GolfNews August 2013 by Golf News

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Issue 224 | August 2013

TOM LEWIS

INTERVIEWS: LEE WESTWOOD JASON DUFNER GEORGIE BINGHAM

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August 2013 / Issue 224

Love Golf?

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Tiger’s charge comes unstuck

nd so another year slips by without Tiger Woods adding to the ‘W’ column on his Major CV. Another year where he failed to make any inroads into what is increasingly looking like an unreachable target of overhauling Jack Nicklaus’s iconic record. On current form, it’s hard to see where one or two Major wins are going to come from, let alone the five that he still requires. Given that his last Major came at the US Open in 2008, on that win-to-years ratio he’ll be in his mid-60s before he reaches his lifetime’s goal.

There was a time when I prayed that anyone but Tiger would win a Major. In the middle of his hot streak around the turn of the century we’d run out of superlatives and original headlines with which to describe his brilliance. We were desperate to find someone to challenge his dominance, which was in danger of turning golf into a one-man show, albeit a brilliant one-man show. But all sport requires genuine competition in order to make it interesting, and Woods’s widemargin wins, as witnessed in his seven-shot stroll in the World Golf Championships earlier

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this month, turn tournaments into processions, which noone really enjoys watching. Sport survives and thrives on its unpredictability, and, in a game as slow moving as golf, predictability is the enemy. But oh how Tiger must wish for his game to be predictable. To win 14 times in the last five years, and for not one of them to be a Major, almost defies the odds. It certainly defies expectation, and no-one more than Tiger expects. So here’s hoping that we see normal service resumed, and soon, as there’s no finer sight than a Tiger on the charge.

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News in Brief ALBERT ON THE MARK Not many golfers use a driver on a par-three hole, but it didn’t stop Kent junior Albert Whymark from achieving a hole-in-one at Chesfield Lakes Golf Club last month. The youngster was representing his home club in the Junior Langley League on July 25, when he aced the 205-yard second hole on the championship course using his one-wood.

EFFINGHAM CHARITY DAY Effingham Golf Club’s inaugural Charity Ladies Golf Day is secheuedl to take place on October 2, to raise funds for the Eve Appeal, a gynaecological cancer charity. The day at the historic Surrey parkland venue will include a light breakfast followed by a four-player team competition, prize ceremony and two-course lunch. Full day tickets are priced at £75, with rates of £35 for Effingham members and £30 for lunch-only attendees. To register for the event, contact Alice Barley on 020 7605 0100 or email alice.barley@eveappeal.org.uk.

MILL HILL PASS FINAL TEST Mill Hill won the Independent Schools Golf National Plate Finals after beating eight other teams at The Shire, London. Schools attended the finals after earning their spot in the plate rounds of the main knockout competition. The best teacher of the day was Steve Roberts from Reading Blue Coat with 37 points, while the best boy in the competition, helping Mill Hill to victory, was Rishi Khiroya with an impressive 49 points. The top girl was Sam Leigh from St Catherines.

SIXTH WIN FOR ENGLAND GIRLS An inexperienced England team won the Girls’ Home Internationals for the sixth year in a row despite losing to Ireland in the final round of matches played at St Annes Old Links in Lancashire. The England team consisted of Gabriella Cowley (Brocket Hall), Olivia Winning (Rotherham), Annabel Dimmock (Wentworth), Sammy Fuller (Roehampton), Alice Hewson (Berkhamsted), Sophie Keech (Parkstone), Sophie Lamb (Clitheroe) and Sophie Madden (West Essex). Scotland, the only team which could have caught them, also lost on the last day to Wales – meaning England’s earlier wins over Wales and Scotland were enough to retain the title.

August 2013 / Issue 224

Cherkley Court development awaits judge’s final verdict Campaigners opposed to the development of a luxury hotel and golf course at Cherkley Court near Leatherhead, Surrey, are awaiting a High Court judge’s verdict after presenting their case at a judicial review. The Cherkley Campaign took legal action to contest Mole Valley District Council’s decision to approve developer Longshot’s plans for the Leatherhead estate. Lawyers representing the environmental campaigners questioned whether Surrey needed another golf course after revealing it already had 141. The group also told the three-day court hearing that the plans would cause irreparable damage to the green belt landscape of the North Downs. Andy Smith, chairman of the Surrey branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, said the judge’s verdict would have ‘farreaching consequences’. He added: “We are hopeful that our arguments will have persuaded the judge that the district council made an error, or rather a series of errors, in their decisionmaking process. It was, in our view, a fundamentally-flawed decision and could have been avoided if only the council had paid attention to the environmental arguments. They rushed through the decision to give planning permission last year and that was a big mistake.”

Barham goes low at Dartford He continued: “The councillors went against the advice of their planning officers who produced a very detailed report recommending refusal of the planning application. Why on earth didn’t councillors listen to the experts? They could have avoided this whole legal battle if they had listened. Whichever way the High Court decision goes, and we might not know for a few weeks yet, it will have farreaching consequences – not just for Mole Valley.” The 375-acre site, where press baron Lord Beaverbrook lived until his death in 1964, was closed to the public in 2009, before being bought for £20m by Longshot, which is owned by partners Joel Cadbury and Ollie Vigors, with a view to transforming the site into a golf course with an exclusive membership, along with a luxury hotel, health spa, cookery school and restaurants. Councillors granted planning permission for the change of use with the understanding it would reopen the grounds to the public and create new jobs. Despite campaigners’

protests, the district council and Longshot believe there were no legal flaws when permission was granted in April 2012. Longshot spokesman Nick Kilby said: “The judge took the case as seriously as you would hope in the circumstances. We remain confident that our case is as strong as it has always been. They have had their day in court, and we are now looking forward to judgment falling on our side.” A decision is expected to be made by Mr Justice Haddon-Cave within the next few weeks. In the meantime, the development at Cherkley Court will continue in accordance with the restrictions of the injunction, which allows work to be undertaken to the early stages of construction of the golf course in the northern parkland. The planned course would be a co-design between fivetime Open champion Tom Watson and David McLay Kidd, whose most prestigious recent projects include The Castle Course at St Andrews and the ultra-exclusive Queenwood in Surrey.

Linekar’s hole-in-one is pure Gold! West Ham Football Club chairman David Gold witnessed only the second hole-in-one ever achieved on his private golf course in Surrey last month. The multi-millionaire former publisher, who has a 19-hole course laid out within the grounds of his home in Caterham, was playing alongside his friend, Graham Linekar, who bagged the ace during a private game there last month. The first person to have achieved the same feat was actor Robert Powell, who aced the 15th during a charity day in 1999. The ultra-exclusive, if slightly roughly-built course, is laid out around Gold’s 19th-century mansion, which he bought as a near ruin in 1998. The self-designed layout features one more hole than standard in order to finish as near to the house as possible – which despite its impressive size, Gold has called ‘The Chalet’.

In another break with design convention, the par-70 course features 10 greens, with the fifth tee used for four different holes. In other quirks, the fifth hole is only 177 yards long, but is marked on the card as a par four, as is the 11th, which is only 172 yards. The 602-yard sixth hole doubles up as a landing strip for Gold’s four-seater Cessna 182 Turbo jet, which he flies himself, while a helicopter landing pad is located adjacent to the 19th green. Although the course is occasionally used for corporate events, Gold generally prefers to play with his brother and one or two friends. On very cold days, the 76-year-old entrepreneur has taken to playing the course using his four-wheel drive Grand Cherokee as substitute golf buggy. “It’s the advantage of owning your own course,” says Gold. “I had a chat with the club’s chairman to see whether it would be acceptable and he said fine.”

David Gold (left) and his private golf course

Former European Tour player Benn Barham shot four birdies in the last four holes to win the Dartford Pro-Am with a flawless seven-under par 62. The King’s Hill pro’s performance earned him a cool £1,000, leaving Jack Harrison’s 65 in second spot, while Andy Raitt took third with a bogey-free 66. Busy with a full coaching diary, Barham had played in the previous five Pro-Am events, but wasn’t overly happy with his performances. Checking his swing on video revealed a couple of things needing correction, and his 62 proved his analysis was correct. “I made some changes and played very solidly at Dartford,” he said. “It’s a tight course, where you’ve got to be in the right positions to make a score.” Barham’s last round at Dartford was in a junior match which, as he recalled, he was keen to finish in order to watch Nick Faldo on his way to a five-shot victory at The Open at St. Andrew’s in 1990. Barham’s sights are now firmly fixed on the PGA Cup at De Vere Slaley Hall, where he will be joined by three other southern stars – David Callaway, Jonathan Barnes and Richard Wallis – in the GB&I team to face a strong American team. “I’m really looking forward to the PGA cup,” he said. “Four players from the region are in the side, and I want to do my bit to help the GB&I team win.”

Shinkwin seals English title Callum Shinkwin became the first Hertfordshire player to win the English Amateur Championship since Nick Faldo in 1975, after securing the title at rain-swept Frilford Heath Golf Club in Oxfordshire. The 21-year-old from Moor Park took the title with a convincing 4&3 victory over Sheffield’s Matthew Fitzpatrick in the 36-hole final. Fitzpatrick was the bookmaker’s favourite after winning the Silver Medal at last month’s Open Championship, but it was Shinkwin who played the better golf on the day and deserved his success, which put him firmly in the running for the place in the GB&I Walker Cup team, which will be announced later this month. Shinkwin laid the foundation for his victory in the morning when he went round in 68, going into lunch three up. He extended his lead to four with a birdie at the 20th hole, and stretched it to five at the very next hole, after Fitzpatrick drove into trees and put his second through the green. After giving a hole back, Shinkwin went five-up for the second time at the 28th where Fitzpatrick again tangled with the trees, but he won the next when Shinkwin missed the green right at the 182-yard hole and failed to get up-anddown. But the end was in sight. As the rain returned for the second time on the 32nd, Fitzpatrick’s par putt stayed above ground, and Shinkwin secured the half he needed for the title. “This win means a lot because it means my name is there alongside some famous ones,” said Shinkwin. “Matt wasn’t firing on all cylinders, but I played so well in the morning round to score a bogey-free 68. I was disappointed not to qualify last year, while I lost in the semi-finals two years ago, so this makes up for that. Despite being three holes up at lunch, I couldn’t afford to relax because I knew Matt would come out hard in the afternoon. After we had the rain, the greens were more receptive, which meant I could fire into them and I holed putts when I needed to.”

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Fitzpatrick had stormed his way into the final with some large wins, but he took his defeat on the chin. “Worse things happen,” he said. “I didn’t play as well today as in previous rounds, and I didn’t putt as well. The defeat is hard to take but I’ve had a fantastic week. But I’m not taking anything away from Callum. He played better.”

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August 2013 / Issue 224

Prince’s revives 27-hole Pro-Am pairs event

The long-awaited return of the PGA Prince’s 27 got off to a terrific start, with Cooden Beach professional Paul Nessling (above) and his amateur partner Gary Begbe triumphing in a unique three nines format around the former Open venue with an eight-under-par total of 99. Playing over 27 holes in a Pro-Am pairs format of one PGA professional and one amateur, 38 pairings played foursomes on Prince’s Shore nine holes, followed by greensomes over the Dunes nine, and finally a better ball around the Himalayas nine. Nessling and Begbe reeled off no fewer than five birdies on their last nine, enabling Nessling to pick up the winner’s cheque for £500 and Begbe a brand new GoKart electric trolley, as well as surpassing their nearest rivals. Based on an event played some 10 years ago, Kent pros Benn Barham and Paul Stuart

decided to revive the format in memory of David Silvester, one of the most popular supporters of the PGA and the sponsor of the original tournament who sadly died from motor neurone disease in 2010. Barham is ambitious for the future of the new event, which will be called the David Silvester Memorial Trophy. He said: “For this year we wanted to keep things relatively low key, as there’s a lot to learn about an event with three different playing arrangements, let alone playing it over three different nines. It’s been very successful, and we are now confident that we can develop it into a bigger event with a major sponsor, so that the prize fund reflects the status we want this tournament to have within the schedule. David was a fantastic supporter of the PGA and besides sponsoring the original event, he followed myself and several others on the Tour, played in several pro-ams every year, and was an all-round top guy.”

Michelini claims South Of England Amateur Rising Italian amateur star Riccardo Michelini won the South of England Open Amateur Championship after recording rounds of 71, 73, 71 and 70, for a thee-under par total of 285, over the testing Old and New courses at Walton Heath Golf Club in Surrey. The tall 19-year-old from Modena, who looks certain to earn a place in next month’s Walker Cup, finished four shots clear of Alasdair Dalgliesh and Ryan Evans, who both finished on one over par for the championship. “I played a very smooth game,” said the winner, who closed out the tournament with three birdies on the back nine of the final round. “I started well in the first round, and I limited the

Riccardo Michelini

damage in the second in what were very difficult playing conditions, with really strong winds. In the end it was just a case of hanging in there, and letting the others make mistakes.” Michelini, who won the 2010 Boys’ Match Play Championship, is currently in the first year of a golf scholarship at San Diego State University in California. “After the European Championships, I’m going back to America for the second year of university,” he said. “It’s a good way to combine studying and sports. I’m playing in the college golf team and this is helping me improve a lot in all aspects of my game.”

Survey reveals ways to reduce slow play Slow play could be eradicated if golf course operators communicated clearer guidelines to golfers before their round, according to new survey. A series of visits by 59Club, Europe’s leading golf-specific mystery shopper service, has concluded that UK golf clubs fail to satisfactorily communicate their expectations to golfers, with only 19 per cent of golf clubs providing details of the time it should take to play 18 holes before the start of a round, or indicating how long it should take to reach a certain point on the course.

Last year, a survey revealed that 80 per cent of golfers identified slow play as an issue, with one fifth suggesting it would deter them from playing. Consequently, Simon Wordsworth, chief executive at 59Club and a fellow of the PGA, believes the results of his company’s survey – which come from data collated over nearly 500 ‘mystery’ visits – indicate golf clubs are not doing enough to confront these issues. Wordsworth said: “Every golf governing body and trade

organisation seems to have an opinion on the pace-of-play debate. However, golf course operators must take responsibility for communicating their individual polices to their customers. “The key message to club managers is if you don’t communicate to your customers, how can you expect them to behave in a particular way, fairly enforce any policy, and therefore allow them to enjoy their experience to the full – thus increasing chances of return business? In general, golf management pays too little attention to customer touch points, both before arrival, during the day and post-event, thus missing out on so many vital opportunities to enhance the golfer’s experience.”

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August 2013 / Issue 224

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Join Sussex’s top pros at Sweetwoods The 67th Sussex Open Championship, which is taking place at Sweetwoods Park Golf Club near East Grinstead on September 30-October 1, is inviting entries from leading amateur golfers from the region for the first time. The tournament is being organised by the PGA in Sussex, with the assistance of the Sussex County Golf Union, and amateurs who want to register to play alongside the region’s top professional should call 01483 224200 or e-mail felicity.kinge@pga.org.uk. This year, the top ten amateurs in the Sussex County Order of Merit are guaranteed entry paid for by the county and will also be guaranteed to play the first and second rounds of the 36-hole stroke play event, regardless of the cut. There will be a minimum first prize for the PGA Professionals of £500, along with some excellent prizes for the highest-placed amateurs, courtesy of Titleist & FootJoy. Captain of the Sussex County Golf Union Alan Covey was delighted with the new arrangements that enable the county’s top amateurs to compete against their PGA counterparts, and

especially with the automatic entry of the top ten in the County’s Order of Merit. “This new arrangement is a major innovation for the Sussex Open Championship, and aimed at encouraging our best amateurs to test their skills against Sussex’s top PGA professionals,” he said. “A further innovation is giving the top ten amateurs in the first round an exemption from the cut, thereby creating some wonderful opportunities to extend the experience.” Sam Smith, secretary of the PGA in Sussex, was pleased with the new arrangements. He said: “Our region has some of the best players in the UK, and we are sure that the best amateur golfers in Sussex and elsewhere will want to see how they measure up. We are also very appreciative of the generous gesture by Sweetwood Park’s owner Martin Long to host this famous championship at his course, where the test will be stern and the conditions excellent.” The Sussex Open will be preceded by the Sweetwoods Park Pro-Am, which will be held on September 29, with all entries being made directly to the club.

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News in Brief LEWTON GOES LOW AT ALDWICKBURY Woburn’s Stephen Lewton set a new course record of 64 at Aldwickbury Park Golf Club en route to a three-shot victory in the latest Jamega Tour event. The seven-under score smashed the previous Park course record by three shots. A final round 70 – which also included five birdies – was good enough to seal victory in the 36-hole event.

PENGE CLAIMS DOUGLAS JOHNS Worthing’s Marco Penge, the newly-crowned U16 champion, won the Douglas Johns Trophy in impressive fashion on August 1, after carding rounds of 65 and 69 at Harewood Downs. The plus-three handicapper won the tournament, which is regarded as the unofficial England U15s Championship, by three shots from Arrun Singh-Brar.

THOMAS ON TOP AT EASTBOURNE Mannings Heath’s Thomas Thurloway won the Sussex Boys Championship after shooting scores of 71 and 71 at Eastbourne Downs to win the Championship by five shots from Daniel Godin (Chartham Park). The four-handicapper will now represent Sussex in the English Boys Champion of Champions at Woodhall Spa on September 14.

LAMB SLAUGHTERS COOPER RIVALS Northumberland’s Matty Lamb won the Sir Henry Cooper Junior Masters after shooting a six-under par total of 282 over four rounds at Nizels Golf Club in Kent. The 15-year-old England international from Hexham returned subpar figures for his last three rounds to win by two shots from Windermere’s Adam Chapman.

TASTY RESULTS IN HAMBURGER Girl internationals Alice Hewson (Berkhamsted) and Sophie Madden (West Essex) took part in the European Young Masters tournament at Hamburger Golf Club in Germany last month, with Hewson faring best in ninth place. The boys’ event was won by 15-year-old Bradley Moore from Derbyshire, with Marco Penge finishing fourth.

August 2013 / Issue 224

Sparkling Webb reigns supreme to beat Buckinghamshire rivals A rare opportunity to see some of the best women golfers in the world in action in the home counties proved a big draw at The Buckinghamshire Golf Club last month, where sizeable crowds turned up to watch the ISPS Handa Ladies European Masters. Golf fans from all over the region flocked to the picturesque parkland course to see Solheim Cup stars from both sides of the Atlantic take part in the 54-hole tournament, which proved a big draw for players who were heading on up to St Andrews the following week to take part in the

Ricoh Women’s British Open at St Andrews. And the conditions at the Buckinghamshire provided a suitably challenging warmup to those preparing for Scotland, as high winds on the final day ensured that the players had to be on their mettle. And after three days of intense competition, it was 38-year-old Australian Karrie Webb who took the prestigious title, shooting a final-round 65 in windy conditions to bag her third win of the season. He impressive round included two eagles at par-five holes. Webb came from three strokes behind the overnight

Monty on course for Woburn showdown Colin Montgomerie will hope to continue his impressive record over the Duke’s Course at Woburn Golf Club, after confirming that he will make his debut in the Travis Perkins plc Senior Masters, from August 30 – September 1. The Scot, who turned 50 in June, made his first appearance in the senior ranks in the US Senior Open Championship, where he finished 30th, and followed that up with a tied 21st in last month’s Senior Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. Montgomerie will take his place in the field for the 13th edition of the £300,000 Travis Perkins plc Senior Masters, over the Duke’s Course where he has an impressive record. The 2010 European Ryder Cup captain was runner-up and third on his last two appearances over the Duke’s Course, in the 1999 and 2000 Victor Chandler British Masters respectively. He was also third on the Duke’s Course in the Dunhill British Masters in 1994 and tenth in 1993, and he will now look to extend that record by attempting to become the second Ryder Cup Captain after Mark James to win the Travis Perkins plc Senior Masters. “I’m really looking forward to returning to Woburn at the end of August for one of the biggest events on the European Senior Tour schedule,” he said. “Woburn is a wonderful venue and one that I have always enjoyed playing, so it will be great to go back and hopefully I will have a great week.” His Grace, the Duke of Bedford, owner of Woburn Golf Club, said: “We look forward to welcoming the European Senior Tour back to Woburn. It is great news that Colin Montgomerie will be playing in what will undoubtedly be a very exciting tournament with several other Senior Tour rookies also in the field.” Last year’s tournament attracted record crowds of nearly 23,000 people to the Duke’s Course, as Irishman Des Smyth held off the challenge of 2011 Order of Merit winner Peter Fowler and James to win the title for a second time in three years. Tickets are on sale now for the Travis Perkins plc Senior Masters via www.europeantour.com/tickets, which is offering a 50 per cent discount on the gate price of £10 for a daily pass and £20 for a season pass.

leaders to finish one ahead of South Africa’s Ashleigh Simon in a nail-biting finish to the tournament that drew sizeable numbers to the Denham-based venue, which is also home to the Ladies European Tour. Having signed for a threeround total of 16-under-par, Webb watched nervously beside the signature par-three 18th hole to determine whether Simon or Germany’s Caroline Masson could birdie it to force a play-off. Neither could, so Webb claimed a cheque for €60,000 and a diamond bracelet from Buckinghamshire Golf Club member Laurence Blunt.

Karrie Webb

Speaking after her victory, Webb said: “I came over here to get some tournament rounds under my belt; get some confidence going; get into the time zone and acclimatise to the British conditions, so to win is just the icing on the cake. Two eagles are a great boost when conditions are tough.” American Christina Kim shared fourth spot with Sandra Gal after holing out to

a great roar for an ace at the final hole. Woburn’s Charley Hull, chasing vital Solheim Cup points, excited the home fans with an equally impressive eagle on the 17th, after driving the 313-yard green and knocking in a putt from 12 feet. She was the leading British player with a share of ninth place, while veterans Trish Johnson and Laura Davies finished tied 12th and 27th respectively.

