Golf News April 2017 by Golf News

ISSUE 263 | APRIL 2017 | TWITTER: @GOLFNEWSMAG | WEB: GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

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BENDING AND BREAKING I t’s rare that a month or two goes by when golf doesn’t find some reason or other to promote itself from the back pages to the front due to some shoddy arcanery that seems woefully out of step with the times. Last month it was, of course, Muirfield’s belated decision to join the 21st century and allow women to join its ranks that grabbed the headlines, while this month you may have come across a few column inches devoted to the subject of cheating, or, as others called it, ‘trial by television’. For the benefit of those who missed it, the whole sorry business arose when Lexi Thompson, one of America’s highest-ranked female professionals, was handed a fourshot penalty for failing to put her ball back in the exact same spot on the green after marking it. The offence occurred mid-way through the third round of the opening major of the season, the ANA Inspiration. However – and this is where it gets awkward – the ruling wasn’t handed out until Thompson was standing on the 13th tee during the final round, some 24 hours later, at which point she had a three-shot lead, and looked to be cruising to her second major victory. And here it gets even more awkward – or silly, depending on your point of view – the offence wasn’t noticed by Thompson, a fellow player, or even a rules official, but by someone watching on television at home on catch up. The eagle-eyed sofa-surfing referee noticed that when replacing her ball, which was just 18 inches from the cup, Thompson did so at a slightly different angle to the marker than from where she picked it up. It took a number of re-runs in slow motion for experts to notice the infringement, but an infringement it was. Whether it was a simple mistake or a deliberate attempt to avoid a spike mark, or simply edge the ball a few millimetres nearer the cup, will perhaps forever remain between Thompson and her conscience, but once again, the game was left with egg on its face. Golf used to pride itself on its players calling foul on themselves, be it in the monthly medal or the Open Championship, but I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that that particular Corinthian ship has long since sailed. There’s simply too much at stake – whether it be to beat your mate in the Saturday roll up, win the club championship, bag a holiday to Spain for some amateur team event, or even capture a green jacket – to expect players to hold themselves to account.

I defy any golfer to say they have not witnessed some form of cheating taking place on the golf course – whether it be miscounting the number of shots, the miraculous finding of a ball, or an erroneous drop – during their years in the game. It goes on all the time, but few, if any of us, are brave enough to call it. There may be whispers in the locker rooms, and at the club bar in earshot of the competition secretary, but who among us has ever called out a cheat to their face? Not many, I’d hazard. Phil Mickelson put his head just a few inches above the parapet at the Masters when he said that he knew of several players who habitually marked their ball nearer the hole during tournaments. Naturally, he refused to name names, and there-in lies the rub. If the players themselves are reluctant to call out routine rule-breakers for fear of being called a playground snitch, then what chance have rules officials, who are viewing play from much further afield, and often without the benefit of slow-motion images, of policing the game properly? Returning to the Thompson affair, yes it was sad to see a player reduced to tears and have a major snatched away at the 11th hour, but golf also has to wake up to the fact that with so much money at stake in the modern game, golfers will continue to push the boundaries of what is legally and, at times, morally, acceptable in order to further the attainment of their goals. So don’t blame the slightly over-zealous armchair fan for waving the red flag at what he saw as a blatant breaking of the rules; blame the players for abusing the system, such that it is, that makes it possible, and acceptable, to try and get away with it. So, the next time you see your mate write down a six when you knew they had a seven, ask yourself this question – who are you doing the biggest favour by not calling it? You or them?

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APRIL 2017 | NEWS

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STARS SET FOR GOLFSIXES SHOWDOWN AT CENTURION GILL WINS DARWIN SALVER AT WEATHER-BEATEN RYE Yorkshire’s Bailey Gill won the Bernard Darwin Salver after shooting rounds of 65, 65 and 78 at a wet and windy Rye Golf Club in East Sussex. The Lindrick player’s total of 217 saw him finish one shot ahead of local talent Charlie Strickland from Ham Manor Golf Club in Angmering, who shot rounds of 70, 72 and 75. The tournament had to be reduced to 54 holes due to severe weather conditions during the second day’s play.

PEDHAM PLACE CHARITY DAY Pedham Place Golf Centre is hosting a charity golf day on June 23 to help raise funds for the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Family Support Group. The day, which costs £60pp, comprises coffee and bacon roll on arrival, a 9am shotgun start with a Texas Scramble format, followed by a two-course lunch with prizes and a raffle. Guests will also get a chance to try FootGolf. Entries close on May 12, so email Christina Biggs at events@dfsg.org. uk to book your place.

yder Cup stars Chris Wood and Andy Sullivan will be hoping that home advantage pays off when they team up to represent England in the new GolfSixes event, which is being held at Centurion Club in Hertfordshire on May 6-7. The English duo will face stiff opposition from all over the world in the shape of two-man teams representing Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, India, Italy, Portugal, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, the Netherlands, the USA and Wales. Wood is looking forward to seeing home fans gather at the Centurion Club for the inaugural staging or the event, which showcases a shorter format of the game. He said: “Sully and I are good mates, and I think we make a good team. We’ve both had amazing experiences in the past representing Europe at the Ryder Cup, and England at the World Cup of Golf. With the countries that are taking part,

there could be some pretty intriguing rivalries thrown up, and I’m sure we’ll see plenty of passion from the players and the fans. It’s a fresh new format, and I think that’s very welcome in golf right now. It should be an entertaining weekend, and I’m interested to see how it all works with the innovations inside and outside the ropes.” There could be an added edge for home fans, as reigning BMW PGA champion Wood and three-time European Tour winner Sullivan may find themselves in a home nations head to head against their rivals from Scotland and Wales. After claiming the winning point for Europe at the 2014 Ryder Cup, Jamie Donaldson will be aiming to put on a similar display for Wales when he teams up with Bradley Dredge. While, with three European Tour wins apiece, Richie Ramsay and Marc Warren will be determined to call on all of their experience to raise the Saltire above the Centurion Club on May 7. Denmark’s Thorbjørn Olesen already

SIMPSON & ROWLANDS BAG GORING GLORY Paul Simpson (West Berkshire) and Neil Rowlands (Cotswolds) battled the wind and rain at Goring and Streatley to score an impressive eight-underpar 63 to claim top spot at the season opening BB&O Pro+Pro tournament. This was enough to finish two strokes clear of 2016 South Region Order of Merit winner Adam Wootton (Oxford Golf Centre) and partner Clive Bowler (Sonning), with Alex Lodge and Tim Newton (both Calcot Park) finishing third.

PANTLIN WINS WATSON TROPHY The Watson Trophy for the Kent champion of champions was won by Deangate Ridge’s Nick Pantlin after he beat Chislehurst’s Liam Burns in a playoff at Dartford Golf Club. Both players finished on one under par for their rounds, forcing the tournament into extra-time. Both players missed the green at the par-three play-off hole, but Pantlin managed to get up and down to take the trophy, after Burns’s attempt at par lipped out.

SOUTHERN STARS EARN ENGLAND U16 CALL UP Three south east-based players have been selected to represent England in the forthcoming Under 16 Quadrangular match against Holland, Ireland and Wales being held at Prestatyn Golf Club. BB&O players Tom Gregory, Hertfordshire’s Ben Pierleoni and Surrey’s Enrique Dimayuga have all been picked for the squad, along with Dominic Clemons (Gog Magog), Jake Craddock (Sleaford), Matthew Freeman (Worksop), George Leigh (Trevose), and Callum Macfie (Lindrick).

■ THE 18TH HOLE AT CENTURION PROVIDES A DRAMATIC FINALE

■ ANDY SULLIVAN AND CHRIS WOOD WILL BE REPRESENTING ENGLAND IN THE GOLFSIXES

has national pedigree, after claiming the World Cup of Golf for his country in 2016. This time, he will team up with 26-year-old Lucas Bjerregaard in search of victory for Denmark at the fast-paced new event. Olesen said: “There aren’t too many opportunities to play team golf, and it definitely adds an extra edge when you are representing your country. I had a lot of fun playing for Denmark at the World Cup of Golf last year. It was a proud moment to lift the trophy, and I would love to make it two in a row for Denmark.” Nicolas Colsaerts, Ricardo Gouveia, Thongchai Jaidee, Alexander Levy, Joost Luiten, Matteo Manassero and Brandon Stone are among the European Tour stars who will take part in the event that will feature amphitheatre-style stands around the tees and greens, music and pyrotechnics, an activity-packed fanzone and player engagement, bringing fans closer to the action. The tournament starts on May 6, with teams split into four groups of four, before the top two teams from each group progress to the knockout stages – which will be contested on May 7.

In the group stages, three points will be given for victory with one point given for a draw, while the matches themselves will be played in a greensomes match play format. Both days’ play will be shown live on Sky Sports. Tickets to see the action can be purchased at www.golfsixes.com/ tickets. Adult tickets cost £6, while children’s tickets (10-17) are available for £3, and there is free entry for under 10s.

FULL LIST OF COUNTRIES & PLAYERS (IN ORDER OF RANKING)

1) ENGLAND: Chris Wood, Andy Sullivan 2) ITALY: Matteo Manassero, Renato Paratore 3) THAILAND: Thongchai Jaidee, Kiradech Aphibarnrat 4) INDIA: S.S.P Chawrasia, Chikkarangappa S 5) AUSTRALIA: Sam Brazel, Scott Hend 6) DENMARK: Thorbjørn Olesen, Lucas Bjerregaard 7) FRANCE: Alexander Levy, Grégory Bourdy 8) NETHERLANDS; Joost Luiten, Reinier Saxton 9) SWEDEN: Kristoffer Broberg, Joakim Lagergren 10) SPAIN: Pablo Larrazábal, Alejandro Cañizares 11) SCOTLAND: Richie Ramsay, Marc Warren 12) SOUTH AFRICA: Darren Fichardt, Brandon Stone 13) USA: Paul Peterson, David Lipsky 14) WALES: Bradley Dredge, Jamie Donaldson 15) BELGIUM: Nicolas Colsaerts, Thomas Detry 16) PORTUGAL: Ricardo Gouveia, José-Filipe Lima

PARLEY OPENS NEW NINE-HOLE COURSE

outh coast golfers have a brand new course to play, following the official opening of a new nine-hole course at Parley Golf Centre in Bournemouth. The 5,169-yard course, which can be played twice to make an 18-hole loop, is part of a £250,000 redevelopment at the centre located opposite Bournemouth Airport, which has doubled its size. First opened in 1991 as a six-hole course, Parley is set within an 800-acre farming estate next to the River Stour. The centre is shortly to open a new dedicated shortgame practice area and a large practice green, to accompany the smaller pre-game practice green. Two academy holes are also available for warm-ups and there is a state-of-the-art indoor coaching area as well as a simulator and pro shop. Club captain Tim Parker christened the new course by driving off up the new first fairway, where he was joined by men’s captain Mike Travis, and ladies’ captain Emma Millward. Parley’s general manager, Daryl Dampney, said: “We have not only invested a lot of money in the new facilities, but all our staff have invested a great deal of time and effort in getting this course off the ground. It was a hugely ambitious project from the start, but head greenkeeper Ian Noble and all the groundstaff have worked wonders and crafted a magnificent course.” He added: “Even before it opened, membership was growing so quickly that

HATTON TO HOST JUNIOR MASTERS AT HARLEYFORD

uropean Tour star Tyrrell Hatton is to host his own tournament, the Tyrrell Hatton Juniors Masters, at Harleyford Golf Club in Buckinghamshire later this year. The tournament will take place on Saturday, September 2, and Hatton, who has been a member at the club since he was 11, will be on hand to present the prizes. The format will be 18 holes stroke play, limited to a field

of 72 players, with no entry fee. There are three age categories, U14, 14-16 and over 16, and subsequent handicap restrictions for all entrants. For each age category there will be a prize awarded for first and second best gross, along with a nearest-the-pin and longest drive. “I’m having the first Tyrrell Hatton Junior Masters on

■ DARYL DAMPNEY, MANAGER; MIKE TRAVIS, MEN’S CAPTAIN; EMMA MILLWARD, LADIES CAPTAIN; TIM PARKER, CLUB CAPTAIN; AND IAN NOBLE, HEAD GREENKEEPER

we have had to expand the car park. There are nine new greens and seven new fairways, and the first to play the course were incredibly enthusiastic about it. The new short game area will open soon – it just needs a few weeks to bed down. But it will mean we have the best practice facilities in the region, and our team of professional coaches are very excited. You don’t have to be a member to play, just turn up and tee off.” The first competition on the new course was won by a fourball comprising Bob Lloyd, Gary Banks, Logan Davies and Dennis Wilkinson.

September 2, which I named after the first tournament I won, the Wycombe Heights Junior Masters, when I was eight years old," said Hatton, who is currently ranked 16th in the world. “I have kept the little green jacket that I won that day. Hopefully a lot of juniors will enter, and it will be a great day, and maybe some of them will be lucky enough to go on to enjoy success in the game as I have.” For entry forms, visit www. harleyfordgolf.co.uk or email proshop@harleyfordgolf.co.uk.

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[6]

APRIL 2017 | NEWS

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FORD PIPS WALLIS TO KENT CLOSED TITLE E KENT ROLLS OUT JUNIOR ACADEMY PROGRAMME Following successful skills assessment days held at both Chelsfield Lakes and Boughton Golf Club last month, Kent Golf is now taking entries for its 2017 Academy Programme, which is being held at four venues across the county – Hever Castle, Kings Hill, Boughton/ Etchinghill and Chelsfield Lakes. The days will consist of fun games and challenges and give youngsters and their parents an opportunity to meet Kent coaches and officials, and discuss which academy initiatives would best suit the child, and which tournaments and competitions might be available to them throughout the season. Places can be reserved by emailing sue@kentgolf.co.uk or 01797 367725. There are also registrations forms on the Kent Golf website, www.kentgolf.org.

CLEWS CLAIMS HAMPSHIRE ROSE Cheshire’s Gemma Clews captured the Hampshire Rose after shooting a combined eight-under-par total of 138 for 36 holes at North Hants. The 22 year old took advantage of her length off the tee to equal the course record in the first round 67 and followed up with 71 in the afternoon to win the title by four shots from fellow England international Sophie Lamb, with Caley McGinty (Knowle) third on three under.

uropean Tour player Matt Ford captured the PGA Kent Closed championship after beating Richard Wallis in a sudden death playoff after both players shot five-under-par 67s around Kings Hill Golf Club. Out of a strong field of 84 competitors that enjoyed ideal warm and sunny spring weather, 46 of Kent’s top PGA professionals played alongside 38 of Kent’s top amateurs, thus achieving one of the event’s aims of developing the potential of the county’s young golfers, especially those considering a career in professional golf. Ford showed his tour pedigree when making a sublime up-and-down from the back of the first green for a birdie four to Wallis’s par five to take the £500 first prize and the trophy, while Wallis was consoled with a cheque for £400 and a useful boost to his growing reputation as a golf coach. Kent Golf Studio’s Paul Page delivered a 68 to

land third spot, while the leading amateur was George Young from West Malling, who, despite a double bogey six at the second hole, still managed to shoot a three-under-par 69 to edge out his nearest rival, Samuel Steadman from Chart Hills. ■ MATT FORD With a fantastic amateur prize table laid on by TaylorMade and its Performance Centre at Kings Hill, Young and Steadman took away TaylorMade M2 driver and a TP putter respectively. Littlestone’s Jack Holland won a TaylorMade Tour Bag as the third placed amateur. Delighted with the day’s results, the PGA in

Kent’s secretary Sam Smith said: “This event is going from strength to strength. By working closely with the Kent Golf Union and with the elite and budding young amateur golfers, we’re all helping to raise standards across the board. It’s very encouraging, and it’s fantastic to see Kent’s PGA Professionals and amateurs competing directly against each other” He added: “The PGA Kent Closed Championship attracted the most representative field of the county’s finest golfers, amateur and professional. We’re all highly appreciative of the generosity of the King’s Hill’s owners to give us their course for the day, and let us put on what has proved to be a spectacular show of county golf.”

WOODWARD BACKS MEHMET TO MAKE THE GRADE

oyal Mid-Surrey Golf Club got the golfing season off to a flying start earlier this month when Ladies European Tour rookie Inci Mehmet and her mentor Sir Clive Woodward gave members an insight into the world of professional sport during a sell-out evening at the Richmond-based club. Mehmet, 20, recently won her full tour card on the Ladies European Tour, and is regarded as one of the country’s most promising young female players. She joined the club as a junior seven years ago, and has had a glittering amateur career, including winning the Surrey County Girls Championship. Her handicap at the time of turning professional was +4.5. Sir Clive, who coached England to glory at the 2003 Rugby World Cup and helped Team GB to success as Director of Sport at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, is assisting Mehmet in her golfing career with a unique programme that he has put together. Sir Clive said: “When I first met Inci, it was clear she had the talent to succeed. What I am helping to do is to use my coaching experience to put a programme

■ SIR CLIVE WOODWARD

in place that will allow Inci to maximise her talent. Provided she continues to work hard, and with the continued support of Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club, I am confident she has the ability to become one of the very best players on the LET, and we will be doing everything to support her in that goal.”

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NEWS | APRIL 2017

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BANSTEAD BOYS BAG SUNNINGDALE GLORY

he Banstead Downs pairing of professional Henry Smart and reinstated amateur Graham Powell won this year’s Sunningdale Foursomes following a week-long series of closely fought match play encounters over the Berkshire venue’s famous Old and New Courses. Smart and Powell, who reached the semi-finals in 2016, went all the way this time, beating PGA professionals Ryan Harrison and James Johnston by 5&4 in the final. "I don't know if it has quite sunk in yet,'' said Smart, who spent three years working as a coach at the College of Charleston in South Carolina. "But it's great to know we're in such good company. It's a massive honour to see our names alongside so many greats of the game.” As ever, the tournament drew a strong list of entries, including two major champions in Sandy Lyle and Paul Lawrie, a large helping of tour players of a varying ages, and many top-flight amateurs. Lawrie was playing with his eldest son Craig, who is also a professional, but their debut run in the event came to an end in the fourth round when they had to give 10 shots to the all-female pair of Swedish international Linn Grant and her English partner, Martha Lewis. The 1999 Open champion clearly enjoyed his time though. "It's something I've always wanted to play in – I’ve loved it,” he said. “The courses are so good and it's been great fun to play with Craig and to have Michael, my youngest son, on the bag as well. I really enjoyed the week." "Foursomes are fun," he added. "Monty gave me some good advice when I played foursomes with him in the 1999 Ryder Cup, and Craig and I used it this week. 'You do your own thing and I'll do mine,' he said, and he's right. If you meddle with me, and I meddle with you, it just makes things confusing." Lyle, who has yet to add his name to the trophy, got as far as the third round with his partner, golf journalist James Bunch, before losing 2&1 to the mixed pair of past Walker Cup player Jack Senior and Royal Lytham & St Annes amateur

ROYAL NORWICH BANKS £17M SALE

oyal Norwich Golf Club, one of Norfolk’s leading courses, has completed the sale of its land to developer Persimmon for £17 million. The sale, which had been planned for a number of years, will see the current site eventually being redeveloped into housing, while the golf club will relocate to Weston Park, following the acquisition of its existing course from Weston Park Golf Club.

BUCK’S RUSHMORE ACE HAS ITS OWN REWARD

■ SUNNINGDALE FOURSOMES WINNERS HENRY SMART AND GRAHAM POWELL WITH RUNNERS UP RYAN HARRISON AND JAMES JONHSTON

Bethany Garton, but both have vowed to try again. "Back in 1975, when I was 17, Martin Poxon and I reached the final, only to see it abandoned because of overnight snow,” Lyle said. "We might not have beaten our professional opponents, Lionel Platts and Hedley Musgrove, but it was a shame we didn’t get the chance.” The last European Tour player left standing this year was past Spanish Open champion James Morrison, who, together with amateur friend Duncan Hodgson, reached the semi-finals before bowing out 5&4 to finalists Harrison and Johnston. Last year’s winning couple, Sussex’s Marco Penge and Sophie Lamb went out early, losing in the second round to the eventual winners.

■ ROYAL NORWICH IS MOVING TO PASTURES NEW

“We are absolutely delighted to have signed the agreement,” said David Coventry, chairman of Royal Norwich. “This has been a long process for members, the various committees and individuals who have been involved in the project, but we can finally start the next exciting phase in the development of Royal Norwich.” The current golf course will remain open for the next two years, with

investment planned immediately on site to maintain the quality of the golfing experience for members and visitors. Work on the new Weston course is due to begin this month, with the intention of opening in early 2019. The new home for Royal Norwich

will be developed into one of the region’s outstanding new clubs, featuring an 18-hole course and an academy course, both of which are being designed by Ross MacMurray of European Golf Design, and a new clubhouse.

Rushmore Golf Club member Alex Buck achieved the ambition of a lifetime last month when he bagged his first ace at the Wiltshire club’s 162-yard 4th hole. The club had offered the prize of a luxury weekend break to the Marriott Forest of Arden for the first person who managed an ace on the hole, but sadly for Buck, the same feat had been achieved just 24 hours earlier at the captain’s drive-in.

FRANCES’ BIRDIE BARRAGE SEALS SEARLES CLASSIC Old Fold Manor professional Jack Frances rattled off six birdies on the bounce to fire himself and playing partner Andy Thornton to glory in the 36-hole Searles PGA Spring Classic. Frances, and seven-handicapper Thornton collected 42 points in the opening day’s greensomes held at Kings Lynn Golf Club, which left them one point ahead of their closest rivals, Crue Elliott (Sandy Lodge) and Sean Herman, going into the second-round better-ball format at Hunstanton. But Frances went into overdrive on day two nine, making nine birdies as he and Thornton secured 47 points. That lifted their overall tally to 89 – four clear of the runners-up as Jason Groat and his wife Alison, with Elliott and Herman a further two points back. Frances said: “I was eight-under for my ball – that’s the lowest score I’ve had in a professional competition. The putter got really hot. The two days have been fantastic – good competition, good company, and both golf courses, although very different, were absolutely beautiful.”

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[8]

APRIL 2017 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

BJORN ACCEPTS HONORARY CAPTAIN’S ROLE AT THE SHIRE VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED FOR HENRY COOPER JUNIOR MASTERS If you’ve got an eye for a soaring golf ball and are good at keeping people in line, then the organisers of the Sir Henry Cooper Junior Masters Golf Championship need your help! The tournament, which attracts over 150 of the best young amateurs in the UK and Europe, takes place at Nizels Golf Club in Kent from June 23-25, and the organisers are on the look out for volunteers to help with marshalling, ball spotting, announcing and other roles, over the three days of action. Past winners of the event, which is now a counting event in the World Amateur Golf Rankings, have included Joost Luiten and Tom Lewis, while other past players have included Chris Wood, Oliver Fisher and Rhys Davies, Over half of the current Walker Cup squad are ex-Junior Masters players, so there is a good chance that volunteers and spectators will catch an early glimpse of one or two stars of the future. All volunteers will be provided with a packed lunch or lunch vouchers, while other rewards, including Titleist balls, discounted green fees at Nizels, and golf shirts, will be on offer depending on how many sessions you are able to cover. To volunteer your services, email Steve McIntosh at stewards@ thehenrycooper.net, including details of availability, mobile number and shirt size.

DAN’S THE NEW MAN AT FRILFORD HEATH Frilford Heath Golf Club in Oxfordshire has appointed Daniel Blesovsky as its new golf services manager. A PGA professional with a Sports Science & Business Management degree, Blesovsky brings over a decade of experience to the club, having previously held roles at Hanbury Manor and most recently at Woburn, where he oversaw the staging of two tour events. The appointment marks the start of an exciting year for the 54hole venue, which is shortly to open a new par-three course and a new pro shop.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT AT HELLIDON LAKES Hellidon Lakes Golf & Spa Hotel has unveiled a host of new practice and coaching facilities ahead of the new season. The Daventry-based club, which is part of the QHotels group, will open its new driving range and nets this month, which will enhance the practice facilities available to complement the venue’s 18-hole championship course and the ninehole Valley course. A launch event was held on April 12, where visitors got the chance to experience the new facilities.

he Shire London has ramped up its Ryder Cup connections following the appointment of European Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjørn as honorary captain for 2017-18. The 46-year-old Dane will represent the club, which is located near Barnet in Hertfordshire, as momentum builds towards the 2018 Ryder Cup, due to be held in September next year at Le Golf National in Paris. Speaking at the club, whose 18-hole championship course was designed by Ryder Cup legend Seve Ballesteros, Bjørn said: “I am very honoured to have been appointed honorary captain, and to become an ambassador for The Shire London. It is the perfect golfing base for me in the UK, with great practice facilities and the fantastic Ballesteros Masters

Course. The club has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and the MenaiDavis family are not only great hosts, but they are also passionate supporters of growing the game of golf." Denmark’s most successful golfer, Bjørn’s career has included 15 wins and 94 top-ten finishes to date on the European Tour. Twice runner-up in the Open Championship, and a threetime Ryder Cup player – always on the winning side – he was appointed chairman of the European Tour’s tournament committee in 2007. He is a four-time vice-captain to the European Ryder Cup team, picked for the role by winning captains Bernhard Langer (2004), Colin Montgomerie (2010), and José-María Olazábal (2012), as well as by Darren Clarke for the 2016 match in Minnesota.

■ THE SHIRE WILL BE HOSTING THE THOMAS BJORN TROPHY LATER THIS YEAR

■ THOMAS BJORN WITH THE SHIRE'S OWNER TONY MENAI-DAVIS

During his two-year honorary captaincy at The Shire, Bjørn will each year host a new event, the Thomas Bjørn Trophy, the first of which will take place this September. He will also use the club’s practice facilities and gym, as well as play the club’s 7,028yard Ballesteros Masters Course, the UK’s only golf course fully designed by Seve. “It means a lot to me that my hero Seve designed the course at The Shire,” Bjørn said. “His legacy is everywhere in the world of golf, and with this year being the 20th anniversary of the European victory at Valderrama, which was also my rookie appearance, the timing could not be more fitting. Being based at Seve’s course will inspire me in the build-up to

my own captaincy.” The Shire’s owner, Tony MenaiDavis, was delighted that Bjorn accepted his offer to become honorary captain during such a busy time. “We could not be more proud that Thomas is joining us here at The Shire London to make it his home club,” he said. “It is a huge thrill for all of us connected with the club that such a successful and influential figure from world golf will be representing us for the next two years, and we look forward to seeing him around the club." He added: “To have the European Ryder Cup captain based here will be incredibly exciting, and, like all golf fans, we will be backing Thomas all the way as he builds his team in preparation for Paris in 2018. Go Team Europe!” Details of the Thomas Bjorn Trophy 2017, which the Dane will personally host at The Shire, and which will be open to all golfers, are to be announced shortly.

BUNKER RENOVATION FRESHENS UP FERNDOWN’S TIMELESS APPEAL

erndown Golf Club has unveiled a major upgrade of its renowned Old Course following the completion of an eightmonth bunker renovation project at the Dorset-based venue. The 105-year-old course, which is located a few miles north of Bournemouth, has seen all 67 bunkers reconstructed to enhance the golfing challenge as well as improve maintenance, with all hazards featuring modern drainage systems and blinder linings with buck brick sand to provide perfect lies throughout the year. The work was carried out by ProFusion in conjunction with Ferndown’s course manager Murray Long. The club also took the opportunity to fill in eight bunkers that had become redundant due to modern driver technology, while three new hazards have been introduced on the 9th, 15th and 17th to enhance the strategy from the tee on each hole. The bunkers all now have a consistent aesthetic, with heather and turf

MARKS MISSES OUT IN SHARJAH

urrey’s senior tour star Gary Marks just missed out on winning his second European Senior Tour title after losing a play-off against South Africa’s Chris Williams at the inaugural Sharjah Senior Golf Masters in the United Arab Emirates. Marks, 53, who won last year’s Willow Senior Classsic at Hanbury Manor during his second season on the senior circuit, was one shot off the lead held by Williams going into the final round at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club, and looked to be

set for only a top five at best when he could only manage level par over the front nine, while others made a charge. However, the Roehampton Club professional got the putter going on the back nin, and a string of three consecutive birdies from the 13th hole put him right back in the mix, and with playing partner Williams unable to find a single birdie on the back nine after an outward 32, a play-off was the only way to settle the result. Unfortunately for Marks, he

■ AN EXAMPLE OF THE NEW BUNKERING AT FERNDOWN

surrounds, while new raised backs improve their visibility. Despite these changes, the 6,500-yard course, which was designed by twotime Open champion Harold Hilton, retains its original heathland feel, while its pristine presentation, which has often drawn favourable comparsions with Augusta, remains an abiding feature. Visitors can play the Old Course most weekdays, with the summer green fee set at £95, and groups and societies specifically catered for on Tuesdays and Fridays, while the club’s 9-hole Alliss Course, which was designed by Hamilton Stutt, is also well worth playing.

■ GARY MARKS

bogeyed the first play-off hole, while 57-year-old Williams holed from six feet to win his first title since the Brunei Senior Masters in 2011. Sharing third place on 12 under par were Magnus Atlevi and James Kingston, while two-time Senior Major champion Roger Chapman rounded out the top five, after a closing 69. The next European Senior Tour event is the European Tour Properties Senior Classic at Linna Golf Club in Finland form June 21-23, followed by the Swiss Seniors Open in Bad Ragaz from July 7-9.

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[10] APRIL 2017 | NEWS

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GREGORY WINS GEORGIA CUP EN ROUTE TO AUGUSTA

WALKER RECLAIMS GOLD AT ROEHAMPTON

■ SCOTT GREGORY MISSED THE CUT AT THE MASTERS

ampshire’s Scott Gregory won the annual clash of the British and US amateur champions after beating Australia’s Curtis Luck on the first play-off hole at the Golf Club of Georgia. The 20 year old from Corhampton Golf Club had to wait until the 17th to get his nose in front in the match, and was then pulled back to allsquare on the 18th. But when he got his chance on the next, he grabbed it. The match was part of Gregory’s carefully planned warm-up for the Masters, where he earned his place by virtue of his Amateur Championship win at Royal Porthcawl last June. Gregory travelled to the States in mid-March, and travelled to Augusta National for three days of practice before the arrival of his coach, Simon Andrews from the Portsmouth Golf Centre. Sadly, things didn’t go his way at the opening major of the year, and Gregory shot rounds of 82 and 75 to miss the cut by eight shots in tied 90th. His first round got off to the worse possible start, with a triple-bogey seven, and with a bogey

at the next, and another at the 7th, the Masters’ rookie was five over par for the front nine. Birdies at the difficult 10th and the par-3 13th steadied the ship slightly, but dropped shots at 14 and 15, and a double at the last, sealed his fate for an opening round of 10 over. Round two saw a much-improved performance, with an eagle at the second hole earning Gregory one of Augusta’s famous pieces of crystalware, but five consecutive bogeys from the seventh ensured he wouldn’t be around for the weekend. The youngster played alongside former

Masters champion Sandy Lyle and PGA Tour player Sean O’Hair for both rounds, while he also enjoyed a practice round with world no.1 Jason Day. Writing on Twitter on Friday night, Gregory said: “What a great week of learning at the Masters. Not the result I wanted, but a lot of positives, and things to work on to get back here.” The medal for the low amateur was one by America’s Mid Amateur champion Stewart Hagestad, who finished tied 36th on six over par. Curtis Luck also made the cut, finishing tied 46th on nine over.

OWERS ON TOP AT PAR-THREE DUKES MEADOW’S SHOOTOUT

yke Green’s PGA professional Tom Owers triumphed at the first extra hole in the Middlesex Par-3 title held at Dukes Meadows Golf Club in Chiswick. Owers secured a regulation par to pip Sufian Dhaduk after both tied at one-overpar in regulation play. In the play-off Dhaduk drew a poor lie in the sand and flew the green. He subsequently holed a 14-footer for his bogey, but Owers got up and down from just off the green to clinch the win. It capped a superb recovery from Owers who had slipped to four-over-par at the halfway stage of his round. He rallied bravely on his second loop of the tricky ninehole course to record a tally of 55. Dukes Meadows’ professionals Brian Green and Scott Margetts tied for third at two-over-par. The event was very well received and Dukes Meadows will again be hosting and sponsoring it in March 2018.

adies European Tour player Sophie Walker captured the second Roehampton Ladies Open Gold Challenge Cup of her career after playing the Surrey course in one under par for 36 holes. The 32 year old from Lancashire, who is just starting out her 10th season on tour, fired rounds of 74 and 69 in perfect spring conditions to win by three shots from Amelia Jane Williamson from Royal Cromer in Norfolk, who shot a pair of 73s. Walker’s second round 69 was a record for the tournament, which was celebrating its 90th year. Gemma Allman from Stanmore was a further shot back in third, while last year’s winner, Alex Peters, was fourth after battling back from an opening 77 with an afternoon 71. With Roehampton’s greens running at 10.5 and a gentle south-westerly breeze causing a few yardage issues, the historic parkland course was certainly no pushover, with all bar three of the field, which comprised 21 professionals and 49 amateurs with handicaps of 3.5 or less, unable to break par for 18 holes. Sophie Mills from John O’Gaunt Golf Club had a hole-in-one at the 14th, which brightened up her morning round of 85, and inspired her to a 77 in the afternoon. The Ladies Open Gold Challenge Cup is now coupled with the Hampshire Rose, which took place at North Hants Golf Club on April 9. Those competitors who competed in the 72hole Gold Rose are eligible for world amateur golf ranking points.

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[12] APRIL 2017 | NEWS

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IRVINE STEPS DOWN FROM BBC’S GOLFING HOT SEAT B

BC sports presenter Hazel Irvine ended her long association with golf broadcasting this month after hosting the corporation’s coverage of the Masters at Augusta for the final time. The 51-year-old Scot has stepped down from golf coverage after being the BBC’s lead presenter since 2009, when she took over the reins from Steve Rider. Irvine said: “I was pleased to be offered another long-term contract with BBC Sport to continue presenting snooker, golf and major events. However, after much thought, I have decided that in what is my 30th year in broadcast sport, I want to realign my on-air commitments around the changing needs of my family. I have loved working with my brilliant friends and colleagues on the BBC golf team.” Having been the lead golf presenter for the past eight years,

Irvine will pass that role onto compatriot Eilidh Barbour, whose first anchoring role will be for the BBC’s coverage of BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in May. Barbour, who joins a BBC golf team that currently includes Peter Alliss, Ken Brown and Andrew Cotter, already has a track record in golf, as the 34 year old was part of the BBC Five Live team at last year’s Open. She will be familiar to sports fans as a reporter on Football Focus, Final Score, the Euro 2016 tournament and FA Cup games. She also fronts the BBC’s coverage of women’s football and women’s rugby. She tweeted: “Hazel is the standard I aspire to emulate. A huge inspiration to me personally. To follow her is a dream come true.” ■ THE BBC'S NEW GOLF PRESENTER EILIDH BARBOUR

“I WAS ONE OF THE FIRST TO PLAY CHROME SOFT.

IT’S LONG, UNBELIEVABLY ■ THE OPENING HOLE AT HORSHAM GOLF'S CHAMPIONSHIP OAKS COURSE

HORSHAM TEES UP SUPERSIXES EVENT

orsham Golf’s recentlyopened Oaks Course is hosting a new tournament on May 6 to celebrate the launch of the European Tour’s new Super6’s tournament at Centurion Club in Hertfordshire. Although there is no million pound prize fund on offer at Horsham, there will be plenty of prizes for the six-hole match play knockout event, including a brand new set of customfitted Srixon irons for the overall champion, stand

bags for the runners-up, and a full set of Cleveland RTX wedges to the winner of the plate competition. The competition is limited to 64 entries, with the whole day comprising a total of 92 six-hole matches, with each player guaranteed at least two games, along with a Srixon welcome pack. Golfers looking to book a round over the Oaks Course at any other time can now do so at the push of a button, following the

launch of a new online tee booking service at the West Sussex-based facility. The popular members’ club is using a booking system provided by Intelligent Golf, which went live on April 1. Tee reservations can be made and paid for up to eight days in advance. There are savings on offer of between £5 and £15 on fees for two-, three- and fourballs for online bookings. For more details, visit horshamgolfandfitness.co.uk.

