Golf News November 2017 by Golf News

ISSUE 270 | NOVEMBER 2017 | TWITTER: @GOLFNEWSMAG | WEB: GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

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WORLD NO.15 REVEALS WHY HE’S RETURNED TO THE EUROPEAN TOUR EQUIPMENT

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NICK BAYLY

EMBRACING THE GAME FOR ALL SEASONS

s I look out of my office window, with the drizzle coming down, and the street outside in virtual darkness – at 4.30pm, for heaven’s sake – it’s hard not to feel that golf is an eight-month sport at best in this country. With leaves clogging up the gutters and the first frosts of winter leaving an icy sheen on windows and windscreens, thoughts of emigration to somewhere warm and sunny often drift through my mind at this time of year. But then I wake up and realise that one of the main things I like about living in this part of the world are the seasons. I love digging out the winter jumpers, the heavier-fibred trousers, the mud-splattered wellies, and hearing the reassuring click of the thermostat as the heating system works out that the ambient temperature in the sitting room has dipped below 16 degrees. And what would the point of going on holiday if you lived in a country that was always sunny and warm? Why would you ever leave? Well, because somewhere else is different. And vive la différence, as our Gallic neighbours are apt to say. Which, rather obviously, leads me on to the subject of winter golf, which is golf, only just a little bit harder. Played in a light wind, with the sun out and double digit degrees, on a dry and free-draining links course, you could almost kid yourself its spring, or early autumn, but when your pre-booked tee time sends you out into the teeth of a gale, with the rain coming down sideways, and sometimes upwards on a particularly windy days, it’s a different proposition entirely, and requires a commitment to the cause that only the hardened

THRILL IN THE CHALLENGE OF TRYING TO HIT A KNOCK DOWN 3-IRON INTO A 40MPH HEADWIND, AND TAKE DELIGHT SQUEEZING IN 18 HOLES ON A TWILIGHT GREEN FEE

enthusiast can summon up. But summon it up we do, as the unthinkable alternative – not playing golf – is just not how we roll. After all, what’s the point in investing in all those windproof jackets, waterproof suits, base layers, allweather gloves and snoods – yes, I’ll admit to owning a snood, although it was an unwanted xmas gift – if we’re not going to give them a good run out? It would be a bit like buying a pair of sunglasses and factor 50 suncream, but only ever staying indoors. It may often be a test of mind over mud, and man’s willingness to do silly things in the name of sport, but as long as you enter into it with the knowledge that you’re not going to break the course record, play close to anything resembling your handicap, or expect the greens to play like Sunday at Augusta, you won’t come away too disappointed from a winter round of golf. It may even lift the spirits. So don’t be tempted to put away those clubs for the winter, and wait for the fairways to play like roads again and the car parks to fill up with those have-a-go heroes of the summer, take pleasure in getting some check – ok, some may call it plugged – on the greens, thrill in the challenge of trying to hit a knock down 3-iron into a 40mph headwind, take delight squeezing in 18 holes on a twilight green fee, and cherish the relief of making it back inside the clubhouse for a warming beverage and a hearty pie, where you can swap tales of derring-do with your golfing comrades-in-arms. Winter golf. Bring it on.

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NOVEMBER 2017 | NEWS

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COLES CAPTURES PGA PLAY-OFFS AT WALTON HEATH AMOR MAKES SOLID START Hampshire’s Ben Amor made a solid start to his first season as a professional after finishing 16th in the Middle East & North Africa Tour’s Order of Merit for 2017. The former Carris Trophy winner and England A Team member, who is attached to Malborough Golf Club in Wiltshire, turned professional in February. He finished the season with an eight-under-par round of 64 at the MENA Tour’s Tour Championship last month.

SHEERNESS WINS SRIXON JUNIOR LEAGUE PLATE Sheerness Golf Club’s junior team won the plate competition after beating Dartford 2-1 at the Srixon Junior 4Somes League final held at Kings Hill. The team was headed by captain Liam Mason and also included Tom Abela, Tom Dutton, Charlie O’Reilly, Archie Knights and Archie Buckland.

LEVERMORE GOES LOW AT WOOLSTON Jason Levermore ensured the new season for the PGA in Essex got off with a bang by scoring an incredible round of 11-under par 61 at Woolston Manor. Playing in the PGA Championships Pro-Am, Levermore left the rest of the field in his wake with a superb round, which included four successive birdies from the 11th. Robert Coles produced a very creditable 66, but was left five shots adrift. Woolston’s professional Lloyd Kennedy and Steve Cipa finished tied in third with 68s.

■ ROB COLES

s a son of Essex, Rob Coles makes no secret of his affection for his home county. The charms of Surrey, however, are becoming increasingly seductive for the 45 year old from Maylands Golf & Country Club. From a golfing standpoint that is. Having been a member of Great Britain & Ireland’s victorious PGA Cup team at Foxhills in September, Coles found Walton Heath to his liking a month or so later in the PGA Play-Offs. So much so, that the former European Tour player’s three negotiations of the iconic venue’s Old Course resulted in a cumulative 17-under-par total, the first prize of £3,500, and a guaranteed place in next year’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. Reflecting on his recent sorties across the Thames estuary, Coles said: “I’ve had a great month in Surrey – it’s been very good to

me. I’m happy where I am, but I wouldn’t mind taking some of Surrey’s golf courses home with me. It’s full of great ones, and I’ve played a couple recently in Foxhills and Walton Heath. “The Old Course was in incredible condition for November. To be putting on greens like the ones here at this time of year is unbelievable. It certainly helped with the scoring. You can’t shoot scores like that on bad greens. All the guys have been raving about the course – with good reason.” Coles was not alone in posting impressive sub-par rounds. Scotland’s Paul O’Hara, the Titleist and FootJoy PGA Professional Championship winner, finished on 16 under, a shot adrift of Coles, which had been the difference between the two at the start of the third and final round. Come its mid-point, however, Coles had extended his advantage

GATTON CLOSES AFTER BUYER FAILS TO MATERIALISE

lmost 50 years of golfing history came to what will hopefully turn out to be a temporary end last month, when the final rounds were played at Gatton Manor Hotel & Golf Club in Surrey, after the current owner failed to find a buyer ahead of its pre-determined closing date of October 31. It was announced in January this year that the club would be shutting down to make way for a brand new residential medical health spa, with a view to the course being reopened in two years’ time as an upmarket pay-and-play venue for residents and walk-on green fees only. However, Mole Valley District Council turned down planning permission for the multi-million pound project in the summer, leaving the owners with no other option than to put the venue up for sale. Gatton Manor, which first opened in 1967, boasts a 6,637yard championship course and a 12-bedroom hotel. The current owner, Andrey Umanskiy, bought the club in 2011 for £3.5 million, and it is now on the market for £4 million. A significant percentage of the membership left at the

renewal stage in April, while those that stayed on were offered a discount on their fees for the period that the course remained open. By the time of the closure, less than 100 members were still registered at the club. On the final day of play, a group of 30 diehard members, some of whom had been at the club for over 40 years, turned out for one last game. “It was very sad to see the club close,” said one member. “We’ve not given up hope that someone will come in and buy the club, and bring it back to life. Even as we were playing our last round, they were bringing in new equipment to help keep the course in good condition for a future buyer, so whoever does buy it will find it in good condition. Given the timing of the closure, a lot of the remaining members are holding off joining somewhere else, and we’ll see what happens over the winter.” It is understood that there have been several parties interested in buying the club, although as Golf News went to press, a sale had yet to be agreed, and the course will remain closed until further notice.

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to four shots. Four holes later, he led by five and appeared home and hosed. But as O’Hara proved in holding off compatriot Chris Currie to win the PGA’s flagship tournament at Ireland's Luttrellstown Castle in June, he is a tough competitor. An eagle at 14, followed by successive birdies at 15 and 16, reduced the arrears to two. And when Coles found a fairway bunker with his tee shot on 18 en route to a bogey, he was relieved when O’Hara’s birdie putt to force a play-off failed to find its target. As a result, both players posted 66s, which were the best in the tournament. Inevitably, Coles’s delight at winning was matched by his relief. “I was thinking to myself, ‘I’m playing OK here, but I’m not getting away’,” he said. “I did have a good lead at one point, and then Paul went eagle, birdie, birdie – it’s difficult when people are doing that against you!”

■ THE GATES AT GATTON MANOR HAVE BEEN SHUT WHILE A NEW BUYER IS BEING SOUGHT

NEWS | NOVEMBER 2017

AMERICAN GOLF TAKES OVER GRAVESEND PRO SHOP

merican Golf has taken over the running of the pro shop at Gravesend Golf Centre in Kent. The retailer has spent over £115,000 refitting the store, and invested in the latest custom-fitting technology, including a new Flightscope launch monitor.

The centre already boasts a 30-bay driving range with 15 automatic tees, a chipping and putting area and an academy course for beginners or experienced golfers. New store manager Dan Fairbrass said: “Gravesend Golf Centre is a fantastic venue for us to help local golfers get the best out of their game. The team we’ve put together is full of enthusiasm, and the facilities at the new venue are first rate." He added: “The site boasts all the latest equipment, fantastic practice facilities, and Flightscope club fitting technology, so we are able to accommodate any level of golfer. All of this combined means that the future for the golfers of Gravesend is very bright.” American Golf will pay a retainer to Gravesend Golf Centre’s owner to operate the shop. Director of marketing and communications Daniel Gathercole said: “A venue like Gravesend Golf Centre is well respected in the area, in a great location, and gives us a chance to be at the heart of a golfing community. We’re delighted to make the investment into the venue and the people of the Gravesend area and can only see great things for the future development at the club.”

WESTERHAM HOSTS ‘IGGY’ GOLF DAY ormer Kent and England cricketer Alan Igglesden hosted a charity golf day at Westerham Golf Club on October 19 to raise funds for Brain Tumour UK. The Stableford competition, which was sponsored by Aqualisa Showers, was won by John Salako’s team, while one of the highlights of the day was a hole-in-one by former England opener Rob Key, who plays off 12. Igglesden was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 1999, and has been a patron of Brain Tumour UK for many years, during which time he has raised over £175,000 for the annual golf day, which is now in its 14th year. Louise Taylor, Brain Tumour UK’s director of fundraising, said: “We are so grateful to Alan for his continuous support. We receive no government funding, and so rely 100 per cent on voluntary donations.”

■ CRICKETER ROB KEY WITH HIS TEAM FROM PRINCE’S (ABOVE) ALAN IGGLESDEN (2ND LEFT) AND HIS TEAM

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KENT UNVEILS U13/14 TRAINING SQUADS

Thirty-seven boys took part in a Kent Golf Union U14/14 squad trial at Hever Castle Golf Club run by PGA pro Peter Parks last month. Following the trial, the players named as automatic participants in the 2018 squads included Jake Antoun, Matthew Darbinson, Lucas Dennison, Joseph Drummond, Mastafa Hassan, George Harris-Andrews, Ciaran Higgins, Luke Jenkins, Jack Lee, James Munns, Charlie Sewell and Jack Shipton.

SURREY JUNIOR MASTERS GLORY FOR GURR

Burhill’s David Gurr won the Surrey Junior Masters, which was held at Sutton Green on October 22. He won the scratch division, with Sam Storey (Windlesham) and Harry Crockett (Addington Palace) taking the minor placings, while he finished second in the handicap category behind fellow Burhill junior Kun Mo Yang.

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Surrey’s first team ran out 7-5 winners in the final of the Daily Telegraph South East Group League held at Foxhills. Having beaten Dorset, Kent and Hampshire en route to the final, Essex lived up to its favourite’s billing. David Corben and Harry Plowman Ollington brought home the first points with an easy 4&3 win, while Will Dugdale and David Primrose, and Billy Whiteman and Kieran Lovelock both enjoyed 2&1 wins to see the score at 3-1 after the foursomes. Corben lead from the front in the singles, beating Arron Edwards Hill 3&2, while wins for Plowman Ollington (5&3), Dugdale (3&2) and Lovelock (2&1) sealed a narrow 7-5 win.

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NOVEMBER 2017 | NEWS

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BERKHAMSTED CAPTURES LONDON AMATEUR FOURSOMES B

SUNBURY SECURE CHRISTIES CUP Sunbury won Surrey Golf’s Junior Club Team Knock Out for the Christies Cup after beating Cuddington in the final held at Addington Palace Golf Club. With the format of the competition taking the best two scores from the three-man team, Sunbury’s Owen Fox, Harry Dean and Tom Corrigan came in with 67 points, while Cuddington’s Joe Scrivens, Chris Gray and Dexter Daly were five points back on 62. Sunbury will now represent Surrey in next year’s England Golf Club Junior Team Tournament at Woodhall Spa.

GREGORY IN DRIVNG SEAT AT VAN PHILLIPS TROPHY Stoke Park’s Tom Gregory made the most of home advantage to win the inaugural Van Phillips Trophy. Gregory shot a two under par 69 to beat fellow BB&O player Gregor McKenzie (Kirtlington) by a single shot, with Will Tate (Caversham Heath) a further shot back in third. The tournament, which was attended by Van Phillips, attracted a field of 46 of the region’s best U16 players.

BARHAM LEADS THE WAY AT KNOLE PARK Pentland Golf’s Benn Barham fired a flawless seven-under-par 63 to win the Knole Park Children’s Cancer Charity Pro-Am. Leading the host of PGA professionals and their amateur teams, Barham’s efforts helped the event raise over £15,000 for Thomas’s Fund. Edged into a share of second spot was David Copsey (Poult Wood) and Peter Appleyard (Sittingbourne), who both shot 64. In the team event, Silvermere’s Chris Gane pipped the Addington’s James Marshall on a countback, as they led their amateur teams into a tie with cards of 19 under par.

BRAMSHAW BAGS ENGLAND JUNIOR TEAM TITLE Bramshaw Golf Club won the Junior Team Golf Home Nations Championship after battling through county, regional, and national knockout rounds. The team representing the New Forest-based club comprised of Elliot Thomas, Billy Lightfoot, Joe Buenfeld, Ryan Archer, Anthony Sweeney and Ciaran Simpkin, won the Hampshire Junior League earlier in the season, and went on to win the regional final and national semi-final in order to progress to the grand final, which was held at Clitheroe Golf Club in Lancashire, where they beat teams from Thirsk & Northallerton, Ealing, Whitley Bay, Royal Norwich and Chelmsford.

■ JAMIE ELSON

ELSON WINS MENA TOUR ON MERIT

amie Elson weathered an early set-back in the final round of the MENA Tour Championship to capture the order of merit title from Henric Sturehed, who destroyed a high quality field with a nine-shot victory at Al Zorah Golf Club in the United Arab Emirates. In addition to the coveted title, Elson received a guaranteed spot in the PGA Tour’s Dean & Deluca Invitational, together with multiple European Tour starts in 2018, including the Dubai Desert Classic, the Tropheé Hassan II, and the Maybank Championship in Malaysia. Heading into the final event of the Middle East and

North African-based tour, Elson was in the box seat to win the money list, but with double points on offer at the Tour Championship, it gave his nearest challengers, Luke Joy and Fredrik From, a good chance to overturn the deficit. Elson stamped his authority with a brilliant opening round 66 to take an early lead, which he followed up with rounds of 71 and 70 to lie in third place with a round to play and, crucially, ahead of Joy and From. Joy burst out of the blocks on the final day with three birdies in his first five holes. Meanwhile, Elson found water on the second, which resulted

in a double bogey. After just five holes Joy was in front of Elson, and the order of merit title was thrown wide open. Elson steadied the ship, however, and made birdies at six and seven, before a further birdie at 15 sealed the deal. A relieved Elson said: "I'm exhausted, exhilarated and excited. I've played very consistently all year, but I have had to grind hard over the last couple of weeks to maintain my position at the top of the order of merit. Front running is not easy, especially with so many quality players chasing you down. It feels great to get my hands on the golden camel."

MCILROY’S CHILDHOOD HOME UP FOR SALE

he home in which Rory McIlroy lived before going on to become one of the world’s greatest players is now on the market. McIlroy’s former Holywood, Northern Ireland, home has gone on the market for offers over £239,950, according to a listing at propertynews.com. The four-bedroom semi-detached home near Belfast features an artificial outdoor putting green and a garage that has been converted into a swing analysis room. As a small boy, McIlroy often had a golf club in his hand and had developed a good technique. “This was the home he was brought up in,” estate agent John Minnis told The Belfast

Telegraph. “If you have seen the pictures of him chipping balls into the washing machine, that was in this house. It’s a great property in a great location and no matter whose it was, it will sell.”

erkhamsted’s Luke Colgate and Paul Colburn captured one of the biggest prizes in amateur golf – figuratively speaking – when winning the London Amateur Foursomes, following three days of match play golf at Moor Park in Hertfordshire. Colgate and Colburn came out on top in the closely fought final against Jared Tyacke and Matt Gauntlett of West Herts, with the Berkhamsted pair closing out the match on the 17th hole for a 2&1 victory. The popular tournament attracted a full field of 64 teams, who played matches on both the club’s High and West courses over the three days’ play. All of the competitors commented on how well the courses were set up and the fantastic condition of the greens. At the prize presentation in Moor Park mansion, the winners were presented with a spectacular shield, which must be one of the largest trophies in golf. Moor Park’s golf services manager, Wesley Cooper, said: “We were very proud to host the 2017 London Amateur Foursomes over the weekend. There was a fantastic atmosphere at the club, and some admirable sportsmanship across the contest. Well done to all those who took part. I would like to congratulate Luke and Paul on some excellent golf. Let’s hope they have room in their trophy cabinet!”

■ FOURSOMES WINNERS LUKE COLGATE AND PAUL COLBURN

ACES AT THE DOUBLE FOR EAST BERKSHIRE DUO

wo women members from Berkshire have defied odds of 17 millionto-one after recording consecutive hole-in-ones at the same hole. Jayne Mattey and Clair Shine achieved the incredible feat on the 13th hole at East Berkshire Golf Club on October 21. The sharp-shooting duo had never played with one another before, but were put together in the same foursome during a club practice session. Mattey, who had just returned to golf after a fouryear absence, took her shot first, using a pitching wedge for the 90-yard shot. She said: "It hit the pin, and from where we were standing on the tee it looked like it had bounced back. So it was a surprise to see it in the hole. Shine, the more experienced player, then took her shot, also using a pitching wedge – and that found the cup too. "As we were coming towards the green I heard all the commotion," she said. "We did high fives and probably a little dance - I can't remember, but it was just so lovely."

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NOVEMBER 2017 | NEWS

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WATSON QUITS TOUR POWELL CROWNED BRITISH PUTTING CHAMPION Some the UK’s top game specialists gathered at Basildon Golf Club in Essex last month to take part in the second British Open Putting Championship. Over 100 competitors took part in the two-day tournament, which was held on the club’s 30,000-square foot, 36-hole putting green, which is the largest in England. And with the grass double cut and rolled, and running at a stimpmeter reading of 10, it was no surprise that none of the qualifiers were able to break the par of 36 during the course of the weekend. The tournament was won by Sean Powell, who beat Colin Jenkins, the tournament’s organiser and owner of Basildon Golf Club, following a six-hole play off.

ESSEX WIN PGA INTERCOUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP Essex have been crowned kings of the PGA’s counties thanks to former PGA Cup player Jason Levermore prevailing in a sudden death play-off with Phil Archer. With the scores of Essex and Cheshire and North Wales level after two rounds of the PGA National course at The Belfry, the two were charged with making a second trip down the par-four first to settle the destiny of the trophy and £4,000 first prize. With Levermore depositing his approach to 10 feet from the flag, and Archer landing his even closer, the odds appeared to favour the latter. But after Levermore rolled his putt home, Archer missed his. The victory ensured Essex won the PGA in England and Wales Inter-County Championship for the first time.

TO PURSUE BUSINESS CAREER E

dinburgh-based Sally Watson, who is attached to Castle Stuart Golf Links, played in two Curtis Cups as an amateur, and has played on the LET for the past four seasons, during which time she has won just over €164,000 in prize money. The 26 year old, who turned professional in 2013, has now swapped her scorecard for textbooks after being accepted into the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, where she started a degree this month. Watson already has a degree from Stanford University in international relations, where her academic advisor was former US secretary

of state Condoleezza Rice, who is an honorary member at Augusta National. Watson, who made over 60 appearances, said that her decision to quit the tour was mainly due to a lack of sponsorship and the low levels of prize money available to professional women golfers, when compared to their male counterparts. “There’s been a lot written in the media recently about the gender pay gap, and I think one of the biggest challenges for female amateurs starting out in Europe is getting the necessary financial support from corporate sponsors,”

■ SALLY WATSON IS HOPING TO ENJOY A MORE LUCRATIVE CAREER AWAY FROM GOLF

she said. “When you see some of the men on the Challenge Tour, whatever else, they’ve got a decent amount of financial support, whereas on the LET you’ve got players in the top 30 of the money list who are struggling to keep themselves on tour, let alone make any kind of living.”

