam. I won’t be alone in hoping he achieves it.

Later in the month, Paul Casey returned to winning ways at the Irish Open, where Rory McIlroy’s miserable year continued with an early exit in front of expectant home crowds, and fellow Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell continued his golden run with victory at the French Open in Paris.

AUGUST If it’s August, then it’s generally a Tiger Woods cakewalk at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone. Which it was – by a distance.

The final major of the year, the US PGA Championship, went the way of Jason Dufner, although his individual performance was eclipsed by Europe’s glorious team effort in the Solheim Cup, which must surely go down as the year’s most memorable victory.

Having never won on American soil, Lotte Nuemann’s young side enjoyed a rocky mountain high in Colorado. At just 17 years of age, Charley Hull was a sensation. Anna Nordqvist closed her match out with a hole-in-one, while Caroline Hedwall became the first player to win all five matches. And the winning putt was holed by the hugely-respected Catriona Mathew. I hope there is a positive knock-on effect in the ladies game after this triumph.

SEPTEMBER The Fed-Ex Cup playoffs provided the stage for one of the great sporting comebacks. Henrik Stenson had lost form

on several occasions in his i a b u D in ubles up career, nson do te S k ri n er: He Novemb and had lost a vast amount of money in the Stanford scandal.

By the end of the month, he had his form and his cash back – with interest.

Tiger Woods had yet another brush with the rules, this time when the ball moved when he was removing some debris from around it. A two-shot penalty was the correct ruling.

Back in the UK, Colin Montgomerie returned to the winner’s circle at the Senior British Masters at Woburn, and after a gap of over six years, so did David Howell, following his popular triumph in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews.

OCTOBER America retained the Presidents Cup at Muirfield Village, while Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee got into hot water after describing Tiger Woods as being ‘a little cavalier with the rules’. Had Chamblee stopped there, he might have had some supporters, but his comparison to himself cheating in a classroom exam when he was a kid was ill-conceived and he is fortunate to still have his job.

The Seve Trophy resulted in a narrow win for the continental side, while the large number of top players missing from the tournament did little to honour the man who almost singlehandedly got the European Tour to where it is today.

NOVEMBER Four weeks and four great tournaments, and much of the European Tour’s Final Series was superb. Gonzalo Fernandez Castano’s win at the BMW Masters in China was overshadowed by the headlines Simon Dyson wrote in pressing down a spike mark with his ball. A mistake? A lapse of concentration? Intentional? Whatever his motives, it was a regrettable moment.

The HSBC Champions was the WGC tournament of the year. Dustin Johnson took a big step forward with a hard-fought victory, with the irrepressible Ian Poulter and Graeme McDowell chasing him all the way home.

013 vent in 2 is first e y wins h ro Il c M er: Rory Decemb

Turkey made a very impressive entry to world golf with the staging on the Turkish Open. The 2022 Ryder Cup is a long way off, and there will be many hurdles to jump along the way, but the country has done itself no harm by putting on a firstclass tournament, which was won by young Frenchman Victor Dubuisson.

This season, however, belongs to Henrik Stenson. Surely the best golfer of 2013. His tale of rise and fall and rise again is the stuff of Hollywood films. His approach to the final hole at the Earth course in Dubai was pure fantasy, just as it was fate.

Australia hosted a new-look World Cup at the delectable Royal Melbourne, and it was an emotional victory for Jason Day in both the individual and team competition. Having lost eight relatives in the Philippines disaster, he somehow found the strength to cope and conquer.

DECEMBER The festive period kicked off with a welcome return to the winner’s enclosure for Rory McIlroy at the Australia Open, where he prevailed in a thrilling shoot-out with Masters champion Adam Scott, denying the home favourite a triple crown of Australian titles in the process.

Rory’s form has been on an upward curve in recent months, and this victory was no surprise for those who knew what was going on in his life.

There’s no question that it’s been a difficult year for Rory, but It’s been hard listening to former players and so-called experts saying that his change of clubs has been the problem this year.

His equipment is up there with the best, and his loss of form has arisen from some well-publicised off-course legal issues, which took his concentration away from golf.

The Australian Open was a huge win for Rory. Like all great players, he remembered what to do when the opportunity presented itself. Some legal distractions rumble on, but they will reach a conclusion, and when that happens, the wonderful talent this impressive young man possesses will propel him back to the top of the game once again.

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News in Brief

Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

TOUR NEWS

LANGER WINS MONEY LIST Bernhard Langer won the Champions Tour Money List for the fifth time in his career. The 56-yearold German ended the season with a runner-up finish behind Fred Couples in the Charles Schwab Cup, which gave him a $200,000 cushion over Kenny Perry. His season included two victories, five runner-up finishes, and $2,448,428 in prize money.

MADSEN WINS SA OPEN Morten Orum Madsen had the honour of bagging the first event of the European Tour’s 2104 season when he was victorious at the South African Open in Ekurhuleni. The 25-year-old Dane, who was claiming his first Tour title, posted five birdies in his final-round 67 to finish two shots ahead of South Africans Jbe Kruger and Hennie Otto.

SCOTT DEFENDS AUSSIE TITLE Adam Scott successfully defended his Australian Masters title at Royal Melbourne. The 2013 US Masters champion fired a closing 71 to finish on 14 under par, finishing two shots clear of Matt Kuchar, with Vijay Singh back in third.

DYSON HANDED £30K FINE FOR SPIKE MARK INCIDENT Simon Dyson has been fined £30,000 and given a two-month suspension by the European Tour after he was found guilty of a ‘serious breach’ of the tour’s code of behaviour. The 35-year-old was found to have contravened Rule 16a after he was seen tapping down a spike mark on the line of putt during October’s BMW Masters in China. The two-month suspension has been suspended for 18 months, and will not be implemented unless Dyson commits a further breach of the rules during that time. The review panel said Dyson’s behaviour involved ‘a momentary aberration, not a premeditated act of cheating’, which gave them grounds for not implementing a harsher penalty.

BJORN SHINES AT SUN CITY Thomas Bjorn shot a final-round 65 to claim victory by two strokes at the Nedbank Golf Challenge in Sun City. The Dane began the day three shots behind long-time leader Jamie Donaldson, but four birdies, allied to two crucial back-nine eagles, saw the 42-year-old blast past the Welshman for a deserved victory.

Stenson completes historic ‘double double’

McIlroy back on track with win Down Under Rory McIlroy birdied the final hole of the Australian Open to win his first tournament of 2013.

The world no.6 began the final round at Royal Sydney four shots behind Adam Scott, who was attempting to achieve the ‘Australian triple crown’, following earlier successes at the Australian PGA and Australian Masters. But McIlroy carded a stunning six-under 66, which included an eagle and four birdies, to edge past Scott, whose costly bogey at the final hole saw him finish second, six shots clear of fellow Australian John Senden.

Victory for the 24-year-old from Northern Ireland ended a winless streak

that had stretched back to the World Tour Championship in November 2012.

“I wanted to get a win, and finally I’ve been able to get one,” said McIlroy, whose form had been an upward curve over the previous two months. “More satisfying than that is being able to take one of the best players in the world down the stretch and come out on top. Adam is a phenomenal golfer and a great competitor. I feel a bit sorry that I was the one that ruined the triple crown for him. I’ve been building confidence for a few weeks now. When I went to Asia I started to play really well. I’ve worked hard, I’ve put the hours in and I’ve practised hard, and finally it’s turned around for me.”

Turkey to bid for Ryder Cup Turkey is to bid for the next available home leg of the Ryder Cup, following the announcement that it is keen to host the matches in 2022.

Buoyed by the successful staging of last month’s Turkish Airlines Open, officials from the Turkish Golf Federation have outlined plans to build a

new course that will have the infrastructure to cope with the biannual matches.

Ahmet Agaoglu, president of the Turkish Golf Federation, said: “We have the idea to host the Ryder Cup in 2022. We will bid for it to take place either in Istanbul or Antalya. Turkey is in Europe, but if we need to, we can build a course on the

European side of Istanbul.”

The European Tour is expected to invite formal bids soon after next year’s match at Gleneagles, and when asked about Turkey’s chances, chief executive George O’Grady said: “Turkey would have as good a chance as anywhere. We have been staggered by the success of the Turkish Open.

This is a country where anything is possible.”

Turkey is also bidding to take over from Dubai as the host for the European Tour’s final tournament of the season, but hopes of a ‘Race to Turkey’ taking place look unlikely after the Tour announced that is it to continue with the DP World Championship in Dubai until 2017.

McDowell set to shun GB for Rio Graeme McDowell has hinted that he would rather play for Ireland than Great Britain at the 2016 Olympics.

Ulsterman McDowell, who represented Ireland alongside Shane Lowry at the World Cup of Golf at Royal Melbourne, can compete for either country, but like fellow Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy, he had been reluctant to commit because of the

political ramifications.

McDowell had previously called on the International Olympic Committee to decide for him, but last month he indicated his preference for Ireland. “When the World Cup was coming to Royal Melbourne, I knew I wanted to be part of this team,” he said. “I believe that me representing Ireland will mean I will have to play for them at the Olympics.”