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NEWS | APRIL 2017

RYE’S DYNAMIC DUO CLAIM FIRST TEAMWORK TROPHY

ye's top team of club secretary Jimmy James and PGA Head Professional Matthew Holland shot a four-under-par 68 to win the Teamwork Trophy in the inaugural Surrey PGA Professional and Secretary Challenge, supported by MHS Group and ProAgenda.com. Played around Woodcote Park Golf Club in a fourball better ball format, the star pairing took home the impressive new Teamwork Trophy. James, who has only been in the post for five months, said: “This is a great idea and it’s created my first opportunity to play with

Matthew, and develop our working relationship beyond the confines of the club.” Following a countback, the 68 of Tyrrells Wood’s general manager Phil Worthington and PGA Head Professional Rob Humphrey edged out Fulwell’s secretary Murray Cook and PGA Head Professional Nigel Turner. At the dinner, MHS Group’s chief executive Ed Beale presented bottles of champagne to the top three pairs and the Teamwork Trophy to the winners. He said that both he and his operations director Tony Jones not only enjoyed playing

■ JIMMY JAMES AND MATTHEW HOLLAND WITH MHS CHIEF EXECUTIVE ED BEALE (CENTRE)

against the Kingswood team of secretary Mark Stewart and PGA Head Professional Ian Golding, but were delighted to support an event that helped improve golf club management.

The event is the brainchild of Woodcote Park’s PGA Head Professional and captain of the PGA in Surrey, Wraith Grant, and general manager Adrian Dawson. As Grant explained: “Adrian and I have

long worked together to improve and drive our club forwards, and the benefits to the membership numbers and bottom line are clear for all to see. Playing nine holes regularly gave us time

[13]

to chat about things we were concerned about in an informal and unstructured way, and helped us work with each other more effectively.” Dawson added: “But while it’s been obvious to us, it’s not so at all golf clubs. Wraith’s idea for this event is aimed at getting the two key people at any golf club together, and the day’s been a tremendous success. There’s been a lot of encouragement from our respective colleagues in the business, and we’re delighted that club software developer MHS Group, online lesson booking app provider ProAgenda.com, and main sponsor of The PGA in Surrey, Brand Fusion, all wanted to show their support for our concept, and that they’ve expressed their enthusiasm to do this again next year.”

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NESSLING ROMPS TO ROMPIDO GLORY

ooden Beach’s Paul Nessling caught Oxford Golf Centre’s Adam Wootton to share top prize at the four round Golf Escapes El Rompido PGA Pro-Am. Starting on El Rompido’s North course, Wootton’s five-under-par first round of 67 looked even better after a second round of 69, putting the 2016 Virgin Atlantic PGA South Order of Merit champion into a substantial lead over nearest rivals Nessling and Canterbury’s Richard Wallis. Then, in the third round, on the South course, Wootton opened with a disastrous treble-bogey seven. A third round of 76 cut his lead over Nessling to three, with Wallis one more shot behind and all to play for. Starting at the 10th in the final round, and

knowing that the South course was all about risk and reward, Nessling opted for making pars. Wootton’s more aggressive play led to his double-bogeying the 13th, and after another dropped shot at the first, he was level with Nessling. After pars on his first 13 holes, Nessling eagled to go two ahead, but a bogey at the next cut his lead to one. Wootton then birdied his 16th to catch Nessling and both finished par birdie to tie, with Wallis five shots behind in third spot. Both players took home cheques for £650 and Nessling was delighted, saying: “I left myself with a lot to do by the halfway point, but on the final nine things got very interesting. We both pushed hard, so a tie was a pretty fair result.”

He added: “Golf Escapes put together a fantastic all-inclusive package for this event with four competitive rounds over two beautiful and very natural courses. Both the North and South

were in terrific condition for the Pro-Am, and there was lots of warm and sunny weather - just what you want when it’s close to freezing back in the UK!”

[14] APRIL 2017 | NEWS

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HALL FLIES HIGH IN CHINA AS SOLHEIM SPOT BECKONS D

orset’s Georgia Hall is fast closing in on securing her place in Europe’s Solheim Cup to face USA at Des Moines in August, after moving to second on the points list. A third-placed finish at the World Ladies Championship in China last month, her first event of the season, saw the 20 year old from Bournemouth close in on table-topping Melissa Reid, who won the Oates Vic Open in Australia to move eight points ahead. A win at Mission Hills Resort in Haikou, would have moved Hall up into the top spot, but she finished three shots behind South Korea’s Hae Rym Kim and Seon Woo Bae, after firing a final round 67 for 11 under par. Hall, who is attached to Remedy Oak Golf Club, said: “My putting wasn’t quite there, but my long game was amazing all week and that kept me in it – I only missed one fairway during the final round and I missed two on the previous two days, but I’m happy with

tied third considering how I putted.” Hall is one of four Englishwomen currently leading the rankings, with Charley Hull and Florentyna Parker occupying the third and fourth spots respectively, and she says that qualification and winning a tournament are her two main goals in 2017, her third year on tour. “The Solheim Cup is probably my biggest goal this year is to get up the rankings, and to win on the LET is obviously big for me, because I’ve been close a few times,” said Hall, who racked up eight top 10s on the Ladies European Tour in 2016, including a runner-up spot at the Fatima Bink Mubarak Ladies Open in Abu Dhabi. “I’m improving every year, and because I came fourth on the rankings last year it got me into the US Open, and hopefully I’ll play in more Majors this year. I think the next step is definitely a win and it’s the right time now,” she added.

■ GEORGIA HALL

“I really enjoyed playing in the Ping Junior Solheim Cup in Denver, and it was one of my best experiences as an amateur. I really love match play and always have done. It was definitely my strongest format as an amateur, as I won the British Ladies’, the British Girls’, and I really enjoy playing one against one. Also, in foursomes and four balls, you are part of a team, which is great.” Hall also admits to being motivated by the opportunity to play for first-time captain Annika Sorenstam. She explained: “I’ve never met Annika before, but she’s been my sporting idol growing up, and the way she played was incredible. When I heard that she was the captain this time, I thought, I’ve got to try my best to get into that team, because it’s amazing just to play in the Solheim Cup, but for her to be the captain as well does give me an extra incentive.”

BUT SOME GOLFERS HAVE NOT EVEN TRIED CHROME SOFT.

...IF YOU’RE NOT

HOW CAN YOU EXPECT ■ NIC COWARD IS TO CHAIR ENGLAND GOLF

COWARD TO CHAIR ENGLAND GOLF

xperienced sports administrator Nic Coward is to become the first independent chairman of England Golf. For the past year, Coward has been the independent chairman of the England Golf Partnership, whose key roles are being taken on by England Golf. He was ratified in the position following an annual general meeting on April 12. In a 20-year career at the top levels of British sport, Coward has been the general secretary of the Premier League, the chief executive of the British Horseracing

Authority, joint chief executive of the Football Association, and a director of Wembley Stadium. He has also been a non-executive director of the FA, and first chair of the global Sports Rights Owners Coalition. “Golf in England has a huge amount to be proud of, from Olympic gold to the huge impact in communities across the country,” he said. “There is great work going on at every level of the game. What is really exciting is the opportunity to do even more – to get more people playing, more often.” Nick Pink, England Golf

Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted to welcome Nic as chair of England Golf. He has been working closely with us already and has a good understanding of what we do as an organisation. I believe his background and strong networks will significantly help England Golf and I look forward to working with Nic in the future.” England Golf is the governing body for amateur golf in England and was formed in 2012 by a merger of the English Golf Union and the English Women’s Golf Association.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

NEWS | APRIL 2017

AMOR’S AIMING HIGH AFTER JOINING PRO RANKS

ormer Carris Trophy winner and England A Team member Ben Amor has laid the first foundations for his new career in the professional ranks after siging a three-year management and sponsorship deal with Berkshire-based player management company Jenahura. Amor, who is attached to Malborough Golf Club in Wiltshire, decided to turn professional in February. He recorded five out of his first six rounds as a professional under par, before comfortably qualifying for the MENA Tour in Morocco – closing with the best score of the entire field

on the final day – and a fourunder-par 68. He has since made both cuts in his first two events on the MENA Tour, and qualified for the final stage of the PGA EuroPro Qualifying School at Frilford Heath in Oxfordshire. Amor capped off an outstanding amateur career with victory at Woodhall Spa in the County Champion of Champions at the end of last year. Previously, he represented the English national squad for three consecutive years, during which he collected individual honours at the Carris Trophy and West of England Amateur

■ GOING PLACES: WILTSHIRE'S BEM AMOR TURNED PRO IN MARCH

Championship. The new management contract will see Jenahura manage and sponsor Amor

for the next three years, as he sets his sights on the European Tour and beyond. Jenahura’s logo will be embroidered

on Amor’s apparel and tour bag for the duration of the contract. Martyn Norris, Managing

[15]

Director at Jenahura, commented: “We are over the moon that Ben has agreed to join our stable of first-class professionals. He has an outstanding attitude and is incredibly driven. We genuinely believe Ben has a huge future in the game, and should be added to anyone’s ‘players to watch’ list. Amor said: “I am delighted to join Jenahura. They have made a long-term commitment to invest and help me to take my game to the next level, and it is clear that they have a great team of people on hand to help me achieve my goals. I have learned a great deal already from Jenahura ambassador Jamie Elson. The hard work has only just begun and I couldn’t be more excited about the year ahead.”

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WARREN TO HOST FALDO WEDGE

COMA VICTIM BAGS BRACE OF ACES

wedge once used by Sir Nick Faldo to win one of his three Open Championships will hopefully prove a suitably inspiring prize when the competition gets under way at The Warren Golf & Country Club in Essex on May 31. The trophy itself is a wedge that Faldo used when he won the Open Championship at St Andrews in 1990, which was acquired by the Essex Golf Union in 1994, with the intention of using it to inspire boys and girls to play

■ THE FALDO WEDGE ALWAYS ATTRACTS A STRONG FIELD

competitive golf. Open to under 18 year olds, three-player teams representing clubs from all over Essex traditionally take part in the 18-hole stableford event, which

requires all three players’ scores to count. The winning team will go on to represent Essex in the 2017 Junior Champion Club tournament at Woodhall Spa.

Sussex golfer has more reason than most to celebrate achieving the rare feat of scoring a hole-in-one after recovering from a near-death experience. John Goring, who is member of East Sussex National in Uckfield, suffered a heart attack just nine months ago, after which he spent two weeks in a coma, and a further three weeks recovering in a Brighton hospital. Nursed at home by his wife, it took a three further months of recuperation before he was able to do the kind of day-to-day tasks that most people take for granted. A keen golfer, Goring was desperate to get back out on ESN’s two championship courses, so it was rather fitting for a man that cheated death, that within months of his return to the game, he bagged not one, but two hole-in-ones. Last month he aced the 16th hole on the club’s East Course, and just seven days later repeated the feat on

the 16th hole on the West Course. Speaking about his incredible feat, Steve Graham, ESN’s Golf Operations Manager, said” “It just goes to prove that golf is good for the heart and the soul, if not the pocket, as he had a full bar on both occasions!”

[16] APRIL 2017 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

CROWN ROLLS OUT SKYTRAK LAUNCH MONITORS

rown Golf, the UK’s largest golf club operator, has installed high-tech launch monitors at 22 of its venues after a successful year-long trial at several of its clubs. SkyTrak, which is made by GPS company SkyCaddie, is the first personal launch monitor of its kind, offering a realistic and real-time golf practice and play system which connects wirelessly to a laptop. Seven Crown Golf venues trialled SkyTrak throughout last year. Sam Pleshette, the group’s retail manager said: “During the SkyTrak trial, our staff used it in 90% of club fittings and sales – most of which were indoors – so it proved itself emphatically. It helped us get a lot closer to golfers, particularly members, and it was this factor – as much as its usefulness with golf lessons and club fitting – which convinced us that SkyTrak was the right solution across all of our venues.” The remaining SkyTraks have now been

delivered across the Crown Golf group, and are managed by each venue’s golf development professional. SkyTrak, which costs £1,895 to buy at retail, has initially been used as a custom-fitting solution, but Crown Golf also plans to involve it in more coaching applications, as well as in indoor golf entertainment situations. “SkyTrak gives our customers a great fitting experience, and it also makes people want to stay at the golf club even in bad weather, or at night,” said Pleshette. “As it is so portable, it is the ideal pop-up teaching and fitting centre, suitable for most indoor spaces.” SkyCaddie’s James Holmes said: “Naturally, we’re delighted that Crown Golf chose to install SkyTrak across the group. It’s a great opportunity for us to show that accurate launch monitor data, and an amazing golf simulator experience are nowadays available at an accessible price, with SkyTrak.”

SkyTrak can act as a gateway to over 100,000plus virtual golf courses, and Holmes says that the system’s full potential is only just beginning to be used. “Crown Golf customers can already enjoy a spectacular 9-shot challenge at Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course,” he said. “However this only scratches the surface of what SkyTrak can offer as an indoor golf entertainment system. We have thousands more golf courses available

to keep golfers happy, and we hope that Crown Golf customers will have fun exploring this as time goes on.” Stephen Towers, chief executive officer of Crown Golf, said: “Offering a professional launch monitor service across the group is further proof of our commitment to make memberships at Crown Golf clubs the most desirable and valuepacked in the country.”

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SEE PAGE … FOR YOUR CHANCE

ALLISS INVITATIONAL AT FERNDOWN RAISES OVER £39,000 FOR CHARITY

ast month saw the proceeds from Ferndown Golf Club’s annual Alliss Invitational Golf Day presented to the beneficiary charities, including a presentation of powered wheelchairs to local disabled young people by former football manager Harry Redknapp. The golf day, which was sponsored by JM Scully Ltd and held at the prestigious Dorset club last September, succeeded in raising £39,000

for the Peter Alliss Wheelchair Charity, as well as a number of other local causes. After a superb round of golf on Ferndown’s stunning heathland course, the day finished with an auction hosted by Mike Osman, whose persuasive skills helped secure the outstanding total. Speaking at the presentation, Redknapp said: “I have played in the Alliss Invitational and previous Salterns Alliss Merlo for many

years, and it’s great this year to witness firsthand how the money goes to such deserving charities.” Ian Walton, Ferndown’s general manager, added: “The Salterns Alliss Merlo Pro Celebrity competition, which came to a close after 28 years in 2014, broke through the million pound barrier, so it is fantastic to see that the new competition format, now in its second year, has already raised £77,000 to support life changing charities.”

NEWS | APRIL 2017

PLAYMOREGOLF EXPANDS FLEXIBLE MEMBERSHIP

layMoreGolf, a points-based flexible membership programme which launched last year, has been adopted at eight new golf venues since February. The PlayMoreGolf partner network now consists of 36 private and proprietary golf clubs boasting a total of 45 courses, all of which have adopted the flexible membership packages in order to provide a solution for the transient golfer, whose needs are currently not being met by traditional club membership options. Alongside Celtic Manor, host venue of the 2010 Ryder Cup, golfers can now experience

flexible memberships at Hadden Hill in Oxfordshire, Hillsborough Golf Club in Sheffield, Reddish Vale in Cheshire, Fairfield Golf Club in Manchester, Shaw Hill Golf Resort & Spa in Chorley, Ramsdale Park Golf Centre in Nottingham and The Shropshire Golf Centre in Telford. PlayMoreGolf Director Daniel Hodson said: “It is no secret that the challenging climate faced by the industry has forced many clubs to reassess their membership packages in order to continue to appeal to the modern golfer. The ongoing development of

■ SELSDON PARK IN SURREY IS PART OF THE PLAYMOREGOLF NETWORK

our network of partner venues not only reaffirms the growing number of clubs realising the available benefits of adopting a flexible approach to membership, but also provides a significant benefit to existing PlayMoreGolf members, who

will be able to use their ‘away’ points at an ever-growing number of venues.” Based on an initial membership fee of £325 per year, the PlayMoreGolf points system gives the golfer a minimum of 100 points – 80 to

be utilised at their designated ‘home’ club and 20 reserved for rounds at any of the other participating venues throughout the network. Every time a member plays a round of golf, points are deducted from their allocation, with the

number of points set by the individual venue. Since its launch in February last year, the scheme has attracted nearly 2,000 members to the network of partner venues. Wychwood Park Golf Club in Cheshire signed its 100th new flexible member in February, and Steve Dacre, golf operations manager at De Vere is delighted with the response to date. He commented: “We joined the PlayMoreGolf network in February last year, as we identified it was the ideal way of meeting the demands of the modern golfer, and to have signed our 100th within a year is testament to the programme’s effectiveness. This success has also been echoed across our other golf clubs at Wokefield, Staverton and Selsdon.”

LLS THAT THE BALL.

NG TO CHANGE? TO TRY A DIFFERENT KIND OF BALL.

Soft, with a piercing, workable flight

■ GREG ■ BRAMSHAW PAYNE PRO CLIVE BONNER (RIGHT) WITH GENERAL MANAGER STUART JAMES

PAYNE EDGES OUT SHINKWIN TO TP TOUR TITLE

urrey professional Greg Payne fought off the persistent challenge of European Tour player Callum Shinkwin to capture the second tournament of the TP Tour season, which was held over Burhill Golf Club’s Old Course. Played in gale force winds and torrential rain, Payne, who lives in Camberley and also plays on the EuroPro Tour, shot an impressive one-under-par 69 in testing conditions, and held the clubhouse lead for quite some time against the 66-strong field until Shinkwin, a former English Amateur champion, finally matched his total. The sudden death playoff was held over the Old Course’s par-three 6th hole, but it took no fewer than four attempts to separate the two

evenly-matched players, with Payne finally securing his first TP Tour win, and the £1,500 first prize, via a solid par in fading light with an up-and-down from beyond the back right of the green. Shinkwin, who finished fourth in the first TP Tour event held at The Berkshire on March 7, had to settle for second-place prize money of £750. The TP Tour now moves on to Royal St George’s, before taking in further events at Brockenhurst Manor, Walton Heath, Ealing, Castle Royle, and Fulwell, as part of a packed schedule of events, which cost £125 to enter for members and boast first-place prizes of up to £2,000. For more details, visit www.tptourseries.com.

[17]

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

[18] APRIL 2017 | COURSE REVIEW

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

COURSE REVIEW

ASHDOWN WEST

Ashdown West provides an attractive mix of traditional golf and modern hospitality for members, green fee players and visiting societies alike. Words by Nick Bayly

OYAL Ashdown Forest, located off the leafy lanes of Forest Row, in the heart of East Sussex’s Winnie The Pooh country, has always been something of a unique golfing proposition. It is one of those increasingly rare venues that boasts not one, but two clubs on the same site. Starting out life as the Ashdown Forest and Tunbridge Wells Golf Club, with the 18-hole Old course for men, an additional nine holes was opened in 1892 under the auspices of the Ashdown Forest and Tunbridge Wells Ladies’ Golf Club. The ladies’ club was entirely independent of the men’s club, and even offered its own clubhouse. The Ladies Course was extended to 18 holes in 1932, but after the Second World War the ladies joined the men’s club, and the course was reduced to nine, before being reopened again as an 18-holer in 1966. After various changes, the Ladies’ course was renamed the West Course in 2002, while last year saw the creation of ‘Ashdown West’, a club for golfers who purely want to play the West. In truth, this option had always existed under the club known as Anderida, which was formed in 1985 – but it wasn’t a catchy name, hence the change to Ashdown West. If it all sounds rather complicated, in truth, it isn’t, and both clubs rub along nicely, serving their own needs perfectly. Today, RAFGC members have the run of both courses, while Ashdown West members are, as the name suggests, restricted to the use of the West in return for no joining fee and a much lower annual subscription. Members of Ashdown West also have their own car park, and their own clubhouse, which was added on to the existing clubhouse in 2004. The two-storey extension contains excellent changing facilities on the ground floor, while upstairs the comfortable bar and restaurant occupy a light and airy space overlooking the course. With the capacity to cater for up to 80 people, and an outside terrace overlooking the courses, it’s a great place for hosting societies and corporate outings. The choice about which course to play at Ashdown has never been an easy one. Many will gravitate towards the challenging 6,500-yard Old course, a par-72 championship layout which is a regular venue for top amateur events; while others will be drawn to

A FEATURE OF BOTH LAYOUTS IS THE COMPLETE ABSENCE OF BUNKERS, WHICH DATES BACK TO THE ORIGINAL CHARTER OF THE FOREST, WHICH PROHIBITS ANY ‘MANMADE ALTERATIONS OR EXCAVATIONS’ TO THE LAND

the 5,600-yard West, a par-68 layout which will test all elements of your game, while presenting a slightly more forgiving and, in these time-pressured days, quicker examination. A feature of both layouts is the complete absence of bunkers, which dates back to the original charter of the forest, which prohibits any ‘man-made alterations or excavations’ to the land. The lack of bunkers doesn’t mean you can leave your sand wedge behind, however, as numerous streams, grassy pits, run-offs and wicked undulations on both courses provide plenty of opportunity to show your skills with your more lofted clubs. The Ashdown West offering has never been more in demand – a challenging and interesting 18-hole course that a four-ball should be able to tackle in three-and-a-half hours, at a cost – £66.67 per month for membership – that most golfers can afford. First-time visitors are always deceived by the West’s apparent lack of length – but it’s not a mistake you make twice. With only one par five – the 500-yard 3rd – it is finding the fairway off the tee, and staying on the small, but often severely sloping greens, that places the most pressure on your game. For those that are able to give it a nudge, the parfour 4th presents an early chance for red figures, with the green ‘only’ 295 yards from the tee, while the 270yard eighth, which plays downhill, also presents a solid opportunity to pencil a rare eagle on the card. Things get noticeably tougher on the back nine, which is 230 yards longer than the front, and is generally played into the prevailing wind. The 240-yard 11th is a brute of an uphill par three, which left our longest hitter clinging grimly onto the front edge, with a 40-foot putt, while the rest of us came up well short and two putting for bogeys. The 14th is a testing 450-yarder that certainly lives up to its stroke index one billing. Most of the difficulty lies in the need for right-handers to draw the tee shot. Once achieved, a long second to a wellprotected target is necessary to have any chance of a

■ THERE ARE NO BUNKERS AT ASHDOWN WEST, BUT THERE ARE PLENTY OF OTHER HAZARDS, NATURAL AND MAN-MADE, THAT INCREASE THE CHALLENGE

par. The 16th is the prettiest of the five excellent short holes, and also the shortest, at 120 yards. Although with a 60-yard drop between tee and green, and a deep stream acting as a penalising backstop, it still requires an accurate shot to find the putting surface and offer the hope of a late birdie. The 17th, which is one of eight par fours under 360 yards, also deserves plenty of respect, as a miss-cued drive will end up submerged in the pond that guards the fairway short and right of the green, but there is no doubt in many views, Bernard Darwin's included, that the West’s best is definitely kept to last. No score on the West is intact until you have negotiated the tough 18th. At 435 yards, it is not the longest par four on the course, but with ditches and a stream meandering across the hole, allied to the necessity to shape the ball from the tee, it is certainly the most demanding. A tactical lay up with your second shot still leaves a third that is often difficult to judge. A par here will leave you with a smile on your face as you head to the bar, regardless of whatever came before. While conservation is the watchword here, given the forest's status as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a recent programme to clear parts of the forest has taken place, with views opening up all around the course, and woodland scrub being replaced by flowering purple heather, making any round here a treat for the eyes, as well as as pure a golfing experience as you are likely to find in this part of the world. So, if you enjoy stunning surroundings, a varied golfing challenge, and are looking to become a member of a welcoming and fast-growing club, or are simply after somewhere different to play as a casual visitor, then Ashdown West ticks all the boxes.

MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES MEMBERSHIP AT ASHDOWN WEST COSTS £66.67 PER MONTH FOR ADULTS, £42.92 FOR SENIORS, AND £10 FOR JUNIORS. MID-WEEK SUMMER GREEN FEES COST £35 (£40 AT WEEKENDS), AND SOCIETY PACKAGES START AT £32 FOR COFFEE AND BACON ROLLS AND 18 HOLES. FOR MORE DETAILS, VISIT WWW.ASHDOWNWEST.CO.UK OR CALL 01342 824866 (GREEN FEES) OR 01342 822247 (SOCIETIES).

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[20] APRIL 2017 | NEWS

JUNE DATE FOR POULT WOOD JUNIOR OPEN Poult Wood Golf Course in Kent is holding a Junior Open for those aged eight to 17 on Sunday, June 18. The competition is open to juniors with an official EGU handicap and will take place on the venue’s 18-hole, 5,524-yards course. There will be a number of fun min-competitions running alongside the main competition throughout the day. Lunch is included in the entry price, and prizes and trophies will be presented to the winners after golf. To download an entry form, visit www.poultwood.co.uk.

WEE WONDERS TEES UP REGIONAL QUALIFIERS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

SAFFRON SERVES UP NEW-LOOK CLUBHOUSE FACILITIES

isitors to Saffron Walden Golf Club can look forward to a treat on and off the golf course, after the renowned Cambridgeshire venue unveiled a completely renovated bar and dining room facilities ahead of the new golfing season. Already regarded as one of the best clubs in the east of England, with its 18-hole championship course having been top of the Top 100 Courses in Cambridgeshire since 2015, Saffron Walden continues to invest in both the quality of the course and the

Qualifying rounds for the 2017 Wee Wonders Championship get under way over the next few months, with the South East due to stage five qualifying tournaments. They are being held at Hoebridge Golf Centre in Surrey on May 30; Wycombe Heights in Buckinghamshire on June 4, and Poult Wood Golf Centre in Kent on June 18. There are further qualifiers being held at Hever Castle GC in Kent and Redbourne GC in Hertfordshire, although dates for these have yet to be confirmed. For entry forms and more details, visit www.weewondersgolf.com.

MCCLEARY LEADS EUROPRO TOUR QUALIFIERS Jamie McCleary carded a final-round 67 to complete a two-shot victory in the HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour Qualifying School Final Stage held at Frilford Heath. The Dalmahoy man fired back-to-back 67s to complete a fantastic turnaround, after an opening 72. He finished two shots clear of James Frazer (Pennard), who bounced back from a first-round 76 to finish on eight under par. The 2017 PGA EuroPro Tour season gets underway at Close House in Newcastle from April 26-28.

CUMBERWELL TO HOST £100,000 HOLE-IN-ONE CHALLENGE Cumberwell Park Golf Club is to celebrate the opening is its new 9-hole par 3 course by hosting a challenge with a £100,000 hole-in-one bonus when it hosts a PGA EuroPro Tour event in June. The Par 3 Challenge, which takes place on June 27, will see the winner take home £1,000, and the top 25 players will then be joined by the professional winner of the Cumberwell Park Pro-Am for a hole-in-one shoot out. Hitting in order of finishing position, each player will have one shot, with 170 yards to carry over water to the island green of the 8th hole. If any player can ace the hole, they will bring an end to proceedings and take home £100,000. In the event that no hole-in-one is made, the player nearest to the pin will win £1,000.

ALTONWOOD ROLLS OUT NEW BUGGY FLEET Golfers visiting one of the Altonwood Group’s five clubs in Surrey and Kent can now hire one of its state-of-the-art new E-Z-GO RXV buggies. A number of them are fitted with the latest GPS technology, which include live pin positions and a scorecard function. The venues are The Addington, Surrey National, Godstone, Westerham and Woldingham.

■ SAFFRON WALDEN GOLF CLUB

clubhouse facilities to offer both members and visitors an exceptional experience in a unique venue, as well as provide a great place for meetings, private parties ■ THE NEW BAR AND LOUNGE

and corporate entertainment. The recently renovated bar and dining rooms overlook the 18th green of the 6,632-yard course, and are the perfect place to relax after a game, and with a capacity of 130, they can cater for a wide range of social and corporate events. The course itself is laid out on grounds first designed by Capability Brown back in the mid 18th century, with parts of the layout enjoying stunning views of historic Audley End House. Jonathan Dove, the club’s recently appointed general manager, plans to continue the hard work already completed to enhance the facilities and services

further. He joined the club after a spending six years at Moor Park Golf Club in Hertfordshire. With 24 years’ experience in the golf industry as a general manager, professional and golf services manager, Dove says he is looking forward to ‘putting in place five-star standards of service in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere’. The club has recently introduced new flexible, trial and part-week membership schemes, giving potential members a number of more affordable options to join the club. For more details visit www.swgc. com or call 01799 522786.

CLUBS HIT BY BUGGY BATTERY THEFTS

our golf clubs in Norfolk have reported thieves stealing batteries from their fleets of golf buggies in the last month. Sources believe that the batteries have been stolen as they contain lead that can be sold for scrap. The first theft happened at Bawburgh Golf Club in Norwich, where four buggies were tampered with and 24 batteries stolen. Jamie Goose, manager of the club, said that CCTV footage revealed that the gang cut the security ropes around the buggies and then stole the batteries. He added that they were on the site for 35 minutes and, since the theft, the club has increased security measures. He said: "It certainly seems organised. If you hadn't been to the course before, you wouldn't have known the direct route to where the buggies are kept. It seems a lot of effort to go to for what the police are stating is the lead in the batteries. It's frustrating for us and also worrying in the fact they might come back." Between March 7 and 8 golf buggy batteries were also stolen from Swaffham Golf Club, and two days later Royal Norwich also had batteries taken. The police are linking the thefts at Bawburgh with a similar theft at Barnham Broom Golf Club on March 20. CCTV showed that the gang entered the complex shortly after midnight and spent five hours on site until they were disturbed by an employee. A total of 35 batteries were stolen from 25 buggies, but a further 35 were found at the edge of the boundary complex, where they were loading up a

PHILLIPS PIPS POULTER TO ESSENDON PRIZE

adley Wood professional Tom Phillips got his season off to a flying start with victory at Essendon Golf & Country Club in the first of the PGA East Region’s two Qualifying Schools. The 27-year-old Welshman fired back-to-back rounds of 70 to finish at four under par, three shots clear of Danny Poulter (Heacham Manor Hotel). Phillips had made a fast start in a couple of past Order of Merit events without quite being able to sustain

his challenge, but the signs for a successful 2017 season were in evidence over the 36 holes of the Old Course at the Hertfordshire venue. ■ TOM PHILLIPS He made five birdies in his opening round and added another five on day two. Four of his birdies in the second round came at par-5s, backing up

van before they were disturbed. Greg Hacon, head of golf operations at the club, said that thousands of pounds worth of damage had been done and they were heightening their security measures. “The buggies are secured behind metal fencing, and they climbed over the fence, tampered with the buggies, and then pulled out the batteries,” he said. “Our buggies are going to be out of action for eight weeks, and we have increased security across the entire golf and hotel complex with patrols and are installing night-vision cameras.”

his summary of how he took advantage of the course’s more obvious scoring opportunities. “I’ve practised hard this winter and it’s nice to get off to a good start,” he said. “On the first day, I putted really well and holed a few long ones. The second day, I didn’t feel I hit it that well, but the mental side of my game was very good. I just kept the ball in play. I was trying

not to make any stupid errors and, if I got any chances on the birdie-able holes, to take them. I’ll look forward to the rest of the season now.” Poulter, buoyed by an eagle at the par-4 seventh hole, held the halfway lead thanks to a 67, but he made a low-key start to the second round and ended up at one under par for the event. Sam Willis (North Weald) and Chris Baron (West Essex) tied for third spot at level par. The second Qualifying School is being held on April 27-28 at Essex Golf and Country Club after which ‘card positions’ will be allocated to each player.

[22] APRIL 2017 | COURSE REVIEW

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

COURSE REVIEW

ROYAL MID-SURREY GOLF CLUB

With its 125th anniversary this year, and its championship course recently benefitting from a major renovation, there has never been a better time to visit Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club

ust a few hundred yards from the A316 at Richmond, and easily accessible from Central London, is to be found one of the capital’s real sporting treasures. Founded 125 years ago this October, Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club occupies an historic area of royal parkland and shares a bend in the river with the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. And few golf clubs have as much right to the ‘Royal’ prefix as MidSurrey. Its historic connections with royalty go back to Plantagenet times, when Henry V’s monastery stood where the 14th and 15th holes of the JH Taylor course are now played. Although founded in 1892, royal status was only bestowed in 1926, when the then Prince of Wales was captain, and it was a cousin of Queen Victoria, the second Duke of Cambridge, who was the club’s first president. Royal Mid-Surrey boasts two fine 18hole layouts designed by five-time Open champion JH Taylor – royalty of the golfing kind – who was also the club’s professional for nearly 50 years. The JH Taylor course plays host to the famous Antlers Open for the Amateur Foursomes Medal – which is being held on August 27 this year – while the Pam Barton course is home to the popular

Mothers & Daughters Open Competition, the most recent edition of which was held over the weekend of the Masters. In its early days, the JH Taylor course hosted numerous other top-flight tournaments, including the News of the World Championship in 1904, the English Amateur in 1946, the PGA championship in 1961 and 1968, the European Tour's Equity and Law Challenge, and the Boys’ Championship in 1962, and again in 1992, to mark the club’s centenary. During 2017, the club is looking forward to hosting the Men’s Surrey Championships in June, the English Women’s Open Matchplay Championship in July, and a Pro-am on the JH Taylor course on September 2nd. There is also a four-day festival being held from June 15-18, that includes three days of competitions and four evening events, while a special competition for clubs around the world with which Royal Mid-Surrey has reciprocal arrangements, and which share royal status, also features in a packed diary of events planned for the festival. Sadly, the celebrations won’t be taking place in the old clubhouse, which was destroyed by a fire in 2001, but the stunning building that replaced it in 2003 has served

■ THE PAM BARTON COURSE MEASURES JUST OVER 5,500 YARDS BUT IS NO PUSHOVER AS A PAR 67

■ THE 442-YARD PAR-4 10TH ON THE JH TAYLOR COURSE

to add a touch of modern luxury to a clubhouse that was arguably in need of a 21st-century makeover at the time. The new two-storey clubhouse, which cost £5.5m and was opened by the Duke of York in 2004, enjoys superb views over the golf courses, and features several bars, a large restaurant, first floor terrace, and a two-table snooker room, while also boasting some of the best changing rooms anywhere to be found – with the showers worthy of a five-star hotel.

■ THE 188-YARD PAR-3 8TH PLAYS OVER A POND

Despite losing many historic artefacts in the fire, history remains much in evidence, with many pictures of famous faces and foremost tournaments gracing the walls. In addition to their superb new clubhouse, Royal Mid-Surrey members are fortunate to have two such contrasting, yet challenging course layouts at their disposal in such a busy part of London. At the time of its opening in 1892, the Old Deer Park on which the courses are built was so flat that golf correspondent Bernard Darwin described it as possessing ‘pancake’ qualities. It’s a somewhat misleading statement, as while the majority of the two courses is indeed on the level, there are plenty of subtle and not-so-subtle undulations, as well as a number of raised greens that ramp up the challenge. Add to that an array of large, deep bunkers, and Taylor's famous humps and hollows – which play like the dunes of a links course – and it’s easy to see why the standard scratch is 72 for what is a par-69 course. Measuring 6,402 yards, the JH Taylor is not

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

COURSE REVIEW | APRIL 2017

[23]

RMS BOASTS TWO FINE 18-HOLE LAYOUTS DESIGNED BY FIVE-TIME OPEN CHAMPION JH TAYLOR – ROYALTY OF THE GOLFING KIND – WHO WAS ALSO THE CLUB’S PROFESSIONAL FOR NEARLY 50 YEARS

■ THE SPACIOUS NEW CLUBHOUSE, WHICH WAS REBUILT AFTER A FIRE IN 2001, IS ONE OF THE FINEST 19TH HOLES AROUND

long by modern standards, but be mindful that there are only two par fives, and seven of the par fours are over 400 yards, while two of the par threes are over 200. Indeed, this is a course where accuracy and length are both at a premium. No sooner is this evident than on the opening hole, a 225-yard par 3 played to a small green flanked by bunkers. The test continues as the next six holes wind their way through mature trees and the boundaries of Kew Gardens, whose spectacular pagoda can be seen in its full glory when playing up to the 4th green. Whilst we’re on the subject of architecture, the course is also home to the Kings Observatory, a magnificent building which sits slap bang in the middle of the two courses which is currently being converted into a luxurious private residence. On the golfing front, things start to open out a little from the 8th – a long par 3 played over a pond – but clever cuts to the fairways, numerous well-positioned bunkers, and Taylor’s mischievous and ever-present humps, still reward a well-placed tee shot, and the consequence of not hitting your mark will often be at least a stroke. Things do not get easier after the turn either, as the long par fours start to take their toll. The 10th and 12th are 442 and 458 yards respectively, while the closing fourhole stretch almost rivals Carnoustie’s tough finish, encompassing, as it does, a 458-yard par 4, a 209-yard par 3, a 423-yard par 4, and a 405-yard par 4. The 17th and 18th, which feature narrowing fairways, plenty

of sand and raised greens, are particularly challenging holes that sweep gently uphill to the clubhouse to provide a suitably dramatic finish. This is certainly a course where a good score needs to be compiled early, and then grimly hung onto until you’re inside the safety of the clubhouse. The JH Taylor has benefitted hugely from a £1.5m renovation at the hands of esteemed architects Mackenzie and Ebert, who were responsible for the recent redesign of Turnberry's Ailsa course. Completed in the summer 2014, the project saw all 18 greens re-laid to USGA specifications, ensuring excellent year-round putting surfaces, while the entire bunker system was also remodeled and restored to its former glory, adding to the aesthetic appeal, and increasing the challenge. A forthcoming investment in new greenkeeping machinery will also reap dividends, with course manager Gavin Kinsella and his team keeping the playing surfaces in stunning condition in readiness for the important season that lies ahead. The Pam Barton course – named after the longstanding Royal Mid-Surrey member who dominated the ladies’ amateur game in the 1930s – measures 5,544 yards and plays to a par 67, but is by no means a second string, and is ideal for golfers looking to sharpen up their accuracy, as although driver is rarely required or advisable, you need precise course management to score well on a layout that is characterised by small greens. Popular with the club’s 300-strong female membership, and its equally impressive

junior section, the Pam Barton also makes an extremely attractive addition for the daily green fee visitor, as well as a 27- or 36-hole society outing. Along with two excellent tracks, Royal Mid-Surrey offers an impressive array of practice facilities, including a large putting green in the gardens outside the clubhouse, and a 200-yard practice range, as well as several short game areas, while the awardwinning shop, run by head PGA professional Matthew Paget, is a veritable Aladdin’s Cave of golfing hardwear, accessories and clothing. Ably assisted by a five-strong team of qualified PGA professionals, the club also boasts state-of-the-art coaching and custom-fitting facilities, including the latest GASP video analysis software and a Trackman launch monitor. Royal Mid-Surrey prides itself on being a family club, and in addition to its thriving ladies section, it also boasts an extremely lively junior membership, with its Junior Golf Academy providing a clear and organised

pathway for young golfers to progress through the handicap ranks, while the club also operates a separate junior members room, which features a pool table and plenty of space for youngsters to hang out with friends in suitably relaxed surroundings. Our friend Mr Darwin wrote in 1910 that there were 'probably more rounds played at Mid-Surrey throughout the year than any other golf dub in the three kingdoms', and while this is perhaps not the case today, there is still a buoyant membership of 1,300, while it’s also an extremely popular society and corporate venue. Visitors are welcome on weekdays, with £100 securing an all-day rate to play both courses, while 18 holes on the Pam Barton costs £60. After a round golfers can relax with a drink before enjoying a meal in the Haslam Lounge or the main dining room, or head outside to the spacious terrace, which is a popular spot in the summer to watch golfers trying – but often failing – to avoid the bunkers that guard the entrance to the 18th green.

