GolfNews August 2015

Issue 235 | August 2015 Web golfnews.co.uk

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TOM WATSON CARIN KOCH SARAH STIRK DAN WALKER NEW PUTTERS MEET THE PRO

DAY TIME Aussie seals first major as Jordan Spieth replaces Rory as World No 1

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[3]

Issue 235 | August 2015

THE UK’S NO1 GOLF NEWSPAPER

Twitter @golfnewsmag Web golfnews.co.uk

COMPLIMENTARY COPY

Est 1994

TOM WATSON CARIN KOCH SARAH STIRK DAN WALKER NEW PUTTERS MEET THE PRO

BY NICK BAYLY

GOLF’S NEW GREAT TRIUMVIRATE Well, that’s it for another major season. The year barely seems to have started, yet we’re already looking for the next eight months to pass by in a flurry of largely meaningless tournaments before it all starts again at Augusta next April. It’s small wonder that we journalists are often accused of wishing our lives away on future deadlines, and future events, rather than living in the moment and relishing current achievements.

Well, I for one am delighted that Jason Day will have over 230 days in which to relish the honour of being golf’s most recent Major winner. They say that good things comes to those that wait, but boy must this man have the patience of Job, following the nightmare run of near misses that he has suffered in the big ones of late.

His experience at St Andrews, where he fell one shot shy of the play-off after being wrongly sent out into the teeth of a gale earlier in the week, would have sent many a player howling into the night. Instead, he shed a quiet tear in the company of friends and family, picked himself up, and went out and won the Canadian Open the following week.

If what doesn’t kill you makes

Three’s company: Spieth, McIlroy and Day look set for future major battles

you stronger, then Day must feel like he’s made of Kryptonite these days. And the way he played at Whistling Straits certainly suggested someone with Superman-style powers. A second-shot wedge into a 560yard par five isn’t normally hit by a man with blood coursing through his veins.

With the Major monkey now firmly off his back, I fully expect Day to be challenging his younger rivals at the head of the world rankings, Messrs Spieth and McIlroy, for future honours. No longer inhibited by the fear of failure which he readily admits held him back, Day will be able to play with the kind of freedom

that McIlroy has certainly enjoyed in recent years, safe in the knowledge that he has already achieved what few professional golfers can only ever dream about.

And I seriously believe that he has the game and the mental strength to take them on.

Able to hit it miles off the tee, and capable of holing putts for fun from all parts of the green, there seems little to stop him becoming a member of an all-new Great Triumvirate,

the like of which the game has been crying out for years.

It was fun while the Tiger train was in town, but all sport requires competition for it to become box office viewing.

One-man shows have a certain attraction in the short term, but for interest in golf to be reignited once more, then there needs to be more than one possible outcome.

And in the current world top three, we have a trio of talented twenty somethings each of whom brings something different to the party, just as Harry Vardon, JH Taylor and James Braid did over 100 years ago, and what Palmer, Watson and Nicklaus did in more recent memory.

And if they turn out to be half as decent as those guys, we could be entering another golden era of golfing greats.

Here’s hoping.

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DAY TIME Aussie seals first major as Jordan Spieth replaces Rory as World No 1

Golf News, Maple House, The Spinney, Hove, BN3 6QT Tel: 01273 381794 Email: info@golfnews.co.uk Website: www.golfnews.co.uk Follow us on: Twitter@golfnewsmag Managing Director Matt Nicholson matt@golfnews.co.uk Editor Nick Bayly editor@golfnews.co.uk PR and Marketing Director Melanie Evans melanie@golfnews.co.uk Production Kath Perry ads@golfnews.co.uk For advertising enquiries please contact Matt Nicholson matt@golfnews.co.uk Design www.yotedesign.com Photography Getty Images Kevin Murray Published by BlueGreen Media Regular contributors Jeremy Ellwood, Sarah Stirk, Paul Mahoney, Clive Agran, Tom Lewis, Alistair Tait, Matt Ford. © Copyright Golf News 2015. No part of this publication may be copied, photocopied or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in anyway or means, either by recording or otherwise, without permission of the publishers in writing.

NEWS IN BRIEF COSTELLO QUALIFIES FOR EXPRESS FINAL Kent junior Taylor Costello fired a four-over-par 76 to finish second in the national qualifier in the Daily Express European Junior Open, with the top three gross scores qualifying for the 72-hole European Final in Spain.

Former winners of the title include Luke Donald, Justin Rose and Nick Dougherty.

BROWN SECURES DOUGLAS JOHNS Hallamshire’s Barclay Brown followed fellow club playter Alex Fitzpatrick in winning the BB&O’s Douglas Johns Trophy.

The scratch youngster fired rounds of 68 and 67 to win by four shots from Nathan Moore (Long Ashton), who shot an afternoon 66 to shoot up the leaderboard, with Hanbury Manor’s Harry Goddard third on countback.

GOUGH RETAINS BB&O U14S TITLE Twelve-year-old Conor Gough added the BB&O U14s Championship to his impressive haul of wins this year after shooting a gross two-over-par 74 at Castle Royle. Playing off a five handicap, Gough retained the title he won last year by two shots from Gregor MacKenzie (Kirtlington) and Thomas Lawton (East Berkshire). Gough also successfully defended his U12s title a week earlier, after scoring a one-under-par 71 at Beaconsfield.

GRIFFITHS ON TOP AT THE GROVE Oxhey Park pro David Griffiths fired a three-under par 69 to land The Grove Pro-Am. The former European Tour player dropped a stroke at his opening hole, the par-4 10th, but it was the only blemish in an otherwise excellent round that included three birdies on the back nine.

He finished two shots clear of runner up James Jankowski.

DYER’S DAY AT GARON PARK Jack Dyer won a play off against Aaron Edwards-Hill to clinch the Essex Boys Championship at Garon Park. Both players finished on three over par the 36 holes, matching each other shot for shot with 71s and 72s for a 143 total. Third place went to fast-finishing Louis Lazarus, who lived up to his name by coming back with a second round 67 to finish just one shot behind the leaders following an opening 77.

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AUGUST 2015 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Dawson springs Senior Open surprise at Sunningdale Golf fans were treated to some top-class golf from the stars of the senior circuit at Sunningdale last month, with titans of the over-50s tour such as Colin Montgomerie, Bernhard Langer, Tom Watson and Miguel Angel Jimenez vying for the prestigious Senior Open title over the Berkshire venue’s Old Course.

However, despite their best efforts, it was little-known American Marco Dawson who walked away with the coveted title, after producing a stunning back nine during the final round to thwart the hopes of his more famous rivals.

The 51 year old from Florida, whose best finish in 413 events on the PGA Tour was runner up in the 1995 Greater Milwaukee Open, sank a dramatic 18-foot birdie putt on the last hole for a round of 64 to finish one shot clear of defending champion Langer, who also closed with a 64, while Montgomerie was a further two shots back.

It proved to be a fascinating final round at Sunningdale, with Montgomerie seemingly in control for much of the afternoon, following an

Bernhard Langer finished second

Senior moment: Marco Dawson celebrates the biggest win of his career

Colin Montomerie gave the home fans plenty to cheer about

impressive four-under-par front nine of 31. The 2010 European Ryder Cup captain moved three shots clear of Dawson on the tenth hole. But fortune swung in the American’s favour when Montgomerie made back-toback bogeys on the 11th and 12th holes, while he birdied both holes.

That reignited his title bid and he moved to the top of the leaderboard in spectacular fashion, courtesy of the second eagle of his round on the 14th hole, after Langer had previously moved serenely into pole position with five birdies in his opening 12 holes.

It then came down to a battle between those two over the closing holes, and Dawson’s long

birdie putt on the last meant that when Langer holed his own 10foot birdie putt on the 18th hole, it was only to reduce the margin of victory to a single shot.

Langer, therefore, narrowly missed out on a recordequalling third Senior Open title, following his dominant 13-shot victory at Royal Porthcawl last year,– but for Dawson it was an emotional maiden Senior Major Championship, after only capturing his first title on the US Champions Tour in March.

“This is unbelievable,” said Dawson, who finished 16 under par for the championship. “I can’t tell you how many hours I’ve put in on the range, and I’ve had two back surgeries to prove it. I wasn’t expecting a lot this year,

but winning earlier in the season gave me a lot of confidence, and when I had a good first two rounds, I thought, okay, maybe this is going to happen again. I kept trying to making good swings and making putts.

That’s what it comes down to.

I just made one more putt than Bernhard.”

Dawson’s victory means he qualifies for next year’s Open Championship at Royal Troon, which will be his first appearance in golf’s oldest Major.

“Isn’t that nice?” he said. “So I’ll be here two weeks next year.”

Beers on Burke after bagging first Tour title in Pilsen Hertfordshire-based tour professional Hannah Burke said she was ‘in a state of shock’ after winning her first Ladies European Tour title in the Czech Republic.

The 27 year old from Welwyn Garden City shot a final-round 64 to finish two strokes clear of Denmark’s Nicole Broch Larsen in the Tipsport Golf Masters.

“I’m absolutely lost for words,” said the victorious Burke, who is attached to Burke was Mid Herts Golf Club. “I didn’t drenched with really focus too much on local lager winning. I had a little goal after her win set each day and went out to achieve them, and I’ve come out on top, so it feels good.”

She added: “My coach set me a goal for the final round which was to have no bogeys in 18 holes. I had seven birdies and no bogeys – so I managed my goal. I played very consistently. I only missed one green and putted well, and seven birdies is a good way to get on top.”