Henrik Stenson is relishing a return to the Ryder Cup and a bid to replace Tiger Woods as world number one, after securing a historic double in stunning style with victory in the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

Stenson became the first man to win the European Tour’s Race to Dubai and FedEx Cup on the PGA Tour in the same year thanks to a commanding six-shot triumph at Jumeirah Golf Estates. The 37-year-old carded a flawless closing 64, signing off in style with a tapin eagle on the 18th, to finish with a tournament record total of 25 under par, with money list rival Ian Poulter a valiant second with a 66.

“It took a little time to sink in when I won the FedEx and it just kept on feeling better and better as time went on, and I’m sure this will be the same,” said Stenson, who won the Tour Championship in Atlanta to seal the FedEx Cup title, and

a $10million bonus.

“I have managed to achieve something very special here this week. To get the double-double, winning the Tour Championship on both the tours, that’s going to take some beating in the future. It’s been a dream year, a dream summer for me, and the season of my life.”

Stenson had gone through two major career slumps, the most recent one leaving him 230th in the world rankings at the start of 2012, but solidified his position as world number three to close the gap on Masters champion Adam Scott and Woods above him.

“Everyone who has won the Race to Dubai has been world number one at some point – Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer, Luke Donald and Rory McIlroy – so it wouldn’t be fair not to try,” Stenson added. “It’s going to take a lot more good golf, but I am certainly going to keep on trying.”

Day overcomes tragedy to win World Cup Home hero Jason Day secured an emotional victory in the ISPS HANDA World Cup of Golf with an imperious display at Royal Melbourne Golf Club.

A week after losing eight members of his family in Typhoon Haiyan, the 26-yearold Australian showed commendable mental strength to see off Thomas Björn by two strokes.

Day’s closing round of 70 for a ten-under-par aggregate total, allied to his teammate Adam Scott’s seven-under-par score, also meant Australia were crowned World Cup of Golf

winners for the fifth time.

Day said: “I found out last week that we lost some family members over in the Philippines, and to have my mum, my sisters and my nephew here as a family is very special. It would have been the easiest thing for me to pull out of the tournament, but I really wanted to come here and try and win the World Cup with Adam, and we achieved that, which is great. It’s taken me a while to get my second win, and it couldn’t be more fitting with Scotty by my side winning the World Cup down here in Melbourne. “

Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

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TOP OF THE FLOPS

TOM LEWIS TIPS FROM THE TOUR In the next part of his exclusive instruction series for Golf News, Tour star Tom Lewis offers his top tips for executing the perfect flop shot

2

There will be a time in almost every round when you have to hit a shot over a bunker or to a raised green to a pin cut close to the edge of a green. It is a scenario that strikes fear into the hearts of a lot of amateur golfers, but it won’t be quite so scary if you spend a little time mastering the mechanics of hitting a flop shot. Here’s how I approach it.

TIP 1 SET UP FOR SUCCESS The most important element in learning how to play a successful flop shot is to get set up correctly. The position you need to get yourself into is very similar to how you would address the ball for a bunker shot. The ball should be well forward in your stance, and your weight should be onto your left side. You need to open up the clubface for this shot, so your feet and shoulders should be aiming a little left to compensate for that, and you should ensure the butt of the grip is pointing at your belt buckle.

3

TIP 2 KEEP IT SMOOTH AND SIMPLE Amateurs often seem to think they need to use a lot of wrist action to get the ball in the air when hitting this sort of shot, but in fact that is the last thing you want to do, as it will lead to complications and all sorts of bad contacts on the ball.

What you need to do is to take the club back smoothly, with only a minimum of wrist hinge, and then swing down and through without any attempt to hit at the ball. This is a shot that requires a swing, rather than a hit, so the distance you hit the ball will be largely determined by the length of your backswing. In this instance, I’m hitting to a flag about 25 feet away, whereas my backswing would be a little longer if the flag was further away.

TIP 3 MAKING PROPER CONTACT

1

Once your backswing is completed, you should be concentrating on swinging down and through, rather than hitting at the ball– which is a common mistake I see when I’m playing in Pro-Am events, and is often caused by the player accelerating or decelerating into the ball.

At impact, you should be attempting to return your hands and clubhead to a similar position as at address. The last thing you want to do is to have your hands ahead of the ball at impact, as this will lead to inconsistencies.

4

TIP 4 COLLECT THE BALL, DON’T HIT IT 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.

When playing a flop shot, there should be no effort made to help the ball up into the air. That’s what your wedge is designed to do, and it will do it well if you let it.

Swing your arms down, and feel as if you are collecting the ball at impact, rather than hitting it. Keep your body quiet, and

try not to look up until well after the club has made contact with the ball. Lifting your head will result in inconsistent shots.

If you can put all these elements together, you will soon find yourself relishing the challenge of short-siding yourself on greens.

Good luck, and happy flopping!

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

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Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

WELCOME TO THE

588 WOODS!

Cleveland Golf is powering up a new range of metal woods for the 2014 season, which brings the legendary 588 wedge brand into play for the first time for the longer clubs in your bag Building on the successes of Cleveland Golf’s Classic range from 2012 and 2013, the 588 Drivers, Fairway Woods and Hybrids offer golfers the brand’s longest ever metal woods in plenty of different shaft and loft options.

Suitable for all levels of player, Cleveland has now introduced the legendary performance of the 588 brand to the metal woods range for the first time in the company’s history. Usually associated with the finest quality wedges and irons, the 588 stamp is a sure sign of quality and performance in both the design and construction of the clubs.

588 CUSTOM DRIVER: POWER AND PRECISION Kicking the line-up off is the 588 Custom Driver, an adjustable driver that can be customised to suit any demand off the tee.

Validated by Cleveland’s stable of tour players, the 588 Custom Driver has undergone extensive testing to ensure every golfer’s needs are met.

It features a 460cc titanium head, offering golfers the perfect combination of distance, forgiveness and accuracy. This is achieved through the latest in enhanced variable face thickness technology, which creates penetrating flight out of the middle and a faster ball speed on off-centre hits, giving golfers maximum forgiveness.

Adjustability comes by means of a 12-way adjustable hosel, allowing golfers to fine tune the loft, lie and face angle to their individual preferences, while the back of the sole has an adjustable weight screw to optimise swingweight.

All 588 Custom Drivers are fitted with a premium Matrix OZIK 6Q3 shaft as standard. Made by Matrix, one of the fastest growing shaft brands on tour, this is a mid-launch shaft that provides an allround combination of speed and stability, with solid feel at impact, giving golfers supreme confidence off the tee.

Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

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588 FAIRWAYS WOOD: FLIGHT AND FORGIVENESS Moving onto the 588 Fairway Woods, Cleveland is again offering premium shafts from Matrix as standard to give a fairway wood that is its longest to date. The 588 Fairway Woods also feature enhanced variable face thickness technology to give optimal forgiveness, distance and accuracy. The tour-proven profile also promotes a clean, confidence-inspiring look from the fairway or off the tee.

A rear sole plug in the club head, coupled with an advanced wall construction, allows more weight to be positioned low in the club head, and helps to produce a higher launch and more penetrating flight.

“Adjustability comes by means of a 12-way adjustable hosel, which allows golfers to fine tune the loft, lie and face angle to their individual preferences”

588 HYBRID: HOTTEST AND LONGEST The final club in the new range is the new 588 Hybrid. Cleveland’s longest hybrid ever, it features a hot, forgiving face for maximum distance, as well as Gliderail Technology for incredible playability for all golfers.

The new 588 Hybrid is the company’s first hybrid engineered with variable face thickness technology and, as with both the 588 Fairway Woods and 588 Custom Driver, this technology produces an incredibly forgiving club with maximum distance on off-centre hits.

Gliderail Technology has been a mainstay of the Cleveland’s hybrid line since 2011, such are its performance benefits. It is a combination of two rails with a subtle centre keel on the sole of the club, which has been designed to measurably decrease turf drag, giving you more lift and speed at impact.

The 588 Hybrid is fitted with a premium Matrix OZIK Altus Shaft as standard, promoting a high launch and an all-round combination of speed and stability, with solid feel at impact.

To find out more about the 588 range from Cleveland Golf, visit www. clevelandgolf.com where a full line up of options will be available from January 2014.

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Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

Nike X2 Max sunglasses RRP: £100 Contact: store.nike.com Born of a partnership with Transitions Optical, Nike’s new adaptive X2 Max sunglasses feature an interchangeable lens system, so they can be easily adapted to suit changing light conditions. The violet ‘Golf Tint’ lens improves contour recognition on the green, while the green ‘Outdoor Tint’ brightens shadows and increases contrast. Featuring a lightweight magnesium frame and fully-adjustable secure-wrap temples for enhanced fit and comfort, they offer 100 per cent UV protection and are available in a variety of different-coloured frames, including black, red and anthracite.