■ THE FOURTH GREEN AFFORDS A SUPERB VIEW OF THE PAGODA AT KEW GARDENS

GOLF NEWS SPECIAL OFFER Golf News readers can book a mid-week 2-ball on the JH Taylor Course for £150 (£75 each). The round must be pre-booked and played before May 31, 2017. For bookings call 020 8939 0148 or email proshop@rmsrmsgc.co.uk, quoting ‘GN1’. For all membership enquiries and society bookings, email membership@rmsgc.co.uk or call 020 8940 1894. Website: www.rmsgc.co.uk Twitter: @RoyalMSGC Facebook: @RoyalMSGC

[24] APRIL 2017 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

YOUNG BATTLES LITTLESTONE’S WINDY LINKS TO SECURE SOUTH EAST MID AMATEUR TITLE

POLZEATH PICKS UP TOP MARKS AT ENGLAND GOLF AWARDS

ampshire’s Martin Young captured the South East of England Mid Amateur Stroke Play Championship after finishing just one over par for 54 holes at Littlestone Golf Club’s challenging links layout. Played in near gale force winds at times, the Kent course proved a tough test, even for such a talented group of experienced players, and it was no surprise that none of the 70-strong field was able to break par for three rounds, although several managed individual sub-par efforts, including David Westwood (Handsworth), who fired a three under par 68 to lead the field after the opening round, while Young opened with a 69. Thirty-two players made the cut for round three, and, in easier conditions, Rye’s Ed Richardson posted a one-under 70 to give Young a scare, but the Concession Cup squad member and current Welsh Mid Amateur champion carded a final round 73, to go with his second round 72, to win by three shots from Richardson, with Chris Dixon (Hadley Wood) a further shot back in third. “It was a tough test in the wind, but I am glad to have won at such a great course presented in great condition,” said Young. The Mid Amateur Tour now moves on to Hillside and Formby in Lancashire at the end of April, before returning to the South East, with Walton Heath, Old Fold Manor, North Hants, Chart Hills, Hankley Common, Sandy Lodge, and Sunningdale all appearing on the schedule later in the season. For more details, visit www.midamgolf.co.uk.

BIRCHWOOD PARK UNVEILS NEW LEISURE FACILITIES B irchwood Park Golf and Country Club in Kent has opened a brand new health and leisure facility following a 12-month construction project that cost the venue around £5 million. The investment has seen the club transformed into the most comprehensive health, leisure, and events facility in the area, following the addition of a 25-metre swimming pool, children’s pool, extensive wellness facilities, and renovated fitness studios and gym areas. “This has been a huge project over the last year, and we’re looking forward to seeing all the hard work and perseverance nearing fruition,” commented BGL’s Golf Operations Director, Guy Riggott. “The newly renovated venue encapsulates the evolution of the modern golfer and fitness enthusiast, and will sit at the forefront of an experience focused market.” The grand opening took place on April 1, with the Mayor of Dartford in attendance, and included a family fun day, with competitions,

entertainment, music, and food and drink, as well as the opportunity for guests to tour the state-of-the-art facilities. The health club features a hydrotherapy pool and panoramic sauna in the wellness area, 60 new pieces of gym equipment, and a full timetable of over 50 classes per week at the new pool and studios. As well as the new additions to the venue, Birchwood Park also features 18-hole and nine-hole golf courses. “A wide variety of memberships for all abilities will be on offer at the club for health and fitness, golf, and the country club as a whole, so there’s something on offer for everyone,” said Riggott.

he Point at Polzeath in Cornwall has been named England Golf’s GolfMark Club of the Year at an award ceremony held at Lords Cricket Ground in London. GolfMark is an England Golf initiative that supports clubs achieving high standards, especially regarding engaging with the local community. The Point at Polzeath was the first Cornish club to achieve GolfMark in its current form, and it went on to become the county’s GolfMark Club of the Year for 2015, before capturing the national prize. The runner-up was Essendon Country Club in Hertfordshire. The Point at Polzeath re-branded itself from Roserrow Golf Club three years ago, when it was bought by Jeremy and Eva Davies, and has since gone from strength to strength, with membership numbers increasing from 40 to over 300 in that time, while the greens’ staff has expanded from one employee to a team of six. “Winning this award means a huge amount to us and to the members,” said Mr Davies. “We are happy to be different and break with tradition, but at the same time we retain the true spirit of the game.” As well as golf, The Point offers a health club, restaurant, bar and holiday accommodation. The club is also involved with the local community and runs the annual Polzeath beer festival alongside Get into Golf activities, which introduce about 100 people to golf each year.

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COMPETITION | APRIL 2017 [25]

COMPETITION

FIVE PAIRS OF SEASON TICKETS FOR THE BMW PGA CHAMPIONSHIP TO BE WON!

■ THE PRO-CELEBRITY PRO-AM ALWAYS ATTRACTS PLENTY OF TOP SPORTS STARS

The closing date for entries is May 8, 2017. The prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative is available. Entrants must be aged 18 years or over.

QUESTION: Chris Wood, last year’s BMW PGA champion, went on to play in the Ryder Cup at Hazeltine, but who did he face in the singles? Golf News is delighted to offer five lucky readers the opportunity to win a pair of season tickets for the 2017 BMW PGA Championship, played over the famous West Course at Wentworth Club, Surrey, on May 25-28. These season tickets are worth £190 a pair, and the lucky winners will be able to attend all six days of the championship, including the practice day, the Pro-Am day, and four rounds of the tournament itself. With a prize fund of €7 million, the BMW PGA Championship is the flagship event on the European Tour and always attracts the cream of European golf. Last year saw Bristol’s Chris Wood bag the title in thrilling style, and this year

he will be bidding for further glory at Wentworth alongside a stellar cast list of stars of the European game, including four-time Major champion Rory McIlroy Olympic gold medal winner Justin Rose, Open champion Henrik Stenson, and 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett, to name but a few. To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets, all you need to do is answer the question below correctly, and email your answer to: info@golfnews.co.uk, with ‘BMW PGA Competition’ in the subject line, and including your name, address and contact telephone number, and details of where you picked up your copy of Golf News.

A) Zach Johnson B) Matt Kuchar C) Dustin Johnson For more information on this year’s BMW PGA Championship, or to book tickets, go to www.europeantour.com/tickets or call 0800 023 2557.

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[26] APRIL 2017 | NEWS

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REASONS

1. HISTORIC OPEN VENUE Prince’s is one of the oldest, yet perhaps least well known Open Championship venues. The great American golfer Gene Sarazen lifted Claret Jug here in 1932, leading after every round to finish with a record low score of 283 – and five shots ahead of his nearest rival. The course is still used for Final Qualifying every time The Open is held at neighbouring Royal St George’s, most recently in 2011, and will do again in 2020, while last year Prince’s hosted two elite amateur events – the Jacques Leglise Trophy and the St Andrews Trophy. The spacious clubhouse has a superb exhibition of its historic Open connections, with an interesting display of photographs and memorabilia.

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2. 27 HOLES OF QUALITY LINKS GOLF Prince’s offers 27 holes of prime championship links golf, with its Shore, Dunes and Himalayas nines delivering a full day’s links experience. The 6,880-yard Shore/Dunes combination is the true championship layout, although the Himalyas is a favourite with members, as it is slightly shorter than the other loops, although it is by no means pushover, especially when a coastal breeze gets up.

As well as hosting numerous top-flight amateur and professional tournaments, Prince’s also host its ever-popular Open Week during August (this year’s is from August 7-11), which offers five days of competitions and social events open to men and women. A four-night package, including accommodation, golf and breakfast, costs £350pp sharing a twin room).

While a round at most Open venues is well into three figures, green fees are Prince’s great value for money, with £50 securing a tee time (Monday to Thursday), £75 (Friday to Sunday) between October and April, rising to £60/£95 during the peak summer months between May and September.

Built on the same stretch of springy links turf as Royal St

■ DINING IN THE BRASSERIE ON THE BAY

5. ON-SITE ACCOMMODATION Situated at the entrance of Prince’s, The Lodge, with two adjoining Lodge Houses, offers 38 bedrooms divided between individual rooms and two-bedroom apartments. The Bay and Links suites offer an even more luxurious and spacious experience, with private dining rooms and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking either the sea or the golf course. The Lodge also boasts a fitness suite, snooker room, lounge, bar and terrace, as well as a 2AA Rosette Star restaurant, where locally-sourced produce is to be found on a wide-ranging, seasonal menu.

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George’s, Prince’s free-draining fairways and raised greens ensure perfect championship playing conditions all year round, making it ideal for a winter golfing break.

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■ GENE SARAZEN – 1932 OPEN CHAMPION AT PRINCE’S

■ THE LODGE OVERLOOKS THE 5TH GREEN ON THE SHORE COURSE

Prince’s location near to the golfing town of Sandwich provides the perfect base to visit a wide range of other top-class links venues in Kent, including the remainder of the county’s ‘Regal Five’ – Royal St Georges, Royal Cinque Ports, Littlestone and North Foreland. Further inland, great golf can also be enjoyed at The London Golf Club, Chart Hills and Hever Castle, to name but a few.

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NEWS | APRIL 2017

[27]

GOLF KINGDOM PUTS FUN INTO FAMILY GOLF

olf Kingdom, a family-orientated golf centre in Essex, is hoping to introduce hundreds more new golfers to the game, after enjoying a bumper year in 2016. Managed by experienced tour coach Scott Cranfield, the Romford-based facility offers a host of family-friendly activities built around golf, including Adventure Golf, Footgolf, Fun Golf, and a short game area, driving range and golf course. Last year the centre hosted a three-week course between June and October that was attended by 40 families. Led by a PGA professional, and with the emphasis on fun, kids used colourful clubs and tennis-style balls, while the activities included hitting giant targets on a large inflatable. Ten new players have already gone on to play more golf by either taking an improvers’ course, a junior programme or by

becoming a range user. Now, Fun Golf is being re-launched for 2017, together with a Golf Kingdom Family membership, which will be available from June, to encourage new golfers to keep on having fun and playing the game. “We’ve had great initial response to Fun Golf, and we’re looking forward to attracting even more families in 2017 and creating a life-long habit,” said Cranfield. “We’ve listened to feedback from families about the importance of being flexible when offering times and dates for courses, and we’ll be taking this into account for this year’s programme. Golf is the perfect game for families who want to have fun together and our new membership will give them unlimited use of the many activities at Golf Kingdom.”

DON’T JUST PLAY. PERFORM. ■ THE GOODERSONS WON LAST YEAR'S FINAL

ntries for this year’s Ping Family fourball better ball competition opened on April 1. Open to pairs of club members who must be related to each other, the tournament has an entry fee of £30 per pair. The grand final is being held at Gainsborough Golf Club on September 3, near Ping’s UK headquarters, where all players will receive a Ping goody bag, while prizes will be awarded to the top three teams, plus a trophy to the winners. The tournament has a betterball format, with golfers playing off 90% of their full handicap. Last year’s inaugural event was won by Lincolnshire couple Spencer and Julie Gooderson from Spalding Golf Club, who chalked up an impressive 48 points. England Golf Championship Director James Crampton said: “Golf is a great game for all the family, and a really good way to spend time together. We were delighted to add this event to our championship schedule last year, and look forward to its continuing success in 2017 and beyond.” For entry forms visit www.englandgolf.org.

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TOMMY FLEETWOOD | APRIL 2017 [29]

ROCK ON, TOMMY After winning the Scottish Open in 2012, TOMMY FLEETWOOD looked to have the world at his feet, but after suffering a threeyear slump, the 26 year old from Lancashire is only now beginning to fulfil his undoubted potential

IT’S ONLY APRIL, but I’d say I’m already in the middle of the season of my life. It’s funny how golf can do that. You never quite know when it’s going to come and go, but at the moment, while things are good, I’ve just got to keep enjoying it. I’ve played great but my performance at Bay Hill was a good example of how things go in cycles – I had a really bad Thursday, shot 78, but then came straight back with a 66 on Friday. When you’re playing well, and things are going great, you seem to catch the breaks. Golf is a funny game. Before things came back together last year, I was definitely in a bit of a slump. I peaked at 47th in the world at the Open in 2015, when I shot a good first round, and literally the next day had a terrible round and my game never came back for a year. I was properly struggling. I had the odd top-20, but it was mostly missed cuts, and firing it all over the golf course. Practice sessions would sometimes go ok, but when I got out on the course it was always hard work. My main strength has always been my driving, and I couldn’t even do that.

Championship, thinking that would be a decent outcome, considering my struggles. By the time we got into the start of the 2017 season, I was already thinking about winning. Thinking, hoping, it would just be a matter of time – which it turned out to be. Getting over the line in Abu Dhabi was just the final piece in the jigsaw. I’m not sure quite what clicked for me in Abu Dhabi, but the stats showed that I only missed six greens in regulation, and I didn’t have a single three-putt, so any time you do that you’re hopefully going to put yourself in the mix.

WHAT’S IN TOMMY’S BAG? DRIVER: NIKE VAPOR FLY PRO (9.5°) FAIRWAY WOODS: NIKE VAPOR FLY (15°, 19°) IRONS: NIKE VR PRO COMBO (4), VR PRO BLADES (5-9) WEDGES:

As well as the win, there are a lot of other things I’m thankful for right now. I’m in a great place off the course too, and a lot of that is down to my amazing fiancée, Clare, who is also my manager. She is definitely my soul mate, and we are very lucky to have such a great life together.

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I tried to change my swing to become a world-class player, but I couldn’t make it work. Looking back, I was really naïve, as I didn’t understand that all golfers have a way of swinging it, and it’s very hard to change that, or go against what you have been born with. So I went back to my old coach, Alan Thompson, who has known my swing since I was 13, and he knows better than anyone what it takes for me to play my best golf. In a sense, I’ve gone back to my basics, but also added a lot, too, and it seems to have paid off.

My caddy [Ian Finnis] and I have been mates for a very long time. He caddied for me when I was an amateur, and when I first turned pro, and we’ve got a great friendship. He started caddying for me again in July last year, and it’s been great having somebody who has worked with you and trusted you during all the dark times, and then, a few months later, when you’re coming down the stretch and you’re in contention, and you’ve got your best mate next to you. There’s noone better to have on your shoulder at those moments.

Winning in Abu Dhabi was just the culmination of a long period or improvement. It was a massive goal. At one point last year I was just trying to make cuts to make any money, but as everything came together we started targeting the top 60, the DP World Tour

A lot of players who used Nike clubs have switched to using other brands, since they stopped making new clubs, but right now I’m happy with what I’ve got in my bag. I've been with Nike since I was 13, and always used their equipment. I’ve switched ball brands, but I still love my Nike irons. My Nike 5-wood is my favourite club in the bag. I could never change that. And the driver – I've just not found anything that is better yet. Time will come eventually. I'm sure I'll have to, but at the moment, it's the best equipment for me. It’s hard to change just for the sake of changing – I've just not found anything better yet. I love my job and I like to think that it shows in the way I play the game and they way I handle myself. I like to think that I get on with everybody. I like chatting to fans and meeting new people. It's nice that a few people support me and hopefully kind of relate to me. When you know you have that kind of support, it can really help to carry you over the line.

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FLEETWOOD FACTS AGE: 26 TURNED PRO: 2010 BORN: SOUTHPORT, LANCASHIRE WORLD RANKING: 33 RACE TO DUBAI: 2nd (2017), 41st (2016) EUROPEAN TOUR APPEARANCES: 167 WINS: 2 (ABU DHABI GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP 2017, JOHNNIE WALKER CHAMPIONSHIP 2013) PRIZE MONEY: €6.6m BEST MAJOR FINISH: 27th US Open 2015 SCORING AVERAGE: 69.25 DRIVING DISTANCE: 303 yards DRIVING ACCURACY: 70% GREENS IN REG: 83%

[30] APRIL 2017 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

The Ping G Range has proven to be very popular amongst members and Under Armour is by far our best-selling clothing brand. What’s the best swing tip you’ve ever received? Don’t hit at the ball, hit through it.

Steve Stiller provides the inside track on life as Head PGA Professional at Farleigh Golf Club in Surrey How long have you been a PGA professional? I became a full member of the PGA in 2009. What is your day-to-day role? I have a very diverse role as head professional which allows me to be involved with many areas of the club, from being accountable for the day-today management of golf operations for our 27-hole course, to managing the golf shop and teaching academy. I also work closely with our sales and membership team to promote membership and events to new members, and ensure our existing members are happy and participating in the club. Every day is different!

members and my colleagues, and teaching the game. Helping someone realise that golf can be fun is a real highlight. Plus, playing some amazing courses is also a great perk of the job! And the worst? The British weather! Winter is particularly tiresome, and even the most ardent golfers play less frequently. Thankfully we’ve got an indoor simulator, so I can still coach regularly throughout the winter, but there are days you wish our climate was more like southern Spain or Dubai.

What has been your career highlight as a player? As an Amateur, I holed the winning putt for the Kent Colts against Essex to win the SE County League. Nothing beats team golf! ■ FARLEIGH BOASTS THREE 9-HOLE LOOPS OF CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF

Tell us something about the facilities… Farleigh was purchased in 2010 by the Hayton family, who also own our sister club, Foxhills Club & Resort. With a multi-million pound investment, they have transformed the club with a modern clubhouse and a much- improved course. We have three 9-hole layouts designed by John Jacobs Associates, an outdoor driving range, putting green, indoor HD golf simulator, function suites, pool table, and a fabulous restaurant and bar. We’ve just taken delivery of new lightweight trolleys, and late last season unveiled our new E-Z-Go buggies, which include TV screen scorecards and course guides, and a USB port so you

What’s the best thing about your job? I’m very lucky to work in my passion – I love the game of golf and working in the industry makes me feel very fortunate. I enjoy forming relationships with

can charge your phone as you play. Last year we launched a new initiative – ‘A Club in Every Hand’ – to encourage people to take up the game. Through free taster sessions we introduced golf in a fun and engaging way and built a strong partnership with Crystal Palace FC through the Premier League 4Sport funding, which gave us the opportunity to take golf into schools. We also launched our Farleigh Foundation, which is an annual scholarship for 11-18 year olds with potential. Mirroring our sister club’s long-time programme, the Foxhills Foundation, which has bred the likes of Paul Casey and Anthony Wall. Recipients are provided with an annual membership, range tokens, PGA tuition and County and EGU fees. We have a popular Sunday lunch at Farleigh, and one of our pros spends time with the diners, encouraging them to have a family challenge on the putting green. For female golfers, we offer ‘Balls & Bubbles’, a short session designed for

people who like a cheeky glass (or two) of prosecco out on the course whilst being introduced to golf. This proved to be a great success amongst females, particularly those in their 20s and 30s. For beginners of all ages, we offer a GAP programme which starts with a short taster session and has friendly, relaxed group clinics and a ‘starter’ membership. This has proven really popular. And how should clubs go about retaining members? Nomad golfers are on the rise, but club membership is still relevant to Millennials. People want to belong. Clubs need to offer flexible pricing structures which reflect different life stages. Engagement is key – we run fun Members’ Major events, starting with our Mixed Greensomes in April, which includes Best Dressed competitions, alongside the serious golf action, with an announcer calling all players to the first tee. What’s being selling well in the pro shop?

If you could change one rule in golf what would it be? A free drop from a divot on the fairway. Who is your golfing hero and why? Seve Ballesteros because of his swashbuckling style. Who inspired you to take up golf? My late father. Come the weekend, he was always on the golf course, so when I was 12, I thought, ‘Why not join him?’ What’s your favourite course in the UK, and the world? In the UK, Sunningdale – because of its charm. In the world, Pebble Beach. It combines a truly great history with stunning views. Which three other people would be in your dream fourball? Tiger Woods, Roger Federer and my late father. Beating two world number ones would be a great scalp, and given Tiger’s current form, I like to think I’d have a chance! What would you have done if you hadn’t have been a pro? A PE teacher.

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NEWS | APRIL 2017

JOIN THE RACE TO BOM SUCESSO! G olfers in the Sussex and Surrey region who fancy winning a trip to the Portuguese resort of Bom Successo should enter a new tournament being organised by the MY Golf Academy, which has centres at several clubs across the region. The tournament, called ‘the Race to Bom Sucesso’ is being sponsored by Sussex-based golf tour operator Golf Escapes, and is hosting qualifying events at Rookwood Golf Club in Horsham on April 28, Lingfield Golf Club in Surrey on May 19, Slinfold Golf & Country Club in Horsham on June 23, and Horsham Golf in West Sussex on July 13. Entry is £49 per player or £98 per pair. The tournaments all take place on Friday afternoons and include coffee/tea on arrival, 18 holes of golf, and a rolling two-course buffet meal after golf.

MUIRFIELD RETURNS TO OPEN SCHEDULE AFTER MEMBERS VOTE TO ADMIT WOMEN

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■ BOM SUCESSO

The winning pair from each event, and the top three teams not already qualified from the order of merit, will play-off in September for the top prize of three nights for four people in a two-bedroom property, with breakfast and unlimited golf at Bom Sucesso. The golfer with the winning individual score on the day will win three nights for two people in a one-bedroom property, also with breakfast and unlimited golf. Open to men and women aged over 18 with recognised handicaps, the maximum handicap for men is 24 and ladies for 32, with 9/10th’s allowance for pairs better ball events and full handicap in the singles event. For booking forms, visit www.my-golf-academy.co.uk or call Mike Yorke on 0333 577 2464.

Unleash Your Black Cat Power

■ MUIRFIELD CAPTAIN HENRY FAIRWEATHER MADE THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE CLUB'S DECISION TO ALLOW WOMEN MEMBERS

he doors of one of the last male-only bastions in golf are to be thrown open to women following a historic decision by the 273-year-old Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers to admit female members at Muirfield. A ‘yes’ vote, achieved at the second attempt, after initially failing to secure sufficient support last May, saw the East Lothian venue immediately restored to the Open Championship rota by the R&A. However, due to the club’s lengthy membership admissions process, it could be a six or seven-year wait before the first woman is actually admitted, making it unlikely that there will be any female members in place by the time Muirfield next hosts the Open – which could be as early as 2022. The initial vote to admit women members held last summer fell just 14 votes short of securing the two-thirds majority required by the club’s constitution, while last month’s vote saw 498 out of 621 members supporting the proposal. The 80 per cent backing was announced in front of the clubhouse by Henry Fairweather, the captain of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, which owns and runs Muirfield. “I am delighted to hear the outcome of this second vote has come down in favour of embracing women members,” he said. “This is a significant decision for a club which was founded in 1744, and retains many of the values and aspirations of its founding members. We look forward to welcoming women as members who will enjoy, and benefit from, the great traditions and friendly spirit of this remarkable club.” He added: “We always knew that there would be a number of people who didn’t want to see any change. Our job now, and in the future, is to convince those people that women can be integrated into the club, and it will not change the great things that we all love about the club.” Muirfield, which was founded in 1744, has staged the Open 16 times and last hosted the event in 2013.

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COURSE REVIEW

THE WARREN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

Nick Bayly pays a visit to The Warren Estate in Essex, where three golf courses form the backbone of a now thriving club, which offers far more than first meets the eye

mid all the doom and gloom surrounding the state of golf clubs in the UK over the past few years, it’s heartening to come across a genuine success story about a club that in the face of almost insurmountable odds, and severe financial difficulties, has not only survived the downturn, but positively thrived. While numerous clubs up and down the kingdom have had to pull the plug in recent seasons, often bringing to an end decades, if not centuries, of golfing history, there are others that have managed to buck the trend, thanks in part to good timing, careful management, judicious investment, and a slice of fortune. One venue that falls into this small but happy band is The Warren Golf & Country Club in Essex. Situated less than an hour from London, and 15 minutes from Chelmsford, The Warren is tucked away just outside the village of Maldon, enjoying a splendidly rural spot just a few miles from the steady flow of haulage trucks heading east along the A12 to the coastal ports of Felixstowe, Lowestoft and Harwich.

Once through the open-gated entrance, though, the member or casual visitor instantly feels sheltered from the intrusions and distractions of modern life, and all thoughts turn to relaxation and enjoyment – providing, like me, you don’t get too wound up by the occasional double bogey. Although the finer points of The Warren’s fall from grace aren’t the subject of this piece, it’s important to understand where the club’s current owners have come from in order to reach the point that they are at today – with a healthy, happy and growing proprietary club that enjoys a wellearned reputation for the warmth of its hospitality and the quality of its wide-ranging facilities. Just five years ago, at beginning of 2012, the club, which was under family ownership, found itself facing bankruptcy, with a lack of investment in the basic infrastructure resulting in a dwindling membership. It was a vicious downward spiral that led to the receivers being called in and the venue’s future as a golf club being placed in serious doubt. Thankfully, a group of local businessmen stepped in at the 11th hour to set out a rescue package to save the club from closure. The

new owners were confident with significant investment and the right management in place that the golf club, along with the lodge park, health club and additional golf course which co-exist under the brand umbrella of The Warren Estate, had the potential to become a healthy and viable business. With leadership from Estate Director, John Moran, a blueprint for future profitability was implemented, which, after all, is the only thing that keeps all businesses, even golf clubs, afloat. That investment turned out to be something close to £2 million, and five years later, with still more improvements in the pipeline, The Warren is now at a point where it can proudly show off what it has to offer. The 325-acre Warren Estate is in the almost unique position of

THE WARREN ESTATE IS IN THE ALMOST UNIQUE POSITION OF OFFERING AN 18-HOLE PRIVATE MEMBERS’ CLUB, A 9-HOLE PUBLIC COURSE, AND A 9-HOLE PAR 3 COURSE,

■ THE OPENING HOLE ON THE WARREN’S CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE REQUIRES A TESTING APPROACH OVER A POND

offering an 18-hole membershipfocused club, a 9-hole public course, Bunsay, which is operated as a separate club, and a 9-hole par-3 course, the Badgers. Catering to the complete spectrum of golfers, from casual green fee players to committed competition golfers, has undoubtedly been one of the keys to the venue’s success. Essex has a reputation for producing flat courses, but this is far from the case at The Warren‘s championship course, with the opening 10 holes of the 6,229-yard, par-70 layout boasting plenty of elevation changes through what was once a deer park, blessed with an abundance of mature trees and natural streams. The undulating nature of the topography is in evidence right from the off, with the opening hole being a teasing 360-yard par four which requires a carefully positioned 3-wood or long iron off the tee, before setting up a tense short iron over a pond to a shallow green. The second, a 367-yard par four, plays over a pond and back up the hill to a three-tiered green, before the aptly-named ‘Death or Glory’ 3rd, a 317-yard par four which plays from a tier of tees looking down to a fairway some 100 yards below your feet. The green, which is located to the right

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

COURSE REVIEW | APRIL 2017

[33]

■ THE WARREN’S CLUBHOUSE PROVIDES A WELCOMING HOME FROM HOME FOR MEMBERS AND GUESTS

■ THE CLUB OFFERS A SWIMMING POOL AND A GYM

of a small dogleg, is just out of range for all but the biggest hitters, but it’s certainly a hole to throw caution to the wind on, especially if the pin is front left, when you can give it a good smack with a driver and see where it takes you. The front nine features no fewer than eight par 4s, ending with the magnificent stroke-index-one ninth, a 435-yard test than plays over a pond at the tee, and finishes with demanding 200-yard-plus shot to a raised green. There’s certainly no shame in laying up in front of the cross bunkers that protect the end of the fairway and praying for a one-putt par. The back nine offers slightly more opportunities for red figures, as the course rises up out of the valley and plays over somewhat flatter territory. Having said that, most players will be happy to walk off the picturesque 10th, a 190-yard par three which is played slightly uphill through a narrowing avenue of trees, with a par. The round finishes with a suitably challenging par five, where only a big drive down the right-hand side of this left-swinging dogleg will offer the chance to go for the green in two on this 498-yard hole, whose green is protected by a cross bunker some 50 yards short of the green. Essex’s clay-based sub-soils make it notoriously tough to maintain playing

conditions in this part of the world throughout our British winters, but thanks to considerable investment in new machinery and the introduction of new drainage and improved course management practices, the playing surfaces at The Warren have come on in leaps and bounds in recent seasons, and, with the summer season about to get under way, have never looked better. Warren members also get free rein at the neighbouring Bunsay Course, an entertaining 2,862-yard, ninehole layout that offers an tantalising mix of holes played over beautiful wooded countryside, with numerous ponds and streams to negotiate. The course also boasts its own clubhouse, an attractive converted barn, which features a sports bar, tea rooms, and even a children’s playground. It operates as a standalone club, with seven-day annual membership fees of around £500, which are paid by a healthy and growing membership, while plenty of walk-on green fee players – £13 on weekdays and £18 on weekends for 18 holes – ensure that pre-booking is all but essential. For players of all ages and skill levels there is the Badgers Course, a delightful 9-hole par-3 course which also features plenty of water and lots of well-placed bunkers, and provides the perfect venue to sharpen up

■ THE 420-YARD PAR 4 12TH

your short game, as well as introduce younger players to the attractions of the game in a more relaxed and informal atmosphere. The practice facilities at The Warren are also first rate, with a fulllength driving range, a short game area with two practice bunkers, and a separate practice putting green close to the first tee. The superb pro shop, which is housed in a characterful barn next to the clubhouse, is packed to the rafters with a great selection of the latest gear, including clothing ranges from FootJoy and Galvin Green, a wall of FootJoy shoes, and also offers authorised custom fitting for both Ping and Titleist clubs. Head professional David Brooks has been a constant figure at the club over the last 20 years, and, as well as being coach to England and Essex youth squads, enjoys a strong and loyal following among the membership. He is ably assisted by a team of three young PGA professionals – all of whom are able to offer lessons on a one-to-one basis or as part of a group. And while golf is clearly at the heart of what drives the business forward, it is only part of an overall leisure package on offer at The Warren, with the estate also boasting a popular health club, which features a gym, indoor swimming pools and fitness suites, while a magnificent 18th century barn, which adjoins the clubhouse, has helped the club become one of the most popular wedding and party venues in the area. With a high, sloping timberframed roof, it’s an enchanting venue, especially when lit up at night. The

■ THE ROSE BARN BANQUETING SUITE

Sunday carvery in the restaurant has also become something of a local institution, with families coming together to enjoy a wide choice of home-cooked roasts and all the traditional trimmings. Diversification is also a key strategy employed by John Moran and his team in raising the profile of The Warren Estate on a regional and even national level, demonstrated most notably by a hugely successful Classic and Supercar show, now in its fourth year and regularly attracting over 7,500 visitors. New events planned for later this year include a regular Car Club meet and a USA-style drive-in movie. In addition to the golf and leisure offerings, The Warren Estate also operates a separate holiday lodge business, which currently stretches to a range of 75 luxury lodges that occupy a delightfully secluded spot away from the golf courses. Available to buy or hire, the lodges range from two to three bedrooms and used as holiday homes or investments and they can be rented out to guests exclusively through Hoseasons. With planning permission for a further 28 lodges already secured, it’s not hard to see why The Warren’s future has been built on solid foundations, and looks set to provide a happy home for the golfers in the region for many generations to come.

MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES The Warren offers a wide range of memberships, including seven and five-day, joint and senior, as well as intermediate memberships for those aged under 30, plus a cadet category for those under 18. There is no joining fee and all new adult seven-day members enjoy a 30% discount on their first year’s subscriptions. To enquire about membership, society groups, or corporate golf day packages, call 01245 223258, email enquiries@warrengolfclub.co.uk, or visit www.thewarrenestate.co.uk.

BOOK YOUR NEXT ROUND Golf News readers can enjoy an exclusive 25% discount for one 18-hole round at The Warren for bookings made before May 31, 2017 and quoting ‘Golf News’. The summer green fees for May-September are set at £35 on weekdays, £25 after 3pm, and £45 after 1pm at weekends. For tee time reservations, call 01245 224662.

[34] APRIL 2017 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

PGA HONOURS PIONEERS OF WOMEN’S PROFESSSIONAL GAME ■ NINE FOUNDING MEMBERS OF THE WOMEN'S PGA HAVE BEEN HONOURED BY THE PGA

he PGA has honoured nine of the founding members of the Women’s Professional Golfers’ Association whose foresight resulted in women golfers playing for six-figure prize purses on an international stage. The WPGA sowed the seeds for the Ladies European Tour, which has seen the likes of Laura Davis and Annika Sorenstam become as famous as their male counterparts. It was formed in 1979, and the nine PGA Members who played a part by competing in it and getting it off the ground have been granted honorary membership of the association. The group comprises Susan Bamford, Maxine Burton, Jane Denman, Jane Forrest, Denise Hastings, Beverly Huke, Christine Langford, Catherine Panton-Lewis and Joanna Smurthwaite. All have remained PGA members since those pioneering days, as have Beverly Lewis and Mickey Walker, two other founding members of the WPGA who had already been made honorary PGA members. The decision to recognise the other nine has been made with the forthcoming 40th anniversary of the WPGA’s founding in mind. “At a time when women’s participation in sport is very much in vogue, and the WPGA is approaching its 40th anniversary, we felt it was appropriate to recognise the contribution of our members,” said Sandy Jones, PGA executive

■ JANE DENHAM FROM WEST SUSSEX

■ MAXINE BURTON IS BASED AT SITTINGBOURNE GC

president. “Of those who were there at the founding of the WPGA, we still have 11 members who have maintained their PGA membership. He added: “They showed a lot of belief in

supporting what was not seen by many at the time as a viable idea, because professional women’s golf was very much in its infancy. Happily, their foresight and determination has paid off, and it is therefore fitting they are now all to be recognised as honorary members of the Association. There is no doubt they totally deserve this recognition for the long service and commitment they have given to the game.” One of the nine honoured by the PGA, Catherine Panton-Lewis, was the winner of the first WPGA Order of Merit and earned £2,495 for her efforts. She won the State Express title at Royal Portrush and Carlsberg tournament at Willingdon that season and was never out of the top seven in the Order of Merit for the first four years. Despite being the daughter of three-time Ryder Cup player John Panton, Catherine’s decision to turn professional in 1978 was seen as a risk. Reflecting on those early days, she said: “It seems a very long time now since I made the decision to turn professional. My father thought it was a rather risky proposition, but I have to say, it was much more fun than having a proper job. I have also been greatly encouraged by the numbers of young women now joining the WPGA and choosing golf as their career path. The impressive results which women are achieving during their PGA training, I believe go to show that like all of my fellow founder members, they have definitely chosen the best career.”