Watson, whose biggest payday was €23,500 for finishing third at the 2015 Turkish Airlines Open, added: “Playing golf isn’t the least stressful of careers you can choose. You have to go and earn your living every week – a specific amount doesn’t go into your bank account every month – so I hope whatever career

KENNEDY CAPTURES ESSEX PGA TITLE

loyd Kennedy used his local knowledge of the Woolston Manor course to win the Essex PGA Championship. After a feast of scoring the previous day in the Pro-Am, the weather made it slightly more difficult

for the 36-hole championship. The first round saw Kennedy set a stiff target of four-under-par 68, which was good enough for a two-shot lead over Robert Coles. Jason Levermore came down to earth after his record-breaking

round in the Pro-Am. Having shot 11 under par the previous day, but this time around he shot a one-over-par 73, leaving him with ground to make up in the afternoon. This he did by returning a 67, to set a target of four under par for the

36 holes. Coles came in with a round of 70, which meant that Kennedy had to guard against any mistakes to lift the trophy for a second time. Another impressive round of 69 followed, which meant the trophy would stay at Woolston

■ LLOYD KENNEDY

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I choose next will offer a bit more financial stability. At the same time, I want to continue to do something that I’m passionate about. Personal fulfillment is definitely my lead motivation.” She added: “I never necessarily saw golf as something I wanted to do forever, and I think I missed the intellectual environment of university. I really enjoyed my time at Stanford, and the opportunities to challenge myself that I was given there, so I always knew I wanted to go back to school at some point. I talked to Condoleeza about my decision. Having got to know me at Stanford, she knew school was something I wanted to go back to at some point. “She also recognised that golf has given me a number of experiences and opportunities, and I can continue to use them outside golf, and to apply them to other areas of my life. She wrote me a letter of recommendation to Chicago, and she said, ‘I’ll give you the first year off, and then I’ll come out looking for a game with you’.”

Manor for the next 12 months, with Kennedy winning by three shots on nineunder par. The Seniors trophy was shared by David Wood from Orsett and Sean Carter from High Beach, with both recording a tworound total of six over par.

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NEWS | NOVEMBER 2017

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WEST HERTS WINS VER SHIELD West Herts and East Herts golf clubs ruled the roost in this year’s Ver Shield, one of the oldest continuous interclub junior knockout events played in the South East. Sixteen teams for the region take part each year, with this year’s renewal attracting 12 clubs from Hertfordshire, two from Bedfordshire (Beadlow Manor and John O'Gaunt), and two from Middlesex (Ealing and Enfield). The format is seven-a-side singles match play, with each tie played over two legs, home and away. In the final of the Shield, West Herts ran out 7.5-6.5 winners ■ PETER ALLISS WAS ON HAND AT OLD THORNS TO WELCOME COMPETITORS AND BENEFICIARIES

after taking the home tie 4.5-2.5, and

ALLISS MASTERS RAISES £10,000 FOR DISABLED CHILDREN S upporters of the Peter Alliss Masters Powered Wheelchair Crusade gathered at Old Thorns Hotel in Liphook last month for the 2017 Peter Alliss Masters. The two-day event was attended by more than 100 golfers and guests from clubs across the country, and succeeded in raising over £10,000 – enough to fund ten bespoke wheelchairs to be given to children with limited mobility. Clubs that sponsored chairs included St George’s Hill, Oake Manor, Cooden Beach, and Ferndown, while Hindhead Golf Club presented a cheque for

£11,130 to the charity. The event started with the practice day and welcome dinner before the main event on the second day – an individual Stableford competition played in fourballs. The tournament was won by Ken Warwick with 40 points, with Mark Sissons two points back in second, and Neil Wilsher taking third with 36. The ladies’ event was won by Charlotte Bolton with 31 points. After golf, all the guests gathered outside the clubhouse for the official presentation of the wheelchairs to their new owners

by Alliss. Speaking at the handover, the 87-year-old broadcaster said: “It is always a great day raising money, and made worthwhile by being able to present those powered wheelchairs to the children in person. It’s wonderful to see how they enable children to get about on their own. Every penny we raise goes towards providing chairs to children that need them. We’ve raised over £1.5 million since we started our wheelchair crusade in 2006, and hope that more teams will take part next year, and keep the money coming in.”

losing 3-4 away. In the final of the Plate competition, East Herts beat Harpenden Common, home and away, to record a comprehensive win.

RAF CHARITY DAY PROVES FLYING SUCCESS Nineteen teams assembled at the London Golf Club last month to take part in the annual Spitfire Golf Challenge, which was organised by Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewing company, to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund. Team Coca Cola’s Paul Morgan, Paul Robertson, Sam Robertson, and former England cricketer Gladstone Small ran out the winners on the day, which saw all the guests enjoy a three-course dinner, before the evening auction raised in excess of £3,000.

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[10] NOVEMBER 2017 | COLUMN

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TYRRELL HATTON Wins at the Dunhill Links Championship and the Italian Open in successive weeks have turned Tyrrell’s season from a good one to his best ever, and brought about a return to the world’s top 20 and kindled dreams of Paris

I’VE ALWAYS BEEN the type of player that feeds off confidence, so I’ve been delighted with the run of good form that I’ve been on since the European Masters at the beginning of September. After winning the Dunhill, and all that that entails, I honestly wasn’t expecting too much from myself at the Italian Open, which started just four days after my win in Scotland. I went there feeling good about my game, if a little tired, and just looked to keep doing what I was doing and see where it took me. The course at Milan is tree-lined and pretty tight, which suits my game. I got off to an ok start on Thursday, and managed to grind out an acceptable 69, but there were loads of 64s and 65s out there, so I was already a little off the pace. Rather than go out and practise after my round, I decided to go back to the hotel for a nap to try to recharge the batteries, which turned into a proper fourhour snooze. I guess I was more tired than I thought, but it certainly freshened me up for Friday, when I went out and shot a 64 to put

BURGER KING WAS PRETTY MUCH THE ONLY RESTAURANT IN THE AIRPORT TERMINAL, SO A DOUBLE WHOPPER WAS WHAT WE ENDED UP WITH. THE FOOD OF CHAMPIONS

■ TYRRELL WAS PART OF THE TEAM THAT BROKE THE RECORD FOR COMPLETING THE FASTEST HOLE OVER 500 YARDS

myself into a good position for the weekend. I then shot 65 on Saturday and went into the final round tied for second with Francesco Molinari, and two shots behind Matt Wallace. Matt had already won this year, and isn’t afraid of going low, so I knew I’d have my work cut out to catch him, while all the Italian fans would be cheering for Francesco to repeat his win from 12 months ago. I quite like the feeling of being the hunter rather than the hunted, and I went out there looking to get some early red numbers on the board to put some pressure on Matt. In doing that I probably tried to push too hard, and ended up getting a bit frustrated when putts weren’t dropping. The pace of play was pretty slow, and although I set up plenty of scoring opportunities on the front nine, I just couldn’t seem to get any momentum going. JB, my caddie, kept saying, ‘Good things will come’, and although I found it hard to believe, I tried to stay patient. After 11 holes I’d still had only one birdie, and felt like I was losing touch with the leaders. At that point

I kind of thought that the tournament had pretty much gone, so I might as well go for it, and see how far up the leaderboard I could finish. And that’s when things started to turn around. I hit a great iron into the par-3 12th and holed a six-foot putt for birdie, and then reeled off three more birdies over the next three holes, and, before I knew it, I was right back in the mix. And when Matt bogeyed the 16th, it looked like it was going to be at least a play-off between myself and Ross [Fisher], who had finished second behind me in Scotland. But thankfully I managed to hole a 15-footer at the last to win it. It's an amazing feeling to win any tournament out here, but to win backto-back, and under such different circumstances, was incredible. My whole season had been turned around in the space of just ten days. To win a Rolex Series event was also very special, especially after the way I had performed in them during the summer. They are massive events for the European Tour, and they get strong fields, so it felt great

to get one under my belt. It’s been well documented that JB and I celebrated our success with a meal at Burger King at Milan airport. We missed our first flight back, so we just had to grab something to eat and that was pretty much the only restaurant in the terminal, so a Double Whopper was what we ended up with. I put a picture on Twitter, with me wearing one of the cardboard crowns that come with the kids’ meals. The ‘Food of Champions’ indeed! The following week, it was straight out to Shanghai to play in the WGC-HSBC Champions, where I finished tied 11th. It was a tough track and was really windy for the final round, when I shot a 74. It was really surprising to see Dustin Johnson blow up, but it was a great win by Justin [Rose], who also seems to play well at this time of year. Next up was the Turkish Airlines Open. We started the week with a bit of fun by attempting to break the world record for the fastest 500-yard hole completed by four players with a single ball. We were up against teams from France, who broke the record last year, and another from South Africa. England went out last, just after France has re-broken its own record of 34 seconds, and the pressure was on. I teed off, and managed to get one in the fairway, after which Matt Fitzpatrick knocked his fairway wood just short of the green; and then Poults nudged his putt to about three feet, for Matt Southgate to knock in. We had

a tense few moments waiting to hear the result – but when we heard we’d won, we all went mental. Our time was 32.70 seconds. If only the rounds on tour were that quick! As far as the tournament itself was concerned, I was never really in the mix, but I was pleased to shoot 66 in the final round to get into a tie for 16th, and keep the momentum going. Now we’re coming to the business end of the season, and after finishing second in the DP Dubai Championship last year, I’ll be hoping to be put in a strong finish and close out the year in good style. It’s been great to be spoken of as a potential Ryder Cup player, and to hear some of the comments about what I might be able to bring to the team, but it’s obviously a long way off, and there’s a lot of golf to be played between now and when the team is finalised. For now, I’m just happy to have got some points on the board, and got my myself back into some form. Hopefully, I’ll take that with me into next season, as I would dearly love to make the Ryder Cup team.

YOU CAN FOLLOW TYRRELL ON TWITTER @TYRRELLHATTON PARTNERS

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NEWS | NOVEMBER 2017

MAGIC HOUR PHOTOGRAPHY

SOUTH OF ENGLAND OPEN AMATEUR REBRANDED WALTON HEATH TROPHY

BROKE HILL TO CLOSE

the Surrey-based club will be known as the Walton Heath Trophy, with the champion receiving the Michael Lunt Salver, in honour of the tournament's founder and inspiration, the late Michael Lunt. Next year’s championship takes place over the Old and

alton Heath Golf Club has changed the name of the South of England Open Amateur Championship by unveiling a new, simplified title for the annual tournament aimed at attracting an elite international field. From next year the event at

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New courses from July 24-26. The impressive silver salver contains as its centrepiece the gold medal won by Lunt as part of the Great Britain and Ireland team which won the World Amateur Team Championship (Eisenhower Trophy) in 1964, and is regarded as one of amateur

golf’s most imposing prizes. Past champions have included Danny Willett and Gary Wolstenholme, while European Tour champions such as Chris Wood, Tyrell Hatton and Joost Luiten have also taken part. England’s Jake Burnage claimed the title in 2017.

CHAPMAN CLINCHES EUROPRO CHAMPIONSHIP

to take the title and the £22,500 first prize. “I preferred being level trying to chase the win, as I almost felt too comfortable with a four-shot lead,” said Chapman, whose first win of the season propelled him to third in the Order of Merit and earn a Challenge Tour card for next year, after starting the week in 54th place. “I’m absolutely delighted. The windy weather really suited my style of play.” With the season now complete, the top five on the standings earned a category on next year’s Challenge Tour. Chris Lloyd (The Kendleshire) claimed the top spot by less than £600, and he was followed by rookie-of-the-year MK Kim in second. Chapman took third, with Nick Marsh (Huddersfield) in fourth place, while Jonathan Caldwell (Clandeboye) took the fifth and the final Challenge Tour spot after finishing 15th in the Tour Championship.

umbria’s Adam Chapman won the EuroPro Tour’s end-of-season tournament, the Sky Sports Tour Championship, after leading for all three round at a windy Amendoeira Golf Resort in Portugal. Chapman, from Carus Green in Kendal, led from pillar to post in the 54-hole event, firing rounds of 68, 68 and 71 for a total of 207. The highlight of his second round over the Faldo Course was a hole-inone on the second hole, after which he birdied the following three holes, finishing with a four-shot lead going into the final round. However, he let that cushion slip with two bogeys over the front nine, and with nearest rival Korea’s MK Kim picking up three birdies, the pair was soon tied for the lead. However, Chapman was able to regain his composure on the back nine and fired two more birdies coming home

rokeHill Golf Club in Kent is to close on December 31, after the land on which the club occupies was sold to a developer. The Orpington-based club has changed hands several times since it was first set up by the Rolstone family in 1993, and is currently operated by Green Grass Golf, which bought the club from Crown Golf in 2012, along with the neighbouring Chelsfield Lakes Golf Centre. In a letter sent out to members on November 8, Andrew Craven, a director of Broke Hill Golf Club Ltd, explained that the shareholders had accepted an offer for the purchase of the land, and that the club would close at the end of the year and be relocated to Chesfield Lakes, which is on the other side of the M25, but just a few hundred yards from Broke Hill. The statement concluded: “We would be delighted to have as many staff and members join us in our new accommodation, as we start the next chapter in the story of Broke Hill Golf Club. I appreciate that this will be difficult news for some, and we will do all that we can to ensure a smooth transition to the new premises.” The club’s website was shut down with immediate effect, and members who wish to transfer their membership to the new club can do so under the terms of the new club structure, with membership cards, bar levy cards, and Fairway membership credits being honoured at Chesfield Lakes. ■ CHESFIELD LAKES WILL BE BROKE HILL'S NEW HOME

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[12] NOVEMBER 2017 | NEWS

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PORTSTEWART PAYS OUT £125,000 ARMY MARCHES TO DOUBLE TEAM TITLES

AFTER BALL HITS BOY ON HEAD – 10 YEARS AGO

Army Golf Club became the first ever club to complete a clean sweep of Hampshire’s two premier inter-club knockout competitions, when its men’s team added the County Sevens Championship to the Stoneham Cup won by its ladies’ section last month. The Farnbrough-based club secured the County Sevens title after beating Southampton 5-2 in the semi-finals and Ryde by the impressive margin of 5.5-1.5 in finals, both of which will held over Bramshaw Golf Club’s Manor Course. The ladies team beat Lee-onSolent in the final of the Stoneham Cup, which was held at Liphook Golf Club. The team comprised Ailsa Fraser, Eilean Cunningham, Helen Sleightholme, Wendy Collens, Linda Adlington, Anne Green.

CANTERBURY STAGES SOUTH EAST SOCIETY CHAMPIONSHIP The South East Golf Society Championship, launched four years ago by Canterbury Golf Club, continues to grow in popularity, with this year’s renewal attracting a record entry of 22 teams. This year’s tournament, which was sponsored by Faversham-based brewers Shepherd Neame, saw Kimberly-Clark Golf Society from Northfleet take the honours, with Tony Hall, Lee Hall, Rod Hearnden and Terry Bauckham producing the day’s best return of 38 points, and a lowest of 32, for a total of 106.

liability on behalf of the club. There have been several noteworthy incidents where people have been hit by golf balls in the last decade, most notably involving Niddry Castle Golf Club in Scotland, where a golfer lost an eye in 2007. In 2011, he was awarded nearly £400,000, of which the club had to pay £120,000 due to a lack of warning signs, while the golfer who hit the ball had to pay the remainder. However, in 2013, following an appeal by the club, the appeal court substantially increased – by an extra £200,000 – the amount the club had to pay. Other significant cases include a woman in 2010 who was awarded £200,000 after she suffered a stroke when a golf ball hit her on the head, while she was standing on the clubhouse balcony at Old Conna Golf Club in Ireland. In 2015 a golfer who had been hit on the head at Bellshill Golf Club in Scotland was awarded £10,000.

ortstewart Golf Club in Northern Ireland has paid out £125,000 to a man who was hit on the head by a golf ball when he was playing at the club over a decade ago. The case dates back to 2007, when the teenage boy sustained a severe injury after being hit by a stray ball while standing on the first green of Portstewart Riverside Course. The ball, which had been played from another part of the course, struck him on the head. Proceedings were issued against the trustees of the club, alleging negligence. Part of the action centred on claims that insufficient warning signs were in place at the time. But following negotiations, a settlement was reached at the High Court in Belfast on the basis that the club’s insurers would make the payout of £125,000 plus costs, although there was no admission of

Waterlooville GOLF CLUB

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rince Golf Club’s Director of Golf Anthony Tarchetti won the PGA Royal Links Championship Pro-Am after shooting rounds of 70 and 71 at Prince’s and Royal Cinque Ports respectively. The new captain of the PGA in England (South) took home the winner’s cheque for £1,000, edging out Lee-on-the-Solent’s James Ablett by one shot, and Canterbury’s Richard Wallis, the new Virgin Atlantic PGA South Order of Merit champion, by two. After the first round at Cinque Ports, Tarchetti’s one-under-par 70 was a shot ahead of Silvermere’s Chris Gane. Four under after the 10th, the gale force winds on the home holes meant Tarchetti bogeyed the 15th, 16th and 18th to finish one shot under the card. In calmer conditions for the final round at Prince’s, Tarchetti reached the turn in two-under, while Gane slipped back with an uncharacteristic run of bogey, bogey, double bogey through the 10th, 11th and 12th. Three birdies on the trot from the 15th saw Tarchetti ease into overall pole position on the leaderboard and a handsome home win. Tarchetti was delighted to win, but it wasn’t all plain sailing, as he explained. “On the first round, the weather was pretty wild, and while it helped on the front nine, birdies were still far from easy. As you faced the wind down the homeward stretch, you were doing well to survive out there!” He continued: “Apart from the fierce wind, everything else made for another great links championship. The courses were in top nick, the organisation was terrific, and, fortunately for me, I managed to find top gear in the last four holes to take the money!” In the team event, amateur Tony Hobbs and Elliot Groves (Romsey) won by three shots from the S&G Air Team led by Charlie Wilson (Prince’s).

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tuart Gillett, the general manager at Golf At Goodwood, has been nominated for the Golf Club Managers’ Association’s manager of the year award. Gillett’s nomination is due in no small part to his involvement in a hugely successful year the West Sussex-based club, which has maintained a full membership, as well as increasing participation in its junior golf camps and Level Up programmes, which have had a combined attendance of over 200 children so far in 2017. Goodwood’s junior team won the West Sussex Junior League and reached the semi-final of the national competition, while academy manager Chris McDonnell was part of the Great Britain & Ireland team that lifted the PGA Cup. Gillett also oversaw an extensive renovation of all of the bunkers on the Downs course, and his innovative approach to digital content saw the club win the Golf Club of the Year award at the Hospitality Social Media Awards last November. Speaking about his nomination, Gillett said; “I am thrilled to have been shortlisted for the GCMA Manager of the year Award. To be recognised by the golf industry is fantastic. It is a reflection of the hard work, dedication and sense of fun that my team puts in day after day to ensure that our members and guests have a great time here.”

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NEWS | NOVEMBER 2017

[13]

JACK OF ALL TRADES Golf News catches up with Hampshire’s Jack Singh Brar, who turned professional last month following a stellar amateur career that culminated with a stunning individual performance in the Walker Cup

espite the GB&I team’s 19-7 defeat at the Walker Cup, how good did it feel to sign off your amateur career with such a strong individual performance? Yes, it was hugely disappointing for us to lose in Los Angeles, but we knew we were up against very strong opposition, and we would have to play at our very best to challenge the American team. It was an incredible week, and, the result aside, it really felt like the pinnacle of my amateur career. Winning three points out of a possible four was really beyond my wildest expectations, and while it’s never great to be on the losing team, I took some personal satisfaction from the way I played that week, and from that point of view, it couldn’t really have gone any better. It certainly gave me the necessary encouragement that I needed to make the move to the professional game.

■ JACK SHAKES HANDS WITH STEWART HAGESTAD AFTER BEATING HIM 3&2 DURING THE SINGLES MATCHES IN THE 2017 WALKER CUP

– so that shot won me the tournament really. Although I won Hampshire Salver in April, I didn’t have any great results in the big match play events – I lost in the first round of the US Amateur and the British Amateur – but thankfully I’d done enough in the stroke play events to secure my place.

Had it always been the plan to turn professional after the Walker Cup? Yes, it was, although I did have a ‘plan B’ in place if things hadn’t gone so well on the golfing front. I had a place at Portsmouth University in September to study for a degree in property management. I had already deferred my place from last year, so I couldn’t have put it off again, so it was now or never as far as far as my pro career was concerned.

You’ve already had a couple of starts on the European Tour, at the Portugal Masters and the Dunhill Links. How did you find the transition from the amateur game? Yeah, all the guys from the Walker Cup team who turned professional managed to get an invitation to play in those two events, so it was great to get an early taste of tour golf, especially at two such strong events. I shot 67 in the first round in Portugal, which wasn’t a bad start to my professional career.

You won the Lytham Trophy in May. Did that take the pressure off you regarding your place in the GB&I team, and how did that performance rank among your wins as an amateur? Yes, winning at Lytham was really key to earning my place in the team. The weather was awful that week and scoring conditions were really tough. I managed to shoot 68 on the first day, when the CSS was something like 79. It was probably one of my best ever rounds, considering the circumstances, and I just hung on from there. Things got pretty tight in the final round, and then I holed a bunker shot on the 17th hole and ended up winning by two

The cut was one over, and I was level par after making a birdie at the 14th in the second round, but I bogeyed 15 and 16 and ended up missing the cut by one. It was disappointing, but a great experience nonetheless. I played the Dunhill Links a fortnight later, and really enjoyed the whole week. My amateur partner was Brian O’Driscoll, the former Ireland rugby player, so it was great to play alongside one of the legends of sport. I’ve not played in that kind of format before – playing with a pro and two amateurs – so it took a bit of getting used to, but we had a lot of fun. He plays off nine, and did ok, but we didn’t threaten the leaders.