Heaven Golf Shoes RRP: £199 Contact: heaveningolf.com

SHOP

Austrian-based company Heaven Golf has launched a new golf shoe that is designed to improve balance and promote a more relaxed, dynamic walking action. The patented footwear system, which was designed by former Masai Barefoot Technology co-owner Hermann Oberschneider, features a rounded outsole with an open chassis in place of the padded foam midsole found in most other golf shoes. The unique outsole provides the wearer with a better awareness of natural balance, and also promotes a more fluid walking movement. The Heaven shoe additionally features an EVA insole and a TPU outsole to deliver stability and shock absorption. The shoes are coloured solid white with black accents, and are available to buy online in sizes 40-47 for men, and 36-42 for women, through the company’s website.

TaylorMade Ghost Tour putters RRP: £119 Contact: taylormade.eu The Ghost Tour Series comprises seven models: three blade-style putters (Daytona 12, Daytona 62 and Sebring 62), and four mallets (Maranello 81, Fontana 72, Monte Carlo 12 and Corza 72). Going against the trend for high MOI designs, the GT putters are aimed at those who prefer a more traditional Anser-style head. All feature a distinctive black ion plating on the sole, as well as a coat of durable white paint to provide contrast against the green. The strong black parallel lines on the trailing edge form the first and second read alignment system to further aid accuracy. Another new feature is a multi-material insert – 80% Surlyn, 20% aluminum – which promotes smooth roll, distance control and soft feel.

Ping Rapture driving iron RRP: £175 Contact: ping.com

No longer the preserve of those who have lost confidence with their woods, the driving iron is making something of a resurgence for players of all abilities. In fact they are ideal for better ball strikers who are looking for a club to maximise distance off the tee, while keeping the ball down, and better managing trajectory and spin.

First sighted at Muirfield during this year’s Open, Ping’s new Rapture driving iron is available in a 2-iron version only, with a loft of 18 degrees. But don’t be fooled into thinking of this club as simply a strongerlofted iron or a shiny, small-headed hybrid. Ping has added tungsten to the heel and toe of the sole to increase the club’s MOI, which makes it more resistant to twisting on slightly off-centre hits and increase forgiveness, while it also has a wider sole than a typical iron, and more camber to cut through the turf more easily than a long iron, even on steep swings. The body is made from a soft 17-4 stainless steel, while the face features a harder 455 stainless steel, which helps produce higher ball speeds.

The clubface is flat, unlike a hybrid, which typically curves slightly from heel to toe and from sole to crown.

This makes the Rapture driving iron easier for accomplished players to hit draws and fades. It also produces less spin than a similarly-lofted hybrid, to deliver a more penetrating ball flight.

The stock shaft is a graphite Ping TFC 949 with a foggy chrome PVD finish. The shaft is slightly longer than a standard 2-iron at 39.75 inches.

Mizuno JPX wedges RRP: £110/£80 Contact: mizunogolf.eu Featuring Mizuno’s aggressive Quad Cut grooves and a milled face, the JPX wedges will add some serious bite to your short game. Designed to flow from any JPX cavity-back iron set, which is aimed at mid-tohigh handicappers, the wedges combine a generous-sized face and a wide, smooth sole, with subtle relief in the toe and heel for maximum versatility.

Mizuno’s loft-specific groove design maximises spin characteristics by featuring a different groove shape and size depending on loft. Deeper, narrow grooves bite into the ball on full shots in the 50-54 degree wedges, while wider and shallower grooves in the 56-60 degree options provide extra spin on short or partial shots. They come with multiple bounce configurations and feature a classy black nickel anti-glare finish.

Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

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Lynx Golf Boom Boom 3 Irons RRP: £599/£549 (4-PW) Contact: lynxgolf.co.uk Lynx’s first new irons in the flagship Boom Boom range, these clubs are designeded to redefine the levels of power, distance and feel achievable from a cast head. The one-piece steel casting features two cavities – the first, a muscle-back design, which distributes weight effectively around the clubhead for forgiveness; the second, a narrower deep ‘power channel’ located immediately behind the club face. This feature, when combined with variable face thickness, gives phenomenal distance and a forged-like feel.

The cosmetics are distinctive too, with a combination of three finishes – black satin, gloss, and matt PVD. The rear of the club features a red/black/white bull’s-eye style livery and Boom Boom branding.

The Boom Boom 3 irons can be fully custom fit with steel or Aldila Rip’d graphite shafts in senior, regular, or firm flex.

Cobra Golf BiO Cell irons RRP: £649 (3-PW) Contact: cobragolf.co.uk Coming to a pro shop near you in January, Cobra’s new Bio Cell irons are designed to offer distance and control without sacrificing forgiveness. The long and mid irons (3-7) feature a heavy tungsten weight in the heel and toe areas to promote forgiveness, while the short irons (8-PW) see the tungsten moved directly behind the sweetspot for added distance and control. The back portion of the head boasts a perimeter undercut, which creates more face flex at impact for increased ball speed. As with the earlier AMP Cell range, the cavity infill features a choice of four different colour accents (silver, blue, red and orange), and they all come fitted with True Temper’s Dynalite 85 steel shaft, although a BiO CELL graphite shaft is available for custom orders.

FootJoY DryJoys Casual RRP: £125 Contact: footjoy.co.uk Designed for golfers seeking a more traditional-looking casual shoe, the DryJoys Casual is slightly less trainerlike than some other brands in this sector of the market, and is packed with FootJoy’s renowned performance technologies and quality materials.

The uppers made from soft Pittards leather, which is breathable yet waterproof, while a special foam inner lining cradles and cushions the foot for ultimate comfort.

The weighted outsole features pronounced nubs for outstanding stability, traction and control throughout the golf swing. They are available in white, black, or brown in the widest range of sizes and half-sizes in the market.

TRIED &

TESTED Adams Golf XTD Forged irons Rating: RRP: £699 Contact: adamsgolf.co.uk With so many low handicappers carrying at least one or two hybrids in their bags these days, it was only a matter of time before an equipment company did the decent thing and offered a set of players’ irons with some hybrids thrown into the standard set.

Take a bow Adams, whose new XTD Forged irons include two hybrids (3, 4), along with forged cavity-back mid irons (5-7) and muscleback short irons (8-PW).

The DHy hybrids are specifically designed to meet the aesthetic and performance demands of skilled players, featuring a bulge-and-roll face construction and a slot in the bottom of the sole that increases ball speed. The centre of gravity is in between an iron and a fairway wood, giving it a more penetrating ball flight, with more forgiveness and less spin.

The nickel-plated mid irons are made with a multi-piece forging process and boast two tungsten plugs in the toe to balance out the iron, and a cut-through slot in the sole. They feature a floating stainless steel face, which leaves space between the slot and the face to deliver spring-like effect for increased ball speeds.

To improve the sound at impact, rubber foam has been injected into the sole to fill the void between the face and the slot. The foam improves forgiveness without altering the face’s flexibility. The shorter irons also feature a slot in the sole, but the space between the face is smaller than in the mid-irons, ensuring more consistent distances from shot to shot.

They are available with either KBS C-Taper steel shafts or Mamiya Recoil graphite shafts.

Ralph Lauren RLX Windbreaker RRP: £195 Contact: trendygolf.com A key piece in RLX’s winter ‘13 golf collection, this stylish windbreaker features removable sleeves, so that it can be converted into a wind vest. Other key details include a full-length front zip, a drawstring hem, adjustable Velcro cuffs, two side pockets, and a chest pocket. It is available in S, M, L, XL and XXL sizes in red, with contrasting royal blue side panels.

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Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

1. NIKE VR_S COVERT 2.0

2. TAYLORMADE JETSPEED

3. CALLAWAY BIG BERTHA

RRP: £250 Contact: nikegolfeurope.com

RRP: £249 Contact: taylormadegolf.eu

RRP: £349 Contact: callawaygolf.com

The Covert 2.0 driver looks very similar to its predecessor, with the exception of its deep red crown, which has an additional splash of white in the clubhead’s back cavity, and its slightly larger clubface. On the inside, however, the 2.0 is significantly different – and it performs differently too. A section of the internal cavity has been strengthened by a Fly-Brace, which is a thicker section of metal running from the crown to the sole to create a stronger connection between the two sections, causing greater force to come to bear on the ball at impact. The 2.0 offers the same FlexLoft adjustability system found in the original (8.5-12 degrees), and the standard shaft option is Mitsubishi Rayon’s Kuro Kage Black HBP 50 graphite.

Taylormade’s new JetSpeed driver replaces the RBZ Stage 2 and is the first driver to offer the company’s speed pocket in the sole – a design feature previously found in the SLDR fairway wood. With a shallower head and low, forward centre of gravity, the JetSpeed boasts a sweet spot that is 25 per cent larger and extends lower on the face than its predecessor’s. The design also helps increase ball speed and reduce spin on shots hit low on the face. Unlike the SLDR (which has a sliding weight channel on the bottom of the sole), the JetSpeed’s only adjustable feature is a hosel that can be moved 1.5 degrees up or down. It is available in four lofts (8°, 9.5°, 10.5° and 12°), and comes with a Fujikura Speeder 57 shaft.