Burke, who is in her fourth season on tour, had a previous best finish of second at last year’s Indian Open, but her final round 64, following earlier rounds of 68, 68 and 64, finally brought the longed-for win.

Having set the clubhouse target, Burke had to wait in the baking sunshine of Golf Park Pilsen’s courtyard terrace before learning of her victory, whereupon she was drenched in beer from the nearby Pilsner Urquell brewery by her friends.

Broch Larsen’s hopes floundered with a seven at the 16th, and the tearful Dane said: “I was going for making my par instead of just playing it out to the fairway and seeing if I could make four from there. Instead of five, I made seven, and pars from there, so it was just one hole.”

Third time lucky for Harrison Surrey professional Jack Harrison made it third time lucky by firing a six-under-par 67 to win the Galvin Green PGA Assistants’ Championship at Coventry Golf Club.

The Wildwood assistant’s victory saw him banish memories of past disappointments, having been narrowly pipped at the post in his last two stagings of the event.

The start of the day presented a serious case of déjà vu for the Surrey pro, as he quickly put daylight between himself and joint overnight leader James Ruth. But while in past years he had faded, this time Harrison went from strength to strength, turning on the style on the back nine to hit four vital birdies and come in with a commanding four-shot victory.

In securing his 16-under-par total, Harrison saw his name etched onto an trophy who names include the likes of Peter Alliss and Tony Jacklin.

As well as claiming a first prize of £5,000, he secured a place to play in the PGA Play-Offs and the PGA Australia Futures Championship. He

will also head to Sweden for a fourday visit courtesy of title sponsors Galvin Green.

Harrison’s victory vindicated his decision to turn down an invitation to play in the Northern Ireland Open to compete at Coventry.

And he admitted the £32,500 championship had been among his key targets at the start of the year.

“My main goal for the year was to win this, and I can’t tell you how good it feels to have done that,” he said. “Coming into the final round, I couldn’t help but think about last year, and I was a bit nervous teeing off, but my birdie at the first really relaxed me, and then I was off!”

Harrison is now looking to challenge for a place at the top table. “I’ve got a few retakes of exams to do in a couple of weeks, but after that I’m going to Q School” he said. “Last year I set myself a target of being on the European Tour in three-years time, and if I keep on improving as I am I don’t see why I shouldn’t be able to achieve that.”

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NEWS IN BRIEF

AUGUST 2015 | NEWS

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Hull heads up campaign to inspire next generation of girl golfers

LEE LEADS WAY AT TYRELLS WOOD Cuddington’s Kevin Lee won the Surrey U21s championship after defeating Joe CarmodyFirth (Purley Downs) in a play off at Tyrrells Wood after both players tied on four-over par totals of 146 for 36 holes. Max Cooper (Coombe Hill) shot a best of the day 70 in the second round to take third place on five over.

ARNOLD ANNEXES SUSSEX VETS’ TITLE Copthorne’s Doug Arnold added yet another Sussex senior title to his impressive CV when running away with the Veteran’s Championship at Piltdown on July 30. Arnold shot a two-over par 70 to finish seven strokes clear of runner up David Worth (Lindfield).

ABLETT CLAIMS SURREY OPEN James Ablett shot an impressive 11-under-par total of 133 over two rounds to win the PGA Surrey Open Championship by three shots.

Trailing in the Lee on Solent’s pro’s wake was James Sharp (Waterhall) on 136, with defending champion Chris Gane’s final round 65 taking him into a tie for third with Russell Buxton (Hassocks).

Ladies Tour star Charley Hull and BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty are leading a new drive to get more women playing golf.

A video campaign called #ThisGirlGolfs was launched last month with the aim of shifting the perception that golf is a man’s game, and inspire participation by showcasing women who are already enjoying the game at all levels.

The ‘ThisGirlGolfs’ video, which also features Henni Zuel and Carly Booth, aims to raise awareness around women’s golf and stop a decline in female participation.

Launched to coincide with the last month’s Women’s British Open at Turnberry, the project was developed after research revealed there are currently more active female golfers in the Netherlands than in England, where women represent just 15% of golf club members. The report, by Sports Marketing

Surveys, also found that only one in 25 female club members are juniors.

“It’s been great to be part of This Girl Golfs,” said Hull, who is attached to Woburn Golf Club. “I hope it will encourage girls to head down to their local driving range or golf club and give it a go. I have always had a love of golf – picking up my first club aged five. It’s a fantastic game to play with friends, a great way to relax and get outdoors.”

A survey last year revealed that 640,000 females were interested in taking up golf, with the

ThisGirlGolfs campaign looking increase the number of young girls taking up the sport. The video shows women and girls playing golf in different environments, ranging from tour pro’s travelling to practice sessions on the tube, to a father taking the time to teach his daughter how to play.

Sandy Jones, chief executive of the PGA, added: “Golf is a very accessible and welcoming environment and we want to get that message across to women who may not have considered golf as an option.”

Private clubs wait on VAT rebate judgment Private members’ golf clubs that were expecting a large VAT payout from HMRC this April will find out in two to three months what they will receive.

Reports from the latest court hearing in July said that clubs can expect to be paid between 54 and 95 percent of the payment they were expecting.

In January, HMRC agreed to make substantial payments to hundreds of golf clubs for overpaid VAT by April. This followed the 2013 Court of Justice of the European Union ruling that VAT on green fees at private members’ clubs had been incorrectly applied for several years. This meant that scores of ‘not for profit’ clubs were able to claim the VAT back on green fees – believed to be worth several thousands of pounds to many of the venues involved.

However, even though the payments agreed were less than 50 percent of what the recipient golf clubs thought they were owed, no claim was subsequently paid due to what has been described as a ‘lack of compliance’.

A six-day court hearing has taken place at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, dealing with this issue, where HMRC argued that ‘unjust enrichment’ would occur should clubs receive a refund of VAT charged on non-member green fees without passing the refund back to the green fee payer.

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Cancer-fighting fund Buggy users may need insurance set up for former Dale following landmark EU ruling mechanical power’. According to current Golf clubs may be forced to take out Hill greenkeeper law, this would include golf buggies and insurance for golfers who rent buggies, and A fundraising Mike Mosse campaign has been set up for Mike Mosse, a popular 51-year-old golf course manager, who is now receiving critical care for oesophageal cancer.

Mosse (pictured right) was the course manager at Dale Hill Hotel and Golf Club in East Sussex for a number of years and was diagnosed with cancer in 2011. He appeared to have beaten it but it returned – on his 50th birthday – and his partner says Mosse has only ‘nine to 12 months left’.

Mosse recently received critical care treatment in Holland, and is now being treated in Germany.

It has been described as ‘neither cheap nor pleasant’, and he now needs another drug to fight the disease. A GoGetFunding page has been set up which aims to raise £20,000 for him, and has already raised more than £17,000.

Speaking from Germany, Mosse said: “The pain is now very bad and I’m very weak. I have just had my blood test results back to see if I am positive for the auto-immune drug PD1, and at the moment I can’t yet have it, as my immune system, to put it bluntly, is ‘shot to bits’, due to all the chemo and radiotherapy.”

He added: “On a different note, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone, all my friends, family, everyone from Dale Hill and even strangers, for all your support so far, I have been genuinely humbled, the comments have been so lovely, and they have really cheered me up during what has been and is sometimes a very dark and lonely place. Thank you all.”

For donations please visit gogetfunding.com/ michael-mosse-lets-get-rid.

for greenkeepers using ride-on mowing equipment and other powered vehicles, following a landmark ruling in the European Court of Justice.

Insurance is currently only required for buggies if they are being driven on a road or a public place, but the ECJ has ruled that the scope of an EU insurance law dating back to 1972 should be extended to make it compulsory to have insurance for all motorised vehicles, even if they are only being used on private land.

The ruling follows a case involving a Slovenian citizen who was injured after falling from a ladder that had been hit by a reversing tractor trailer. As the incident involved a vehicle being used as an ‘agricultural machine’ and occurred on private property, motor insurers refused to cover the claim.

But the EU court has ruled that the accident should have been covered by compulsory vehicle insurance, and that cover is required for ‘any motor vehicle intended for travel on land and propelled by

ride-on mowers.

The Department for Transport and the Association of British Insurers are currently in discussion on the matter, but no firm conclusions have been made. Jeanette Miller of the Association of Motor Offence Lawyers, said: “This could potentially cover any vehicle used on land unless it runs on rails. Historically, there was no legal requirement to insure a mower, but it looks like this may become a compulsory requirement.”

It is thought that golf clubs would have to make sure their buggy fleet was adequately insured, even for use on private grounds.

The Department for Transport is yet to confirm when final decisions about the proposed legal changes will be made.

Kate Sweeney of Stephensons law firm said: “Many current motor policies will now include cover for drivers on private land, and while that will not cover machines such as mowers and tractors, in those cases there may be cover under existing household or liability policies.”

Golfers who use a buggy may be hit with extra insurance costs

NEWS IN BRIEF FRANKISH ENJOYS DOUBLE DELIGHT

Kent’s Cloe Frankish won the Scottish ladies’ U21 championship and the English U16 girls’ championship in successive weeks. The 16 year old from Chart Hills won the latter title by a massive margin of 12 shots, finishing on two-under par at a windy Royal Cromer in Norfolk to run her rivals ragged.

That performance came on the back of an arguably more impressive result in the Scottish Ladies’ U21 championship, where Frankish fired rounds of 69, 72 and 77 to win by seven shots at Drumpellier, finishing on oneunder par for the tournament.