■ SINGH-BRAR TEAMED UP WITH BRIAN O'DRISCOLL AT THE ALFRED DUNHILL CHAMPIONSHIP IN ST ANDREWS

I started off at Carnoustie in perhaps the worst weather of the week. I was four over after just three holes, and it wasn’t looking good, but I managed to hold things together, and signed for a 79. I regrouped on Thursday night, and went out and shot 67 at Kingsbarns – which was the second best score of the day – and then finished with a 71 at the Old Course, where we played alongside Marcus Fraser and Sir Ian Botham. I missed the cut by four shots, but I was proud of the way I battled back from the first round. Only one other player who played the courses in the order that I did finished inside the top 20, so I clearly had the worst of the draw.

was able to find time to come and support us. He absolutely loves his golf, and it’s great that he’s getting behind a group of new, young players. They’ve got a really experienced team behind them, and I’m excited about repaying their faith in me.

Clearly you’re focusing your attentions on the European Tour’s Qualifying School. I'm treating qualifying school as a bonus, and if I do get the Tour card on the back of it, then great. If not, I'll still have starts in a number of other tournaments. I finished third in a first stage qualifying event held at Ribagolfe in Portugal, straight after the Portugal Masters. It’s not going to be easy, so I’m not putting much pressure on myself. If it doesn’t work out, I’ve got seven confirmed starts on the Challenge Tour at the start of next season, and hopefully two or three European Tour starts, so hopefully I’ll be able to make an impression and kick on from there. You’ve signed with Niall Horan’s player management company, Modest! Golf. How did that come about, and have you met Niall? Yes, I’ve met him quite a few times, and played a round with him at Wentworth this summer. Modest! Golf is quite a new company, so it’s great to be among the first players on their books. Niall flew over to see Connor [Syme] and me at the Dunhill Links last month. He’d just come from a concert in Brazil, and wasn’t playing in the Dunhill, so it was great that he

Who else is in ‘Team Jack’? I haven’t decided on a full-time caddie or anything like that yet, as it’s too early to commit to anything until I know what next season holds. My swing coach is Dan Frost and my putting coach is Jason Murray, who is based up at Pine Ridge – I try and see them both at least once a week. On the fitness side of things, I work with Helen Saville and Haley Milburn, who run a company called Fit to Golf. I’m looking to try and bulk up a bit over the winter, as I’m not the biggest, and probably need to add a bit of distance to my tee shots, so hopefully we can squeeze out an extra few yards.

Have you signed with any sponsors? On the equipment front, I’m sponsored by TaylorMade and Nike. I’ve been playing TaylorMade clubs since 2014, so I’m very familiar with them, while I’m wearing Nike clothing and shoes. I’m also sponsored by Blackmoor Group, a London-based private investment company, and I’ve got their logo on my bag.

You’re attached to Remedy Oak in Dorset. How often do you get down there? Yes I am, although I don’t get down there very often, as I do most of my practise at the home, as we have Huxley putting and chipping green in the garden, and we’ve set up a driving range in a field next to the house, so I can hit balls without having to jump in the car. Growing up, I started out playing at Wellow Golf Club in Romsey, and played a lot at Brockenhurst Manor and Bramshaw, as they formed a triangle around our house in the New Forest.

[14] NOVEMBER 2017 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

POULT WOOD CELEBRATES FOUNDER MEMBER’S MILESTONE

GOLFING4LIFE HOSTS ANNUAL INVITATIONAL AT GOODWOOD G

olfing4Life, a charitable foundation that raises funds for promising young golfers, held its annual invitational at Goodwood last month, where 24 of England’s best young amateurs and professionals assembled for a weekend of competitive golf. The two-day event also provided an opportunity to showcase the work being done by G4L and its portfolio of partners, with contributions from 2005 US Open champion Michael Campbell, Centtrip chief executive Tony North, and G4L partner Bill Curbishley. Formed in 2010 to help support the development of young golfers whose opportunities are limited by financial constraints, G4L uses its network of contacts within the sport to identify talent that has the potential and commitment to succeed at the highest levels of the game. The opening day saw two G4L ambassadors playing alongside Goodwood members and invited guests. The second day saw the G4L players play singles matchplay in two teams for the coveted SchoolExams.co.uk Trophy. Michael Campbell travelled from his home in Spain to support the

event, with his academy in Marbella providing advice on nutrition, training, strength and conditioning, along with elite coaching and education, to G4L ambassadors. G4L’s other partners include Club Inc, GMS, Golf Alcanada, Goodwood, J.Lindeberg, Prodreamusa.com, SchoolExams.co.uk, Teenage Cancer Trust, Under The Posts, and Switchtheplay.com. Commenting on the success of this year’s invitational, G4L Founder James Byers said: “The boys had an amazing weekend, and for them to receive advice and guidance from major champion Michael Campbell was invaluable and an extra special experience for them. “The team at G4L have worked voluntarily for the last five years, which shows the passion we have to provide a life and golf platform. My mentor and partner Bill Curbishley has been a pillar of support and advice, and I really couldn’t do without him. I really can’t thank him enough for all his guidance and support for me and the future of these young people.” For more information, visit www.Golfing4Life.com.

BENECTA TRIALIST WINS GOLF TRIP TO ICELAND

retired carpet manufacturer from Kidderminster was left floored when a telephone caller told him he'd won an expenses-paid golf trip to Iceland. Tony Cluley, 70, had been one of more than 2,000 UK golfers participating in a two-month survey on the effects of Benecta, a new food supplement manufactured in Iceland, which has been shown to alleviate the aches and pains associated with getting older. And it was Cluley's name that was randomly selected,

from that number, to win the stunning prize of a trip to Iceland next year.

It comprises a five-day VIP trip for two, including all flights, transport, accommodation and meals, plus three rounds of golf in the north of Iceland, including one at the new Siglufjörður Golf Club - in the town where Benecta is manufactured. Cluley, a member at Bewdley Pines Golf Club, said: "I never imagined I'd win. I was absolutely ecstatic. I'm most looking forward to playing on different courses - as I'm getting on I want to try to play as many courses as I can."

What's more, thanks to Benecta, the 22-handicapper will now have the energy to complete three rounds of golf in five days. He added: "After four weeks or so of taking it every day, I began to have more energy, fewer aches and pains, and, well, felt more alive really. It's had a big effect on me and I'm still taking it." Runner-up prizes were also awarded to David Millar from Sheffield, and John Lockwood from Bradford, who each won a golf bag. Gavin Cree, from

embers at Poult Wood Golf Club in Kent held a centenary tournament on October 30 to celebrate its former president, chairman and first captain, Sydney Simmons’s 100th birthday. Over 80 members teed off with a shotgun start on a beautiful sunny day that ended with a buffet lunch in Poult Wood`s clubhouse. Simmons, who served in the Royal Engineers during the Second World War, was the chief surveyor for Tonbridge Council, and for many years was known as `Mr Tonbridge` after he oversaw the expansion of Tonbridge from sleepy village into the thriving commuter town it is today. Instrumental in purchasing land to build Poult Wood, he oversaw the development of the 18-hole course and the clubhouse with architect Fred Hawtree. The course opened in 1974, with Simmons hitting the first tee shot as the club`s captain. On captain`s day, he presented the trophy to an aspiring 12-year-old local school boy by the name of Paul Way, who went on to become a successful professional golfers, appearing in the Ryder Cup in 1985. A beautiful teak bench inscribed with Simmons`s name was presented by his extended family, including Joan, his wife of 74 years, which is to placed on the course he created and enjoyed playing regularly until age finally caught up with him at 96.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne, won a waterproof jacket and polo shirt; Paul Masters, from Bedford picked up a pitching wedge, while and Erica Klim from Somerset, and Michael Andrews from Leek, Staffs, were each sent a dozen golf balls. Results from the Sports Marketing Surveys survey, in which all of the winners participated, showed more than four in five UK golfers claimed they had fewer aches and pains, and more energy and stamina, since using Benecta. Created and based in Siglufjörður, a small fishing town in northern Iceland,

Seaford Head Golf Course

Benecta is the result of more than a decade of research and development into the use and benefits of short-chain chitosan - produced from sustainably sourced, natural, crustacean ingredients - to help support the body as it ages.

NO W BU jec G t t AV G o we A IE at IL S he r c AB on LE di t !

WE ARE OFFERING SOME GREAT SOCIETY AND GOLF DAY PACKAGES PAR ● ●

Full English Breakfast,Coffee &18 holes £26pp Midweek ● £29pp Weekend & Bank Holidays

BIRDIE ● ● ●

Coffee, Bacon Roll &18 Holes Selection from Society lunch menu £30pp Midweek ● £33pp Weekend & Bank Holidays

EAGLE ● ● ●

Full English Breakfast, Coffee & 18 Holes Selection from Society lunch menu £32.50pp Midweek ● £36.50pp Weekend & Bank Holidays

ALBATROSS ● ● ● ●

Coffee, Bacon Roll & 9/18 holes Selection from Society lunch menu &18 holes Selection from Society dinner menu £50pp Midweek ● £53pp Weekend & Bank Hols

WINTER WARMER SOCIETY SPECIAL ● ● ● ●

Full English or Ham, Egg and Chips & 18 Holes £20 Midweek ● £24 Weekend Minimum 4 people. Must be booked in advance From November 1st to 29th February 2018

All society packages can be tailored to meet your own specifications. Minimum 12 people. Please call the Pro Shop on 01323 890139.

)

NEW MEMBERS

AMAZING OFFER JOIN NOW AND DON’T RENEW UNTIL THE END OF MARCH 2019 TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY

Call 01323890139 or email

seafordheadproshop@hotmail.co.uk

Seaford Head Golf Course Southdown Road, Seaford, BN25 4JS Tel: 01323 890139 www.seafordheadgolfcourse.co.uk

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

FEATURE | NOVEMBER 2017

[15]

■ TOPGOLF CHIGWELL

Advanced PGA Professional Andrew Agnoli, is the interim Head of Academy at Topgolf UK

How long have you been a PGA professional? Thirteen years. I started out as an assistant pro at Bishops Stortford Golf Club and was promoted to lead teaching pro three years later. I spent eight more years there before I moved to take on the head pro’s job at Dereham Golf Club in Norfolk. Then, in August last year, I joined Topgolf in Chigwell as the head professional, and have recently been promoted to interim head of the academy. What is your day-to-day role at Topgolf? I’m based at our Chigwell site, but my days consist of managing and trainiing the academy and coaching teams at all the Topgolf venues in the UK. I used to do about 25 hours direct coaching to golfers each week, but that’s now down to about ten. What’s the best thing about your job? I love coaching golfers of all standards and meeting new people every day. It's an honour to spend time with people and to be trusted with helping them reach their goals. Helping coaches get better, and grow their business, is also something I’m keen to do. And the worst? There honestly is no downside to the job, although I don't play as much golf as I used to. What three words would your colleagues use to describe you?

I asked them, and I got this response – knowledgable, professional and innovative. Can you explain the Topgolf experience? Topgolf is a totally different experience to other traditional formats of playing golf or practising. Topgolf is a game that anyone can play (and win). Players score points by hitting micro-chipped golf balls at giant dartboard-like targets on an outfield. The closer you get your ball to the centre, or ‘bullseye’, and the further the distance the target is away from you, the more points are earned. We have a great selection of food and drink, which are perfect to snack on while playing a game, or while watching live sport in our bars and restaurants.

What was your career highlight as a player? Winning a couple of Pro-Ams in the PGA East of England Region. Playing in a few PGA National finals. To be honest, my interest from an early age was in becoming a coach. If you could change one rule in golf, which one would it be? If the ball goes out of bounds, instead of going back to the place you hit the shot from, you can drop the ball where the ball crossed the boundary. What’s your favourite course in the UK, and the world? I played West Lancs recently and thought it was amazing, In the world, it’s got to be Augusta, although, like most of us, I’ve never played it!

What is TopGolf doing to attract juniors and women golfers? We attract a much younger golfer than traditional golf venues. The style of the game itself, alongside the fact we have no dress code, and we supply golf clubs for free, attracts lots of families to come and play together. The Topgolf academy regularly runs junior and women’s sessions to help everyone enjoy this great game.

Who is your golfing hero and why? Tiger Woods. Watching him during the 1990s was a great motivator, and, as a kid back then, I dreamt of being him.

What’s the best swing tip you’ve ever received? If you can learn to control the clubface at impact, the game gets much easier. In my lessons I check how the clubface is moving in the golfer's swing, as it’s key to the overall result in all shots.

Which three other people would be in your dream fourball? Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Harry Kane.

Who inspired you to take up golf? My dad. When I was younger he used to let me go round the course with him, and play the odd shot. I quickly got hooked from there, and we still play together occasionally now.

What would you have done if you hadn’t become a pro? I'm a huge sports fan, so I always fancied being a PE teacher.

Society offers this Winter at The Weald

From only £20.50pp including coffee and bacon baps

Christmas Society for just £29pp includes coffee and bacon baps, 18 Holes and a Christmas Dinner, including mince pies

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Bookings from January – March only £17.50pp including Coffee and Bacon Baps Maidstone Road, Headcorn, Kent TN27 9PT Tel: 01622 891671

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www.weald-of-kent.co.uk

[16] NOVEMBER 2017 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

BAKER’S BACK IN THE SWING HAMPSHIRE GIRLS BACKED BY WINCHESTER MOTOR GROUP The Hampshire Ladies County Golf Association’s Girls Performance Squad will be back on the road next season after receiving a generous sponsorship package from local car dealership Winchester Motor Group. The sponsorship will enable the Hampshire team, led by County Junior Team Manager Marc Dack, to benefit from new equipment and kit.

ormer Ryder Cup star Peter Baker made an impressive return to tournament golf last month when finishing inside the top ten in the Farmfoods European Senior Masters at the Forest of Arden. Baker, who teaches at South

FLEMING ON MERIT AFTER BB&O FINALE Four players shared the lead in the final BB&O Order of Merit tournament on a breezy day at Flackwell Heath. Warren Harris, Simon McGreal, Adam Wootton and Kane Gilder all tied for first place with scores of level par in the BB&O Autumn Classic. With Paul Simpson unable to play, it allowed Tom Fleming to earn just enough points by finishing 15th to just edge in front and win the Order of Merit for the 2017 season.

RAIN STAYS AWAY AT WATERLOOVILLE PRO-AM Darren Walkley, James Cook and James Ablett returned cards of three-under par 69 to tie for victory in the re-arranged Waterlooville Pro-Am. After the original August date was abandoned due to torrential rain, Waterlooville Golf Club and The PGA in England (South) managed to reschedule the tournament for October, with all 40 teams completing their rounds. In the team event Andy Raitt led his amateurs home to a fine win, while Ablett led his three to second spot.

■ PETER BAKER AT THE '93 RYDER CUP

Staffordshire Golf Club, played host to the inaugural European Senior Tour event just ten days after turning 50. “I celebrated my 50th on October 7, so it was the first time I qualified to take part in a senior tour event,” explained Baker. “It just so happened that the tournament was being staged close to home, and managed by my management company. It was nice to see the lads I’ve played with over the last 25 or 30 years again, and it was great to have a few members from South Staffs cheering me on too.” Baker, who won three points out of four at the 1993 Ryder Cup at The Belfry, shot rounds of 71, 73 and 75 to finished tied seventh, five shots behind winner Stephen Dodd. Baker has been focused on teaching at South Staffs for

BRAMSHAW APPOINTS NEW GENERAL MANAGER

ramshaw Golf Club in Hampshire has appointed Andrew Rideout as its new general manager. Rideout, who is a sports science graduate, joined the 36-hole New Forest-based club last month after holding the general manager’s position at Dudsbury Golf Club in Dorset. A scratch golfer, and former Dorset amateur champion, he brings a wealth of experience from within the golf and hospitality industry, including club

PAY AND PLAY AT ITS FINEST HARRY COLT/HAWTREE DESIGN

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Tel: 01753 643332 Web: thesouthbuckinghamshire.co.uk Email: golfenquiries@southbucks.gov.uk THE SOUTH BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, PARK ROAD, STOKE POGES, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE. SL2 4PJ

several years, but this summer the Codsall-based professional started practising in preparation for a return to competitive action. “I’ve played in a few Midland Pro-Ams, but there’s been a bit of a void since I stopped playing on the main tours,” Baker said. “It’s just a matter of practisng a bit more now, to see what’s left in the tank. I’m trying to get some competitive golf under my belt to make sure

I’ve got some game going on.” And fellow Midlander Paul Broadhurst, who won the Senior Open Championship last year, is acting as Baker’s inspiration. “I knew Paul growing up, through the junior tours, and then onto the main ones,” Baker said. “If I can get anywhere near what he’s done on the Senior Tour, that’d be brilliant. He’s done wonderfully well, so I’ve got to chase him down now.”

management and business development. Rideout’s role at Bramshaw will be to build on the valuable work undertaken by the club’s previous general manager, Stuart James, with the aim of developing its reputation as one of the region’s most progressive venues, as well as implementing the club’s ongoing plans for improvements to both the Manor and Forest courses. Speaking of his new appointment, Rideout said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining such a well respected and well attended club as Bramshaw. I look forward to meeting the members and using my experience and knowledge to develop the club even further”. Bramshaw’s owner, Robert Crosthwaite Eyre, commented: “We’re very excited by Andrew’s appointment. We’re keen to evolve and innovate in order to ensure we meet the ever-demanding and inevitable changes the industry will face over the coming years. I’m confident Andrew’s passion and desire will be key in driving our ambitions for Bramshaw forward, and I’m delighted to have him onboard.”

LYDD GOLF CLUB

WELCOME TO LYDD GOLF CLUB Lydd Golf Club is an undiscovered gem on the South Coast. It combines classic risk and reward golf with breath-taking lakes and links style, making this an extremely enjoyable test of skill and control. Lydd Golf Club welcomes visitors and societies to come and experience our wonderful venue, practice facilities and golf course. Our Society Package is available until Jan 1st 2018 and includes a weekday round of 18 holes of golf including a coffee and bacon roll for just £20 per player.

For just £30 per player, you can enjoy a golfers breakfast, (including tea or coffee), 18 holes golf, and a one course lunch. Lydd Golf Club is the ideal golf venue for you and your guests to visit. We have a friendly and welcoming team and our pro shop can accommodate your every requirement and provide all your essential golfing needs, including trollies and buggies. After your round, relax and unwind in our superb clubhouse in the capable hands of our experienced catering team. We look forward to seeing you soon.

LYDD GOLF CLUB & DRIVING RANGE Romney Road, Lydd, Kent TN29 9LS

Tel: 01797 320808 Email: golf@lyddgolfclub.co.uk www.lyddgolfclub.co.uk

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

NEWS | NOVEMBER 2017

SWINGERS’ FINALISTS TAKE ON STREAMSONG CHALLENGE

[17]

■ STREAMSONG, FLORIDA

irgin Atlantic’s online golf league, Flying Club Swingers, reaches its 14th season’s climax this month with its annual Ryder Cup-style final, which is being held at the Streamsong Resort in Florida. The finalists, representing teams from the Rest of the World and Europe, will compete over three days across all of the luxury resort’s three courses, including the recently opened Streamsong Black, which was designed by Rio Olympics golf course architect Gil Hanse. The 12-strong Rest of the World team, which ended a five-year losing sequence to take the trophy in Sun City last year, is being captained by Hindhead Golf Club’s Clinton Heap. There are four rookies in his team, including Gary Chequer from Botswana, who qualified at the fourth time of trying. Europe has its first female captain, John O’Gaunt Golf Club’s Morag Hutcheon, a single-figure player who is taking part in her third consecutive final. She was involved in one of the greatest final matches in Swingers’ history last year, when she bagged a vital half-point for her team when holing a monster putt on the final green. Among her teammates, Hutcheon has no fewer than five players making their Swingers’ Final debut, including Paul Copley, a four-handicapper from Royal Cinque Ports, and Mahesh Mani, a 10-handcapper from Petersfield Golf Club, while Claire

HUMPHREYS IN THE HUNT FOR SPORTSAID AWARD Boucher, a nine-handicapper from Crowbrough Beacon in East Sussex, will be making her debut for the European team after representing the Rest of the World team in 2015. On paper it’s hard to choose a winner, with both teams’ average handicap being 12. This year they are playing for the Keith Pedlar Trophy, in honour of Virgin Atlantic’s most celebrated Swinger, who passed away this year, and for whom Swingers’ members recently organised a memorial day to celebrate his life. It’s sure to be an exciting three days of golf, and one of those 24 lucky finalists will be holing the winning putt on singles day – something to be remembered for them and their team mates. Any golfers hoping to win a place in next year’s final should visit www.flyingclubgolfleague.com.