The Big Bertha brand, which has been lying dormant since the 454 driver was launched in 2004, has been brought back to life in the form of the all-new Big Bertha. A fullyadjustable forged composite driver, it features an 8g sliding weight on a 5-inch rail at the rear of the clubhead, which combines with Callaway’s Hyper Speed Face technology and adjustable hosel to create a driver that hits the ball longer and more accurately than ever before. Golfers can choose from three different lofts (9°, 10.5° and 12°), which can be adjusted by -1° to +2°, to give additional loft options of 8° to 14°. The lie angle can also be independently altered to draw and neutral settings to adjust directional bias. It comes with a Fubuki Z graphite shaft as standard.

Find more yards in 2014 with one of these new drivers

LET THE BIG DOGS BARK

Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

4. PING G25

/ 45

6. LYNX BOOM BOOM 3

8. COBRA BiO CELL

Ping’s G series has long been about forgiveness, and the G25 follows that same path, with the added bonus of adjustability. It features the same three-way adjustability found in the company’s Anser driver, but comes in four lofts – 8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5° and 12° – each of which can be adjusted by half a degree. The adjustable hosel is the same diameter as that found on the brand’s non-adjustable drivers, giving a clean line at address, while the centre of gravity is the lowest and deepest Ping has ever produced, boasting a moment of inertia measurement that is 10% higher than the G20. The design benefits from an ultra-thin crown – which retains the matt black finish – a titanium body, and a variable-thickness titanium face insert for improved off-centre ball speeds.

RRP: £299 Contact: lynxgolf.com The latest version of the Boom Boom franchise retains Lynx’s proprietary Hot 1 technology, which uses a secret mixture of gases inside the 460cc head to increase pressure behind the clubface to deliver explosive distances. A more efficient transfer of energy between ball and clubface results in optimum ball speeds. The lipstick-red crown that featured on previous Boom Boom drivers has been replaced by a classy matt black PVD finish, with a choice of subtle green or red infill. It is available in 7.5°, 9°, 10.5° and 12.5° lofts, while the standard shaft is an Aldila Rip’d NV in matching colour and stiff or X-stiff flex.

The BiO Cell takes Cobra’s AMP Cell technology even further, with the help of a honeycomb pattern, which removes weight from the crown and positions it low and back in the head. This delivers a lower centre of gravity and higher moment of inertia to give increased distance on miss-hits, while also increasing the face’s effective sweet spot for added forgiveness. It comes in five colours (blue, black, red, orange, and silver), while MyFly8 technology allows adjustment to five different open loft settings (9°, 9.5°, 10.5°, 11.5°, 12°) and three draw settings (9.5°D, 10.5°D and 11.5°D). It comes with a Project X-PXv shaft in a variety of flexes, with a Lamkin R.E.L. 3GEN 360 grip.

5. BENROSS RIP

7. ADAMS XTD

9. MIZUNO JPX EZ

RRP: £149.99 Contact: benrossgolf.com

RRP: £329.99 Contact: adamsgolf.co.uk

Benross launched three new drivers this year, the RIP Speed, Hot Speed and Max Speed. They are marketed with the tag lines of ‘rip it’, ‘hit it’, and ‘sweep it’ in order to differentiate the type of player they will appeal to. Designed for swing speeds of 75-85, 85-95, 95-105, each offers different launch conditions (low/mid/high), which is produced with respective lofts of 10, 12 and 14 degrees matched against specialist Aldila Phenom graphite shafts. Very fast swingers might be worried that 10 degrees is too much loft, but the head and the Phenom 60 shaft, which has a stiff tip and butt section, works well to keep spin down and produce a penetrating flight. All three drivers feature a matt black PVD nano finish, with head shapes to match their relative forgiveness and shot-shaping abilities.

Boasting several industry firsts, the new XTD features slots in the sole and the crown, which help a wider section of the clubface to flex at impact, promoting maximum ball speed on off-centre shots. Similar to the design used by Adams in its fairway woods and hybrids, the slots amplify the trampoline effect when the ball contacts the face, thus increasing ball speed. Available in 9, 10.5 and 12-degree lofts, the driver features an adjustable hosel, while a Fast Fit system allows heads to be matched with a range of shafts, including the standard Matrix Red Tie offering.

RRP: £249 Contact: mizunoeurope.com

RRP: £249 Contact: ping.com

RRP: £249 Contact: cobragolf.com

Due to go on sale in February, the JPX EZ has already found its way into the bags of many of Mizuno’s tour staff in Europe and America. With a well-proportioned 460cc head, the EZ features a low and deep weighting system that launches the ball into a low-spinning orbit from whichever of the eight adjustable settings you choose from Mizuno’s QuickSwitch adjustability mechanism.

There are four primary settings – low, standard, 2UP, and High – with four intermediate options. Other features include Mizuno’s hot metal multi-thickness face, which has been combined with a new, softer-edged crown (0.6mm) that flexes at impact to create extra distance.

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Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

Here are two examples of how Heavenly Hybrids have helped players to improve the game

RAISE YOUR GAME

LOST CONFIDENCE WITH MID TO LONG IRONS Ashford Golf Club vets’ captain Joe Barnett describes his experience of trying out the new LSH-c Heavenly Hybrids as being a true lightbulb moment. Joe, who is 71, tested a half set of the hybrids and was immediately impressed with their all-round playability.

“I decided to switch to hybrids after my mid-to-long iron play became inconsistent, with the occasional shank really affecting my confidence,” he said. “I received the Heavenly Hybrids on a Tuesday and won our Vets Swindle on Wednesday, shooting five-over gross for 39 points around our tree-lined course.

Since making the change, these hybrids have really helped me, especially around the greens. It is absolutely impossible to shank with these clubs, which greatly improves one’s confidence. I was concerned that they might not be as accurate as my irons, but it soon became obvious that they were, in fact, straighter. They were also about a club longer.’

Joe found the clubs were better for him in every way, except when it came to working the ball. The Heavenly Hybrids are designed to hit the ball straight, and Joe has found it more difficult to draw or fade his shots. “But hey, straight isn’t bad, is it?” he says. “Overall, I am very impressed and look forward to playing with them for a long time, and have no hesitation in recommending these clubs to anyone.”

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

Even highly-skilled players are benefitting from the playability, forgiveness of hybrids, so why not give yourself the best chance of scoring by introducing more hybrids into your own set? But rather than relying on one or two hybrids to replace your long irons, using a whole set of hybrids can bring an end to thinned approach shots and fatted wedges too.

The concept of utilising hybrids through the bag was not lost on golf professional Stuart Smith, who came up with the idea 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 unique

PLAYER TESTIMONIES

WITH HEAVENLY HYBRIDS Heavenly Hybrid range gives golfers of all abilities greater distance, improved ball flight, and better control from all types of lies. Here are five instances when you could find a Heavenly Hybrid club invaluable:

1. OFF THE TEE Heavenly Hybrids are great on long par 3s or short par 4s, when you need to carry a bunker or water hazard. They have a higher launch angle, and consequently come down on a much steeper angle than a long iron, making it easier to clear the obstacle and stop the ball on the green.

Tests have shown that Heavenly Hybrids hit the ball nine per cent further than equivalent irons, and are 10 per cent more accurate from inside 20 yards.

2. FROM THE FAIRWAY Their distance control and accuracy make them good for building confidence on long approach shots to the greens on par 5s and long par 4s. You could find yourself reaching more par 5s in two or three, creating more welcome eagle or birdie shots.

3. FROM THE ROUGH Long irons have a tendency to get caught up in the rough. causing them to twist, resulting in mishits. By contrast, Heavenly Hybrids have a bigger size and mass, helping you to drive through the rough and keep the face square.

4. ON LONG BUNKER SHOTS On long bunker shots it is important to hit the ball first, to get it airborne quickly and out of the trap. A Heavenly Hybrid can come in really handy here.

By moving the ball back in your stance, you can promote a steeper angle of attack. The bigger clubhead and larger sole of a Heavenly Hybrid makes it easier to swing through the sand without catching it heavy.

5. AROUND THE GREEN On bump-and-run shots around the green a Heavenly Hybrid can help you get the ball rolling on the ground quickly. Its shorter

shaft helps hit the ball almost like a putt, without having to choke down on the shaft, and you’ll never have to worry about catching it thin and taking a divot.

Are Heavenly Hybrids for you?

Only you can decide. However, hybrids seem set to increasingly play a much greater part in every golfer’s game. They simply make the game easier – which makes playing it much more rewarding and enjoyable.

ORDER ONLINE NOW! Available in Men’s and Ladies’ sets, the nine-piece Heavenly Hybrid range comprises 3-9 iron, 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. To find out more about Heavenly Hybrids – and to start really enjoying your golf – visit www.heavenlyhybrid.com

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Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

EQUIPMENT NEWS

Mizuno launches money-back offer on custom-fitted irons Mizuno is so confident that golfers will fall in love with any of its new range of irons that is offering a money-back guarantee.