EMILY TOYS WITH RIVALS

Emily Toy came from seven shots back to win the English girls’ championship at Sheringham. The 17-year-old from Carlyon Bay in Cornwall was four-under par for the 72-hole championship, and won by two shots from girl internationals Lizzie Prior (Burhill) and Emma Allen (Meon Valley). After 36 holes, Allen had a seven-shot lead following rounds of 66 and 71, but she slipped back with scores of 78 and 75, while Toy forged ahead with a pair of 72s, with the final round including three birdies and an eagle.

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NEWS IN BRIEF WILLIAMS FINDS FORM TO WIN FALDO QUALIFIER Hertfordshire golfer George Williams won the Faldo Series England South Championship by four shots at Old Fold Manor Golf Club in Barnet.

The 20 year old from Knebworth shot 67 on the first day and followed it up with two rounds of 72 to earn the title and his third Grand Final invitation. In the other age categories, 16-year-old Arrun Singh-Brar of Foxhills pipped Louis Lazarus (Romford) by two shots in the U18 division to qualify for his second Grand Final. Harry Goddard (Hanbury Manor) took the U16 category by two shots, while the Girls’ division was won 18-year-old Lauren Horsford (Wimbledon Park). The last grand final spot went to Lily May Humphreys (Channels). The 13-year-old was dominant in the U16 section and will line up in her first final.

HOEBRIDGE BREAKS £10K BARRIER FOR ALZIEHMER’S UK Hoebridge Golf Centre in Surrey has raised more than £10,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK in 2015 following a successful recent charity day. A total of 68 players, including a mix of members, staff and guests, took part in the event with over £6,900 raised for the centre’s chosen cause. Thanks to the generous donations, prizes included a print of Seve Ballesteros, a signed cricket bat, and a fourball at Burhill Golf Club, which helped raise in excess of £4,000.

HUMPHREYS HOLDS NERVE TO CLAIM U14 GIRLS’ TITLE Talented Essex teenager Lily May Humphreys held her nerve to win the English U14 girls’ open championship at Royal Cromer in Norfolk. The 13-year-old from Channels, who is the current Essex girls’ champion, started the final round with a two-shot lead and at one stage, helped by two birdies and an eagle in the first four holes, she extended her advantage to five shots.

But her playing partner, Mimi Rhodes, gradually pulled her back, and after she birdied the 16th, the two girls were level.

Both parred the 17th, before Humphreys claimed the title on the 18th with a six, to win by a shot. She finished the championship on five-over par, while Rhodes was runner-up for the second year in a row.

[8]

AUGUST 2015 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Beaverbrook course set to be a ‘natural masterpiece’ says Watson New championship layout at the exclusive Cherkley Court development in Surrey remains on course for opening next summer, writes Nick Bayly Five-time Open champion Tom Watson has expressed his excitement about the course he helped design at Cherkley Court in Surrey, after playing a few holes at the Leatherhard-based venue during a recent trip to the UK. Watson took time out between the second and third rounds of the Senior Open Championship at Sunningdale to play the course he co-designed with Scotsman David McLay Kidd.

The 65-year-old legend travelled the short distance from Sunningdale to play the opening five holes of the 7,100-yard Beaverbook course, which is scheduled to open next summer.

The course will be the centrepiece of a £60m development, which will also include a hotel, spa, two restaurants and a cooking school.

Watson, who is a member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, and runs his own Kansas-based design company, shared architect duties with Kidd, who also designed nearby Queenwood, as well as the Castle Course at St Andrews.

Speaking about the design philosophy that helped shape Beaverbook, Watson said: “All too often I play courses that have been artificially formed. We are extraordinarily lucky to be given such a wonderful canvas, where all we as designers have to do is add the detailed brush strokes to finish what will be a natural masterpiece.”

Talking about the challenges of working on the 350-acre estate, he added: “One of the first problems that had to be solved were the two ancient walkways which cross the site. David did a great job of the routing, fitting the course in four quadrants.”

The longest hole on the course is an uphill par five, the 540-

The Beaverbrook Course at Cherkley Court enjoys great views over the North Downs

Tom Waton and David McLay Kidd

yard fifth, while the shortest is the 145-yard second. Watson’s favourite is the eighth, a 490-yard, downhill par four. “It is a really testing hole, but it is also visually beautiful, framed by two copses of trees,” he said.

This is the second time that Watson has worked on a design team, the first being with Bobby Jones Junior and Sandy Tatum on The Links at Spanish Bay at Pebble Beach. He said: “To make

An aerial view of the Beaverbrook Course

a partnership work, the first thing you need is a trust in each other’s vision and way of doing things.

I certainly learned an awful lot, especially in agronomy and the type of grasses we needed to work with. Here at Beaverbrook, the fairways are 20 percent rye and 80 percent variations of fescue, with bent grass for the greens. The land is largely chalkland, which means it drains superbly well. But the downside

is that it contains a lot of flint, which has to be screened out very carefully to prevent sparks or damage to the golfers’ clubs. I am really excited to see the course in its finished glory.”

Despite joining fees reported to be around £135,000, membership sales at the Beaverbrook Club are reported to be ‘brisk’, with former Wimbledon champion Andy Murray understood to being one of the first to sign up.

With the growing-in phase of the project well under way, the 18-hole layout is on course to open next summer, although no official opening date has been announced.

The Beaverbrook Club is owned

by Longshot Cherkley Court Ltd, whose four directors include Joel Cadbury and Ollie Vigours. The pair set up Longshot in 1994, with business interests in the leisure and property martket including nightclubs, restaurants and pubs.

Longshot went to the High Court last year to overturn a previous decision not to grant planning permission for the site to be developed into a hotel and golf resort, which they succeeded in doing last May.

New owner rings the changes at Hamptworth Hamptworth Golf and Country Club’s new owner is to invest over £250,000 in developing the facilities at the Wiltshire-based venue.

The club, which is located between Salisbury and Southampton, was recently purchased by local businessman Carl Faulds, who is putting up the funds to improve playing conditions on the 18-hole course, as well as renovate the clubhouse facilities.

Faulds, who owns a financial consultancy with offices in Hampshire, Dorset and London, is keen to turn around the fortunes of the club. He said: “The world

of golf has to remain relevant to enough people to be a sustainable operation. Every club has to decide its own model; ours is based around inclusivity, enjoyment, value for money, and creating a family-friendly atmosphere.”

As a keen golfer, Faulds plans to introduce changes to the course to make it ‘a fairer test of golf, rather than just making it harder’.

He said: “The test of a good course should be whether it is enjoyable, not how hard it is. I disagree strongly with the fashion for faster green at the expense of rock hard surfaces. At Hamptworth we are balancing

Carl Faulds has big plans for Hamptworth

speed with receptivity, with the overall priority being trueness. The greens are running at around 10.5 on the stimp, whilst maintaining some softness in the surface.

This combination also provides a truer surface that rewards better putting.”

Faulds has plans to build a new all-weather buggy path for all 18 holes, as well as laying over 1.2 miles of new drainage pipes to improve playing conditions in the winter.

The clubhouse is also being refurbished to create a modern, friendly environment for all the family, in keeping with the relaxed dress code.

NEWS | AUGUST 2015

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

[9]

Poor putting Ablett sharpens up short game responsible for in preparation for Q School tilt slump, says Poults Ian Poulter, host of October’s British Masters at Woburn, has said that he needs to ‘go back to the drawing board’ if he is get over the run of poor form that has seen him slump from world No.11 at the end of last season, to the 33rd place he currently occupies in the rankings.

The 39-year-old Ryder Cup star has played in 16 events this season, with a best-placed third in the Honda Classic in February, and three other top-10 finishes.

Poulter claimed that his game from tee to green remained in good shape, but conceded he was now struggling to read the line of many putts. He missed the cut at the PGA Championship and Open Championship.

Talking about his performance at St Andrews, Poulter said: “I’m not disappointed with how I played, because I thought I played well, but I’m disappointed I didn’t hole my fair share of putts.

It’s back to the drawing board now. I’ve got to try to see my lines. Some weeks you just can’t see the right lines, you can’t visualise the ball going in the hole, and that puts the rest of your game under pressure to hit it close.

He added: “I need to go above and beyond, and put the hours in. We all rely on putting, we all hit it well from tee to green, but unless you hole the putts you are not going to win tournaments.

Sometimes you stand over a putt, you visually see the line and you hit the line. It sounds silly to say, but you just don’t have that feeling all the time.”

Poulter will next be in action on home soil when he hosts the revived British Masters at Woburn from October 8-11. Poulter is Woburn’s attached tour professional, and he is delighted at the prospect of playing the role of official host for the tournament, which was last played at Woburn in 2002, when he lost a play-off for the title against Justin Rose on the club’s Marquess Course.

“It has been far too long since Woburn hosted a regular European Tour event,” said Poulter.

“When you think of the history there – with wins for the likes of Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo and Ian Woosnam – it deserves to have a European Tour event again. It has been in fantastic condition for the last few years. It will be a great week and obviously a very proud one for me.”

Poulter has placed the blame for his poor run of results this season on a lack of form on the greens

Hampshire professional James Ablett is enjoying another fine season on the PGA Southern Region, with eight wins already to his name, but the 37-year-old from Lee-on-Solent insists that he still has what it takes to make an impression on the wider golfing stage.

Ablett is currently top of the money list, with earnings of nearly £13,000 from 30 events this season, but although the experienced left-hander has often impressed on the local pro-am circuit, he has so far been unable to bridge the gap to the European Tour.