Another one of the 11, Jane Denman, is currently coaching children at a private school in West Sussex, where she has worked for over 20 years. “I had four children but I did not want to leave golf because I was still passionate about the game,” Denman said. “So I started to teach youngsters, and for the last 22 years I’ve worked at Windlesham House School. It’s a boarding school and we have a nine-hole golf course for the children. We have about 180 players. Some of them have turned out for the county and others have won scholarships to other schools. I practise with them, hitting balls two or three times a day. I also like to compete in the occasional charity competition.” Maxine Burton turned professional in 1978, and secured her maiden victory in the Carlsberg at Arcot Hall two years later and won the Spanish Open at La Manga Club in 1984. She retired from touring in 1991 and went to becoming head professional and then general manager at Hurtmore Golf Club in Surrey, where she worked up until 2012. She is currently coaching at Sittingbourne Golf Club in Kent. “I’ve always kept my hand in, and after leaving Hurtmore was still keen to be involved in the game in some way. Golf has given me such a marvellous career, and I’m honoured to have been recognised by the PGA in this way," she said.

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NEWS | APRIL 2017

SRIXON AMBASSADOR PROGRAMME PROVES BIG HIT FOR VIRGIN ATLANTIC FLYING CLUB

he 14th season of Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Swingers is now well under way and there’s much more for members to focus on than just the road to Streamsong, the venue for this year’s end of season final. Long-time partner Srixon will once again run its ambassador programme, which has proved so popular over the last couple of years. Members can send their applications in for this prestigious role, and the team from Srixon and Flying Club Swingers will choose one lucky member per month. The chosen ambassador receives a personalised Srixon tour bag, a year's supply of Srixon balls, six Srixon caps and a Srixon towel to give them the look and feel of a real pro this summer. Winners are chosen on their potential to

promote both Flying Club Swingers and Srixon across social media, at their golf club, and at other golf venues throughout the season. They are expected to promote the brands at every opportunity and write a report on their experiences. Over the first two years of the initiative, ambassadors from as far afield as Northern California and Cape Town have been chosen, as well as over a dozen from the UK, ranging from

single figure handicappers to those in their late teens and beyond. As one such ambassador, Morag Hutcheon, a 9-handicapper, explained: “I knew the products and brands are both world class; what I didn’t expect was the impact being an ambassador would have. Firstly, the impact on me, I feel I’ve been wearing an invisible Srixon cloak of confidence, which has instantly given my golf more focus, and, yes, it’s improved. I’ve relaxed and my swing and game have developed greatly as a result. I’m working harder than ever to improve and move towards my scratch target. “ Added Morag: “I love my Srixon Ambassador bag – I’m not ashamed to admit it! It’s always a discussion point, which beautifully leads into explaining more about the global Virgin Atlantic Flying Club golf league, and how Srixon are a major proactive and engaging sponsor, which underpins the quality of the league. This instantly creates an air of excitement and anticipation about ‘how can we get involved?’ The amabassador programme runs all season through to the end of September. To apply you must be a registered Flying Club Swinger. Find out more at www.flyingclubgolfleague.com.

ST MELLION PLANS TO ROLL OUT BEER CARTS

■ ST MELLION IS HOPING TO SERVE GOLFERS BEER ON THE COURSE

hile it has long been possible to buy a cold can of beer while playing golf in America, the option to buy one from a buffet cart in the UK has been all but impossible, owing to few clubs being prepared to pay out for the extra alcohol licence required. However, members at, and visitors to, St Mellion International Resort in Cornwall may shortly be able to sip on a chilled lager in between shots, after the club’s management applied to its local council for permission to sell alcohol to golfers while they are playing on the course. If approved, the club will send buggies carrying alcoholic drinks to thirsty golfers out on its two 18-hole courses. One of the few clubs in the UK that currently sells beer from buggies to its customers is Trump Turnberry, while Dundonald Links – also on the west coast of Scotland, and venue for this year’s Scottish Open and Ricoh Women’s British Open – has applied for a licence to do the same for two weeks this summer.

Society Par 3 Challenge New for 2017 is the Reading Golf Club Par 3 Challenge for Golf Societies

Any members of a golf society (min 12 players) who score 8 points or more in one round during a society visit in 2017 will be entered into a draw at the end of the year with the prize being a return visit in 2018 for the whole society! With the longest par 3 measuring just 157 yards from the yellow tees this doesn’t sound too difficult and with Society Packages from just £39.95 it is the ideal venue for your golf society this year.

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[35]

WILLIAMSONS BAG FOURTH MOTHERS & DAUGHTERS TITLE AT ROYAL MIDSURREY

racey and Amelia Williamson dropped only three shots over 27 holes of medal foursomes to secure their fourth successive Mothers' and Daughters' title at Royal MidSurrey Golf Club in Richmond. Amelia, aged 16, playing off an plus-three handicap, and her mother, off one, from Royal Cromer Golf Club in Norfolk, were the clear favourites, and looked set to romp to victory unchallenged, having won by a convincing nine shots last year. However, despite a seemingly effortless and flawless level-par 71 in their morning round, the Williamsons found themselves up against some fierce competition from the 2012 winners, Christine and Charlotte Griffith, from Walton Heath. After an excellent morning's golf, the stage was set for an exciting battle over the afternoon nine holes which, in the end, proved to be a little anti-climatic as both couples continued to play steadily, but squandered a few shots, and Amelia even missed a couple of nervy two-foot putts as the tension began to tell. Although costly, the Williamsons still only dropped three shots to score 38, while the Griffithses could only muster a 39, missing out on the 27-hole aggregate score by three shots. Royal Mid-Surrey, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, has hosted the Mothers and Daughters for the last 55 years.

[36] APRIL 2017 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

PILTDOWN TO HOST BRITISH SPEEDGOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS T he members at Piltdown Golf Club in East Sussex like to adhere to the etiquette on pace of play, but even the quickest of its players won’t have come close to managing 18 holes in under 40 minutes – even with the help of a buggy. But that’s the kind of times that competitors in this year’s British Open Speed Golf Championships will have to set if they are to carry off this year’s title, which takes place at the club on September 17. Piltdown, which boasts a 6,000yard, par-68 heathland course, will be hosting a taster event ahead of the

championship on the morning of July 23, where newcomers to the sport will be welcome. The club’s general manager, Phil Bonsall, said: “On behalf of Piltdown Golf Club, I am delighted to embrace the growing sport of Speedgolf, and we are honoured to be hosting the British Championships. Some of the times and scores I have seen that people have achieved in the past are remarkable, and I can’t wait to see it for myself. Piltdown is quite flat, and it doesn’t feature any bunkers, but there’s plenty of heather, so players will be need to be accurate, as well as fast.”

■ EMMA MORGAN HAS WON THE WOMEN'S BRITISH SPEEDGOLF OPEN FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS

the first time, based on an alternate shot format. Favourite for this year's championship, which is in its fourth year, is Emma Morgan, who has won the title for the past two years, and came third in the 2015 World Speedgolf Championship in Chicago. The sport attracts both golfers and runners, and with pace of play being such a hot topic in golf, Pam Painter, cofounder of British Speedgolf, believes many regular golfers could learn a

The current British Speedgolf champion is Rob Hogan, who shot a five-over-par 77 in just 34 minutes when winning the title at Boars Head Golf Centre in Crowborough in 2014. Adding the shots taken to the time it took him to complete the course gave Hogan, who is also the current world champion, a combined Speedgolf score of 111.04. A dedicated women’s category was launched in 2015, and last year also included a team competition for

■ PILTDOWN GOLF CLUB

lot from this faster-paced alternative. “The common misconception is that Speedgolf is simply rushing around a golf course, in fact, it is the opposite. Whilst it is faster, the skill in Speedgolf is balancing your running pace with your capacity to accurately play your shots to get the lowest combined score possible.” To register your interest in taking part, email pam@britishspeedgolf. co.uk or visit britishspeedgolf.co.uk.

ENTRY OPEN FOR BRITISH DISABLED OPEN

ngland Golf is again partnering with Balasa Golf to cosanction a championship for golfers of all impairments, creating one umbrella event for disabled golf in England. The second English Disability Open will return to The Warwickshire Golf Club from August 26-27. It will be played over both the Earls and Kings courses. Practice rounds are available on August 25. The championship will be open to all British disabled golfers who meet the definitions of impairment as set out in the conditions and who hold a CONGU handicap with competition status. Although this is not a European Disabled Golf Association badged event, players holding an EDGA medical pass will be able to submit scores from this event to the EDGA Rankings.

Golfers, regardless of their impairment, will play in three handicap categories over 36 holes. Category One and Two golfers will compete in stroke play events and Category Three golfers will play a stableford competition. Awards will be made to the winner of each handicap category. Prizes will also be awarded for highest placed junior and female players. Jamie Blair, Disability Manager for England Golf, commented: “This partnership aims to deliver a successful and memorable tournament for all and encourage golfers of all impairments to come together to compete using the handicap system and against the challenge of the course." Conditions and entry forms can be viewed and downloaded from www.englandgolf.org.

■ COMPETITORS AT LAST YEAR'S ENGLISH DISABILITY OPEN

T RY S IA FA D P 17 U 2 0 I NG LL

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NEWS | APRIL 2017

KENNEDY TAKES LEADING ROLE IN STAGE GOLF SOCIETY

STOKE PARK TO HOST OPEN DAY AS NEWLOOK ALISON NINE REOPENS

toke Park Country Club, Spa & Hotel is to host an open day on Saturday, April 29 to enable prospective members to take a closer look at the renovation work which has taken place at the Buckinghamshire-based venue during the winter. The historic club boasts 27 Harry Coltdesigned holes, and is renovating each loop of nine in turn across three consecutive winters. And the middle nine, the Alison course, will reopen for members on April 21, meaning visitors to the open day will be among the first non-members to enjoy the facilities. Guests will be able to play a few holes on the revitalised course and also look around the venue's numerous facilities, which include a health club, spa and pool, 13 tennis courts, three restaurants and bars, and 300 acres of landscaped parkland. Stoke Park’s James Jewell said: "The course is already looking wonderful, and we believe both members and visitors will be delighted by what they see in a few weeks' time. With the third nine set to be redeveloped next winter, there's arguably never been a better time to be a member at Stoke Park."

■ GOLFERS ARE BEING INVITED TO SAMPLE THE CHANGES THAT HAVE BEEN MADE AT STOKE PARK

■ PHILIPPA KENNEDY WITH STAGE GOLF SOCIETY CHAIRMAN DOUGRAY SCOTT (R) AND VICE-CAPTAIN DEAN CHISNALL (L)

J Refurbishment of the Alison nine includes improving the definition of the bunkering, the addition of new tees, and an extensive reworking of the water features on holes 12 and 17, plus some cosmetic alterations to the water hazard on 16. The renovation of the 27-hole resort has been made possible by a substantial seven-figure investment, with the third nine, the Lane Jackson course, completed during the winter of 2017/18. To register your interest in attending the open day, call 01753 476348 or email JJewell@stokepark.com.

DAVIDSON AND DAWSON ADDED TO GB&I WALKER CUP SQUAD

ack Davidson and Robin Dawson have been invited to join the Great Britain and Ireland squad for the 46th Walker Cup match against the United States at Los Angeles Country Club in September. Davidson recently won the individual event at the European Nations Cup and was part of the winning Welsh team. He also won the Spanish International Amateur Championship last month. In January, the Wales international finished third at

[37]

the South American Amateur Championships staged in Buenos Aires. He is the third player from Wales in the squad. Dawson, an R&A Foundation Scholar, was runner-up in the European Nations Cup individual event and the South African Stroke Play Championship. He also played in the Cape Province Open in South Africa, where he finished third. Dawson is the sixth Irishman in the squad. The South East is represented in the squad by Marco Penge (Goodwood),

Alfie Plant (Sundridge Park), and Scott Gregory (Corhampton). Craig Watson, Great Britain and Ireland captain, said, “Jack and Robin have been playing exceptional golf recently and their invitations to join the squad reflect the excellent results they have achieved so far this year. They have played their way into contention for team selection and there is still the opportunity for others to do the same as we move

■ JACK DAVIDSON

into the domestic season.” The squad will gather at Royal Lytham next month ahead of the Lytham Trophy, which starts on May 5. The final ten-man GB&I team will be announced in August. The match is played on September 9-10.

ournalist and broadcaster Philippa Kennedy has become the first woman to captain the Stage Golfing Society in its 115-year history. Kennedy, from Weybridge in Surrey, was confirmed as captain at the society’s annual general meeting held at Richmond Golf Club where the society has had a permanent home for the last 50 years. Actor Dougray Scott is this year’s president and musical theatre star Dean Chisnall is the new vice-captain. Kennedy, who was honoured with an OBE in 2003 for her services to journalism, was the first woman news editor of the Daily Express and a panelist on the first two series of ITV’s Loose Women. She is currently the ombudsman for The Sun. Speaking about her new role, she said: “I’m thrilled and proud to be the first woman captain of such a wonderful society, full of clever, funny people who give golf an extra dimension with their wit and talent.” One of her duties as captain is to produce the annual stage show in October for members of Richmond Golf Club. “Every captain has to do this, and it’s always a worry, but there are plenty of people to help and it always goes down well,” said Kennedy, who was also captain of the Press Golfing Society 15 years ago. “Golf has given me so much, and it’s a great privilege to have captained two of the oldest golf societies in England. “We now play an annual match against each other and its great to see how well these two groups of people get on. Actors always need an audience and media people are great listeners.” Membership of the Stage Golfing Society is open to both men and women who have been creatively involved in the entertainment Industry for at least two years and are able play golf ‘to a reasonable standard’.

HARLEYFORD GOLF CLUB Jewel on the Thames

THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO PLAY HARLEYFORD GOLF CLUB! The course is in the best condition its ever known and with Major Season Upon us, why wouldn’t you treat yourself to a round at the home of Britain’s most promising new star (and Golf News Columnist) Tyrrell Hatton. Playing a healthy 6,714 yards of the medal tees and a more moderate 6,338 from the social pegs Harleyford is a test suitable for all levels of golfer. The greens at Harleyford are built to exacting USGA specifications and can often separate the men from the boys! Call now on 01628 816177 and book your group in and benefit from a FREE BEER when you QUOTE GN17 Web: harleyfordgolf.co.uk Email: kate@harleyfordgolf.co.uk

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[38] APRIL 2017 | COLUMN

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

The

TYRRELL HATTON

Tyrrell Hatton recounts the tale of his Masters’ debut, which resulted in an early exit, but memories for friends and family that will last a lifetime

NO-ONE AND NOTHING CAN FULLY PREPARE YOU for your first trip to the Masters. Of course, I’ve watched it on TV since I was a kid, and spoken to a lot of other players about it, but nothing quite prepares you for that first drive up Augusta’s famous Magnolia Lane. The whole experience was slightly surreal, but one that certainly lived up to, and, for most of the time, exceeded my expectations. As well as an incredible experience for me, it was also a special one for my family and friends, many of whom made the long trip out to Georgia to share the week with me. I even had an uncle fly all the way from Australia, and it meant a huge amount to me to have that kind of support. Augusta kind of jumps out of you from nowhere, as one minute you’re driving along this busy main road in the town and then suddenly you turn off into this beautiful place. And then you catch a glimpse of the course, and the goosebumps begin to start. There’s not a blade of grass out of place, and, as so many people had told me before, you just don’t believe how hilly it is. You just don’t see those slopes on TV. I always stayed up late as a kid to watch the Masters. There have been so many great moments over the years. For me, the best one still has to be Tiger chipping in on the 16th. I was only five when Tiger won his first green jacket in 1997, so it was surreal to be here playing 20 years later. I ventured out onto the course on Sunday and played the front nine, then played the back nine on Monday morning, and the full

18 on Tuesday. On Monday I played with Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Gary Woodland, and on Tuesday I played the last five holes with Danny Willett. We had some fun on the 16th skimming balls over the water together, which was one of the highlights of the week for me. I was really looking forward to playing the Par 3 contest on Wednesday, with my Dad caddying for me. Ping even made Dad an 8-iron to use on the 9th. Sadly, the storms hit, and play was suspended for the day. We managed three holes, so at least Dad got to walk the course a bit.

■ SKIMMING SHOTS AT 16 WITH DANNY WILLETT

■ DAD AND I IN FRONT OF AUGUSTA NATIONAL'S ICONIC CLUBHOUSE

For the opening two rounds I was drawn with Henrik Stenson and Angel Cabrera. The conditions were really tough, with strong winds throughout the two days. It made it so difficult and, to be honest, at Augusta if you are a few yards out, it punishes you. In particular, club selection and my putting stroke were affected, but it was the same for everybody. In the end, as you know, I missed the cut. On Saturday, Dad and I worked on the range for a couple of hours and then worked on the putting green. On Sunday I went to the movies with Emily and then got back to the house to watch the golf. What a finish, and what a champion in Sergio. After his start to the back nine, the way he fought back was really impressive, and I thought the standard of golf played by Justin and Sergio was amazing as a golf

fan, as was their sportsmanship - so good to watch. On Monday, we left Augusta and headed down to Hilton Head for the RBC Heritage. It's a really nice place and I’m looking forward to the week ahead. YOU CAN FOLLOW TYRRELL ON TWITTER @THATTON91 PARTNERS

NEWS | APRIL 2017 [39]

YOUR SPECIAL

BMW PGA CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW

WENTWORTH CLUB, SURREY | 25-28 MAY 2017

[40]

APRIL 2017 | PREVIEW

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

WHO WILL BE BEST ON THE WEST? Wentworth Club once again provides a fitting stage for the BMW PGA Championship, where the cream of European talent will be bidding to capture one of the game’s most coveted titles

hile the Masters is often regarded as ‘where the season starts’, it is the first tee shot at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth that signals the true beginning of the golfing year as far as UK golf fans

are concerned. Whether it’s the familiarity of the iconic West Course – which is actually much changed this year – or the fact that it’s often one of the first weeks of the year when jumpers are no longer required, the BMW PGA Championship is the tournament that really signals the beginning of the golf season. Seeing the stars of the game up close and personal tends to have that effect. Much in the same way that public tennis courts are rammed during the first two weeks of June, so too do hibernating golfers and golf fans come out in their droves when the BMW rolls into town at the end of May, with warmer, longer days providing the extra motivation needed to get back into the swing of things. The competition for this year’s Championship certainly looks as hot as ever, with the cream of the European Tour converging on ‘headquarters’ to battle it out for one of the oldest and most valuable titles on the circuit. This year marks the 63rd renewal of the tournament, and perhaps more significantly, the first on the West Course since the completion of the latest renovations to Harry Colt’s masterpiece.

While there’s something satisfying about having the biggest tournaments won by the best players, there is something equally exciting about the odd surprise result that the PGA Championship has a habit of providing. While recent victories by big-name stars such as Rory McIlroy and Luke Donald were rightly celebrated, so too were the triumphs of Simon Khan in 2010 and Byeong Hun An in ■ 2016 CHAMPION CHRIS WOOD 2015. Last year’s champion, Chris Wood, was certainly not winning out of turn, and victory at Wentworth catapulted the European Tour’s tallest player to the dizzy heights of Darren Clarke’s Ryder Cup team later in the season. This year’s Championship also marks the first tournament in the European Tour’s newly-created Rolex Series, a schedule of eight tournaments across the season that are supported by the Swiss watchmaker, along with the tournament’s headline sponsor, to guarantee a prize fund of $7 million at each event. It’s a bold and innovative move, and one that looks to have paid off judging by the early list of entries. Among those bidding to add the 2017 PGA crown to their CVs will be four-time Major champion and world No.2 Rory McIlroy, reigning Open Champion and 2016 Race to Dubai champion Henrik Stenson, Olympic gold medal winner and 2017 Masters runnerup Justin Rose, and 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett. Chris Wood will, of course, be going all out to defend his title, while

STARS OF SPORT AND MUSIC SET TO ROCK THE WENTWORTH CROWDS The BMW PGA Championship offers fun for all the family on and off the golf course, with a star-studded Pro-Am, five-star hospitality in the tented village, and evening entertainment from top music acts. In addition to the four tournament days, Wednesday’s Celebrity Pro-Am has become something of a hot ticket in itself, with stars from stage, screen and sport queuing up to join the game’s top players and take on the West Course. With shotgun starts at 8am and 1pm, the Pro-Am provides a great chance to get up close with your favourite personalities. This year’s event will feature 60 sporting celebrities, including a quartet of former Manchester United legends in Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Peter Schmeichel. Giggs will be partnering 2014 PGA champion Rory McIlroy

in the Pro-Am, and is looking forward to catching up with the world No.2, who is a massive United fan. "It's a great honour, although a slightly scary one, to be asked to play with Rory," admitted Giggs, who is now his former club’s assistant manager. "I'm a big fan of his, so I'm looking forward to catching up with him and seeing first-hand how he plays the game. I play a lot of golf, and really enjoy it, but it's quite a different thing to go from just playing with your mates to partnering one of the best players in the world in front of thousands of people – so I'll have to get a bit of practice in before May!” The entertainment doesn’t stop after the golf has finished either, with live concerts from Status Quo and Kaiser Chiefs headlining the main stage at Wentworth on Saturday and

SPECTATOR INFORMATION TICKETS

DAILY TICKET - ADULT Tuesday 23 May, Practice Day ..................................... £11.50 Wednesday 24 May, Celebrity Pro-Am.....................£16.50 Thursday-Friday 25-26 May, Rds 1 & 2.....................£36.50 Saturday 27 May, Rd 3 .............................................£46.50 Sunday 28 May, Rd 4.................................................£51.50 SENIORS Thurs/Fri: £21.50; Sat: £26.50; Sun: £31.50 CHILDREN All under 16s go free with a paying adult (max 4 per adult) SEASON TICKET (May 23-28, Thurs-Sun) Adults £85; seniors £60 ■ KAISER CHIEFS WILL BE PERFORMING AFTER THE CLOSE OF PLAY ON SUNDAY

Sunday night respectively. With world-wide record sales in excess of 118 million, ‘The Quo’ will be sure to get the crowds jumping after the golf has finished on Saturday, as they play their catalogue of classic hits, including Rockin’ All Over the World, Whatever You Want, Down Down, and Caroline.

RYAN GIGGS

■ THE SHOW STAGE WILL BE ROCKING OVER THE WEEKEND

And to make the tournament end on an equally high note, Indie pop superstars the Kaiser Chiefs will be belting out some of their hit singles, including Oh My God, I Predict A Riot and Ruby, to the Wentworth crowds, with lead singer Ricky Wilson also singing some of his live favourites such as Hole In My Soul and Parachute from their new album, Stay Together. There will also be a new 'Acoustic Lunch Hour’ feature on the Show Stage at 1pm, with performances by Josh Catling on Thursday and Mahalia on Friday.

For golf and music fans, a special twilight ticket offer is available for £37, which allows general admission from 4pm onwards on Saturday or Sunday. For tickets visit www.europeantour.com/tickets.

WEEKEND TICKET (May 27-28, Sat & Sun) Adults £78; seniors £48 TWILIGHT TICKET (May 27-28, Sat & Sun) £37. This ticket permits access to the closing stages of the third and fourth rounds from 4pm, and provides entry to the concerts taking place on the Show Stage in the Championship Village, which begin at 5.45pm. START TIMES Play starts at 7am on May 25-26. Other times are subject to numbers making the cut. The Celebrity Pro-Am on May 24 consists of two shotgun starts at 8am and 1pm. BOOK ONLINE AT www.bmw-pga.com GRANDSTAND SEATING Reserved seating in the 18th green grandstand is available for pre-booking. Thursday and Friday tickets are priced at £11.50, £16.50 for Saturday and £21.50 on Sunday. There are free grandstands at the 1st, 14th and 16th holes. CORPORATE HOSPITALITY For the complete list of hospitality options, including the Player, Championship and Clubhouse packages, call 01344 840550 or email enquiries@europeantourhospitality.com.

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PREVIEW | APRIL 2017

■ RORY MCILROY WILL BE BIDDING TO CAPTURE HIS SECOND PGA TITLE FOLLOWING HIS VICTORY IN 2014

fellow Ryder Cup stars Thomas Pieters, Andy Sullivan, Martin Kaymer and Lee Westwood will also be in the mix, as will Luke Donald, who will be bidding for his third PGA title following wins in 2011 and 2012. Rose, in particular, will be especially keen to get his head in front, having gone so close on several occasions, most notably in 2007, when he lost out in a play-off to Anders Hansen, and again in 2012, when he finished tied second behind Donald. Top courses have a tradition of bringing out the best in top players, and there’s no doubting the star of the show at Wentworth is the majestic West Course, which has recently undergone its second major renovation in the space of eight years. Just eight days after Wood’s victory last year, the diggers moved onto historic course to carry out some significant renovations to its greens and bunkers. Ernie Els Design and European Golf Design joined forces to implement the changes, which included the re-laying of all 18 greens with a new creeping bent grass, and the installation of a new sub-air irrigation and drainage system. Nine greens were also completely or partially rebuilt, which has served to dramatically improve the appearance and performance of the putting surfaces for a tournament that comes very early in the season for a course located in the northern hemisphere. Working in close consultation with members of the European Tour’s players’ committee, including Ryder Cup captains present and past Thomas Bjorn and Paul McGinley, all the West Course’s bunkers have also been redesigned and reconstructed, with 29 completely removed from play, helping to more closely realign the course with Colt’s original vision, while also taking into consideration the demands of the modern game. And although the course’s overall yardage remains at 7,302 yards, the new bunkers, tough pin positions, run-offs and undulating putting surfaces will ensure that whoever wins the coveted title will have to be at the very top of their game. Last year, over 113,000 fans flowed through the turnstiles during the week to watch the action unfold, and that number looks set to be matched as golf fans flock to see Europe’s finest golfers fight it out for the honour of being crowned BMW PGA Champion. Who will emerge triumphant remains to be seen, but it’s guaranteed to be an enthralling contest.

[41]

TIPS FOR THE TITLE Nick Bayly is backing three Brits to drive home with the BMW title RORY MCILROY Despite his somewhat indifferent record around the West Course – three missed cuts from his last five appearances – the world No.2 will be a short-priced favourite to reclaim the trophy he won so impressively in 2014. After recovering from his early season rib injury, the four-time Major champion looks to be warming to the task, which he’ll have to be if he is to come out on top against a classy field. Ridiculously long off the tee, and laser sharp with his wedges, if Rory finds his putting touch on Wentworth’s recently re-laid greens, he’ll be a hard man to reel in. PGA FORM: 106/1/MC/MC/24

TYRRELL HATTON Hatton should feel right at home at Wentworth, having been brought up just a few miles up the A40 in High Wycombe. The 27 year old has enjoyed a stunning last 12 months, with a breakthrough win at the Dunhill Links last October, a top-five at The Open, and 10th in the US PGA. He has stepped up another gear in 2017, with a third place in Dubai, followed by a great run of results in the US, taking him to a career-high 16th in the world rankings. He was out in the final group on Sunday with Scott Hend at Wentworth last year, but a run of five bogeys around the turn led to a 75, and a seventh-place finish. He’ll be far better equipped to deal with the pressure now. PGA FORM: 7/47/22

TOMMY FLEETWOOD Fleetwood has taken more time than many canny observers expected to make his mark on the world stage, but this likeable 26 year old from Lancashire has really punched on in the last 12 months, and was certainly a worthy contender for a Ryder Cup wildcard. His superb victory in January in Abu Dhabi, where he outgunned Henrik Stenson and Dustin Johnson, was a world-class performance, while a string of top finishes on the PGA Tour has elevated him into the world’s top 30, and speak of a man who is ready to add to his tally of ‘W’s in Europe. PGA FORM: 69/6/MC/24/49

RECENT BMW PGA CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS

CHAMPIONSHIP VILLAGE BMW and the European Tour will be staging a number of activities and events for spectators, including themed displays in the Championship Village. Besides all the latest BMW models on display, there will be a BMW Longest Drive simulators to try out, as well as remote-controlled cars for younger drivers. There is the Totally Mega Putt Challenge, and numerous hitting nets for visitors to have their swings analysed by a team of PGA Professionals. The Show Stage will

also host Cotter’s Questions, where BBC sports commentator Andrew Cotter will put golfers and celebrities through their paces with regular Q&A sessions, as well as both concerts. CATERING There will be a wide range of bars and catering facilities in the Theatre of Food, including the Nespresso Coffee Shop and the Lindt Chocolate shop. There is plenty of seating in front of two big screens, and a hole-by-hole scoreboard for fans

to keep up with all the on-course action. There is also a merchandise tent, and a free public crèche sponsored by BMW. PARKING A limited amount of on-site parking, at a cost of £11.50 per day, is available for customers who pre-book tickets online. There will be no parking charge for BMW owners and official badge holders. A free Park & Ride system will operate between 6.30am-9pm from two locations – one near Sunningdale,

carrying traffic from the West (M3 and M4) and one at Ascot Racecourse. Both parks will operate a free shuttle bus service to Wentworth every five minutes, with the journey taking 15-20 minutes. TRAIN Virginia Water is served by regular trains from London Waterloo, which take 41 minutes. A free bus shuttle service will be operating from the station to the course during tournament days.

Year Winner

Score

2005 Angel Cabrera

273 (-15)

2006 David Howell

271 (-17)

2007 Anders Hansen

280 (-8)

2008 Miguel-A Jimenez

277 (-11)

2009 Paul Casey

271 (-17)

2010 Simon Khan

278 (-6)

2011

Luke Donald

278 (-6)

2012

Luke Donald

273 (-15)

2013

Matteo Manassero 278 (-10)

2014 Rory McIlroy

274 (-14)

2015 An Byeong-Hun

267 (-21)

2016 Chris Wood

279 (-9)

THE CHAMPIONS ARE COMING.

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PROMOTION | APRIL 2017 [43]

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[44] APRIL 2017 | INTERVIEW

GOING WITH THE FLOW Golf News catches up with the laid-back Nicolas Colsaerts, aka ‘The Belgian Bomber’, and finds out about the 35 year old's recent return to form, his career highs, the Rio Olympics, and his role in inspiring a new generation of his fellow countrymen on tour INTERVIEW BY JEREMY ELLWOOD

ast year was your best since 2012 in terms of your Race to Dubai ranking. How did you rate 2016? I thought it was pretty consistent - I had a lot of 20ths and 30ths that could easily have been top tens. I drove the ball better than the previous couple of years, and maybe putted just a little bit better, and that kind of made the difference. You played 31 tournaments last year. How do you find all the travelling? I’ve been doing it for over 15 years, so I don't really mind. It didn’t really feel like I was playing all the time. Okay, the last part of the season was pretty much one tournament after the other, but I’m not very good at sitting on my backside at home for five weeks – that’s not really me. I always prefer to be out there playing. It’s five years since you won the China Open. Are you surprised you’ve not won more? In a way, yes, but in another way, I didn’t really have the game to. Maybe I could have won last year, but between 2014 and last year, I don’t really think I put myself in winning situations enough. At 34, you’re arguably reaching your golfing prime. Do you feel that? I don’t really know, because my career could have been very different early on. You go through waves. Everybody has a couple of years here and there where they go through a bit of a slump, and I’ve been on tour for 17 years, which is just a lot of golf. There are always going to be high and lows during a career of that length. When you won the Volvo World Match Play in 2012, you beat four Major champions en route to victory in Schwartzel, Rose, Lawrie, and McDowell. The layout at Finca Cortesin must have really suited you. The course did suit me, and it was a bit of a shame that they changed the venue the following year. I was playing really well on that course, and I was able to take advantage of my length off the tee, and the short shots I had in to the greens. I defended my title the

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

INTERVIEW | APRIL 2017 [45]

COLSEARTS

Belgium has another exciting young player now in Thomas Detry. How much attention have you paid to his career, and have you been something of a mentor to him too? The same thing, maybe more so, because Thomas and I have the same coach. I mean, somehow, these guys have been looking up to me for years. Pieters is up and running now, so he doesn’t need me any more, but Detry might still be into asking me for advice here and there.

BY NUMBERS AGE: 35 TURNED PRO: 2000 WORLD RANKING: 141 EUROPEAN TOUR APPEARANCES: 318

Do you foresee an explosion of Belgian tour pros going forwards? No, I think that’s it. I don’t really see any other ones coming through any time soon. Maybe in a couple of years, but not right now. It’s funny, because I was on my own for 15 years, and now there are three of us. That’s quite a big change. For a small country like Belgium to have two Ryder Cup players in four years is quite astonishing.

WINS: VOLVO CHINA OPEN 2011, VOLVO WORLD MATCH PLAY 2012 CAREER PRIZE MONEY: €3.1M BEST RACE TO DUBAIRANKING: 11TH (2012)

Has that registered with the Belgian public? No, the general public has no idea. People don’t realise how good you have to be to be in a Ryder Cup, and how good a player you have to be to play well in a Ryder Cup. I don’t think people really understand, and the people who perhaps do understand, kind of take it for granted.

2016 R2D RANKING: 33RD PGA TOUR APPEARANCES: 42 BEST MAJOR FINISH: 7TH, 2012 OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

You clearly enjoy match play golf. Would you like to see more of it on tour? Of course, yeah - I think everybody does. We only play one match play event a year and that’s not enough.

DRIVING DISTANCE: 310 YARDS GREENS IN REGULATION: 75% PUTTS PER ROUND: 30.66

following year at Thracian Cliffs in Bulgaria, where, due to the nature of the design, everybody was hitting their second shots from the same spot, so that didn’t really help me. But I was playing really well in 2012, and the Finca Cortesin really suited my game. What is your over-riding memory of the Ryder Cup in 2012? Winning the only point of that Friday afternoon fourball session [with Lee Westwood] against Tiger and Steve Stricker, and just the look that my teammates gave me. You could see on everybody’s faces just how much it made a difference on that first day. That was pretty cool. You represented Belgium with Thomas Pieters in the Rio Olympics. What was the golf experience like, and, as a big sports fan, what the Olympics like? Yeah, it was pretty good on two counts for me. One was being very proud to represent my country in the Olympics, and the other was being proud just to be there, because I’m a huge sports fan. I got to see different athletes and different countries that you never really get to see, and sports that you don’t really understand that well, because their only real exposure is at the Olympics. So, it was quite interesting to see this melting pot of different nationalities coming together in one big celebration of sport. I think that you learn a lot from watching other elite performers in any sport, and the different situations they face and the way they react to them. Thomas [Pieters] enjoyed a breakthrough season last year, and an impressive Ryder Cup debut. How closely have you been involved with his progress? I have been quite closely involved, but not publicly. I think I’ve played a part in many ways. He was always good, but maybe at the start things would have been a bit different if I hadn’t been around.

WINNING THE ONLY POINT OF THAT FRIDAY AFTERNOON FOURBALL SESSION WITH LEE WESTWOOD, AGAINST TIGER AND STEVE STRICKER, MADE A HUGE DIFFERENCE ON THAT FIRST DAY

If you hadn’t been a golfer, what would you have done to pay the bills? I have no idea. I probably wouldn’t have paid them! My first passion in life is sport, and always has been. My great grandfather represented Belgium at basketball and water polo at the 1920 Olympic Games, so my family has a strong connection witt sport, and I was driven into a sporty education from an early age. I played around five different sports on a weekly basis until I was 16, dropping tennis and squash on the way, and played hockey until I was 18. I really miss team sports, and always thought of myself as a very good asset in any team event. If you were offered tickets to any sporting event in the world, which would you take? Probably that second Monday at Wimbledon. That seems like a pretty good gig! You’re a big music fan. Who did you last see live? I don’t really do concerts, but I went to a music festival in Sydney last year – a bunch of DJs playing somewhere in the middle of a forest and that was pretty good. Music is the best company when travelling around the world. My iPod is in a constant state of evolution, but about 70% of it is house music. You played both the European and PGA Tours in 2013 and 2014. What did you learn from your experience of trying to play both? That America is not a country I can stay in for seven weeks in a row. I’m just not comfortable being there for that length of time. Everything’s too ‘samey’ out there, from the restaurants to the hotels. Everything’s a little too serious in the States for my liking. In Europe you can make fun of someone and no-one minds, but in America you can find yourself cracking a joke and someone might take it the wrong way. We’re much more sociable on the European Tour, whereas if you walked into a restaurant at a tournament hotel in America, you might find eight or nine American golfers all sitting at different tables. That wouldn’t happen in Europe. Do you have any new clubs in the bag for 2017? Yeah, the new Callaway Epic driver – the Sub Zero Epic. That’s pretty good. My misses are probably not quite as big, and I think it’s going to have a decent impact on my game. Distance is the same as usual, pretty much, but when you’re already pitching it over 300 yards, it’s kind of pretty difficult to find something that pitches it 350!