Essex’s Lily May Humphreys has been shortlisted for SportsAid’s prestigious One-to-Watch Award, in recognition of a spectacular season. The 15-year-old has won the British girls’ championship, the European Young Masters and the English women’s championship during 2017 – as well as helping England to win the girls’ Home Internationals. The annual award, which is to be presented at the

GODDARD AND SCREEN HUNT FOR MORE GLORY AT TELEGRAPH JUNIOR FINALS

eigning Telegraph Junior Golf champion Harry Goddard will defend his title at Portugal’s prestigious Quinta do Lago resort this month.  The 17 year old from Waltham Cross posted a course record on Quinta do Lago’s North Course last year, as he recorded nine birdies on his way to an opening round 66, eventually winning by nine strokes. Goddard, whose home club is Hanbury Manor, will look to surpass European Ryder Cup stars Justin Rose and Matthew Fitzpatrick – just

■ HARRY GODDARD AND HANNAH SCREEN ARE BOTH DEFENDING THEIR TITLES

two of the famous players to have triumphed in the event’s 30-year history – by clinching a second title when he battles it out with 11 other boys and nine girls in the tournament that takes place in the Algarve.  He was selected for the England Golf boys’ squad for 2017/18, and has maintained his good form, helping his country win the Home

Internationals for the last two years, reaching the match play on the Boys’ Amateur and the English Men’s Amateur, as well as a top-20 finish in the Brabazon Trophy. Goddard is not the only player to be defending his title that week, as 17-year-old Hannah Screen from Berkhamsted, who won the girls’ title last year, will also be back to build

on her two-shot win in Portugal 12 months ago. Screen won’t have it all her own way, with the likes of Surrey’s Annabel Fuller in the field. Fuller, from Roehampton, booked her place in the elite line-up after a superb 68 in the first round of the English Girls’ Open Amateur Championship at Littlestone in Kent, where she finished fourth. The 15 year old, who plays off three, hopes to go one better in the Algarve than her elder sister, Sammy, who was a runner up in the Telegraph Junior finals in 2013. Now in its 33rd year, the 54-hole stroke play Telegraph Vitality Junior Golf Championship, which was hailed by 2014 European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley as ‘one of junior golf’s Majors’, is to take place on Quinta do Lago’s redesigned North Course. Officially opened by McGinley in 2014, the 6,156m-layout is one of three championship courses at the resort.

charity’s SportsBall in London on November 23, was launched in 2006 and shines a spotlight on the achievements of Britain’s brightest young sporting prospects.

DAVIS DOES THE DOUBLE AT GRIMS DYKE Trent Park’s Chris Davis completed the Middlesex ‘double’ by landing the county’s Open to follow his success in the Professionals’ Championship earlier in the year. Davis took the Open crown at Grim’s Dyke, edging out Hendon amateur James Ellis at the first play-off hole. The pair finished 36 holes of regulation play at two over par, with Ellis parring the first extra hole to take the title. Michael Moore (Pinner Hill) shared third place with Mark Bell (Dukes Meadows) after both players finished on 142.

Membership Packages Membership Categories all incl. vat

Per Annum

7 day championship membership

£995.00

5 day championship membership

£595.00

Junior membership

£200.00

Corporate membership fee

£2500.00

7 day golf & leisure membership

£1400.00

5 day golf & leisure membership

£840.00

Golf Package Coffee & Bacon Baps, 18 Holes Golf One-Course dinner

£33.00 per person

Organisers goes free on groups of 12 or more

For more information please call Caroline Screene, Golf Manager on 0208 768 3113 www.selsdonparkcroydon.co.uk • Addington Road, Sanderstead, Surrey, CR2 8YA

[18] NOVEMBER 2017 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Ultimate

CLUB WHERE TO PLAY

GUIDE All these clubs feature in our Ultimate Golf Day Guide. Order Your Copy Today!

T H E B E S T S O C I E T Y & C O R P O R AT E D AY V E N U E S

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FRILFORD HEATH OXFORDSHIRE

TORWOODLEE GOLF CLUB SCOTTISH BORDERS

Prices start from £59 (Autumn/Winter), £100 (Spring/Summer).

Bronze Package: £36pp; Silver Package: £42pp; Gold Package: £50pp. Contact the club for further details.

TEL: 01865 390864 | EMAIL: INFO@FRILFORDHEATH.CO.UK WEB: WWW.FRILFORDHEATH.CO.UK

TEL: 01896 752260 | EMAIL: TORWOODLEEGOLFCLUB@TORWOODLEEGOLFCLUB.COM WEB: WWW.TORWOODLEEGOLFCLUB.CO.UK

BLOXWICH GOLF CLUB MIDLANDS

LAUNCESTON GOLF CLUB CORNWALL

Society packages are available to all groups with more than 16 players. Contact the club for further details.

Packages start from £32.95pp, and can be tailored to suit requirements.

TEL: 01922 476593 | EMAIL: SECRETARY@BLOXWICHGOLFCLUB.COM WEB: WWW.BLOXWICHGOLFCLUB.COM

TEL: 01566773442 (CLUB) 01566775359 (PRO SHOP) | EMAIL: SECRETARY@ LAUNCESTONGOLFCLUB.CO.UK | WEB: WWW.LAUNCESTONGOLFCLUB.CO.UK

CANTERBURY GOLF CLUB KENT

STEVENAGE GOLF CENTRE HERTFORDSHIRE

TEL: 01227 453 532 | EMAIL: OFFICE@CANTERBURYGOLFCLUB.CO.UK WEB: WWW.CANTERBURYGOLFCLUB.CO.UK

TEL: 01227 453 532 EMAIL. OFFICE@CANTERBURYGOLFCLUB.CO.UK WEB: WWW.CANTERBURYGOLFCLUB.CO.UK

UFFORD PARK GOLF CLUB SUFFOLK

BANK HOUSE HOTEL WORCESTERSHIRE

Oxfordshire’s finest golf club offers three championship courses that allow the opportunity to revel in a classical or modern challenge, alongside a six-hole course purposely designed for players starting their golf journey.

Situated on the northern edge of the Black Country, Bloxwich Golf Club is a well-established members' club founded in 1923. It offers excellent facilities and the traditions you would expect from one of the premier clubs in the area.

Created by the legendary Harry Colt in 1927, the 6,272-yard layout takes golfers on an enchanting journey through mature woodland, following the natural contours of the land as it descends and rises, and crosses and re-crosses a number of brooks and dykes that help to ensure that conditions will invariably be at their best. It is regarded as one of the best inland courses in Kent. Society packages available from £45pp.

Torwoodlee Golf Club welcomes visitors from around the world to sample its majestic course and experience the warmest of Scottish Borders hospitality.

Launceston Golf Club is a friendly member's club and a great venue for a day’s golf for green fee players or societies. It offers value for money packages for golf and social events, with excellent catering facilities, friendly staff, and deals suitable for parties of all sizes.

The Golf Centre is located in Aston, a rural part of Stevenage within easy distance of the A1 & A10 motorways. With ample free parking. the venue houses a superb par-72, 18-hole course, designed by John Jacobs. It is one of the finest designed courses in Hertfordshire. Stevenage Golf and Conference Centre offers a variety of society packages to suit personal requirements.

To Receive A Copy Email us at guide@golfnews.co.uk with your Society or Company Name, number of players, and your address.

Set in the beautiful Suffolk Countryside between Ipswich and Aldeburgh, Ufford Park is one of Suffolk’s premier golf clubs and an ideal venue to hold a truly memorable society or corporate golf day. Winter packages (Nov-Feb) start from £29pp. Summer packages (Mar-Oct) start from £35pp. TEL: 01394 382836 | EMAIL: GOLF@UFFORDPARK.CO.UK WEB: WWW.UFFORDPARK.CO.UK

Set at the foot of the Malvern Hills, in the finest rolling Worcestershire countryside, the stunning course offers a challenge to all levels of golfer, featuring six par threes, six par fours and six par fives, plus 14 lakes and two island greens. WINTER SOCIETY GOLF DAYS: (Nov 1 - Feb 28) Full English + 18 holes from £25pp. 18 holes + two-course meal from £29.50pp. TEL: 01886 833545 | EMAIL: GOLF.PRO@BANKHOUSEWORCESTER.COM WEB: WWW.BANKHOUSEWORCESTER.COM/GOLF

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

WEST MALLING GOLF CLUB KENT

GOLF GUIDE | NOVEMBER 2017

ALRESFORD GOLF CLUB HAMPSHIRE

[19]

HARROGATE GOLF CLUB NORTH YORKSHIRE

Over 125 year old, Alresford is one of the oldest and prettiest places to play, with picturesque and peaceful views over the Hampshire countryside. Laid out on beautiful chalk downland, which provides for exceptional playing conditions all year round, the club is a regular host of county amateur and PGA competitions. Winter season (Nov- Mar) greens fees start from £27.pp Summer season (Apr-Oct) greens fees start from £34pp

Harrogate Golf Club is the town’s oldest course, established in 1892. All visitors can be assured of a warm Yorkshire welcome, excellent facilities, and an enjoyable round of golf.

TEL: 01732 844785 | EMAIL: INFO@WESTMALLINGGOLF.COM WEB: WWW.WESTMALLINGGOLF.COM

TEL: 01962 733746 | EMAIL: SECRETARY@ALRESFORDGOLF.CO.UK WEB: WWW.ALRESFORDGOLF.CO.UK

TEL: 01423 862999 | EMAIL: SECRETARY@HARROGATE-GC.CO.UK WEB: WWW.HARROGATE-GC.CO.UK

WEYMOUTH GOLF CLUB DORSET

CALCOT PARK GOLF CLUB BERKSHIRE

CHILWELL MANOR GC NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

The two 18 Hole courses, Spitfire and Hurricane, named in honour of the iconic fighter planes that flew out of the nearby airfield during the Second World War, are a challenge for all standards of golfer. The courses are surrounded by beautiful undulating countryside, with many mature trees and panoramic views overlooking the North Downs. Winter society packages start from £22pp.

Weymouth Golf Club is a wonderful 18-hole parkland course designed by James Braid which opened in 1909 and boasts spectacular views of the Jurassic coast. The club is especially friendly and offers a warm welcome to all societies and visitors. A range of society packages are available from £21pp.

TEL: 01305 750831 | EMAIL: WEYMOUTHGOLFCLUB@GMAIL.COM WEB: WWW.WEYMOUTHGOLFCLUB.CO.UK

ROCHESTER AND COBHAM PARK GC KENT

Calcot Park is a Harry S. Colt designed course that has invested heavily in improving its facilities and surrounds to such high levels that it now comfortably sits as one the best of its category in the county. The course is rated in the top six golf clubs in Berkshire and we hope you will avail yourself of the facilities on offer at the club. Winter Golf Experience; coffee and bacon roll on arrival, 18 holes of golf and a two-course chef’s special afterwards for just £45 per person (minimum eight players required).

The club has societies that come back year after year to enjoy its excellent hospitality. Please contact the club for package details.

The course is an impeccable par-70, 6,216-yard layout first built in 1906, and offers the competitive golfer an interesting challenge in positional play. Winter season packages (Nov-Feb) start from £26. Summer season packages (Mar-Oct) start from £29.

TEL: 0118 942 7124 | EMAIL: INFO@CALCOTPARK.COM | WEB: WWW.CALCOTPARK.COM

TEL: 0115 9258958 | EMAIL: SECRETARY@CHILWELLMANORGOLFCLUB.CO.UK WEB: WWW.CHILWELLMANORGOLFCLUB.CO.UK

LONGNIDDRY GOLF CLUB EAST LOTHIAN

GEORGE WASHINGTON GOLF HOTEL TYNE & WEAR

Longniddry is located on the south shore of the Firth of Forth at the start to what is arguably the finest stretch of golfing coastline in the world, Scotland’s Golf Coast. This Harry S Colt design offers a traditional test of golf over its unique combination of links and woodland, many holes having spectacular views towards Edinburgh City Centre. Winter packages (Nov-Mar) from £25pp. Summer packages (Apr-Oct) from £50pp.

A true championship golf course in the North East, with all the facilities for an excellent round of golf, the George Washington Golf Club is set in picturesque County Durham and is one of the most challenging courses in the region.

TEL: 01474 823411 | EMAIL: MANAGER@ROCHESTERANDCOBHAMGC.CO.UK WEB: WWW.ROCHESTERANDCOBHAMGC.CO.UK

TEL: 01875 852141 | EMAIL: SECRETARY@LONGNIDDRYGOLFCLUB.CO.UK WEB: WWW.LONGNIDDRYGOLFCLUB.CO.UK

TEL: 0191 417 8346 | EMAIL: GSD@GEORGEWASHINGTON.CO.UK WEB: WWW.GEORGEWASHINGTON.CO.UK

NOTTS GOLF CLUB NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

TEMPLE GOLF CLUB BERKSHIRE

Bespoke society packages are available – please contact the office for details.

Temple offers year-round golf on a high-quality course designed by two-time Open Champion Willie Park Jr. in 1909. It’s handy location near to the M4 and M40, beautiful setting, renowned hospitality, excellent value for money and friendly service make Temple the ideal society venue. Summer packages (Apr-Oct) from £50pp. Winter packages (Nov-Mar) from £35pp.

MATFEN HALL HOTEL NORTHUMBERLAND

TEL: 01623 753225 OPTION 2 FOR THE OFFICE OPTION 3 FOR THE PRO SHOP EMAIL: OFFICE@NOTTSGOLFCLUB.CO.UK | WEB: WWW.NOTTSGOLFCLUB.CO.UK

TEL: 01628 824795 | EMAIL: SECRETARY@TEMPLEGOLFCLUB.CO.UK WEB: WWW.TEMPLEGOLFCLUB.CO.UK

TEL: 01661 886400 | EMAIL: PETER.SMITH@MATFENHALL.COM WEB: WWW.MATFENHALL.COM

One of the oldest courses in England, since the new course was completed the club has hosted the Kent Amateur Championship, the Brabazon Trophy final qualifier, and two International matches, as well as hosting regional qualifying for the Open Championship. A range of society packages are available on Tuesday afternoons and all-day Thursdays. All society days are tailored to requirements. Society Winter Specials are offered from November–March.

Notts Golf Club, otherwise known as Hollinwell after the Holy Well by the 8th, hosted the Final Open Qualifier in 2017. Players from around the globe won through their regional qualifying events to contend there for three places in the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. On July 3rd 2018, Hollinwell will again host one of the Final Open Qualifying events for the 147th Open at Carnoustie.

Multiple package options are available from £25pp. Contact the club for further details.

Matfen Hall Golf Club is set in 300 acres of mature Northumberland parkland with established burns and woodland creating one of the finest and picturesque venues in the region. An award winning four star Country House Hotel and the perfect venue for you to consider as your away trip for 2018. Winter Sprinter Package (Nov–Mar) comprising coffee & bacon roll, followed by 18 holes, starts from £20pp.

[20] NOVEMBER 2017 | FEATURE

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

MR CONSISTENCY

Paul Casey talks about rejoining the European Tour, his return to the world’s top 20, switching equipment, and how family life has given him a new perspective on ‘chasing a small white ball around a field’

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

FEATURE | NOVEMBER 2017

t’s difficult to explain to people how difficult it is to win on tour. In a lot of other sports, such as tennis, the same players win all the time. I’ve won 17 tournaments in my career, so I know how to win, but it has been three years since I won in Europe and eight since I won in the US. It can get frustrating, but I’m learning to stay patient. It doesn't get any easier though, with the new generation of players coming through, but I’m enjoying my golf more than I have in a long time, and I feel like I’m on the right path. Consistency is obviously what most golfers are looking for, but it can only take you so far. I need to work out how to turn consistency into wins. Consistency is great, I love it, but winning is what we’re out here for. I seem to play well on Thursdays, but not so well on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s a puzzle.

doubly difficult being a father of two, but I spoke long and hard with my wife, Pollyana, about the decision, and I think ultimately the biggest thing is that I'm avoiding having any regrets about not rejoining. I can't tell you how excited I am about the possibility of playing in the Ryder Cup, for multiple reasons. Firstly, I feel that with the level golf I've being playing over the last few years, I know that I can make a massive contribution on the golf course. I've got another four or five years of really good stuff left in me, but the clock is ticking. But what excites me more is the role I can play in supporting some of younger guys coming through. I’ve missed contributing to English

My caddie, Johnnie McLaren, has played a big part in turning around my fortunes – so I’ve got a lot to thank Luke Donald for. Johnnie’s been on the bag for coming up to two years now, and we’ve formed a really good partnership. I think we’ve worked out a good strategy for playing our way around a golf course. We're always questioning whether we're being aggressive enough or overly aggressive, and generally we manage to strike the right balance. He’s been very good at quietening me down between shots, as I have a tendency to over-analyse things and talk too much.

someone who is always putting for birdie is incredibly tough to beat. The Masters probably presents my best chance of a major win – I’ve had five top tens at Augusta. I’ve never really fared very well at the Open. I don’t know why. Apart from when Louis Oosthuizen won at St Andrews in 2010, when I finished third – I’ve never really been a factor.

I like to jump on my bike whenever I’m at home in Arizona. It's rare I don't do at least 150 to 200 miles a week. I must be a glutton for punishment, but I especially like the hill climbs. It’s pretty extreme, but it makes me feel alive. It’s not quite a midlife crisis – although I have just turned 40. Maybe I’ll go out and buy a white Lamborghini when I reach that point, but it’s not happened yet. My wife, Pollyanna, is fantastic and understands me so well. Those that have met her understand the positivity she carries with her. It’s very infectious, and it’s something that’s nice to have around. I’m not that way and I need to be. She is very calm, and I think that’s been a very positive influence on my golf and on my life in general.

I had to get used to playing with a lot of different equipment after Nike got out of the equipment business last year, but I feel like I’ve adjusted pretty well, given that I had to change everything in the bag, including my golf ball. I bleed Nike. I've been with them 13 years, and I'm going to try and be a part of the Nike family for as long as I can. I’ve decided to rejoin the European Tour for next season so that I can be eligible for next year’s Ryder Cup. The recent changes to the qualification criteria have certainly made it a lot easier to play a schedule on both tours. Thomas Bjørn has been working me very hard over the last few months, and he’s a hard man to say no to – he’s very big! But he’s also been hugely supportive, and he's assisted in me making the decision with his confidence and his backing of me and my game. But at the same time, he’s made no promises about my selection, and I know I’m going to have to carry on playing great golf for the next nine or 10 months in order to earn my place on that team. I've missed being a member of the European Tour. Not being on it has always bothered me slightly over the last few years. Some people said it was a reaction to being left out of the Ryder Cup team in 2010, but that rubbish. I love a conspiracy theory as much as the next man, but It had nothing to do with it whatsoever. The number of events that we were required to play by both tours at that time made it very difficult to play both well and I suffered. My game wasn't there to do both successfully. And then with my son Lex being born I had a new priority, which was my family, plain and simple. So it was a selfish choice. Now it’s

I’VE DECIDED TO REJOIN THE EUROPEAN TOUR FOR NEXT SEASON SO THAT I CAN BE ELIGIBLE FOR NEXT YEAR’S RYDER CUP. THE RECENT CHANGES TO THE QUALIFICATION CRITERIA HAVE CERTAINLY MADE IT A LOT EASIER TO PLAY A SCHEDULE ON BOTH TOURS

Having children was a decision I didn’t take lightly. I stewed over it for a long, long time. Becoming a dad is by far the greatest thing I’ve ever done, and has helped put everything else into perspective. The joys of parenthood are completely eye opening. You often see a trend where guys have played really well after becoming fathers, and that’s likely because they have something to play for. Pollyana, Lex and Astaria are the most important things in my life. I became an ambassador for UNICEF earlier this year, and have pledged to donate €100 for every birdie I hit on tour. Ultimately, if I play really well, I'm raising lots of money for kids and hopefully moving up the leaderboard. It's a win-win situation. To donate to Paul Casey’s UNICEF fund, visit https://pledgeit.org/paulcasey

golf, and if I should make the team it would be great to play alongside guys like Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick and Tyrrell Hatton. I love match play golf. I love the whole psychology of it. It’s often about the guy who makes the fewest mistakes. I don’t make a lot of bogeys, so I guess that’s why it suits me better as a format than some other players. The guy that just keeps bogeys off his card is always in the hole, and

CASEY’S CONSISTENT RESULTS IN 2017

[21]

WHAT’S IN THE BAG

EVENTS PLAYED: 26

FED EX CUP RANKING: 11TH

DRIVER: TAYLORMADE M2

CUTS MADE: 25

PRIZE MONEY: $3.9M

FAIRWAY WOOD: TAYLORMADE M1 (3)

WINS: 0

DRIVING DISTANCE: 297 YARDS (58TH)

IRONS: MIZUNO MP25 (3-PW)

TOP 10S: 9

FAIRWAYS IN REG: 64% (49TH)

WEDGES: TITLEIST VOKEY SM6

TOP 25S: 19

GREENS IN REG: 70% (3RD)

PUTTER: SCOTTY CAMERON NEWPORT 2

WORLD RANKING: 15TH

SCORING AVERAGE: 69.46 (5TH)

BALL: TITLEIST PRO V1

[22] NOVEMBER 2017 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

SHARPEN UP YOUR SHORT GAME IN SUNNY SPAIN! Stuart Smith Golf Academy offering a week of world-class tuition and top-quality hospitality at the stunning Spanish resort of Costa Ballena in Andalusia next May

■ PGA COACH STUART SMITH WILL HOST THE TRIP

olfers looking to improve their chipping and putting under warm Spanish skies should make a date to join leading short game coach Stuart Smith, who will be passing on his expertise at an exclusive week-long coaching holiday being held at the superb Barcelo Costa Ballena Golf & Spa Resort in Andalusia next spring. The tuition trip, which takes place from May 7th-14th, will teach you how to think like a professional to improve your short game and lower your scores. The trip will feature morning tuition sessions with Smith and his team, followed by five rounds on Costa Ballena’s 18-hole Ocean Course, a regular venue for the European Tour’s Qualifying School. The resort also boasts an excellent nine-hole par three course. The Barcelo Hotel is positioned next to the golf course, and is only 300 yards from the clubhouse, while the resort offers a superb range of leisure and sporting activities, including swimming, horse riding, windsurfing and tennis.

TRANSFORM YOUR SHORT GAME & LOWER YOUR SCORES The week-long coaching course will cover all aspects of the short game, from putting and chipping, to bunker play and pitching, while all students will receive a short game booklet explaining the drills, how to practise, and advice on developing pre-shot routines when they return home.