Anyone who is custom-fitted by an approved retailer for a set of its MP-4, MP-54, JPX EZ or JPX EZ Forged irons can ask for all their money back if they are not completely satisfied with the new sticks, providing they are purchased before the end of January.

Mizuno’s ‘Satisfaction Guarantee’ was announced following record sales of its recently-launched irons. Tony Scott, Mizuno’s marketing manager in the UK, said: “Mizuno has had a phenomenal year in terms of sales of its new ranges of products, which displays consumer confidence in the performance of the brand. Mizuno has absolute trust in its Swing DNA custom fit process, and in the quality and craftsmanship of its golf products, which is why we are guaranteeing total satisfaction or your money back.”

To qualify for a refund, which must be claimed before March 28, the set must consist of between five and eight irons.

WHAT’S IN THE BAGS OF RECENT WINNERS HENRIK STENSON DP World Championship

Rory and the rise of the mighty Swoosh Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods and Michelle Wie have helped Nike Golf become the game’s most fashionable brand, according to research from OnlineGolf.co.uk, one of the UK’s largest online retailers.

The popular internet site surveyed nearly 700 golfers for their views on fashion in the game. Swedish all-weather brand Galvin Green was the second most sought-after label, while Adidas came third.

Nike Golf signed McIlroy in January as its latest brand ambassador, joining world No.1 Woods, alongside the likes of Paul Casey and Suzann Pettersen.

In addition to brand allegiance, the research found that over a third of golfers (35%) felt that wearing the right clothes would improve their game. Younger golfers, not surprisingly, were more clothing conscious, with almost half (46%) of those aged between 16 and 24 agreeing that what they wore had an impact on how they play.

Pat Foley, head of e-commerce at OnlineGolf.co.uk, said: “Golfers are becoming increasingly fashion conscious out on the course and understand the importance of well-designed, functional apparel in helping their performance. Rory McIlroy is now a household name and one of golf’s most recognisable players. There is no doubt that his profile has helped to cement Nike Golf as a leading brand in the sport, and support its standing among young players.”

he took to the course with just three golf balls, a Ping 20-degree hybrid, and a couple of playing partners for company.

Watson, whose last victory came at the Masters, was said to have taken up the one-club challenge in a bid to test his shot-making skills on the Tom Fazio-designed course, as he sometimes gets ‘bored’ with having 14 clubs to choose from.

Being careful to stay out of the course’s numerous bunkers, Watson managed to

go just nine-over par for his round using the low-lofted hybrid, which also served as a putter (as well as driver, iron, wedge, and yes, you’ve guessed it, hybrid.)

During last year’s offseason, Watson recorded a 58 at his home club in Arizona, the Estancia Club, using a full set of clubs off the very back tees of the 7,350-yard course.

He also holds the course record from the blue tees (62), which measure 6,696 yards, and the black tees (61) at 7,100 yards.

Rose joins forces with Lamkin Justin Rose has signed a deal with grip company Lamkin to be an ambassador for the brand. The company has enjoyed a long relationship with Rose that began more than 15 years ago when he and his father visited Lamkin’s UK offices for custom grip fitting. Rose, who is currently using Lamkin’s 3GEN golf grips on clubs, will be involved in product testing and providing development feedback, and will feature in all Lamkin’s promotional campaigns.

Lamkin can trace its history back to 1925, when founder Elver Lamkin began manufacturing the first leather golf grips.

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

HARRIS ENGLISH OHL Mayakoba Classic DRIVER: Ping G25 (9.5) FAIRWAY WOODS: Ping G5 (15), Ping G20 (18) IRONS: Ping S55 (3-PW) WEDGES: Callaway Mack Daddy 2 (52, 58) PUTTER: Ping Scottsdale Ho-Hum BALL: Titleist Pro V1x ADAM SCOTT Australian Masters DRIVER: Titleist 913D3 (9.5) FAIRWAY WOOD: Titleist 910F.d (15) IRONS: Titleist 712U (2), Titleist MB (3-9) WEDGES: Titleist Vokey Design SM4 (48, 54), Titleist Vokey Design TVD (60) PUTTER: Titleist Scotty Cameron Futura X long BALL: Titleist Pro V1

LEXI THOMPSON Lorena Ochoa Invitational DRIVER: Cobra AMP Cell Pro (8.5) FAIRWAY WOOD: Cobra S3 (15) HYBRID: Cobra Baffler T-Rail (17) IRONS: Cobra S2 Forged (4-PW) WEDGES: Callaway X-Forged (52, 56, 60) PUTTER: Odyssey White Hot XG 300 mallet BALL: Callaway Hex Chrome+

Watson rises to one-club challenge While most half-decent golfers would struggle to get it around an 18-hole championship course in 81 with a full set of sticks, former Masters champion Bubba Watson managed the feat last month using just the one club.

The 25-year-old American, who has a reputation for attempting outrageous shots – as he showed when winning at Augusta in 2012 – was playing a practice round at Pelican Hill Golf Club in California, where

THE GEAR EFFECT

JASON DAY World Cup of Golf

Ernie puts best foot forward with ECCO Danish brand ECCO has signed four-time major champion Ernie Els to wear its hybrid golf shoes featuring the awardwinning E-DTS outsole.

As part of the multi-year agreement, the 44-year-old South African, who will also be wearing branded headwear, will be featured in gmarketing and advertising initiatives supporting the ECCO Golf Collection, and appear at company functions.

“ECCO has clearly struck on the winning formula,” says Els. “They make shoes that look great, are incredibly comfortable, can be worn almost anywhere and offer the kind of stability a guy like me really needs on the course.”

Throughout 2014, Els will be seen competing in a range of selections from current collection. These include the new Street EVO One, BIOM Hybrid and Tour Hybrid models.

“Ernie’s style, iconic swing and incredibly gracious personality make him one of the game’s truly unique figures,” says Jesper Thuen, Ecco Golf’s global sponsorship manager. “He’s been a big fan and supporter of ECCO since the dawn of the hybrid golf shoe revolution, and will now be a very high-profile ambassador for years to come.”

DRIVER: TaylorMade R1 (9) FAIRWAY WOOD: TaylorMade RocketBallz (17.5) IRONS: TaylorMade MC Forged Tour (2-9) WEDGES: TaylorMade ATV (47, 54, 60) PUTTER: TaylorMade Ghost Tour Monte Carlo 12 BALL: TaylorMade Lethal

MORTEN ØRUM MADSEN South African Open DRIVER: Titleist 913D3 (9.5) FAIRWAY WOOD: Titleist 913F (15) HYBRID: Titleist 913H (17) IRONS: Titeist 712U (3), Titleist 714 MB (39) WEDGES: Titleist Vokey Design SM4 (48, 54, 60) PUTTER: Titleist Scotty Cameron Newport BALL: Titleist Pro V1x

RORY MCILROY Australian Open DRIVER: Nike Covert Tour 2.0 FAIRWAY WOOD: Nike VRS Covert (15) IRONS: Nike VR Pro Combo Pocket Cavity (2), Nike VR Pro Blades (3-PW) WEDGES: Nike VR Pro (54, 60) PUTTER: Nike Method 006 BALL: Nike RZN

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Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

BREAKS

Stay and play at Cowdray

Set amidst spectacular rolling Sussex Downlands, the award-winning Cowdray Park Golf Club is considered to be one of the most beautiful courses in southern England. The club hosts the prestigious Southern Pro Championship and offers a true test of golf, with 18 holes on a par 70 course measuring 6,212 yards.

Cowdray Park is the perfect place to stay for a relaxing country break, whether you want an action-packed weekend or a peaceful refuge from modern life.

For a short break, the refurbished 18th century lodge can accommodate up to 16 guests, and all the rooms have en-suite bathrooms and satellite television. Breakfast

is provided in the nearby golf club. Individual rooms are available, or, for larger groups, exclusive use of the lodge can be arranged.

For longer stays, the club offers four luxury cottages near the scenic Benbow Pond. Set amid tranquil countryside, the cottages have been converted from old farm buildings using Sussex stone and larch from the estate. Each cottage is unique and has a four-star rating from the English Tourist Board.

The cub has recently introduced a new package inspired by the ‘ski chalet’ principle, whereby the whole lodge is exclusively available for £650, with a maximum capacity of 16 guests accommodated in four twin and four double rooms. The idea is to create your own itinerary, playing as much or as little golf as you like, combined with all the other sporting activities on the estate and surrounding area.

For couples and smaller groups, the rooms can be booked for £75pp to include one night’s B&B and 18 holes of golf.

For booking enquiries call 01730 813599 or visit www.cowdraygolf.co.uk.

Your Golf Travel has been championing some of the UK’s most popular golf destinations this year, as part of its Great British Golf campaign.

The specialist golf breaks company is featuring a select group of the very best golf destinations in Britain, showcasing venues that don’t require you to hop on a plane in order to enjoy a golfing getaway.

The Great British Golf collection features a wide variety of resorts and golf hotels to cover all corners of the country and suit all budgets.