[46] APRIL 2017 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

DYE HAS DESIGNS ON LONDON OPENING

■ PERRY DYE, WITH HIS FATHER PETE

initial plans were rejected, despite the fact that the council’s own planning officer had recommended acceptance, and the Greater London Authority had also expressed support, and is has taken the best part of four years for the decision to be revised. The Dye London, as it will be known, will be an 18-hole Tour-style course, stretching to over 7,000 yards from the championship tees, but with many other teeing options make it playable for all levels of golfer. It will mimic the proven format at The Shire, which has a small membership and seven-day access for the public. Speaking about the new project, Tony Menai-Davis, (pictured right) said: “This is a key moment for golf development in the UK, and we are delighted” said Tony Menai-Davis. “We are looking forward to bringing Dye Designs’ stunning vision to life at a new facility which will delight all golfers, and which will also bring new visitors to the area from across the UK and Europe.” He added: “Once open, Dye London will compete in terms of quality with other top facilities in the south, such as The Grove and Woburn, but at more accessible prices. Initial demand has been phenomenal among those who knew that it was coming, and we hope to repeat the success of The Shire, which launched with a fully-sold membership in 2007.” Perry Dye said: ““My design team and I have been working on The Dye London golf course project over a period of five years. This special project, a family-owned Dye Designs Championship

ne of the world’s top golf architects has pledged to create a spectacular new challenge for golfers in the south east of England before the decade is out. A planning application submitted by US golf architects Dye Designs to start construction of The Dye London on land near Edgware has been given the go-ahead by Barnet council. The company’s lead architect is Pete Dye, who has been responsible for some of golf’s most celebrated courses, including The Stadium Course at Sawgrass, home to the Tour Championship, as well as other famous PGA Tour venues, including Whistling Straits, the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, Harbor Town Golf Links at Hilton Head, and Crooked Stick, but he has never previously built a layout in the United Kingdom. The planning decision allows for the creation of an 18-hole golf course with luxury clubhouse, practice facilities, car parking and landscaping on land south east of the A41 M1 Junction 4. The application to build the new course was first submitted in 2013 by the Menai-Davis family, who opened The Shire London in 2007. The

golf facility that will be open to the public, located close to one of the world’s great capital cities, will attract golfers from all over the globe. He added: “We learned that we had been granted planning permission just a few hours after Sergio Garcia brought home his first victory in a major at Augusta, on what would have been Seve Ballesteros's 60th birthday no less. What an amazing day in the world of golf. We cannot wait to bring this project to fruition”. Philip Russell-Vick, planning consultant for the project, said: “The Planning Inspector has rigorously considered the issues and prepared a thorough and comprehensive decision letter. Mr Menai-Davis' planning team is very satisfied with the outcome and we look forward to working with the London Borough of Barnet and the local community to deliver the environmental, social and economic benefits that this major project promises.” Meanwhile, construction work on two further Menai-Davis golf facilities in London is already well underway: the 18-hole West London Links, adjacent to the West London Golf Centre, and a major adventure golf, FootGolf and junior golf joint venture with renowned adventure golf designer Oliver Mahoney.

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NEWS | APRIL 2017

[47]

THORNTON WINS BERKHAMPSTED TROPHY

FARLEIGH TO HOST SOCIAL GOLFER OPEN

arleigh Golf Club in Surrey has been announced as the host venue for this year’s The Social Golfer Open on July 30. The flagship event of popular nomadic golfer community TheSocialGolfer.com, the event, now in its seventh year is due to attract over 70 players from around London and the Home counties. As well as competing for the coveted Halliwell Cup, the event provides an opportunity to meet many of the TSG’s 5,000-strong members. The day will consist of an individual 18-hole Stableford competition, a 'yellow ball' team event, straightest drive, two nearest-the-pin holes, a guest trophy, plus a charity auction and raffle. There will also be an indoor nearest-the-pin competition held on Farleigh’s

indoor golf simulator. There will be plenty of prizes on offer for all winners and runners up, plus £5 of every entry fee will be donated to the winners' charities. Ian Mullins, managing director of The Social Golfer, said: “It has always been our intention to grow the event beyond the core membership, and the fact that this year we will be visiting

Farleigh is a compliment to how the event has grown. Farleigh clearly demonstrated that they have both the course and a professional team to put on our flagship event, and we look forward to working with the Farleigh team to put on a great day.” For more information, visit www.thesocialgolfer.com.

■ CHARLIE THORNTON WITH THE BERKHAMSTED TROPHY (IMAGE COURTESY IAN HALL).

alented teenager Charlie Thornton signed off from boys’ golf on a high and has immediately followed up with a winning start to his men’s career. Thornton, from Fulford, who won the 2016 England Golf Boys’ Order of Merit, triumphed in a sudden death play-off for the Berkhamsted Trophy against fellow Yorkshireman Ben Hutchinson. They tied on seven under par after 72 holes on the Hertfordshire course, with Hutchinson (Howley Hall) forcing the playoff with an up and down at the last. But Thornton, 18, took the title on the first extra hole to follow in the footsteps of such previous winners as Sandy Lyle, Luke Donald and Andy Sullivan. The field included 14-year-old Berkhamsted member Ben Pierleoni, who immediately after the event, travelled to North Wales to represent England U16s in a quadrangular match against Ireland, Wales and Holland. For the first time this year, the event attracted World Amateur Golf Ranking points.

EPSOM TO HOST OPEN WEEKEND

psom Golf Club in Surrey is hosting an open weekend on May 20-21, to give potential new members an opportunity to view the facilities and discuss the club’s special membership options. There will be free junior coaching, a special £10 green fee, and refreshments served in the clubhouse. Boasting over 125 years of history, Epsom’s 18-hole parkland course enjoys a stunning position on the top of the downs. Renowned for its undulating greens, as well as its superb views over London, the course is full of character and challenges golfers to use a full repertoire of shots, while the chalky subsoil ensures that it remains open for play when other courses are closed. Please pre-book lessons and tee times by calling the pro shop on 01372 741867.

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[48] APRIL 2017 | INTERVIEW

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

EL CONQUISTADOR

From humble beginnings in a Basque village, 22-year-old Jon Rahm has developed into major force on the PGA Tour after just 12

s a boy growing up in a small village in Spain, how did you first get into golf? I probably picked up my first club when I was five or six. There was a driving range near our house. It wasn't a five-star practice facility, by any means. The range balls were like rocks, and the mats were all worn out. The practice bunker was terrible, full of stones, and I remember the putting green was as hard as marble. You had to play a great shot just to get the ball to stop. As a kid I played quite a few different sports, but I always wanted to be the guy who decides the game. In basketball, I wanted the last shot. In football, I wanted to be goalie. I loved that feeling, of everyone counting on me. But it can be hard to get that in team sports. In golf there is that internal pressure on every shot. I think that's why I fell in love with the game. By the time I was 15 I’d pretty much dropped all my other sports and focused purely on golf.

I turned pro, and I started doing what I'm doing, I started believing he was right, and I'm pretty close to getting to that point now. Phil always has very good advice to pass on, and although he might not always be around to talk to, whenever he can he'll give me tips and help me out. He’s certainly given me the confidence to believe that every time I tee it up I can win. It might sound a bit arrogant, but it’s genuinely the way I feel. You finished fifth in the Phoenix Open in 2015 as an amateur. What made you continue your college career rather than simply turning professional? There were two reasons. Number one, I promised my parents that I was going to graduate. Simply that. There was a no chance I was going to turn pro early, no matter what happened. And number two is that when I finished fifth in Phoenix, I just didn't feel that I was ready to turn pro. I felt like I wasn't mentally ready, and there were a lot of things to take care of before I was going to feel ready to turn professional. Obviously, I was the only one from my family in the country. I had no place to live, no golf course to practice at, no resources. So I don't think it would have been the smartest thing to turn pro. And my idea was always to try to get my PGA Tour card in America. Had I gone back to Europe, maybe I would have made a different choice, but I wanted to graduate and I promised my parents. I had a great time in college. If it could have been a little longer, I probably would have stayed a little longer, too. PGA Tour careers are almost 30 years long, so I think that in the large scheme of things, one or two years really doesn't make a difference.

So how did you go from playing school sports in Spain to moving to America and going to university? My dad literally dropped me off at the airport and said "Goodbye, son. Let me know when you get there." No, not really. My dad always told me the future of golf, especially my future, would involve going to the States. That's something really impressive to think, because not many Spanish players that were my age went there before that. He told me that If I didn't like it, the worst that would happen is that I would learn English. It turned out great for me. I had a great experience and became probably the best player I could be. You studied at Arizona State, where you were coached by Phil Mickelson’s brother, Tim. Can you explain what that was like, and how much of a role Phil has played in your career? Well, obviously it all started in college. Tim was my coach for four years at Arizona State, so Phil was always a very accessible figure. I pretty much played with him once a year throughout my college career – sophomore, junior and senior year. And that's kind of how it all started. Apparently, he had nothing but nice things to say about me, which is a hugely motivating thing to hear. When someone of his stature says he thinks you’re one of the best players he’s ever seen, and that was before I even turned pro, so it naturally gave me a lot of confidence. But I was like, okay, he's just trying to be nice. But, you know, once

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GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

INTERVIEW | APRIL 2017 [49]

months as a pro. A powerful ball-striker, with the touch and imagination of his hero, Seve, he has the game to go to the very top

You graduated from college last summer and went straight to playing on the PGA Tour. Was the timing of your turning pro as you had planned? Yes, I suppose it was. I qualified for the US Open as an amateur, so I wanted to play in that, and then the plan was to turn pro straight after. I then qualified for the British Open, so I had to play in that as a professional. In August I was given temporary membership of the PGA Tour, which gave me invites to half a dozen events. I was lucky enough to finish in the top three in two of the first three tournaments, so it was a pretty good start. My immediate goal was just to get my PGA Tour card, so to come close to winning my first event at the Quicken Loans was amazing. I got my card way faster than I thought, and I’m really happy with the way I've played since. I’ve missed one cut in 15 events as a pro, so things are going great. You won your first tournament at the Farmers Insurance Open in January in only your 12th event as a pro. What was that like? It was amazing, not only because it was my first win, but what it did for the rest of my year. It gave me a schedule. It gave me an invite to the Masters, the other Majors, the WGSc, the Players. It really opened everything up for me and allowed me to plan – to plan the breaks, plan what I can work on harder, plan what tournaments to play, and when to rest. Talking of WGCs, you came up against Dustin Johnson in the final of the Dell World Match Play in Mexico. What was he like to play against, and what did you take from the experience? Well, I’ve tried to forget how I played on the front nine. I really don't know what happened. I played the first couple of holes perfectly, then I hit a great tee shot at the third, but got a bad bounce. After that, things went south really quickly. I started missing all kinds of shots and short putts, and, to be honest, I kind of lost control of my body. It was as if it was working independently from my mind. I was trying to focus, and do my normal routines, but things just weren't happening. Once I got back into the groove, I learned that when I'm playing well, I’m a match for the best players in the world. Even with a mistake on 12, another missed short putt, I had the edge on him on the back nine. And if I had been a little bit luckier on 17 and 18, maybe I would have had a chance to win the match, or at least go into a play off, but the damage was already done. What was your first Masters' experience like? Speaking as a Spaniard, it's hard to explain all the feelings that come to mind. The year I was born, José

CORHAMPTON GOLF CLUB

Maria Olazabal won his first Masters, and Seve had already won two. It really is a place that seems to suit the Spanish character, the Spanish way of playing, as Sergio [Garcia] proved. Overall, I played OK, but I was disappointed with the way I finished the weekend, shooting 78. I was six shots behind the leaders, so obviously I had a lot of ground to make up, and I had to go out and be aggressive, as I really had nothing to lose. I made some typical rookie Augusta mistakes - misjudged the wind, left myself in a couple of impossible spots, so it was a little frustrating. I missed a lot of birdie putts from inside 10 feet, but I guess that’s the nature of Augusta. Despite that, it was truly one of the best weeks of my life. Even just being on the chipping green on one of the practice days was an amazing experience. It was really incredible just to walk down Magnolia Lane. I’m hoping I can come back for many years to come. Looking back, when you turned pro last year, did you ever imagine yourself playing in the Masters, and ranked inside the top 15 in the world? When I turned pro in June I didn't look farther ahead than the end of August. I had seven tournament to try and get my Tour card. Luckily, I did it earlier than that, but that's what my focus was on. I try not to look too far ahead. I try to stay in the present. In the fall I decided to focus on those three events I played and try to play the best as possible, and after the break I focused on playing the West Coast swing and seeing how things went. Luckily it went very well for me, so I'm able to focus further ahead now. You’re a European Tour member now and will be eligible to play in the Ryder Cup. How important is that to you? It means a lot to me to join the European Tour – I’m European after all. I have always wanted to play in the Ryder Cup and I have always wanted to be a member of the European Tour. I'm thrilled I'm going to have a chance to maybe play in the Ryder Cup. How much an influence was Seve Ballesteros in shaping your career? To all Spanish golfers, the name Seve Ballesteros means everything. I think José María [Olazábal], Sergio, Miguel [Ángel Jiménez] and the others have all been great thanks to Severiano, and having someone not only from Spanish golf, but from world golf, has made it easier for us to reach where we have. I think that it’s a little bit of the Spanish character, the arrogance, which helps us play as we play.

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[50] APRIL 2017 | PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

WHY AN ARTIFICIAL PUTTING GREEN IS A MUST FOR ALL GOLFERS Costing as little as £2,000, all golfers should consider installing a Home Golf Design putting & chipping green

hanks to the UK’s shockingly inconsistent weather, keeping a lawn looking tidy at any time of the year is a tough job, and even when it does resemble the Centre Court at Wimbledon, grass is just, well, grass at the end of the day, and good for very little except looking at, interspersed with the tiresome jobs of weeding and cutting. Which is why more and more people are

choosing to give up the national obsession with firing up the Flymo every Sunday afternoon in favour of pulling out the putter for a spot of practice on the latest generation of artificial greens. While a high percentage of Tour players have converted their enormous estates into full-scale replicas of the greens at Augusta, there are also plenty of regular golfers that are choosing to dig up their smaller domestic lawns and

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replace them with something altogether more interesting to look at and fun to play on. Thanks to massive leaps in technology, the current ‘crop’ of artificial golf greens is far removed from the stuff you used to see behind the fruit and veg in your local greengrocers, and more akin to the carpet-like putting surfaces you’ll find on a championship golf course. And while a tour-standard setup can be expensive, a more simple design, featuring

a few carefully constructed holes, can be an affordable, yet equally effective option, for the amateur golfer. This is the type of customer that Home Golf Designs is currently working with to fulfill their domestic dream layouts. Set up ten years ago by experienced greenkeeper Andy Brown, who enjoyed spells at Nizels and Croham Hurst, Kent-based Home Golf Greens aims to meet the needs of the keen golfer looking to sharpen up

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE | APRIL 2017

BEFORE

AFTER

HOME GOLF DESIGN CLIENT TESTIMONIALS “I LOVE PRACTISING ON MY HOME GOLF DESIGN GREEN, THANKS SO MUCH” ANDY SULLIVAN, EUROPEAN TOUR PLAYER

“BRILLIANT! A SHADY SPOT WITH NO GRASS HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED INTO A GOLFERS’ PARADISE!”

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“POLITE, FRIENDLY, PROFESSIONAL. MY SON IS OUT THERE ALL HOURS PRACTISING AND PLAYING WITH HIS FRIENDS”

MR K.WANG, WOKING

MR L.SCOTT, BEXLEY

MR N.BULGIN, CHIDDINGSTONE

their short game skills in the comfort of their own home. Rather than driving to their local club every time they want to put in a bit of work on their lag putting or greenside chipping, owners of a Home Golf Design green can simply open the back door and, hey presto, they’re on the first

hole and sinking putts for fun. One of Home Golf Design’s earliest customers was three-time European Tour winner Andy Sullivan, who had a three-hole course built in his back garden in the Midlands. While the company can’t take full responsibility for Sullivan’s impressive performances on tour,

GOLF COURSE AND ACADEMY

Pay and Play at its Finest

[51]

customers are looking for a few straightforward holes to practise on,” says Brown. “But no matter how big or small the project is, our attention to detail is exactly the same. We work closely with the client through every step of the process to make sure they get exactly what they want, and work within their budgets to achieve their ambitions.” The son of a golf professional, and with experience as a greenkeeper, Brown prides himself on knowing the demands golfers have when it comes to replicating greens, as well as what is required to landscape holes into a domestic setting, where greens are often competing with the other requirements of a traditional garden. “Home owners don’t want a green just to be simply plonked down in the back garden,” says Brown. “So we work closely with the client to make sure it blends in with what is already there, and, if required, carry out sympathetic landscaping to ensure that it doesn’t dominate the setting.” Often taking less than a week to install, and requiring next to no maintenance, other than brushing off the leaves in autumn, a Home Golf Design green is a great addition to any golfer’s garden. And with chipping-length surfaces and custom-designed bunkers available to surround the putting green, as well as full-size practice driving nets, golfers can work on all aspects of their game at any time of year. So whether you’re looking to win next year’s club championship, set your children on the road to Open glory, smarten up your golf club, or simply want to have somewhere to challenge your mates to a few holes over a drink, a Home Golf Design putting green should be your very next step.

having somewhere to practise his putting stroke at home clearly hasn’t harmed his form on the greens as he builds towards a potential Ryder Cup debut this autumn. “While it’s nice to work with tour players, and those with sizeable budgets, most of our projects are on a much smaller scale, where

For more details on Home Golf Design's range of artificial greens, or to book a site visit, call freephone 0800 7837188, email info@homegolfdesigns.co.uk or visit www.homegolfdesigns.co.uk For the latest projects, follow Home Golf Designs on Twitter @homegolfdesigns

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[52] APRIL 2017 | THE MASTERS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

“NOW I'LL HAVE TO BE THE BEST PLAYER TO HAVE ONLY WON ONE MAJOR, BUT I CAN LIVE WITH THAT!” Masters champion Sergio Garcia reveals how finally learning to control his emotions resulted in his long-awaited major breakthrough PHOTOS BY GETTY IMAGES

ou’ve obviously waited a long time to win a major championship, but now that you’ve finally done it, what is your overriding emotion? To be totally honest, I'm very happy, but I don't feel any different. I'm obviously thrilled about what has happened, but I'm still the same goofy guy, so that's not going to change. Sure, there were times when I wondered if I was ever going to win one of these things. I've had so many good chances, and either I lost them or someone has done something extraordinary to beat me, so it has crossed my mind a few times that it might never happen. But lately, for whatever reason, maybe it’s to do with age, I've been thinking a little bit more positively about everything. I accepted the situation that if, for whatever reason, it didn't happen, my life is still going to go on. It's not going to be a disaster. But now that it's happened, it’s great, and life still goes on.

What was going through your mind after you missed the putt to win on 18? Did you think you’d blown it? First of all, I hit a great putt on 18. I've hit that putt before in many practice rounds. I hit it twice this week, and both times it went left. So I was very comfortable with my read. I thought it was just a right‑edge putt, obviously very quick, but on the right edge. Unfortunately it didn't

■ 2016 MASTERS CHAMPION DANNY WILLETT HELPS GARCIA INTO HIS GREEN JACKET

want to break. But I knew I was playing well. I was very calm, much calmer than I've felt probably in any major championship on Sunday. But obviously Justin wasn't making it easy. He was playing extremely well. But I knew what I was capable of doing, and I believed that I could do it. Thanks to that, I was able to do it. Obviously you've had so many disappointments over the years, but at what point did you really believe that you could do it this time? I don't want to brag about it or anything, but from the drive to the course this morning, I felt very calm. I felt very at ease. Even though yesterday I played well, I felt nervous. It was tough to control my emotions sometimes. But today, I felt comfortable all day. Obviously the 10th is not my favourite hole, and I didn't play that very well, but even after the two bogeys there and at 11, I knew there were some holes to come that I could go after, and I knew that I would probably have a chance to get back into it. The par on 13 was obviously a big turnaround for me. I had started to doubt my reads on the greens, so to make that putt really got me back on track. I then made a great putt on 14 for birdie, and hit a great shot into 15, and made that eagle putt. I hit a terrible putt on 16 – that wasn't very nice – but then 17 and 18, I played them very, very well. You know, under the gun with the pressure and everything, it's not

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

THE MASTERS | APRIL 2017

[53]

that easy to do. So that gave me a lot of belief. What was your mindset going into the play off? For some reason, when I get into playoffs these days I feel quite comfortable. I felt like I'd already had an amazing week no matter what happened, so I felt like I could go out there and kind of freewheel it. Obviously, I hit two great shots and a wonderful putt to finish, so it worked out well in the end. What are you most proud about in terms of your performance this week? I’m definitely most proud of my mental strength. The way I managed to stay positive, even when things weren't going that well, as was the case on 10 and 11. Even on 13, when I hit it into the bush, I didn't feel like I’d hit that bad a drive, and therefore I felt like I was still ok. In the past I would have let a shot like that get to me, and I would have started blaming my caddie or whatever, but I felt I was in control of my emotions this time. I was like, well, if that's what is supposed to happen, let it happen. Let's try to make a great five here and see if we can put on a hell of a finish to have a chance. And if not, we'll shake Justin's hand and congratulate him for winning. What was it like to hear the crowds chanting your name around the 18th green? Were you able to take any of it in? I don't know, there were such a lot of things going through my mind. Obviously my family, my friends, and everybody that has supported me, and then of course, thinking about the moments when it didn't go the way I wanted. So a lot of those things came through my mind, and some of the moments I've had here at Augusta that maybe I haven't enjoyed as much, and how stupid I really was trying to fight against something that you can't fight; and how proud I was of accepting things. And this week, I've done it better than I ever had, and you know, because of that, I've looked at the course in a different way throughout the whole week. I'm not going to lie; it's not a golf course that I'm comfortable in, because I've become more of a fader than a drawer of the ball, and this golf course is asking you to hit a lot of draws. But I knew that I could still work it around, you know, if I just accepted what was happening. So I'm very proud of that. How much were you thinking about Seve [Ballesteros] this week, and more significantly today, which would have been his 60th birthday? He definitely popped into my mind a few times, there's no doubt about it. And I'm sure he helped a little bit with some of those shots and some of those putts. It's been an amazing week, and I'm going to enjoy it for the rest of my life.

HIS NOTE SAID "I'M NOT SHARING MY LOCKER AT THE MOMENT, AND I HOPE THAT I GET TO DO IT WITH YOU." HE'S A GREAT MAN AND WE'VE HAD A GREAT RELATIONSHIP FOR MANY, MANY YEARS. TO BE ABLE TO JOIN HIM AND SEVE AS MASTERS CHAMPIONS FROM SPAIN, IT'S UNBELIEVABLE.

Can you talk about the note that José Maria Olazabal gave you at the beginning of the week, and what that did to help you? I had a lot of notes pinned to the mirror in my bathroom – from friends, family and from Angela [his fiancé], and yes, one from José Maria. All those things helped a lot. Obviously, José Maria's was very special, because he's my idol. Both he and Seve were my golfing idols when I was growing up. His note said "I'm not sharing my locker at the moment, and I hope that I get to do it with you." He's a great man and we've had a great relationship for many, many years. To be able to join him and Seve as Masters champions from Spain, it's unbelievable. Justin and you are obviously great friends, what did he say to you at the end? We gave each other a big hug and he said: "Nobody deserves it more than you do. I'm very happy for you. Enjoy it." He played awesome – it was a great battle throughout the whole day. How happy are you to lose the tag of being the best player not to have won a major? It's okay. The way I tried to look at it was in a positive way. Obviously, I like where I stand now better, but it's always nice to be recognised or seen as the best player not to have won a major, because at least best player, there's a good thing there. So that's the way I looked at it. Well, I don't have to answer that anymore. Now I'll have to be the best player to have only won one major, but I can live with that!

[54] APRIL 2017 | FEATURE

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

STORY BEHIND THE PIC KEN BOUSFIELD • BRITISH PGA CHAMPIONSHIP • PANNAL GOLF CLUB • YORKSHIRE, 1955

NEXT MONTH’S STAGING OF THE 62ND PGA CHAMPIONSHIP AT WENTWORTH seems like an apposite time to dig into the archives to look at the life of the tournament’s first ever winner, Ken Bousfield, who was arguably one the brightest British golfing talents to emerge in the immediate aftermath of World War II. Bousfield, who died in 2000 aged 81, was only ever associated with one club during his life, Coombe Hill in Surrey, to which he became attached as a 15-year-old apprentice to Archie Compston in 1934. The only time he was away from the club was when he served as a Royal Marine during the war. Bousfield’s tournament career was punctuated by several notable wins on the European circuit in the 1950s and 1960s, with the highlight being his victory at the British PGA Championship in 1955, which was held for the first and only time at Pannal Golf Club in Yorkshire, where his 17-under-par total of 277 saw him finish two strokes clear of Max Faulkner. Bousfield picked up the princely sum of £400 for his win, which seems like lunch money compared to the €791,660 Chris Wood picked up as champion last year. The field at Pannal was comprised entirely of British players, which remained the case until the early 1970s, when it began to attract players from all over Europe, after which time it developed into one of the top international events on the calendar. After being held at Maesdu Golf Club in Wales from 1956-58, the PGA subsequently flitted around various clubs, including Royal Mid Surrey (’61, ’68), Prince’s (’65), Thorndon Park (’67), and Royal St George’s (’75-77’, ’80. ‘83), until finding its permanent home at Wentworth in 1984. Although Bousfield went on to enjoy 14 wins in his professional career, including the News of the World Match Play held at Walton Heath, also in 1955, and two top-10 finishes at The Open (‘55 and ‘61), it is for his performances for Great

Britain in six Ryder Cups between 1949 and 1961 that he gained most recognition, with a record of five wins and five losses. Prior to the 1960s there was only ever one series of foursomes per match at a time when both foursomes and singles were played over 36 holes. Enduring pairings with great track records were consequently hard to come by. But in 1957 at Lindrick, Bousfield and Dai Rees stood in the way of a 4-0 American whitewash, and so gave credence to captain Rees's belief that the match was still winnable. That day they beat Art Wall and Fred Hawkins 3&2, and then both went on to record

wins in the singles – Bousfield beating Lionel Herbert 4&3 – to help Great Britain & Ireland to a remarkable 7.5-4.5 victory, their only triumph during the 50 years between the 1930s and the great run that would begin in the mid 1980s. When asked to compare his historic win with Sam Torrance’s in 1985, Bousfield said: "The one big difference from Torrance’s was that my match finished out in the country, on the 15th green, but it wasn’t the same sort of emotion. I can understand Sam crying – I didn’t in 1957, but I felt like it.” A modest and quiet man off the golf course, Bousfield was a gritty competitor on it, and played with an aggressive, go-for-everything style, which suited the cut and thrust of the Ryder Cup format. Pat Ward-Thomas, in his book Masters of Golf, wrote: "I remember at the Dunlop Tournament, some years ago at Southport & Ainsdale, when for 90 holes Ken’s golf was a classic of control and composure. The condition of that course was such that constant vigilance and self-discipline were essential for consistent scoring. His five rounds of 70, 70, 70, 71 and 72 made for beautiful reading. He never took more than five on any hole. It was splendid golf, calm, poised and certain in unfailing accuracy". Bousfield played the game well into his mid-70s, often turning up at Coombe Hill with just a driver and putter and using everybody else’s clubs to regularly score under his age. At a Pro-Am held in his honour in 1984 to celebrate his 50 years at the club, a letter from Archie Compston to Bousfield’s father was read out, confirming his son’s salary at something under a pound a week, the digs where he was to stay and instructions that he was to be in by 9pm and ‘not to consort with girls’. Although Bousfield remained a bachelor all his life, it is not known whether he stuck to the law of the letter.

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NEWS | APRIL 2017 [55]

TULLEY ON TOP AT PGA Q SCHOOL

CROWN INN GLORY AWAITS PGA ASSISTANTS

n award-winning pub in Surrey has stepped forward to sponsor the PGA South Region’s Assistants & Trainees Order of Merit events for 2017. The Crown Inn in Chiddingfold is owned by Daniel Hall, who plays regularly in the PGA South’s wide-ranging schedule of Pro-Ams, and he is keen to put the partnership on a more commercial footing. “It’s great that we can support young, aspiring PGA Professionals, and it’s nice to see some new blood coming through the ranks, even if it’s just so I can pick a new face to play with in Pro-Ams,” said Hall. “The pros I have played with over the years have helped my game so much, it’s great I can give them something back. We’re delighted at to offer all PGA Professionals a 10% discount on any stays with us.” The Crown Inn PGA South Assistants & Trainees Order of Merit will consist of four tournaments open to all PGA-registered

■ COTTESMORE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

trainees and all PGA Professionals who have been qualified for three years or less within Sussex, Kent, Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. The first event, the Titleist & FootJoy A&T BetterBall Pro-Am took place at Farnham Golf Club on April 12, and will be followed by the Golf College Challenge, a 36-hole

tournament at Lindfield Golf Club on June 20-21; the Assistants & Trainees Match Play Championship at Cottesmore Golf & Country Club on September 11; and finally the 36-hole PGA South Assistants & Trainees Championship at West Hove Golf Club on September 25, where the prize fund will be a minimum of £6,000.

WILLIAMSON CLAIMS FIRST ‘GOLD ROSE’ WIN

ngland international Amelia Williamson is the first winner of a new women’s trophy given by England Golf ambassador and Olympic champion Justin Rose. The 16 year old from Royal Cromer in Norfolk claimed the Gold Rose bowl by a single stroke with the best combined total from the Roehampton Gold Cup and the Hampshire Rose. It’s the first time the prestigious scratch events have been paired, creating a 72hole tournament that attracts world ranking points. Williamson, a member of the England Golf girls' squad, was the leading amateur and overall runner-up at Roehampton, and then tied seventh at North Hants to get her season off to a winning start. She was three-over par for the 72 holes and one clear of Katherine O’Connor of Wales. Another England Golf girls’ squad player, Hannah Screen (Berkhamsted), was third. “The overall win was my target and it was nice after all the second places I had last season,” said Williamson. These included being runner-up in the Fairhaven Trophies, the English U16 girls’ championship and the North of England U16s. The Gold Rose is part of a series of five newly-paired tournaments in England

■ AMELIA WILLIAMSON

Norfolk’s Oldest Club with the Warmest Welcome Society days and packages tailored to suit your requirements

he three Virgin Atlantic PGA South Order of Merit Qualifying Schools held at Sand Martins, Mid Kent and Kingswood have delivered 60 qualifiers their guaranteed places alongside the exempt players. In the first Q School at Sand Martins, Cuddington’s Paul Schunter carded a five-under-par 65, pushed almost all the way by Guy Woodman with a 67, and David Callaway with a 68. Moving on to Mid Kent, Richard Tinworth fired off an impressive six-under-par 64, while St. Augustine’s David Ledingham and Birchwood Park’s James McGilvray both shot 66 to tie for second spot. At Kingswood, it was Eastbourne Down’s Maria Tulley’s turn for the spoils by beating all the boys with the only sub-par round of the day, a two-under-par 70. Trailing by three shots, Pentland Golf’s Steven Mitchell tied with Romsey’s Elliot Groves on 73 for second spot.

which qualify for world ranking points and increase competitive opportunities for women players. Rose’s support has been welcomed by Rebecca Hembrough, the England Golf Women’s Performance Manager, who said: “The combination of these events provides a fantastic platform for the players and we are delighted that Justin has recognised the importance of helping the women’s amateur game at the highest level with his kind donation.” The Roehampton Gold Cup was won by Ladies European Tour player Sophie Walker of Lincolnshire, while the in-form Gemma Clews (Delamere Forest) won the Hampshire Rose by four shots from fellow international Sophie Lamb (Clitheroe), equalling the course record with her opening 67 and adding a second round 71 for an eight-under total. The other three combined events are the Critchley Salver at Sunningdale on May 23 and the Astor Salver at The Berkshire on June 7; the Frilford Heath Scratch at Frilford Heath on June 2 and the Bridget Jackson Bowl at Handsworth on July 4; and the Birkdale Putter at Pleasington on July 12, and Royal Birkdale Scratch at Royal Birkdale on August 25.

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[56] APRIL 2017 | TOUR NEWS

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TOURNEWS... RYU’S MAJOR TRIUMPH OVERSHADOWED BY THOMPSON PENALTY

outh Korean So Yeon Ryu birdied the first extra play-off hole to claim a dramatic victory over Lexi Thompson in an incident-packed final round at the ANA Inspiration held at Mission Hills Country Club in California. Ryu rolled in a six-foot birdie at the 18th in the play-off to edge ahead of Thompson, who was controversially handed a four-stroke penalty mid-round for an incident from the previous day. The pair had finished level on 14 under for the tournament, with Inbee Park and Minjee Lee a further stroke back alongside Suzann Pettersen. Taking a two-shot lead in to the final round, Thompson extended her advantage with three birdies in his opening seven holes, but carded a first bogey of the day at the par-four 12th. It was at that point the American was punished by tournament officials for incorrectly replacing a marked ball on the 17th green on Saturday, while also incorrectly signing her scorecard. The error, which was called in by a television viewer, cost her two shots for each infringement – amounting to four shots in total. After being told of the penalty, Thompson teed off at the 13th hole in tears, but battled back with a long-range birdie to retain a share of the lead, before cancelling out a birdie at 15 with a bogey at the next. Trailing clubhouse leader Ryu by one as she headed to the final hole, Thompson found the par-five green in two, but left her 15-foot eagle putt for victory just short to close. Ryu then birdied the first playoff hole to win the title. "I cannot believe the situation," said Ryu, for whom this was her second major title. "I didn't even check the leaderboard, Lexi was playing so well. I didn't expect it.”

DJ DOMINATES AT DELL MATCH PLAY

ustin Johnson's dominance of world golf continued as he held off a brave fightback from Spain’s Jon Rahm to clinch the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play title in Texas. Johnson look set for any easy win in the final, when he stormed into a five-up lead after only eight holes, but Rahm staged a dramatic fightback to take the match to the final hole at Austin Country Club. But the world No.1 held his nerve to match Rahm's par at the last to seal a one-up win and become the first player to win all four current World

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HENLEY SINKS HOUSTON RIVALS

Golf Championship titles. Following his earlier successes at the Genesis Open and the WGC-Mexico Championship, Johnson became the first player to win three consecutive tournaments on the PGA Tour since Rory McIlroy in 2014. Speaking about his incredible run of form, Johnson said: "It's impossible to win every week. I know that. I've won my last three, but I'm just going to have to keep working hard, keep working on the things that I'm working on right now. "Being the number one player in the world kind of drives me to work harder and to get better. There's still a lot of room for improvement in my game. So I'm just going to keep working on it."

ussell Henley fired a final round 65 to win the Shell Houston Open and secure a last-minute invitation to the Masters. The American shot 10 birdies in his final 18 holes to finish three strokes clear of overnight leader Sung Kang from South Korea, with Rickie Fowler and Luke List a further shot back in a share of third. The threat of bad weather saw tee times brought forward in Houston, where Kang took a three-shot lead over Fowler into the final day. Kang – who was six clear of the field after 36 holes – rolled in a 20-footer at the fourth, where Fowler lost ground with a bogey, having already double-bogeyed the second. Henley started the final round four strokes back, but moved alongside Kang with five birdies in a seven-hole stretch along the front nine. He claimed the outright advantage with a birdie at the 12th, and extended his lead with a 35-footer at the par-three next. A birdie-four at 15 was followed by another at 17, to leave Henley four clear heading to the last, where he could afford a closing bogey and still secure a third PGA Tour title.

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TOUR NEWS | APRIL 2017

TOUR HONOURS SEVE WITH NEW PLAYERS’ AWARD TROPHY

he European Tour’s annual Players’ Player of the Year Award has been renamed as the Seve Ballesteros Award in honour of the late Spanish legend, who died in 2011, aged 54. Henrik Stenson was an overwhelming winner in the 2016 vote by his fellow professionals after becoming Open champion at Royal Troon, as well as winning the Race to Dubai for a second time in four seasons. “No golfer did more to popularise the game in Europe than Seve Ballesteros and it is a great privilege to be able to ensure that his name will live on, on the European Tour, with this award,” said Keith Pelley, chief executive of the European Tour. “He was one of the most talented and exciting golfers ever to play our great sport and, above al,l he was a player's player, which is what makes this award

even more appropriate.” Javier Ballesteros, Seve’s eldest child, who is competing on the Alps Tour, will present the award to Stenson during the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club in May. “It is a huge tribute to our father which will continue to keep his legacy alive,” said Ballesteros jnr. “We are thrilled with the idea that the award voted for by the players themselves will be the one that lives on into the future and bears his name. Our father grew up and developed as a player on the European Tour, and I’m sure he would be thrilled and very proud of such a recognition.” The Seve Ballesteros Award has the names of all the European Tour members who have won majors inscribed around a central image of his famous fistpumping celebrations on the 18th green at St Andrews after his Open win there in 1984. Around that is a quote from the European Tour’s founding father, John Jacobs, who passed away in January. It says: “Seve’s supreme talent, flair and passion for golf inspired millions around the world.”