Essendon proves up to the mark Essendon Country Club in Hertfordshire has been awarded England Golf’s coveted Golf Mark High Achiever Accreditation. The award identifies Essendon as one of England’s most beginner-friendly clubs, and recognises the lengths to which it has gone to make its facilities open to all. “Essendon not only goes the extra mile to ensure the success of its club, community, and its members, but also contributes to the future of our sport,” said Emma Whitlock, community development officer for Herts Golf. “I am proud to be working with a club that is as proactive as this, and it will be a pleasure to be able to continue this link in the future.” Kieran Griffin, one of Essendon’s co-owners, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded Golf Mark status, as it recognises all the hard work we have done over the last 12 months to make Essendon an attractive place to learn to play golf. However, this is only just a start. We hope to build on this in the future and ensure that Essendon is recognised as one of the most user-friendly golf clubs in the country.” The club, which was formerly known as Hatfield London Golf Club, was bought by the Griffin family in 2011. It features two courses, the 6,808-yard Fred Hawtree-designed Old and the 6,938yard New, a 9-hole pitch and putt course, and is currently expanding its practice facilities. “The new practice ground is the latest phase in our long term plan to turn Essendon into Hertfordshire’s most popular family golf club,” said Mr Griffin. “We have already done a great deal of work upgrading both the Old and the New courses, and that will continue as time goes on. We have also set out to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere at the club, and it seems to have struck a chord with both members and visitors alike. Membership is up by 70% over the last six months, and green fee business has increased by 50%, so we’re clearly on the right track.”

Firing Blanks scoop Faldo Wedge A wedge once teams from all over used by Nick the county. Faldo to win one The team was of his three Open then put forward to Championships represent Essex in proved a suitably the Junior Champion inspiring prize Club tournament at for trio of young Woodhall Spa, where golfers from they finished 25th The Channels team with the prized Faldo Wedge Channels Golf Club out of 29 teams after in Essex. two rounds on the Teenage brothers Henry challengers, The Warren, by renowned Bracken Course. and Callum Blanks, and four points. An impressive 42 The trophy itself is a wedge 10-year-old Lily May won the points by 13-year-old Callum that Faldo used when he won prestigious Faldo Wedge, earned him the individual the Open Championship at an 18-hole Stableford team prize, pipping his 15-year-old St Andrews in 1990, which event for under-18s, for the elder brother by just a single was acquired by the Essex first time in Channels’ history. point. Golf Union in 1994, with The three players recorded The event, which was held the intention of using it to a combined score of 120 at Three Rivers Golf & Country inspire boys and girls to play points, beating their nearest Club on July 25, attracted 37 competitive golf.

August 2013 / Issue 224

Rose inspires Goodwood’s next generation Newly-crowned US Open Champion Justin Rose made a surprise appearance at Goodwood’s first Golf Academy open day last month, delighting many of his young fans who were thrilled to see their golfing idol. The new world No.3 – and Goodwood golf ambassador – joined the PGA coaching team for the event to give more than 12 families, including 23 children, a truly memorable day at the West Sussex venue. Rose, who was taking a well-earned break with his young family at Goodwood before travelling back to America to compete in the US PGA Championship,has been providing invaluable

Chris Gane will be a valuable addition to Left Handed Golf’s new operation at Silvermere

centre of excellence as the future of the club is a great way of developing some wonderful talent in the south of England.” Twenty-three children aged from four to 12 years old took part in the one-day event designed to encourage youngsters into the sport. Led by academy Rose and Ryan Fenwick manager Ryan Fenwick, the day featured a help to the estate’s golfing series of activities, including team in promoting its junior Tri Golf clubs and balls, programme since taking up putting, chipping, tutored the ambassadorial role earlier coaching session and family this year. competitions. “Goodwood is a wonderful Each child received a environment in which to certificate and prizes were play golf. The setting is awarded for the winners of inspirational,“ said Rose. each activity, with a star prize “The attitude of the club to of a Goodwood flag signed cultivate juniors and create a by Justin Rose.

EAST EASES TO U18S TITLE Castle Royle’s Michael East won the BB&O’s Junior Championship by two shots from Tom Butterworth at a rain-soaked Buckinghamshire Golf Club. His two-under par morning round was the best of the day, and he followed it up with an impressive 74 in the afternoon played in torrential rain, which nearly caused it to be abandoned. East also took the U16s Trophy by 11 shots, while Jack Broome (Frilford Heath) picked up the Handicap Trophy.

BRISTOW ON TARGET AT ST AUGUSTINES

Harrison pushes Cort to the wire Leicestershire’s Matthew Cort had to save his best until last in the Powerade PGA Assistants’ Championship at Coventry Golf Club to secure his place in the record books. The 38-year-old PGA assistant from Rothley Park began the final round level with Surrey’s Jack Harrison on 10-under par, after twice negotiating the par 73 course in five-under. And given the intensity of the challenge from his 22-year-old rival from Wildwood Golf and Country Club, he had to top that with a final round of six-under to claim the £5,000 winner’s cheque. In doing so, Cort became the first to win what is the PGA’s oldest title three times – an achievement beyond Ryder cup stars Dai Rees and Harry Weetman who both claimed it twice. Cort’s two previous triumphs – both at East Sussex National – had been secured by six and Jack Harrison

two stroke advantages. By contrast, in what effectively became a matchplay contest with the protagonists trading birdies, this latest success was in doubt until the final hole. Having enjoyed a high-octane start with an eagle at the par-five first to strike an early blow, Cort found himself a stroke adrift when he bogeyed the sixth. Parity was restored two holes later and remained until Cort birdied the 14th to go one-up. Come the 17th the gap had increased to three, following a three-putt from Harrison at the 15th and another birdie from Cort at the 16th. Game over, it appeared. That is until Cort recorded a bogey at the par-three 17th. Then with Harrison signing off with a birdie to reduce the deficit to one, Cort was left with a tap-in putt for his par to secure victory, which he duly did. Cort’s efforts have also qualified him for the Titleist PGA Play-Offs at Turkey’s Antalya Golf Club in November, where a field of 24 leading PGA pros will compete for a number of European and Challenge Tour starts. Harrison, meanwhile, was left to reflect on having to settle for second place. “If someone had offered me a score of five-under at the start of the day, I’d have snapped their hand off,” he said. “It was nip and tuck the whole way, and am not unhappy finishing second.”

SOUTH WEALD UP FOR SALE South Weald Golf Course in Essex, which was controversially closed in 2012, before reopening as a pay-and-play course earlier this year, has now been put up for sale for a guide price of £1.75 million. Originally opened in 1994, the Brentwood-based venue was operated successfully for four years by the owners, who then granted a five-year lease to the American Golf Corporation. The owner then resumed direct control until 2010 when a further lease was granted to a tenant. In October 2012, the tenant’s ill health resulted in closure of the course and termination of the lease. The freeholders reopened the course in the spring and it currently operates on a pay-and-play basis. However, the owner is now planning to retire, and is offering the course for sale either as a going concern or for alternative use. “South Weald Golf Course is an attractive, established golf course with an affluent catchment area,” said Ian Simpson, a director at Savills, the agents handling the sale. “These characteristics have been recognised by various golf club operators in the past, and were demonstrated by past trading performance. The site will, however, also appeal to entrepreneurial developers, who could pursue various alternative development opportunities for the land and buildings, which rarely come available in this location.”

News in Brief

Gane quits Tour to join Left Handed Golf Kent-based tour pro Chris Gane has decided to shelve his ambitions to win his card back on the European Tour – for now – in favour of a more settled lifestyle with his young family. The experienced 38-year-old left-hander enjoyed three spells on the European Tour, graduating each time from the Challenge Tour rankings, but found it difficult to build momentum with so few starts, as well as coping with the demands of a young family. Last season yielded just eight starts on the European Tour, which resulted in six missed cuts and best-placed 54th in the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles, none of which helped pay the bills. So the Sundridge Park-based professional is now preparing to turn his back on the Tour and join the staff at Left Handed Golf’s new operation at Silvermere Leisure in Cobham, where he will be working alongside the company’s founder, PGA Professional Terry Simms, who recently moved the business from Kingswood Golf Club to its new home at one of the region’s most popular golf venues. “I’ve decided to take a step back from touring, as the knock-on effect of my lower ranking, and the demands of my family, mean that I needed to find something else to do,” said Gane. “I’ve had an association with Left Handed Golf during my time on Tour, and with their recent expansion, it seemed like an opportunity too good to miss.” As well as coaching, and offering advice on all aspects of the game, Gane will also be keeping his game sharp through competing on the PGA South Region’s Order of Merit, which has already yielded some positive results this summer. He enjoyed a joint victory in the recent Copthorne Pro-Am, where he shot 69 to share the first prize, and victory for him at the Farnham Charity Pro-Am, where he shot a seven-under par 65. “I still love playing and thoroughly enjoy competing,” said Gane. “Visiting the great courses that the South Region has to showcase, and having the opportunity to play them in their best condition, has led to me enjoying my golf again. The result is that I have been posting a few decent scores. “However, the nicest change for me is being in my own bed every night and getting to see my family every day – a luxury you miss while travelling the globe! I have not ruled out the possibility of returning to Qualifying School at some point in the future, but at this moment in time I couldn’t be happier with my position, and I’m looking forward to helping Terry drive forward the business at Silvermere.”

Etchinghill youngster Joshua Bristow won the Kent Junior U12s Championship by four shots after he fired rounds of 61 and 65 for a 12-under par total at St Augustines Golf Club in Ramsgate. His morning round included eight birdies and an eagle. Sidcup’s Tom O’Reilly finished second with two 65s.

KENT HUNT FOR NEW SECRETARY The Kent Golf Union is currently looking to replace John Young as County Secretary, as he is retiring after three years at the helm in March next year. Those interested in applying for the role should do so via the Kent Golf Union’s website, www.kentgolf.org.

WARD WINS SE JUNIOR TITLE Brocket Hall’s Nick Ward won the South East Junior Championship by four shots after shooting rounds of 71 and 68 at a sun-drenched Sundridge Park in Kent. Runner-up was Lucca Horwitz (Burhill) with George Dale Chart Hills) taking third after scoring a second round 68. Jordan  Flynn (Burhill) won the under 16s’ prize.

HARPER ACES PAR-FOUR HOLE A rare hole-in-one on a par four was achieved by Cobtree Manor member Joey Harper during the Maidstone-based venue’s club championship. The plus-one handicapper’s ace came at the 278yard 14th hole, which he reached with a 3-wood. Harper, who is a graduate of the Sussex Golf College and a member of the Kent county squad, won a limited edition Hugo Boss watch for his efforts, courtesy of the Boss Watch Hole-in-One Club promotion currently running in the UK.

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August 2013 / Issue 224

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August 2013 / Issue 224

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Wallis retains Surrey Open title Richard Wallis made a successful defence of his PGA Surrey Open title after shooting a 10-under-par 130 around Richmond Park to win one of the PGA’s most historic trophies by three shots. After a solid first round of four under par, Wallis decided the target was 10-under and used his driver nine times in an aggressive approach to making birdies. Two-under at the turn, and six-under overall, Wallis finished very strongly, with an early birdie at the 12th, afollowed by birdies at the 15th, 16th and 18th. After picking up the trophy, a magnum of Lanson Champagne, and a cheque for £1,750, Wallis said: “I don’t like giving back trophies! I played well, but the key for me was yardage and distance control. The fairways were quite fiery, while the greens were quite soft, so it wasn’t easy to keep making birdie opportunities out there.” He added: “I missed a couple of greens second time round, but I only had two bogeys in 36 holes. I knew I had to be patient and keep giving myself as many chances as possible, and I was really pleased to finish strongly..” With a creditable second place, and a new official course record under his belt, Jordan Godwin (Rochester & Cobham) had led after the first round with a terrific seven-under-par 63. He acknowledged that in the second round he had misjudged the yardage once too often, but was pleased with the overall result. “I was happy with the way I played,” he said. “For the second round

I was aiming at level par or better, and while I’d have liked a few more birdies, I learnt a lot about myself over the back nine.” Jon Dummett, Director of Golf at Richmond Park, was more than happy with way the venue stood up under tournament conditions. “We were delighted to be chosen to host such a high profile event. The significant improvements we’re making to the Duke’s and Prince’s courses, along with the new clubhouse facilities, means Richmond Park is now in a position to host events of this scale. There’s great history behind the tournament and Richmond Park, and the event was a great way to mark the course’s 90th anniversary.”

Copthorne quartet share the spoils

Jones on course for Westwood Tour final

Four southern stars found themselves in complete alignment after finishing tied for first place in the Copthorne Pro-Am. James Ablett (Lee-on-Solent), Glen Haynes (Wildwood), Chris Gane (Left Handed Golf) and Ian Golding (Banstead Downs) all shot two-under-par 69s to share victory at the West Sussex venue. With the only other player to break par being the newly James Ablett re-crowned PGA Surrey Open champion Richard Wallis, all four players took home their £502 share of the winner’s prize fund. Ablett said: “It was nice to be the leader in the clubhouse, even if it was only for about 20 minutes! But it’s my third win of the season, I’m fourth in the 2013 Money List, and I’ve made the top five in the last eight regional Pro-Ams. All I’ve got to do is make things happen in the PGA South Order of Merit events.” Having taken up a new position at the Chichester Golf Centre, Haynes was delighted with his first win of the season, commenting: “I’m busier than ever now with the coaching, but it’s great to prove to myself that I can still win!”

Reigate Heath junior Sam Jones is well on his way to booking himself a place in the UK final of the Lee Westwood Golf Tour after winning backto-back qualifying events on the tour’s South East region. The 14-year-old, who began the series playing off a 17 handicap, won his first event at Seaford with a nett 60 and then repeated the feat at Piltdown, where he carded a nett 63 off a new handicap of 14. He is now joint top points scorer in the region and has a live chance of going forward to compete in the Lee Westwood Tour Players Championships at Gainsborough, home of key sponsor Ping UK’s national fitting facility. The five overall winners will enjoy a weeklong trip to the Lee Westwood Golf School in Florida, where

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Westwood lives. Jones, who only started playing 18 months ago, is being coached by Reigate Heath’s head pro Alaitatir Welsher (pictured), under whose guidance he has progressed from a 36 handicap to his current mark of 12. Last month he was invited to compete in the Ian Poulter Junior Invitational at Woburn, where he shot a nett 74 to finish 16th out of field of 96.

CLUBS CASH IN ON HEATWAVE Golf clubs in the UK registered a marked increase in play last month, following one of the most prolonged spells of warm weather experienced in the country for over 20 years. Golf clubs’ official competitions saw 105,000 more golfers play in them in the month leading up to this year’s Open compared with the same period last year. The figures, revealed by HowDidiDo, Europe’s largest golfing community, is more good news for golf clubs are following similar statistics showing increased participation in June and early July. More than 400,000 golf club members have signed up to HowDidIdo, and it has revealed that it processed 381,780 competitive rounds of golf in the first fortnight of July. In the corresponding two weeks in 2012, it recorded 323,115 rounds – representing a rise of more than 18% in rounds played.

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August 2013 / Issue 224

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CENTURION STANDS UP TO THE TEST Golf News editor Nick Bayly was among the first people to play The Centurion Club, a brand new private members’ club near St Albans which opened for play last month. Here are his first impressions

Very few new golf courses have been built in the home counties in recent years, partly due to a lack of demand, and also because of a distinct shortage of available land on which to build them. While there is no lack of established oldfashioned members’ courses within striking distance of the M25, many are of the sort where you need to have put your name down as a foetus in order to simply get on the waiting list, or have gone to the right type of school. There is clearly a gap in the market for high-end facilities whose only requirement is the necessary cash and a halfdecent pair of golf shoes, and The Centurion Club, which opened in between Hemel Hempstead and St Albans last month, believes it fills just that gap. With a joining fee of £4,500, and an annual subscription of £2,500, it’s by no means off the charts when compared to other more established venues in the region, but for a brand new club, where the grass is still bedding in, and the main clubhouse has yet to be built, it still requires a small leap of faith to sign on the dotted line. But sign on the line they are, with over 120 already having made that leap – and judging by the steady trickle of visitors being shown around during my visit last month, that number looks set to rise as the word gradually gets out. “Some of our friends questioned the wisdom of launching an upmarket club in the middle of a recession, but it is also a time of opportunity, and we are convinced the finished product will attract

a huge amount of interest,” says club chairman Graham Wildish, who owns Centurion in partnership with managing director Scott Evans, and two Dutch partners, Bert Pronk and André Hendriks. “We want the Centurion to be a private golf club of unrivalled quality. We are proud of what we have created and believe visitors will be impressed.” It might indeed be considered either very brave or very foolish to open a new members-only club in the midst of a recession, but Wildish and Evans are clearly neither. With years of experience between them working in successful businesses and in golf, the pair believe they have found the key to what makes a successful private members’ club work. Evans brings 25 years of working in golf management at the likes of Troon Golf Club in Arizona, Dubai Creek, Loch Lomond, Bearwood Lakes and The London Club, while Wildish is a self-made millionaire who has spent a lifetime playing top courses around the world, with membership at San Roque in Spain, and has a strong eye for detail. Their combined knowledge is evident in many of the decisions that were made from the outset, from the relaxed environment of the clubhouse, to the move to decline paying the inflated fees sought by a big-name course architect. Instead, they employed the services of Simon Gidman, a talented English architect whose previous creations include the new course at Burhill Golf Club in Surrey, and the Blue course at Frilford Heath near Oxford. It was a sensible decision, and allowed the owners, who have been

on site almost every day since the project began, to work closely alongside Simon and tinker around with the design as it began to take shape, making changes large and small according to their whims. Between them they have clearly have an understanding of what sets a golfer’s pulse

yards respectively, although the par goes up to 74, thanks to the first and sixth becoming par fives. Built over a 250-scre site that meanders through spectacular rolling terrain, it begins with a tree-lined layout over the first five holes, before opening out into a widescreen landscape that features four

The par-three second

A large pond protects the approach to the 18th green

The stunning opening hole features a host of well-placed traps

racing. Golf courses are, after all, for golfers, and this is very evident in the layout at The Centurion. If you’re looking for bare figures, the course measures 7,195 yards from the back tees, playing to a par of 72, while the middle and forward men’s tees take it down to a more manageable 6,850 and 6,555

water hazards. The first three holes were the last to be completed, and they have quite rightly taken their time to get them spot on, as first impressions are vital. A sweeping downhill right-toleft par five (a par four off the backs) opens up proceedings nicely, before switching into a stunning par-three, where

a raised green provides a tempting, if often elusive target. This is followed by a superb 405-yard par four (off the front tees), which swings right to left, with a bunker guarding the corner of the dog-leg. While the opening holes in the woods offer echoes of the Dukes Course at Woburn, the middle section of the course, from the sixth to the 13th, is very reminiscent of the London Club, where Evans previously worked, with a very open plan feel to it. Wide countryside vistas – including an occluded view of the ‘elephant in the room’, the M1 – are visible from raised tees, while huge mounds separate the fairways – some of which were built from landfill created from the construction of the new Wembley stadium. The course has clearly been designed for tournament play, with banks surrounding the greens offering vantage points, while serving to give each hole its own privacy, in what would otherwise by a very open landscape. Highlights for me include the 7th, a short par four where a good drive up the left-hand side sets up a mid-iron to a small green that is tucked around the corner, protected by severe run-offs and a deep bunker. While other memorable holes include the 12th, a 400yard par four, where players are required to take on a large lake that protects a green where the flag is normally hard by the water’s edge. The 145-yard 17th is a lovely little par three, where two large oaks stand behind the green like centurions guarding the gates to the emperor’s chamber, while the course closes with a panoramic par-five – Ad Infinitum. With the putting surface protected by a large lake bounded by a stone wall to the right, it’s a fitting finale to a

thoroughly entertaining round that will test all parts of your game. In addition to the overall design, the greens are among the stars of the show. While varying in size, many feature significant borrows and slopes around the edges, before flattening out as you get nearer to the cup. Built on sand, the bent grass surfaces are like carpets – fast, true and firm, yet receptive to the right kind of shot. With no two holes alike, and none where you can stand on the tee and swing a club without having to engage the brain, Centurion is a course that will take time to master. With several forced carries, induced lay ups, deep rough, and clever shaping of the fairways, it challenges every aspect of your course management skills, as well as your technical ability, and with three tees to choose from, you can make it as hard as you like. The clubhouse facilities are currently housed in a small, but extremely comfortable building adjacent to the 18th green – although this is just a temporary staging post until the main clubhouse, which is currently going through the final phases of planning, is opened. I sincerely hope that The Centurion becomes a success story, and judging by the passion that the management has for the game, and the welcoming and relaxed atmosphere that they are aiming to create, I’m sure it won’t be for the want of forethought, effort and attention to detail. For membership enquiries, visit www.centurionclub. co.uk or call 01442 510520 to arrange a tour.