From Ryder Cup venues such as Celtic Manor and The Belfry, former Open Championship courses such as Prince’s Golf Club in Kent, to European Senior Tour destinations such Stapleford Park and Rockliffe Hall, there are a host of top quality courses to play and stay at.

Packages to Celtic Manor start from just £79, including two rounds of golf on the Roman Road and Montgomerie courses, with one night’s B&B; while over at The Belfry, the same length stay, featuring rounds on the worldfamous Brabazon and the Derby courses, start from £99.

For all the latest offers at these venues, and other destinations within the Great British Golf collection, visit www.yourgolftravel.com or call 0800 0436644.

Taste the best of British with Your Golf Travel

ARCHERFIELD BREAKS HIT THE TARGET Savour one of Scotland’s leading venues this winter by booking a break to the magnificent Archerfield Links, which is situated just outside North Berwick in the golfing paradise of East Lothian.

Located next to legendary

Open venue Muirfield, Archerfield is a wonderful place to stay and play. Home of two outstanding links layouts – the Fidra and Dirleton – it offers luxury three and fourbedroom accommodation and superb facilities, including a

sumptuous spa.

Guests can enjoy a short break for £330 per night based on four people sharing a threebed lodge, which includes one four-ball and a 25% discount on spa treatments.

Edinburgh, with its numerous

CORNISH CREAM

world-renowned attractions and handy airport, is just a 30-minute drive away.

The offer is valid for bookings taken between Sunday to Thursday until April 31. To book, call 01620 897050 or e-mail resarcherfieldhouse.com.

exclusivegolfbreaks.com

2 NIGHTS B&B at St Mellion or Trevose 3 ROUNDS St Mellion, Perranporth & Trevose

ONLY £225 pp Dinner option: £20pp per night extra

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2 NIGHTS B&B at Toorak Hotel, Torquay 3 ROUNDS Churston, Torquay & Teignmouth

2 NIGHTS B&B at either: Marriott Portsmouth or Lythe Hill Hotel & Spa, Haslemere

2 NIGHTS B&B at The Metropole Hotel DAY 1 Cradoc G.C 18 holes DAY 2 Llandrindod Wells G.C 18 holes DAY 3 Builth Wells G.C 18 holes

2 NIGHTS B&B at The Royal Sportsman DAY 1 Porthmadog G.C 18 holes DAY 2 Nefyn & District G.C 18 holes DAY 3 Royal St Davids G.C 18 holes

2 NIGHTS B&B at Woodhall Spa Hotel 3 DAYS 1 x Hotchkin Course*

ONLY £199 pp

ONLY £225 pp

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3 ROUNDS at any of these courses:

Hindhead, Stoneham, Hayling or Liphook

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Dinner Option: £10pp per night extra

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Weekend supplement: £10pp extra

Weekend supplement: £15pp extra

1 x Bracken Course* 1 x Seacroft GC

* Located at Woodhall

Weekend supplement: £17pp extra

To discuss your exclusive golf package call 01822 618181

We have over 15 years experience of organising golf breaks throughout the UK and Europe

Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

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BREAKS

Sandford offers superb value breaks Set among beautiful rolling hills, with spectacular panoramic views of Berkshire and Hampshire, Sandford Springs is a visual and golfing delight to savour. And thanks to the recent opening of a 40-bedroom hotel on site, it is also a venue that you can savour for that little bit longer.

Opened by former World of Sport star Dickie Davies in November, the £6-million hotel has been designed with leisure break market in mind, and is perfectly placed, and keenly priced, to offer golfers a great value golf break at any time of the year.

Situated between Newbury and Basingstoke, Sandford Springs offers a 27-hole layout, comprising a trio of

Sandford Springs offers three loops of nine and a brand new hotel

Visit Our Website

Awarded 5 Star Gold Award by British Tourist Board

27 holes of fantastic golf

www.dorsetgolfresort.com THE DORSET GOLF HOTEL AND LUXURY LOG HOMES FOR RENT 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

testing nine-hole circuits – The Park, The Woods and The Lakes – that ensure a varied challenge amid enviable geography that is both distinct and memorable.

The driving range, well-stocked pro shop with custom-fitting services,

friendly, welcoming membership and clubhouse, complete with a fantastic food menu, all contribute towards making Sandford Springs the enticing place it is.

The hotel boasts a contemporary look and feel, with large windows overlooking the course. The oakfinished rooms feature two different styles and come inclusive of a full English or continental breakfast served in the hotel’s own restaurant. Evening meals are available in the clubhouse restaurant, which boasts views of the surrounding countryside.

The standard, superior and suite room prices start from £90 per night, while weekday fourball rounds during December and January can be booked for just £80, or £100 at weekends.

For further information, and the very latest offers, visit www.sandfordsprings. co.uk or call 01635 291500.

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DORSET’S PREMIER GOLFING VENUE NOT TO BE MISSED!

TELEPHONE NO: 01929 472244

Crail is one of four clubs to have formed ‘Links with History’

TheManor House

&

Ashbury Hotels

- The Only Sport, Craft & Spa Hotels in the UK

FREE GOLF At The UK’s Largest Golf Resort

Set in the foothills of Dartmoor National Park, Devon. The Ashbury Hotel is the ideal venue for your golf break.

At least 27 holes of FREE golf with each night of stay!

Golfers with a love of winter links should have bobble hats and hip flasks at the ready to take advantage of a brand new golf break being offered by four of Scotland’s finest and most historic golf clubs.

Scotscraig, Lundin, Ladybank and Crail have combined to create ‘Links with History’, a partnership that offers a special winter rate of £90 per person to play all four venues, which feature five courses between them.

Although they need little introduction, three of the five have been qualifying venues for the Open Championship, with Crail being the seventh oldest golf club in the world, dating back to 1786.

The courses offer a mix of challenging links golf at the Balcomie and Craighead courses at Crail and Lundin; a testing combination of links and heathland golf at Scotscraig; and a demanding tree-lined heathland layout at Ladybank.

All four venues are renowned for yearround playability, and the fact that golfers can normally play from the full greens and tees and without mats.

David Roy, the managing secretary of Crail Golfing Society, said: “Links with History brings together four historic clubs and five fantastic courses in the heart of Scotland.

The winter offer is a great opportunity for golfers to come and sample these courses at a special rate and benefit from playing on the links and heathland terrain, which remains extremely playable throughout all but the worst winter conditions.”

The Links with History Golf Pass enables golfers to book two, three or four rounds of golf. A minimum of two courses must be booked for the £90 rate.

For more information visit www. linkswithhistory.com or call 01592 649660.

Kigbeare Pines Beeches 23/9/13 - 30/4/14 Oakwood • FREE GOLF Ashbury 9 + Pines Front 9 • FREE BUGGIES Ashbury 9 + Pines Back 9 • PRACTICE FACILITY TOKENS Willows

Autumn to Spring Specials

Par 72 Par 72 Par 69 Par 68 Par 69 Par 71 Par 54

6528 6400 5765 5502 5804 6140 1939

yd NE ro W Sp a!

Five for fun in Fife!

Pines 17th 442 yards, Par 4

Ashbury 6th 410 yards, Par 4

H

Oakwood 16th 172 yards, Par 3

Late Feb / Early March: 4nts Midweek from £201pp Additional Facilities FREE to residents of our hotels Sports Racket Sports Leisure Family Ranges Bowls Tennis Swimming Funhouse Archery Table Tennis Badminton Spa & Sauna Gamezone Air Pistols 5-A-Side Squash Snooker Waterslides Air Rifles Basketball Short Tennis Ten-Pin Play Area Lasers 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

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Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

ONE GENTLEMAN

NEAR VERONA! Matt Nicholson pays a visit to the Chervo Golf Hotel, Spa, Restaurant and Resort, San Vigiliot in northern Italy, which provides the perfect place to enjoy the golfing, culinary and cultural delights of the Lake Garda region

Hopping on a plane to play golf in southern Europe is generally a good idea at any time of the year, but it’s an even more inspired choice when it’s late October, and England’s leaden skies and low temperatures don’t provide the inspiration to get the clubs out as often as you’d like.

Spain and Portugal are, of course, well-trodden short haul routes to guarantee autumn sunshine, but so is Italy, which sits on a similar latitude to its Iberian neighbours. Thus it was to the northern region of Lake Garda that I found myself travelling

The delightful hotel offers comfortable rooms and superb food

last month, in search of warmth and some less familiar golfing challenges.

Just an hour and 40 minutes after taking off from a decidedly damp Gatwick, I touched down in Verona, and stepped off the plane into bright sunshine and a pleasant 19 degrees, which put an instant smile on my face.

While the delights of the mediaeval city would have to wait, I met up with my guide for the trip, top Italian PGA Professional Luca Salvetti.

Luca represents Chervo Resort, which was to be home for the duration of my short stay. The resort is just 15 minutes from Verona, and as such offers a superb base not only to play golf, but to explore the beauty and classical elegance of the Italian lakes.