In a bid to make the transition, Ablett is planning a stint on the EuroPro Tour over the next few weeks, before he has another crack at the European Tour’s Qualifying School, the first stage of which gets under way in mid-September.

Ablett said: “The ambition is still very much there. But I know there is room to improve. I will be going for Q School again this year, and I’m hoping to play on the Europro in August. If I can shoot the numbers I have been in some of the PGA events, I would have a good chance of doing well. And playing a three-round tournament against fellow pros would get me settled in that environment for Qualifying School.

He added: “I have been there four or five times. I’ve got to the second stage and led it last year, but then putted poorly. But I still believe I can do well if I am playing and putting well.’

Ablett has cut a frustrated figure on the

greens in recent weeks, and he has now switched to a new putter to find some new consistency.

He said: “I’ve putted well during the season, but I’ve also putted horrendously.

So I’ve changed my putter in the past couple of weeks. I’ve been trying to find that consistency and it’s definitely improved. Earlier in the year, I had two rounds at the same course. I had 25 putts one day, which was the best I’d had for years and then 39 the next day to lose the tournament by three shots.

“You need to be below the 30-mark or to cut it out on tour. The long game is there or thereabouts for most pro golfers, so it’s usually about who is putting well.”

Clifford in charge at Aldwickbury Aldwickbury Park Golf Club in Hertfordshire has appointed Emma Clifford as its new general manager.

Clifford joins the Harpenden-based venue from her previous role at West Essex Golf Club, where she was secretary manager for almost five years.

After turning professional in 1992, Clifford spent nine years competing on the Ladies European Tour, before going on to become a fully qualified PGA professional in 2003. During her tenure at West Essex, the club secured GolfMark status and became

a ‘Get Into Golf’ centre, with Clifford’s efforts subsequently recognised when she was named the Golf Club Managers’ Association’s Manager of the Year for 2014.

Commenting on her new position, Clifford said: “I’m excited about the challenge of this new role at Aldwickbury, and look forward to ensuring that we continue to raise the bar in terms of the quality and service we provide to both our members and visitors.”

Clifford is the third woman to take on a general manager’s role at the 10-strong BGL-owned club portfolio.

Emma Clifford

Chart Hills revs up new luxury buggy fleet Chart Hills Golf Club in Kent has moved into top gear this summer following the arrival of a new fleet of Club Car buggies.

Club Car’s fleet of Precedent buggies has won a series of industry awards since the first model was launched. The latest model, the Precedent i2, is packed with features that make it ideal for golfers who

prefer four wheels to two feet, including a powerful fuel injection motor, comfortable ergonomically-designed seats, a larger canopy that channels water away from passengers, a spacious bagwell, and a redesigned interior with more storage space for personal items.

James Cornish, director of golf at the club, said: “We are investing heavily in our golf course and greenkeeping machinery, and are looking to set the standard in golf course conditioning in the South East. All the hard work is paying off and we have presented a faultless golf course this season, the new fleet of 14 buggies will be the ‘cherry on top’ for our members and visitors.”

NEWS IN BRIEF MEHMET SELECTED FOR WORLD JUNIORS IN CANADA Surrey’s Inci Mehmet has been chosen to represent England in the World Juniors Girls’ Championship in Canada next month. The 18-year-old from Royal Mid Surrey will be joined by fellow England internationals Sophie Lamb and Hollie Muse in the championship, which takes place at Marshes Golf Club, Ottawa, from September 22-25. The tournament, which includes team and individual events, is open to under 19s who are not in college or university.

Mehmet has had top-ten finishes in the English, Irish and Scottish women’s stroke play championships. She was also joint runner-up in the Hampshire Rose and was the third best amateur at the Roehampton Gold Cup.

MARSHALL WINS GRAND MEDAL AT FRILFORD Kent’s Stephanie Marshall played six below her handicap at Frilford Heath in Oxfordshire to become England’s champion woman medal player. The fivehandicapper from Birchwood Park scored net 67 to win the women’s Grand Medal Final, finishing two shots clear of the youngest competitor, 12-year-old Hannah Golding from Staffordshire. Third place went to Yorkshire’s Karen Jobling, a four-handicapper who returned net 70.

Marshall, who took up golf just seven years ago, played Frilford’s Red course in 72, despite having never seen the course before.

WOODBRIDGE COMES GOOD AT WOODCOTE

Martin Woodbridge and Lee Mackie made sure they learned from their mistakes after topping the leaderboard at the Golfbreaks.com PGA Fourball south region qualifier.

The pair carded an eight-underpar round of 64 at Woodcote Park Golf Club in Surrey.

Woodbridge, of Wokingham’s Bearwood Lakes Golf Club, and Surbiton-based Mackie, representing Lee Mackie Coaching, stayed two shots ahead of a pack of four teams who tied for second spot at the Coulsden venue. They will join nine other qualifiers at the £35,000 Skycaddie & BMW supported grand final at the Cheshire venue.

[10] AUGUST 2015 | NEWS

NEWS IN BRIEF

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Dean pips Plant to English Amateur title

ENGLAND GOLF LAUNCHES NEW YOUTH TRUST

Yorkshire’s Joe Dean handed out a 9&7 beating to Kent’s Alfie Plant in the final of the English Amateur Championship held at Alwoodley Golf Club in Leeds.

The 21 year old from Lindrick won the title in swashbuckling fashion, hitting a seven-iron to the par-three 11th hole that resulted in the ball spinning back into the cup and out again, before leaving the simplest of tap-ins for an impressive victory.

It provided a fitting end to an impressive display

by Dean, who was four up after the first round in the 36-hole final. He played the 29 holes of the match in four-under par, despite steady rain in the afternoon – and a torrential downpour as the match drew to its close.

The players were able to complete the 28th hole – which Dean won after Plant’s tee shot went out of bounds – but course manager Philip Taylor had to squeegee the 29th green before they could play to it.

Victory marked a resounding return to form for Dean, a member of the England Golf men’s squad.

“I’ve struggled through the start of the year and felt frustrated, so this means everything to me,” he said. “I worked out a pre-shot routine with Graham Walker (the England coach), I picked the shots I wanted to play, tried hitting them, and it all came together. It feels as if everything has finally paid off.”

Plant, from Sundridge Park in Kent, had contrasting fortunes, and when he found trouble, too often it proved costly. The 23 year old could still look back on a solid week’s work after enjoying five wins in the knock-out rounds, including the scalp of Paul Kinnear in round four, and finishing second in the strokeplay qualifying round with a six-under-par 66.

Alfie Plant

A new charitable trust, supported by England Golf, has been set up to provide grants and bursaries for boys and girls who need financial help to play the game. The England Golf Trust replaces and extends the scope of the former EWGA Trust for girls’ golf.

It is being backed by ambassadors BBC presenter Naga Munchetty and European Tour professional Robert Rock.The trust will help youngsters aged under 21, or those in full-time education, who are in financial need and who, without this support, would not be able to play golf. It will award grants and bursaries. Money that was given to the EWGA Trust to help girls has been ring fenced and the Angela Uzielli and Bellamy Bursaries will also be open only to girls, but all future money will be available for both boys and girls.

Trust chairman Di Horsley said: “It became clear that to make a real difference to young people, we should have a trust supporting both boys and young men, as well as girls and young women.

The England Golf Trust fills a gap by offering help to young people who genuinely can’t afford to play golf, but who love the sport.

Wentworth appoints new chief executive

Wentworth Club has announced the appointment of Stephen Gibson as its new chief executive.

Gibson, who has been director of golf at the Surrey-based venue for the past eight years, succeeds Julian Small, who will leave the club on September 4.

Dr Chanchai Ruayrungruang, chairman of Wentworth Club, which was bought by his company, Reignwood Group, last November for £132 million, said: “Julian decided earlier this year to step down after almost twenty years at Wentworth. I would like to thank Julian for the continuous hard work and dedicated service he has shown to the club and for the professionalism he has shown whilst working for Reignwood Group. We have invited Julian to be an honorary member, and he will remain as an advisor to Reignwood.”

Gibson brings over 20 years’ experience in the golf industry to the role, the last eight of those having been at Wentworth in his role as director of golf.

Dr Ruayrungruang said: “After thorough and careful consideration, and to ensure continuity in the management team, I am delighted to appoint Stephen. He has a thorough understanding of the needs of Wentworth, and is looking forward to guiding its future development under the ownership of Reignwood.”

Gibson commented: “I am honoured to have been asked by Dr Ruayrungruang to become chief executive of Wentworth Club, and I look forward to leading such a prestigious and historic club into its next exciting chapter.”

Small said of his time at the club: “It has been a privilege to have been chief executive of Wentworth, but I think the time is right to take on a new challenge. Over the years I have been fortunate to have enjoyed the help and support of so many people. From Elliott Bernerd and Willy Bauer, Richard Caring, and in recent times, Dr Ruayrungruang and Songhua Ni of the Reignwood Group, George O’Grady and his team at the European Tour, the various club captains and numerous members, and the fantastic team who have worked with me at the club. I would like to thank each and every one of them. I leave with a host of happy memories and wish Stephen, the Reignwood Group, and everyone at Wentworth, success in the future.”

Small has recently announced that he is take on the role of managing director of Changing of the guard: Stephen Gibson takes over Jumeirah Golf Estates’ from Julian Small at club operations in Wentworth Club next month Dubai.