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August 2013 / Issue 224

Ham Manor ditches flood problems

Ham Manor Golf Club in West Sussex is on track to tackle the flooding problems that have beset the low-lying course during heavy rain spells after successfully applying for funding from the West Sussex County Council active communities fund, which has been set up to help communities tackle the effects of extreme weather. Low lying parts of the Angmering-based course were left submerged last year when the Black Ditch – a tributary of the River Arun – burst its banks after heavy rain. The problem was compounded by the ditch having been neglected for years, resulting in it being blocked up with layers of silt. The club identified the need to clear the section of the ditch that runs alongside the course, and applied for a grant

for more than £5,400. Thirty properties in the area will also benefit from the work. Course manager Alan Pierce said: “We experienced really bad floods last year, which lasted for three-and-ahalf months. As the weather was getting progressively worse, the second hole, tenth hole, and the lower practice ground all flooded. We had a lot of extremely concerned members and lost a significant amount of revenue. We thought if we could just make the Black Ditch flow freely it would prevent water flooding our course and the village.” Contractors started work earlier this month and now have about a fifth of the ditch to clear. Mr Pierce said: “The water level has dropped considerably already and our members are happy.”

Evans proves a cut above the rest! Ealing Golf Club’s members have long been used to putting on wonderfully-smooth, fast greens, much to the envy of rival clubs and visiting golfers, but now the secret behind the consistently high quality surfaces at the West London-based club is out. Ealing’s long-serving course manager, Greg Evans (pictured right), made a name for himself within the greenkeeping industry some five years ago after advocating a controversial course maintenance strategy that involved cutting the grass on the greens to a height of just 2mm. The idea met with a barrage of criticism from all corners of the industry, who traditionally cut at much greater heights, but Evans kept faith with his research and has maintained Ealing’s greens at a speedy 11 on the Stimpmeter (a device which measures the speed of the greens) throughout the year for the last few seasons. “My aim is to produce and maintain ‘captain’s day’ quality greens 365 days a year, and I put together a full maintenance programme based on scientific data such as organic matter levels and compaction layers,” said Evans, who achieved Master Greenkeeper status in 2010. Evans’s ‘2mm theory’ has proved such a success that he is now in demand from clubs from all over the country, having set up Greg Evans Golf Course Solutions in 2009 to advise on course maintenance. “I received an email from the chairman of greens at Coventry Hearsall Golf Club last month, which described the advances they have seen in just six weeks since following my advice as being ‘truly unbelievable’,” said Evans. “That demonstrates that my methods have an immediate impact on a course’s playability and, from my own experiences at Ealing, I know these results can be sustained and improved upon.” The consultancy has now worked in nine counties across the country in little under four years, with new clients this year including Sonning Golf Club in Berkshire and Cottesmore Golf and Country Club in West Sussex.

Crown raises funds for Foundation Members of Crown Golf’s 25 golf venues in the UK have clubbed together to raise more than £10,000 for the Golf Foundation, a charity that supports junior golf development in this country. Crown Golf has made the contribution on behalf of its members as part of a commitment to help bring new players into the game, bringing the total donated to the foundation by its members to over £85,000 in the last six years. By asking its members to contribute a small donation when renewing their annual membership, Crown has been able to fund Golf Foundation initiatives to make the game more accessible to children

Stephen Lewis and Mike Round

from all backgrounds and circumstances. A proportion of the funds will be spent on the Foundation’s HSBC Golf Roots initiatives in schools, clubs and the community, while the rest will be used to supplement the cost of coaching new young golfers at a number of Crown venues, which are also HSBC Golf Roots Centres. Stephen Lewis, chief executive officer of Crown Golf, presented the cheque to Mike Round, chief executive of the Golf Foundation at Pyrford Golf Club in Surrey. He said: “Both Crown Golf and its members have a long history of supporting the Golf Foundation, and indeed the development of golf for all

ages. It’s one of the ways in which we help to grow the game, and I encourage all clubs to look at what they are doing for the Golf Foundation this year.” Mike Round said: “We are thrilled to receive this funding from Crown Golf, which is an organisation that understands all the reasons why it is so important to encourage the next generation of players. All golf clubs and operators have to look to the future. The Golf Foundation has the established programmes that offer golf opportunities for boys and girls and further fundraising like this will allow us to reach many more thousands of children who can benefit from the game.”

Tiley eager for more Muirfield moments Muirfield posed one of the sternest tests in Open Championship memory last month, and while many may want to wipe the experience from memory, Kent-based Tour pro Steve Tiley is excited about the lessons he has learned ahead of his return to action on the Challenge Tour, where he currently plies his trade. Finishing tied 26th, and spending a week surrounded by the greats of the game, has clearly opened the eyes of the Royal Cinque Ports man, as he looks to earn a European Tour card come the season’s end. Currently lying in 23rd in the Challenge Tour rankings, with a tie for second at the Scottish Hydro Challenge in June being the season’s highlight, Tiley believes there is more to come, having had a taste of what is on offer at the game’s biggest championship. “The top guys are just so comfortable in their own skin,” explained the 29-year-old Tiley, who also qualified for the Open at St Andrews in 2010, where an opening 66 took him to third on the leaderboard after the first round. “They’re not worrying what everyone else is doing, they just get down and do what they do, and play their own game. They know it

Tiley hopes to put his Open experience to positive effect

is good enough, they believe in it, and I think that’s what I need to do to get to the next level, be me, and not get fazed by that. He added: “It was a long week at Muirfield, with lots of emotions, and that always takes it out of you. Week’s like that help a lot though, it gives you confidence the next time you are in a good position, that you’ve been there before, and proves that my game is good enough. I didn’t play that well at Muirfield – don’t get me wrong, my game was good – but I didn’t play my best golf. “ Tiley, whose other important career highlight was winning

the 2009 Egyptian Open, used every opportunity during the four rounds at Muirfeld to soak up the atmosphere and to learn all he could from his fellow players, who included recent PGA Tour winner Ken Duke for Saturday’s third round. “You definitely pick stuff up from the better players –you’d be foolish not too, they’re the best players in the world, and that is what I aspire to be. Their whole demeanor shows just how comfortable they are in what they are doing. They know what works and what doesn’t, and they just keep doing it, and that’s what I learned. Every day I’m

just going to try and play my game, and if in 20 years it is good enough, then it is good enough; and if not, then that’s all I can do.” It’s quite a philosophical approach, but if it aids the Kent man in realising his best form, then it can only be a good thing, as he tries to make the breakthrough back into the top level of the game. The week after his Muirfield heroics, where he won the princely sum of €43,264, it was back to the Challenge Tour circuit, and the Golf PGA France du Vaudreuil, in which he finished tied-20th to earn just €1,739. “It was like being back to the day job really,” Tiley admitted. “I’m a little bit tired, but my priority is to finish in the top 15 on the rankings. Any week can change things, you can make big jumps out here if you play well or win. I’m trying not to think about my card at the moment, I’m just taking it week by week. And if it doesn’t happen this year, it will happen – I’ll just be patient.” But having enjoyed another cameo role on the big stage, Tiley makes it clear that he is determined to return there in the future. “I’m hungry for more,” he sums up. “I just need to keep playing my game. That’s the key.”

Groves in the groove at Old Fold Manor Hertfordshire’s Luke Groves ground out an impressive one-shot victory in the Faldo Series UK Championship at Old Fold Manor Golf Club near London. The 20-year-old compiled two level-par rounds of 71 to book a place in the 17th Faldo Series Grand Final, to be hosted by Sir Nick Faldo at The Greenbrier in West Virginia, USA. “I’m so excited about going to The Greenbrier and meeting Sir Nick. It is an experience I will probably share with my grandkids one day!” said an ecstatic Groves

from West Herts, who only took up golf five years ago Thomas Farrow-Smith (Boys’ U16) from North Hants and Knebworth’s George Williams (Boys’ U18) also booked their places in the Grand Final at The Greenbrier, a World Amateur Golf Ranking event to be held in the USA for the first time in October. Two other age-group winners heading to the finals are Burhill’s Elizabeth Prior (Girls’ U16) and 2009 finalist Miranda Brain (Girls’ U21) from Gog Magog.

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August 2013 / Issue 224

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August 2013 / Issue 224

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West Essex pair book Turkey final

ALTNWD_GOLFNEWS_JULY2013_1.qxd

Callaway plays it straight at Addington

Milford professional David Callaway shot a one-under-par 68 to win The Addington ProAm and take home the winner’s cheque for £1,100. Callaway’s impressive performance at the challenging Croydon-based venue edged out the 69s of Daniel Young (Woldingham) and Kieran Staunton (Woodcote Park). Playing on fiery fairways and fast greens, Callaway’s course management provided a firm foundation for a round that included an eagle and three birdies. Callaway commented: “Despite the dry conditions, the course was in top shape, with greens that were holding if your shots were off the fairways, but they were also lightening quick, with tricky pin placements, while the fairways were running a bit fiery. I was really pleased with the way I played. I didn’t use my driver once, preferring to keep my ball in play with my two-iron.” The highlight of his round came at the tricky par-five 12th, when he laid up off the tee with a six-iron to avoid the risk of running into the cross rough. He followed this with a superb two-iron to two foot for a tap-in eagle. Two solid pars at the short 17th and awkward parfour 18th left Callaway in command. “This win is a great confidence boost for me in the run-up to next month’s PGA Cup at Slaley Hall.”

West Essex Golf Club captain Billy Walker is heading for Turkey after winning the Golfplan Insurance PGA Pro-Captain Challenge qualifier.  Walker teamed up with PGA Professional Chris Baron for the event held at John O’Gaunt Golf Club in Bedfordshire on July 31.  The pair carded an eight-under-par round of 63 to tie at the top of the

04/07/13

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leaderboard with Lee Fickling and Ray Hurding of Bush Hill Park. But Baron and Walker won the event on countback thanks to a superb back nine, and can now look forward to playing in the £25,000 final over the PGA Sultan course at Antalya Golf Club in Turkey from November 21-22.  But for 63-year-old Walker, who plays off 19, the prospect of an overseas final

was the last thing on his mind. He joked: “I honestly didn’t know what the prize was for the winners. I thought we were playing for a golf bag! It’s a good job I didn’t know we were going for a Turkey final, otherwise I might have frozen out there. But when I heard what we’d done I thought we’d done a really smashing thing. It’s going to be fantastic for the club.”

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August 2013 / Issue 224

NickBayly

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

I’m too sexy for my polo shirt… Sport offers few second chances One of the more bizarre emails I received last month from companies looking to cash in on the excitement generated around the Open Championship was from a website whose sole aim, as far as I can tell, is to promote infidelity within marriage. I won’t give it the oxygen of publicity, in what is a family magazine, by naming the site, but a poll of over 3,000 of its female members – ooh err missus – revealed a list of golfers who they deemed to be the sexiest players walking the catwalks – sorry, fairways – at Muirfield. Tiger Woods was, not surprisingly, nominated as the player most women on the site (27%) would like to have an extra-marital affair with. I’m not sure whether that reflects his impressive physique or his iffy track record when it comes to remaining faithful, but either way, it won’t help his current partner, Lindsey Vonn, sleep any easier at night. I’m not of the persuasion to find any male golfers particularly sexy, so the whole ranking made for rather uncomfortable reading, but it was perhaps also not surprising to find pretty boy Adam Scott near the top (25%), although I was slightly taken aback to find Sergio Garcia taking 14% of the vote in third, Luke Donald fourth (11%), and US Open Champion Justin Rose in fifth (9%). Nice blokes though they are, I don’t think modelling careers await when their game is over – but then again, there’s nothing

Dream Boys: Woods and Scott are officially hot

quite as sexy as success, or so I’m told. The rest of the bunch was in low single digits, with poor old Rory scraping less than 1% of the vote. Still, he’s the one with the fit girlfriend, so he won’t lose any sleep either. The laughable quote from the website’s spokeswoman explains why women find golfers such a turn on. “It makes perfect sense that golf captures the senses of cheaters! The quiet tension builds hole by hole until it’s broken by wild applause, and the 19th hole parties are legendary. And, of course, the sport itself represents luxury and opulence. Our members are definitely going to be found in the Open crowd!” So is that why so many of them missed the cut at Muirfield?

Finding things to do after a lifetime devoted to appearance in a professional golf event since he one sport is an issue that faces all professional retired from tennis in 2003, and it was the 11th athletes at some time or other. Some activities time that he missed the cut. The former Russian give their participants incredibly short shelves tennis ace earned almost £15 million with a lives, with tennis players and footballers being racquet in his hand, but has yet to earn a penny particularly prone to early burn out, leaving them with a golf club. decades to spend looking wistfully at their dusty He won Russia’s national golf championship in trophies. 2011 – albeit with a score of 15-over par – giving Many have tried to turn their hand to golf, rise to hopes that he might be able to cut it on hoping that what is widely regarded as a sedate the professional circuit. However, recent signs and leisurely pastime can open the door on of improvement in form are not looking good, a second professional career. However, most with rounds of 84 and 83 in last month’s Swiss quickly come to realise that this is not a game Challenge, and 78 and 80 at the Mugello Tuscany exclusively for retired bank Open, being the latest in a litany managers, and that beating of sub-standard efforts. your friends in the Saturday His most recent appearance, morning roll up doesn’t a home tie at the Tseleevo Golf guarantee an income on Tour. Club in Moscow for the M2M One shining example of the Russian Open, was no less difficulty of transferring skills embarrassing, with scores of 81 from one sport to another and 82 condemning him to yet is former tennis world No.1 another weekend off to practise Yevgeny Kafelnikov. The dual his backhand. Grand Slam title winner’s Let’s hope scratch golfer Tim hopes of making a success of Henman makes a better fist of a second career in golf look it when he attempts to qualify to have been dashed yet for the European Seniors Tour again, after the 39-year-old in 2025 – as he surely will. I, for missed the cut by a distance one, can’t wait to be able to Kafelnikov’s no ace with in last month’s Russian Open. shout “Come on, Tim!” just one a driver It was Kafelnikov’s eleventh more time.

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The English Boys’ U14 Championship has been won by an overseas player for the second successive year, after French youngster Antoine Kuoch captured the Reid Trophy at North Hants Golf Club. The 14-year-old led the 54-hole event from start to finish, carding a closing 73 for a oneover-par total of 211, winning by five strokes from Coventry’s Tom Charley with another French entry, Niklas Lacroix, finishing third on 218.

EDWARDS WINS AT WINDLESHAM

Gareth Edwards shot a two-underpar 70 to win the Windlesham Pro-Am, edging out two of the South region’s top performers to claim his first regional victory. The Leaderboard Golf Centre pro’s solid performance on a particularly windy day earned him the winner’s cheque of £600, while the 71s of Jamie Harris (Nevill) and Guy Woodman (East Berks) reflected the challenging conditions.

ALL SQUARE AT ORSETT

Two of the most experienced PGA Professionals in Essex, Mark Hooper and Brett Taylor, shared first prize in the Orsett Golf Club Pro-Am. Hooper, of Rayleigh Golf Range, carded three birdies and dropped two shots in hs one-under par 71, which was matched by Taylor, a specialist short game coach based at Crondon Park Golf Academy and Chelmsford Golf Club, who had five birdies, two bogeys and a double.

LAWSONS CLAIMS 4TH BBO TITLE Stoke Park’s Tom Lawson won his fourth BB&O Amateur Championship title at after shooting a four-round total of 287 (two under par) at his home club to beat Craig Buttivant (Gerrards Cross) by three shots. A final round 69 secured the title, following a wobbly 75 in the third round.

IFIELD GO CLOSE AT CLUB CHAMPS Ifield Golf Club in West Sussex finished second in the Junior Club Champions event held at Woodhall Spa on August 10. The team began the second round of the 36-hoel competition in third place, but Louis Harrison, off eight, and five handicap Charlie Hilton, both returned 37 points to help them climb into second, seven points behind convincing winners Gloucester.

Three members of Betchworth Park Golf Club in Surrey are celebrating after winning the Colt Cup for the first time in the club’s history. Rob Elvin, Greg Jones and Gordon Fraser took the title for the Dorkingbased club by just one point in the hotly-contested tournament, which was held at Stoke Park in Buckinghamshire. The Betchworth team scored 106 points to beat Beaconsfield by the minimum margin, with Camberley Heath in third place on 103. The teams played 18 holes in the morning, followed by another nine in the afternoon, with the best two scores from the three players leading to a 27-hole team total. Jones, who plays off 12, scored 34 points on the Alison/Lane Jackson round,

while Elvin, who plays off one, scored 33 points during an afternoon round on the Colt/Jackson layout, which contained 69 strokes over 17 holes, with an excellent round only marred by a nil return on the 12th. The event was set up by the Colt Association in 1994 with the intention of promoting the architectural achievements of Harry Colt. The tournament is open to all courses around the world that were designed by the legendary player and designer, with Stoke Park winning four of the last six

renewals, while Camberley Heath (2011), Canterbury (2009) and Ham Manor (2000, 2001 and 2006) have all enjoyed recent success. Since its inception, the event has gone from strength to strength, with over 50 clubs participating from the UK and a further 15 from overseas. This year’s overseas winner was Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland with 100 points. Many of the courses’ which enter the Colt Cup hold qualifying competitions for their members to play in, and in all nearly 8,000 people have either played in or attempted to win a place in a Colt Cup team. Although Betchworth Park was established in 1911, its Colt-designed parkland course was first opened in September 1913, making the club’s victory in the 2013 Colt Cup all the more poignant.

Dynamic duo land the spoils at James Whale Pro-Am Paul Sherman (Ashford) and Ally Mellor (Willingdon) both shot seven-under-par 65s to share the spoils in the James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer Charity Pro-Am held at Chart Hills on July 19. Played around the undulating Nick Faldodesigned championship course, generously offered by Paul Gibbons on behalf of the Leaderboard Group to host the charity event, both players (pictured right) had spectacular rounds to take their winners’ cheques. Sherman was six under after the front nine, while Mellor was two over after the second hole. Back to level by the turn, Mellor reeled off birdies from the 11th to the 14th, pausing for a par on the 15th, beffore making another charge from the 16th to the 18th to complete the back nine in just 29 strokes. Their performances outshone their second placed colleagues Tim Milford (Pedham Place) and Adam Wootton (Oxford) who both shot 67s. The event itself is the brainchild of former European Tour pro Benn Barham, who knows what it’s like to be diagnosed with kidney cancer and make the long journey back to full health. Keen to get involved with fundraising for a charity to fight kidney

Poulter was on hand to dispense advice to the youngsters

Byers wins Poulter’s Junior Invitational

Christopher Bissell Photography

FRENCH BOY WINS U14 TITLE

Betchworth claim first Colt Cup

cancer, Barham founded the James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer Charity and was soon putting together a pro-am event with his business partner John Chapman of Bespoke Golf Events, which became the lead sponsor of the Pro-Am. Barham said: “Paul Gibbons’ wonderful support was demonstrated again this year when we were able to host the event at Chart Hills following the success we enjoyed at The Oxfordshire last year. This was even better when it came to getting teams together, as most of my contacts are in this part of the South East. This year’s pro-am had amazing support from so many people, including business contacts, golfing friends, and the team at the PGA. All the sponsors’ generosity made this event a huge success once again, and helped the James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer Charity raise a lot more money for finding a cure to this disease.”

Hours after his flourishing final round 66 at the Open Championship at Muirfield, where he finished tied third, Ian Poulter was hosting group of potential future Open champions at the world No.20’s annual Junior Invitational. After hot-footing it down from Scotland overnight, Poulter played the generous host at Woburn Golf Club, where he welcomed 99 youngsters from around the UK to play a competition on the challenging Marquess Course. With handicaps ranging from 0.8 to 16, the assembled players were treated to a day they would never forget, along with the chance to get up close and personal with one of golf’s most approachable characters as he toured Woburn’s fairways on his customised golf buggy. As well as playing the course, and making use of Woburn’s new performance centre, each player had their photograph taken with the Ryder Cup star, and also received a goody bag with lots of golf-related gifts, including an item from Poulter’s own clothing company IJP Design, which was the main event sponsor for the day. Over a dozen prizes were awarded in a number of handicap categories, with the prize for best gross score going to 14-year-old Harvey Byers from Walton Heath, who shot a superb two-over par 74. Equally keenly contested were the ‘best dressed’ and ‘best haircut’ awards, which were won by Ross Loverage and Reece Goodyear respectively, with both players looking every inch like young Poulters in the making. After the prize-giving ceremony, the day was rounded off with a barbeque. Poulter has been Woburn’s attached touring professional since 2003. He set up the Junior Invitational in 2004, and has since welcomed almost 1,000 youngsters to the day. Poulter commented: “I’m passionate about providing junior golfing talent with a platform to develop their skills and experience playing a championship course under competitive conditions. Opportunities like this weren’t available to me when I was growing up, and it’s a privilege to share this day with youngsters that have a genuine enthusiasm and commitment to the sport. “We’ve been running this event for eight years now, and I have to say I’m always incredibly impressed not only by the standard of the boys and girls competing, but also the spirit in which they play the game and the way they conduct themselves out on the course. The clinic has become one of the traditions of the day and I enjoy passing on some of my experience and answering questions. It really was a great day.”