Our journey from the airport was a sightseeing trip in itself, with the road taking us through the heart of northeast Italy’s famous wine-growing regions, where wine varieties all too familiar to UK drinkers, such as Valpolicella, Soave, Bardolino and Prosecco are grown in vast quantities.

Once through the entrance gates of the resort, the driveway offered a sneak peak of the 18-golf course that surrounds the hotel, and whetted my appetite for a game in sunshine and short sleeves.

After checking into my room, which featured a four-poster bed and a fabulous view over the golf course, my appetite soon turned to the sort of challenge that involved calorie intake, and I headed down to the clubhouse restaurant to meet Luca for lunch.

The menu offered a fabulous mix of familiar Italian favourites, as well as some more rustic local dishes, while the wine list was both long and varied, and offered great value for money. After tucking into mouthwatering roasted sea bass, washed down with a lovely glass or two of wine produced from a vineyard just yards from the resort, I was taken on a tour of the area, driving through stunning countryside to the shores of Lake Garda. Among the many highlights Luca showed me was the mediaeval walled town of Sirmione, a world heritage site which sits on a peninsula that juts out into the waters of the lake.

After a light dinner in a local trattoria, we set off for Verona to view the amazing history the city has to offer, and to catch a Serie A football match against Sampdoria. It was a great game, with a tremendous atmosphere. The home side won 2-0, which had the fans coming away happy at the end of a really entertaining night. After a long day, we then left for Chervo, looking forward to a good night’s sleep and to playing the golf course in the morning.

Waking up to another sunny day, I took a walk up to the clubhouse to meet Luca, saying ‘Good Morning’ to a number of residents who have bought the very popular real estate on Chervo, before heading out onto the first tee. Designed by the architect Kurt Rossknecht, and built in 2009, the course offers three loops of nine: Benaco, Solferino and San

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“It’s hard to think of a better place to stay than Chervo for a relaxing visit to this stunning corner of Italy.”

The Chervo Resort oozes classical Italian style

There is plenty to see and do around the shores of Lake Garda

STAY AND PLAY AT CHERVO The resort offers a wide range of golf and spa packages, with stays from two to five nights, including continental buffet breakfast, four-course dinner (drinks not included), unlimited green fees, free access to the spa and fitness facilities, and a bottle of Prosecco in the room on arrival.

For bookings, and the very latest offers, visit www. chervogolfsanvigilio.it or call 00 39 03091801.

GETTING THERE British Airways offers daily direct flights to Verona from London Gatwick, with return flights costing from £100. For details visit www.britishairways.com.

Chervo boasts three nine-hole loops of equal quality

Martino, which are presented in superb condition throughout the year. Built on former farmland, the holes have been gently moulded into shape with great skill and creativity, with generous, well-defined fairways, and a healthy number of lakes that will keep you honest off the tee.

The large greens make for tempting targets, but the flipside is that you’ll often leave yourself some lengthy putts, which can test your short game skills on the undulating, yet smooth-rolling surfaces. It’s relaxed resort golf at its best, with a choice of tees allowing you to make it

as challenging as you like for length.

In addition to the golf, the elegant hotel offers 75 comfortable rooms and a wide selection of selfcontained apartments, while guests can also enjoy Turkish baths, saunas, massages and beauty treatments in the on-site spa and fitness centre, which also offers two outdoor swimming pools. The friendly staff can’t do enough to make you feel welcome, and nothing is too much trouble.

While Chervo will undoubtedly keep you more than occupied for a three- or four-day break, those

wishing to play golf at other venues are spoilt for choice, with great layouts to be found nearby, such as the Jack Nicklaus-designed Palazzo Arzaga, the 27 holes at Garda Golf, and the delightful woodland course at the well-established Verona Golf Club.

And with the beautiful city of Verona virtually on the doorstep, the bright lights of Milan just 50 minutes away, and the floating gem that is Venice an hour to the east, it’s hard to think of a better place to stay than Chervo for a relaxing visit to this stunning corner of Italy.

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Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

TRAVEL

Brittany offers ferry good deals to France STARTING S Y A W IR A US ROM

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Stay in a historic Southern Plantation, English run B&B Never more than 4 pampered couples Play leisurely golf on fabulously conditioned courses Experience the slow pace and charm of small-town mid America Relax and unwind after golf by the pool sipping “Mint Juleps” Luxury en-suite rooms with gourmet breakfasts and concierge services Golf booked and arranged to your liking Choice of more than 20 courses within a 35-minute drive Just a 50-minute drive south of Charlotte Airport Check out our guest reviews on www.tripadvisor.co.uk or www.destinationnexus.com An INN on York Street 164 York Street, Chester, SC 29706 Tel: 001-803-581-8681 E: info@innonyorkstreet.com W: www.innonyorkstreet.com

The 2014 Brittany Ferries Golf Breaks brochure, featuring 67 great courses in Western France and 12 in Northern Spain, is now out.

And with a 10 per cent saving on bookings made before January 31, there is even more incentive to get your ferry break booked early this year, with a deposit of just £30pp required to secure your next holiday.

France is a world apart from the UK, and yet it is only a short hop across the Channel.

With its outstanding cuisine, wine, cheeses and unique ambience, the après-golf is part of what makes a golf break in France so memorable and so much fun.

Northern Spain remains largely undiscovered – and is very different from the busy costas. A combination of the spectacular Picos de Europa mountains, lush countryside and colourful vineyards create a breath-taking backdrop for some beautiful and challenging golf.

With Brittany Ferries, getting there is very much part of the holiday, and you can make the most of your precious time by crossing the channel overnight. With a fleet of luxury cruiseferries, offering en-suite cabins, fine French restaurants and stylish bars, they provide a uniquely relaxing way of travelling.

But if long crossings are not for you, there is a high-speed service to whisk you from Portsmouth to France in just three hours.

Graham Ruth, Brittany Ferries’ Director of Golf, said: “Many of our customers come back again and again, and I think this is because

once you have discovered how easy and delightful golfing in France is, you are hooked!

And whether you are a couple or a group, the Brittany Ferries golf desk, staffed by keen golfers with a wealth of local knowledge, can advise not only on the courses, but on restaurants and the sights you shouldn’t miss. They can even book you a tailor-made package at no extra cost.”

Getting to the continent couldn’t be easier, with five routes from Portsmouth, Poole and Plymouth to Western France, as well as two to northern Spain, including a service to Bilbao, which makes a handy staging post for golfers travelling with their car to Spain and SouthWest France.

“We know that golfers are becoming frustrated with the airlines, who are making it increasingly tricky and expensive to travel with clubs and other luggage,” added Ruth.

“We offer a commonsense alternative, where you simply pack your equipment in your own car and cruise south before hitting the fast continental roads.”

For more information, visit www. brittanyferries.com/golf, call 0871 244 0808 or email golfdesk@brittanyferries.com.

La Manga to open new Leadbetter academy Golfers looking to sharpen up their game this winter should make a beeline for the worldrenowned La Manga Club in southern Spain, which is set to open mainland Spain’s first ever Leadbetter Golf Academy in January.

With nearly 30 academies worldwide, the Leadbetter Golf Academy offers the very finest learning and practice facilities, and the selection of the Murcia resort as its newest base is the latest fillip to a resurgent La Manga, which is now under the leadership of director of golf Gary Silcock.

Silcock, who has previously worked at some of the sport’s most prestigious venues, including St Andrew’s Old Course Hotel and The Belfry, believes the choice of La Manga as home to the Leadbetter Golf Academy’s only mainland Spanish base is further recognition of the outstanding golf facilities on offer there.

He said: “We are delighted to

have been chosen as the home for a Leadbetter Golf Academy. Such patronage confirms that, as well as having the best offering for holiday golfers in Spain, La Manga is also the top choice for coaching and tuition – enhancing its overall reputation as the destination of choice for top amateurs and professionals in many sports.”

La Manga’s golf facilities already include three 18-hole championship courses and a nine-hole academy course. As well as golf, the resort boasts a 28-court tennis centre, eight full-size sports pitches – suitable for football, rugby and cricket – and a 2,000sqm spa and fitness centre. Dozens of top professional sports teams use the resort every year, and it also offers the choice of a fivestar hotel, four-star serviced apartments and townhouses, and more than 20 bars and restaurants.

For the latest details on golf holiday packages, visit www.lamangaclub.com.

Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

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SarahStirk TIGER PREPARES TO PUT MEXICO ON THE MAP

“Great golf courses are the result of variety, strategy, a distinctive environment, and the ability to make golfers think and make choices”

As I write this, I’m still on a golfing high, following a brilliant finish at Tiger Woods’s World Challenge. It was one of the most dramatic conclusions to a tournament you will ever see, and unpredictable in every sense of the word. Tiger missing a tiddler to extend the play-off –who’d have thought?

There’s no question, though, that Tiger is in a much better place. Happy in his personal life, more at peace with himself – and testament to that – just how gracious he was in his postround interview? Granted, he was the tournament host, so had duties to fulfill, and Zach Johnson is a good friend, but the response to defeat was extraordinarily un-Tigerlike.