WOODS MISSES MASTERS AND SETS NO DATE FOR RETURN

iger Woods was a notable absentee from this month’s Masters after the four-time winner of the green jacket declared himself not ot be "tournament ready" following further back problems. Woods spent almost 16 months on the sidelines after undergoing major back surgery, and he made a longawaited return to competitive action in the Bahamas last December. But he missed the halfway cut in his first PGA Tour outing of 2017 at the Farmers Insurance Open in January, and he completed only one round at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic a week later before withdrawing due to back spasms. Woods and his team insisted the

■ WOODS HAS BEEN OUT OF ACTION SINCE SUFFERING BACK SPASMS IN DUBAI

setback was unrelated to the surgery - the third back operation of his career - but he then pulled out of the Genesis Open in California and missed the entire Florida Swing while having intensive treatment. He appeared on American television at the beginning of April and declared he was ‘trying everything’ to be ready for the first major of the season, but

he ran out of time to get himself in the required shape to compete at Augusta National. Woods, who also missed the Masters last year, attended the traditional champions dinner hosted by Danny Willett on the Tuesday of Masters week, but did not tee it up on Thursday, which would have marked his 20th anniversary since his record-breaking maiden Masters triumph as a 21-year-old. A statement on his website read: "Unfortunately, I won't be competing in this year's Masters. I did about everything I could to play, but my back rehabilitation didn't allow me the time to get tournament ready. I'm especially upset because it's a special anniversary for me that is filled with a lot of great memories. I can't believe it's been 20 years since I won my first green jacket. I have no timetable for my return, but I will continue my diligent effort to recover, and want to get back out there as soon as possible.”

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[57]

LEISHMAN BAGS BAY HILL TITLE

ustralia’s Marc Leishman won the Arnold Palmer Invitational after shooting a final round 69 at Bay Hill to finish on 11 under par. The 33 year old finished one shot ahead of 54-hole leaders Kevin Kisner and Charley Hoffman, with Rory McIlroy a further stroke back in tied fourth with England’s Tyrrell Hatton. Kisner was four shots clear after the seventh hole of the final round, after Hoffman slipped back with four bogeys in five holes from the fifth, but bogeys at the 8th and the 12th opened the door for first McIlroy, and, ultimately, Leishman to stake their claims to the title. Back-to-back birdies around the turn gave McIlroy’s followers hope, and a further gain at the par-five 12th lifted the Northern Irishman within two of the lead. However, a dropped shot at the 14th, and a three-putt bogey at the last, saw his chances of victory dashed. Leishman grabbed the outright lead by draining a 50-foot eagle putt at the par-five 16th, and he parred the last two holes to set the clubhouse lead at 11 under. Kisner had to birdie the 18th to force a play-off, but the American could only make par, to hand Leishman his second PGA Tour title – and an invitation to the Masters. Hatton birdied the 16th and 18th to shoot a final round 71, and bag his third consecutive top-10 finish in stroke play events on the PGA Tour.

HARRINGTON FACES SURGERY TO GET FIT FOR BIRKDALE

adraig Harrington has undergone neck surgery in a bid to be fit for the Open's return to Royal Birkdale in July. The three-time major champion had hoped to avoid having an operation after suffering from a trapped nerve since the end of last season, but announced his decision on social media last month. The operation, if successful, will see him return to action no later than the end of May. “The good thing is that I am told the operation is pretty straightforward, where they shave down part of my shoulder,” Harrington said. “I’ve had four different opinions so far about my shoulder, with the specialist I saw saying I do need surgery, and another saying I need an injection, while the Tour’s physio staff have also been looking after me.” He added: "If I delay surgery, thinking I'm getting better, and then I end up having to have surgery in May, or something like that, It would be a disaster to miss out on Birkdale, and miss out on the PGA Championship as well, during the summer." At Royal Birkdale in 2008, Harrington became the first European to make a successful defence of the Open since James Braid in 1906, having won at Carnoustie in 2007. Just three weeks after his victory at Birkdale, he won the US PGA Championship at Oakland Hills. Currently 156th in the world rankings, the Irishman’s most recent win came at the Honda Classic in 2015, when he beat Daniel Berger in a play off.

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[58] APRIL 2017 | MASTERS REVIEW

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MASTERS REVIEW

GARCIA

SURGES TO MAJOR GLORY

A scintillating battle between two giants of the game ended in an emotional and long overdue major triumph for Sergio Garcia at the 81st Masters, writes Nick Bayly

ergio Garcia – major winner. It is a phrase that the man himself, those close to him, and those who have followed his trials and tribulations in golf’s four most important tournaments from afar, will never tire of hearing or reading. The long, painful, 18-year wait is over. On what would have been the 60th birthday of Seve Ballesteros, his hero and mentor, and in this 71st consecutive major, Sergio Garcia is finally a champion. And a Masters’ champion at that. Amid emotional scenes at Augusta, a sudden-death victory over Justin Rose, after both players tied on nine under par, finally gave the long-suffering Spaniard the major victory he had been chasing since he first burst onto the scene almost two decades ago. The tag of ‘Best Player Never to Win a Major’ is no longer his, and he probably won’t care whom he hands that unwanted mantle on to. At last this was the 37-year-old’s time; even Rose, who battled his heart out for four days in Georgia, and was equally worthy of his first green jacket, seemed to sense that this was Sergio’s moment. Seconds after he had holed out for birdie at the first

playoff hole, the largely American crowd, without a home-grown champion to support, cheered out ‘Sergio, Sergio’ in unison. The scenes around the 18th green had the atmosphere of a Ryder Cup, only in some sort of bizarre reverse, where the fans weren’t calling out a team or a country, just one man’s name. Rarely in Masters’ history have so many people, from such a diverse community, been pulling for the same player. If it all had echoes of Seve in his pomp, it was meant to, especially given that the great man would have been celebrating his 60th birthday if he hadn’t been so cruelly snatched away in 2011. Garcia, feeling the weight of expectation lifted from his shoulders, clearly felt the spirituality of the moment, and kneeled on Augusta’s hallowed turf, as he took in the enormity of his achievement. “This is amazing,” said the winner, once he had had time to take stock of his achievement. “To do it on Seve’s 60th birthday, and to join him and José [Olazábal], who have been my two idols all my life, is amazing. José sent me a text on Wednesday night telling me how much he believed in me. And what I needed to do: to believe in myself, to be calm, and not let things get to me. I was able to draw on that, and there’s no doubt that Seve helped me a little bit with

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MASTERS REVIEW | APRIL 2017 [59]

THAT BOTH PLAYERS SHOT CLOSING 69s IS JUST NUMBERS ON A SCORECARD. THE 81ST MASTERS PROVIDED ONE OF GOLF’S MOST MEMORABLE FINISHES IN YEARS. WELL, AT LEAST SINCE LAST YEAR’S OPEN, WHEN HENRIK STENSON AND PHIL MICKELSON WERE ENGAGED IN A SIMILAR FIVE-HOUR SLUGFEST some of those shots out there.” That both players shot closing 69s is just numbers on a scorecard. The 81st Masters provided one of golf’s most memorable finishes in years. Well, at least since last year’s Open, when Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson were engaged in a similar five-hour slugfest. At times, it was hard to watch, especially over the closing holes, with Garcia missing short putts at 16 and 18 with a succession of nervy stabs, while Rose, who looked like calmness personified, suffered similar fates at 17 and 18 – but it was a sporting duel that you simply couldn’t take your eyes off. From the very first hole, where the tone was set with a Garcia birdie, to the last, the matched ebbed and flowed, with both players punching and counterpunching like heavyweight boxers. And the fact that these two old warriors are also the best of friends made this uncompromising scrap even more mesmerising. No more so than when Rose low-fived his rival on 16, after both players hit their tee shots inside 10 feet. Sportsmanship at its finest. With the rest of the field peddling backwards, it was a straightforward match-play shoot-out from the turn. Garcia held a three-stroke advantage after the 5th, but Rose reeled him back to parity with a run of three

birdies from the sixth. Dropped shots from the Spaniard at 10 and 11 handed Rose a two-shot advantage, and a growing sense that the pressure of all those past losses was beginning to tell. However, Garcia dug deep, and, after a monstrous drive at the 440-yard 14th, he fired an 8-iron to eight feet and rolled in the birdie to bring the deficit back to one. At the treacherous par-five 15th, he launched another bomb down the centre of the fairway, outdriving his rival by fully 50 yards, to set up one of the shots of the tournament, a towering 8-iron that pitched six inches in front of the cup and rolled 10 feet away. The ensuing uphill eagle putt looked to have run out of steam as it neared the cup, but with one last rotation, it dropped, and the roar that rung out could be heard up to the clubhouse and down Magnolia Lane. García punched the air in delight and the game was back on. Rose bravely holed out for a birdie of his own, and they headed to the 16th on level terms. Both players struck perfect shots at the par-3 hole, but while Rose’s steely determination and deft touch resulted in a birdie, Garcia’s much shorter effort barely made the distance and drifted tamely offline to restore the Englishman’s advantage. Struggling to keep up with Garcia’s power off the tee,

Rose found the front bunker on 17, and failed to get up and down in two, while Garcia left his 25-foot birdie attempt fully five feet short, but holed the par putt to put them back on level terms. Both hit belters up the 18th fairway, setting up a clear sight of the hole, and while Rose’s second took a lucky bounce off the slope of the right-hand bunker to finish 15feet from the hole, Garcia took dead aim over the flag and left himself a knee-knocking five footer. That both players missed was hardly surprising. They were two prizefighters who had nothing left to give. Only they had to do it all again in a play-off. And when Rose found himself stymied behind the branches in the right-hand woods off the tee, Garcia was centre cut once again, and drilled another mid-iron to within 10 feet. Rose’s par putt drifted agonisingly on the low side, while Garcia serenely slotted his birdie attempt, and the 18year wait for Major glory was finally over. Filling the minor places were Charl Schwartzel, the 2011 champion, who ended up best of the rest at six under after a closing 68, while Thomas Pieters, on his Masters' debut, earned a share of fourth with Matt Kuchar on minus five, and surely looks destined to win a green jacket for himself one day. The biggest shock of day four was Jordan Spieth’s failure to land a meaningful blow. Starting the final round just two shots off the lead, the 23-year-old Texan bogeyed the first, and seemed on the back foot from there on in. On the 12th, which proved his undoing 12 months ago, he once again hit his tee shot into Rae’s Creek, but this time walked off with a five rather than a seven. Three birdies in the last four holes repaired some of the damage, but a closing 75 and tie for 11th was a poor return for a man who many expected to keep up the pattern of his 2-1-2 form at Augusta. Just ahead of Speith was Rory McIlroy, who must wait at least another year to complete a clean sweep of majors. The Northern Irishman signed off with a 69 to tie for seventh after a week when any gains were almost instantly wiped out by errors. “It wasn’t quite good enough,” said McIlroy. “I’m getting more comfortable here. I feel like every time I tee it up I have a good chance to win. Top 10s aren’t good enough, but it’s going in the right direction.” One man whose game, and life, is now going in the right direction is Sergio Garcia. With a wedding planned for the summer, the future, on and off the course, looks rosy indeed – if Justin won’t mind the pun.

[60] APRIL 2017 | PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

PLAN FOR THE UNEXPECTED WITH GOLFPLAN Whether it is to cover against injury or to replace stolen equipment, specialist golf insurance provider GOLFPLAN has the right protection for you

Why do I need specialist golf insurance? Many golfers assume they are covered by household insurance policies, but household insurance is just that, and is not a specialist golf policy. For instance, personal liability insurance will not always extend beyond the home, potentially leaving you uncovered if you cause an injury on a golf course, while golf equipment stolen from your golf club or while on holiday may also not be covered. What does Golfplan’s golf insurance cover? Golfplan covers a wide range of events on and off the golf course. The limits may depend on your age and the level of cover you choose, but the general policy covers golf equipment, personal liability, personal accident, third party accidental damage, personal effects, hole-in-one bar bills, overseas golf equipment hire, and club membership fees and tournament entry fees should you fall ill or are injured and are unable to play. How are claims for lost or stolen equipment handled? With Golfplan’s ‘New For Old’ cover, if your equipment is stolen or damaged beyond repair, it will arrange for equivalent new replacements, up to the individual sums insured. With ‘Indemnity’ golf insurance cover, if your equipment is stolen or damaged beyond repair, your claim will be settled up to the insured amount, less an allowance for wear and tear and depreciation. What is the excess on golf equipment claims? There is no excess on total loss claims where all your equipment is lost or stolen. A £35 excess applies to other golf equipment claims, except for claims relating to GPS/rangefinder devices and golf buggies, where the excess is £100.

for personal liability cover. This will cover accidental injury to third parties while playing or practising at a golfing venue. They are also covered for up to £2 million for the repair of any damage caused accidently to someone else’s property while playing golf. All liability claims carry an excess of only £100. If I were hit by a golf ball and suffered loss of sight, would a lump sum payment be available? In the case of you suffering bodily injury resulting in death or total and permanent loss of sight in one or both eyes or one or more limbs, Golfplan will pay out up to £100,000 – dependent upon the level of cover choosen. Would I be able to make a claim if my clubs were lost or damaged on a plane? Your equipment is covered while in transit in the UK or overseas for loss or damage. Following the loss or delay of your equipment in transit travelling overseas, Golfplan will also cover the cost of hiring equipment up to £300. If I had an accident away from the golf course and couldn’t play golf, would I be able to claim back my unused club membership fees? For those aged under 70, Golfplan covers the reimbursement of club membership fees for the period a policy holder cannot play following an accident, regardless of where the incident occurs. If a serious illness stops you playing, Golfplan will also reimburse the cost of the time you could not play. Tournament entry fees will also be reimbursed when cancellation is due to unexpected sickness or accidental injury occurring up to 14 days prior to the tournament start date.

Is my equipment covered 24 hours a day if it is outside my home, such as in my car or at my golf club? With Golfplan, your golf equipment is covered 24 hours a day, regardless of where your vehicle is parked. Your car must be locked and your golf equipment totally concealed in the boot or under the parcel shelf. Your equipment is also covered while it is stored in your club locker, subject to there being visible evidence of forcible and violent entry, should it be stolen.

If I make a claim will my premiums go up? With Golfplan, if you make a claim, it won’t impact on your premium at renewal.

Is there a single item limit for my insured equipment? There are no single limits on items of golf equipment, so if you have an expensive driver or putter, simply list the item and it will be covered up to the insured amount as shown on the policy schedule. Am I covered if I injure a fellow golfer or member of the public, or hit a car with a wayward shot? Golfplan policy holders are automatically covered up to £5 million

■ GOLFPLAN OPERATES A ‘NEW FOR OLD’ POLICY ON LOST OR STOLEN CLUBS

If my clubs were stolen, would I receive assistance from a PGA professional in replacing them? Golfplan has longstanding relationships with local PGA professionals

■ GOLFPLAN WILL PAY OUT UP TO £200 TO COVER YOUR BAR BILL SHOULD YOU ACHIEVE A HOLE IN ONE

across the whole of the UK, who can assist in replacing golf equipment. Can I really claim for a round of drinks if I get a hole-in-one? Yes, you can! Golfplan will reimburse the cost of drinks at the club when a hole-in-one has been achieved by the policy holder. The limit is up to £300, depending on the level of cover chosen. To claim, simply send in the scorecard, with written confirmation from the club secretary, and the receipt. How much does Golfplan cover cost? Golfplan has developed its range of policies to offer greater coverage than its competitors, and now, from just £41.46 a year, golfers can be instantly covered worldwide for personal liability up to £5 million and personal accident up to £50,000, as well as coverage for damage to third party property for up to £2 million, golf equipment replacement up to £1,250, and the same amount for club membership fees. That figure comes down to £31.17 a year for seniors (including a 20% discount), but not including membership fees coverage. PLEASE NOTE: Terms and conditions apply, for full details of policy cover/benefit limitations and exclusions, please refer to our policy wording and summary of cover, a copy of which is available to view at www.golfplan.co.uk or upon request.

® PGA is a registered trademark of The Professional Golfers’ Association Limited.

TO FIND GOLFPLAN INSURANCE COVER THAT WORKS FOR YOU, VISIT WWW.GOLFPLAN.CO.UK OR CALL 0333 003 8151 Golfplan is a trading name of A-Plan Holdings, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Office: 2 Des Roches Square, Witney, OX28 4LE • Registered in England • Registration Number 750484

BATTERIES INCLUDED

CHOOSING THE RIGHT ELECTRIC GOLF TROLLEY

EQUIPMENT & GEAR

APRIL 2017 WEB: GOLFNEWS.CO.UK/EQUIPMENT

CONTENTS MEET THE MAN BEHIND CALLAWAY'S NEW CHROME SOFT GOLF BALL FAIRWAY WOODS SHOWCASE EQUIPMENT NEWS ALL THE LATEST GEAR OUT NOW LIFE IN PICTURES: CHERVO

[62] APRIL 2017 | EQUIPMENT

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

SUNICE ZEPHAL JAY JACKET

ECCO COOL £220, ECCO.COM/GOLF Following a joint venture between Ecco and technical materials company WL Gore, the Cool shoe is a result of several years’ worth of research and development by both companies with the aim of creating a shoe that keeps a golfer’s feet feeling comfortable, cool and dry in all climates. To achieve this, the Cool introduces a number of industry firsts, including Gore-Tex Surround. This new technology sees an air channelling system housed within the grid-shaped sole that provides breathability not just through the uppers, but from all sides, including the sole, but without compromising on waterproof protection. The uppers are made from a Hydromaxtreated leather that is soft, breathable, and strong, under which is placed a Gore-Tex membrane that prevents water from entering the shoe. The midsole, which is topped by a breathable and removable inner sole, offers high levels of cushioning and comfort. Traction is provided by a Champ’s Slim-Lok cleat system, while the moulded sole provides a solid yet flexible platform from which to swing with confidence. Colour options include white/red, white/black, black, concrete and camel, in sizes 39-47.

Designed by putter guru Guerin Rife, Evnroll putters are made from a single block of stainless steel and feature a unique milling pattern that promises consistent spin and roll across the entire face. Each model features two small dots on the topline either side of the centre sightline, which provides a reference for consistent lie angle positioning, while also helping alignment on breaking putts. First launched last year, Rife has added three new models to this season’s range – the ER3 Wing Blade, ER7 Full Mallet and ER8 Tour Mallet – along with a new black version of the popular ER6 iRoll full mallet, which now also boasts three white sightlines on the head. The ER3 Wing Blade features a dramatic flare to the heel and toe that gives its head a distinctive wing shape. Positioning mass away from the centre in this way increases stability on off-centre strikes.

ADIDAS POWERBAND BOA BOOST £129.95, TAYLORMADEGOLF.EU The Powerband Boa Boost incorporates a host of Adidas’s tried and tested technologies, all of which have been upgraded to improve energy return, stability and comfort. A new chassis system uses supportive materials and straps in the centre saddle to secure the midfoot, while a new wire Boa closure system, located in the centre of the tongue, is designed to enable fast and easy adjustability for a snug fit. The uppers are made from a seamless stretch microfibre leather, while a new last features a slightly rounded toe shape and wider forefoot to improve stability. Bounce foam in the forefoot, and a fitfoam sockliner provides added cushioning and support. Traction is enhanced by a TPU outsole that combines strategicallyplaced lugs with six cleats. They are available in a choice of five colours, in medium or wide widths.

PRO SHOP

GEAR

£275, WWW.EVNROLL.COM

GUIDE

EVNROLL ER3 WING BLADE

£169.99, SUNICE.COM The full-zip Jay jacket features a four-way waterproof stretch laminate outer shell and a full stretch tricot lining for ultimate freedom of movement. Waterproof, yet extremely breathable, the ultra-lightweight jacket features laser cut pockets with waterproof zippers, a soft touch chin guard, patented V-collar, and a drawcord bungee hem. It comes with a three-year waterproof guarantee and is available in black or blue in S-XXXL.

BUSHNELL PRO X2 LASER RANG£FINDER £449, WWW.BUSHNELL.EU The new Pro X2 laser rangefinder is packed with a host of performance-enhancing features to help you nail down those all-important yardages. Slope-Switch Technology allows the user to toggle between normal distances and gradientadjusted yardages by moving the logo on the side of the device up or down. Conforming to local rule 14-3/0.5 when ‘slope mode’ is switched off, the Pro X2 is legal for general play and competitions. Housed in a robust rubberised metal case, the waterproof Pro X2 can lock onto a flag from 450 yards, with JOLT Technology providing a short vibration to let you know when it has found the target. Second-generation ESP technology provides yardages five times faster than earlier models, while it is accurate to within half a yard up to 125 yards, and the distance is displayed to 1/10th of a yard. To help with viewing in varying light conditions, users can switch between a bright red or black display.

CALLAWAY SURE-OUT WEDGE £99, CALLAWAYGOLF.COM Callaway’s new Sure Out wedge was created in collaboration with world-renowned golf instructor Hank Haney, and is designed to improve performance on shots from the bunker or the rough. Available in lofts of 58 and 64 degrees, it boasts a sole with an enhanced camber and high bounce, which enables it to glide smoothly through sand and thick grass, without the need to open the face, helping to eliminate fat shots, while a larger face area, featuring 17 full grooves, enhances spin even on off-centre hits. It is offered with a KBS 90 steel shaft or a 65g graphite option from UST.

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TITLEIST SCOTTY CAMERON FUTURA £335, TITLEIST.CO.UK The new Futura range from Scotty Cameron’s studio features seven mallet-style models that focus on enhancing stability and forgiveness. From rounded midmallets to high-MOI larger mallets, the range melds the best design characteristics of the previous generation GoLo and Futura X lines with multi-material constructions. Each putter – 5CB, 5MB, 5W, 5S, 6M and 6M Dual Balance and 7M – boasts improved alignment features, and offers advanced stability weighting with two removable stainless steel sole weights, stepless steel shafts and Black Matador Mid-size grips developed to offer the comfort of a larger grip while maintaining responsiveness and feel. They all feature a raw, glare-resistant stainless steel silver mist finish, with black anodised aluminium sole plates.

EQUIPMENT | APRIL 2017 [63]

TAYLORMADE MILLED GRIND WEDGE £139, TAYLORMADEGOLF.COM Hand-grinding is a time-consuming way of making wedges, and is fine for creating one-off models, but when you want to mass produce models for the mainstream, CNC milling using state-of-the-art machine tools is only way to produce a consistent design from club to club. This is how the Milled Grind wedges, which replace the brand’s Tour Preferred EF wedges, are made. Honed from soft carbon steel, each leading edge, sole grind and scoreline is individually CNC-milled to extremely tight tolerances. This process reproduces the master design of the surfaces that have most impact on the performance of the wedge. The range is offered in three bounce options – low, standard and high – which are designed to suit different swing types and ground conditions, with low offering the least amount of ground resistance, and the standard being the most versatile. New grooves feature 38% steeper sidewalls that reduce launch angle and increase spin rate, while closer spacing allows an additional groove to be milled for increased control on shots hit low on the clubface.

MACGREGOR DCT ELITE

PING COLLECTION POLOS £60, WWW.PINGCOLLECTION.CO.UK Ping’s new men’s performance polo collection is the most technologically advanced in the brand’s history, boasting the very latest in temperature management control. The Brett and Harris polos are fashioned from CoolMax All Season fabric, which moves moisture away from the body to keep golfers cool on hot days, while the fibre provides insulation when the temperature drops. The material, which is a mix of polyester and elastane, is quick drying, crease-resistant, and stretchy, yet retains its shape after repeated washing. The Brett polo features striped side panels, forward shoulder and back, and striped tape detail under button placket, while the Harris boasts a striped pattern with stripe tape detail on the inside collar. They are both available in sizes XS-XXXL.

WILSON STAFF D300 DRIVER £279, WILSONSTAFF.COM Incorporating SuperLight technology, the D300 Driver is one of the lightest and fastest adjustable drivers on the market. A new aerodynamicallydesigned head shape, coupled with visible Micro Vortex Generators, reduces drag force to increase clubhead speed and deliver enhanced distance. Green Means Go! Fast Fit technology enables players to make quick adjustments by eliminating the need to remove the clubhead from the shaft, while Right Light Technology, with an interchangeable weight, permits golfers to swing faster with the same effort. A six-way adjustable hosel (including three draw options) covers loft settings from 8° to 14° in half degree increments, while three adjustable sole weights allow players to attain their ideal launch angle, ball speed and spin rate. Loft options are 9, 10.5 and 13, and it comes with Matrix Speed Rulz A-Type 44 and 65 graphite shafts with Golf Pride Tour 25 grips.

£49.99-£79.99, MACGREGOR-GOLF.CO.UK Golfers looking for a starter set of woods, or youngsters wanting to upgrade from a junior set, should check out the new DCT elite range driver, fairway woods and hybrids from MacGregor. With a 460cc titanium head and expanded sweetspot, the driver (10.5º and 12º) has been designed to create a high MOI for increased stability at impact, while an ultra-thin face helps generate increased ball speeds. The stainless steel 3- and 5-woods (£49.99) come with 15º and 18º of loft respectively and feature a larger profile design and shallow face. They also boast a high MOI design to increase forgiveness on off-centre strikes, while a power channel sole helps generate increased ball speeds for added distance. The hybrids (£49.99) are available in lofts of 21º and 24º, and feature shallow faces, a high MOI design and a power channel to improve launch from a variety of lies.

MIZUNO JPX-S £35 FOR 12, GOLF.MIZUNOEUROPE The new JPX-S is a soft compression version of Mizuno’s threepiece JPX ball – producing a balanced performance for a wider range of swing speeds. Softening the core not only improves feel at impact, but also increases initial ball speed for the majority of players. Testing with slightly higher swing speeds also showed some unexpected results, with Nobuhito Sato, who plays on the Japan Tour, carrying the JPX-S around 255 yards – 18 yards longer than his normal ball, MP-S, with the driver. An enhanced version of Mizuno’s distinctive dimple-cluster cover, which features 566 dimples is designed to deliver extra yards by increasing hang time at lower ball speeds past the apex of the flight.

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[64] APRIL 2017 | EQUIPMENT

facebook.com/bigmaxgolf www.bigmaxgolf.com | office@golftech.at

Seaand Seeproof. SEAPROOF – The new Big Max Aqua V-1 uses the highest standard of waterproof and seam sealing technology. With an ultra high water column you have complete peace of mind that your clubs and belongings are fully protected. SEEPROOF - The world`s ﬁrst Sport Organizer bag introduces the patented V-Lock System with an ingenious Wood Turn & Lock technology that ﬁxes your woods in place, allowing you to SEE 100% of your irons. No more searching for the right club and no more headcovers blocking your view.

EQUIPMENT NEWS GALVIN GREEN SWINGS INTO SUMMER WITH SWING-FRIENDLY DESIGNS

NEW TECHNOLOGY, swingfriendly designs, and bright colour combinations are key features in Galvin Green’s apparel range for the start of the new golfing season. The stylish Swedish brand has created a comprehensive collection of lightweight, compatible clothing that incorporates original fabrics entirely new to the golfing world across four different layers – one of which was worn by the European team at the 2016 Ryder Cup. In a collection that contains more than 100 garments and accessories, there are 25 brand new lines in the men’s range, 28 in the ladies’ collection, plus an enlarged junior offering that includes a VENTIL8 golf shirt for the first time. Colours include deep blue and apple, plus the return of navy. Marking a 15-year association with the Gore-Tex waterproof membrane, Galvin Green has added a revolutionary Japanese-made C-Knit backer to form three-layer

stretch fabric jackets and trousers that can ’slide & glide’ over garments underneath. Despite the extra layer, the jackets are lighter than two-layer lined Gore-Tex options. “C-Knit represents the next generation of golf rainwear and another ‘first’ for Galvin Green as the pioneering brand in the waterproofs sector,” said Christian Nilsson, managing director. “A revolutionary fabric technology has been integrated into garments designed to offer maximum protection from the elements, while also being amazingly lightweight and stylish.” The new Argon full-zip jacket with C-Knit backer features a high collar and zipped cuffs in a rubber-like neoprene material designed to repel steady rain. The RRP is £380 and it comes in three colours. The C-Knit backer material is also incorporated into the Aldrin, a half-zip waterproof jacket with

BIG MAX BOOSTS AQUA BAG RANGE BIG MAX HAS EXPANDED its Aqua bag range for 2017 following the launch of two innovative new designs. With sealed seams and specially designed Japanese waterproof zippers, the Aqua range offers an un-matched level of waterproofing, and will keep all a golfers’ gear dry all year round. Ultra-lightweight, tear resistant materials complete the robust practicality of construction and then each bag in the series adds its own take on making a golfer’s life on the course that little bit easier. The Big Max Aqua V-1 (£299) offers all the practicality of the most spacious Tour bag, alog with practical features such as the first sport organiser on the golf market. The new, patented V-Lock system uses a simple Turn & Lock technology that keeps all a golfer’s woods locked in place, leaving an unobscured view of the irons and an easy choice of every club for the next shot. With 14 full-length dividers, including oversize putter well for large grips, nine waterproof pockets, two cooler pockets and a dedicated battery pocket, the Aqua V-1 comes in black/silver, black/lime, blue/black/ silver, red/black/white, or white/black/orange. The Big Max Aqua Style (£249.99) features a 14-way divider top, oversize putter well, and nine waterproof pockets, and is white/pink, graphite/orange, silver/lime, crème/chocolate, and navy/silver.

adjustable waist and chest tabs. It has an RRP of £360 and comes in a choice of four colours. Matching these jackets are the Arn trousers, which also include C-Knit backer material with Gore-Tex stretch fabric; plus an elasticated waist with drawstring at the back; zip fly opening; and zipped front and covered back pockets. They also feature long leg openings zipped with water-repellent zips at the back rather than the sides. They have an RRP of £380. “The smooth texture of the C-Knit jackets and trousers are the result of five years of testing different fabric combinations to avoid the kind of rainwear that proves stiff, heavy, noisy or snags on other clothing,” said creative director Mats Lundqvist. “As European Ryder Cup players and staff who were the first to wear them reported after rounds at Hazeltine, there’s no protective golf clothing quite like them,” he added.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

EQUIPMENT | APRIL 2017 [65]

'X' HITS THE SPOT

Nick Bayly talks to Callaway Golf’s head of golf ball design, Dave Bartels, about the new Chrome Soft X, which is aimed at players looking for lower-launching control and tour-level distance

hat are the key differences that golfers will notice in the performance of the Chrome Soft X when compared to the Chrome Soft? The Chrome Soft has a very low spin profile. So, through the bag, especially with the irons, it generates low spin. You can compress the ball and get long distances. When we started to do more testing with our Tour players, one of the things we found was that a lot of them had pretty ideal launch conditions, so having the Chrome Soft with lower launch conditions really didn’t benefit some of the players that much. So we identified a need for the sort of golfer who already had good launch conditions, but maybe wanted to work the ball a bit more, so Chrome Soft X was invented through that process. The main benefit is that it has more spin through the bag. So the player who wants a little more workable ball flight is going to be able to put more spin on the Chrome Soft X. The other thing we designed into it was a very flat trajectory, and we did that through some manipulation of the aerodynamics. What design changes have you

made to make all this happen? It is a little counter-intuitive, but with Chrome Soft the reason that we can get low spin is that you can compress the ball more, and as you compress the ball more you can’t generate as much torque from it, and so it keeps the spin low. So, with the Chrome Soft X, we have firmed up the inner core and the outer core, so it adds a little bit more of a solid feel and allows you to generate more torque and therefore more spin. How have you changed the cover? The Hex pattern has the same configuration, with 320 hexagons and 12 pentagons, so golfers won’t notice a change to the general appearance of the ball, but what has changed are very small details on the design. Callaway golf balls don’t have dimples in the sense of spheres cut out of the surface. Instead, they have a tubular lattice network overlaying the top of the sphere, which means that we have 100% coverage of the surface area. For the Chrome Soft X we made those lattice structures with a slightly sharper edge, and that creates more lift and increases drag, and both those things make it fly lower and roll farther. More drag causes the lift in the first half of the flight to be a little bit lower, so the

ball will tend to not get up very quickly, meaning it flies lower on the first half of the flight, and as the ball starts slowing down past the apex, it gives more lift to maintain flight so it comes in at a shallower angle.

■ THE CHROME SOFT X FEATURES A FIRMER INNER AND OUTER CORE AND SHARPER DIMPLES THAN THE CHROME SOFT

How does the lower flight affect its performance on shots into greens? Chrome Soft flies a little higher and it has a little higher apex and it comes in a little steeper. The Chrome Soft X flies a little lower and it generates more lift past its apex, so it lands shallower. Is there a specific swing speed that will get the most out of the Chrome Soft X? We really don’t focus much on swing speed, because we have seen Chrome Soft played on Tour, and those are high swing speed players, and there are benefits for them that outweigh the ball speed number. What we found was there is a segment of golfers for whom spin is much more critical, especially the players on Tour who are dialled into 2,400rpm and they hit it a little high on the face. They don’t want a ball that is going to then drop below 2,000rpm and fall out of the sky, so they want to keep more spin, and the higher spin of Chrome Soft X helps this.

How does the X compare to the Chrome Soft in terms of compression? The Chrome Soft X is a little bit firmer and has a larger core, but it is still a softer version of other X type products out there, so the normal X balls would be about 105 compression and the Chrome Soft X is about 90 compression. So this is similar to Chrome Soft, which is 75 compression, versus some of the other leading competitors whose balls are around the 90 compression mark. How many Tour players are moving to the X version from the Chrome Soft? Our Tour players had access to the Chrome Soft X for the majority of 2016 as a prototype version, and we have got quite a good conversion so far. We had five wins on Tour in 2016 with this ball and, at the 2017 Sony Open, 11 of the 12 Callaway players were playing the Chrome Soft X, plus Adam Hadwin shot a 59 with the ball, so the conversion has been going very well.

Given their different performance attributes, are you hoping to get golfers to switch from using other tour-level ball brands, rather than moving from Chrome Soft to the X? We are not trying to convert anybody from Chrome Soft into Chrome Soft X. We feel there are two different types of golfers. We think that maybe the 20-25% of golfers out there who didn’t find Chrome Soft to be to their liking, either because they felt it was too soft or that it spun too little, Chrome Soft X will be a great alternative for them. So, between the two balls, we feel like we can now offer the right ball for all golfers.

Callaway’s Chrome Soft X golf ball is available in white, yellow and TruVis colour options and retails at £32.99 for 12. For more details, visit www.callawaygolf.com.

[66] APRIL 2017 | FASHION

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

LIFE IN PICTURES

Chervò has been offering its unique blend of timeless Italian style with cutting-edge technology to golfers around the world for almost 25 years. Its latest range, for spring/summer ’17, is its best yet.

for the Verona-based company as it complements its four market-leading technologies used in the creation of its clothing – Sun-block, Aqua-block, Wind-Lock and Dry-matic.

Italian golf and leisure brand Chervò is proving to be at one with nature, with its use of three of the solar system’s core elements as inspiration for the striking new SS17 collection.

Combining the shades and nuances of the colours of these elements with high tech special functional fabrics, Chervò’s garments perform in the best way under the most demanding weather conditions, hence the mantra ‘Wherever, Whenever’.

Founded in 1982 by two Italian brothers, Manfred and Peter Erlacher, Chervò’s popularity has grown spectacularly thanks to its innovative designs, attention to detail, state-of-the-art technology and superior quality in its range of clothing since entering the golf market in the early 1990s. Worn on tour by the likes of Damian Ulrich, Shiv Kapur and top European Tour golfer Anirban Lahiri, Chervò’s latest SS17 collection was greeted with global approval, with the three key elements – sun, sea and earth – the motivation behind the eyecatching and elegant apparel. Those natural components hold special importance

Chervò is synonymous with the highest quality, as the SS17 range again proves, and it can boast of using such hi-tech fabrics longer than any other brand. The collection blends colourful fabrics with cuttingedge technology for both men and women, and offers a choice of high-quality polos, trousers, gilets, knitwear and performance jackets, in an array of elegant shades, while delivering optimum comfort in all weather conditions. These Italian-made contemporary designs are available now, but are limited to premium venues in the UK.