Boulden wins Mannings play-off to take Ladies’ Stroke Play Welsh star Amy Boulden birdied the first hole of a sudden death play-off to win the English women’s open stroke play championship held at Mannings Heath in West Sussex. Her textbook three on the first extra hole ended the impressive challenge of Singapore-based Charlotte Thomas – and provided a fitting finale to a day of

Leaderboard Photography

News in Brief

August 2013 / Issue 224

superb golf, which kept a large crowd captivated at the Horsham-based club. The two players had tied on three under par after an exciting final round where the lead shifted to and fro between them. Dorset’s Hayley Davis looked set to join them – or overtake them - after charging through the back nine, only to drop back with a double bogey on the

treacherous final hole of the Waterfall course. “I knew it would take a birdie to win,” said Boulden, after she clinched her second stroke play title of the year, having already won the Welsh version. A member of the winning GB&I team at the 2012 Curtis Cup, Boulden came to this event straight from the Women’s British Open and

said: “I have been playing well for the last few weeks and I knew I was capable of winning. But Charlotte played great golf all day and she deserved to win as much as I did.”  Third place went to Ferndown’s Hayley Davis, who closed with a fine round of 70, while Woburn’s Lauren Taylor took fourth a further shot back

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August 2013 / Issue 224

Gladiators come to blows over shared first prize A new series of golf tournaments for aspiring Tour professionals which promised a £50,000 payout to the winner ended in farce last month, after the two players vying for the big money prize agreed to share their winnings. The Golf Gladiator event, which took place at The Buckinghamshire Golf Club on July 15, saw a field of 60 professionals take part in the new tournament, which had a total prize fund of £90,000. However, in a bid to boost up the tension for the televised event, the prize structure offered £50,000 to the winner, but only £5,000 to the runner-up. The two players who qualified for the final shoot-out, Enfield’s Sean Whiffin and Matt Wallace, agreed between themselves before the final hole to share the £55,000 money equally, thus denying the promoter the winner-takes-all climax that it had hoped to achieve. After it was later discovered that the two players had conspired to share the spoils equally, regardless of who won, the tournament promoters, SIRK Acquisitions and Management, decided to withhold Whiffin’s first prize while taking legal advice as to whether the rules of the event had been broken. Wallace was paid out his £5,000 second prize the day after the tournament finished, as the issue of pursesharing didn’t come to light until after the results of the tournament were announced. A prepared statement on the Golf Gladiator’s website said: ‘As a result of SIRK Acquisitions and Management PLC becoming aware of serious misconduct during the Gladiator tournament on 15 July, the result of the final has been declared

null and void. Agreements to ‘purse-share’ are contrary to the spirit of golf and the Gladiator competitions. It is a serious offence, which is demonstrated by the fact that the European Tour rules expressly prohibit purse-sharing. Sirk is committed to taking all necessary steps to protect the game of golf and the Gladiator competitions’. The statement continued: ‘Sirk created the Gladiator tournaments with the aim of providing professionals with an opportunity to earn money, particularly with a view to helping pros who aspire to play on the main Tours. It is not a profit-making enterprise and Sirk has invested heavily in building the Gladiator brand and creating exciting and enjoyable tournaments for the players. In keeping with this commitment, Sirk will announce a special event to replay for the first and second place prize money from the July tournament. All original Gladiators who were entered into the event will receive invitations to play in this event free of charge.’ The tournament, which saw a number of former European and Challenge Tour players take part, including Zane Scotland, James Heath, Andrew Marshall, Sam Little, Jamie Moul and Sam Osborne, offered guaranteed prize money for the top 32 players in the stoke play tournament, before a final head-to-head matchplay shootout between the top 16 players. As Golf News went to press, numerous players had taken to Twitter to vent their anger at the organisers refusal to pay the winner, with many suggesting they should boycott any attempt to replay the event, or take part in future events until the issue was resolved.

xxx Golf Gladiators has been criticised for refusing to pay the winner

Winner Sean Whiffin

Eyes down for a full house at Kingswood! There were a number of visors in action at Kingswood Golf Club’s Golf & Poker Challenge last month, when members and guests took part in 9-hole shootout on the Surrey club’s 18-hole layout, before retiring to the clubhouse for a few hands of poker. The action moved seamlessly from the greens to

the green baize for the event, which saw players given a bank of chips at the start of the day, which were then added to with every Stableford point they scored on the course, with bonus chips being awarded to winners of the longest drive and nearest-the-pin competitions. After a break for a meal and a drink, competitors took their

winnings forward to the card game, where experienced croupiers were on hand to guide those unfamiliar with the dark arts of Texas Hold’em. The winner on the day was Kingswood member Steve Butler, who battled testing conditions out on the course, and then kept his cards close to his chest, to win a TaylorMade R1 driver.

Aces high: the poker action unfolds at Kingswood

Gleneagles awaits the finalists

Flying Club Swingers set Gleneagles showdown As the curtain draws on the tenth season of Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club Swingers, the airline’s innovative online golf league, preparations are in full swing for what promises to be another spectacular final. Last year’s sun-kissed final in Miami was obviously a very different experience, but for the golfing enthusiast this year’s event at Gleneagles will be equally, if not more, memorable. The opportunity to represent either Europe or the Rest of the World in three rounds of matchplay golf at a venue that is hosting the next Ryder Cup is definitely an exciting prospect, and when you add all the other extras that Virgin Atlantic provides, it’s truly mouth-watering. The 24 finalists will be presented with team shirts provided by Tony Q’aja and other goodies from sponsors Srixon, Avis and Golfbidder, and will then discuss the all-important foursomes pairings and tactics for the first round, which takes place over Gleneagles’ Queen’s Course. Unlike the Ryder Cup, all players play all three rounds,

which makes the captains’ job that much easier. The following day will see fourballs on the PGA Centenary Course, home of the 2014 Ryder Cup, where the singles will also be played on the final day. The final is, for most finalists, unlike anything else they will have experienced in amateur golf. Hearing your name read out on the first tee ‘Representing Europe’ or ‘Representing Rest of the World’ sends a tingle down the spine. Every putt and every shot is not just for individual players, but for their team, and the Swingers

they represent at home who didn’t make the final. One team will be lifting the trophy on the final day, and history would suggest that Europe is the favourite, although the Rest of the World would love nothing more than to set down a marker for next year’s Ryder Cup by making sure Europe leave empty-handed. The final is incredibly competitive, but it’s also played in a great spirit, and after golf the whole group socialise at nightly dinners and excursions. By the end of it, the finalists have not only had a truly memorable experience, they have also made new lifelong friendships. Last year’s European captain Hugh O’Connor summed it up by saying: “I compare the Swingers Final to the Ryder Cup – once you’ve played in one, you never want to miss it again.” Register now at www. flyingclubgolfleague. com to get the opportunity to battle in out for a place at in next year’s Season 11 Final, which will be held at another fabulous venue. Before registering you will be asked to join as a Flying Club member, which is free of charge.

Lullingstone Juniors to the fore Lullingstone Park Golf Course in Kent is passion for the game, which together with their celebrating two major successes from among dedication, has seen them achieve great success its core of junior players. Sixteen-year-old Ryan and prestigious titles at a young age. Lullingstone Jones from Hawley has recently been crowned Park has always aimed to have a thriving junior Lullingstone Open champion after beating off section, and we hope Luke and Ryan will be an competition from more than 60 adult and junior inspiration to other youngsters wanting to give players and - in the process - equalling the course the game a go.” record with a gross 68, for a nett 62. Jones’s success is even more of an achievement Meanwhile, 13-year-old Luke given that he suffers from a hip Welham won both under-13s condition, which means the ball of competitions at the South Kent Clubs his hip is not as round as it should be, at Southern Valley and the East Kent restricting his movement. He said: Clubs at Weald of Kent. As a result “My condition does make it difficult of his recent successes, he has been to play, as I can’t move as well as appointed Kent junior U13 captain. other people and it can be painful. Mark Watt, head professional at But I don’t let it stop me. I love the Lullingstone Park, said: “Ryan and game and after sixth form I hope to Luke are exceptionally gifted lads. do a PGA course, learn to coach, and Luke Welham Hard work is matched by an obvious maybe turn professional.”

August 2013 / Issue 224

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Large crowds flocked to see the action unfold

Overall winner Tommy Fleetwood

European Tour rising star Tommy Fleetwood claimed the coveted 2013 Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship title, taking home a cheque for £25,000 with a majestic performance at Nailcote Hall.

Fleetwood in action

FLEETWOOD

ON FIRE AT PAR 3 CHAMPS! The picturesque Cromwell Course was in stunning condition

Event host Tony Jacklin

Robert Rock

Charley Hull

The crowds enjoyed four days of golfing excellence and celebrity fun at the popular Warwickshire venue Nailcote Hall, as golfing legends, top pros, and stars from sport and entertainment gathered for the annual Farmfoods British Par 3 Champiosnhip, which was celebrating its 80th anniversary. Record numbers of spectators came to watch and enjoy the championship action as it unfolded. Leading this year’s all star cast of professionals were the most successful Ryder Cup captain of all time, Tony Jacklin , Ryder Cup legend Sam Torrance and former Masters winner Ian Woosnam. The Sky Sports cameras were on hand to cover all of the action from what has become the world’s leading short course championship.

Len Goodman and Jasper Carrott

Ian Woosnam played alongside Sam Torrance

The action began on Tuesday, with the first Celeb Am tournament, featuring star names including England cricketing legend Matthew Hoggard, comedian Jasper Carrott, Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman and goalkeeping legends Peter Shilton and Peter Schmeichel. The individual competition was won by ‘Big Break’ star Irishman Mark Murphy, who shot three under par to fend off the competition. The ‘Social Golfer’ took the spoils in the team event, and there was a spectacular hole-in-one for James Weekes, who was playing in the Glenmorangie team. After a full day’s golfing action, Nailcote Hall hosted the first of three gala balls, all raising money for Midlands’s charity Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People. There was superb entertainment from Groove Nation

and Tony Jacklin welcomed all guests to the championship with his inaugural address. Huge crowds gathered on Thursday for the conclusion of the Professional Championship, and they were treated to an incredible spectacle. Paul Broadhurst was unable to maintain his lead until the end and was overtaken by 22-year-old European Tour hot prospect, Tommy Fleetwood. The thrilling conclusion saw Fleetwood bogey the final hole to finish on four under, with Broadhurst unable to get the birdie he needed to level the scores and finish a shot adrift. The Super Seniors prize for leading player over 60 was won by Senior Tour player Carl Mason. At the other end of his career, the Norma C Herd prize for leading amateur was won by Craig Lawrie, son of Open Championship winner Paul Lawrie.

Fomer Manchester United keeper Peter Schmeichel

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August 2013 / Issue 224

After enduring another season of Major near misses, questions remain as to whether Lee Westwood has what it takes to win one of the ‘Big Four’ Words by Nick Bayly

“I’M NOT THE NEW MONTY”

August 2013 / Issue 224

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With another year over without adding a jug, a jacket or a Major trophy to his cabinet, the question in many golfers’ minds is whether Lee Westwood is destined to become one of those names brought up in that great bar room conversation concerning who was the ‘best player never to win a major’? It’s the dreaded category that no player wants to fall into, but the question must be asked of Westwood after yet another near miss in a Major, this time in the Open Championship at Muirfield. It was his eighth top-three in the last five years, and yet as the prize moves ever more tantalising closer, it also must seem ever so far away. Golf is a game of fractions and inches, and no-one knows that more than Westwood. After being steamrollered by the Phil Mickelson machine during the final round, the 40-year-old from Worksop – although latterly of West Palm Beach, Florida – seemed to be trying his best to take the positives from yet another heroic failure. “I’m not disappointed to finish third in a major championship. I don’t really get disappointed with golf anymore’, was the world No.14’s first comment in his post-round interview, which was sprinkled with upbeat notes and positive vibes. “Twelve years ago I was playing crap, and that’s when you get really frustrated and feel like walking away. Not when you’re having top threes in the majors. You don’t feel like walking away then. You feel like finding that little bit where you need to improve.” While few will deny that Mickleson’s masterful 66 around the brutal links was worthy of a Claret Jug, there’s no getting away from the fact that Westwood shot a four-over par 75, when all around him were faring much better. Leading from the front is never easy, no matter what the prize at stake, but Westwood, as he showed at the BMW PGA Championship in May, is not proving the greatest of frontrunners of late. Of course, all golfers have to get used to losing more often than they win, but when leading the Open by two shots, to finish third after some fairly mediocre ball striking becomes acceptable for a player of Westwood’s class, then questions surely need to asked. Has he got the desire? Has he got the temperament? Has he, despite all his worldwide success, even got the game to win one of the Big Four? And let’s not forget, he’s also yet to win a World Golf Championship event, which rank alongside the Majors in terms of the quality of opposition. Westwood was the first to admit that he didn’t actually play that well from tee to green throughout the Open, and it was his putting – usually the weakest part of his game – that kept him in it for the first three days, only to let him down, along with his long game, on Sunday. But despite his impressive form on the greens, and the fact that he once again put himself into contention, it is his inability to see the job through that is causing questions to be asked as to whether he has the mental strength, the killer instinct, the extra gear – call it what you will – required to haul himself over the line in a Major. As far as desire and hunger is concerned, I’ve no fears on that front, as no-one uproots their family and drags them half-way around the world just so that they can enjoy a bit of fun in sun. Westwood moved his family to Florida so that he could work on all aspects of his game, especially his short game, in the best possible conditions. His practice has clearly paid off, and although he will never be the most naturally gifted of players with a wedge or a putter in his hand, he has certainly got a better tune out of those clubs in recent months. However, all that time spent chipping and putting resulted in him letting slip the very thing

WESTWOOD’S MAJOR NEAR MISSES (2009-2013)

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

MASTERS

US OPEN

OPEN

3 2 - 45 3

US PGA

that got him to the top of the tree – his long game. Nothing, it seems, comes easy to Westwood, it’s a constant work in progress, as it is for virtually all the top players, as Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have shown – although they have 14 and two majors respectively as reward for their efforts. Having ditched the services of long-time coach Pete Cowen last season – as well as his equally longserving caddy, Billy Foster – Westwood has recently turned to Sean Foley, the Canadian instructor who coaches Woods, and the man who helped Justin Rose claim US Open victory at Merion in June. “I’ve only done five hours’ work with him, so to finish third in a major championship after such a short period of time is a bonus,” said Westwood. “I’m hoping to work with him a bit more in the future. We’re really just starting to get to know each other, and he’s just starting to learn about my swing. Hopefully we can progress as quickly as I have over the last three weeks, as there’s still some big events to play for this year.” After coming up just short in the majors on so many occasions during his career – he has 16 top-10s to his name – Westwood has been dubbed some by some critics the ‘new Colin Montgomerie’. Sadly, it’s not a reference to both players’ amazing Ryder Cup records, or long list of career victories, but their failure to convert Major-winning opportunities into actual wins. Westwood baulks at the comparison, both as a player and for his Major record, saying: “I know about the comparisons, but he [Montgomerie] didn’t actually get to World No.1, he got to No.2. I got to No.1. There’s a big difference between me at 40 and Colin at 40 – about eight stone I’d guess!” Weight issues aside – which is a little bit of a glass house given his current physique – Westwood is understandably getting a bit tetchy whenever the Major issue is brought up, as it was, quite naturally, post-Muirfield, and again after his lacklustre performance at Oak Hill in the US PGA Championship, where a clumsy final round 76 saw him drop from seventh to 33rd. The latter resulted in a torrent of criticism on Twitter, to which Westwood rather unwisely engaged head on, leading to some rather heated exchanges and even more unpleasant headlines. When questioned about his big game temperament, he bristled: “People might say, ‘You don’t know how to win a major’. No, I don’t know how to win a major, because I haven’t won one yet. Who are these experts? Majors are meant to be difficult to win. I was stood on the first tee at the Open on Sunday, last off. That is the position all professional golfers want to find themselves in. The first three days were good. On the last day I didn’t do a lot wrong, I just didn’t do enough right. I finished third. You have to take positives from that.” Having seen Mickelson pick up his first Claret Jug at the age of 43, Westwood has good reason to believe he could be competing for majors for another decade, and have plenty more chances to put the record straight. “Players are looking after themselves better now,” he says. “Twenty years ago you got to 40 and your game started to drop off because your equipment didn’t help, but all that’s changed. I think I’m quite mentally strong to keep ploughing away. Look at Miguel Angel Jimenez – he was leading the Open at 49, and he’d just broken

Westwood ponders another year without Major success

Mickelson proved too good for Westwood at Muirfield

his leg! Why put age limits on it all? I don’t see finishing third in the Open as a career nearly over, it’s more like, ‘Oh, I’ve still got it’.” And while the media may be lacking the same belief in the Westwood cause, many of his fellow players remain confident that he has the skill and the temperament to win a Major, despite the passing of time. Ian Poulter, another Englishman for whom a Major would be a welcome addition to his impressive CV, says: “Lee has got plenty more years left in him. If he keeps putting himself in position, he is going to be able to get his hands on one of them for sure. He is too good a player not to. Obviously, the pressure is there so that every time he gets himself in position it is difficult, because everyone wants him to win and he wants to win even more. But no-one’s putting more pressure on him than Lee himself, so I am sure if he keeps working the way he is, and keeps improving, then it is going to come.” With another Major-less season under his belt, Westwood is going to have to draw on all his selfprofessed reserves of stamina and self-belief to drag himself into 2014 and have another four bites at the cherry. I, for one, am actually more inclined to believe he can win one of them after this season’s efforts, rather than write him off altogether. And with another winter on his back in the Florida sunshine, and some sound advice from his new coaching team, I believe his game can only get better. Of course, you need the cards to fall in your favour to win a Major, and who knows, without a Mickelson-style flying finish to thwart him yet again, Lee Westwood could yet avoid the dreaded nearlyman tag.

“I don’t see finishing third in the Open as a career nearly over, it’s more like, ‘Oh, I’ve still got it’ ”

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August 2013 / Issue 224

Storybehindthepic Royal St George’s, Kent Walker Cup, May 1930

ith the Walker Cup due to get underway at the National Golf Links of America in New York in a few weeks’ time, it would be remiss of us not to recall that this great tournament has been held in the South of England three times since the biennial matches began in 1922, with Royal St George’s in Kent – where else, you might ask – being chosen as host venue in 1930 and 1967, and Sunningdale in 1987. Since then, the tournament has flitted around Scotland, Ireland and Wales for the home legs, while we patiently wait for its return to this corner of England. The picture shows GB&I playing captain Roger Wethered shaking hands with US captain Bobby Jones

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on the eve of the match at St George’s in 1930. Looking every inch the country gent, and towering over his rival in terms of stature, although less so in golfing talent, Wethered knew that his inexperienced team was on a hiding to nothing following GB&I’s near whitewash in Chicago two years earlier (11-1 was the score). Still, a crowd of over 5,000 spectators, including the then Prince of Wales, headed down to Sandwich to see how Jones and his mighty team would play on St George’s notoriously tricky links, which had hosted The Open just two years earlier. Jones, aged just 28, had already won seven majors, and was just a month away from winning his eighth at the Open at Birkdale, after which he would amaze the world by retiring from the

game. In those days, the teams were just eight-a-side, with everyone playing in the foursomes and singles, leaving nowhere to hide for the weaker players. The matches even allowed for stymies – where one player’s ball blocked the path of another – which often resulted in a loss of hole. The match started off badly – the Union Jack flag was raised upside down – and then went from worse to worse, with the GB&I team managing to win just two games in a heavy 10-2 defeat. Things didn’t go much better in 1967, when US captain Jess Sweetser led the visiting team to a convincing 13-7 victory over a home side that included a 19-yearold Peter Oosterhuis, and one of England’s finest ever amateur golfers, Michael

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Bonnallack. After going down 8-1 in the first day’s singles, the home side lost heart, and the smoothswinging Americans once again proved too strong. The heavy defeat gave the United States an embarrassing 20-1 lead in the series, which led to renewed calls for the match to be scrapped because of its one-sided nature. Henry Cotton even suggested every match start with GB&I two holes up, ‘just to make it fair’. Thankfully recent results have been much closer affairs – just 12 points have separated the teams in the last five matches combined – and with GB&I travelling to the US as defending champions, following a heroic 14-12 win at Royal Aberdeen in 2011, another close encounter is very much on the cards.

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August 2013 / Issue 224

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MEET THE PRO Peter Parks, PGA Advanced Professional at Hever Castle Golf Club in Kent, offers the inside track on his life as a club pro

How long have you been a professional? I turned pro in 1996, so coming up 18 years.

the club has had in the past year can largely be attributed to JOLF.

What is your day-to-day role at the club? I am responsible for the golf services department and head up Castle Golf School, which provides all coaching and club fitting at Hever Castle.

What’s selling well in the pro shop at the? Callaway is our best seller, and Nike and Under Armour clothing are also selling well.

What’s the best thing about your job? Seeing improvement in one of my player’s games, whatever the standard of player. And the worst? The winter – it lasts too long!

How have you reacted to the growth of online retailers in the equipment market? We have focused on the customer service side, as we feel people are still prepared to pay slightly more for advice they trust. What facilities do you have for custom fitting? We have a specific area on the range for coaching and custom fitting. We have the Callaway custom fit cart and an extensive range of Titleist and Benross demo clubs. What’s the best swing tip you’ve ever received? The late George Will told me years ago to feel like I was taking the top off of an egg when using my driver. This helped me visualise the shallow attack angle I needed for a driver. He was always great at giving you a ‘feeling’ rather than confusing you with technical information.