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NEWS | AUGUST 2015

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Black Knight’s charity day at Wentworth raises £150,000 despite Open absentees

Despite the absence of Zach Johnson, who was busy winning the Open Championship at St Andrews, Wentworth’s West Course was awash with golfing stars on July 19, when Gary Player played host to the Berenberg Invitational at the famous Surrey venue.

The Black Knight was joined in the charity event by a host of major winners, including five-time Open champion Tom Watson, Ian Woosnam, Tom Lehman, Sandy Lyle and Mark Calcavecchia, while leading European Tour players Robert Rock, Oliver Fisher and George Coetzee all changed their schedules in order to ensure a full field.

The over-running of the Open at St Andrews resulted in a big group of tour pros being forced to miss the event, with all three players who contested the play off –Johnson, Marc Leishman and Louis Oosthuizen – absent from festivities. Other players held up by late-running events in Scotland included Padraig Harrington, David Howell, Hunter Mahan, Charl Schwartzel and Mark O’Meara.

Player, who turned 80 earlier this year, has been celebrating the 50th anniversary of his career Grand Slam this season, whilst title sponsor Berenberg celebrates its 425th anniversary. The golf day, which included a gala dinner and auction, helped to raise over £150,000 for DepaulUK, a charity that works to prevent youth homelessness.

The winner of this first leg of the global invitational series was won by the team comprising Ian Woosnam, Georgia Hall, James Grigg and Robert Baur.

Speaking after event, Player said: “I am really thrilled about what has happened here. The support we have received by all our participants, as well as some of the world’s leading golfers, celebrities and businessmen, is out of this world, despite the dramatic challenges from this year’s Open Championship. I’ve sent my personal congratulations to Zach Johnson, who was due to play with us. It’s the only excuse I would have accepted from him for missing our event! I feel very humbled by everyone’s efforts in such a special year, and I am delighted about the money raised.”

[11]

Smith captures first pro win at Chart Hills Former Walker Cup player Jordan Smith took another significant career step by recording his first victory as a professional at the PDC Open on the HotelPlanner. com PGA Europro Tour.

The 22 year old from Wiltshire started the final day two shots adrift of the leader at Chart Hills in Kent, but a stunning six-underpar 66 saw him secure a threestroke victory in the 54-hole event, eventually finishing on 14-under-par.

Paul Howard (Southport & Ainsdal), Laurie Canter (Cumberwell Park) and Alex Wrigley (Hartlepool), all tied on for second place on ten under.

Smith, who was signed by Nike in June, and plays out of the

Bowood Golf and Country Club, said: “I’m over the moon. It’s great to get that first professional title under my belt, but I’ll keep working hard to improve, and hopefully I can keep progressing.

I felt I drove the ball well, and made some good putts coming in on the final nine – it all came together and I’m delighted to get the win.”

Victory earned Smith £10,000, a Motocaddy trolley, Bushnell Tour X rangefinder, a pair of Bollé sunglasses and £500 to spend at HotelPlanner.com. It also pushed him into eighth spot on the Race to Desert Springs, with the top-five players at the end of the season progressing onto the Challenge Tour.

Prize guys: Martin Woodbridge and Lee Machie

NEWS IN BRIEF SHANKLIN SEAL PLACE IN JUNIOR CHAMPS’ FINALS Shanklin and Sandown Golf Club completed a rare double last month when its three-man team qualified to represent Hampshire Golf in the England Golf Junior Champion Club Tournament at Frilford Heath.

The junior team of Jordan Sundborg, Dan Mew and Conor Richards qualified after winning the Green Jackets Cup, Hampshire’s Junior Inter-Club Knockout. The Isle of Wightbased club also qualified to represent Hampshire in the England Golf Champion Club Tournament at Brancepeth Castle in September.

ITALIAN WINS SOUTH OF ENGLAND TITLE Italy’s Luca Cianchetti won the South of England Amateur Championship after coming from five shots behind Kent’s Michael Saunders at Walton Heath in Surrey. The Dartford player had opened up with two rounds of 66 to take a commanding lead in the 72hole event, but he was realed in over the final two rounds, as Cianchetti posted a six-under 66 in the morning before birdieing two of his last three holes in the afternoon to post 72 and win by a stroke over Saunders.

Society days in style... by the sea!

Hosts of the ISPS HANDA Ladies European Masters

Seaford Head Golf Course To celebrate the opening of our new £1.7m clubhouse we are offering some great Society and Golf Day packages.

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■ Full English Breakfast + Coffee ■ 18 holes £24.00 pp (Midweek) £27.00 pp (Weekend & Bank Hols)

■ Full English Breakfast + Coffee ■ 18 Holes ■ Selection from Society lunch menu £31.00 pp (Midweek) £34.00 pp (Weekend & Bank Hols)

■ Coffee & Bacon Roll ■ 18 Holes ■ Selection from Society lunch menu £28.00 pp (Midweek) £31.00 pp (Weekend & Bank Hols)

■ Coffee & Bacon Roll ■ 9/18 holes ■ Selection from Society lunch menu ■ 18 holes ■ Selection from Society dinner menu £44.50. pp (Midweek) £47.50 pp (Weekend & Bank Hols)

All society packages can be tailored to meet your own specifications. Minimum 12 people.

Please call the Pro Shop on 01323 890139.

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

Winter and Spring Packages 2015/16 now available

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Buckinghamshire Golf Club is the perfect venue to host your next golf day. Our genuine championship golf course is set in 226 acres of magnificent English parkland, and never fails to impress.

Our packages include Breakfast, 18 Holes and a Three Course Meal or why not try our Japanese Buffet.

To book your day please contact, Luke Mitterhuber, Golf Events Co-ordinator on Telephone: 01895 836816 or Email: luke.mitterhuber@ buckinghamshiregc.co.uk www.buckinghamshiregc.com

[12] AUGUST 2015

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

TRANSFORMING TILGATE Following the opening of a new clubhouse and major improvements to its mature woodland course, it’s time to take a fresh look at Tilgate Forest Golf Centre in West Sussex

I

t’s fair to say that Tilgate Forest wouldn’t have been built if Crawley Borough Council had suddenly found 150 acres of land on its hands in 2015. It would no doubt have been sold off for private housing, or turned into yet another trading estate.

Thankfully, nobody back in the 1970s cared or thought much about the property supply crisis that was 40 years away, and someone in the leisure department had the foresight to see that a golf course was what was needed to keep the taxpayers entertained.

And so, just minutes from the centre of one of the South East’s busiest towns, and a few miles from Gatwick, we have one of the most beautifully mature, superbly designed, and extremely affordable, woodland golf courses to be found anywhere in the South East.

Although linking ‘beauty’ and ‘Crawley’ may sound like an oxymoron, there are few more impressive settings for 18 holes than Tilgate Forest. It forms part of a 400-acre country park that offers a huge bubble of green space where the citizens of Crawley – and quite a few from further afield – can let off steam, whether it be by cycling through miles of forest tracks; walking the dog; taking the kids to the adventure park; fishing on the lake or, as is most pertinent to this article, hitting a small white object around strips of mown grass carved out of a forest.

Although just minutes from the M23, you only have to wander just a few yards down the first fairway before you are transported into a wooded sanctuary, where the

only sound to be heard is that of the occasional smack of metal on rubber compound, the rustlings of a squirrel in the undergrowth, and of the birds twittering in the trees.

The golf course is the key to the success of any golf club, and this remains Tilgate’s trump card. Neil Coles, one of the finest English golfers of his generation, also proved pretty handy as a golf course architect, and the great man did some of his best work at Tilgate, carving out a magnificent 6,800-yard course that would have been rated up among the great Surrey heathland tracks if it had been put into private hands when it first opened.

Offering a stunning mix of holes – many of which require careful course management to avoid the numerous ditches that bisect the fairways and doglegs that place an emphasis on placement, rather than raw power – the beguiling woodland layout challenges at every turn. Narrow approaches guard small and undulating greens, although the fairways are more generous than they often first appear from the tee.

While it’s fair to say the course historically suffered from a lack of maintenance, those days are thankfully in the past. Glendale Golf took over the management of Tilgate in 2004, and while it too initially failed to get to grips with the amount of investment that was needed in order to get the facilities back up to acceptable standards, the arrival of a new management team some 18 months ago, headed up by club manager Dan Lucking, has resulted in a dramatic turnaround in the playing conditions and the facilitie – and with it, the entire centre’s fortunes.

EXCLUSIVE GOLF NEWS READER GREEN FEE OFFER GolfNews readers can enjoy an exclusive 40% discount on green fees at Tilgate Forest Golf Centre by quoting ‘NEWS40’ in the voucher code section when booking a tee time online at www. glendalegolf.co.uk. The offer is available for one person per booking and can be used for tees times up until and including September 30, 2015. The offer extends to midweek and weekend bookings.

The brand new clubhouse

One of the most significant areas of improvement came about by accident – quite literally – following a fire that razed the old clubhouse in 2012. While it caused a shortterm crisis in terms of where to pay greens fees or have a cup of tea, the long-term consequence was that a brand new purpose-built structure, fit for the demands of 21st century hospitality, rose out of the ashes and now provides a fitting 19th hole for today’s styleconscious golfer.

Offering the kind of bright, fresh feel that you find at most modern leisure centres, the new clubhouse caters for a whole host of functions, from board meetings to weddings, from hosting large golf societies to offering a place for friends to have lunch after a game.

Enjoying impressive views of the course, the new facility features a bar and a coffee shop, a large function room and a spacious pro shop. And leading off the clubhouse is the new Glendale Golf Academy, where a 30-bay floodlit driving range, headed up by PGA Professional

The narrow 13th green presents a testing target

Lea Cooper, teaches players of all standards and ages using the very latest training tools.