CALLAWAY FIBRE FILLED PUFFA £79.99, CALLAWAYGOLF.COM

A wind-resistant full-zip jacket, the Puffa is designed with light filled woven sections on the front and back and stretch side panels. 'Opti-Therm' technology provides thermal insulation, while 'Opti-Stretch' creates a garment that's extremely playable. Features included zippered side pockets, zippered chest pocket, internal bungee cord, and elasticated binding at cuffs. Finished with a Callaway Tour logo on the right sleeve and chevron branding on the back neck, it is available in black or dark blue. ■ COSTA BALLENA BOASTS 27 HOLES AND SUPERB ACADEMY FACILITIES

The week will start with a test of each student’s short game skills – covering putting, chipping, bunker play and pitching – and students will be tested again at the end of the week to measure their improvement.

friends. The tuition really helped both of us understand the short game, and we have already seen the improvements in our scores since returning home. We will probably be joining Stuart in May, highly recommend one of Stuart’s trips.” GERALD

PGA-trained Smith, whose innovative approach has helped hundreds of amateur golfers transform their short games, said: “I am 100% confident that everyone attending this week will see their scores improve on their second test. Why? Because an understanding of the correct techniques to execute each shot will see a huge improvement in your shots, and then of course you will have your techniques improved whilst out there. As well as being a coaching course, this trip is also a holiday, so guests can take part in as many, or as few, sessions as they wish.”

The trip in September to El Rompido was my second venture with Stuart and am already booked up for February. My short game has totally transformed to a stage where I am no longer just thinking about hitting the green, but to how close I can get the ball, and even thinking about holing the shot. What I especially like is that everything is organised for you, from your tee times, playing partners, and tuition times, making these stress free and very enjoyable trips.” JANE

GOLFERS’ TESTIMONIALS

◆ 7 nights’ half-board at the 4-star Barcelo Costa Ballena in Cadiz ◆ 5 rounds at Costa Ballena Ocean Golf Club ◆ Use of the driving range with unlimited balls and free use of practice facilities ◆ All tuition provided by Stuart Smith ◆ Return flights on British Airways from Gatwick to Seville, plus all transfers The total cost is £920pp for two people sharing a twin room, and £1,060 for a single room.

“We attended the recent trip with Stuart to El Rompido and had a fantastic time. The venue was excellent, the people were great, and we made some new

ITINERARY – MAY 7-14, 2018

BOOK NOW! Spaces are limited for this great value tuition break, so for bookings and all other enquiries, visit www. stuartsmithgolfacademy. com, email stuart@ stuartsmithgolfacademy. com or call 07766 733560.

STAMP YOUR BALLS £6.99, STAMPYOURBALLS.COM

While using a Sharpie to mark your ball with a dot below the logo is fine, it’s also done by virtually everybody else, so using a marker that is unique to you could help save shots and time. Stampyourballs is an easy and effective way to mark your balls. It offers over 60 designs, including a variety of national flags, animals and crests, while custom options that are more personal are also available to order. To mark your ball, simply press the stamp against it, and you’re done. Durable and smudge-free, Stampyourballs is the ideal gift for all golfers.

BLUE OLIVE BAG BROLLY £29.95, CLUBBLUEOLIVE.COM

Say goodbye to frantically trying to replace a club in your bag or trolley to keep your golf gear dry during even the slightest of showers. The Blue Olive Bag Brolly is a neat telescopic waterproof umbrella which sits neatly next to your golf clubs in the central compartment of a golf bag. The robust spring feature enables the player to quickly and easily pull, push or slide the brolly away when a club exchange is needed.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

GIFTS | NOVEMBER 2017

[23]

ETIQUS GOLF WATCHES FROM £149.99, ETIQUS.CO.UK

ALCOSENSE BREATHALYSERS £99-£149, ALCOSENSE.CO.UK

We all know that if you have been drinking, you don’t get into your car and drive – but what about unintentional drink driving the morning after? It's easier than you might think. One-fifth of drink/ drive prosecutions happen the morning after, so why risk it? You can quickly and easily tell when alcohol has cleared your system with a pocket-sized device called the AlcoSense Excel (£99.99) or the AlcoSense Pro (£149.99). Both breathalysers use smaller version of exactly the same sensor used by several UK police breathalysers. Don’t drink and drive this Christmas – give the gift of safety.

Christmas Gift Guide

A unique Christmas gift for any golf lover. Etiqus makes quality patented watches for every day wear, all with Swiss-made movements and sapphire crystal glass as standard. Available for both men and women golfers in a range of finishes, golf-related dial colours, and choice of straps, each watch comes beautifully presented in a gift box. Etiqus has built an excellent reputation based on great online service and value, and is truly one of golf's hidden gems.

SUNWISE PARADE WHITE SUNGLASSES £65.99, SHOP.SUNWISE.CO.UK

Perfect for year-round wear, Sunwise Parade White sunglasses feature innovative Polafusion lenses to give you the clearest view possible whilst out on the course. Not only will these sunglasses protect you from harmful UV rays, they will also make it much easier to track the ball and see any difference in the way the green lies. These lightweight wraparound sunglasses blend comfort and style seamlessly. A sleek white frame with gold platinum lenses come complete with flat arms that can fit under any cap withoutcausing irritation.

Leave this page on the kitchen table and hope that Santa’s feeling generous this year!

TALON MK2 TRAINING AID £199, OJEEGOLF.COM

The Talon Mk2 is the new scientific method of achieving confidence and consistency with every club in the bag. It uses clever technology to measure the four key elements of a golfer’s set up: shaft angle – spine angle – Ojee angle (the difference between the shaft and spine angle) – and club face angle. Find out more about the Ojee Angle, and how the Talon Mk2 can revolutionise your game, at www.ojeegolf.com.

GOLFBUDDY WTX £199, CLUBHOUSEGOLF.CO.UK

The GolfBuddy WTX delivers all the functionality of a handheld unit in a stylish, compact watch. Its touchscreen showcases distances to the front, centre and back of greens, as well as hazards, while complete hole view, distances from angle of approach and pin position selection, make the WTX one of the most complete GPS watches on the market. What’s more, if you purchase it from clubhousegolf.co.uk, you’ll receive a dozen free Callaway Supersoft balls.

TAYLORMADE TP5 GOLF BALLS £49.95, TAYLORMADEGOLF.EU

TP5 and TP5x offer complete tee-to-green performance, thanks to TaylorMade’s patented five-layer construction. The Tri-Fast core and Dual-Spin cover give golfers more performance where it matters most – distance and wedge spin. With optimised launch, improved distance and superior greenside control, the TP5 and TP5X are played by World No.1 Dustin Johnson, as well as Rory McIlroy, Jason Day and Justin Rose. There are two options to choose from, so it’s easy to find one to suit your game. TP5x is slightly firmer and launches higher, while TP5 features a softer feel with mid launch.

SKYTRAK £1,895, SKYTRAKGOLF.COM Available for under £2,000, and with 0% pay-monthly finance, golf’s new super-tech SkyTrak has created a home golfing revolution in the UK, with hundreds now used in living rooms, golf club lounges and golf academies since its launch two years ago. More than a simulator, more than a launch monitor, it’s the best of both. Accurate enough for custom-fitting and in-depth swing analysis, and with access to over 100,000 virtual golf courses, including the world’s best simulator software, SkyTrak makes professional golf launch monitors affordable. Enjoy £200 off SkyTrak until December 31st. Speak to your local PGA Pro now.

CADDYCELL LITHIUM BATTERY £174.99, GOLFSTREAM.CO.UK

The Caddycell lithium battery has everything – it’s small, lightweight (only 2.1kg), charges to full in four hours, and fits all major brands of electric golf trolley. It even has a USB charging point, so you can use your mobile GPS app or just charge your phone. Every battery comes with a full set of leads for use on any trolley, a neoprene carry case, handy sealable Velcro flap to protect the USB port, and a full three-year guarantee.

[24] NOVEMBER 2017 | INTERVIEW

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

THE NEXT SEVE?

Billed as Europe’s ‘next big thing’, Spanish sensation Jon Rahm looks certain to play a leading role at next year’s Ryder Cup, where he will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of his hero, Seve Ballesteros

■ RAHM HAS ROCKETED TO FIFTH IN THE WORLD RANKINGS

anked fifth in the world; wins in America and Europe; fifth in the FedEx Cup, and currently third in the Race to Dubai – it has been quite a year for you so far. Do you ever have to pinch yourself when you think of how far you’ve come in such a short space of time? Yeah, I've been amazing myself. I often feel that if I stop to think about what I’ve been doing, it might all come crashing down. It really is somewhat frightening, because I don't know if I'm going to be able to improve next year. The expectations are going to be really high after this one. I’ve accomplished goals that weren’t even in my mind before this year. Top ten in the world? Top five in world? European Tour winner? That was all years down the road. The fact that I’ve been able to accomplish these things before my first year on tour has finished is beyond my wildest dreams. It’s all happened a lot quicker than I thought it would, but I'm glad it has worked out that way, and I'm glad I'm able to play in America and in Europe. I haven't really stopped since January, so I’m looking forward to putting the clubs away for a few weeks over Christmas, and spending some time at home. What has the experience of playing both tours been like? I've only played a handful of European Tour events, so I wouldn’t say that I’ve settled into it just yet, but I did grow up in Europe, so it wasn’t like it was a new experience. As far as the tour is concerned, I didn't really know what to expect, to be honest. The whole vibe is a little different. People say that it's a little friendlier than the PGA Tour, and that is probably the case, but only because I can hang out with all the Spanish players, and we are all friendly with each other. Everyone’s a little bit more relaxed in Europe, there are lots of laughs, and players are joking with each other a lot more. I don't know why. Maybe Europeans are just happier than Americans! As far as the courses go, the general experience on the PGA Tour is that you hit it as hard as you can, try to hit it high to get it to the green, and, if you miss the green, you pull out a lob wedge. Having said that, there are lots of more traditional courses, like Colonial, where there's more strategy involved. You don't necessarily have to hit driver everywhere. But the good thing about playing in Europe, is that there are lot of shots that require imagination, especially around the green. You can hit three or four different types of shot and end up in the same spot. At the start of the season was challenging for the Race to Dubai on your checklist? Well, I didn't have the luxury to have long-term goals at that point. So I was really just focusing on the events in front of me, as I knew I had to get a minimum amount of money to be able to get my Tour card. Then once I hit January and I won at Torrey Pines, everything changed again. I got into all the WGCs and majors, so I had to reschedule everything around those

OF COURSE, I WANT TO WIN MAJORS MORE THAN ANYTHING, MAYBE TOO MUCH, SO I’VE GOT TO TRY AND THINK OF THEM AS JUST BEING NORMAL TOURNAMENTS. IT IS MY FIRST YEAR PLAYING MAJORS, SO HOPEFULLY I’LL LEARN SOMETHING FROM IT, AND NEXT YEAR I WILL PLAY BETTER

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

INTERVIEW | NOVEMBER 2017 [25]

tournaments and luckily for me, winning that opened up the possibility of being able to join the European Tour and play more in Europe. The Race to Dubai became a realistic goal after I won in Ireland. Before that, I wasn't really anywhere in the rankings. I was up there after Mexico, but, after winning Ireland, I really became conscious of the fact that I could win it. It became a goal of mine, especially once I learned that no Spanish player since Seve had won it. Neither José Maria [Olazábal] or Sergio [Garcia] have been able to win it, so hopefully now that we have three Spaniards up there in the rankings, we’ll give the Englishmen a run for their money. Obviously we’re moving into a Ryder Cup year now, with less than 11 months to go before the matches in Paris. You were only three years old when the matches were held in Spain, but how much was the Ryder Cup on your radar when you were growing up? Spain’s hosting of the Ryder Cup in 1997 is one of the main reasons why I play golf today. As a result of that Ryder Cup, my dad started playing golf. Nobody in my family ever played golf before, and because of that I play golf now. It [the Ryder Cup] has a huge impact on golf, and especially in the countries that host it. A lot of Spanish kids were encouraged and inspired to take up the game after Valderrama, and I’m sure the same will happen in France and in Italy in the years to come.

Given your general high quality of play this year, how frustrated are you that things didn’t quite work out in the majors? I think I may have put a little bit too much pressure on myself to perform in the majors this year. There was a lot of expectation, from others and from myself. Of course, I want to win majors more than anything, maybe too much, so I’ve got to try and think of them as just being normal tournaments. It is my first year playing majors, so hopefully I’ll learn something from it, and next year I will play better. You were seen working with José Maria on the chipping green at the Italian Open. How important is it for you to have someone as experienced as him to chat to? I think José Maria has been a teacher and an inspiration for everybody on the European Tour. We were actually working on some shots from about 20 to 30 yards. I recently asked TaylorMade to give me stats so that I could get a better understanding of where I could improve my game for next year, and it showed that those little shots from inside 30 yards had not been up with the rest of my game, so I was just asking José Maria what he does. I hit a few shots and he gave me some tips, and also told me a couple things Seve used to do. I'll have to see if it works for me long term or not, but so far it has really made a difference.

■ RAHM WAS MOBBED BY GROUPS OF ADORING YOUNG FANS WHEN HE RETURNED TO SPAIN TO PLAY IN LAST MONTH'S ANDALUCIA MASTERS AT VALDERRAMA

You played in the French Open at Paris National. What did you make of the course, and how do you think it will work out as a Ryder Cup venue? It is probably one of the best golf courses I've ever played. I played it when I was 14 or 15 years old in the European Young Masters in 2009. I can't remember where I finished in the individual event, but as a team we finished third – we got the bronze medal. Anyway, the course has changed quite a bit since then, so I really wanted to come back. It's obviously a beautiful course. It's a great design. It's challenging in every aspect. You have to hit almost every single club in the bag, and courses that make you do that are really fun to play. I can't think of anything bad to say about the course. It really is amazing. I usually like hitting driver off the tee, but you can’t do that there on every hole. I like courses which makes you think about every shot, and hit every club in the bag. Being able to hit 5-woods and 3-irons off the tee is what makes it fun. The par fives are really challenging, as are the par threes, and the fourhole finishing stretch is among the best you’ll ever see. So it really is a complete golf course and it's really, really fun to play. I'm a believer that you need to fit the course, instead of the course fitting you, and I think I can adapt pretty well. Hopefully, I will be able to represent Europe, and to play my first Ryder Cup in a great city like Paris is going to be a dream come true. It’s not so far from Spain, so hopefully I'll be able to get some support. I'm excited to try to play my best golf to make that dream come true. You will most likely end the year as the top European player in the world rankings. How does that feel? It feels a little odd, to be honest. To be ahead of Rory [McIlroy] feels a little weird. Rory has had a couple of great years, but as soon as you have a little bit of a drop off in form, you're going to go down the rankings. I have had a very consistent season, and have won some tournaments, so I’m happy to be where I am, but it doesn’t really feel real. If I'm still in the same spot in a couple years, maybe I'll feel a little differently.

What did you make of the Rolex Series, and the idea of focusing on a handful of big money events to attract stronger fields? The European Tour was clearly missing something in that regard, so all credit to the tour and to Rolex for creating six or seven events that are very important through the year. It has been a great move, not only for European-based players, but also for people like me who are playing both tours. It's always great to see the European Tour grow. I think it's the beginning of something great, and hopefully it can become something greater. Finally, you’re known for being a quick player. What do you think of the European Tour’s decision to adopt a new format at next year’s Austrian Open when players will have just 40 seconds to play each shot, as they did at the GolfSixes event? I think it's great. I would have been happy for it to be just 20 seconds, to be honest. You may have noticed, but I don't like waiting around on the golf course. I know that every once in a while everybody takes a little longer, because you're not sure about the wind, or you’re in between clubs, but as a general rule, I don't like waiting. My caddie and I are pretty fast. You get a number, you hit it; there's nothing else around. From my experience, pros spend most of their time reading putts, and that is where pace of play can slow down. It’s not so bad in regular tournaments, but it can become a real issue in the majors. They are important weeks, and people take a lot of time, but they are also the most-watched events, and fans just get bored of waiting for people to hit shots. I'm just glad the European Tour is trying to do something about it. It's good to hear about the tournament in Austria, and hopefully it will spread to more events. I know that some players are going to complain, but I think it's a good start. If you're in the middle of the fairway, or if you have a three-foot putt, and you take more than 40 seconds, yeah, you should be penalised.

[26] NOVEMBER 2017 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

STORY BEHIND THE PIC PAYNE STEWART • US OPEN • PINEHURST • JUNE 20 1999

THIS NOW ICONIC PICTURE of Payne Stewart celebrating holing the putt that won him the 1999 US

How his playing career would have

Open is one that inspires joy and pity in equal measure.

panned out if he had lived, will always remain an unanswered question, but

At first glance, the sheer joy written large on his face, and the typically over-the-top response from a man who wore

according to those in the know, he was

his heart and his emotions on his sleeve – and his plus fours

America's likely choice as Ryder Cup

– was what stood Stewart apart from his fellow players.

captain for the matches held at Celtic Manor in 2010.

But afforded the ‘luxury’ of hindsight, as we are, the image

While we’ll never know if he would

is both chilling to the casual observer and heart-rending to friends and family, as just over three months later Stewart

have left Tiger Woods out of the Saturday

would be dead.

fourballs, you can bet that he would have had a big say in the match outfits, with a

Rarely has the knife-edge of life and death been captured more clearly than it is in this picture. Here is a man who, at

check plus-four number being a strong

42, was coming into his golf prime, having just captured one

favourite for the Sunday singles. A fervent American patriot, Stewart

of the game’s greatest prizes. And to now know that it was to be his last victory adds a poignancy that even the hardest

was regarded by some as being one of

of hearts cannot fail to be moved by.

the main instigators of the nationalistic element that was a feature of Ryder Cups

Eighteen years on, and the horrific circumstances surrounding Stewart’s death serve as a reminder of how we

in the 90s, yet those who knew him

give air travel no more thought these days than we would

knew that to be farthest from the truth.

crossing the road. OK, we hate the delays and the endless

A month before his death, he had played

security checks, but the flying element is the bit we perhaps

in the infamous ‘Bearpit’ at Brookline

take for granted.

and was appalled at the abuse that Colin Montgomerie received. The American

Stewart died along with five other people when the

waded into the crowd to have people

Learjet he was flying in from his home in Florida to Dallas suffered a catastrophic loss of cabin pressure, which knocked

have been remembered fondly, and for a long time, by everyone

ejected and, sickened by what he had seen over the course of 18

everyone unconscious inside the plane within a matter of

attached to the sport. Not only did he win three majors and 21

holes, picked Monty's ball up on the final green and said: "That

minutes. What was even more horrifying for those relatives

other tour titles, but he turned the boring, conservative game

will do us."

watching events unfold on the news, was that the plane was on

that 80s professional golf had become into something more

auto-pilot, and carried on flying for a further three hours before it

resembling entertainment. Always a fierce competitor, he knew

his wallet. He wrote in his autobiography: "Every time I pull it out,

ran out of fuel and crashed to the ground in South Dakota.

how to have fun, on and off the golf course, and saw the game in

I think back to the moment Payne gave me the match and how

its true perspective.

fragile life can be."

Regardless of the manner or timing of his death, Stewart would

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NEWS | NOVEMBER 2017

[27]

CLOSE, BUT NOT CLOSE ENOUGH! Golf News’ very own Richard Maunder recounts the tale of his trip to Close House in Newcastle to take part in the British Masters Pro-Am

’ve been lucky enough to play in several Pro-Am events on the Challenge Tour before, but never had the opportunity to play in one on the European Tour, so when the call came into the Golf News offices from one of the British Masters’ main sponsors, Hero MotoCorp, to ask if someone would like to take part in the Pro-Am that preceded this year’s tournament at Close House, I jumped at the chance. Three weeks later I found myself boarding an EasyJet flight from Bristol to Newcastle on a Monday afternoon, clubs in tow, and looking forward to a fun few days mixing it with the stars in the North East. Hero had very generously organised a full itinerary for my three-day trip, and I was met at the airport and given a private transfer to the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead Hotel, where a lot of the players taking part in the British Masters were staying for the week. The following morning we were transferred to Close House, and given the morning to watch the practice rounds. With Rory McIlroy making a last-minute decision to take part, following his failure to make the Tour Championship in America, there was a real buzz about the venue, with lots of fans looking to catch a glimpse of ‘Rors’ before he put his clubs away for the year. I won’t lie – I was one of those fans – and made a beeline to the part of the course where I could get a good vantage point to see him in action They say that TV has the effect of flattening courses on screen. That’s certainly true of Close House, but there’s no getting away from the fact that it has been built on the side of a valley, and features

■ CLOSE HOUSE'S COLT COURSE

■ DREAM TEAM: RICHARD WITH ROSS FISHER

some very steep climbs and descents. You don’t tend to notice it so much when you’re playing shots, but when you’re just casually wandering around, it certainly takes some walking. After watching a few groups out on the course, and spending some time on the range, we gathered at Hero’s corporate hospitality box to watch the Hero Challenge. Introduced at the British Masters at The Grove last year, the Hero Challenge is basically a par-three shootout held under floodlights that aims to bring a bit of razzamatazz to what would normally be a fairly quiet warm up to the tournament. With loud music, bright lights and fireworks, it’s been a breath of fresh air for both the players and the fans, and shows that the European Tour is not afraid to embrace new formats and ideas to make golf more relevant and fun. This third renewal had more than a smattering of talent on show, with tournament host Lee Westwood, who is attached to Close House and helped designed the course, taking part alongside Sergio Garcia, Martin Kaymer, Ross Fisher,

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Miguel Angel Jimenez, Bernd Wiesberger, Danny Willett and Matt Fitzpatrick. There were also a handful of celebrities involved, including Robbie Fowler, Stuart Broad and Dan Walker, and a guy from Geordie Shore, Gaz Beadle, who almost took out Sergio when he pulled his tee shot. It was fitting that the final was contested by the two of the tournament’s biggest stars, with Lee beating Sergio in a pitch off after both players parred the hole. The following day was when things got a little more serious – at least for me – as it was the day of the Pro-Am. We had a very early transfer from the hotel to the course, and after checking in and picking up a goody bag – which included a Ping carry bag – our team headed off with our caddies to the range to hit some balls. Twenty minutes later we were standing on the tenth tee, where we met our pro for the day, Ross Fisher, who had recently come into a good run of form. Ross is a friendly guy, with plenty of chat, and while he had a job to do, he was great company for the whole of the round.