What is the extent of the facilities at Hever? We have an 18-hole championship course that has hosted EuroPro Tour events, as well as other professional and prestigious county tournaments. We also have a 9-hole course, which is ideal for those with less time or newcomers to the game. What have you done to keep existing members and attract new ones? We have invested in the club while others have been cutting back, and the difference is really starting to show. We have also introduced a new ‘Flexi’ membership, which provides membership at less than a third of the full subscription cost. It has been really popular. What is the club doing to attract juniors? I am very proud to be the first club in Kent to run the JOLF coaching initiative that was created by Neil Plimmer and Jonathan Shipstone. This is by far and away the best introduction juniors can have to the game of golf and my understanding of junior golf development and the success

If there was one rule in golf you could change, which one would it be? Repairing spike marks – I always felt that was a little harsh. What’s your favourite golf course in the UK, and your favourite course in the world? It always feels it’s a privilege to play Sunningdale, while White Columns in Georgia would be my overseas choice. Who are your golfing heroes? Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros and Tiger Woods. A British institution, an artist, and a genius respectively. Who would be in your dream fourball? Tiger, Rory McIlroy and Rachel Riley from Countdown (although I don’t know, or care, if she plays golf!) For more information about Hever Castle Golf Club visit www.hevercastle.co.uk or call 01732 861800 to book a tee time.

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August 2013 / Issue 224

Golf News catches up with American rookie Peter Uihlein, currently ranked 43rd in the Race to Dubai, who has broken with tradition by beginning his professional career on the European Tour rather than the PGA Tour

PETER’S ADVENTURE T N E L L EXCEOPEAN EUR

Playing in Europe is not the usual American way of starting a career. What made you decide to follow this route? The decision to come to Europe was mostly down to my Dad [Titleist chief executive Wally Uilhein], but I also had some very good advice from my agent, Chubby Chandler, and my coach, Butch Harmon. Those guys have been around the game a long, long time. If they say this is the right route, then I’m going to listen to them. I look at a guy like Adam Scott, somebody I’ve always looked up to, and he came over to Europe and started off his career here, and there’s countless other guys, top players in the world, such as Ernie Els and Louis Ooosthuizen, who have all started over here. I look at those guys’ success, and the success they are having now, and where they are at now on the PGA Tour, and I think that it’s the right route to go. It’s just different because I’m an American. How do you think it has helped you? I think it’s made me more of an all-round player. You play in different conditions and different courses. The courses in Spain are different from the courses in Ireland, which are different from those in Sweden, South Africa and South Korea. You play more of a global schedule. You play all over the world on different types of courses, on different grasses, and you become a more rounded player. You see a lot of hotel rooms, you travel a bit more, use a different currency each week, different time zones, but it’s been a blast. Hopefully it will just help me to develop my game, and get me more comfortable with being uncomfortable, if that makes sense. With the PGA Tour’s new qualifying system about to come into play, do you get a sense that this will be a path that will be taken by more young Americans in the years ahead? It could be. I think that you might see some guys come over and play in Europe, and go to Asia, as well. Any time you can get on a tour where you can try and improve your world ranking and gain some experience, I think that’s the ultimate goal, and see how things go from there. People always assume that American golfers aren’t used to coping with the extremes of weather that we often experience in Europe. Can you lay that myth to rest? I spent three and a half years at Oklahoma State, where we would sometimes play in a tornado. So it was a good experience there, and I feel like I’ve learned to cope with the wind, which I used to struggle with. I would try and be too perfect sometimes, and in the wind, you just play golf, you hit shots and you just try and manoeuvre it a little bit. I feel like when it gets windy, you have almost a little more room, so I enjoy it.

more you do that, you’re going to have more chances at success. That’s what I’m just trying to do. How has winning so early in your professional career changed things for you? Has it taken a bit of pressure off? Yes and no. I think it was nice to be able to make my own schedule after the win, and be able to pick and choose the events that fit my schedule. I like to go home a little bit more now, so that makes it a little bit easier. The win was definitely big in that regard.

Prize guys: Peter Uihlein with Ricky Fowler during his amateur days

WHAT’S IN PETER UIHLEIN’S BAG Titleist 913D3 driver (8.5), Titleist 913Fd 3-wood (13.5), Titleist 712U utility iron (3), Titleist 680MB irons (4-P), Titleist Vokey Design SM4 (50, 56, 60) wedges, Titleist Scotty Cameron GSS putter, Titleist Pro V1x ball.

“Playing more in Europe will hopefully help me to develop my game, and get me more comfortable with being uncomfortable, if that makes any sense”

What have the crowds been like compared to in America? Fantastic. They’re obviously smaller at a lot of the venues, but the bigger events are very well supported, and the fans are very knowledgeable, so it’s all been good. What do you miss most about America? Having ice in my drinks! Your housemate in Florida, Brooks Koepka, seemed to enjoy life on the Challenge Tour, and has now graduated to the European Tour. Have you fed off each other’s success? We’re really good friends and we share a house in West Palm Beach. It’s been a blast living with him, and I’m excited for what he’s done. I’m looking forward to having him on Tour here week-to-week, and I couldn’t be more happy for him. Have you worked out how many countries you’ve played in since you turned professional? That’s a good question. Last I heard, it was mid-20s, but I don’t know the exact number. What have been your off-course highlights? I’ve been to India, and I never thought I’d go there. I went cage diving in South Africa with great white sharks, and that was fun. Sweden was cool too. I try to go out in whichever country I’m in, check out the local town and have a good time. It’s a life experience. Not everyone gets the chance to see the world and play golf, and do the thing you love while travelling. I’ve also made a lot of friends out here, which is great. You’d been knocking on the door for a while before you won the Madeira Open in May, but what did winning do for your confidence? It was nice to just kind of get it out of the way, but at the same time I had only been professional for a little over 12 or 13 months, so it wasn’t like it was a long spell. I kept putting myself in a good position and in contention, which is my ultimate goal. I feel like the

You played alongside Rory McIlroy as a junior. Are you good friends with him? Yeah, I want to say we played Doral Junior when we were about nine or ten, and then we played a practice round at the Orange Bowl in Miami when we were about 12 or 13. Yeah, it’s hard not to follow his career. He’s been unbelievable, and he’s a top player in the world now, and it’s great to see a young guy up there. What is the most common question your friends back home ask you about life on the European Tour? What are the women like? That’s probably the most common question! Given your dad’s job, are you a bit of a golf equipment nerd? I don’t know much about equipment really. I’ve stayed away from all that with my dad. I’ve never really asked him questions or anything like that. He’s always been my dad, and that’s how I viewed it. So when it comes to equipment, I couldn’t tell you much. What’s your earliest golf memory? When I was maybe five or six, we were playing up on a course in New Bedford in Massachusetts, where I’m from, and I had always played from the 100-yard marker when I was that young to keep me interested. I holed out from there on the very first hole, and I was hooked from then on. You played in the US Masters and the US Open in 2011, after winning the US Amateur in 2010. What did you take away from those events? Augusta is an unbelievable place. The course is very special and there’s nothing quite like it. I wasn’t quite ready for it as a player at that point in my career, so I’m keen to get a chance to go back there again and see how my game has progressed. What’s your long-term ambition with regards to your playing schedule? Ultimately I’d like to have dual membership of the PGA Tour and European Tour. That’s the aim – to play both tours, and go back and forth. There are so many great events in Europe that you don’t want to miss them, and likewise in the States.

August 2013 / Issue 224

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Eddie Pepperell’s TOUR DIARY

WORK, REST & PLAY A lull in tournament golf has give me time to enjoy some rare non golf-related travel and an opportunity to reflect on what I’ve learned so far as a pro It’s a good job I enjoy having time off! Since nervily holing out on the 72nd hole at the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart over a month ago, I have enjoyed a nice break away from competition. I visited Rome and Venice with my girlfriend, which was very nice and quite unusual, as although I travel to many cities with golf, I never have time to explore my surroundings. Since very little has happened in my golfing life of late, I’ve decided it’ll be more entertaining to begin somewhere and let my mind meander off into the abyss! The English Amateur came to Frilford Heath recently, and while it was good to see some old faces, I saw an environment which I do not miss. Witnessing the combined pressures of selectors, coaches and parents, reminded me of some of the reasons why I wanted to turn pro. But while it was a scary proposition at the time, becoming a professional golfer “The burning question in my has been an extremely liberating mind is why do some people experience. The responsibility and accountability I’ve had to succeed quickly, others slowly, take as a pro is fundamental to and some not at all?” long-term success, I feel. And although it was comforting to have a stable organisation supporting and providing for me, it has been far more account is low, you can only afford to take rewarding to have face up to certain fears one week at a time. and other pressures of professional sport. Paradoxically, I found it easier to cultivate This is what I believe dictates the differing a ‘learning mindset’ when my surroundings lengths of time it takes for amateurs to were most precarious. It’s amazing succeed as professionals. It is the culture how quickly you can improve. It’s also shock. The realisation of the wider world, and frightening to see how some players lose the bottomless pit of potential anguish. The their form rapidly. Nobody is immune to burning question in my mind is why do some either. That’s what I’m learning to love about people succeed quickly, others slowly, and success; certain principles remain. Constant some not at all? awareness, a vulnerable environment, While my professional career is rather quality advice, and a level head. embryonic, I can already identify periods of To answer the aforementioned learning, periods of competing, and periods unanswerable question then, this is all I of working. In other words, my relatively have done, and maybe talent is the reason quick success is all down to the fact I haven’t I have taken to it faster than others – but reacted passively to my experiences. I am yet I prefer to be less nonchalant and more to find a smarter, faster and more efficient anthropological, and say if I can do it, so can way to improve. others, and it is only by actively learning From Anthony Robbins to Jonny Wilkinson, that it is worth achieving. each and every author I read on the subject seems to have this underlying theme. It’s a learning culture you have to create in your mind. The fact I had nine months at the start of my professional career where I struggled seems to have helped me. When your bank Cheers, The Wise Old Owl

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August 2013 / Issue 224

MEET THE DUFFMEISTER

US PGA champion Jason Dufner explains how he went from being a YouTube video sensation to winning the season’s final Major

How does it feel to be US PGA champion? It feels great to know that my name will always be on this trophy, and nobody can ever take that away from me. It’s a great accomplishment for me, and I’m really excited.

championship, and just how they played with so much confidence; win, lose, they always seem to be confident with it, and that’s what I tried to take from those guys. How do you think this might change your life? It’s definitely going to change my life, but I’m determined that it’s not going to change me. There are a lot of things that are going to come up tournament-wise, and different opportunities, and I’m going to have to deal with that. I’ve got a great circle around me, from my management team, my caddie, my wife, and my coach, so I’m looking for them to keep me in check, to make sure that it doesn’t change me. It’s going to be a difficult. You hear a lot about the demands of winning a major championship and what that brings, but I’ll have to take it day by day and go with it. We’ll find out in the next couple of months how that’s going.

There’s a pretty impressive list of winners on the Wannamaker trophy. Did you feel like you belonged in that group coming into the tournament? I don’t think you can ever claim to belong with a group of guys who have won Majors until you’ve done it. It’s a great accomplishment and hopefully it will propel me on to better things, some better golf, some more tournaments wins, more Majors, more Ryder Cups. So now that I’ve done it, maybe I can sneak my foot in the back door and be back there with them. What were the keys to your victory? For me to be competitive on this type of golf course, I felt like I had to have a great ball-striking week, and I did. I hit a lot of fairways, and if I did miss the fairways, I wasn’t in the thick, thick stuff, so I was able to get it up by the greens. When I did hit the fairways, I hit a ton of greens, and that was the difference for me. My scrambling was also pretty good. I only missed one up-and-down during the final round, and that was on the last when the job was pretty much done. You came across as being in total control of your emotions. How nervous were you on the inside? I know I can sometimes come across as a cool customer, I guess, but there were definitely some nerves out there, especially when you’re trying to win your major championship. I was pretty nervous on that three-footer on the first hole, but after I made that, I calmed down, and pretty much flat-lined it for the rest of the round. Flat-lined? Golf can be a little boring compared to other sports, so you are never going to get quite as pumped up. It’s pretty matter of fact. I hit it in the fairway or I didn’t; I hit the green or I didn’t. Usually I’m struggling with the putter, so there’s not too much to get excited about with that! Were you watching the scoreboards during the final round, and were you aware of what other players were doing? I picked up a couple of early birdies, and knew I was in the lead. I actually started looking at the scoreboards when I made the turn, so I knew where I stood the whole time. I think I was two-up at the turn, and I felt like if I could step on it around 12, 13 and 14, I could distance myself from the pack. My plan was to keep trying to make birdies and keep trying to put pressure on the rest of the field. Sometimes when you try and get too careful, you can make mistakes, so I tried to play a more aggressive game. I was just trying to keep moving forward and not screw it up. How did your experience at the PGA in Atlanta two years help you? I tried to stay patient early on, but I also tried to be aggressive – so it was a bit of a combination. For instance, I was intending to lay up on the par-five fourth, but I felt like I was hitting the ball really well and ended up

hitting 3-wood and making a birdie. The fifth hole was a pretty tough pin there, and I went right at it and stuffed it. I knew that I had to stay patient, but I felt like I was hitting it pretty good, and I hit a lot of shots close early in the round which made it easier for me. There was not as much pressure on the putter as there was at Atlanta, so that was the difference I guess. I know I’ve had leads in Majors before and not pulled through, but I always felt like that experience was going to make me a better player and make me more confident the next time that I had a chance. I felt really comfortable this week, really calm, and felt like that I could do it done. You had a hug with Keegan Bradley after you walked off the green. What did he say to you? I saw Keegan as I finished up, and we just kind of brohugged. He just said, ‘I’m proud of you’. And I just said, ‘Thanks a lot, it means a lot for you to be here’. I was probably over what happened in Atlanta, 95 per cent of it, by the time I got back home that week, but you always carry those scars with you. He always teased me a little bit about having one of these [a Wannamaker Trophy] in his house, and thanks for giving it to him and all that stuff. And now I’ve got one too, so hopefully that’ll keep him quiet for a bit! You’ve watched a lot of other athletes perform under this kind of pressure and succeed in other sports. What have you learned about the way they handled it? I watch a lot of sports in person, just to see how those guys handle adversity, and how they respond to tough situations. I try to learn from everybody that’s around me, or people that I can see, because I think it really helps in these situations. A good example this year and last year, was basketball player LeBron James. He really struggled for a couple of times trying to get that

I believe this week was the debut of ‘Duf’s Dips’, your travelling fan group? They are from Canada, so it was great for them to travel over and support me. They were pretty excited about everything that transpired, and I appreciate all the fans coming out and supporting, especially for them to come out and identify themselves a little bit. Can you explain the turn of events from the ‘Dufnering’ craze earlier in the year, to ending up winning the PGA Championship? It’s been a little bit of a struggle on the golf course for me this year to be honest. I haven’t played quite as well as I would like after last year. I gained some notoriety for something that happened away from the golf course, and rather than letting it hurt me, I ran with it and it actually helped me a lot. I got a lot of fans because of it, and people identified me through it, and that was good. So to go from that to winning the PGA Championship – it’s great. It puts me in a great position for the play-offs, and a great position for The Presidents Cup, so hopefully I’ll be on that team. There has been a lot of frustration with my golf this year, but to win a major, that always makes it better! Of the next three Majors, is there one in particular that you have your eyes on? I always feel like I can compete at the US Open. Ball strikers do pretty well there. I’ve also had a great record at Augusta. So maybe those venues will be good for me. But we’ll cross that road a little bit later – I’m just going to try and enjoy this one for now!

August 2013 / Issue 224

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2013 US PGA CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW

DUFNER HAS THE LAST LAUGH With his hangdog expression and unorthodox swing, Jason Dufner proved a refreshing winner at the season’s final Major championship

Jason Dufner’s renowned deadpan expression may well remain more famous than his ability, but there should be no doubting that the 36-yearold from Alabama was more than a worthy winner of the 95th US PGA Championship. His ball striking at a treacherous Oak Hill was superb, there were precious few signs of the nerviness with the putter that cost him victory in the same events two year ago, and he closed out the tournament brilliantly with a host of more experienced players in close pursuit. Dufner sprung to global prominence earlier this year following a photograph that showed him sat on on the floor of a school classroom with a blank expression, and his arms by his sides. The image went viral, and resulted in hundreds of copycat stunts, including those by fellow pros Bubba Watson, Luke Donald and Rickie Fowler. It also led to the coining of the phrase ‘Dufnering’, which was used to describe a general demeanour of mild indifference to things going on around a person. While the criticism was clearly unfair, and the joke somewhat personal – the copycats wore pillows up their jumpers to ape his generous waistline – Dufner chose to ride the celebrity train rather than let it derail him, and he happily enjoyed the last laugh at Oak Hill, where his calmness under pressure served him well during the pressure-packed final round, during which he overhauled countryman Jim Furyk with a closing 68 to win by two shots at 10 under par. The enigmatic Dufner, a two-

time PGA Tour winner last came closest to a major title when he squandered a five-shot lead with four to play as he lost to Keegan Bradley in a play-off for the 2011 US PGA title. But he played imperious golf at Oak Hill, hardly hitting a bad shot, to open his major account in upstate New York. En route to victory, he equalled the lowest score in major history with a second round 63. He trailed 2003 US Open champion Furyk by one shot going into the final round, but was sharing the lead with the eight-time Ryder Cup star after a birdie on the fourth, and had a two-shot gap after the ninth. A tentative birdie putt on the 10th, followed by almost missing the next, were virtually the only outward signs of nerves – until both players bogeyed the 17th and 18th – as Dufner maintained his distance on Furyk all the way to the giant Wanamaker trophy. “I can’t believe this is happening to me,” said Dufner, who is the 18th different winner in the last 20 majors. “To come back from a couple of years ago in this championship, when I lost to Keegan in the play-off, and to win feels really, really good. The last two holes were a little unfortunate. I wish I could’ve closed out with no bogeys, but I am happy to get the job done. It’s a big step for my career.” Furyk, who won the last of his 16 titles in 2010, said: “I needed to keep the pedal down and make pars there and keep the pressure on him and I just didn’t do it. If I could go back I would have to try to make par at 17 and 18 and try to put some heat on him.” While Furyk’s closing 71 saw him finish second for the third time in his Major career, a much-

Henrik Stenson added a third to his runner-up finish at Muirfield

Eyes on the prize: Dufner lifts the Wanamaker Trophy

Dufner held off the challenge of Jim Furyk durng the final round

“My wife is constantly motivating me to play well. I don’t need other sources to motivate me”

revitalised Henrik Stenson finished third for the third time in his career, three shots back, tied with fellow Swede Jonas Blixt on six under par. Stenson and Blixt were both bidding to become the first Swedish man to win a major title, but both had up-and-down days with level-par 70s. For the resurgent Stenson, who dropped to as low as 230th in the world rankings early in 2012, it was his fourth consecutive top-three finish after finishing in a tie for third at the Scottish Open, coming second in the Open and tiedsecond behind Tiger Woods at Firestone. Masters champion Adam Scott began four shots adrift, but was also unable to make an impression, with his 70 leaving him on five-under par, alongside American Scott Piercy, who surged up the leaderboard with a 65. Rory McIlroy was looking

Dufner adopts the pose that has been copied all over the world

likely to miss another cut after 10 holes of his second round, but the Northern Irishman fought back well over the closing stretch to make the weekend and at six shots adrift, he had an outside chance of defending the title he won by a record eight shots at Kiawah Island last year – but a triple bogey via the water on the fifth derailed his challenge and left him playing catch-up. World No.1 Woods could only finish tied for 40th, meaning the 37-year-old has now gone 18 majors and five years without a major title, and will have to wait until the 2014 Masters at Augusta to try to resume his quest for a 15th victory in the tournaments which define careers. Dufner, whose world ranking has now risen to eighth, is the 15th first-time major winner in the last 19 played, another

stat that will not make happy reading for Woods. Dufner denied that the level of pre-tournament focus placed on Woods and Mickelson acted as a form of inspiration to him. “Those guys get a lot of attention every week; they deserve it,” he said. “They have won a ton of majors between them, a ton of tournaments. One and two in the world; they deserve the attention. But I don’t get jealous of the fact that they get so much attention or feel like an underdog. I think I’ve done some great things out here and I try to motivate myself, rather than feed off others. My wife is constantly motivating me to play well, and I have a great team around me. I don’t need other sources to motivate me.” Well said, Jason, well said. We could all do with a bit more Dufnering, and a lot less talking.

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News in Brief TIGER AND RORY TO GO HEAD-TO-HEAD Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy are set to take part in a two-man exhibition in China following last year’s ‘Duel at Jinsha Lake’. The world numbers one and three will appear at an as yet unnamed venue on October 28, reprising their one-day meeting a year earlier. McIlroy won last year’s 18-hole strokeplay event in Zhengzhou, which was noted for the exuberant behaviour of the fans, who stole balls from the driving range and were rugbytackled by staff as they mobbed the players on the fairways. McIlroy said: The crowds we had last year were incredible. I had never seen so many people following one match, and I’m sure we’ll have more of the same this year.”

MICKELSON MOVES UP Phil Mickelson moved up to second in the world rankings following his victories at the Scottish Open and the Open Championship. The 43-year-old had fallen to 22nd in the rankings at the beginning of the year – his lowest position since 1996. The five-time major champion moves up three places at the expense of Rory McIlroy, who dropped to No.3, just above recent major winners Adam Scott and Justin Rose.

HOEY ADDS TO HAUL Northern Ireland’s Michael Hoey claimed the fifth European Tour title of his career following a fourstroke victory at the M2M Russian Open in Moscow. The 34-yearold, who led by five shots after a third round 65, shot a final round 70 to remain clear of defending champion Alexandre Kaleka, winner of the tournament last year, and Manchester’s Matthew Nixon.

SOUTH KOREA TO STAGE PRESIDENTS CUP IN 2015 The Presidents Cup is to be staged in Asia for the first time when the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea hosts the biennial tournament in 2015. The venue, which is 40 miles west of Seoul, hosted the Champions Tour’s first Asian event in 2010, and the Korean Women’s Open in 2012.