While it’s all very well having somewhere to grab a skinny latte, Tilgate has remained the people’s course, and offers the local golfing community the chance to enjoy a woodland gem for a third of the fees charged at venues boasting similarly impressive layouts, with midweek rounds costing comfortably below £20.

Like all golf courses, Tilgate is still a work in progress, at least in terms of its overall presentation, with improvements to the bunkering and the tees part of a structured programme of renovations carried out by course manager John Holcraft and his dedicated team that will continue in the months ahead, but golfers who visit the course today can’t fail to be impressed by the quality of the putting surfaces, which are both pure and true, and run at a

BOOK YOUR NEXT ROUND AT TILGATE To book a game at Tilgate Forest, where midweek green fees start from just £13.50pp, and peak weekend rounds from £22.50, visit www. glendalegolf.co.uk or call 01293 530103. consistently even pace.

True to its principles of being a leisure venue for all the local community, Tilgate has recently set itself up as a full-time venue for the fast-growing golf spin-off sport that is FootGolf, and has turned its 9-hole pitch and putt course into a standalone FootGolf course, which is already proving very popular, while attracting a whole new type of visitor to the centre.

However, golf will always remain at the heart of Tilgate’s raison d’etre, and if it has been a while since you’ve paid a visit, it’s well worth a return trip. You won’t be disappointed.

AUGUST 2015

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

[13]

LANE FINDS SHORTIST ROUTE TO FARMFOODS BRITISH PAR 3 TITLE

F

ormer European Tour star Barry Lane defied his lack of experience in the shortened format of the game to win the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship at the first time of asking.

The 55 year old from Oxfordshire, who plays on the European Seniors Tour, was invited to take part in the annual event at Nailcote Hall some 17 years ago, but only this year found the time to make the trip up to Warwickshire to take part in the tournament, which carries a prize fund of £100,000.

And after two days of thrilling golf, often played in testing conditions, Lane held off strong competition to emerge victorious with score of five under par. The veteran former Ryder Cup player led from the start, with a sixunder par opening round on the 18-hole course, which measures just over 2,000 yards, giving him an early advantage.

However, tough scoring conditions in the second round saw the pack close up, with former Open Champion Paul Lawrie, who shot the course record in last year’s championship, finishing fast to close within one of Lane with a one-under-par 53.

Lane couldn’t match his fireworks of the previous day in round two, but three birdies early on the back nine proved vital, as he would go on to drop shots on both 17 and 18 while Lawrie played the final two holes in oneunder. But he couldn’t deliver the closing birdie required to force a play-off, and Lane’s final round of 55 was enough to take the prestigious title and the £25,000 first prize.

“The course was fantastic,” said Lane. “Paul didn’t make it easy, especially towards the end, but I was confident that I could hold on. It was a wonderful tournament, and I’d love to come back to defend my title next year.”

Ladies European Tour star

Barrow Boy: Barry Lane carried off the British Par 3 title and a first prize of £25,000

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Charley Hull also made an early charge in the final round, with four birdies in her first five holes, but was unable to maintain her form to become the championship’s first female winner, and eventually finished tied ninth, alongside Wentworth’s Tom Reid.

Gary Wolstenholme equalled the course record earlier in the final day with a bogey-free round of 46, to finish in joint third with Andrew Sherborne and Andrew Marshall. Those five were the only players under par after two days – testament to the challenge presented by the course.

Host and two-time Major Crowds came out in force to watch stars of the profesional game in action over Nailcote Hall’s 18-hole par-three course

winner Tony Jacklin was on hand to present the prizes. While Lane took the professional’s prize, the Norma C Herd Silver Salver for leading amateur was taken home by 13-year-old Jack Drury, with a score of eight over par.

Carl Mason, who is the highest career money winner on the European Senior Tour, scooped the £5,000 Super Senior prize for the third year running, finishing on level par. Mason is always a strong competitor at the championship and won in 1999. The leading team prize was also won by Lane and his playing partner David Nelson, who combined to score of 14 under par.

The popular tournament once again attracted huge crowds, who lined the course to watch the professionals and stars from the world of sport and entertainment take part in the Celeb-Am that took place after the main event. Among the famous names on show were Damon Hill, Peter Shilton, Alan McINally, Dwight Yorke, Ron Atkinson and Dean Saunders, while comedian Jasper Carrott and actor William Roche were also in the line up.

www.lullingstonegolfcourse.co.uk Parkgate Road, Chelsfield, Kent, BR6 7PX

01959 533793 | lpgc@sencio.org.uk

NEWS IN BRIEF WHEELER WINS ‘MOST IMPROVED’ GIRL’S TITLE Essex teenager Sophie Wheeler blew away the opposition to win the Abraham Trophy at Royal Cromer and claim the title of England’s most improved girl golfer. The 13-year-old from Orsett had a net score of oneover par 75 on a breezy day on the north Norfolk coast.

She finished a shot ahead of Staffordshire’s Georgia Pritchard (Beau Desert) and Wiltshire’s Laura Curtis (Whitley). Wheeler started with a birdie four on the first and almost had a hole-in-one on the short ninth, where she holed a two-footer for another birdie. Last year Wheeler cut her handicap by 12 shots to 16, and this season she’s already been reduced to 11, with her target for the end of the year being single figures.

QHOTELS STEPS UP MEMBERSHIP DRIVE QHotels, the UK’s largest golf resort operator, has unveiled a range of full membership packages that are designed to make golf more affordable. Following the launch of its flexible membership scheme, the QFairway club, earlier this year, the hotel group has introduced the new QFairway trial membership programme. Available to book until August 30 at all eleven of QHotels’ golf resorts, including Slaley Hall, Belton Woods, Hellidon Lakes, the scheme offers full members’ playing rights for a six-week period, while players will receive a 20 per cent discount off food and drink, and savings of ten per cent off golf lessons.

HANBURY MANOR UNVEILS INDOOR SWING STUDIO Hertfordshire-based Marriot Hotel and Country Club Hanbury Manor has announced the opening of a new golf swing studio.

The studio, which includes a golf simulator and Foresight launch monitor, also features a pool table and will be available for hire for those wishing to use the room in a social capacity, as well as for golf events. The studio will also provide an additional facility for the club’s PGA golf professionals to use for teaching and custom fitting.

[14] AUGUST 2015 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Hot Hatton stays patient for tour breakthrough Fresh off one of the best performances of his career at the Omega European Masters in Switzerland, Buckinghamshire tour pro Tyrrell Hatton is determined to break into the European Tour’s winners’ circle sooner rather than later.

The 24 year old from Marlow, who is in his second season on the top tour, is currently standing at 30th in the Race to Dubai points list, and over €627,000 in the bank with over three months of the season still remaining. His stunning final-round 62 at Crans-sur-Sierre earned him outright third place and his fourth top-10 of 2015.

The young talent from Harleyford is confident that a first win is just around the corner, and he is reaping the benefits of being able to play with a little more freedom, having already guaranteed his playing rights for the 2016 season.

“I got off to a nice start to the 2014, which set me up nicely for the year,” Hatton said. “I was fresh out of the Challenge Tour, and my main goal for the year was to keep my card. I missed a couple of cuts in South Africa in December, but I finished 10th in Abu Dhabi, and then tied for second in the Joburg Open, which gave me the belief that I could do well on the European Tour. I had a bit of an inconsistent patch from May to July, but I made the Race to Dubai Final

Tyrrell Hatton has enjoyed a superb second season on tour, but is still looking for his first win

Series and that was unbelievable in my first full year on tour. It was a great year, and to finish sixth in the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai really capped it off.”

Hatton admits he can occasionally be too hard on himself on the course, but he is working on keeping his emotions in check, and feels being more relaxed has contributed to a number of excellent performances this season.

“I’m really a perfectionist in many

ways,” he said. “I’ve always been my biggest critic, and I wear my heart on my sleeve. I know that I often show my frustrations, but it’s something I’m working on and getting better at. But at the end of the day it’s a competition, and you want to win. You’re not out there to smile all the time. I’m just trying to feel more relaxed on the course and staying in the present. It’s quite easy to get ahead of yourself, so I’ve been working on staying as patient

as possible, appreciating the good play, and not trying to force anything.”

Hatton followed up his high finish in Switzerland by reaching the quarter finals of the Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Match Play, where he enjoyed wins over Darren Fichardt, Mikael Lundberg and Peter Uilhein, before losing out to Marc Warren at the first extra hole.

“I just need a bit more consistency really,” he said. “I feel my game is good enough to belong in the bigger tournaments, and I’ve done well in some high-profile events. I feel I’m on the right track, and I’ve had some good results, so hopefully that first win is not too far away.”

Hatton is also enjoying stability off the course as well, attracting a number of endorsement deals including one with Hilton, an official supplier to the European Tour. “My management company sorted it all out for me, and I’m very lucky to be associated with Hilton,” he said.

“They’re obviously a well-known worldwide business and an official partner of the European Tour. It’s a great sponsor to have in only my second year on Tour and I’m very fortunate.”

He added: “I used to work fulltime folding towels and selling candles, so I’m really fortunate to be in the position I’m in now. I really am living the dream.”

Nine proves devine as Blainey repeats Reigate success

Burhill group rolls out Power Tees at ranges Burhill Golf and Leisure, the owner of golf centres throughout the South East, is to install Power Tees at all of its driving ranges as part of a major investment in the practice facilities at its venues.