Fortunately I played ok, even managing to pick up a few birdies along the way, and after just nine holes we found ourselves on 18 under par and up among the leaders. With four holes to go, we were still going well, and needed to pick up a further seven shots to be in with a chance of winning. Playing the last, we were four behind the leaders – needing a miracle. We managed to pick up two shots, with me making a birdie, but it wasn’t quite enough, and we finished second on 30 under par. After golf there was a superb gala dinner held at the hotel, with a prize presentation – I won a Ping putter – live music and a charity auction, where huge sums were raised for Close House owner Graham Wylie’s foundation. Nursing sore heads, we headed back to the course on Thursday morning to catch some of the tournament action proper, and see how easy the pros make it look. And with our very own Tyrrell Hatton shooting 63, there clearly were some good scores to be made out there. After lunch, and after watching a few more of the headline groups out on the course, it was time to transfer back to Newcastle airport for my flight home, after a very enjoyable three days in the North East.

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[28] NOVEMBER 2017 | NEWS

THE BIGGER PICTURE

WE'LL ALWAYS HAVE

PARIS

Ryder Cup captains Jim Furyk and Thomas BjÃ¸rn tee off the oneyear countdown to the 2018 Ryder Cup by driving from a platform on the Eiffel Tower in Paris. No official yardages were recorded, but two tourists came away with unexpected souvenirs. PHOTOS BY GETTY IMAGES

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â&#x2013; THE PLATFORM WAS 190 FEET FROM THE GROUND

[30] NOVEMBER 2017 | FEATURE

NO DOUBTING THOMAS

FedExCup champion Justin Thomas is one of the poster boys for the new generation of allAmerican talent that looks set to dominate the game over the next decade. Here’s how he managed his unrelenting rise to the top

lthough big things were expected of Justin Thomas when he left college in 2013, even his most ardent supporters could have been excused for not expecting that those big things would happen quite so quickly, and quite so spectacularly, as they have over the last 12 months for the 24 year old from Kentucky. Born and raised in Louisville, and the son of a country club professional, Thomas was a star from his earliest days as a junior, winning three times on the prestigious American Junior Golf Association circuit, and twice earning Junior All-American honours. Prior to his junior year in high school, he played in the Wyndham Championship in 2009, when aged just 16 and three months, he became the third youngest player in history to make the cut in a PGA Tour event. He won a golf scholarship to the University of Alabama in 2012, where he won America’s most prestigious college golfing honour, the Haskins Award, in only his first year; while over a two-year period he won six individual tournaments, helped his team win the national college championship, and played in the 2013 Walker Cup. With the lure of the pro game proving too much, Thomas left university after his second year without graduating, but with high hopes of a successful transition to the paid ranks. Not all players are able to cope with such heavy expectations, especially under such a glaring spotlight, but Thomas took to the professional game like a duck to water, earning a card for the Web. com Tour after coming through qualifying, and then winning his first event, the National Children’s Hospital Championship, within six months of having turned pro. Finishing third in that season’s money list, he won instant promotion to the PGA Tour for the 2015 season. Thomas’s unrelenting upward curve continued, with the rookie bagging seven top-10s and 15 top25s en route to finishing 32nd in the 2014-15 money list, and narrowly losing out to Daniel Berger for the Rookie of the Year award. Quick out of the blocks

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FEATURE | NOVEMBER 2017

[31]

JUSTIN THOMAS BY NUMBERS AGE: 24 TURNED PRO: 2013 WORLD RANKING: 3 FEDEX CUP RANKING: 1 CAREER PGA TOUR WINS: 7 MAJOR WINS: 1 (2017 US PGA CHAMPIONSHIP) PGA TOUR APPEARANCES: 96 CUTS MADE: 72 (75%) CAREER PRIZE MONEY: $18,263,226 TOP 10 FINISHES: 28 (28%) DRIVING DISTANCE: 309 YARDS GREENS IN REG: 67% SCORING AVERAGE: 69.35 SAND SAVES: 48% ■ THOMAS JOINED THE 59 CLUB LAST YEAR AFTER SHOOTING 11 UNDER PAR AT THE SONY OPEN IN HAWAII

■ FIVE UP: THOMAS HAS ENJOYED A STELLAR SEASON ON THE PGA TOUR, WINNING HIS FIRST MAJOR AND THE 2017 FEDEX CUP

for the 2015-16 season, he recorded his first PGA Tour win at November’s CIMB Classic in Malaysia, shooting a second round 61 for a one-shot win over Adam Scott. By this time, the golfing world had begun to sit up and take notice of this young kid from Kentucky who seemed to play with the choke fully out and appeared unfazed by either the golf courses or the players he was up against. But almost everyone was taken slightly by surprise when the Thomas winning machine really kicked into gear last October, when he returned to Kuala Lumpa to retain the CIMB Championship, and then won two of his next four starts, including a sevenshot romp at the Sony Open that started with an opening round of 59. His 11-under-par round in Hawaii in January drew headlines around the world, and also catapulted Thomas into the world’s top 10 for the first time

birdie at the 13th, and a further gain at the 17th, signalled that it might be his time. And so it proved, as Kisner found the water on the final hole when attempting an eagle to match Thomas’s 276 total. Cue unbridled celebrations for the first-time major winner, and a high five and a warm embrace from one his main rivals for future major honours, Jordan Spieth, who also happens to be one of his best friends. Not short on confidence before his major breakthrough, but positively brimming with the stuff after – and moving up to fourth in the world rankings – Thomas entered the FedEx Cup series with all guns blazing. He finished sixth at the Northern Trust Open, won the Dell Technologies Championship – where he threw in another third round 63 en route to beating Spieth – and tied for 46th in the BMW Championship. He arrived at East

THE GOLFING WORLD SAT UP AND BEGAN TO TAKE NOTICE OF THIS YOUNG KID FROM KENTUCKY WHO PLAYED WITH THE CHOKE FULLY OUT in his career. After such a ridiculously good run of results, it wasn’t surprising that his form dipped slightly over the spring, with three missed cuts. He finished 22nd at the Masters, and then burst onto the major scene with a third round 63 at the US Open – a record-equalling low round – to go into the final 18 holes with a two-shot lead. However, three bogeys in the first five holes saw his lead disappear, and he slumped to a closing 75 to finish tied ninth behind runaway winner Brooks Koepka. After missing the cut at the Open Championship, he arrived at the Quail Hollow for the US PGA Championship with something to prove. Did he have what it takes to win one of the big ones? Could his ‘no holds barred’ way of playing win out over 72 holes of a major championship test? The answer to both those questions was an emphatic yes when Thomas shot rounds of 73, 66, 69 and 68 around the 7,500-yard course to win by two shots. With the lead held or shared between Kevin Kisner, Hideki Matsuyama, Francesco Molinari, Chris Stroud and Thomas, it proved one of the most enthralling back nine battles in recent major history. The tied turned in Thomas’s favour at the tenth hole, when a 10-foot birdie attempt looked to have stalled on the lip of the cup, only for it to drop a full 15 seconds after it had seemingly stopped. Everyone needs a bit of good fortune en route to major glory, and that was Thomas’s right there, while a chip-in

Lake for the Tour Championship needing to win the tournament outright to be assured of the $10 million FedEx Cup payout, but knowing that he could still win it providing he finished ahead of Spieth, Dustin Johnson, Marc Leishman and Jon Rahm. In the end, he didn’t win the tournament – that honour went to Xander Schauffele – but he did the next best thing in finishing second, and, with his rivals finishing further down the leaderboard, Thomas bagged the FedEx millions. During his post-match press conference, Thomas pulled out his mobile phone, and, after taking an impromptu congratulatory call from his grandpa, opened up the notes section in which he had written his goals for the 2016-17 season. On what looked like a rather exhaustive list of 15 separate targets, winning a PGA Tour event seemed do-able given his past record, but playing in the last group of a major, making the Tour Championship, and being picked for the Presidents Cup team were altogether loftier ambitions for one so young. But less than 11 months later, Thomas has managed to tick off 12 of those 15 goals, with the only three missed off the list being an under-par average on par-3s (3.04), top 30 in scrambling (he was 54th), and top tens in half his starts (he had only 12 top tens in 25 starts). Next year’s goals might not run to such lengths, or indeed be any easier to reach, but another major or two, a place in the US Ryder Cup team, and some brushing up on those scrambling stats should keep him on track to become one the leading lights of the modern game. Justin’s time has come.

■ MAJOR PLAYER: THOMAS JOINED THE GOLFING ELITE AFTER WINNING THE PGA CHAMPIONSHIP IN AUGUST

[32] NOVEMBER 2017 | NEWS

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TOURNEWS...

TOUR NEWS IN BRIEF

ROSE BAGS BACK-TO-BACK WINS J

ustin Rose took a big step up the world rankings, and closed the gap on Tommy Fleetwood in the European Tour’s Race to Dubai, after bagging back-to-back victories for the first time in his career. The 37-year-old Englishman won the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai and followed up that with victory in the following week’s Turkish

Airlines Open to record consecutive wins for the first time in his near 20year career on tour. Rose produced the biggest comeback of the season to win in China. The Ryder Cup star was eight shots behind Dustin Johnson when he teed off for the final round, but then produced five birdies in a stunning back nine of 31 to post a 67 and a

14 under par total, with Johnson slumping to a closing 77. Seven days later he then produced another sensational finish, this time in Turkey, to snatch a one-shot victory over Nicolas Colsaerts after a thrilling final round. Rose birdied three of the last four holes, including a 10-foot birdie at the last, to shoot a sevenunder-par 65 and clinch a superb

SERGIO STORMS TO VALDERRAMA VICTORY

ergio Garcia continued his love affair with Valderrama when claiming a sixth European Tour win on Spanish soil at the Andalucia Valderrama Masters. The Masters’ champion, who was hosting the tournament to raise funds for his own charitable foundation, made it a third victory of the year, while rounding off a perfect week during which he was awarded honorary life membership of the European Tour, and announced that he is due to become a father next March.

However, victory was far from being a foregone conclusion for Garcia, who had to battle with Dutchman Joost Luiten throughout the final round, before a par four at the 72nd hole finished off a closing 67 for a 12-underpar total and a one-stroke triumph. The win saw Garcia close the gap on Tommy Fleetwood at the top of the Race to Dubai rankings, with the battle to be crowned 2017 European Tour No.1 all to play for heading into the final few events of the season.

“It’s been an amazing year, and to win here at Valderrama is very special,” said Garcia. “It’s difficult to describe how it feels to win at home, and to win on your favourite golf course. The crowds were unbelievable. So many people came out and supported, it was really a treat.”

official timing policy over 72 holes, with the intention of showcasing a European Tour event played at a faster pace. Each player in the 120-man field will have 50 seconds for the first player in a group to play a shot, and 40 seconds for subsequent players. Players will incur a one-shot penalty for each bad time incurred, and these will be shown as a red card against their name on the leaderboard. Each player will have the

right to call two ‘time-outs’ during a round, which will permit them twice the usually allotted time to play the shot. Last year, the European Tour pledged to speed up the game by introducing a new pace of play policy, which included monitoring penalties and handing referees additional powers to target slow players. This policy had an immediate effect, leading to a reduction in round times.

said Thomas Bjorn, the European captain in Paris next year, had been a 'massive support' in making his decision.

The Englishman's last Ryder Cup appearance was on the losing side in 2008 at Valhalla. Colin Montgomerie overlooked him as a captain's pick in 2010 at Celtic Manor, and he missed out through injury at Medinah in 2012. A combination of poor form, injury and hectic schedules on either side of the Atlantic caused Casey's world ranking to plummet, which led to his decision to focus solely on the PGA Tour. Now back among the world's top 20, and a consistent performer at the biggest tournaments, Casey says he wants to help the younger players in the European team such as Tommy Fleetwood, Matthew Fitzpatrick and Tyrrell Hatton.

CASEY BACK IN RYDER CUP FRAME

aul Casey will rejoin the European Tour next season, ending a threeyear absence in a bid to return to the Ryder Cup. The 40 year old, who will also continue to play on the PGA Tour in the US, said he had 'missed contributing to English golf, which is very important to me'. He added: "I want to play another Ryder Cup. That's why I need to do this. But it's not just the Ryder Cup. What excites me more is the role I can play supporting the young guys." Casey, a two-time Ryder Cup winner,

victory in the Rolex Series event, which cut the gap to R2D leader Fleetwood to less than 135,000 points. Fleetwood shot a final round 68 to earn a tie for 23rd, and set up a thrilling finale in Dubai.

THOMAS CLAIMS FIFTH WIN OF THE YEAR IN KOREA

COUNTDOWN BEGINS FOR AUSTRIA’S SHOT CLOCK MASTERS he European Tour is to introduce a new format for next year’s Lyoness Open in Austria, which is aimed at speeding up the pace of play. The 2018 Shot Clock Masters will be the first tournament in professional golf to use a stopwatch on every shot as part of the European Tour’s bid to combat slow play. Earlier this year, the European Tour experimented with a shot clock on one hole at GolfSixes, and the concept will now be used for the first time at the European Tour event at the Diamond Country Club, which takes place from June 7-10. In a marked difference to the GolfSixes model, however, this tournament will embrace the tour’s

WILLETT OUT FOR THE YEAR

ustin Thomas birdied the second extra hole of a play-off against Marc Leishman to win the PGA Tour's CJ Cup at the Nine Bridges Golf Club in South Korea. Both players finished on nine under par for the four rounds of the PGA Tour's first regular season event in South Korea, a shot better than Cameron Smith in third, with home hope Kim Whee in fourth, two strokes further back on six under. After Leishman and Thomas carded matching pars at the first extra hole, the 18th, the Australian hit his second shot into the water right of the green as they came down the par-five closing hole for a third time. Despite seeing his opponent's ball find the lake, Thomas chose not to lay up, and hit his second shot with a threewood from 243 yards just short of the green. The FedExCup champion's eagle putt came up short, but his birdie was more than enough to beat Leishman, who finished with a bogey six. Thomas's CJ Cup triumph was his fifth PGA title of the year, and moved him up to third in the world rankings behind Dustin Johnson and Jordan Spieth.

Danny Willett has pulled out this year’s remaining tournaments after sustaining a shoulder injury during the Andalucia Masters at Valderrama. The 2016 Masters champion tweeted the news, explaining: "Gutted to have to shut down my 2017 season. Damaged rotator cuff in my left shoulder last week and need a period of total rest." Willett has posted just one top-10 finish in his last 21 starts and is currently 78th in the world ranking.

ARMOUR OFF THE MARK American Ryan Armour secured a maiden PGA Tour title when claiming a five-stroke victory at the Sanderson Farms Championship. The 41-year-old took a five-shot lead in to the final round in Mississippi and never lost his advantage, posting a 68 at Country Club of Jackson to maintain his cushion over nearest challenger Chesson Hadley.

KERR-CHING FOR CRISTIE Cristie Kerr holed a 35-foot birdie on her final hole to claim a one-shot victory at the weatheraffected LPGA Malaysia. The 40-year-old's level-par 71 at TPC Malaysia saw her edge ahead of Shanshan Feng, Danielle Kang and Jacqui Concolino. Charley Hull fired a six-under 65 to finished 16th.

PEREZ PULLS CLEAR IN MALAYSIA Pat Perez defied intense heat and humidity as he cruised to a fourstroke victory at the CIMB Classic in Malaysia. The 41-year-old American coasted round TPC Kuala Lumpur in 69 to finish on 24 under par to finish four shots ahead of Keegan Bradley, with Tour Championship winner Xander Schauffele back in third. It was Perez’s third PGA Tour title of his career, and his second in 11 months, following his win at the OHL Classic in Mexico last November.

WOODS SET TO RETURN AT HERO CHALLENGE

iger Woods is set to play his first tournament in nine months after selecting himself for the Hero World Challenge at the end of November. The 14-time major winner, who hosts the tournament in the Bahamas, is to return following back surgery which has kept him out of competitive action since he withdrew from the Dubai Desert Classic in February. Woods announced his participation in his own tournament with a social media post which read: "I'd like to thank the committee of 1 for picking myself to play in this years #HeroWorldChallenge." Woods underwent his fourth back operation in April, and earlier this month the 41 year old's agent, Mark Steinberg, said he had been cleared to resume full golf activity following a check-up with his surgeon. "I am excited to return to competitive golf at the Hero World Challenge," Woods said ahead of the November 30 start. "Albany is the perfect setting and it will be great to join this outstanding field." Woods's previous comeback saw him play just seven competitive rounds. He teed it up at the Hero World Challenge last December, before going on to miss the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open in January. He then withdrew after the first round of the Dubai Desert Classic.

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[34] NOVEMBER 2017 | EQUIPMENT

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EQUIPMENT NEWS TAYLORMADE PARTS COMPANY WITH GARCIA TAYLORMADE GOLF AND SERGIO GARCIA have parted ways in a mutual agreement after a 15-year partnership. The 37-year-old Spaniard was released early from a contract, which still had a few years remaining. The announcement came just a week after TaylorMade and parent company Adidas offically split. TaylorMade was sold to private finance firm KPS Capital Partners in May, and it is likely that the new company is looking to lighten its tour staff commitments following the signing of Rory McIlroy after Nike’s exit from the equipment business. A TaylorMade statement read: “It has been an honour to play a role in Sergio's performance throughout his career, including The Players Championship, 19 worldwide wins, Ryder Cup heroics, and his 2017 Masters win. We congratulate Sergio on a career year, and wish him all the best for the future." Garcia had been with TaylorMade since 2003,

leaving Titleist to join the company. Speculation that the Spaniard might be moving to Callaway were fuelled when he was spotted using an Odyssey Toulon Design putter and Callaway wedges during his recent victory at the Andalucia Masters, although no new deal has been signed. “I will start testing new things to see what is out there, and what feels good to me. Then I will make a decision and move forward,” Garcia said.

THE GEAR EFFECT WHAT THE WINNERS WERE PLAYING ON TOUR SERGIO GARCIA

ANDALUCIA MASTERS

LYNX GOLF UNVEILS NEW WEBSITE LYNX HAS LAUNCHED a brand new website to showcase its products, people and passion for the game. At the new-look-site – www.lynxgolf.co.uk – golfers will find an array of useful information to help them get to know more about the UKowned company, the staff behind the brand, and the ground-breaking technology in its clubs. Visitors to the site can also see what’s in the bag of its Tour ambassadors, find all the Lynx demonstration day dates, get up to date with the latest Lynx golf news, watch exclusive videos – and locate nearest stockists. Lynx UK’s joint-owner, Stephanie Zinser, said: “One of the key requirements of the new site was to inject our personality into it. We are a family-owned brand, with a huge passion for the game and what we do, so we wanted to reflect our fundamental values of fun and approachability. “In addition to that, our brief was to make the site very user friendly, with plenty of video content and imagery to showcase our products in the very best way. And we also wanted to make sure golfers could easily find their nearest Lynx stockist or plan a visit to one of the hundreds of demo days we run up and down the country every year.” The company has an extensive range of men’s, ladies’ and junior equipment for 2017, and has unveiled several new products this year, including reinventions of the famous Parallax brand to include new irons and woods across the board.

DRIVER: TaylorMade 2017 M2 (9.5˚) FAIRWAY WOODS: TaylorMade 2017 M1 (15˚, 19˚) IRONS: TaylorMade P-750 (3-PW) WEDGES: TaylorMade TP EF (52˚), Callaway Mack Daddy 3 (58˚) PUTTER: Odyssey Toulon design BALL: TaylorMade TP5

JUSTIN THOMAS CJ CUP

DRIVER: Titleist 917D2 (8.5˚) FAIRWAY WOODS: Titleist 917F2 (15˚), Titleist 915Fd (18˚) IRONS: Titleist 716 CB (4), Titleist 718 MB (5-PW) WEDGES: Titleist Vokey SM5 (52˚, 56˚), Titleist Vokey SM6 (60˚) PUTTER: Scotty Cameron by Titleist Futura X5 BALL: Titleist Pro V1x

PAT PEREZ

CIMB CLASSIC DRIVER: TaylorMade M2 2017 (9.5˚) FAIRWAY WOOD: PXG 0317 (15˚) HYBRID: PXG 0317X (19˚) IRONS: PXG 0311XF (3-4), PXG 0311 (5-PW) WEDGES: PXG 0311T (52˚, 60˚) PUTTER: PXG Gunboat BALL: Titleist Pro V1

JUSTIN ROSE

WGC-HSBC CHAMPIONS DRIVER: TaylorMade M1, 9.5˚ FAIRWAY WOODS: TaylorMade M2 (15˚), TaylorMade M1, (19˚) IRONS: TaylorMade P790 (4), TaylorMade P730 (5-PW) WEDGES: TaylorMade Milled Grind (52, 56, 60) PUTTER: TaylorMade TP Red Ardmore 2 BALL: TaylorMade TP5 ball

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EQUIPMENT | NOVEMBER 2017

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MOTOCADDY ROLLS OUT FREE BAG PROMOTION MOTOCADDY, the UK’s leading trolley and cart bag brand, has launched its biggest free bag promotion. Between now and Christmas Eve, golfers purchasing one of its power trolleys with a lithium battery can claim a free cart bag worth up to £199.99. The premium-priced Dry-Series waterproof bag is on offer to those purchasing a new S3 Pro, M3 Pro, S5 Connect, S5 Connect DHC or S7 Remote trolley; while a

Lite or Club-Series bag is on offer to those buying an S1, S1 DHC, M1 Pro or M1 Pro DHC model. “We’re thrilled to be able to reward our customers with something really special in the lead-up to Christmas and giving them the chance to grab a bag for free is the perfect present,” said brand spokesman Oliver Churcher. “We are confident that the offer will be extremely popular, especially as it is available on all electric trolleys in

our range - including the S5 Connect Smart Cart – the world’s first trolley to offer app-driven GPS within the trolley handle.” Motocaddy recently updated its cart bag range to 15 models, including the new Dry and Pro-Series adding to the Lite and Club-Series introduced last season. All of the bags feature the brand’s innovative bag-totrolley connection system, which removes the need for a lower bag strap.