To find your nearest stockist, and for more information, visit www.chervo.com.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

FASHION | APRIL 2017

■ THE WOMEN'S GOLF COLLECTION HAS A BRIGHT, FLORAL THEME WITH DESIGNS THAT WORK ON AND OFF THE COURSE

■ CHERVÒ’S FOUNDERS – BROTHERS PETER (LEFT) AND MANFRED ERLACHER

■ THE MEN'S 2017 GOLF COLLECTION FEATURES BOLD PRINTS AND BLOCK COLOURS IN A VARIETY OF PALETTES

[67]

[68] APRIL 2017 | EQUIPMENT

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

OUR FRIENDS

ELECTRIC

Cruise the fairways in comfort with the latest Power Trolleys MOTOCADDY S5 CONNECT £599.99/£549.99, MOTOCADDY.COM The S5 features a built-in GPS that can offer distances to the front, back and middle of the green on over 36,000 courses around the world on a screen located on the handle. It can also be synched to a smartphone to view overhead maps and detailed yardages, as well as plan shots using a moveable point. Other features include a soft-touch handle; streamlined battery tray; Quikfold folding mechanism; quick-release wheels; adjustable distance control (up to 50 yards) and compatibility with Motocaddy’s bag connection system. It is available in black or white with standard and extended lithium batteries, both of which boast a five-year warranty.

GOKART AUTOMATIC £349-£449, GOKART.CO.UK Available as a manual or automatic model, the former has a handle-mounted adjustable speed control, while the latter offers an active grip, which automatically adjusts the motor speed to match your walking pace. Both models can be powered by 18 (£65) or 36-hole (£85) lead batteries, or a 36-hole lithium battery (£199), all of which feature wireless battery connectivity. The 8.2kg trolley, which is made from durable plastic, comes with a choice of six clip-on colour accents, while there is a wide range of accessories, including GPS cradles, drinks holders, a seat, hedgehog wheels, and a carry case.

GOLFSTREAM DV.8 £999, GOLFSTREAM.CO.UK Golfstream’s top-of-the-range model includes sprung suspension, mudguards, anodised metal fittings and a rear stabiliser wheel. It can be operated manually or by remote control courtesy of a separate handset. The handset controls the trolley from up to 100 metres away. It also has a reverse function, while the rear stabiliser wheel prevents tipping on steep slopes. The fold-down mechanism is easy to operate, with the front wheel folding under the frame for compact storage. The 200w motor can be powered by a lead or lithium battery. It also boasts three wheel types, including a pneumatic type.

MOTOCADDY M1 PRO DHC £549, MOTOCADDY.COM The M1 PRO DHC adds downhill speed control and an electronic parking brake to the features available on the original M1 PRO, which include an integrated accessory station, adjustable distance control (up to 50 yards), a USB charging port, and compatibility with the Easilock bag connection system. It features nine speed settings, a battery power indicator, and an adjustable height handle. Weighting 11kg, it is available with a graphite-coloured aluminium frame with a choice of 18- or 36-hole lithium battery for the 230-watt motor.

POWERBUG GT PLUS LITHIUM £449, POWERBUG.CO.UK Windsor-based Powerbug’s top-of-the-range GT Plus boasts a variable distance control feature, which provides three settings from 10 to 50 yards, allowing the trolley to travel a pre-set distance. Featuring a lightweight, yet robust aero-aluminium frame, it features quick-release wide wheels, an easy folding mechanism and anti-rotation bag supports. Its large digital display shows a clock, round timer, mileage and battery charge, while Powerbug’s mini lithium battery weighs just 1kg, and offers unparalleled power and performance in an incredibly compact design, all backed up with a five-year warranty. Good for 27 holes from a single charge, 36 holes is also achievable on flatter courses.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

EQUIPMENT | APRIL 2017 [69]

GREENHILL PTS AIR £689-£739, GREENHILLGOLF.CO.UK Using technology developed in F1 racing, the PTS Ultra features a unique kinetic energy recovery system (KERS), which puts an end to constant battery recharging. Lightweight (10.5 kg), yet robust, with every hinge made from aircraft-grade aluminium, the PTS folds down to just 26 inches high for easy storage. A digital controller offers efficient speed adjustment and a three-level distance function, while an electronic braking system offers control on gradients. Other design features include an ergonomic T-bar handle and mudguards. It is available in black/titanium or black/green, with a choice of three batteries (one gel, two lithium) and three wheel options – disc, sports, or air tubeless rubber. A wide range of accessories is also available, including a seating system.

POWAKADDY FW7S £639.99/£699.99 Boasting a new frame colour, soft touch handle trims, graphics and front wheel with yellow trims, the FW7s features a full-colour, 3.5-inch widescreen display, built-in calorie counter, and a distance measurement function. An optional EBS model offers three levels of progressive braking when going downhill. The 230W motor, which has recently been awarded a ‘Quiet Mark’ certificate from the Noise Abatement Society, is driven by a choice of 18- and 36-hole lithium batteries.

QOD £595, QODGOLF.CO.YK Compact and lightweight, QOD’s telescopic design makes it easy to handle, store and transport. Constructed from a combination of steel, nylon and glass fibre, its features include a 180-watt motor; a 25-to-1 gear reducer to ensure constant speed up hills; a digital display and variable speed control, along with a three-option distance control function. It comes with a lightweight lithium battery as standard. There are a wide range of optional extras, including golf bags; umbrella holder; umbrella; connector for GPS/phone holder; bottle holder; trolley carry bag with wheels; towels; and a wet weather cover.

STEWART X9 FOLLOW £1,499, STEWARTGOLF.COM Stewart’s flagship model features a ‘follow’ mode that enables it to track your every move at a respectful distance. You stop, it stops. You start jogging, it start jogging – well, it speeds up. An automatic downhill braking system ensures it doesn’t catch up with you on slopes, while it can also be operated with a remote-controlled handset. Standard accessories include a scorecard holder, pencil and towel clips, ball holder, adjustable cradle, and bag straps. The X9 is powered by a standard and extended lithium battery and is available in black, silver and pearlescent white.

POWAKADDY COMPACT £599.99/£649.99 The all-new Compact C2 features a clever two-fold closing mechanism that allows it to be packed away neatly and quickly into the smallest of spaces. Weighing just 9.8kg, it is one of the lightest electric trolleys on the market, yet still packs a punc,h thanks to its powerful 230w motor and plug ‘n’ play’ lithium battery, which comes in 18- or 36-hole options. Other features include an integrated carry handle, a full-colour display screen, a height-adjustable soft touch handle, and a USB port for charging GSP devises and smartphones.

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[70] APRIL 2017 | EQUIPMENT

This Season Must Have

EQUIPMENT NEWS TITIEIST ROLLS OUT NATIONWIDE FITTING EVENTS TITLEIST IS ROLLING OUT its most extensive series of custom-fitting events this summer. Encompassing hundreds of fitting days at golf clubs nationwide, Titleist will be hosting Vokey wedge and Scotty Cameron putter experience days, as well as offering the chance to get fitted for its new range of 917 drivers fairways woods and hybrids, and MB, CB and AP irons. Also new for 2017 is the addition of ‘Titleist Thursdays’, a series of advanced fitting experiences to be staged on consecutive Thursdays throughout the peak golfing season, from now until the beginning of the Open Championship. Titleist Thursdays will allow golfers to go online and book 45-minute

appointments with one of the brand’s highly-trained product specialists at participating locations from now until July 20. At these events, golfers will be invited to take part in complimentary club fittings utilising a TrackMan launch monitor and their choice of Pro V1 or Pro V1x golf balls. Titleist spokesman Chris Beaumont said: “Whether you are looking to be custom-fit through the bag, to find the perfect wedges, putter set-up, or simply to trial our golf club range, there will be no shortage of opportunities, regardless of where you are located.” To find your nearest Titleist Thursday testing event, visit www. titleist.co.uk/golf-club-fitting.

FOOTJOY UNVEILS NEW SPIKELESS RANGE

Outstanding British Eyewear

FOOTJOY HAS UNVEILED its latest range of spikeless shoes for the new season. The collection includes four new or updated designs: SuperLites XP, tAWD XL Casual, Contour Casual and VersaLuxe. The SuperLite XP (£95) is a lightweight, flexible and breathable shoe with the added benefit of being waterproof to cope with dew and unexpected rain. The midsole is made from a fit foam that offers comfort and, when combined with the durable spikeless outsole, provides flexibility and grip. The AWD XL (£75) boasts Easy Care Synthetic Uppers and offers the look of leather, as well as being fully waterproof. The outsole is made from DuraMax, a rubber compound that provides turf-gripping performance and durability for all underfoot conditions. A contour last offers a fit to closely match the shape of the foot, whilst a lightweight cushioned fit-bed provides underfoot comfort.

PARADE WHITE RRP £64.99

A third addition to the 2017 range is the Contour Casual (£105). Featuring the same fit and comfort as their cleated Contour Series, the Contour Casual offers the added versatility of a spikeless outsole. Its full grain leather uppers are soft, comfortable and waterproof, while an external heel cup provides additional support.

Superior clear vision quality and vivid colour contrast are provided by the Polafusion®

FootJoy’s premium VersaLuxe line (£145) strikes the perfect blend of off course style with on course performance and is created from the finest luxurious calfskin leather. The new range comprises Luggage Caramelo, Luggage Black, Chalky Off White, and Luggage Navy options. Additional features include a cork covered fit-bed, while premium leather linings and a no-slip suede inner-heel provide extra comfort and superior feel.

lenses fitted into popular frames and chic colour designs. The New Parade White model has stylish yellow platinum lenses with GS technology for extra protection against stronger sunlight whilst transforming to a new season’s look. The unique polarised lenses are impact resistant whilst

TED BAKER UNVEILS GOLF CLOTHING RANGE

filtering out potentially damaging light and eliminating glare for golfers.

HIGH STREET FASHION BRAND TED BAKER has launched a golfinspired menswear range. Aligning style with technical fabrics, the collection, which hit the shops in March, combines technical fabrics with fashionable styling, and is being marketed under the tagline: “It’s not where you play, it’s what you wear.” The range includes polos with striking bright patterns and plain colours, as well as a selection of tailored trousers that can be worn on or off the green, and outerwear and accessories with the quirky detailing that Ted Baker is famous for.

www.sunwise.co.uk/golf

The Golftro trousers (£119) feature water-repellant fabric, a taped inner waistband to keep your shirt tucked in, a built-in sunglasses cloth, and a Velcro glove holder. The Slice Golf Club Print Polo (£75) is made from soft, breathable stretch cotton, and features a knitted collar and cuffs, a concealed press stud placket, and 'Ted Baker Golf' branding to the left chest. For online orders visit www.tedbaker.com.

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EQUIPMENT | APRIL 2017

TUNE UP ON THE RANGE WITH FX-SPORT ‘PHONES

[71]

THE GEAR EFFECT WHAT THE WINNERS WERE PLAYING ON TOUR DEAN BURMESTER TSHWANE OPEN DRIVER: TaylorMade M1 460 (8.5) FAIRWAY WOOD: TaylorMade M1 (15)

WANDER DOWN THE DRIVING RANGE at a tour event these days, and you’ll discover that most players are hitting balls while wearing a pair of headphones. Some players are listening to their favourite tunes on an iPod or a smartphone, but a growing number will be plugged into something more golf-specific, whether it be a coaching drill or some sort of psychological input. Among the most popular devices on tour, and one that is used by major champions Zach Johnson and Stewart Cink, and many other tour pros, including Nick Watney and Michael Thompson, are FX-Sport’s VC Golf headphones. Lightweight, water resistant and wire-free, the VC headphones fit over the ears and boast a built-in 8GB mp3 player, which is preloaded with hours of psychological coaching, mental preparation, practice drills and workouts. The drills are provided by some of the game’s most renowned psychologists and physical trainers, including Dr Morris Pickens and David MacKenzie. Together they have worked with dozens of PGA Tour winners, including Lucas Glover, Kyle Stanley and Chris Stroud. "The VC Golf will allow a user to access world-class advice for real time practice on the driving range and on or around the green,” said FX-Sport founder, Duncan Walsh. “It becomes a ‘go to’ device for pre-round physical and psychological warm-ups, as well as golf specific workouts to strengthen and improve balance and flexibility. It not only motivates a user to practise more, but also provides guidance on how best to practise.”

Utility: TaylorMade Tour Preferred UDI (18) IRONS: TaylorMade 2014 MB (4-PW) WEDGES: TaylorMade Tour Preferred EF (52, 56, 60) PUTTER: Titleist Scotty Cameron Futura 7M BALL: Srixon Z-Star XV

ADAM HADWIN VALSPAR CHAMPIONSHIP DRIVER: Callaway GBB Epic (10.5) 3 WOOD: Callaway GBB Epic (14.5) HYBRID: Callaway X Hot Pro (18) UTILITY: Callaway Apex UT (21) IRONS: Callaway MB1 (5-PW) WEDGES: Callaway Mack Daddy 2 Tour Grind (52, 56, 60) PUTTER: Odyssey Tank Cruiser V-Line

Additionally, for golf practice drills and workouts, the user can choose to have their own music play or have silence between the messages of instruction. Messages play automatically at designated times as the user performs the drills, which cover all elements of the game, including driving, chipping and putting. Drills can range from 15-minute putting practices to 90-minute driving range practice combinations.

BALL: Callaway Chrome Soft X

Fitted with a rechargeable battery with a five-hour life, the VC Sport headphones cost £159. For more information visit www.fx-sport.co.uk.

FAIRWAY WOODS: TaylorMade M2 (17)

DUSTIN JOHNSON WGC-DELL MATCH PLAY DRIVER: TaylorMade M1 (11) UTILITY: TaylorMade TP UDI (2) IRONS: TaylorMade TP MB (3-PW)

G/FORE AND PETER MILLAR PAIR UP ON NEW SHOE RANGE G/FORE AND PETER MILLAR HAVE TEAMED UP for a new collaboration on an innovative golf shoe. The new range combines G/FORE's custom design and golf footwear expertise with classic Peter Millar styling in custom colours. Available in three styles - the Brogue Gallivanter, the Pintuck Gallivanter and the Disruptor - the shoes feature an athletic fit with premium waterproof leather upper in colours which complement Peter Millar's autumn 2017 collection. G/FORE's premium footbed flexibility and the addition of an innovative G/ROUND Control sole with multi-level soft spikes, provides optimal traction and natural rotation for the athletic demands of golf. The addition of a padded heel collar made of performance athletic mesh further enhances fit and breathability. Founder of G/FORE, Mossimo Giannulli, has worked closely with Scott Mahoney, chairman and CEO of Peter Millar, and believes the

new shoes represents the perfect combination of expertise, quality and style. Giannulli said: "I have immense respect for Scott, his team and the brand they have built. We both deeply value attention to detail and quality of product, making this collaboration a great fit for both brands. We have collectively designed elegant, premium golf shoes that speak to the traditional Peter Millar DNA without losing the G/FORE edge." Mahoney said: "I have admired the incredible sense of style and exceptional quality that Mossimo and G/FORE have created over the years. This collaboration offers a natural extension into golf footwear and providing the Peter Millar guy with great on-course footwear that doesn't sacrifice style." The Peter Millar G/FORE golf shoe will be available for retail from from May. To view the brand's full range of apparel, gloves, shoes and accessories, visit www.gfore.com.

WEDGES: TaylorMade Milled Grind (52, 60) PUTTER: TaylorMade Spider Tour Black BALL: TaylorMade TP5x

MARC LEISHMAN ARNOLD PALMER INVITATIONAL DRIVER: Callaway GBB Epic (9) FAIRWAY WOODS: Callaway GBB Epic (15, 21) UTILITY: Callaway Apex UT (3) IRONS: Callaway Apex Pro 16 (4-PW) WEDGES: Callaway Mack Daddy Forged (54, 58) PUTTER: Odyssey Versa #1 BALL: Callaway Chrome Soft X

RUSSELL HENLEY

BLADE QUATTRO

SHELL HOUSTON OPEN DRIVER: Titleist 917D2 (8.5) FAIRWAY WOOD: Titleist 917F2 (15) IRONS: Titleist 716 T-MB (3), Titleist 716 AP2 (4-9) WEDGES: Titleist Vokey Design SM6 (46, 50, 54, 58) PUTTER: Scotty Cameron for Titleist Tour Rat 2 BALL: Titleist Pro V1x

SERGIO GARCIA MASTERS TOURNAMENT DRIVER: TaylorMade M2 (9.5) FAIRWAY WOODS: TaylorMade M1

Flat-Fold meets Quick-Fold technology. The BLADE QUATTRO is the latest evolution of BIG MAX family of ultra-flat technology. The BLADE QUATTRO combines the best of fast and flat-folding technology with added stability for hilly courses, delivering robust simplicity that folds faster than any other cart. Of course, BLADE QUATTRO includes all the classic and practical features of the BIG MAX Trolley Family and offers a luxurious High Tech Smart Organizer Panel with an ergonomic scorecard holder.

(15, 19) IRONS: TaylorMade P750 (3-PW) WEDGES: TaylorMade Milled Grind (52, 58) PUTTER: TaylorMade Spider Red BALL: TaylorMade TP5

www.bigmaxgolf.com | office@golftech.at

[72] APRIL 2017 | EQUIPMENT

FAIRWAYS TO HEAVEN

Reach for the skies – and par fives – with the latest easylaunching Fairway Woods

TITLEIST 917 F2/F3

£280, TITLEIST.CO.UK Titleist produces two different heads for its fairway woods. The F2 (179cc) is the larger, higher-launching and more forgiving model, while the F3 (169cc) is smaller, with a deeper face, and offers more workability. SureFit technology allows golfers to change the CG and draw/fade bias using interchangeable weights, while a 16-way adjustable hosel offers independent adjustable loft and lie settings. A new active recoil channel, which sits behind the face, is filled with elastomer, and helps produce more ball speed across the face and lower spin, while distance is also enhanced on off-centre hits by a variable thickness face insert. Loft options are 13.5°, 15°, 16.5° (F2), 18° (F2) and 21° (F2).

PING G

£229, PING.COM The G woods showcase a number of design changes over the G30, including a lower leading edge, which sits closer to the ground and raises the impact position on the face by 12% to make getting the ball airborne easier. The thinner steel in the variable-thickness face increases flexing at impact to increase ball speeds and create a higher launch, while an internal cascading sole engages more of the structure at impact, resulting in a large spring-like effect. A 25% thinner crown has enabled 7g of weight to be repositioned to move the centre of gravity lower and further back in the 169cc head, resulting in a higher initial launch. Available in 3 (14.5°), 5 (17.5°) and 7 (20.5°) in standard head; 3 (16°) & 5 (19°) in SF Tec head, and 3W (13°) in Stretch, they come with Ping Alta 65 shafts (SR, R, S, X); with options for the Tour 65 & Tour 80 (R, S, X).

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CALLAWAY GBB EPIC £279, CALLAWAYGOLF.COM

While the Epic fairway woods do not feature the Jailbreak Technology used in the driver, they are made from the same triaxial carbon, which increases MOI by 11% over the XR 16 equivalent. They also feature a Hyper Speed face and a Speed Step crown to enhance forgiveness, power and accuracy. The Sub Zero model features two interchangeable weights in the sole to adjust launch angle and spin rate. Installing the heavier weight (22g) up front and the lighter weight (3g) in back lowers spin and launch conditions, while putting the heavy weight back delivers mid-level spin, a higher launch angle, and raises MOI for easier launch. They are available in 3+ (14°), 3 (15°), 5 (18°), Heavenwood (20.5°), 7 (21°), 9 (24°). Sub Zero: 13.5°, 15° and 18°.

LYNX GOLF BLACK CAT

£179, LYNXGOLF.CO.UK The new Black Cat fairway woods feature adjustable head that will allow you to play lofts between 13 and 17 degrees, so that you can effectively carry a 3- or 5-wood in your bag. A moveable weight bar on the sole allows the launch and spin characteristics of the club to be altered. Positioning the High Weight setting closer to the face reduces spin and keeps the flight lower. The Low Weight setting moves more weight to the rear, increasing spin for a higher launch. A twopiece cupface increases ball speed and forgiveness and results in a longer, straighter ball flight, even on off-centre strikes. Available for full custom fitting, they come with a premium Grafalloy ProLaunch graphite shaft as standard in lite, regular, stiff or extra stiff flexes.

SRIXON Z 65

£229, SRIXON.CO.UK The Z65 fairway woods benefit from Srixon’s Ripple Effect technology, which maximise distance and control off the tee and from the fairway. A Power Wave Sole absorbs more stress at impact for maximum energy transfer to generate a higher ball speed and more distance, while a new stretch flex cupface has been extended farther around the crown and sole to create a larger sweet spot. A strategically-placed crown step lowers the clubhead’s centre of gravity to promote a high launch and low spin. It is available in 3+ (13.5), 3 (15°), 4 (17°) and 5 (19°) lofts with Miyazaki Kaula Mizu 6 shafts in R and S flexes.

COBRA KING F7 TAYLORMADE M1

£279, TAYLORMADEGOLF.EU The new M1 fairway wood, which is a complete re-working of the earlier model, features a stainless steel body, a nickel-cobalt alloy face and a crown made from six layers of carbon fibre. By removing weight from the top, the centre of gravity has been lowered to aid forgiveness and higher launch. The weight track on the sole has been move backwards to make room for a new open channel located directly behind the face, which flexes at impact to deliver more ball speed and more forgiveness. It is available in 3 (15°), 3HL (17°) and 5 (19°), with MRC Kuro Kage Silver TiNi 70g shafts (R, S and X flex).

£189, COBRAGOLF.CO.UK The King F7 fairways feature a progressive dual rail sole, which enhances interaction with the turf. The 3/4-wood has a low-profile rail for a sweeping angle of attack, while the 5/6 and 7/8 boast a more pronounced rail to reduce digging in order to retain clubhead speed through the contact area. Weight ports in the front and back of the sole can be switched to produce differing ball flights, while Cobra’s MyFly 8 with Smartpad technology enables adjustable loft settings to manage trajectory and fine-tune launch. Available in 3/4, 5/6 and 7/8 heads, it is fitted with Fujikura’s Pro 65 (R and S flex) as standard, and comes in black/ orange, silver/yellow and blue/red colour options.

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YOUR GUIDE TO GOLFING TRIPS AT HOME AND ABROAD

TRAVEL | APRIL 2017

[73]

TRAVEL & BREAKS

APRIL 2017 WEB: GOLFNEWS.CO.UK/TRAVEL

IN THIS MONTH'S TRAVEL WIN A GOLF TRIP TO MALLORCA WIN A GOLF BREAK IN KENT PLAYING THE LONDON GC ME & MY TRAVELS WITH HAZEL IRVINE SARAH STIRK VISITS ONE OF SCOTLAND'S STUNNING NEW COURSES FOCUS ON LA MANGA CLUB 7 REASONS TO USE BAGSOLO

GOLF ON THE PRAIRIE SPOTLIGHT ON ILLINOIS

[74] APRIL 2017 | ILLINOIS

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TRAVEL REVIEW ILLINOIS

PUTTING AROUND THE

PRAIRIE STATE The mid-western state of ILLINOIS is home to some of America’s most iconic and highest-ranked golf courses – all of which are waiting for you to make some history of your own

llinois is known for the city of Chicago, deep dish pizza, the Cubs, and beinghome of presidents and worldclass museums, but just outside the city, among the rolling hills and plains of the suburbs and beyond, lies 339 -18 hole public golf courses waiting to challenge and test any golfer’s skill. Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena, TPC Deere Run in Moline, Cog Hill Golf and Country Club in Lemont, Conway Farm Golf Club in Lake Forest, Cantigny Golf Club in Wheaton and Medinah Country Club in Medinah provide golfers with a true taste of Illinois. In northwestern Illinois, four beautifullymaintained championship courses define Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa (eagleridge.com) as a premier golf destination. Nestled in the hills near Galena, no other golf resort in the region so perfectly incorporates the surrounding natural landscape into such a challenging and rewarding test of golf. From the very first tee, the rolling fairways, immaculate greens and tranquil woodland surroundings of northwestern Illinois allow you to enjoy a challenging yet supremely relaxing round of golf. Eagle Ridge’s crowning achievement, The General, opened to rave reviews in 1997, and consistently ranks among Golf Digest’s

■ CONWAY FARMS GOLF CLUB, 14TH HOLE

top 100 courses. With a 250-foot elevation change from the first hole to the 18th, it boasts spectacular views of the tri-state area. The signature hole is the 14th, a par four with 180 feet of elevation change from tee to green. Opened in 1977, the North Course is characterised by raised tee boxes and stunning views of Lake Galena and the surrounding countryside. The signature hole is the 8th, a 165-yard par three that drops 80 feet from tee to green. The tee shot crosses the corner of Lake Galena, opening up to a spectacular view of the lake and its majestic rock outcroppings. Opened in 1984 and voted one of the top 75 upscale courses in the country, the South Course winds through a beautiful wooded valley where streams come into play on 11 of 18 holes. The best is saved to last, with the 18th hole, a 406-yard par four, with the tee set 90 feet above a landing area which is guarded by lakes on both sides and a stream that crosses the fairway 265 yards from the tee. Although shorter in yardage than its other courses, the South is Eagle Ridge’s most difficult, and the best test of a player’s accuracy and shotmaking skills. The East Course is a 9-hole, par-34 layout that is ideal for beginners, juniors and for those looking to play through undulating greens and beautiful rock outcroppings. The signature

THE TOP 70 GOLFERS ON THE FEDEX CUP POINTS LIST WILL TRAVEL TO CONWAY FARMS TO COMPETE IN THE BMW CHAMPIONSHIP

hole is the third, a short, tight par four with a stream running up the left and a 30-foot rock wall along the right. The hole plays 290 yards through a quiet, secluded valley. There was perhaps no architect more suited to craft TPC Deere Run (tpc.com/ deererun) golf course than designer, D.A. Weibring. As an Illinois native and threetime champion of the Quad Cities Classic – the forerunner to the John Deere Classic currently hosted by the club – Weibring knew exactly how to bring out the best of the picturesque Mid-Mississippi River Valley landscape while staying true to the PGA Tour’s standards and traditions. Weibring instilled an old-time feel to the TPC Deere Run golf course, providing a great blend of challenge and playability. “It has all the things I think you’d like to have in a golf course,” says Weibring. “There are elevation changes, great views and scenery, hardwood trees. You have the Rock River complemented with small ponds and deep ravines…and best of all, there’s no real estate. What’s more, the natural features of the former Arabian horse farm high above the Rock River Valley have not been compromised.” Some of golf’s greatest names have found themselves seriously challenged by the riskreward layout at TPC Deere Run each year at the John Deere Classic. Five sets of tees on each hole make for an enjoyable round for every level of player. Cog Hill Golf and Country Club (coghillgolf. com) is situated 30 miles southwest of Chicago in Lemont. Named in the list of America’s 100 greatest public courses by Golf

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ILLINOIS | APRIL 2017

[75]

■ CANTIGNY GOLF

■ TPC JOHN DEERE CLASSIC AT DEERE RUN

■ EAGLE RIDGE

■ CANTIGNY WOODSIDE, 2ND HOLE

Digest and America’s best courses under $100 by Golf Digest Course & Travel, the Dubsdread, or Course No.4, at Cog Hill has been the site of the PGA Tour's Western Open (1991-2006) and the BMW Championship (2007, 2009-2011). Testing, but not overpowering, best describes Courses No.1 and No.3. The layout is routed through gently rolling, wooded terrain and offers a nice blend of lengths and difficulty, requiring a range of shot-making ability. The courses feature enough sand, woods and water to test the accomplished player without punishing the beginner. Since its opening in 1929, Course No.2 has been referred to as the ‘Ravines’. The sporty, championship layout is routed through wooded, rolling terrain and challenges golfers with ravines on nearly half of the holes.

Unique to the Ravines course is the closing 19th hole. The challenging par-3 offers a testy putting surface and a memorable end to the game. In preparation for the 1997 US Amateur qualifying, three new holes were constructed to create the present-day US Amateur layout. Over the years, Course No.4, otherwise known as ‘Dubsdread’, has challenged professionals and amateurs alike, while hosting numerous PGA Tour and USGA tournaments. Created by the famed architect team of Dick Wilson and Joe Lee, this course is what many consider to be each architect’s best work. No.4 has remained nationally ranked since its opening in 1964. Cantigny Golf (cantignygolf.com) in Wheaton offers 27-holes of championship golf. It is comprised of the Woodside,

Lakeside and Hillside courses. Together the courses create three unique golf experiences. Cantigny has been host to the US Amateur Public Links (2007), the Illinois Amateur Championship (1998, 2002) and numerous USGA qualifiers. The Woodside course offers a variety of shots played through the densest woods on the course. It offers two risk/reward par 5s, a par 3 of 200-plus yards, and another par 3 of 170 yards to a green completely surrounded by water. The Lakeside is appropriately named with four different lakes coming into play on six different holes. A 320-yard risk/ reward par 4 and 51- yard downhill par 5 make this nine-hole course tempting. Hillside may be the shortest of the three nine holes, but has some of the toughest holes on the course. The course’s first and ninth holes demand a tee shot that gets far enough past the trees on the side of the fairway to allow a shot to the green. The 6th green (a double green with the 8th) is completely surrounded by water and the two-tiered seventh green is a difficult two-putt if on the wrong tier. Conway Farms Golf Club (conwayfarmsgolfclub.org), located in Lake Forest, will host the 2017 BMW Championship to be held September 12-17. Formally known as the Western Open, the BMW Championship is the second oldest tournament in the United States, and is the penultimate event in the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup playoffs. The top 70 golfers on the FedEx Cup points list will travel to Conway Farms to compete in the BMW Championship. Conway Farms opened for play in 1991 and is a private club. The Tom Fazio award-

FOR OVER 90 YEARS, GOLF LEGENDS, FILM AND TELEVISION STARS, PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES AND POLITICIANS HAVE BEEN DRAWN TO MEDINAH’S CHALLENGING GOLF AND HISTORIC BEAUTY winning course sits on 209 acres in Lake Forest, and is designed around the traditions of Scottish links golf. Conway is dedicated to the protection and preservation of the game of golf, encouraging walking, fast play, and the strong support of amateur golf. Medinah Country Club (medinahcc.org) offers three world-renowned golf courses and the highest quality facilities and familyoriented amenities to both its members and honored guests. Medinah is among the esteemed list of clubs that are also honoured with recognition by both the Platinum Clubs of America and Platinum Clubs of the World. Located in a Chicago suburb, just 25 miles west of the city, Medinah is home to three legendary courses - No.1, No.2 and No.3. The famed No.3 has played host to numerous major championship and prestigious international events throughout the club's history, including the US Open (1949, 1975, 1990), US Senior Open (1988), PGA Championship (1999, 2006) and Ryder Cup (2012). For over 90 years, golf legends, film and television stars, professional athletes and politicians have been drawn to Medinah’s challenging golf and historic beauty, travelling from all corners of the globe for the chance to experience Chicago's most distinguished private club.

CONTACT DETAILS TO BOOK YOUR BESPOKE GOLFING HOLIDAY TO ILLINOIS, CONTACT YOUR GOLF TRAVEL AT WWW.YOURGOLFTRAVEL.COM, EMAIL INFO@ YOURGOLFTRAVEL.COM OR CALL 0800 193 6629. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ILLINOIS GO TO WWW.ENJOYILLINOIS.COM

[76] APRIL 2017 | TRAVEL

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UFFORD PARK JUST GETS BETTER AND BETTER

fford Park Woodbridge Hotel, Golf & Spa is embarking on the latest phase of a two-year project that will result in an even more luxurious experience for guests at the independently-run resort near Ipswich. The 90-bedroom hotel, which is set in 120 acres of historic parkland, has doubled in size over the years and now employs up to 150 staff. The family-friendly venue boasts an 18-hole par-71 golf course and a two–tier floodlit driving range; a health club with thermal suite spa and beauty treatments, a restaurant and bar, as well as function and wedding room hire. The latest phase of the resort’s renovation programme is bedroom

refurbishment, which is now well under way, with a further 27 bedrooms and bathrooms being fully modernised, which means that two thirds of the hotel’s bedrooms will have been refurbished since 2014. New carpets, beds, feature walls, lighting and curtains all contribute to a contemporary style with natural and earthy colour schemes. Energy-efficient spotlights and additional plug sockets with USB points have been installed, while the fourth phase of the refurbishment includes new bathrooms, with simple white tiling and chrome finishes creating a modern, light and airy look. Ufford Park’s managing director, Tarnia

Robertson, said: “The hotel is undergoing something of a revival, and it’s very exciting to see an Ufford Park for the 21dt century emerging. With our newly-refurbished Park Restaurant recently completed, and other public areas under consideration, there is a more contemporary and luxurious feel to our interiors throughout. We’ve also put a great deal of consideration into adapting our rooms so that they really provide our guests with everything they need to make their stay as relaxing as possible.”

For details of the latest stay-and-play golf breaks to Ufford Park, visit www. uffordpark.co.uk or call 01394 383555.

■ A SPACIOUS PREMIER ROOM AT UFFORD PARK

■ A RECENTLY-REFURBISHED FAMILY ROOM

BAG YOURSELF A HIGHLAND BREAK AT

BRORA’S GOLF WEEK G

olfers looking to play one of the finest links course in the world should take a week off at the end of May and take part in the Brora Golf Week. Brora Golf Club’s traditional links course is widely regarded as one of James Braid’s finest designs. Regularly ranked inside GB&I’s top 100, five-time Open champion Peter Thomson, who is a regular visitor to Brora, decsribed it as ‘the most natural links course in the world’. Visitors will get the opportunity to assess Thomson’s view for themselves, and will be able to enjoy some hospitality in the recently-renovated clubhouse that Thomson opened in person last June, if they sign up for the Brora Golf Week, which this year takes place from May 28-June 2. The BGW has been running for over 40 years, and offers five days of competitions in varying formats for

men and women. Golfers may enter as couples or individuals, and visitors will always be made to feel most welcome. The emphasis for the week is on having fun and meeting new friends, some of whom will have been returning to golf week for many years, and some of whom now live in Brora. As well the golf, there are plenty of social activities, including evening dances, whisky tastings, falconry displays, and a prizegiving dinner at the end of the week. There are no restrictions on the amount of golf that can be played, and there are opportunities to play other local courses, including world-renowned Royal Dornoch, which is just 20 minutes away. For bookings and more details, call 01408 621417, email secretary@broragolf.co.uk or visit broragolf.co.uk.

Southern Counties

HEATHLAND GOLF TOURS

To enquire call:

01822 618181 Website:

Email:

schgt.co.uk

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Five of England’s finest heathland courses have joined forces as Southern Counties Heathland Golf Tour Blackmoor, Hankley Common, Hindhead, Liphook and West Sussex Staying at top quality hotels and Inns.

Packages start from just £339 playing three rounds of golf and two nights B&B at a top venue

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TRAVEL | APRIL 2017

[77]

ASHBURY

SPRINGS INTO ACTION WITH GREAT SUMMER OFFERS

he Ashbury Golf Hotel in Devon is gearing up for a summer of fun, with a range of great value packages at the popular Okehampton-based resort. The sizzling deals, which run from July 17-August 30, include a range of credit-crunch busting extras, including free unlimited golf, half-price buggies – only £8 a round – 33% discounts on Srixon Distance balls, and 20% off the cost of all Ashbury-logoed merchandise. There are a range of great savings to be enjoyed elsewhere at the resort, with a third off the cost of cycle hire and free entry into the Saints South West Soccer School, which runs throughout the summer holidays. The popular Dartmoorbased resort boasts no fewer than seven 18-hole courses – and 99 holes – all on the same 600-acre site. This unique complex offers three full-length 18-hole courses (the Kigbeare, Beeches and Oakwood), three 18-hole

loops made from perming two of the Pines, Forest and Beeches nines, and a further 18hole par-3 course, the Willows. The golf courses, which offer stunning views of Dartmoor and across the rolling Devon countryside towards Exmoor, utilise the natural features of the landscape – making the most of mature trees, hedgerows and ponds. For non-golfers there is plenty of entertainment on offer to keep families occupied. The sports complex, which ■ THE RESORT BOASTS SEVEN 18-HOLE GOLF COURSES comprises are four huge halls, houses four badminton courts and a 5-a-side football pitch, lanes of 10-pin bowling and a kids’ games room two halls for archery, pistol and rifle shooting, and with pool, table football, air hockey and four Sony laser clay pigeon shooting, while the fourth hall is Playstations. used as a gym and there is also a table tennis room. For the more artistically-minded guests, two craft A 21m x 7.5m swimming pool can be used free of centres offer 17 tutored crafts, including pottery, charge, alongside two saunas and two spa baths. glass engraving, hot press printing and woodwork Ashbury also offers a range of sports massages and - all tutoring is free, so guest only pay minimal beauty treatments. material costs. Other sports facilities include a 15-table snooker There are just under 400 rooms on offer across hall; a bowls hall with three indoor rinks, four the two hotels, and all breaks are full board.

FOR THE LATEST PACKAGES, CALL 0800 197 7611 OR VISIT WWW.ASHBURYGOLFHOTEL.COM.