August 2013 / Issue 224

TOUR NEWS

Lewis’s surges to second Major title America’s Stacey Lewis doubled her tally of Major titles following a dramatic climax to the weatheraffected renewal of the Ricoh Women’s British Open held at St Andrews. The 26-year-old World No.2 birdied the Old Course’s 17th and 18th holes for a final round 72, to pull clear of her rivals over a testing final day, which required the field to complete 36 holes. With Saturday’s play all but lost because of 40mph winds, the marathon turned into a sprint, with Lewis surging clear over the final stretch to finish on 10-under par and beat Korea’s Na Yeon Choi and Hee Young Park by two shots, with fellow American Morgan Pressel and Norway’s Suzann Pettersen a further shot back in fourth. While the world was wondering whether Korea’s Inbee Park could win the fourth leg of an unprecedented Major grand

slam, Lewis was hoping her love affair with the Old Course would continue where she left off at the Curtis Cup in 2008, when she won all five of her matches. And so it proved, with Lewis shooting rounds of 67, 72, 69 and 72 to become the first American to win the Women’s British Open since Sherri Steinhauer in 2006, ending a run that had seen Asian players claim ten consecutive victories in the

Five minutes with…

Greg Turner New Zealander Greg Turner enjoyed great success on The European Tour in the 1980s and ‘90s, winning four times, before retiring in 2003 to concentrate on his golf course design business. Now 50, he has recently returned to action on the European Senior Tour What has kept you busy over the past few years? Our course design business, being a dad, a role on the local high school board...but the main focus has been the design business with projects back home in New Zealand and in the UK. What is your most cherished golfing achievement? I have very fond memories of the 1998 Presidents Cup, as I have a soft spot for team golf. That said, I didn’t win often enough for any of my individual titles not to have been special. What was your funniest moment on the course? When I won my first tournament in Europe at the 1986 Scandinavian Open, one of my playing partners had an embarrassing moment early in the second round when his rush to a Portaloo came up a bit short. As the round went on the sun got hotter, I kept making birdies, the gallery kept getting bigger and bigger. By the end of the day it was 30 degrees, I was ten under and leading, and the crowd was huge, so there was no hiding place for him!

Majors which had started after Lewis won her first Major at the Kraft Nabisco Championship back in 2011. Inbee Park’s bid for the Grand Slam came to an end when she closed with rounds of 74 and 78 for a six-over par total. “This is just crazy,” said Lewis. “I was just hanging in there all day, and 17 and 18 happened so fast that I don’t know if it has really hit me yet. My patience won it for me today. It was just so hard. The wind was brutal. I never thought for a second that birdieing the last two holes was even possible.” The Smyth Salver, awarded to the leading amateur, was shared between New Zealand’s Lydia Ko and England’s Georgia Hall, after both players finished the Championship on six over par. The leading British player was 2009 champion, Catriona Matthew, who shot 68 in the third round, but then fell back with a closing 78 to finish in a tie for 11th.

Do you have any major golfing regrets? I don’t do regrets. Whose swing did you most admire? I really liked Nick Faldo’s swing under David Leadbetter’s coaching. It wasn’t a particularly powerful movement, but it looked unlikely to falter under pressure. His margin for error was enormous, which seemed to me – at least at the time – to be pretty important.

Turner with fellow NZ golfer Frank Nobilo

Who was your funniest playing partner? Tony Johnstone was hilarious. He was often close to completely losing it, but always in a self-deprecating way. He was merciless in mocking himself.

European Tour denies PGA takeover Reports that the PGA Tour plans to buy the European Tour have been denied by the Wentworth-based body. Reports from a variety of sources have suggested that the American circuit is planning to take advantage of the economic crisis in Europe by putting in a bid to take control of the European Tour. Such a move would give the PGA Tour a share of the Ryder Cup, and would help its desire to claim a bigger stake in the booming Chinese and Middle Eastern golf market. In the current economic climate, the European Tour, which hosts events throughout the world, has struggled to compete with its US counterparts. Despite it being the height of the golf season, there have been no full events on the continent for the last three weeks. Ryder Cup star Paul Casey, who is a member of the European Tour’s tournament committee, said: “There are so many good things about the European Tour and it can be such an unbelievable product given the places we go to and the players we have. But we are so far from maximising what we have and we need to freshen things up.” In response to the takeover claims, Keith Waters, the chief operating officer of the European Tour, said: “The golf market in Europe is significantly smaller than in the United States. Hence the European Tour’s expansive policies throughout the world over the past 16 years, which includes co-operation with the US PGA Tour in the World Gold Championships arena. However, the notion that the US PGA Tour is somehow bidding to buy the European Tour is incorrect.” PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem also denied the rumours, although he he confirmed that the integration of professional golf around the world would be ‘of additional value for players, sponsors and fans’. “Such integration has been ongoing since 1994, with the founding of the International Federation of PGA Tours, and has led to the establishment of the World Golf Championships in 1999, as well as the World Cup as a Federation-sanctioned event, Finchem said. “More recently, all the major golf bodies around the world worked together to bring golf back to the Olympic Games.” He added that talks among the various tours within the federation would continue “as we explore additional collaborative efforts for the presentation of our game”.

Do you watch a lot of golf on TV? The Ryder Cup is always great to watch, and so is the final stretch in the Majors. But other than that, I find it a little monotonous. Which one rule change would you like to make to the game? We have to sort out the distance problem at the elite level. Players hit the ball too far nowadays, which has made golf one-dimensional and taken the artistry away. There are knock-on effects such as the need for bigger courses, which is expensive, all for the sake of a few at the top. A recognition by the authorities of the problem would be a good start.

Date for Seve Trophy Despite fears that the Seve Trophy would be left off the schedule this year, the European Tour have announced that José Maria Olazabal and Sam Torrance will lead the respective teams in the Seve Trophy in France this October. European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley has selected his predecessor in the role, Olazabal, to lead the Continental Europe team, and Torrance to lead Great Britain and Ireland at St-Nom-La Breteche Golf Club from October 3-6.

August 2013 / Issue 224

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TOM LEWIS

MY 5 KEY SECRETS

TO HOLING MORE PUTTS In the first of an exclusive new four-part instruction series from European Tour professional Tom Lewis, he begins by offering his top five tips to help your ball find the bottom of the cup

One of the best ways to hole more putts is to make sure your fundamentals are solid. I spend a lot of time checking that my ball position, alignment, posture and head position are all in order when I’m putting, and I would suggest that is something you should do if you want to hole more putts.

1. SET UP SQUARE TO YOUR TARGET LINE

2. EYES IN LINE WITH THE BALL

The first thing I check when I’m on the practice putting green is that my alignment is correct. Some people rely a lot on feel when it comes to putting, but I think you need solid fundamentals if you want to putt well on a consistent basis, and that starts with making sure my feet, hips and shoulders are all square to the target line on every putt I hit.

I am a big believer in having your eyes directly over the ball when you address a putt. This will help you to swing the putter back and through on-line, and also helps to give an accurate picture of your aim line. When your eyes are too far inside the ball you tend to think the target is more to the right than it really is, and it’s the opposite when you address the ball with your eyes outside the ball. A simple drill I use to check this is to drop a ball from my eye line, if you are in the correct position, the ball you drop should fall on top of the ball you are putting.

3. BALL TO LEFT OF CENTRE IN YOUR STANCE I constantly monitor my head position when I’m practising my putting, and it’s the same with my ball position. I like the ball to be left of centre in my stance when I’m addressing a putt, as this helps me hit the ball a little bit on the upswing and produce a good roll. You need to make sure your ball position is the same on every putt you hit. You don’t want it to be too far to the left in your stance, because that might mean your putter head is closing by the time it hits the ball and result in the putt missing on the left. However, it shouldn’t be too far back in your stance either, as that will make you hit down on the putt too much, which leads to an inconsistent roll.

Tom Lewis is a brand ambassador for Marriott. The photographs were shot at Marriott Hanbury Manor in Hertfordshire. For details visit www.marriott.co.uk or download the Marriott app from iTunes.

4. LOCK YOURSELF INTO POSITION One of the real secrets to putting consistently is to cut down on the moving parts in your swing. I use a pendulum swing when I’m putting, and work hard to ensure that the triangle formed by my arms and my shoulders never breaks down during the swing.This starts at address when I ‘lock’ both my left wrist (a) and my right arm (b) into position. The feeling here is of drawing my arms into the front of my rib cage, albeit without creating any tension. Note how the back of my left hand and arm form one continuous line, and how the inside of my elbow faces directly away from my body. Another thing worth pointing out here is that I try to get the end of my putter pointing to the left of my belt buckle.

5. KEEP YOUR WRISTS IN A NEUTRAL POSITION AT ADDRESS When you’re putting, your wrists need to be a little higher, as in picture (a), than when you address the ball for a long shot, but they must not be too high (b) or too low (c), as this will promote a more wristy motion and make it very difficult for you to create a pendulum action. A good set up is vital when it comes to building a sound putting technique, so be prepared to work at it when you’re on the practice putting green. I can assure you it’s worth it, because with solid fundamentals you’ll then be giving yourself the best chance of holing more putts.

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August 2013 / Issue 224

EwenMurray

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

Mindless shouting mars Dufner’s day in the sun The US PGA Championship proved a fitting climax to a marvellous Major season. Formerly the poorer of the game’s four elite events, the tournament attracted 99 of the world’s top 100, with only Louis Oosthuizen absent through injury. And in Jason Dufner, the tournament had a worthy and popular champion. I don’t know about you, but I always think Jason looks like he’s about to burst into tears; like he’s had his favourite teddy bear stolen from him. These observations are a long way from the real Jason Dufner. On the Friday of the championship, he was in the middle of a great round of golf with a chance to rewrite the major record books. In the end, he came within a few inches of a 62, which would have created history. On his way up the 14th fairway, he walked over to his wife, Amanda, who was walking outside the ropes. He pressed into her hands a few acorns he had collected on the way around Oak Hill. The couple recently bought a sizeable piece of land in Auburn, Alabama, where Dufner attended college. On completion of the building of their new home, the acorns are to be planted in the garden. Now that he is the champion, I hope they

Catch me if you can: Woods has his work cut out to reel in Nicklaus’ Major record

Jack proves the master of all trades

Constant shouting from the crowd ruined a great spectacle for a lot of spectators and TV viewers alike

flourish, for they will be very special trees. One thing that spoilt the season’s final Major for me, which you may or may not agree with, was the constant barrage of stupid shouts from the galleries as the players hit their shots. It certainly took away much of the enjoyment of watching the action for me, and come the end of Sunday I was deafened by the moronic cries of ‘mashed potato’, ‘bubabulla’ and other mindless chants from a small section of goons that should have been ejected from the course. If that had been the procedure when this tedious

trend first reared its head a few years ago, we would not have to listen to it today. The PGA Tour has done some wonderful things for the game of golf, but it needs to look at this disease and sort it out quickly. Television viewers I’m sure hate it, and before long the shouts will come during a player’s swing, and could end up defining the result of a tournament. It’s ugly, crass, and unclassy. So too are the players who remain silent when their errant shots fly towards the spectators. Whatever happened to the word ‘fore’? At least when warned, a

fan can go into the brace position and protect themselves to minimise injury. There are some players who adhere to the game’s etiquette, but my guess is they are in the minority. A one-shot penalty for failing to shout ‘fore’ would soon sort it out. It’s cowardly and selfish to be quiet when your ball is clearly heading into the crowd. The international federation of PGA Tours need to get together and sort it out. It’s the fans that pay for the professional game, so it’s time to show them the respect they deserve.

During the final day of the PGA, our guest on Sky Sports was Jack Nicklaus. During his stints in the studio and commentary box, his insight into the way he prepared for the majors was fascinating. His observations on the final few pairings were the same, but it is his humility and modesty that shine like a beacon. When asked about his 18 major wins, Jack humbly said that he only played his best golf in a handful of these victories. Other times he had to win a little ugly and rely on his instinct, his short game, and his experience, he said. Rory McIlroy has listened to the wise words of Jack in recent weeks. They have formed a friendship that is based on respect of one another, and Rory can learn much from the game’s greatest player and gentleman. After an hour in the box, I was prompted to ask Jack if he could stay for another 15 minutes. Jack’s reply? “Sure, I’ll

stay as long as you want me to.” Today’s players are very fortunate to have had such an exceptional role model to look up to for so many years. One man who has good reason to look up to Jack Nicklaus is Tiger Woods, whose failure to add to his Major tally since 2008 continues to fuel speculation as to whether he has what it takes to eclipse Jack’s haul. Despite five impressive wins this season, Woods was a shocking 17-over par for the final two rounds at the Majors this year. His driving, or should I say tee shots, at Oak Hill, were very poor. That put pressure on the rest of his game. His divots with short irons were alarmingly deep, indicating the downswing is too steep. That would explain his trouble from the tee as well. As sublime as he was at Firestone, his play at Rochester was at the other end of the scale. Maybe Tiger is like you and I. After a good round, we try to do the same things, but the results are poles apart.

Slow play spoils Senior spectacle

Storm brewing: Senior Open officials failed to factor in the bad weather which led to an anti-climatic finish at Birkdale

The week after Phil Mickelson’s heroics at Muirfield, I found myself at the magnificent Royal Birkdale to watch the over 50s compete for their version of the Claret Jug in the Senior Open Championship. One cannot help but admire the standard of play of our senior stars. Their desire to compete, and their dedication to still put in the hours on the range, never fails to impress me. What did fail to impress me, however, was the speed of play, and some of the extraordinary decisions made by the tournament’s officials.

The first mistake was the decision not to send the players out earlier for the final round. The forecast had predicted, correctly, that storms would hit the Southport area at around 5pm, and there would be more than one of them. After the first delay, just before 6pm, the officials decided to let the players warm up on the range for 45 minutes. Play resumed, only for Bernhard Langer and his partner, David Frost, to take 21 minutes to play the par-three 14th. Moments later, the second wave of bad weather hit the

Lancashire coast. A delay lasting 45 minutes meant the officials still had plenty of time to finish the event that evening, but what did they do? They gave the players time to warm up again. These were very poor decisions. Langer and America’s Mark Wiebe tied after 72 holes, and, after two play-off holes contested in almost total darkness failed produce a winner, it was all back on Monday, when three holes were enough for Wiebe to win the title. It was a great pity for a wonderful championship to finish this way.

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August 2013 / Issue 224

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Following the public outcry over golf’s governing body’s decision to continue hosting the Open Championship at several male-only golf clubs, Peter Dawson, chief executive of the R&A, offers his personal view on the debate and explains his reasons for maintaining the status quo

GENDER GAMES The issue of the Open being held at single gender golf clubs is a very emotive one, about which people have very strong opinions. I do think that, however strong opinions are, the way that we have perhaps failed to get our message across does leave the general public with a slightly false impression of what things are like in the game of golf. I’d like to try to correct that with a few facts and figures to get some balance into the discussion. I think golf has moved a long way from the stereotype of the golf club that was reported back in the 1950s and before. I think it’s done so because of general moves in society. It’s a generational thing. There can be commercial pressures, societal pressures – but the average golf club in Britain today is a very different place to what it was 20, 30, 40 or 50 years ago. My first point is that there are no golf courses I know about in Britain which are closed to either women or men as players. That might not be the case when it comes to membership, but as players all golf clubs that I know of allow both women and men to play them. Point two. There are about 3,000 courses in Britain. Around about 1% of them have a single sex membership policy. So this is a 1-in-a-100 number. It’s not rife. It’s not what many members of the public perceive when they read about this subject. It’s a much smaller number than perhaps is often believed. Of that 1% or so, slightly more than half are women-only clubs. And there’s obviously historical reason for that, as to why these clubs were first formed, because women couldn’t get into the men’s clubs at that time. It’s quite different today, but by and large these women-only clubs remain fiercely independent. It’s also interesting that a vast majority of single-sex clubs in Britain are in Scotland. There are very few in England. There are none in Wales that I know about. The vast majority are in Scotland. Much of it, not all of it, but much of it reflects the sharing of golf courses by a number of different clubs. And this is the situation that we see,

Royal St George’s is one of three Open Championship venues to have a male-only membership policy

for example, at St Andrews, where the courses are public. Anybody can play – young, old, domestic, foreign, men, women. There are five clubs, private clubs, around the links, which share the courses with visitors. Of those five clubs, three are all-men, two are all-women. The youngest of those clubs is one hundred years old this year. The oldest is the R&A, which goes back to 1754. These clubs all live together, interact together, very harmoniously. And the members of these clubs actually don’t want to change. They’re very happy with the current situation, both the men’s clubs and the women’s clubs. They’ve actually put out a statement twice as a group of clubs about this. So the scene here at St Andrews is one of great harmony. More women play golf here than anywhere else I’ve ever been, and no one is disadvantaged, which might be quite a good measure if equality actually exists or not. I don’t think that type of situation is well understood in the country. Why should perhaps 5,000 members of these various clubs change something that they’re very happy with? And I don’t know who could make that happen, because the feeling is very strong here that this works – this model here at St Andrews works. Now I completely understand the view that many people would have that any kind of discrimination is a complete no-no. I understand that. But there are groups of people who like things the way they are in these clubs. I don’t see very much wrong with that personally, as long as nobody’s disadvantaged, and that’s certainly the case at St Andrews. Of course I understand the criticism that the R&A would get having a

single-sex golf club and being the governing body for golf. We did, as part of the reorganisation that we conducted in 2004, moving our external activities into a corporate structure, recognise there was a need to split these activities away from a private members’ club. We’re still on that journey, because it is true to say that in these companies, many of the committee members that we have are drawn from the club members of The Royal & Ancient Golf Club, there’s no denying that at all. But in the important areas of our governance role – the Rules of Golf, the rules of equipment, so on – which is where we have an influence on the world of golf, we make sure our committees are more representative of the world of golf than just drawing from R&A members. We don’t have any control of how many of those are women, because it depends how many women the organisations that are represented on that send. If Golf Australia sends a man, they send a man. If they send a woman, they send a woman. The Ladies’ Golf Union and the Ladies European Tour are on the equipment committee. So we do have female and male representation on those committees, and a much wider group than just people from the R&A. Now moving to Open venues, we have nine venues that we use at the moment. Three of them I would regard as public facilities: St Andrews, Turnberry and Carnoustie. Three I would regard as private members clubs, dual-sex membership, Birkdale, Lytham and Hoylake. And three would be private members’ clubs with single-sex policy membership: Royal St Georges, Muirfield and Troon.

“I don’t believe that a few single-sex clubs, even if The Open is held at one or two of them, affects participation in the game”

YOUR RIGHT TO REPLY What’s your view on the R&A’s decision to host the Open at singlesex clubs. Are you a member of a single-sex club? Email in and let us know your views on the subject, and we’ll publish a selection in a future issue, with the best letter winning two dozen golf balls. Send your emails to: editor@ golfnews.co.uk with ‘Open Debate’ in the subject line.

Troon is more akin to the St Andrews model. There’s a true ladies golf club there that shares the courses with the Royal Troon members. There’s a situation there where there’s an equilibrium, the members of both clubs seem to me to be very happy with the situation. There’s no internal pressure for change at Troon. Women and men can play all the courses at Troon. At Royal St George’s and Muirfield, there are different situations. Muirfield is a single sex membership club. Women do have access to the golf course, either as guests of members or simply as visitors. You do see a good number of ladies playing at Muirfield. The club has been very helpful to women’s golf over time. I think the Curtis Cup has been there twice in its history. And, as an aside, this doesn’t seem to be an issue for some of the women’s organisations in golf because next year, the British Women’s Amateur is at Royal St George’s. There’s nothing wrong under the UK legislation with a single sex club, as long as they behave under the Equality Act as far as guest access is concerned, which certainly Muirfield does. And to think that the R&A might say to a club like Muirfield, ‘You’re not going to have The Open any more unless you change your policy’, is frankly a bullying position that we would never take. And at the R&A, I’ve used this term ‘social engineering’ in the past, so I’m not going to use it again. We don’t see it as our role to attack golf clubs which are behaving perfectly legally in the UK. I don’t actually believe the fact that The Open is played at Royal St George’s or Muirfield or Troon does have the impact that some people are suggesting. I don’t see any evidence. I understand the point that people might want to say that and be against single sex clubs, I understand that totally. But I don’t believe that a few single-sex clubs, even if The Open is held at one or two of them, affects participation in the game of the golf. That is not to say I’m trying to sell you single sex clubs, but I think it’s overblown.

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August 2013 / Issue 224

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Abacus Carlo Polo shirt RRP: £49.99 Contact: abacussportswear.com Swedish technical clothing brand Abacus Sportswear has introduced bamboo charcoal fabric technology to its new collection of polo shirts. The fabric is prized for its sustainable properties, with a bamboo forest taking between just four and five years to regrow, while a tree forest can take up to 60 years. When combined with micro polyester, bamboo charcoal creates an efficient moisture wicking fabric that keeps the wearer dry and cool, while providing UV-protection. The Carlo polo shirt featured is available in blue, grey, dark grey in sizes S-XXXL.

FootJoy Spectrum glove

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RRP: £16 Contact: footjoy.co.uk The golf course is awash with colour these days, from flashy shoes, to pimped up bags and wheel hubs, dayglo driver heads and all manner of garish clothing, so it seems an obvious move to offer a glove in brighter hues. FootJoy, the market-leading glove brand, has got ahead of the colour curve with the launch of the Spectrum glove, which will add a splash of colour to anyone’s game this summer. Featuring cabretta leather on the palm and index finger, and offering all of the comfort and grip design features found in its traditional white models, including a stretch mesh netting in the knuckle area, the men’s Spectrum comes in green, red, blue, purple, lime and orange, while the ladies range offers an additional pink option – which may also appeal to some men in these enlightened times.