New installations of the automatic teeing system, which offers three different heights of tee at the push of a button, are taking place Abbey Hill and Redbourn, while upgrades are happening at Hoebridge, Birchwood and Wycombe.

Colin Mayes, BGL’s chief executive, said: “Installing Power Tee was part of our continued development through what has been a difficult time for the industry. We believe that by continuing to provide better facilities while others are ‘waiting for the storm to blow over’, we have won business from them and grown our own. We are not installing Power Tee just because we are just being nice to our golfers, we do it because we want to earn more money from our range, but because it makes practising so much easier, we have a win-win situation for golfers and us as golf club operators.

Matt Foley, sales director for Power Tee, said “BGL’s approach and attitude to golf is akin to our own beliefs, that golf should be fun and should be for everyone. We all know what Power Tee brings to a facility, as the only proven automated teeing system, the golfer benefits from a quality surface to practice from. Once the facility informs the golfer on the multiple tee height selection that gives them a more concise practice, they realise what they have been missing out on. Obviously the core audience is still juniors, beginners, female golfers, seniors and society golfers, who hit more balls and increase revenues.”

Berkshire pro Gregg Blainey retained the Reigate Heath Pro-Am title he won last year after shooting a one-under-par 33 at the nine-hole Surrey course.

In just its second year on The PGA in England South schedule, the nine-hole event attracted a host of stars, including Andy Raitt, David Osborn and Bill Longmuir.

Yet the combination of fast greens, and a heathland layout that examines both line and length, was enough to keep the top players in check, with Blainey’s total being good enough to edge out the even par scores of Longmuir, Ben St. John, Lewis Parker and Guy Woodman.

Defending champion Blainey enjoyed the nine-hole format and was equally impressed with the condition of the Reigate course. He said: “The greens were as good as anything I’ve played on this year.

They were fast, firm and really

smooth, and the pin placements were tough but fair, and everyone I spoke to agreed with those sentiments. The nine-hole Pro-Am format, combined with the nearestthe-pin challenge, makes a really entertaining event for everyone, and I’m looking forward to going for the hat-trick in 2016!”

Reigate Heath’s club manager, Scott Patience, added: “Reigate Heath is showing the world of golf that ‘nine is fine’, even for pro-ams, where the traditional format can be turned on its head and still prove very popular. The course really comes into its own at this time of year, especially with the heather starting to bloom. And the course has proved that it’s much tougher than it looks. We all thought that scoring would be low, but it seems that this 120-year-old, nine-hole layout can more than hold its own against any other courses.”

NEWS | AUGUST 2015

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

[15]

The house enjoys views over the five-hole course

NEWS IN BRIEF SURREY SCRAPE HOME IN ‘PRESIDENTS CUP’

No change from £20m for Barnet mansion with its own golf course

A North London mansion that boasts its own golf course in its back garden has been put on the market for almost £20 million.

Grovelands, located in Totteridge, North London, offers more than 11 acres of stunning grounds, and features a seven-bedroom house and two other properties boasting a further four bedrooms. It also has a cinema, family room, gym, games room, bowling alley, spa and sauna.

But the unique selling point is the ultimate luxury for a sporty millionaire – its own full-size, five-hole golf course.

Grovelands is on the market with estate agent Glentree International for £19.5 million – making it one of the most expensive homes for sale outside of central London.

Jeremy Gee, a director at Glentree, said: “There surely cannot be many London homes that are able to boast their very own golf course. Approached by a long driveway, the house is set in 11.5 acres of grounds surrounded by beautiful countryside. It offers 16,664 square feet of elegant accommodation, with cutting-edge design and technology, as well as extreme attention to detail.”

He added: “At just shy of £20 million, it is not for the faint of heart, but there really aren’t many opportunities to purchase a property such as this, and I think it will appeal to a family who want the amenities usually associated with a country home, but witheasy access to central London.”

The property boasts ultra-modern interiors And what’s more, the house is only a few hundred yards from South Herts Golf Club, should the new owner ever want to fork out £50 for the full 18-hole experience.

Wright on track to earn Challenge Tour promotion Hampshire tour pro Darren Wright is all but guaranteed automatic qualification for next season’s Challenge Tour, after enjoying a run of high finishes in recent events on the EuroPro Tour.

The 26 year old from Rowlands Castle, who is attached to Golf At Goodwood, has enjoyed a stellar season on European golf’s third tier, and currently lies in second place on the order of merit, with over £21,000 in prize money. With the top five players earning automatic promotion to the Challenge Tour, Wright has built up a comfortable cushion over those lower down the order of merit.

The Hampshire man has chalked up six top-10 finishes in the last few weeks, including his maiden victory at Burhill back in May. He is so focused on his immediate future, that he didn’t enter Open qualifying this season, instead choosing to save his time and money to concentrate on maintaining his position on the EuroPro Tour.

“Of course, I know The Open is a bigger event, but I can go for that every year,” Wright said. “I have to prioritise. Hopefully, when I have got a place on the Challenge Tour or the European Tour, I can give it a crack.”

Asked if he had been able to spend any of his earnings on himself, Wright said: “I haven’t splashed out on anything really. I bought a nice pair of trainers and an iPad, but my main focus is to make sure all of my golf is funded. The Challenge Tour is that extra bit more expensive, and I might get through Qualifying School to get on the European Tour, and then everything gets really expensive. Almost every penny that I earn is going back into the golf.”

Despite his impressive form this season, the former Hampshire amateur is still without a main sponsor. He said: ‘I’ve been wearing a blank white hat all year trying to advertise the fact that I have a space for a sponsor. Being on Sky Sports nearly every week in their EuroPro coverage should help, but I’m trying to earn as much money as I can, because if the sponsors don’t turn up, I’ve got to fund it all myself.”

The bunkers are in play as hazards at Rookwood’s Footgolf Course

Grey shines at Georgia State

Jonathan Grey, a young amateur from Kent, is continuing to make an impact on the college circuit in America, after being named a Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America Scholar by the Golf Coaches Association of America.

Grey, who is a member at Hever Castle Golf Club, is studying psychology at Georgia State University, and earned the award in his first year of eligibility after securing a string of impressive results this season.

A three-time All-Sun Belt first team member, the 22 year old has won four times during his college career, including the Southern Intercollegiate held at Athens Country Club this spring, and has won the Sun Belt Conference Golfer of the Month four times in the last three seasons.

Grey followed up his win with a runner-up finish at the Tiger Invitational presented by Jason Dufner and the Furman Intercollegiate, shooting rounds of 71, 66 and 72 to lead his team to a 16-stroke victory.

His 72.40 scoring average is the eighth lowest in the university’s history.

Grey is also impressing in the classroom, earning Athletic Director’s Honor Roll recognition this spring after earning President’s List recognition in the fall.

“Jonathan understands everything that it means to be a studentathlete on the course and in the classroom,” head coach Joe Inman said.

“He has had a remarkable three-year career, and I know has big plans in store for his senior year. He is working hard to lead Georgia State to its best season in its history.”

Rookwood joins the FootGolf revolution Rookwood Golf Course in Horsham has opened a new FootGolf course on its ninehole pitch-and putt-layout.

The short course is still open for golf at the West Sussex-based public facility, although the greens now also feature additional footballsized holes.

Adult fees are £9 for nine holes, and £6 for juniors. A family ticket for two adults and two juniors costs £25.

Size 5 footballs are used for the game, which can be hired from pro shop for £1 (plus a £4 deposit), although players are able to bring their own footballs.

There is no need to book, although the course rotates uses between Footgolf and pitch and putt.

Surrey scored a narrow victory in the England Golf’s tournament for County Presidents and Secretaries at Frilford Heath Golf in Oxfordshire. The team, who were the final group in the competition, came in with 83 points to pip Hampshire and Staffordshire, who both scored 82. The star of the day was the Surrey ladies’ handicap adviser Christine Staff, who had 41 points, while county vice-captain Sally Parrish, men’s county President Terry Christy and Past President Roger Vincent also played their part.

LEVERMORE TAKES ROUTE 66 IN ORSETT SUCCESS Jason Levermore stormed to victory at the Orsett Pro-Am thanks to a six-under-par 66.

The Channels’ professional racked up eight birdies on his way to a five-shot triumph.

He teed off at the 14th and was swiftly into gear, finding himself four-under through six holes. Ben Kerr (West Suffolk) fired a 71 to finish in second place, a shot clear of Steve Cipa (South Essex), Michael Vandenberg (Rochford Hundred) and Mark Stokes (Rayleigh Golf Range). Levermore also headed the winning team on a tally of 128 - two clear of the next best.

CHIERICATO CALLS THE SHOTS AT SITTINGBOURNE Manston Golf Centre’s Keely Chiericato carved her name into the record books after sharing the honours in the Sittingbourne & Milton Regis Pro-Am with Jordan Godwin (Barnehurst) and Chris Croucher (East Sussex National). A three-underpar 68, which included six birdies, saw the Thanetbased player become the first time female PGA professional to share the podium with her male colleagues in a PGA South Regional Pro-Am. After picking up a cheque for £633, Keely said: “This win means a lot to me, and I hope it’s a good omen for the LET Access series events that I’m playing in this year in pursuit of my tour card. I’d like to thank my coach, Steve Cardy, for all the hard work he’s put in with me.”