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“I’ve never played such fantastic courses”

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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! Oakwood 16th 172 yards, Par 3

17/7/17 - 30/8/17 • FREE Unlimited Golf • ½ Price Buggies - £8 & Much more!!

Pines 17th 442 yards, Par 4

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July 2017 Full Board Breaks from: 3night Weekends £195pp • 4night Midweeks £240pp 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 17 tutored crafts, including Pottery, Woodwork, Glass Engraving & Hot Press Printing

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[78] APRIL 2017 | TRAVEL

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

WIN A GOLF BREAK IN KENT Golf News has teamed up with Golf in Kent to offer a break that combines superb golf at London Golf Club and luxurious accommodation at Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa. ■ THE LONDON GOLF CLUB

■ THE INTERNATIONAL COURSE

The prize is comprised of nine holes of golf over the London Golf Club’s International Course on Sunday afternoon, and 18 holes over the same course on Monday morning, with overnight bed & breakfast at Brandshatch Place, which includes a bottle of house wine on arrival, and a threecourse dinner for two in the hotel.

PLAY

The International Course at London Golf Club in west Kent is one of England’s premier golfing destinations. Opened in 1994, The International is one of the two Jack Nicklaus Design championship courses at the club, which is located 25 miles from the centre of London. The International is pure downland, but the quick, undulating fairways force a links-style approach, whilst the club itself boasts a luxurious clubhouse and excellent restaurant. The team at London Golf Club prides itself on its attention to detail and exceptional, personal service. The Club’s appeal was confirmed when it became a European Tour Destination, whilst its staging of the 2014 Volvo World Match Play Championship, and the 2016 Brabazon Trophy, reflect the superior quality of its golf courses.

STAY Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa is one of the county’s finest hotels. It is set in a Georgian mansion built in 1806, in the heart of the picturesque Kent countryside. The hotel, part of Hand Picked Hotels, offers 38 individually-furnished rooms that are elegant and well-appointed, as well as a spa that features seven treatment rooms, a relaxation room, sauna, steam room, and dining lounge with a roof terrace. The facilities in its health club include tennis courts, a spin studio, gym and a swimming pool. A host of other excellent golf courses – links, downland and parkland - and accommodation can be found in Kent, which is recognised as ‘A Golfer’s Paradise in the Garden of England’. For more information on Golf in Kent, visit www.golfinkent.co.uk

■ BRANDSHATCH PLACE HOTEL

TO ENTER To enter, simply answer the question below, and email it to: info@golfnews.co.uk with ‘London Club competition’ in the subject line, including your name, address and contact telephone number, and details of where you picked up your copy of Golf News. The closing date for entries is May 30, 2017. The editor’s decision is final and no alternative prize is offered. The prize must be taken before December 31, 2017. Dates are subject to availability.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Accommodation is in a classic twin or double room (upgrades available on request) on Sunday nights only. Guests have free access to the health club and spa, as well as complimentary car parking and WiFi. Golf and accommodation must be booked in advance, and is subject to availability. The prize must be taken before December 31, 2017.

Q. IN WHICH YEAR DID LONDON GOLF CLUB HOST THE VOLVO WORLD MATCH PLAY? A) 2012 B) 2013 C) 2014

STRADEY PARK HOTEL & SPA 

SUMMER GOLF OFFER From £120 per person

Unlimited Golf, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

The ideal base for your perfect golfing break Easy access to Machynys, Ashburnham & Glyn Abbey Golf Clubs, also Gower golf clubs Stay in our luxury 4 star hotel, with fine dining Samphires Restaurant and private rooftop lounge. Treat yourself to a relaxing massage in our award winning Parc Spa. Unwind in our comfortable Parc bar area with a range of beers, ales and wines and treat yourself to a delcious meal from our mouthwatering bar menu.

To book call 01728 452176 Subject to availability. Based on one night accommodation, double occupancy in a standard twin/double room.

www.thorpeness.co.uk thorpeness

@thorpenesscouk

Stradey Park Hotel & Spa, Llanelli, SA15 4HA | T: 01554 758171 E: reservations@stradeyparkhotel.com | W: www.stradeyparkhotel.com

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

TRAVEL | APRIL 2017

[79]

THE VALE

UP FOR THE NEW SEASON WITH SIX-FIGURE MACHINERY INVESTMENT

he Vale Resort in south Wales has invested more than £400,000 in state-ofthe-art golf course and greens equipment as the new golf season gets off with a swing. The resort, home to two championship courses, has purchased 16 new high-tech John Deere cutters and mowers to enhance the condition of both the Wales National and the Lake Course. It is hoped the new equipment will give its 550-plus members, and thousands of visitors, an even better golfing experience this year. “This state-of-the-art machinery will undoubtedly improve the condition of both courses and make a difference to the way the game is played on them,” said John Borja, the resort’s head greenkeeper. “In order to keep the two courses in pristine condition, a variety of cutting machines are required to cut the grass in a specific manner each day to give it the best opportunity to grow. The cutting direction is alternated so the ground doesn’t become ‘stressed’, creating a striped effect which helps players differentiate between the precisely cut tees, fairways and rough.” Set in 650 acres of Welsh countryside, both courses have a mixture of wooded areas, wide and narrow fairways, and water features. At 7,433 yards off the

championship tees, the Wales National is one of the longest courses in the UK, and has staged several top-flight tournaments, with the European Senior Tour, Challenge Tour and EuroPro Tour all having held events here since it first opened in 2003. This swiftly maturing inland layout has developed a fearsome reputation, mainly due to its length off the back tees, although there are forward tees to make it playable for club golfers. Despite the 600-yard second hole being the longest par five in Wales, the course isn’t all about big hitting, with a selection of superb par threes and a reachable par four providing a welcome change of pace. The 6,436-yard Lake Course lives up to its name, with water coming into play on 12 holes, although its shorter length makes it playable for the higher handicapper, while still being a serious challenge for better players.

Both courses are maintained by a team of 15 year-round staff, with additional seasonal staff required in the busier playing season of March to October. The varied landscape of the courses means high standards are vital to ensure they can be fully enjoyed by players. “The way the fairways and greens are cut has a knock-on impact on the playability of the course,” said Borja. “The preparation of the greens requires specialist cutting equipment to ensure they meet an exact height; we have set measurements for each aspect of the green down to the nearest millimetre. Having the best machinery is key to making sure our team can prepare the course to its full potential for guests and members.” Away from golf, The Vale Spa – which was voted the best spa in Wales at the 2015 World Travel Awards – offers a range of more than 50 treatments, and has 19 treatment rooms, six bespoke relaxation zones, a 20-metre swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, while the Vale Grill and the Salamanza Champagne Bar provide plenty of après-golf entertainment. The resort has a range of great value golf breaks available, starting with one night’s B&B and 18 holes of golf from just £79pp. For bookings and more details, visit www. vale-hotel.com or call 01443 667800. 2017 04 Golf News - Golf Breaks.qxp_166mm h x 145mm w 05/04/2017 10:57 Page 1

2017 Golf Breaks from £85

Wish you were here

Ufford Park Woodbridge

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Trethorne Golf Club Kennards House Launceston Cornwall PL15 8QE

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t 0844 847 9408 (local rate) w www.uffordpark.co.uk Yarmouth Road| Woodbridge | Suffolk | IP12 1QW

YEARS 7

Summer 2017

CORNWALL GOLF BREAKS

1992-2

[80] APRIL 2017 | TRAVEL

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

LIVING THE MASTERS DREAM

■ AUGUSTA'S PAR-3 16TH

GOLF FAN TOM MCMULLAN RECOUNTS THE TRIP-OF-A-LIFETIME TO THIS YEAR’S MASTERS TOURNAMENT AT AUGUSTA NATIONAL, WHICH HE BOOKED WITH YOUR GOLF TRAVEL TUESDAY, APRIL 4 Having enjoyed a brilliant trip to the US Open at Oakmont with my wife last year with Your Golf Travel, I knew that one day I would have to make the ultimate golfing pilgrimage and visit the Masters at Augusta. In fact, I booked the trip almost immediately after my return in June, and had to patiently wait for the months and days to tick by. When that day finally arrived, I left home at 6am with my golf clubs and passport in hand, and headed over to my son’s house to collect him before heading on to Manchester airport. There we met two friends, Billy and Neil, from Wirral Golf Club, where I’m also a member. We couldn’t believe the day had finally come – we were going to the Masters! We booked our dream trip nine months ago through Your Golf Travel, and I must thank one of their staff, Tom Francis, who helped me organise the entire package. It was such a simple booking process. And it certainly wasn’t hard to convince the guys to come with me. This trip was on Billy’s bucket list, so we made the decision to book our tickets and be there in 2017. YGT organised our entire package, from flights, hotel, car hire, free parking onsite, entry tickets and even a free spectator chair. After 20 hours of travelling we had finally made it. After a nine-hour flight, we arrived at Atlanta airport in Georgia, where we were faced with a three-hour delay at customs. It’s pretty much the same issue at all US airports these days, but once we were through immigration we wasted no time in picking up our hire car for the week, which had rented through Alamo. We then drove to Columbia, arriving at our hotel, the Double Tree Hilton, at 9.30pm. After a long and tiring journey, it was an early night for us, as we wanted to get some rest ahead of our early drive to Augusta.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, PRACTICE DAY We left the hotel at 6.30am and arrived at the YGT ticket collection desk on Washington Road in Augusta at 8am. The YGT team greeted us with such enthusiasm, and we

■ CHEAP EATS: AUGUSTA’S SNACKS ARE KEENLY PRICED

■ YOUR GOLF TRAVEL’S WELCOMING TEAM

collected our tickets and headed straight for the gate. The weather forecast was not looking great, but we were determined to make the most of the day. My tip to anyone planning a trip to the Masters in the future – pack binoculars, cash, cap, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes. I know it’s a cliché, but the hills and slopes around Augusta are much more severe than they look on the telly. As we made our way towards the North Gate, we all had goosebumps as we approached the entrance. It was the most surreal experience. Once inside, we headed straight to the 18th hole. Why? Because we wanted to see that famous bunker that Sandy Lyle hit out from to win the green jacket in 1987. Bill wanted to see in person the distance from the green. Patrons, as they call spectators here, are allowed to take cameras inside the gates on practice days, so we made the most of this and took lots of great photos to show our friends and family back home. We then made our way down to Amen Corner, where we spotted Dustin Johnson and Paul Casey. The clouds were rolling in and the wind was beginning to pick up. Everyone was nervous, as the weather was constantly changing. Our worst fears were realised at 10am, when the hooter went off and we were all asked to leave the course. We wanted to stop by the shop before we left, but the queues were horrendous. We headed back to the Your Golf Travel tent for a coffee, and to stay out of the rain and wind, but later in the day it was announced the Par 3 contest had been officially cancelled due to a tornado warning in the area. It wasn’t the best start to our Masters trip, but we still had an unbelievable morning, with the promise of more to come later in the week. We headed back to our hotel and had a meal and a few drinks to celebrate the week ahead.

Again, we all had an early night ahead of our ‘big Thursday’ at the course.

THURSDAY, APRIL 6 – 1ST ROUND

■ THE DREAM TEAM: TOM MCMULLAN AND FRIENDS

Too excited to get much sleep, we were all up at 5.30am for an early breakfast in the hotel. We jumped in the car and arrived at Augusta at 7.15am, and parked for free at the YGT marquee, where we also collected our tickets. The gates to the course open at 8am, so we wanted to get in early and make the most of the day. The YGT staff was once again very helpful and the process of collecting our tickets was quick and easy. It takes close to 20 minutes to get through the gates, as the course entrance is just so massive. The plan for today was to head straight to the first tee and watch the early groups tee off. It was mesmerising and the ultimate spot to stand. Then we headed back to Amen Corner, where we managed to get some great seats in the grandstand. We sat for two hours and watched some of our all-time favourite golfers come through, including Mike Weir, Sandy Lyle and Billy Hurley III. The atmosphere was incredible, and the standard of golf was sensational. Thankfully the weather was much better, and the forecast for the rest of the week was for perfect conditions. You get tired pretty quickly with all the walking, so we made sure we drank lots of water and had plenty of refreshments. It was great value for money – we tried a few of the sandwich options, the famous cheese pimento, egg salad, and a pulled pork sandwich. After lunch we made our way over to the 16th and sat in the grandstand to watch Rickie Fowler, Justin Rose, Paul Casey, Jason Day, Phil Mickelson and Fred Couples tee off. The standout shot for me was Mickelson’s, which landed a foot away from the pin. We then watched Jordan Spieth come down the fairway at 15. He had an absolute nightmare and put it in the water, and ended up with a nine! We also saw Rory McIlroy on the 9th fairway. We then headed back up to the first tee to

walk past the famous scoreboard. The wind was starting to pick up again, and challenged the players late in the afternoon. On out way out we popped into the shop to buy some gifts for home. I bought a print of Augusta and also a 2017 Masters flag. I’ll frame them both and hang them next to my US Open photo with my wife. All in all, it was special experiencing Augusta with my son and two friends. It was a dream come true, and I was only sad that that part of the trip was over so soon.

APRIL 7-10 Now it was our turn to play some golf! We couldn’t come all this way and not play some of the best courses in the world. We jump in the car early morning Friday and drive to Myrtle Beach. We have three rounds of golf organised, courtesy of YGT, including TPC Myrtle Beach and the Kings North Golf Course. All three courses were presented in stunning condition, and with great weather, and a few memorable shots hit by us all, we had a wonderful three days’ golf.

TUESDAY, APRIL 11 Another early start for the five-hour drive back to Atlanta to catch our flight home to Manchester. It’s just been a great experience all round. I never thought I could come to the Masters. How on earth would you ever get a ticket, I always thought? The value for money of our trip was sensational. We have lived the dream here this week. To be able to say we have been to the Masters is very surreal. Our friends and club members were envious of our trip, and I would love to come back again in the next few years with my wife. Your Golf Travel offers a choice of bespoke packages for the 2018 Masters Tournament. To find the complete range of ticket, golf and accommodation options, visit www. yourgolftravel.com or call 0800 043 6644.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

TRAVEL | APRIL 2017

[81]

■ BAGSOLO WILL COLLECT YOUR CLUBS FROM YOUR CLUB, HOME OR WORK

DAVID A. LEE PHOTOGRAPHY

REASONS 1. DOOR-TO-DOOR CONVENIENCE Have your clubs picked up from your home, golf club or office, and delivered direct to your destination, anywhere in the world.

TO USE

BAGSOLO

2. TRAVEL LIGHT & SKIP THE AIRPORT QUEUES With no heavy bags to worry about, use public transport for a stress-free trip to the airport. With no oversize luggage to check-in or reclaim, you’re free to enjoy a quicker and hassle-free airport experience.

3. EXTRA WEIGHT ALLOWANCE BagSOLO offers an extra 25% weight allowance when compared to scheduled airlines, so customers are free to pack extra items in their golf bag and simply travel on the plane with hand luggage, saving more money on checked bags when flying with low-cost airlines.

4. GROUP DISCOUNTS For groups of eight or more bagSOLO offers further savings for parties going to most golf destinations.

NO NEED TO HIRE HUGE CARS TO FIT ALL YOUR CLUBS IN

5. SAVE MONEY ON CAR HIRE With clubs delivered direct to your hotel or golf resort, there’s no need to hire an oversized car or van to transport all your clubs and luggage – resulting in yet more savings.

6. PLAY WITH YOUR OWN CLUBS Whether you’re playing on one of those bucket-list courses or on a trip with friends, every keen golfer prefers to use their own clubs – especially if they have been custom-fitted to suit your game.

7. EASY BOOKING Booking the bagSOLO service involves a simple four-step process through the company’s website, which can be done up to two days before arrival at the destination with the express service. Bags are collected from 9am-6pm, Monday to Friday, and can be delivered one day before arrival.

FOR BOOKINGS, VISIT WWW.BAGSOLO.COM

NO WAITING AROUND AT AIRPORTS FOR BAGS TO BE UNLOADED

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[82] APRIL 2017 | TRAVEL COLUMN

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

REVEL AT THE

RENAISSANCE

Sarah Stirk finds an invitation to play the exclusive Renaissance Club on Scotland’s East Lothian coast impossible to resist, and it’s not hard to see why

■ THE RENAISSANCE CLUB BOASTS ARGUABLY EVEN BETTER VIEWS THAN ITS ILLUSTRIOUS NEIGHBOUR, MUIRFIELD

■ THE RENAISSANCE CLUB IS HOSTING THE SCOTTISH SENIOR OPEN THIS SUMMER

IT’S A ‘BE AS BRAVE AS YOU DARE’ TEE SHOT, FOLLOWED BY A NERVEJANGLING APPROACH TO A GREEN PERCHED ON THE PRECIPICE

I’VE ALWAYS HAD A STRONG AFFINITY WITH SCOTLAND. I was lucky enough to learn to play golf at Gleneagles, as my uncle lived there, and loved it so much I spent a summer season during university working at the hotel. I go back with family every New Year. Surprisingly, given my frequent visits north of the border, I haven’t sampled nearly enough of the top Scottish courses, but a recent invitation to play the exclusive Renaissance Club was one I simply couldn’t turn down. Located between Gullane and North Berwick, it opened as a private members’ club in 2008 on the Archerfield Estate. It’s a pitching wedge away from the famed Muirfield Links, but with far better views over the Firth of Forth. It’s had rave reviews since it opened and has proved a superb tournament venue, while the 25th Scottish Seniors Open will be held here for the first time this August, after moving from neighbouring Archerfield Links. It will be the biggest event to be held at the club since it opened, eclipsing the venue having been joint-host of the stroke-play qualifying for last year’s Boys’ Amateur Championship. From next year until 2021, it will become a Final Qualifying venue for the Open Championship – another significant feather in its cap. The man behind Renaissance is Jerry Savardi, a savvy American businessman who, along with his brothers and close associates, invested over £30 million in the project. The aim was simple: to combine time-honored Scottish tradition with the finest in modern amenities and service. The architect they employed to realise this vision is, to my mind, one of the best in the business, Tom Doak – the creative genius behind Pacific Dunes, Cape Kidnappers and Ballyneal. The Renaissance Club was Doak’s first opportunity in Scotland and he grabbed it with both hands. It’s only a 30-minute drive from Edinburgh airport and, as expected, Renaissance felt exclusive, but without the stuffy, pretentious atmosphere of many top private clubs. I had the same relaxed feeling when I played Queenwood, and, just like the Surrey layout, the staff and attention to detail were superb. The clubhouse has panoramic views out

to sea and on a cold April day it was hard to leave as we ventured out to brave the elements. Doak has created a series of compelling holes, several carved out of the coastal pine forest, and others stretching along the coastline high on the cliff tops above the firth. The fifth hole is the shortest par four on the course, and reachable with the wind in your favour; however, on either side of the driving zone juts a distinctive hazard that adds challenge and character to several holes—the remains of a centuries-old stone wall. It’s also prominent on the 18th hole, as it splits the fairway. My drive landed just short, but if you get too close with your tee shot, it makes for an interesting second! The green complexes are superb, but put yourself in the wrong spot with your approach and you’ll face some testy two-putts. The design of the three-tiered green at the fifth derived inspiration from the 12th at the Old Course at St Andrews. However, there’s one hole that really stands out, and there’s no question it will become one of the most photographed holes in golf. On the very edge of the headland sits the 10th tee, a par four which leaves you speechless, not to mention slightly apprehensive! Curving 400 yards right to left along the edge of a cliff, it’s a ‘be as brave as you dare’ tee shot, followed by a nerve-jangling approach to a green perched on the precipice. I actually felt quite fortunate; my playing partners meandered back to the back tees, while off the reds it’s not quite as daunting. Having said that, I still hoiked one left into the sea! Just offshore sits the white lighthouse of Fidra Island, said to be the inspiration for Treasure Island. Sadly, there was nothing magical about my golf, but the views were mesmerising. After the round, it was back to the salubrious surroundings of the locker room for a Jacuzzi and steam room, before lunch in the clubhouse. The food is exceptional and the quality of the accommodation is on a par. Scotland for me always exudes an inherent feeling of calm and tranquility, and that’s exactly how you feel at the Renaissance Club. It’s a unique place, with impeccable standards, and a superb course set to further stake its claim on the global golfing landscape. ■ THE RENAISSANCE CLUB, 5TH HOLE

BOOK YOUR ONE-TIME RENAISSANCE EXPERIENCE THE CLUB IS OFFERING A SPECIAL ONE-TIME ‘RENAISSANCE EXPERIENCE’ FOR VISITING GOLFERS. FOR ENQUIRIES, CONTACT ONETIME@TRCAA.COM OR CALL 01620 850 901. FOR MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES, EMAIL MEMBERSHIP@TRCAA.COM OR CALL 01620 850901.

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Sesimbra and Lisbon packages: Prices per person sharing a standard twin room on B&B basis | Aroeira apartments package: Price per person sharing a T2 apartment with 4 pax (golf included) Other packages options at www.orizontegolf.com | booking@orizontegolf.com

[84] APRIL 2017 | TRAVEL

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

PRAIA D’EL REY UNVEILS STYLISH HOTEL UPGRADE

uests at the Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort can look forward to enjoying an enhanced five-star experience when they visit from this spring after the top Portuguese resort completed a significant upgrade of its hotel facilities. The award-winning venue has implemented a major refurbishment programme to key areas and facilities in its 177-room Marriott hotel in readiness for marking two key dates in its evolving history this year. As well as celebrating its 20th anniversary this summer, Praia D’El Rey is also set to open a second, links-style, 18-hole championship golf course, West Cliffs Golf Links, in June. Among the improvement work that has taken place over the winter, the hotel’s lobby, public areas and corridors have all been completely refurbished and redecorated. In addition, a number of the guest and

meeting rooms have been upgraded, while the resort health club’s indoor pool has also received a facelift and been modernised. Offering an array of five-star golf and lifestyle experiences, Praia D’El Rey has quickly risen to establish itself among Europe’s most popular golf destinations for individuals, families and groups since opening in 1997. Situated less than an hour north of Lisbon, on Portugal’s magnificent Silver Coast, Praia D’El Rey’s par-73 championship course is set amidst a combination of extensive pine forests and undulating dunes, and features spectacular views over the Atlantic and the Berlengas Islands beyond. Designed by Cabell Robinson, it deserves its reputation as one of the

continent’s top golf layouts, and West Cliffs Golf Links is predicted to rival it when the course officially opens in two months’ time. Offering sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean from each hole, the spectacular par-72 seaside links – which has been laid out by Cynthia Dye – has been created over 200 hectares of natural landscape, rolling sand dunes and coastal vegetation, and is the first Dye golf course in Portugal. As well as golf, Praia D’El Rey boasts an extensive array of world-class sports, leisure and accommodation facilities, including the Marriott hotel, a wide selection of villas, a tennis academy, a luxury spa and health club and numerous watersports and restaurants. Guests have a choice of five restaurants to choose from, all serving the fresh and authentic produce that Portugal is famous for, while the comprehensive range of therapies and treatments on offer at the Kalyan Spa promise to restore energy and balance to the body after a day on the fairways. For more information, go to www.praia-del-rey.com.

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pecialist golf holiday company Your Golf Travel has renewed its partnership with leading golf manufacturer TaylorMade to offer clients booking golf holidays the chance to get their hands on free travel luggage, including TaylorMade travel covers and holdalls. Throughout April and May, Your Golf Travel clients who book a break in the UK or Europe for eight people or more will receive a TaylorMade holdall worth £49.99, while those booking long haul holidays for two or more will qualify for a TaylorMade travel cover worth, £179.99. Ben Davis, Head of Marketing at Your Golf Travel, said: “Following on from our successful ‘Balls For All’ promotion around the turn of the year, we’re delighted to be back working with TaylorMade again, offering our clients the chance to get their hands on top quality golf products which will enhance their overall holiday experience. A good travel cover is an essential piece of golf holiday kit, so we see the ‘Bag a Holiday’ promotion as an ideal fit for all parties concerned, especially considering Darren Clarke, a TaylorMade staff player, is our longest-standing brand ambassador.” Based in central London, Your Golf Travel services over 3,000 destinations in over 25 countries worldwide, selling a range of golf travel products, from weekend breaks and tours of Continental Europe, to long haul holidays and attendance packages for high profile professional tournaments such as the US Masters at Augusta. For more information visit www. yourgolftravel.com or call 0800 043 6644.

TRAVEL | APRIL 2017 [85]

DERBY LEGENDS REUNITED AT LA MANGA CLUB FOR FOOTBALLERS’ CLASSIC

erby legends Roy McFarland, Archie Gemmill and Roger Davies will have the chance to relive past glories when they join a star-studded field who will head to Spain to take part in the 21st edition of the Footballers’ Golf Classic at the five-star La Manga Club in Spain this summer. The trio were all members of the Rams’ victorious teams that won the English title in 1972 and 1975 – the only two occasions they have won the championship in their 129-year history – and will be three of the new players appearing in this year’s event, which will take place in Murcia from June 3-8. Manchester City cult hero Andy Morrison will be back at La Manga Club to defend his title, and he faces a strong challenge from a line-up headed by former Liverpool, Celtic and Scotland striker Kenny Dalglish,

COMPETITION SEASON HOTS UP AT LA MANGA CLUB THIS SUMMER E njoying an annual 300-plus days’ sunshine a year, La Manga Club boasts an enviable sun record, and things are hotting up on the fairways as well over the coming months as the golf season gets into full swing. Hard on the heels of the top sports and lifestyle venue staging the opening round of the prestigious Audi Movistar+ tournament – the biggest amateur competition in Spain – La Manga Club will then pay homage to one of the most famous names in its glorious history by hosting a qualifying event for the 2017 Seve Ballesteros Foundation Challenge charity golf tournament. Taking place from April 22-23, the Audi Movistar+ Tour is open to all Audi and Movistar+ customers provided they register beforehand, with the competition staging a series of events

around Spain ahead of a grand final in October. The event is expected to attract a bumper entry of 1,000 players from all over the country, and the Seve Ballesteros Foundation Challenge qualifier is likely to be just as popular when it is held on La Manga Club’s North Course on Saturday, June 3, as golfers pay their respects to the Spanish golfing legend, who was the resort’s attached professional from 1980-84. This year will be the fifth time that the pairs’ competition has been staged, with the fundraising event at La Manga Club one of 25 that will be held at clubs around the country from now until September. The winners from each qualifier will then gather at Pedreña Golf Club to compete in the national

LA MANGA CLUB FLIES HIGH WITH NEW BA HEATHROW SERVICE

T who finished runner-up last year and is chasing a record fourth win in the competition. Record-breaking Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pat Jennings, Russell Osman and Kenny Hibbitt are among the other former winners who will be hoping for further success at the award-winning resort, and joining them will be the likes of ex-England internationals Paul Walsh, Darius Vassell, Dave Beasant, Lee Hendrie and Graham Roberts. The 2017 Footballers’ Golf Classic, which will be played on La Manga Club’s renowned South and North courses, will feature four days of competitive golf: the one-day Alan Ball Trophy and the three-day main event, with competitors playing in teams of three alongside a different footballer each day. Entry includes five nights in the resort’s five-star Hotel Principe Felipe, breakfast, welcome and gala dinners, a prize-giving ceremony and evening entertainment. For further information about the Footballers’ Golf Classic, visit www.mancinievents.co.uk, call 07918 644900 or email donna@mancinievents.co.uk.

he popularity of Spain’s famous La Manga Club as a holiday destination for sports enthusiasts, families and corporate travel is set to soar this summer with the launch of a new flight route from London Heathrow to Murcia. From now until October, British Airways is operating a twice-weekly summer service (Tuesdays and Saturdays) from England’s capital into Murcia-San Javier airport, offering easy access to La Manga Club and Murcia, one of the fastest-growing tourist regions in Spain. Economy return flights cost from as little as £140, while business class seats are also available on BA’s

■ LA MANGA CLUB’S NORTH COURSE IS HOSTING THE SEVE BALLESTEROS FOUNDATION CHALLENGE

final on October 28, with the winning couple going forward to play in the 2018 EurAsia Cup Pro-Am in Malaysia next year. Javier Ballesteros, president of the Seve Ballesteros Foundation: "My brothers and I want to thank everyone for the support that the Foundation receives from entities, sponsors and

comfortable Airbus 320. Flights to San Javier are also available from other London-based airports, including Gatwick, Luton and Stansted, from a range of carriers, while Easyjet runs a limited service from Southend. Latest figures released by the Region of Murcia reveal that overseas visitor numbers rose by 45 per cent over the winter compared to last year, with the number of people travelling from the UK increasing by more than 11 per cent in January alone.

For flight details, visit www.ba.com.

LA MANGA CLUB TO HOST EUROPEAN AMATEUR GOLF TOUR EVENT

ffering the chance to play some of the world’s top golf courses, the European Amateur Golf Tour is a must for any serious golfer, and the tour continues to go from strength to strength after adding La Manga Club to its list of venues. The famous resort in Murcia, southeast Spain, has joined the likes of Royal Birkdale – venue for this summer’s Open Championship – Pebble Beach, Sawgrass, Carnoustie, Sunningdale and Woburn on the EAGT’s impressive tournament schedule for 2017. Taking place from November 17-20, the four-day EAGT programme costs £694 per person and includes four rounds of golf – two rounds on the resort’s North Course and two on its

South Course, the host venue for five Spanish Opens and numerous other high-profile tournaments. Open to all golf club members with an active CONGU handicap, the event will be scored on an individual Stableford points basis with competitors playing off their full handicaps. As well as golf, players will enjoy three nights’ bed-and-breakfast accommodation in the five-star Hotel Principe Felipe and complimentary access to the facilities at the luxury Spa La Manga Club, plus the opportunity to experience La Manga Club’s array of other sports and leisure amenities, including a choice of 20 bars and restaurants. Launched in 1997, the EAGT is

now established as the most popular amateur golf tour in Europe. Starting in April, it will feature 90 events at 30-plus world-class golfing venues throughout 2017, with each event contributing to an overall Order of Merit table. As well as featuring many of the UK’s top golfing venues, the tour also gives amateurs the chance to experience some of the most exclusive courses in Europe and North America, including Les Bordes in France, Whistling Straits – venue for the 2020 Ryder Cup – and Erin Hills, which will stage the US Open for the first time in June. For more information on the European Amateur Golf Tour, go to www.eagt.co.uk, call 0845 4662222, or email info@gmmltd.co.uk.

FOR THE LATEST OFFERS AT LA MANGA CLUB GO TO LAMANGACLUB.COM

many friends. We are very excited to continue with the work that my father began." The Seve Ballesteros Foundation has been working in close collaboration with the Spanish National Oncologic Centre since 2011 and has so far raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for brain cancer research.

LA MANGA CLUB EARNS TOP INTERNATIONAL ACCOLADE

a Manga Club’s status as one of the world’s most popular golf and leisure resorts has received a glowing endorsement after it was handed a top international accolade from Golf Digest, the world’s biggest golf magazine. Spain’s flagship resort was one of an elite group of global venues to receive an ‘Editor's Choice Award for Best International Resorts 2017’ in the magazine’s annual list of the ‘Best Things in Golf’. Unveiled in the May issue of Golf Digest, the list was compiled in consultation with the magazine’s group of 27 international affiliate titles, as well as its panel of more than 1,000 golf course raters. Jose Asenjo, general manager of La Manga Club, said: “To receive this award is a great privilege, and shows the high regard for our resort across the world. It also demonstrates that the resort’s appeal as a golf destination remains as big as ever, and is something that makes me very proud.”

[86] APRIL 2017 | TRAVEL

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

WIN A TWO-NIGHT GOLF BREAK TO MALLORCA!

Golf News has teamed up with the five-star Park Hyatt Mallorca to offer a luxury two-night stay for two people, including two spa treatments, dinner, plus two rounds of golf on the island’s highly-rated championship layouts at Pula and Son Servera STAY Located on the north east coast of Mallorca, overlooking the beautiful hidden valley of Canyamel, the five-star Park Hyatt Mallorca is a village-style resort laid out around a traditional square. There are 142 guests rooms, from presidential suites to deluxe doubles, all of which have terraces or small gardens. All rooms also feature Nespresso coffee machine and kettle, a Böse bluetooth speaker and hotel information on a tablet.

■ PARK HYATT MALLORCA

RELAX After an active day on the course, guests can head to the hotel’s Serenitas Spa, which boasts seven treatment rooms, one with an alpha quartz sand bed, while additional facilities include a sauna, steam rooms, sensory showers, and a vitality pool. Guests can unwind after their treatments in a calming relaxation room that opens onto an outdoor terrace, offering stunning views of the Canyamel Valley. EAT

Park Hyatt Mallorca has a wide choice of world-class dining options centred around a traditional village square, Plaza de la Torre. The Balearic Restaurant serves traditional Majorcan food with creative touches – using produce from local farms, much of it organic, while there is also an Asian-themed restaurant, an all-day bistro, and a tapas bar. A sumptuous buffet breakfast is served in the Baleraric Restaurant.

PLAY Guests are spoilt for choice for nearby golfing action, with four superb 18-hole courses – Pula, Canyamel, Capdepera and Son Servera – all within 15 minutes of the hotel. The prize includes rounds at Pula – a stunning 6,800-yard parkland course that hosted the ■ PULA GOLF CLUB European Tour’s Mallorca Classic in 2004, which was won by Sergio Garcia – and Son Servera, the second oldest course on the island, which was extended to 18 holes in 2012. The hotel has a golf concierge service, which will advise guests on where to play, make bookings and organise transfers. Further rounds can be booked at competitive rates for those who want to extend their stay.

■ SON SERVERA

For more details on breaks to the Park Hyatt Mallorca visit

TO ENTER

THE PRIZE

Please answer the question below, and email it to: info@golfnews.co.uk with ‘PARK HYATT MALLORCA competition’ in the subject line. Please include your name, address and contact telephone number, and details of where you picked up your copy of Golf News. The closing date for entries is May 31, 2017. The prize must be taken before March 31, 2018. Dates are subject to availability, and the prize cannot be taken during July, August or September. Flights are not included.

www.mallorca.park.hyatt.com or call 00 34 871 811234 A 2-night stay on a half-board basis at the Park Hyatt Mallorca in a twin or double room, with a complimentary three-course dinner in the Tapas Bar, two complimentary spa treatments, and courtesy green fees for two players at Pula Golf Club and Son Servera Golf Club.

Q. WHO WON THE MALLORCA CLASSIC HELD AT PULA GOLF CLUB IN 2004?

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: All bookings are subject to availability. The prize is valid until 31st March 2018, excluding July, August and September.

A. MIGUEL ANGEL JIMENEZ

B. SERGIO GARCIA

C. JOSÉ MARIA OLAZABAL

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TRAVEL | APRIL 2017

[87]

ME&MYTRAVELS

TV sports presenter Hazel Irvine will have more time to play golf in her beloved Scotland after stepping down from hosting coverage of the sport for the BBC for the past nine years late-afternoon tee time, practically ran round it whilst soaking in the views, hit at least two balls over the cliffs, but still managed to finish the 18th by playing a luminous ball in the semi-darkness! Magic! My favourite golf resort is… Gleneagles. Tranquility, peace, and golfing gorgeousness.

■ 5TH HOLE AT CARDROSS

My first holiday was… around Scotland with my Mum, Dad and brother. We were very much an outdoors family and loved camping and caravanning. I remember some great times and great places all over the West Coast of Scotland and, yes, I remember a lot of sunshine, as well as rain too! I always travel with… photographs of my

family, my laptop and a travel steamer. I hate ironing!

beyond sport. I also love the Queen’s Course at Gleneagles.

My most recent holiday was to… New Zealand to re-aquaint our daughter with the rellies Down Under.

My ideal holiday fourball would include… my husband, Dad and Nancy Lopez. I’ve had the good fortune to meet her several times and she’s never been less than inspiring.

My favourite golf course in the world is… my home course, Cardross, which is about 20 miles north west of Glasgow. Running it close would be the Old Course at St Andrews.

■ NANCY LOPEZ

I was born in the town and went to university there, and there is something magical about it. It's great to think of all the players who've been round it. The whole place goes far

My most memorable ever round was at… Pebble Beach, where we could only get a

The best hotel I’ve ever stayed at was… not really a hotel, but a wilderness camp in the Namibian desert.

■ PEBBLE BEACH

would burn me out pretty quickly! I’m planning a trip to… Cornwall. I’ve never been, and it’ll be great to throw all of the family’s junk into the car and just potter down there in our own time.

My favourite city in the world is… Hong Kong. I love its energy and excitement. I’m not sure I could live there though, as it

The thing I hate about travel is... security checks – but I’m also glad they’re there. The worst holiday I’ve ever had was…whilst hiking in the Alps. I got food poisoning halfway along the route. Very dodgy! My top travel tip would be… always take a cache of Dioralyte powders in your wash bag. See above!

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