Watching his flawless 62 in the second round was to see Tiger at his absolute best. Next year will, I’m sure, see him back in the major winner’s circle again, but it’s also going to be a big year off the course for the world number one. No, he’s not getting married again, as far as I am aware, but his first design project will finally, finally, be officially unveiled!

The course that was to have been his first, Al Ruwaya (Serenity) in Dubai, was suspended in 2009. It has since been abandoned, and the fairways reclaimed by the desert, – although Woods was reportedly paid more than $50 million for his work. His first US design was planned at The Cliffs in North Carolina. That was announced in 2007, but the development company went bankrupt. His most recent project was slated for a spectacular oceanfront site at Punta Brava, near Ensenada in north-west Mexico. That was announced days after he won his last major, the 2008 US Open. Just three months later, Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy, and sank much of the golf real estate industry with it.

The Punta Brava project has been on hold ever since.

After numerous well-recorded misfires to his career as a golf course architect, Tiger Woods’s first completed layout is about to launch Mexico onto the global golfing stage, says Sarah Stirk

Tiger has delved into his experiences of playing golf around the world to develop his design philosophy Tiger’s course at El Cardonal lies next to Davis Love’s layout

However, the new Tiger Woodsdesigned El Cardonal Golf Course at the Diamante resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, is in the final stages of construction, and is on schedule to open by mid-2014. It will be the second layout at Diamante, joining Davis Love III’s Dunes Course, which is ranked 52nd in the top 100 courses in the world, and unquestionably the premier course in Mexico.

It’s set to be one of the biggest openings in recent years. Woods, who has been very hands on with the project from the outset, is striving to create a course that is fun to play for all, and he has already begun to demonstrate his own unique architecturally-aesthetic touches.

“I don’t want people to lose a dozen balls when they play our course,” Woods said in a recent interview.

“Pinehurst is a great example of a course that’s tough for us, but playable for everybody else. It gets players thinking, with options around the greens. We want lots of variety.”

“I always believe golf should have an open front,” Woods said of his guiding design principles. “You should be able to utilise the ground and not take away the short game.

I play courses on tour and we all see it: miss the green, automatic lob wedge, hack it out of the rough.

That, to me, is not fun golf. Fun golf is learning how to manoeuvre the ball on the ground and give yourself options. One of the hardest up-anddowns is when you have options. You have so many different ways to play, and you see a lot of pros really mess up easy shots because they have so many different options.”

Starting with a 550-yard downhill par five, and ending with a 500-yard par four, Woods is confident that El Cardonal will not only be playable, but it will also be walkable, which will be refreshing for visiting golfers who hate being forced to take buggies on resort courses. “Great

golf courses are the result of variety, strategy, a distinctive environment, and the ability to make golfers think and make choices,” Woods added.

The green fees are expected to be around $275, which although expensive, will no doubt have no shortage of takers. And while anything associated with Tiger’s name should be an instant hit, the man himself will surely be relieved to get his first course open for play, following all the recent false starts to his design career.

Mexico as a whole is a very interesting prospect as far as golf travel is concerned, and one that is clearly still underrated from a UK standpoint. It already boasts nearly 200 courses, and that number is growing steadily. One of the country’s signature layouts is the Greg Normandesigned El Camaleón Golf Club at Mayakoba on the stunning Riviera Maya. The OHL Classic at Mayakoba made golf history in 2007 when it became the first PGA Tour event to ever be held outside the United States. Any course where you take a boat from your hotel suite to the first tee is a hit with me!

Mexico is an amazingly diverse, culturally rich, and beautiful destination. Single-handedly, Lorena Ochoa put golf on the radar of soccer-mad Mexico, and Tiger’s much-anticipated first design will put it firmly on the global golfing map.

Just one word of caution though mind the crocs!

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Dec 2013/Jan 2014 / Issue 229

CATALUNYA VILLAS OFFER GRANDSTAND GOLF If you’re looking to test your game on two world-class layouts, while relaxing in an award-winning villa, then PGA Catalyuna, home of the European Tour’s final stage Qualifying School, ticks all the right boxes

Located an hour’s drive from the vibrant city of Barcelona, and only 20 minutes from the Michelin-starred restaurants of Girona, PGA Catalunya has long enjoyed a close and multi-faceted relationship with the European Tour, including hosting the Spanish Open on two occasions and the final stage of the Tour’s qualifying school since 2008.

The luxury resort, which was first opened in 1999, was already part of the European Tour Courses portfolio, but it now benefits from the additional kudos and global recognition which comes with becoming an official European Tour ‘destination’, joining the likes of Le Golf National in Paris (venue for the 2018 Ryder Cup), St Leon Rot in Germany, and The London Golf Club in Kent.

The venue is one of just eight official European Tour destinations in the world.

Significant investments have been made at Catalunya in recent years, resulting in two spectacular layouts, the aforementioned Stadium Course and the equally impressive Tour Course. The former was voted the best course in Spain for 2012 and 2013 by those knowledgeable chaps at the top100golfcourses website, while its superb practice facilities, including a 2,000 square-metre putting green and chipping area

Uncrowded courses unrivalled service unbeatable value

with bunkers emulating course conditions from around the world, makes it true golfer’s paradise.

Now far more than a golf resort, PGA Catalunya Resort is a prestigious development designed for property owners to enjoy a Mediterranean lifestyle in an exceptional setting, situated in the beautiful Costa Brava. The 300-hectare estate of forested woodland will eventually have a total of 368 properties combining striking design, each with open-plan layouts and innovative use of glass that brings the outside in without compromising on privacy. Championing both award winning and up-and-coming national and international architects, with a cutting edge design concept that makes the most of the resort’s surroundings, the spacious villas, semi-detached villas, and apartments epitomise contemporary living and luxury lifestyle.

This bold approach has already attracted international acclaim, with the resort being named the Best European Golf Development at the recent International Property Awards in London.

The eco-efficient, three-bedroom Sifera Villas offer spacious rooms and a glass frontage that connects to a large external terrace with infinity pool and sweeping views of the Stadium Course, while the four-bedroom

semi-detached villas feature wall-to-wall sliding glass doors that open the living spaces onto expansive terraces and private gardens.

The one, two and three-bedroom La Selva Apartments are situated at the heart of the estate, with uninterrupted views of the Stadium’s 18th fairway and the Pyrenees beyond. Guests have the option of selfcatered or fully-catered stays, and can use the resort’s concierge service to make restaurant bookings or organise trips.

Other facilities at the resort include a clubhouse with bar, restaurant, large pro shop and changing rooms, while clubs members are serviced in a private membership clubhouse with private lounge. Next door, is an exceptional new Residents Club for property owners, which comes complete with indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a children’s pool, indoor spa pool, tennis courts, fitness centre and treatment rooms.

The new luxury rental packages are priced from €313-€509 per person, include green fees both courses and are based on four people sharing a villa or apartment.

For enquiries and reservations call 00 34 972 472577, email reserves@pgacatalunya.com or visit www. pgacatalunya.com.

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Me&MyTravels with Conor O’Shea - The former Ireland full-back and director of rugby at Harlequins reveals his passion for links golf wherever he can find it My most recent holiday was to… Kenmare in County Kerry. I have been going there every year since I was born and my parent’s house is beside the golf course, which is handy!

My favourite golf course is…

Kenmare, but local favouritism aside, it has to be the Old Course at St Andrew’s. I managed to play the Old Course for my eldest brother’s 50th birthday, and it was as breathtaking as I had imagined.

My ideal holiday fourball would include… my dad and two brothers around Kenmare, followed by dinner in Packie’s restaurant – the only place to go.

My most memorable ever round was at… the Old Course at St Andrew’s. I had been to The Open to see it, but I never dreamt I would ever actually get to play it.

I was just glad we got a caddy, as we had no idea where we were going! I must also put in a special

My worst holiday experience was… travelling to Sardinia with two young children and being telephoned to say that our flight had been moved forward to 3.30am, which meant getting them up at 11.30pm. That was a very long day!

Yas Links in Abu Dhabi

Packie’s Restaurant in Kenmare

mention for Yas Links in Abu Dhabi, which is spectacular.

My favourite golf resort is… anywhere along the Algarve coast in Portugal, but I love Quinta do Lago.

I always travel with… my wife and family.

I’m planning a golf trip to…

Kerry in Ireland. I go away for a 24-hour trip every year with a friend of mine, and as I won the match last year, I have to choose where we go, so I am still deliberating on that one.

My top travel tip would be… not to fly long haul when you’re travelling with young kids – you’ll have enough on your plate as it is!

Banyan Tree Resort, Seychelles

The best hotel I’ve ever stayed at was… the Banyan Tree Resort in the Seychelles. My wife and I stayed there for our honeymoon, but there was no golf course

in sight, which I think she appreciated!

My favourite city in the world is...

Dublin. Could I say anywhere else?

Kenmare Golf Club, Ireland

Conor O’Shea is a brand ambassador for Lynx Golf, makers of the new Boom Boom range of clubs. For more details visit www.lynxgolf.co.uk.

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