TaylorMade Golf SLDR Driver RRP: £349 Contact: taylormadegolf.com

Positioning a sliding weight on the sole of a club is not a new concept, as we first saw it in Mizuno’s MP600 driver back in 2007, and there may well have been earlier attempts, so TaylorMade’s new SLDR (Slider, geddit?) driver is not the revolutionary design that it may first appear, or indeed, claims to be. Rather than having to fiddle around with multiple screws, the SLDR features a single 20g weight that slides on a track located on the front of the sole. This shifts the clubhead’s centre of gravity horizontally towards either the heel, to promote a draw, or the toe, to promote a fade. The mechanism delivers 6mm of movement – 50% more than R1 – promoting a shotdispersion range of up to 30 yards. The weight can be positioned anywhere along a 21-point track system, so that golfers can make minute adjustments to their shot shape with a simple movement of the screw that can be loosened and tightened with a supplied tool. Weight distribution mechanisms aside, TaylorMade is confident that this is the longest driver that it has ever produced, as the location of the weight – lower and more forward – promotes the kind of low spin and faster ball speed that is a feature of all long drives these days – especially for those who are able to give it a big wallop. The SLDR driver can also be adjusted for loft, with 12 positions within a range of plusor-minus 1.5 degrees, available to choose from. The more loft added, the more the face closes and vice-versa. At address, the 460cc head has a classic shape and features a charcoal-grey crown that contrasts with a silver face to aid with alignment. Available in three lofts – 9.5°, 10.5° and 12° – the standard model is fitted with a Fujikura Speeder 57 graphite shaft, while a Tour Preferred version combines the same clubhead with a Fujikura Speeder Tour Spec 6.3 shaft.

John Letters TR47 range RRP: £89.99-£399 Contact: johnletters.com St Andrews-based company John Letters has launched a complete range of clubs under the TR47 brand. A replacement for the T9+ range, the TR47 pays homage to the past and the present, with the number 47 referring to Fred Daly’s Open Championship victory in 1947 using John Letters equipment, while the ‘TR’ is short for Trilogy, which refers to the famous John Letters design of three different clubs styles. The range comprises a 460cc titanium driver, two fairway woods (3, 5), four hybrids (16°, 19°, 22° and 25°), and a set of undercut cavity irons featuring a bladed sand wedge. The driver (£149), fairway woods (£89.99), and hybrids (£89.99) are fitted with UST Mamiya V2 graphite shafts, while the irons (£399) come with tourproven Rifle Project X steel shafts. The combination iron set, which includes two hybrids, features thin face technology, which provides explosive power from the face for more distance. While a thin face generally takes away feel at impact, the Letters’ R&D team has compensated for this by putting a specially-designed rubber compound cell right behind the impact area. This compound dampens vibrations and offers increased feel.

Mizuno MP-A Series Putters RRP: £169 Contact: mizunoeurope.com Mizuno has added three new designs to its popular A Series range of putters, taking the total number of models available to six. In addition to the two earlier blade and mallet models, the 304, 205 and 306 putters offer a wider choice of hosel options fitting into a chunkier heel-toe weighted Anser-style head. Made from soft-feeling forged carbon steel, and featuring a black finish, they each feature a white lateral alignment mark on the top of the face, which makes it easy to line up with the target, while score lines reduce skid and promote earlier roll.

August 2013 / Issue 224

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Adams Golf Tight Lies Fairway Woods Mizuno MP-54 irons

RRP: £149.99 Contact: adamsgolf.eu

RRP: £100 per club Contact: mizuno.eu One of the headline acts in a raft of new equipment launches from Mizuno this autumn, the MP-54 iron joins the growing stable of MP irons in the company’s range, and fills the gap for players who want all the performance benefits of a traditional MP iron in a slightly more forgiving package. The one-piece, forged carbon steel heads feature a step muscle design that retains thickness behind the impact area for a powerful, solid strike. A deep-milled pocket cavity in the long-to-mid irons delivers stability from off-centre hits, while a solid muscle design in the short irons offers improved feel and manoeuverability. A heavily-bevelled sole ensures cleaner turf interaction, while a perimeter grind reduces the appearance of the width of the topline and sole to make it fit the eye of better players. A unique blended hosel design creates the illusion of less offset to encourage shot shaping and workability. They feature a double nickel mirror chrome finish and are available in mixed sets to include MP-H4 long iron alternatives. “The MP-54 is for players who have grown up on forgiving golf equipment – but want a little bit more from their shot-making,” said David Llewellyn, head of Mizuno’s Golf Club Development. “It still has all the forgiveness most modern players are used to – but with so much more feel and workability. It’s still MP, still traditional – but more aggressive.”

Adams Golf is bringing back the fairway wood that put the company on the map in the mid1990s, with the launch of the new – and, of course, improved – Tight Lies. Featuring many of the same design elements that made the original such a hit, the new Tight Lies will initially be available in only a 16° 3-wood, although 14° and 19° loft options are to be released later. Offering a club that golfers of all skill levels will genuinely be able to use off the fairway, rather than being a straightforward driver replacement, the new-look Tight Lies features a much lower profile than many rival lofted metal woods. Its trademark upside-down appearance creates a low centre of gravity, while a tri-cut sole design makes it easy to nip the ball off the fairway, as well as dig it out from light rough.There is also a slotted cavity located just behind the face, which makes the entire clubface more forgiving, as well as increasing ball speeds for longer distance. The standard graphite shaft option is a Bassara Eagle by Mitsubushi Rayon, while a 14.5° Tour version of the club – which costs £189.99 – is fitted with Aldila’s Tour Blue shaft. Both models feature a matt black finish, while a women’s option, which comes in 3-, 5- and 7-woods, features a grey crown. All include the familiar white half-stripes on the shaft that were also a feature of the original Tight Lies range. They go on sale on September 1.

TRIED &

TESTED Callaway Golf X Hot 3Deep Yes! i4-Tech Stephanie RRP: £119 Contact: yesgolf.com The mallet-shaped i4-Tech Stephanie has been designed to better the moment of inertia (MOI) for ultra stability when hitting either a long or short putt. Just like the rest of the Yes! range, is fitted with the brand’s patented C-Groove 2.0 technology, which it claims provides soft-responsive feel and unparalleled control. The putter, which follows the Sandy 12 mallet, is fitted with tungsten weighting combined with perimeter weight distribution, which Yes! says makes it one of the most stable putters on the green. The white groove running through the middle of the club is an alignment curve, made from polymer, and has been designed to help with consistency and accuracy.

Rating: RRP: £189 Contact: www.callwaygolf.com When Phil Mickelson walked onto the penultimate tee during the final round at Muirfield, he knew that he needed to make a birdie on the lengthy par-five hole to move him into contention to win his first Claret Jug. The only problem was that he’d left his driver out of the bag and needed to smack it the best part of 600 yards in two shots to make the green. Fortunately, Phil had something of a secret weapon in his bag – the Callaway X Hot 3Deep fairway wood. This revolutionary club has a 10% taller face than the standard X Hot pro, and is 40% smaller than a river, but the ball comes off the face only 3% slower than the driver thanks to a Speed Frame Face, which is thinner, hotter and lighter than most other fairway woods designs. It all adds up a club that allows aggressive ball strikers with fast swing speeds to keep spin rates down, for a penetrating ball flight and longer distance, while still maintaining workability. The 3Deep also features a Warbird-style sole, which makes it ideal for using off the deck, as well as from the tee, as Mickelson proved on the 17th and several other holes at Muirfield, and at Castle Stuart the previous week. Available in 13° and 14.5° models, and fitted with a lightweight 43.5inch Project X Velocity shaft, it’s a viable driver alternative for good amateurs who are looking for lower launching, lower spinning ball flight, although those with slower swings and less consistent swing paths will find the centre of what is quite a narrow face for a 3-wood quite hard to locate. It’s definitely a specialist club for a special kind of player, but then we all think we’re special, don’t we?

Motocaddy Lite Series Cart Bag RRP: £79.99 Contact: motocaddy.com Motocaddy’s new Lite-Series cart bag is the lightest the company has ever produced. Tipping the scales at just 2.1kg, courtesy of a lightweight nylon fabric, the bag still packs plenty of functionality, including 14 club dividers, six outer pockets, an external umbrella well, velcro glove grip, detachable rain hood and a towel hook. It also features an anti-twist base design that keeps it firmly in place on a trolley or a buggy, while upper and lower grab handles and a padded carry strap make it easy to transport. The Lite-Series bag is available in black/red, black/lime and silver/lilac.

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August 2013 / Issue 224

1. Callaway X Hot 2. Titleist 913H 1 2

4 3

RRP: £149 Contact: callawaygolf.com Featuring the same Speed Frame Face found in the X Hot woods, the X Hot hybrids are built for distance, while their compact heads and Warbird-style soles ensure consistent performance from a variety of lies. To improve ball speed, the thickness of the stainless steel face has been reduced by 15 per cent to enhance the trampoline effect, leading to faster balls speeds and improved distance. Available in 3 (19°), 4 (22°), 5 (25°) and 6 (28°) loft options, with X Hot graphite shafts, in L, R and S flexes.

RRP: £197 Contact: titleist.co.uk The 913H is fitted with a leaner, more tapered version of Titleist’s SureFit Tour adjustable hosel, which allows the loft, lie and bias of the clubhead to be adjusted to suit specific swings or trajectory preferences. In addition, the weight location on the sole of each club can also be altered to change ball flight and spin characteristics. The Tour-inspiried head shape features a glossy black crown, which is thinner than previous designs to further lower the club’s centre of gravity. It is available in 17º, 19º, 21º, 24º, 27º lofts, with an Aldila RIP Phenom 80 shaft as standard.

Shoot for the skies with the latest hybrid launches

HIGH FLYERS 3. Nike VR S Covert

4. Ping G25 hybrid

RRP: £159 Contact: nikegolf.com

RRP: £170 Contact: ping.com

The first hybrid model to feature a cavity in the sole, the Covert is designed to deliver faster ball speed and longer shots from a wider area of the face. NexCOR technology creates more speed at impact by employing a variable face thickness that moves the sweet spot higher from the heel of the club to the centre. Available in 17°, 20°, 23° and 26° lofts with Kuro Kage Black 70 graphite shafts.

5. Mizuno JPX 825 RRP: £129 Contact: mizuno.com Like the matching JPX 825 driver, the hybrids have been designed to hit the ball straight, with high-floating shot landing accuracy. The L- shape face is made from maraging steel, which flexes like a larger clubface to producer better shots from a wider range of strikes across the clubface. Deep internal weighting means the ball flies off the clubface on a straight and long flight with very little deviation. The front edge sits tight to the ground, which makes the club really easy to hit, inspiring confidence at set up. The lofts options are 16°, 19°, 22° and 25°.

5 6

Featuring the same matt black crown found in the rest of the G25 range, the G25 is a traditionally-shaped hybrid, with a soft, rounded head, a shallow face, and a cambered sole. Weight has been positioned lower and further back in the lower lofts, progressing slightly forward in the higher lofts to help minimise spin and prevent ballooning. The low toe and heel sections are squared off to create a generous hitting area and ensure consistent performance, especially on shots struck low on the face. They are available in 17, 20, 23, 27 and 31-degree lofts, with Ping TFC 189H graphite shafts.

6. Cobra AMP Cell

7. Adams Golf Super Idea DHy

RRP: £159 Contact: cobragolf.co.uk

RRP: 159.99 Contact: adamsgolf.co.uk

The AMP Cell hybrids are available in 2-3, 3-4 and 4-5 models that can be adjusted into 10 different lofts. This gives golfers the ability to dial in distance gaps and manage trajectories for their individual long game needs. SmartPad technology keeps the clubface square at address, regardless of loft setting, and still allows for workability to slightly open or close the face. They are available in silver, blue, red and orange, to match the brand’s AMP Cell driver and fairway woods.

Designed to be hit off the tee, as well as the fairway, the DHy is a power-packed, low-launching, long iron replacement. The unique bulge and roll technology on the stainless steel face improves forgiveness and creates a tighter shot dispersion, while the compact, iron-like head shape allows for improved workability and control. A cut-thru sole slot works together with an ultra-thin maraging steel face to provide increased ball speeds and longer distances, making it ideal for use on long par threes and par fours where accuracy is vital. It is available in 18, 21, 24 and 27-degree lofts with a Matrix White Tie 8H3 shaft.

8. Cleveland Classic RRP: 119 Contact: clevelandgolf.com Featuring a tall face, to match the looks of the Classic driver, the Classic also offers Cleveland’s Gliderail sole, which comprises two distinct rails with a subtle centre keel, which serves to keep the clubhead stable through impact and impart more lift and speed when hitting through the ball. The centre of gravity is also located deeper into the head, helping to promote a higher, more penetrating ball flight. It is available in 15.5, 18, 20.5, 23, 26 lofts and is fitted with a Matrix OZIK XCON-6 graphite shaft that encourages a lowspinning, high-launching ball flight.

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August 2013 / Issue 224

EQUIPMENT NEWS

Park’s success driven by new Srixon ball

Woods signs new Nike deal World No.1 Tiger Woods has signed a new contract with long-term equipment and apparel sponsor Nike. The details of the contract, which was agreed just before the Open Championship, have not been revealed, so there is no indication as to how much it is worth, or how long the deal will last. “We’re comfortable with where we ended up and the career trajectory that Tiger will be on with Nike,” said Woods’s agent Mark Steinberg, who also hinted that his client would remain with Nike for the rest of his career. Woods has been with Nike since turning professional

in 1996, when he signed a five-year deal for a reported $40 million. Various industry reports had his payment at $100 million over five years starting in 2001. The previous contract was for seven years. Nike remained loyal to Woods during the sex scandal in 2010 that ended his relationship with several other of his sponsors, including Buick and Gillette. “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Tiger,” said Cindy Davis, president of Nike Golf. “He is one of Nike’s most iconic athletes, and has played an integral part in Nike Golf’s growth since the very beginning. We will continue to utilise his insights to develop the most innovative products that support

golfers reaching their full potential.” Steinberg said there would be no new requirements as part of the deal, but that Woods would continue to work closely with Nike to develop new products. “It’s not just about having one of the greatest golfers of all time on its staff,” Steinberg said. “It’s about how insightful he is with the product – how he can help them with innovation. I think you’re going to see more and more of that, and maybe a more pinpointed direct approach.” Woods also has endorsement deals with Rolex, Fuse, NetJets, EA Sports and Kowa, a Japanese textile company.

Adidas has pros swinging in the rain Adidas launched its new range of Gore-Tex waterproof outerwear by putting two of its most prominent tour pros through a series of weather challenges prior to taking part in the last month’s Open Championship. To celebrate the release of the innovative performance range, the brand created the ultimate weather simulator designed to replicate the worst of Mother Nature. In front of a group of invited guests, PGA Tour stars Dustin Johnson and Martin Laird went head-to-head in a nearest the pin competition at North Berwick Golf Club. From blustery conditions through to the perfect storm, the players experienced the full range of traditional Scottish weather as the notion “it never rains, but it pours” became a reality. For the first four shots, the weather conditions were determined by a spin of

a ‘weather wheel’ and for the final, and ultimately deciding shot, fans determined just how tough the weather should be via an online vote. While taking on the challenge Johnson and Laird both wore the soon-to-be released adidas rain gear to battle the erratic weather. Following his wet weather experience, Johnson said: “I know this part of the world is renowned for bad weather, but that was something else! It was great fun taking on Martin in his own back yard.” The new adidas Gore-Tex rainsuit is designed to withstand adverse weather without sacrificing flexibility, comfort or range of motion during play. A two-layer jacket will be available from September 1 in four colour options for £224.99, while twolayer Gore-Tex trousers will be available from September in black, costing £174.99.

Although she has been using it all season, Inbee Park’s bid for the fourth consecutive grand slam title at The Ricoh Women’s British Open was conducted with a new Srixon ball that is shortly to go on sale to the public for the first time. The Korean was chasing history using the new Srixon Z-Star ball that is geared for a range of swing speeds. The ball’s large, soft core – which is softest in the centre and firmest toward the perimeter – generates more distance than the current Z-Star, while a new dimple pattern creates more uniform surface coverage for improved flight consistency. Its ‘Spin Skin’ coating increases friction between the club and ball by 20 per cent for added spin on shots around the green. The ball comes in white or yellow. A new version of the Z-Star XV ball, which is designed for those with swing speeds in excess of 100mph is also shortly to be launched, and is firmer and spins less off the driver than its predecessor.

THE GEAR EFFECT PHIL MICKELSON Open Championship FAIRWAY WOOD: Callaway X Hot 3Deep (13) HYBRID: Ping Anser (17) IRONS: Callaway X Forged (4-PW) WEDGES: Callaway Jaws (52, 56); Callaway Mack Daddy 2 (60, 64) PUTTER: Odyssey Versa #9 BALL: Callaway HEX Chrome + JASON DUFNER US PGA Championship DRIVER: Titleist 910D2 (9.5) FAIRWAYS: Titleist 913F.d (13.5, 18) HYBRID: Titleist 913H (19) IRONS: Titleist 714 AP2 Prototype (4-PW) WEDGES: Titleist Vokey Design SM4 (56, 60)  PUTTER: Scotty Cameron GSS Circa 62 No 6 BALL: Titleist Pro V1 MARK WIEBE Senior Open Championship DRIVER: TaylorMade R1 FAIRWAY: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 (14.5) HYBRID: Adams Golf Idea Pro (18), Titleist 909H (21) IRONS: TaylorMade Golf TP PUTTER: Yes! Natalie Long BALL: Titleist Pro V1 BRANDT SNEDEKER RBC Canadian Open

Ernie feels the force after driver switch Former Open Champion Ernie Els has added significant yardage to his long game after joining a growing list of players to switch to using the Callaway Golf’s new FT Optiforce driver. Els joined the likes of fellow Callaway staff players Trevor Immelman, Jim Furyk, and rising American star Patrick Reed to use the new driver, which offers a full range of adjustable hosel and loft configurations, and features a lightweight, forged composite crown. The 42-year-old four-time Major champion played a 9.5-degree 440cc model at the recent RBC Canadian Open and averaged 301 yards off the tee at Glen Abbey – up from his season’s average on the PGA Tour of 288 yards. Els said: “When I put this new driver in the bag for the first time at the Canadian Open, my distance off the tee jumped up 13 yards on my season average. That’s a significant difference. Obviously distance is important, but I also like the way this club sits behind the ball, and the head size at 440cc looks just right to my eye. So it scores on looks and on performance; you really can’t ask for more than that.” Furyk also moved to a 9.5-degree 440cc model with a Fukikura Speeder VC 6.2x shaft, while Reed, who gained nearly 30 yards of distance with the FT Optiforce driver at the John Deere Classic recently, has posted three top10 finishes since he put the new driver in his bag. Just a month since its launch on Tour, the new model has been the most played of Callaway’s drivers among the current models available.