WHILE THOSE ON THE WRONG side of the law will dread seeing the initials HMP, for rules-abiding golfers it could be the beginning of a more positive relationship following the launch of Hole More Putts, a new training aid that aims to improve your putting stroke and lower your scores. The brainchild of PGA Professional and respected international coach David Kearney, Hole More Putts aims to do for the short game what launch monitors have done for the long game, by allowing golfers to quickly and easily track performance via key data. But rather than tracking the progress of the ball, which, when putting, can be affected by gradients and slopes, Hole More Putts tracks the path of the putter head. The product comes in the form of a board slightly bigger than an iPad, and weighs just over 1kg. It has a small digital display in the top right hand corner which provides all the data to view after each putt, while the board itself features rows of tiny microprocessors embedded into the surface to record the movement of the clubhead. With no wires to contend with, and all the data transferred via Bluetooth, it’s an extremely portable bit of kit and could be used on virtually any reasonably flat surface, from a living room or office carpet, to an outdoor practice putting green.

UNDER ARMOUR UNVEILS WINTER CLOTHING RANGE UNDER ARMOUR HAS UNVEILED its Autumn/Winter apparel collection for 2017. Featuring ColdGear Reactor, worn by Jordan Spieth en route to Open victory at Birkdale, it responds to climate and effort level to keep you at the optimum temperature. The adaptive fabric traps warmth, while releasing excess heat and moisture so you stay comfortable, with no damp feeling. UA ColdGear Reactor features in a number of new products for Under Armour’s AW17 range, including the Infrared Jacket (£125) and Vest (£80), Hybrid ½ Zip (£65) and Vest (£60) and Fitted LS baselayer (£45). ColdGear Reactor products are complemented by a full range of polos, accessories and footwear, as well as UA Storm and Gore-Tex Paclite rainwear, and ColdGear Infrared products for winter. These include the Gore-Tex Paclite Jacket (£240) and Pant (£190), Storm 3 Jacket (£110) and Pant (£85), an updated Match Play CGI Taper Pant (£70) and new Storm Sweaterfleece Crew Jumper (£55) to offer golfers market leading apparel innovations to take on any conditions winter throws at them.

There’s a step-by-step guide to getting the device calibrated, which takes a few minutes, then all you need to do is download the Hole More Putts app on your smartphone – you’ll need one to get the most from this, although it can also be uploaded to a laptop or computer – and get the tablet synced. You then to need to stick a white strip of tape – which comes with the kit – onto the bottom of your putter, which helps the sensors pick up a clear picture of your clubhead. Once that’s done, you’re ready to start hitting putts from centre of the board. Ideally, you should place a target about 10-12 feet away from the device – it could be a coffee cup or another golf ball – then put something a few feet in front of it to block the target itself, the logic being that you’re not supposed to see where the ball finishes, as that will cause you to manipulate your putting stroke to compensate for your misses. For each putt, you simply place the ball in the middle of the device, then line up your putter until the flashing red light goes green. After each putt, information appears on screen, but it doesn’t give you a score until you’ve hit all five. After five sets of five putts – that’s 25 putts – you can sync the device withyour mobile to get all the detailed feedback. HMP currently measures five key elements of the putting stroke – face angle, impact point, swing path, speed and angle of attack – which provide serious golfers and coaching professionals more than enough data from which to extrapolate where you are going right and wrong with your strike. Adding all the data together, HMP gives you a putting

percentage score, which is effectively a summary of your putting proficiency. Putting the device through its paces on the outdoor all-weather putting green at Goodwood Golf Club, my first tentative efforts yielded a rather pathetic score of 39%. Drilling down the data, even after just five putts, provided instant feedback on where I was going wrong. The face angle was closed by an average of 1.5 degrees, and my swing path was revealed to be a rather choppy cut across the ball. The data also showed that I was consistently hitting the ball towards the toe-end of the clubface, which was causing the ball to further deviate from the ideal path. Feeling suitably chastened, somewhat embarrassed, and wondering how I’d ever holed out from more than two feet before, I refocused my efforts on keeping the clubface more open at impact, moving the ball more towards the heel of the putter, and getting that back-and-through pendulum swing path working. Five putts later, and guess what? My new putting percentage was 95%. Job done. Well, not quite. The data showed that the face was either neutral or slightly open – good – but the backswing path was still out and away, and was only being rescued by a move to the inside before impact – bad. After three more sets of five putts, which hovered around the 65-75% mark, all of the data was uploaded to my phone via Bluetooth and we were able to analyse the full horror show on screen, with visual images of the clubhead’s path and impact point giving me a clear understanding of where I was going right and wrong. With all that data gathered, the app then informed me which areas I needed to work on and then pointed me towards a series of short training videos which offer tips on ways to improve these areas. For me, it was a light bulb moment to discover what I thought was a square clubface at impact was anything but, while to learn that something even more basic as ball position was so far out, was also an eye-opener. Hole More Putts is an effective, and fun training aid that can have a dramatic impact on your scores without having to add 50 yards to your tee shots or increase your swing speed. Hole More Putts has an RRP of £449. To find out more information, or to place an order online, visit www.holemoreputts.com.

[36] NOVEMBER 2017 | EQUIPMENT

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MIZUNO JPX GOLF BALL £25 PER DOZEN, GOLF.MIZUNOEUROPE.COM The new two-piece JPX ball is a softer version of the original design, featuring a larger, soft-compression core and next-generation micro dimples. Complementing the other balls in the JPX ball range – the JPX-s and fivepiece JPX Platinum – the JPX ball is designed to offer more ball speed for low-to-mid swing speeds and a high trajectory. It boasts a multi-blend polymer cover that offers durability yet delivers soft feel around the greens.

SUN MOUNTAIN H2NO SUPERLITE £225, WWW.BRANDFUSIONLTD.CO.UK The H2NO Superlite is a solid choice of standbag for golfers who like to carry during the wetter winter months. Weighing just 1.9kgs, contents are kept dry with the help of YKK zips protecting four accessory pockets, including a fulllength clothing pocket, while the X-strap dual strap system makes for a comfortable carry. The rainhood ensures 100% waterproof protection from the elements. It is available in four colour combinations, including black/cobalt blue and black/red/white.

PRO SHOP

YOUR GUIDE TO THE LATEST GEAR

WILSON STAFF DX2 OPTIX

£19.99 PER DOZEN, WILSONSTAFF.COM Wilson is offering a new matte finish on its DX2 Optix golf balls, which it bills as ‘the world’s softest golf ball’. It comes in five colours – yellow, orange, pink, green and red – and has a scruff-resistant matte outer layer. The 29-compression, two-piece surlyn construction has been redesigned to include a 3% larger core for increased ball velocity and a softer, thinner sodium/zinc ionomer cover to provide optimum distance and durability. It also features a new dimple pattern, with dimples that are 6% shallower to create higher ball flight for longer distances. The red model will be sold singly from pro shop counters, while the other colours will only be available in packs of 12.

CALLAWAY APEX IRONS £1,049 FOR 7 IRONS, CALLAWAYGOLF.COM The new Apex MB irons, which go on sale in January, are squarely aimed at the lower-handicap golfer. Already in the bags of Callaway staff players such as Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Nicolas Colsaerts and David Horsey, it is a muscle-back blade with compact shaping and style, a traditional, slightly thinner top line, and a bright chrome finish. Each iron is forged from a single piece of 1025 carbon steel, and is engineered for a soft feel, with the exact craftsmanship and precision that can only be achieved through Callaway’s triple net forging process, which allows for a more aggressive and precise V-shaped groove pattern to deliver consistent control and shot-shaping. Particular attention has been paid to the centre of gravity positioning to create a ball flight preferred by Tour players, while retaining more traditional lofts that align to the needs of the better golfer who is in tune with distance gapping and consistency. Luke Williams, Callaway’s senior director for irons and woods, said: “The Apex MB boasts the shortest blade length, smallest head, and thinnest sole of any iron in the current Callaway range. They are unashamedly designed for the type of player that looks for maximum workability and has very specific needs for how the club interacts with the turf.”

MIZUNO ST180 DRIVER £399, GOLF.MIZUNOEUROPE.COM Mizuno’s new ST180 Series of metal woods, which go on sale next February, is designed for high-speed, low-spin performance. The ST180 is the first Mizuno driver to feature the brand’s wave sole technology, which commits every available gramme of weight low and towards the face – dropping spin rates for even the fastest, downward ball-strikers. The amplified wave sole, originally engineered in Mizuno’s fairway woods, contracts and expands to increase the energy imparted to the ball for elevated ball speeds, while also pushing weight forward to vastly reduce spin rates. A new forged titanium multi-thickness face promotes accelerated ball speeds that take the ST180’s performance noticeably past its predecessors', while the striking blue head’s internal waffle crown allows more weight to be located low and forward to promote efficient low-spin performance. The ST180 driver will be available in men’s 9.5˚ and 12.5˚ models, plus a ladies’ 12.5˚ model, along with a matching set of loft-adjustable fairway woods (£279), which are available in 15˚ and 18˚ models.

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EQUIPMENT | NOVEMBER 2017

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STANCE GOLF SOCKS £10.99-£13.99, STANCE.COM Boasting quick wicking fabric, mesh vents, and foot-specific anatomical designs, Stance golf socks keep feet cool and dry, while offering comfort, unrivalled fit, and total support. The brand has been working with PGA Tour player Bubba Watson to produce a range to honour the dual Masters champion’s unique style, with the launch of the Bubba Wedge Crew sock and the Bubba Camo Crew sock, while several unique designs pay homage to the likes of Payne Stewart, Gary Player and Chi Chi Rodriguez. For the less adventurous sock wearer, there is also a wide range of block-coloured ankle socks, and longer patterned and stripped socks.

ECCO BIOM HYBRID 3 £190, GOLF.ECCO.COM Ecco’s new Biom Hybrid 3 shoes feature a brand new outsole that promises to deliver unparalleled levels of traction for a hybrid design. The new TRI-FI-GRIP sole is divided into three distinct zones that enhance stability, durability and rotational support. Each is formed from ultra-durable TPU, meaning the shoes can be worn on and off course without affecting performance. Zone 1 focuses on delivering lateral stability throughout the swing; Zone 2 forms the middle of the outsole, and is designed to guarantee walking comfort, and features a durability region in the heel where shoes can be prone to wearing; while Zone 3 is a specially engineered rotational section designed to optimise the movement in the forefoot through rounded lugs which promote fast and easy rotation through the swing. Additional features include Yak leather uppers; 100% Gore-Tex waterproof protection, guaranteed for three years; the option of a laceless BOA closure system; and removable Ortholite inlay soles.

BETTNARDI ANTIDOTE £400, BETTINARDI.COM Inspired by players’ requests on tour, Bettinardi’s latest limited-edition putter includes three head shapes made from soft carbon steel – the blade-like Model 1 and 3, and the square-mallet Model 2. Each Antidote putter has a carbon matt black finish and comes with interchangeable weights made from aluminum (5g), stainless steel (10g), and copper (15g), which allows the putter’s weight to be adjusted to 340g, 350g, or 360g. By using a variable weight system on the top half of the putter, the centre of gravity is raised to increase the consistency of the rotation of the ball. The putters, which cost $550 (£410 approx), are only available to buy online.

CALLAWAY X FORGED IRONS

BIOFLOW SPORT WRISTBAND £25, BIOFLOW.CO.UK Worn by many leading tour players, including Lee Westwood and Minjee Lee, Bioflow’s latest wristband boasts a new one-piece design, which promises increased durability and resistance. Available in a range of five colours, the silicone strap contains a magnet that boasts Bioflow’s Central Reverse Polarity technology, which is claimed to reduce pain and inflammation, improve blood flow, and aid general wellbeing. They are available in three sizes - S (17.5cm), M (19cm) and L (20.5cm).

£1,049 FOR 7 IRONS, CALLAWAYGOLF.COM The new X Forged Irons are engineered for high performance and exceptional feel from a precise triple net forging process. This single-piece, cavity back iron features Tour configured soles, and a centre of gravity progression for precision shot making and accuracy, with just the right amount of forgiveness and a classic finish. X Forged also features a similar precise and aggressive ‘20V’ shaped groove pattern to that seen in the Apex MB, made possible through the forging process, promoting high levels of control and spin out of any playing conditions, while retaining the clean and classic look at address, inspired by some of Callaway’s most popular forged irons. Compared to the new Apex MB iron, X Forged is more forgiving, and with a slightly longer blade and slightly larger head size, to instill confidence in both Tour players and accomplished amateurs.

[38] NOVEMBER 2017 | EQUIPMENT

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IT’S A WRAP

Stay warm, stay dry and stay focused with the latest winter gear

PING ZERO GRAVITY TOUR

G/FORE CAMO MIDLAYER ONYX

CHERVO MAFI JACKET

Ping has updated its popular Zero Gravity Tour suit, which is constructed from ultra-lightweight Pertex Shield 2.5 layer fabric, offering stretch and breathability. Fully seam-sealed throughout, the jacket features stretch properties for easy swinging, while the entire suit can be packed away into its own pocket. A matching pair of waterproof trousers costs £130.

Ideal for wearing under a jacket or over a base layer, the Onyx is lightweight, technical midlayer which boasts exceptional stretch and moisture-wicking properties to provide total comfort and complete freedom of movement. It boasts a subtle camouflage print with a G/Fore logo on the left chest and neck.

Ideal for those chilly autumn rounds, Chervo’s Mafi padded jacket is noiseless, ultra-lightweight and features the company’s ‘Happy Goose’ down-free insulation to keep you warm in all weathers. An AquaDrop coating repels water and stains, while ensuring the jacket is breathable. It is available in grey, blue or green in chest sizes 38-48 inches.

CALLAWAY OTTOHAM FLEECE

FOOTJOY DRYJOYS TOUR LTS

MIZUNO BREATH THERMO GILET

Perfect those nippy winter games, the new Ottoham ¼-Zip Fleece boasts Callaway’s Opti-therm technology, which provides the ultimate in thermal protection against the elements, doing away with the need for bulkier, heavier garments. The technical stretch fabric maximises movement and mobility, while helping evaporate any unwanted moisture and allow you to feel cooler, drier and comfortable. Featuring a zippered chest pocket, it is made from 100% polyester and is available in grey, black or blue is sizes S to XXL.

Constructed from a lightweight three-layer bonded fabric with a built-in four-way stretch for complete range of motion, the Tour LTS is the ideal year-round rain shirt. The five-panel construction reduces bulk and improves mobility, while the outer forms an extra-breathable waterproof layer and a ThermoLite bonded liner that provides warmth and comfort. Finished with contrast zippers, waterproof pockets, and a scorecard pocket it is available in five colours, including black, grey, black/red, blue/grey and grey/black.

Taking its inspiration from ski wear, the exothermic properties of Mizuno's Breath Thermo fabric allow traces of moisture released by the body to be regenerated as heat, thus retaining your core temperature for those chilly mornings on the course. The jacket’s internal padding maintains its volume over time, while the outer layer material converts UV and Infrared rays into a solar charge to further increase its heat management properties. It is available in four colours: Black, Chilli Pepper, Peacoat, and Tornado.

UNDER ARMOUR GORE-TEX PACLITE

GALVIN GREEN ACHILLES

ADIDAS QUILTED HALF-ZIP

The Paclite features Storm3 technology, which repels water without sacrificing breathability. A protective inner membrane and fully taped seams make it 100% waterproof and windproof. Quick drying and lightweight, Other features include an adjustable hem and cuffs, two pockets with waterproof zips, a waterproof full zip at the front, plus an internal chest pocket to keep your phone dry. It is available in black, red and academy.

Made from an ultra-lightweight stretch Gore-Tex fabric with a C-Knit backer, the Achilles features a high collar and cuffs in a rubber-like neoprene material designed to repel heavy rainfall. The C-Knit backer enables the garment to glide over clothes worn underneath, while the jacket also boasts adjustable chest tabs, an elasticated waist, and a back pocket. Colour options are iron grey/ black/yellow, kings blue/black/white, and black/iron grey/white.

An ideal partner for those cold winter rounds, this multi-faceted top features Climaheat technology which locks in heat, yet releases moisture, with the hollow fibres in the material trapping in warm air and allowing complete freedom of movement. The chest and back panels benefit from ultrasonic bonded insulation, which further boosts warmth, while there are handy front side seam pockets for storing valuables.

£180, PING.COM

£64.99, CALLAWAYGOLF.COM

£240, UNDERARMOUR.CO.UK

£110, GFORE.COM

£250, FOOTJOY.CO.UK

£380, GALVINGREEN.COM

£285, CHERVO.COM

£95, GOLF.MIZUNOEUROPE.COM

£99.95, ADIDAS.COM

YOUR GUIDE TO GOLFING TRIPS AT HOME AND ABROAD

TRAVEL AND BREAKS

NOVEMBER 2017 WEB: GOLFNEWS.CO.UK/TRAVEL

FIVE-STAR

FINCA

LIVING THE HIGH LIFE AT FINCA CORTESIN â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ONE OF SPAIN'S MOST EXCLUSIVE GOLF RESORTS

ALSO IN THIS MONTH'S TRAVEL: ME & MY TRAVELS WITH DEREK REDMOND COMPETITION: WIN A GOLF BREAK TO MALLORCA ALL THE LATEST TRAVEL NEWS

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HIT THE FAIRWAYS AT QUINTA DO LAGO WITH FOUR SEASONS W

ith daytime temperatures between 15-20 degrees from November through to March, it’s no surprise that Portugal’s southern Algarve coast remains one of the most popular winter holiday destinations for UK golfers. And with a stunning choice of top-flight courses to play, and a variety of luxury resorts in which to stay, it’s no wonder that more UK golfers than ever are choosing to

visit the region every year. Quinta Do Lago is one of the most popular venues in the Algrave, with the resort boasting a range of accommodation options, as well as a quartet of world-class courses. For golfers looking to enjoy discounted green fees and golf packages, and the best self-catering accommodation in the region, Four Seasons Fairways offers self-catered

villas and apartments set in the secluded Quinta do Lago resort. Accommodation varies from two- to three-bedroom options and all apartments come with a private pool or Jacuzzi. The Four Seasons complex is surrounded on three sides by the greens and fairways of both the attractive 27-hole Pinheiros Altos course and the award-winning Quinta Do Lago North, while Quinta do Lago South and Laranjal are just a five minute walk away. Four Seasons Fairways runs two annual competitions open to its guests, including the Four Seasons Fairways Masters, which takes place on December 28, while its Amateur Golf Week is being held from January 27-February 3 next year. Now in its fifth year, the latter includes three competition days and is rounded off with a cocktail party and prize giving dinner. Prices start from €538 per person, based on four people sharing a villa for seven nights’ self-catering, including breakfast each day, competition entry, a practice round and the cocktail receptions and dinner. As guests of Four Seasons Fairways, golfers have access to discounted green fees at all these courses, however there is a range of packages to suit golfers looking to play a wide range of courses during their stay. For more details, visit www. fourseasonsfairways.com.

APHRODITE HILLS TO REOPEN AS PGA NATIONAL CYPRUS A

phrodite Hills, one of the most popular golf resorts in Europe, has been rebranded The PGA National Cyprus following a licensing agreement with the Professional Golfers Association. The five-star resort, which first opened in 2002, features a 6,200m championship course designed by Cabell Robinson, a golf academy featuring a 350-metre double-ended driving range, along with a

290-bedroom hotel operated by Atlantica. The course is currently undergoing a €2.5m upgrade to coincide with the facility’s new status, with the layout due to reopen on January 19, 2018. PGA National Cyprus, which will be staffed by five fully-qualified PGA members under the leadership of director of golf Andrew Darker, joins the PGA’s family of other national level resorts, including The

LA MANGA GIVEN ROYAL SEAL OF APPROVAL L

Belfry, Gleneagles, Zavidovo in Russia, The Oaks in the Czech Republic, and the recently-announced PGA National Turkey at Antalya. For details of 2018 golf break packages to the resort, visit www.aphroditehills.com.

a Manga Club is celebrating its 45th anniversary in style after joining a select group of courses in Spain to have been granted royal status by the Spanish royal household, the ‘Casa Real’. Having received the Spanish Royal Golf Federation’s coveted ‘Merit in Golf’ award last December, the resort’s golf club has been awarded the title ‘Real Golf La Manga Club’ in recognition of its royal connections and key part in promoting Spanish golf since opening in 1972. A five-time host of the Spanish Open, La Manga Club’s fivestar hotel, the Principe Felipe, is named after Spain’s present king, who stayed at the resort in 1992. In addition, his parents

Bowood Park Hotel and Golf Club “This Cornish cracker is a must visit – superb” John E. Morgan , Former PGA & European Tour Professional and Sky Sports Golf Commentator

Hotel | Golf | Events | Hospitality 2 DAY GOLF BREAK

3 DAY GOLF BREAK

4 DAY GOLF BREAK

1 Night; to include dinner, bed, breakfast & 2 rounds of golf – from £80 per person

2 Nights; to include dinner, bed, breakfast & 3 rounds of golf – from £130 per person

3 Nights; to include dinner, bed, breakfast & 4 rounds of golf – from £180 per person

For all enquiries, to check availability or make a reservation, please call the reservations team on 01840 213017.

BOWOOD PARK HOTEL AND GOLF CLUB, LANTEGLOS, CORNWALL, PL32 9RF. TEL: 01840 213017. EMAIL: GOLF@BOWOODPARK.COM. WEB: WWW.BOWOODPARK.COM

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TRAVEL | NOVEMBER 2017

[41]

PALMAR RAISES THE BAR IN MAURITIUS A

are among the numerous VIPs and celebrities that the top sports and lifestyle venue has hosted since its inception. The accolade, which is only given to golf venues that are at least 25 years old, comes almost a year after the resort – in conjunction with the national and regional golf federations – first approached the royal house to be considered for the honour to help mark its anniversary. La Manga Club joins some of the most prestigious names in Spanish golf to have been awarded the royal title, including Real Club de Sotogrande and Real Club Valderrama. José Asenjo, general manager of La Manga Club, said: “La Manga Club has been at the forefront of promoting Spanish golf, both at home and abroad, and to be acknowledged in this way means a huge amount and makes us very proud. It has been our pleasure and privilege over the last 45 years to have played host to some of the most famous people in the world, including the Spanish royal family on more than one occasion. “La Manga Club is one of the most famous golf, sports and lifestyle destinations in Europe, and to be given this prestigious accolade is a fantastic achievement in what is a special year for the resort.”

TheManor House

& Ashbury Hotels

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

For bookings, or more information, call 02890 23 2112 or visit www.chakatravel.com.

FREE GOLF at

“I’ve never played such fantastic courses”

The UK’s Largest Golf Resort

Stephen W - Trip Advisor

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! Pines 17th 442 yards, Par 4

Oakwood 16th 172 yards, Par 3

• FREE Golf • ½ Price Buggies - £8 & So Much More!

NOW - 25/04/18

EW N

Autumn to Spring

lthough fivestar resorts are arguably not in short supply in Mauritius, the Indian Ocean island hideaway has expanded its luxury accommodation offering following the opening of the new C Palmar Hotel by Constance. The boutique-style venue, which opens this month, enjoys a stunning beachside location on the east of the island, with a sheltered lagoon making it ideal for water sports. Boasting two restaurants, a bar, a swimming pool and a spa, the hotel has just 52 rooms, ensuring highly personal levels of service. Guests at the all-inclusive hotel also enjoy complimentary green fees and free buggies at the two championship Links and Legend golf courses at the nearby Constance Belle Mare Plage resort. Mauritius holiday specialist Chaka Travel has been appointed as the exclusive UK travel partner for the resort, and has a range of exclusive rates for its customers. A winter package, comprising 12 night’s all-inclusive accommodation, including unlimited green fees, free buggies, transfers, and return flights from the UK, costs from £2,595 per person.

Oakwood 4th 321 yards, Par 4

Multi Sport Simulators

Early 2018 Bargain Breaks: 4 Nights Midweek from £190pp Full Board! Additional Facilities FREE to residents of our hotels Sports Racket Sports Leisure Ranges Family Bowls Swimming Funhouse Tennis Archery Table Tennis Badminton Spa & Sauna Gamezone Air Pistols 5-A-Side Snooker Waterslides Air Rifles Squash Basketball Short Tennis Ten-Pin Lasers Play Area PLUS unique Craft Centre featuring 18 tutored crafts, including Pottery, Woodwork, Glass Engraving & Hot Press Printing

0800 389 9892

Kigbeare Pines Beeches Oakwood Ashbury 9 + Pines Front 9 Ashbury 9 + Pines Back 9 Willows

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

6528 6400 5803 5502 5775 6111 1939

All Weather Sports Pitch & Running Track

ashburygolfhotel.com

• All prices per person • All rooms en-suite • Full board • Party discounts •

[42] NOVEMBER 2017 | TRAVEL

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GRAND TIROLIA KITZBÜHEL PUTS A SPRING IN THE STEP G

uests will be able to enjoy the high life at one of the most spectacular golf resorts in Europe next spring, with a new three-night package at Golf & Spa Resort Grand Tirolia Kitzbühel. With the hotel set alongside the Wilder Kaiser mountain range in the Austrian Alps, and with the acclaimed Eichenheim

course as the centrepiece of the spectacular complex, the new package starts at just €575 per person and includes a host of benefits. Aside from two green fees to play the stunning Kyle Phillips-designed course, guests also enjoy full use of the luxury resort's 1,500m² Grand Alps, which boasts

■ GRAND TIROLIA

CARNOUSTIE OFFERS OPEN SIGHTER

For more details, or to make a reservation, visit www.grand-tirolia.com.

ith the 147th Open Championship less than eight months away, tee times for the 2018 season can now be booked on any of the three courses at Carnoustie Golf Links. The world’s best golfers will descend on the historic venue in July next year, and visitors from across the globe can get a taste of the Carnoustie challenge that awaits the likes of Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth and Sergio Garcia. The Championship course has hosted seven Open Championships, and will do so again between 16-22 July. Tee times can be booked on the Championship, Burnside or Buddon Links courses, while a combination ticket is available for those wishing to experience everything that Carnoustie Golf Links has to offer. Carnoustie offers great value on combination tickets, with tee times for two courses costing £240, or £250 to play all three. The Burnside oozes character and is another true test of links golf, whilst the Buddon Links is the newest of the trio, and has recently been the subject of a £1m investment to bring the course up to a very testing par 68. Golfers wishing to book a tee time on any of the three courses can do so via the booking section of the Links’ new website – www.carnoustiegolflinks.co.uk/booking.

two swimming pools, six different sauna experiences, and 13 treatment rooms for individual beauty treatments, with a complimentary golfer's massage also included. And there are some fabulous extra touches, with each day kicked off with a Prosecco-fuelled breakfast, while a complimentary drink in the Lobby Bar, and three tokens for the driving range are also part of the offer, which is now available for reservations from April 2018. The broad array of dining choices and refreshments also makes for an attractive proposition. The Golf Bistro offers authentic local cuisine, while the hotel's Eichenheim restaurant provides national and international specialities, and the Herbarium Bar is the place to visit for cocktails. During the winter season, the popular ski areas in the world-famous Kitzbühel region are within easy reach from the resort, while at certain times of the year it's possible to ski and play golf on the same day.

CATALUNYA RAISES ITS GAME WITH CAMIRAL HOTE P GA Catayluna’s status as one of the top golf resorts in Europe was raised up a notch or two last summer, following the opening of a brand new five-star hotel. The popular European Tour venue, which is located 20 minutes from Girona, unveiled

■ STADIUM COURSE

the new 149-bedroom Hotel Camiral last June. Designed by critically-acclaimed interior designer Lazaro Rosa-Violán, the contemporary five-star venue offers views of the golf courses, and boasts three restaurants, a swimming pool, beauty centre and a gym. The hotel development is part of a €50 million investment at the resort, with future plans including the building of a new equestrian centre; the construction of a new man-made recreational lake to accommodate a beach club; and the planting of a vineyard.

■ HOTEL CAMIRAL

The resort’s 7,333-yard Stadium Course is routinely ranked Spain’s number one, and is ably supported by the par-72 Tour Course. The resort also boasts Europe’s largest chipping and putting green, the Sergio Garcia Junior Golf Academy, and the Dave Pelz Spanish Golf School. For details on the latest golf break packages to the resort, visit www. pgacatalunya.com.

2018 Golf Breaks from £85

CORNWALL GOLF BREAKS 2018 Golf Breaks from £85 Cornwall Golf Breaks Summer 2018 Organiser Goes FREE for groups of 16+ Book NOW for 2018 with only a 10% deposit For further information, please call Club Reception on 01566 86903 or email: reservations@trethornegolfclub.com

Trethorne Golf Club Kennards House Launceston Cornwall PL15 8QE

01566

86903

www.trethornegolfclub.com

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

TRAVEL COMPETITION | NOVEMBER 2017 [43]

WIN A GOLF BREAK TO SUNNY MALLORCA! Golf News has teamed up with Club de Golf Alcanada, the multi-award winning Mallorcan course, and the nearby stylish Zafiro Palace Alcudia, to offer a stunning two-night stay with two rounds of golf.

lcanada, the only Mallorcan club next to the sea, was named the island’s best in Simply Mallorca Golf’s customer service scores for 2016, and was also voted ‘favourite European course’ by German golf magazine Golf Journal this year, for an unprecedented seventh time. The 7,108-yard, Robert Trent Jones Jr-designed layout has won an array of awards since opening 14 years ago, and the layout again topped the list in

the publication’s coveted Golf Journal Travel Awards, which has now been running for 15 years. The prestigious course sits in a breathtaking location overlooking the Bay of Alcudia and takes its name from an island with a lighthouse, situated just offshore, which can be seen from most of the holes. A new addition for golfers this year is the Lighthouse Bar, a halfway house that gives stunning views across

■ ZAFIRO PALACE ALCUDIA

■ ALCANADA

the Bay of Alcudia towards the iconic lighthouse, while they treat themselves to freshly cooked food and stock up on cold drinks and snacks in preparation for the testing back nine. In addition, the club boasts a centuries-old Mallorca clubhouse, which offers guests the opportunity to sample regional specialties in its first-class dining facilities on a sun-baked terrace. Club de Golf Alcanada is situated just two miles from the Zafiro Palace Alcudia, which is located just half a mile from the beautiful town of Alcudia in the north of island, and only a crisply struck long iron from the golden beach and crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean. The stylish, modern fourstorey hotel Is also minutes from the picturesque

2017 11 Golf News HP Golf Breaks.qxp_166mm h x 288mm w 10/11/2017 11:56 Page 1

■ THE TERRACE AT ALCANDA

THE PRIZE narrow streets of Alcudia, with its array of restaurants, bars and shops, and boasts a stateof-the-art spa, several swimming pools, jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath, a large solarium, and a host of other leisure facilities which make it the ideal base for golfers, families, couples and sun-seekers. Zafiro offers first-class golf hospitality concierge, including clients tee-time

services, while golfers can enjoy a delicious buffet, as well as four themed à la carte dining restaurants, such as the Sushi International Cuisine. Alcudia – the oldest town on the island – is steeped in history and contains the most important archeological remains from the Roman era in Mallorca, which can be found within the medieval castle walls.

A two-night B&B stay for two people at the Zafiro Palace Alcudia in a twin or double room, with two rounds at Golf Club de Golf Alcanada. Flights from the UK are not included.

TO ENTER To enter, simply answer the question below, and email it to info@golfnews.co.uk with ‘Mallorca Competition’ in the subject line. Remember to include your name, address and contact telephone number, and details of where you picked up your copy of Golf News.

QUESTION: How many times has Club de Golf Alcanada been voted favourite European course by Golf Journal? a) Five b) Six c) Seven

TERMS & CONDITIONS The closing date for entries is December 20, 2017. The prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is available. Entrants must be aged 18 years or over. Winners will have to arrange and pay for their own flights to Palma. The prize is valid for travel between January 1, 2018 and April 30, 2018, not including public holidays, and is subject to availability.

Wish you were here Ufford Park Woodbridge

1 night Golf Breaks from only £95* per person includes complimentary use of the Health Club with it’s gym and pool.

Looking for the perfect all year round venue for your golf break? Set in the heart of Suffolk and located just off the A12, our 18 hole, par 71 course is ideal for the beginner or the experienced player. Book your tee time online, visit the on-site AmericanGolf superstore and practice your swing on our 2 tier floodlit driving range, all before you even set foot on the lovingly cared for, award-winning, top winter course. CELEBRATING

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1992-2

[44] NOVEMBER 2017 | TRAVEL

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

FABULOUS

FINCA

Boasting one of Spain’s best golf courses, and an award-winning boutique hotel and spa, FINCA CORTESIN is one of the places to see and be seen on the Costa Del Sol WORDS BY MATT NICHOLSON

itting on the edge of the pretty hilltop village of Casares, overlooking the distant town of Estepona, Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf and Spa feels a million miles away from the high rise holiday apartments and beachside hotels for which the Costa del Sol earned its reputation back in the 1980s. Looking down on its near, yet suitably distant, neighbours with the haughty grandeur that comes when you spend the best part of €700m creating a luxury

■ THE SIGNATURE 13TH HOLE AT FINCA CORTESIN

hideaway for the monied few, the resort is something of an arriviste in this region of ‘80s architecture, having only been built in 2008. And while the word ‘finca’ conjures up images of a rundown cosy cottage in an unspoilt hilltop village, the Cortesin version is designed on a somewhat larger and more luxurious scale. For an estate that covers such a huge acreage – 532 if you’re counting – it’s surprising to learn that the eye-catching white-washed hotel boasts just 67

BOASTING AN ARCHITECTURALLY APPEALING MIX OF TRADITIONAL SPANISH AND MOORISH STYLES, THE HOTEL AND ITS COPIOUS SURROUNDINGS ARE ELEGANT AND UNDERSTATED, WITH A BEAUTIFUL COURTYARD OF PALM TREES AND FOUNTAINS

bedrooms, along with a handful of private villas. However, you only need step inside one of these vast suites to understand where all the space went. With 13-foot high ceilings and acres of tiling, it takes more than a few seconds to reach the bed from the door, while the spacious bathrooms, which feature walk-in showers and roll-top baths offering views out to the sea, almost require GPS navigation. Boasting an architecturally appealing mix of traditional Spanish and Moorish styles, the hotel and its copious surroundings are elegant and understated, with a beautiful courtyard of palm trees and fountains, surrounded by secluded seating areas decorated with mosaics and tea lights, forming a stunning centrepiece. The hotel converges on the central foyer, with its glass roof high above letting in vast amounts of Spanish sunlight. If this were in the UK, the heating bills would be ridiculous. But this is southern Spain, where daytime temperatures rarely dip below 18c all year round. Other eye-catching sights I spotted during a tour included the two outdoor swimming pools, the biggest of which is Olympic-sized, while there’s an indoor pool filled with salt water. There’s also a 2,200-square metre spa – which features a steam bath and sauna, and something called a snow cave – and a gym, neither of which I used, but was reliably informed, are well above scratch. But I digress. This is, after all, a golf

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

TRAVEL | NOVEMBER 2017 [45]

■ THE HOTEL BOASTS JUST 52 BEDROOMS AND A RANGE OF PRIVATE VILLAS

STAY & PLAY PACKAGES A THREE-NIGHT STAY FOR TWO PEOPLE IN A JUNIOR SUITE COSTS FROM €1,926PP, INCLUDING TWO ROUNDS OF GOLF, DAILY BREAKFAST, A 50-MINUTE GOLF LESSON, POLO SHIRT AND CAP, AND FREE ACCESS TO THE SPA AND PRIVATE BEACH CLUB. FOR BOOKINGS, EMAIL RESERVAS@HOTELCORTESIN.COM, CALL 34 952 937 800, OR VISIT WWW.FINCACORTESIN.COM.

■ THE LAYOUT FEATURES FOUR STUNNING PAR THREES, TWO OF WHICH ARE OVER 200 YARDS

magazine, so what of the golf, you may rightfully ask. Well, given its status as a European Tour venue – and three-time host of the Volvo World Match Play, no less – it’s safe to say that it’s challenging. With over 50 other golf courses to choose from in the vicinity, any new course that opens in Malaga better be a good one if it wants to survive – and thankfully Finca Cortesin is a good one, and has survived and thrived since it opened in 2007. The 7,482-yard Cabell B Robinson design received instant rave reviews, which has

THE 7,482-YARD CABELL B ROBINSON DESIGN RECEIVED INSTANT RAVE REVIEWS, WHICH HAS TAKEN IT TO BEING THE FOURTH HIGHEST-RANKED COURSE IN SPAIN. AS WITH ALL GREAT COURSES, IT DEMANDS YOUR UTMOST CONCENTRATION FROM BEGINNING TO END

made it the fourth highest-ranked course in Spain. As with all great courses, it demands your utmost concentration from beginning to end, and there is really no let up in the challenge here. Early on the card, the 490yard third, which has an approach over water, is a cracking par five, giving long drivers the option of going for the green, while shorter hitters face a difficult lay up. The 280-yard fourth is one of a number of excellent risk-and-reward par fours, where big swingers can take on the green if they’re feeling brave enough. The layout also boasts a quartet of excellent, if extremly tough, short holes, two of which are over 200 yards, and two of which can be reached with a mid-iron. My favoutite was the 10th, a 180-yard drop hole played from a raised tee with the Estepona Mountains serving as a stunning backdrop. The pick of the back nine includes the 11th, a par five that features an intriguing double dogleg, while the par-four 13th is regarded as the course’s signature, and twice involves water, with a diagonal stretch in front of the green. The par-four 15th requires a massive carry over a ravine to reach the safety of a fairway which turns hard left and is protected by five huge bunkers, leading to a demanding uphill second shot to a raised green; while the par-five 18th is a strong finishing hole – and a great match play design – which allows big hitters to really open their shoulders off the tee, as the fairway is one of the widest on the course. However, the second shot, if you’re going for the green, presents a very small target, with out-of-bounds on the left, and a bunker and bushes to the right, while a bunker 150 yards out guards against a cautious lay up. With over 100 beautifully framed white sandy bunkers, immaculate raised tees and smooth-rolling putting surfaces – which have recently been relaid with a new strain of Bermuda grass – the course is presented in tournament condition throughout the

season. There’s no getting away from its difficulty, but with plenty of teeing options to choose from, it’s a challenge that is both rewarding and entertaining, while the views from the high points are equally memorable. The distance between holes makes buggies all but essential, but you’ll be thankful of the four-wheel firepower given some of the inclines, especially when playing in the height of the summer. The practice facilities, which include the Jack Nicklaus Academy, are as you’d expect for a tour-level venue, while the service on the golf course and around the clubhouse is both professional and friendly. Thankfully, there was just enough time between games of golf to enjoy the superb hospitality on offer, with our group being treated to a stunning eight-course tasting menu at the hotel’s own Spanish restaurant, El Jardin de Lutz, on the first night, while on the second evening we enjoyed an excellent Italian meal in Don Giovanni. In between, we had a relaxed lunch in the clubhouse and another around the poolside, where croquettes and calamari went down well with a cold beer. Fans of Japanese food will want to book a table at the hotel’s Kabuki Raw, a fine-dining restuaurant that was awarded a Michelin star in 2015. Like the Japanese theatre that it is named after, the kitchen takes centre stage, allowing you to see the chefs in action. The Blue Bar serves great cocktails and other drinks in various spaces around the hotel, while there’s also a private beach club which is accessed by a free shuttle bus during peak season. Finca Cortesin wins you over in so many ways. Yes, they get the big stuff right: the sumptuous elegance of the surroundings; the wow-factor rooms; the fine food; and, of course, the superb golf course – but what I loved most was the seamless service and the feeling that no request, however trivial, would be too much trouble. That, in essence, is the mark of a truly five-star experience.

[46] NOVEMBER 2017 | TRAVEL

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

ME&MYTRAVELS

Former Olympic 400m runner Derek Redmond loves to play golf in exoctic locations, but recommends travelling first class

My first ever golf holiday was to… La Manga Club in Spain in the early 1990s. I can’t remember how I played, because I don’t think I was sober for much of the time – but I know I enjoyed it!

My most recent holiday was to...

■ EL OCEANO BEACH HOTEL IN MARBELLA

St. Vincent in the Caribbean, but that was around a decade ago.

pull a hamstring there (Barcelona Olympics 1992).

My favourite golf course is... the Brabazon Course at The Belfry fan. It’s got some really fun holes, like the 10th and the 18th, and it’s got all that Ryder Cup history. The hotel is great too, and is perfect for a weekend away with the lads.

My ideal holiday fourball would include... Barack Obama, Santiago Luna, who is fantastic guy, and

My most memorable holiday meal was at… ■ BARACK OBAMA GOLFING

The best hotel I've ever stayed in was... I’ve been to so many good hotels.

■ SANDY LANE'S GREEN MONKEY COURSE, BARBADOS

going back in time - you have to play with Seve.

My most memorable/ best ever round was at...

the Allied Irish Bank Golf Day this year at a course in Stratford. I went around in 11 over par off a 24 handicap.

resort is...

I always travel with... my wife.

My favourite golf

My favourite city in the world is...

Sandy Lane in Barbados.

It’s a toss-up between Barcelona and Rome, but I will go for Rome because I didn’t

Oceania Mijas in Marbella, Spain.

My worst holiday experience was... on a cruise to Madeira. I say a cruise. My luggage got lost in transit from my flight out there, so we missed the ship’s departure while waiting for it to arrive, and flew home the following day.

The golf course I’d most like to play is… Carnoustie. I hear a lot of good things about it.

I'm planning a golf trip to... Turkey. A good friend of mine, John Regis, goes to Belek for one of his golf days. I’m looking forward to playing some new courses and taking some money off John!

My top travel tip is ... When you get on a plane, turn left (into first class).

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