DRIVER: TaylorMade Burner Superfast (8.5) FAIRWAY: Tour Edge Exotics CB4 (13) HYBRID: Ping Anser (17) IRONS: Bridgestone J40 (4-9) WEDGES: Bridgestone J40 (51, 55), Titleist Vokey TVD (60) PUTTER: Odyssey White Hot XG Rossie BALL: Bridgestone Tour B330 MICHAEL HOEY M2M Russian Open DRIVER: Titleist 913D3 (8.5) FAIRWAY: Titleist 913F (13.5) HYBRID: Adams Idea Pro a12 (19) IRONS: Titleist 712U (3-4), Titleist AP2 712 (5-PW) WEDGES: Titleist Vokey Design SM4 (54, 58) PUTTER: Yes! Golf Victoria II BALL: Titleist Pro V1 STACY LEWIS Ricoh British Women’s Open DRIVER: Mizuno JPX-800 (9) FAIRWAY: Mizuno MP-650 Titanium 3 (15) HYBRID: Mizuno MP-650 (17) IRONS: Mizuno JPX800 Pro (4-PW) WEDGES: Mizuno MP T-11 (52, 56, 60) PUTTER: TaylorMade Ghost TM-110 Tour BALL: Titleist Pro V1x TIGER WOODS WGC Bridgestone Invitational DRIVER: Nike VR_S Covert Tour (9.5) FAIRWAYS: Nike VR Pro (15, 19) IRONS: Nike VR Pro Blade WEDGES: Nike VR Pro (56, 60) PUTTER: Nike Method 001 BALL: Nike One Tour D GARY WOODLAND Renoe-Tahoe Open DRIVER: Callaway RAZR Hawk Proto (8.5) FAIRWAY: Callaway RAZR Fit Xtreme (16.5) UTILITY: Callaway X Prototype Tour Utility (18°) IRONS: Callaway RAZR X Muscleback (3-9) WEDGES: Titleist Vokey Design SM4 (48, 54, 62)  PUTTER: Odyssey Versa #1 Wide BALL: Callaway HEX Chrome+

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August 2013 / Issue 224

SarahStirk Despite being born in Wales, I’ve always thought of Scotland as my spiritual home. Maybe it’s the friendly vibe, the stunning scenery, or the vast array of beautiful golf courses, or maybe it’s the unpredictable nature of the weather. My recent visit to Scotland took me to Castle Stuart in the Highlands. I was reliably informed by several of the locals that they had never before in their lifetimes experienced four days of continuous sunshine and temperatures in the late 20’s. The Highlands are picturesque at any time of the year, but under glorious sparkling clear skies, they are simply breathtaking. The Americans that have just been over for the Open Championship couldn’t quite believe that their waterproofs didn’t once see the light of day. My Scottish golfing escapades have taken me to the likes of St Andrews, Troon, Turnberry and Carnoustie, and having learnt to play the game at Gleneagles, the Perthshire resort has always held a special place in my heart. Now it was time to venture further north, as I headed up for the Scottish Pro-Am on the European Tour to entertain two Sky Sports/ Visit Scotland competition winners, alongside former Masters champion Sandy Lyle. Castle Stuart is a championship course overlooking the Moray Firth. Since opening in 2009, it has added real credibility to the rich fabric of golf in the Scottish Highlands – which is already blessed by the likes of Royal Dornoch, Nairn, and Brora. On its own, this part of the UK is a superb golfing destination. You don’t need to come here as an ‘add-on’ to an existing Scottish trip. There’s enough great golf, food and sightseeing to keep you fully entertained. In addition, a five-minute taxi ride from Inverness airport is a major plus point, and future plans include a luxury hotel and spa, ‘resort-ownership’ lodges and apartments, and a second seaside course. The Gil Hanse-designed course received rave reviews and numerous accolades after opening and in 2011 signed a deal to host a European Tour event for the following three years. It’s just been announced that the venue will once again host the Scottish Open in 2016. The tournament’s former home was the ultra-exclusive Loch Lomond, but the big switch came about because the pros wanted to test their skills on a links course in the run up to the Open, and quite right too. The contentious debate this year, though, centred on whether Castle Stuart would

In a new monthly travel column Sky Sports golf presenter Sarah Stirk returns to her roots to test her skills on the stunning links at Castle Stuart ahead of the Scottish Open

HIGHLAND CHARM

The Scottish Open will return to the majestic links at Castle Stuart in 2016

The wide variety of tees at Castle Stuart make it an enjoyable test for all

provide a stern enough test ahead of the exacting demands of Muirfield. Some benign weather conditions in previous editions had a selection of golfing aficionados labeling it a ‘soft’ links layout. At the completion of play, however, the Inverness links was basking in the afterglow of some glorious Highland sunshine after a job well done. Grey clouds and blustery squalls had replaced the earlier fine weather, and a popular winner in Phil Mickelson was the perfect way to end a fine four days. The wind added some real bite to the previously pushover par fives, and big Phil had nothing but admiration for a course that gave him the perfect warm up for another shot at Open glory – and what preparation it ultimately proved! Anyway, enough of Mickelson, what about our efforts in the Wednesday Pro-Am, I hear you ask. Well, Sandy was an absolute

delight to play with, and so were the competition winners. It all started fairly relaxed and lighthearted, of course, until the VPAR live scoring system showed us to be in a tie for the lead with just a few holes to play. Cue four very competitive golfers with eyes on the prize. As it transpired, we ended up tied for the lead at -25 (par is your friend, with all four scores counting), but lost out on count back. The appeal of Castle Stuart is its ability to host the European Tour’s finest one week, and the average golfer the next. It’s a very playable golf course, providing a really enjoyable test for all. It is generous off the tee – especially off the reds – but your short game better be sharp and your putter hot. Just ask Phil, the Champion Golfer of the Year! Follow me on twitter @SarahSkySports

I was lucky enough to play alongside Sandy Lyle in the Pro-Am

August 2013 / Issue 224

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BREAKS

In-line with the Masters theme, the winner of each game will be asked to don a Masters-style green jacket and have their picture framed and hung on the wall of the clubhouse. “Après Golf is essentially a social golf promotion that will bring a new dimension to the golf club experience,” said Daniel Hodson, De Vere’s Director of Golf. “After all, gone are the days when golfers only expect a pot of tea and a toasted tea cake after their round. Of course, we still offer that sort of experience, but in order to entice new people into the sport we need to ensure that the golf club continues to be a enjoyable place, regardless of your age or golfing ability.” For all the latest golf break offers to De Vere’s golf resorts throughout the UK, visit www. devere.co.uk or call 0871 222 4198.

As any player knows, a good old-fashioned bacon roll and a pint of beer go hand in hand with a round of golf, and these two great British dietary staples form the basis for an innovative new golf package on offer at Dartmouth Golf & Country Club in Devon this autumn. From now until September 30, golfers can enjoy one night’s bed and breakfast accommodation at the south Devon resort for just £99 per person including bacon roll on arrival, 18 holes each day on its renowned Championship Course, and a pint of beer, lager or cider with one round. In addition, the ‘Bacon and Beer’ breaks also offer guests unlimited golf on Dartmouth’s nine-hole layout, one two-course dinner, and complimentary use of the venue’s health and leisure club during their stay.

It pays to stay at Prince’s The luxury golf lodge at Prince’s Golf Club are proving a huge hit with golfers looking to play some of Kent’s finest links courses, including Prince’s itself, neighbouring Royal St George’s, Royal Cinque Ports, and many others along the coast. Capable of hosting up to 48 guests, The Lodge, which fully opened in May last year, is located by the fifth green at Prince’s and enjoys fantastic views over the 27-hole facility, St George’s, and Pegwell Bay to the white cliffs at Ramsgate. It is separated into 12 individual apartments, with each featuring two twin bedrooms, plus ensuite bathroom facilities and a shared lounge. The Lodge also boasts its own on-site lounge, bar and restaurant, the stunning Brasserie on the Bay, where head chef Michael Fowler is winning plaudits for his wonderful choice of locallysourced and expertly-cooked seasonal menus. Prices are £95 for a single room, £120 for a double/twin, and £240 for a two-bedroom apartment, with full English breakfast in the clubhouse included in the package. For reservations visit www. princesgolfclub.co.uk or call 01304 611118.

Based on two people sharing a room, packages are for a minimum of four people and can be taken any time from Sundays to Wednesdays until the end of next month. Situated in 225 acres of Devon countryside, just outside the beautiful town of Dartmouth, the resort boasts 27 holes of golf with the 18-hole Championship Course and Dartmouth Course complementing each other nicely. The Championship Course was designed to challenge the most proficient golfer, with strategic positioning of tees, meandering streams, 12 water features and undulating greens. In addition to golf, the resort also boasts first-class leisure facilities, which include an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and spa. To book a stay, call 0800 043 3669, or visit www. dgcc.co.uk.

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Golfers looking for organised post-golf entertainment should consider booking a break at one of 12 De Vere-owned golf venues around the country, following the launch of its Après Golf programme. With a roulette-wheel to decide the exclusive postround food and drink offers available in the bar, De Vere is encouraging golfers to join in the fun at any of its 12 golf resorts in the UK, including The Belfry, The Carrick, Slaley Hall and Oulton Hall. From Wii Golf and longest putt challenges, to nearest the pin and longest drive competitions, a range of fun games is designed to create excitement among visiting guests. To top off the Après Golf experience, each daily category winner will automatically be entered into a draw to win tickets to the 2015 US Masters in Augusta.

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De Vere launches ‘Après Golf’ programme

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News in Brief LUGGAGE HIKE MAKES RENTING A BETTER BET

Renting golf clubs when you travel abroad for short breaks, rather than bringing your own , might be the best bet for users of Ryanair, after the low-cost airline announced of a price hike of €20 on all stowed baggage over the summer. ClubstoHire, the golf club rental company backed by European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, currently rent sets of golf clubs from €35 per week at 16 European locations.

SUMMER SAVINGS IN SCOTTSDALE Golfers looking for a bargain break to Scottsdale are being offered some great value stay and play deals during the heat of the summer, with up to 60% off rates for hotel rooms and tee times. The Boulders Resort is offering the Two By Fore package, which includes casita accommodation, one round of golf pp/pn, 20% off spa services, and unlimited access to the Waldorf Astoria Spa’s fitness facilities, for £125 per night. For bookings visit theboulders.com.

August 2013 / Issue 224

TRAVEL

Celebrate 20 years of living Mix pars with spas at stunning St Moritz  the California dream! The American Golf Holiday’s Pro-Am Tour will be celebrating the 20th staging of its annual California Classic Pro-Am this winter, and the organiser is hoping to make it a milestone event. The popularity of this event speaks volumes for the quality of the golf offering, and organisers John and Alison Hooper are expecting it to one of the most memorable yet. “The Pro-Am Tour started with the California Classic Pro-Am in Palm Springs in 1994, and I guess the key to our continued success is consistently delivering a world-class golf experience with dedication and passion

A golf holiday to Switerland’s Kulm Hotel St Moritz is all the more appealing following the opening of a £8-million spa at the luxurious five-star venue, where golfers can indulge themselves with an alpine herb stamp massage to ease tired muscles after a challenging round of golf, or enjoy a long soak in an outdoor hot tub with panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. The Engadine, where St. Moritz is located, is known as ‘The Golf Centre of the Alps’, a name it acquired over 120 years ago, when the first golf course in Switzerland was opened in nearby Samedan. Not long after, the nine-hole Kulm Golf St. Moritz course was built, nestled among trees in the high Alpine landscape with spectacular views of Lake St Moritz. In 2001, course designer Mario Verdieri upgraded Kulm’s greens, bringing the course up to date with the needs of today’s golfers, so that the redesigned par-three course is both picturesque and demanding. Set within the hotel’s grounds, the golf facilities also include a driving range and two practice putting greens. There are two 18-hole golf courses – Samedan and Zuoz – within a 30-minute drive of St Moritz, at which the Kulm Hotel can arrange green fees. Three-night, half-board packages, which include unlimited use of the par-three course, daily buffet breakfast, free access to the new spa, and unlimited use of the local mountain railways, start from £620pp for bookings until September 7. For reservations, call +41 81836 8000 or email reservations@kulm.com.

The exclusive Stone Eagle Golf Club, Palm Desert, California

year after year,” said John. “In 20 years we have hosted stellar fields of competitors, including European Tour winners and Ryder Cup players, along with club professionals who just want the best for themselves and their amateur team members.’ He added: “We have also been lucky to enjoy fantastic support from some very loyal customers, and it is incredibly rewarding to host events with such wonderful camaraderie amongst the competitors.”

Luke Bangerter’s team at the Classic Club in California

The Pro-Am Tour has now grown into a series of eight world-class events that include Pebble Beach, Sawgrass, Scottsdale, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Hilton Head Island and Whistling Straits. The Scottsdale and Sawgrass tournaments immediately follow PGA Tour events, so competitors can extend their stay to watch the world’s best players, and then play the course in mint tournament condition. Pro-Am Tour events offer teams of three amateurs and one pro the opportunity to compete at golf’s greatest tournament venues, with guaranteed prize money on offer for the pros, and superb prizes and trophies for the amateurs. The California Classic Pro-Am takes place from Nov 30 to Dec 7, 2013. For more information, visit www.pro-amtour.com or call 02380 465885.

The stunning 9-hole course at Kulm

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August 2013 / Issue 224

TRAVEL

Fathers and sons head WIN A CHANCE TO WATCH for sunny Spain TIGER IN TURKEY! A tournament designed to encourage families to come together and play golf in a fun format is being hosted in Spain this autumn, with entry open to golfers of all Previous Fathers & Sons winners skill levels and ages. The European Father and and awards two trophies – Son Golf Championship, handicap and scratch titles. which is now in its sixth year, The maximum handicap is to be staged at the fouris 24, with a three-quarter star Valle del Este Golf Resort stroke allowance. Last year’s in Almeria, from October 28 oldest competitor was a 90 to November 2. year-old South Africa, who The unique event, played alongside his 57-yearwhich gives father and son old son, while the youngest pairings and their families an player was just 10 years old. unforgettable competitive The package includes golf and holiday experience, tournament entry, transfers, will take place during the accommodation, half board, school term holidays in the golf, prizes, welcome drink glorious desert region of and gala dinner. Event Andalucia - which boasts organiser Toby Marsden more hours of sunshine than said: “The families are anywhere else in Spain. what make this event so Televised on Sky Sports, successful. It is one big the championship aims to festival from the moment find the best father and son everyone arrives. Old team on the continent. Over friends meet and new, and 100 players compete for friendships are formed for handicap and scratch pairs life. It’s all about fun and titles and come from all over having a great time.”   Europe to take part. For further details visit The two ball better ball www.fatherandsongolf.co.uk Stableford championship or call 01702 680180 for a is played over 54 holes brochure.

Golf tour operator Golfbreaks.com is offering two lucky golfers the chance to win an allinclusive trip to the European Tour’s inaugural Turkish Airlines Open in Belek, as part of a promotion for its range of packages to this increasingly-popular golf destination. World No.1 Tiger Woods is already confirmed for the tournament, which is being held at the Montgomerie Maxx Royal course this November, while many of Europe’s Ryder Cup heroes, along with stars of the PGA Tour, are set to follow suit. With a prize fund of €7million, this new event is poised to become one of the cornerstones of the European Tour’s new Final Series of tournaments. The competition winner and their guest will stay at the brand-new, all-inclusive 5-star Riu Kaya Palazzo hotel - which opened this summer to much fanfare - as part of a prize that includes seven nights’ all-inclusive accommodation for two, two rounds of golf at Kaya Eagles, daily tournament tickets, return airport, golf and tournament transfers. The competition will run until September 30. To enter, golfers just need to visit www.

Golfbreaks.com/TurkeyComp and fill in their details. The Montgomerie Maxx Royal is one of the star attractions of a superb golfing region that is firmly established as one of the world’s best places to play and stay. Designed by 2010 Ryder Cup captain, Colin Montgomerie, the course has been laid out on a glorious sandy ridge that winds through serene pine forest. The stunning backdrop of the Taurus Mountains completes this amazing setting. For those interested in sampling golf in Turkey for themselves, Golfbreaks. com’s Winter Sun offers includes a variety of packages, including seven nights allinclusive at the Maxx Royal resort, with four rounds of golf, including one round on the Montgomerie Course, two at Sueno, and one at TAT International, from £699pp between December and February. The same length stay at the Cornelia De Luxe costs from £429pp, with three rounds of golf in the hotel’s Nick Faldo-designed Cornelia course. For further information and bookings, visit www. golfbreaks.com/turkey. Montgomerie Maxx Royal

News in Brief MORE WHEELS AT LA MANGA Golfers visting La Manga Club this summer can look forwrd to riding in one of 25 new electric Club Car Precedent buggies that the fivestar Spanish resort has recently taken delivery of. It takes the total buggy fleet to 60, ensuring golfers don’t have to walk during the height of summer. Gary Silcock, La Manga ’s director of golf, said: “Demand for buggies is high across all three of our 18-hole courses so it is important that we update our fleet on a regular basis. We are also allowing buggies on the fairways, as part of our commitment to delivering a first-class golfing product to our customers.”

TURKEY’S STAR IS RISING Turkey’s rising status as a golf holiday hot spot has been underlined by a new survey of golf tour operators compiled by KPMG’s Golf Advisory Practice. The Golf Travel Insights 2013 report reveals that Turkey is now the fourth most popular golf travel destination for UK golfers after Spain, Portugal and Scotland.

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August 2013 / Issue 224

Stay & play brought to you by

For bookings please contact Your Golf Travel.com: Call Free: 0800 193 6612 Email: info@yourgolftravel.com Web: www.yourgolftravel.com

AN ENGLISH COUNTY GARDEN Lying a little over 60 miles to the North East of London is The Essex Golf & Country Club, a resort that offers 27 holes of golf that are perfectly complemented by a fantastic hotel, excellent leisure facilities, and the Pulse Bar, which is the ideal place to relax and enjoy a bite to eat, as well as a well deserved drink or two. The 27 holes include a charming 9-hole executive layout called the Garden Course, which is perfect for those new to the game, or indeed for seasoned golfers looking to enjoy a more leisurely round of golf. While the Garden Course certainly brings plenty to the table at The Essex, it is the County Course that really grabs the golfer’s attention. Set amongst a glorious swathe of rural countryside that was once commandeered for a US Air Base during World War II, the County Course offers a thoroughbred championship test that will appeal to golfers of all abilities. From the tips the course comes up just short of the 7,000-yard mark, which is long enough to test even the best ball strikers. The creative layout is also sprinkled with devilish bunkers, and no less than ten lakes, which places an emphasis on accurate hitting and shrewd course management. The County Course is a joy to play from beginning to end, with a pair of signature holes that bookend the scorecard.

Despite what The Only Way is Essex would have us believe, it’s not all spray tans, hair extensions and waxing in the most famous of the home counties – there’s also top-class golf on offer as well

The intelligent layout – there are five par 5s, nine par 4s and four par 3s – is sure to test every part of your game, and what’s more, one of The Essex’s greatest strengths is its unrivalled conditioning. A computerised irrigation system – fed by the clubs own 13 million gallon reservoir – ensures this parkland gem is in tip top condition throughout the year. While the excellent County Course is undoubtedly the jewel of The Essex’s crown, there is another string to the resort’s golfing bow, and it comes in the form of the

superb golf academy. If your game is in need of a tune up before you make your way to the first tee, then a 20-bay covered, floodlit driving range, perfectly manicured putting greens, and an indoor swing studio, not to mention the three golf professionals who are on hand to iron out the creases in your swing, will provide the perfect tonic. If exertions on the golf course – or in the bar – should get the better of you, the supreme comfort on offer in the resort’s 42 guestrooms will certainly

be welcome. Oversized beds, comfortable furnishings, as well as extras, including Sky TV and great panoramic views of the golf course and estate, will ensure your stay at The Essex is a comfortable one. The icing on the cake are the superb leisure facilities that await the weary guest looking to relax and recharge the batteries after a round of golf or in the morning following an enthusiastic evening in the bar. The outstanding gymnasium features the Technogym key system, including the new Excite range, and is one of

The Essex boasts excellent facilities on and off the golf course

the county’s largest. The aerobic studio is home to scheduled classes like Body Pump, Tai Chi and Pilates, while there are also holistic and spinning studios. Guests can also relax in the swimming pool, steam room, sauna and sun beds, or indeed play tennis on the six indoor and three outdoor courts. Focused solely on providing reliable and rewarding golf breaks for the travelling golfer, The Essex Golf & Country Club is the perfect choice for those looking to escape the pressures of everyday life, even if only for a day or two.

SPECIAL OFFER ONE-NIGHT BREAK + 2 ROUNDS GOLF Including Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

£79 FROM

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August 2013 / Issue 224

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Me&MyTravels ports TV presenter Georgie Bingham got a taste for tartan at S Cameron House and is partial to soft shell crab My most recent golf trip was to…Castle Stuart in Scotland to play in the Scottish Open Pro-Am. I played in a fourball with Paul Lawrie and ‘terrifying’ doesn’t adequately describe the prospect of it. Thankfully, the women’s tees were well away from the crowds, and once I’d hit the first drive I was fine. I had a fantastic day, going around in under 90 – and I won the longest drive competition! My favourite golf course abroad is…Port Royal in Bermuda. I’ve not really played enough to have a proper favourite yet, but I played a tournament out there earlier this year and really loved the course – the 16th hole, a par three played across a bay – is worth the green fee alone! The best hotel I’ve ever stayed at was…De Vere Cameron House in Loch Lomond, if we’re talking about golf-specific hotels. I’ve been up there a few times, and not only is there a fabulous spa and a fantastic golf course, but the rooms are superb

– decorated with rich wool tartans – and the service is five star. The best compliment I could pay is that I would go back there again, even if I wasn’t playing golf. My most memorable meal on holiday was…homecooked soft shell crab straight off the barbecue. When the Soft shell crab US Open was held at Bethpage on Long Island, I took the ferry over to Fire Island, where there are no cars, no bars, and lots of BBQ’s on everyone’s front porches. One of our very kind hosts flour dusted some freshly caught soft shell crabs and chucked them on the barbecue for us. Heaven! Simple food with fabulous people is the best ingredient for a memorable meal.

The Carrick at Loch Lomond

Port Royal, Bermuda

My dream fourball would be... Jack Nicklaus, either Justin Rose or Lee Westwood, and up-and-coming Ladies European Tour star Charley Hull. I’d love to see just how bad/ good my game is compared to her – and it’s always nice to have someone else going off the ladies tees! If I had to play one golf course for the rest of my life, it would be…

Royal Portrush on a balmy summer’s day. I can be a bit of a fair weather golfer, so somewhere warm in Florida during the winter would be a nice alternative. If not, I am perfectly happy with the Longcross Course at my home club, Foxhills in Surrey. It’s tricky as hell and has a very good 19th hole. My most memorable ever round was…in horizontal rain at last year’s Help for Heroes Golf Day at Stoke Park. It was not memorable for my golf, but for the stiff whisky and the two-hour, post-round bath I needed to defrost! Despite the horrendous conditions, everyone finished and we went on to raise more than £100,000, so it was worth it! My worst holiday experience was… a near seven-hour round in Florida that we didn’t finish because it was got too dark. It was 40 degrees for most of the

afternoon and my playing partner and I got paired up with a pair of complete pillocks on the tee that we had to suffer 17 holes with. It was a long day. The best piece of golf advice I’ve ever received was…’Swing easy’. I try and whack the ball into next week all the time – and with the exception of my driver – which I can wallop – when I swing smoothly, I hit the ball so much better! I’m planning a golf trip to… everywhere! There are a lot of courses I’d like to play in Scotland, Ireland, South Africa, the Middle East, and I must go back to Portugal. I have a huge list of courses I need to play before I die! When I go on holiday, I never leave home without…sun block. Maybe it’s the Irish bit from my dad, but I can blister in 20 minutes. My skin is pathetic and I burn even when it’s cloudy!

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