[16] AUGUST 2015

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

MATT FORD’S

TOUR DIARY

OUR MAN ON THE EUROPEAN TOUR ENJOYS A WELL-EARNED SUMMER BREAK, BEFORE GEARING UP FOR A BIG PUSH TOWARDS SECURING A TOP 60 FINISH ON THE RACE TO DUBAI

I

t’s the middle of August as I write this, and I’m currently two-thirds of the way through a three-week tournament break, which has been nice. I’ve just had a week’s holiday where I haven’t picked up a club… actually, that’s not strictly true as my three-year-old, Oscar, is desperate to play golf at the moment, so I ended up hitting the odd ball here and there.

But it’s been good, and I’ve now got a week to practise before the Made in Denmark event and the D+D Czech Masters. I’m not playing in Russia, so I’ll have another week at home to practise and do a few things, before heading on to the KLM Open and potentially seven events in a row.

I’m not sure how many I’ll play yet, as it depends how things go. I should get into the Alfred Dunhill up in Scotland, but I’m not sure about the British Masters at Woburn, because it’s a smaller field.

Normally it takes me a good few days to get back into things after a break, but this time round it felt quite good hitting balls for the first time. I’ve got a few friendly games lined up this week, which will be good before getting stuck in again in Denmark next week.

It feels like a fresh start midway through the season, and they’re

always helpful if things haven’t been going too well. Even if they have been going well, you get a fresh start with good memories, but I don’t think it makes a huge amount of difference. It wasn’t long ago I was playing well, so my game’s not far away. The swing was a little bit out of sync during July, but I started hitting the ball better the last couple of tournaments – although things didn’t quite go my way in terms of results. But there were definitely positive signs, and I feel nicely refreshed, so it’s just a case of getting myself back into form for the last part of the season.

My last event was the European Masters in Switzerland, where I had back problems on the first day. I was really struggling and wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to finish the round, but we had a fog delay, and I managed to get a treatment in, and actually felt quite a bit better afterwards.

But because it still didn’t feel quite right, I wasn’t quite sure how aggressive I could be with the swing, so I was holding back a bit.

I wasn’t fully committing to shots, because I was a bit wary of it, and didn’t play very well as a result. I hit a few hook shots and finished six over, which pretty much put me out of the tournament straightaway. I played really well

on the second day, and even though I only shot level par there were a lot of positive signs. I just didn’t hole many putts.

The course at Crans-Sur-Sierre is about 1,500m above sea level, and the ball does go further up there, but it’s actually quite a simple calculation, because it goes 10% further, which means you can just go with the metre figure for your normal yardage. A 9-iron for me is 140 yards, so adding 10% makes it 154 yards, which is 140 metres.

Simple! So it’s a good altitude to play at with no tricky maths for player or caddie.

As for my bagman, I had a switch after Scotland and have a new caddie, Rob, starting in Denmark,

AU T U M N

GOLF BREAKS

I feel nicely refreshed, so it’s just a case of getting myself back into form for the last part of the season

as I felt I needed a change. He’s worked for Kristoffer Broberg for the last few years, and is fairly local to me, based down in Folkestone.

One other thing that happened in July was an invitational day at Woburn, which Ian Poulter runs for juniors. As an IJP Design ambassador, I went along and got to speak to Ian for the first time. We had a little chat, and it was great to finally meet him.

Perhaps we’ll meet up again as the season goes on, hopefully at Woburn if I can get in. In fact, I’m up there again on another ambassadors’ day next week, where I get to play with some competition winners. That will give me a sneaky little preview of the course, and should stand me in good stead if I do get in!

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[17]

LOST COURSES  HURST GOLF COURSE

CONTINUING HIS SERIES ON GOLF CLUBS THAT ARE NO LONGER WITH US, JEREMY ELLWOOD STUMBLES ACROSS THE RECENTLY CLOSED HURST GOLF COURSE IN BERKSHIRE, WHERE HE FOUND WEEDS ALREADY TAKING OVER A MUCH-MISSED NINE-HOLE LAYOUT

M

ost of the courses in this series have been closed long enough to have either been completely erased from the map, or to require a keen detective’s eye to work out where the holes once played. Not so this month, for Hurst Golf Course, just off the A329(M) north of Wokingham, which only closed its doors at the end of 2014.

The nine-holer at Dinton Pastures Country Park dated back to 1979, and provided a pleasant, easy-walking course for golfers in the area around Reading and Wokingham. The reasons for closure are all too familiar, with Wokingham Borough Council, who operated the course, citing a £50,000 loss in 2014 as the final straw, following closure of the clubhouse and some safetyrelated alterations in 2013, after a woman was hit by a ball. But rather than dwelling on the history, I was more interested in the present, and paid a visit to see just what eight months of neglect does to a golf course.

On pulling up at the entrance, it was immediately obvious, if for no other reason than that someone appeared to be mowing the fairways, albeit not to normal

THEN

Sands of time: the fairways at Hurst are still kept short to allow dog walkers to roam freely but the bunkers are gradually becoming overgrown with weeds

height!

I flagged the man down to ask about the former course as he mowed along a dogleg left playing away from the country park’s café. He wasn’t a golfer, but he knew the course well. “The rough framing the holes wasn’t as long back then, mind you,” he told me.

Many of the former fairways were indeed still being mown, but now for the pleasure of dog-walkers, picnickers and the like in the land’s new role as an extension to a popular country park.

I walked on towards a fairway bunker, now a little unkempt, but clearly a bunker, with plenty of sand still in it. I looked up and spotted the raised green a short-iron away, flanked by still visible bunkers left and right, but it doesn’t take too many months

of non-tending for once-fine putting grasses to revert to something more natural. I wondered how many putts had been holed or missed on this now patchy plot of grass over the years.

From here, I could clearly make out the next green in the distance – a straight hole with derelict bunkers again flanking the green.

Beyond it, there was a par-three tee to what I believe was the final green set just beyond a narrow stream. I got chatting to a woman walking her two dogs.

She’d only moved in last year, and when she had first looked at her property, the golf course had been operational. By the time she moved in, it had closed. “It’s a shame,” she told me, “as we

quite liked the idea of living by a golf course. I’m not a golfer, but people have told us that golfers used to keep their hand in here midweek before taking on bigger 18-hole courses at the weekend.”

As I walked back via other holes, the car park numbers had swollen dramatically with families out to enjoy the sunshine. The golfers may be gone, but with so many others enjoying this lovely plot of land, was the closure of yet another loss-making course necessarily a bad thing?

Maybe, maybe not, for halfway back, I spotted a bench with the inscription, ‘In memory of John A Jones, who spent many

NOW

happy hours here’. The bench clearly pre-dated the closure, so Mr Jones’s memories must have related to golf. Yes, many were undoubtedly enjoying themselves here still, but I couldn’t help but wonder what John A Jones would have made of it were he still with us.

One man’s loss, I guess. But as a golfer, I still got a sense of sadness roaming this former course where many had once enjoyed our great game, but would never again have the chance to do so. Many, but ultimately not enough, for the harsh laws of economics find no room for such sentimentality.

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[18] AUGUST 2015 | STORY BEHIND THE PIC

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STORY BEHIND THE PIC US WALKER CUP TEAM | HOYLAKE GOLF CLUB | THE WIRRAL, 1921

A

s the 12-strong GB & Ireland team prepares to take part in the 45th Walker Cup matches at Royal Lytham & St Annes next month, it’s worth rewinding 94 years to remember how this amateur match play event first came about.

Pictured here is a ragtag bunch of amateurs from America who were looking for a bit of competition.

Among the eight-man group was 19-year-old Bobby Jones, who was making his first transatlantic trip to take part in the British Amateur and The Open Championship.

To pass the time between the two events, it was suggested that the Americans should compete in an informal match against a group of top British amateurs, in what was to become a warm-up to the official first Walker Cup match that took part in 1922.

Originally intended to be open to all nations, in a bid to stimulate golf interest all over the world, only the R&A bothered to field a team against

won 8-4. In the first 80-odd years the matches continued to be somewhat one-sided, with GB&I only having won eight times from 44 matches, although with four of those victories coming in the last eight encounters, the chances of three-time captain Nigel Edwards and his team coming away with a home win weren’t as forlorn as they might appear.

Barring anomalies such as Edwards, and of course Gary Wolstenholme, who now plies his trade on the European Senior Tour, most top amateurs these days are lucky to get to play in one Walker Cup at most, such are the commercial pressures to turn professional and start making the game pay.

Some call it progress, others call it a crying shame, but few of them get to experience the white heat of team competition ever again. the US. Thus the Walker Cup – named after George Herbert Walker, the USGA President at the time – became a bi-annual battle solely between GB & Ireland and America.

Hosted at Hoylake Golf Club in Liverpool, on the day

before the British Amateur, the American team, led by 1910 US Amateur champion William Fownes, defeated the British team 9-3.

Jones went on to play in five Walker Cup matches, helping to lay the foundations for the Ryder

Cup that came along six years later in 1927. He also went on to win seven major titles.

Early in 1922, the R&A announced that it would send a team to compete for the Walker Cup at George Walker’s home club in New York, which the US

The 45th Walker Cup takes place at Royal Lytham and St Annes in Lancashire from September 12-13.

For tickets, which cost £30 per day for adults, and are free for accompanied juniors, visit randa.org or call 01334 460000.

NH_midland_golfer.qxp_a4 01/08/2015 16:49 Page 1

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NEWS | AUGUST 2015

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

[19]

Head adds Tour class to iPlayGolfUK team Tour star Samantha Head has joined Buckinghamshire-based indoor golf facility iPlayGolfUK to boost the recently-opened venue’s coaching team.

A familiar face on the Ladies European Tour for twenty years, the 42-year-old Italian Open and South African Open champion also played for three seasons on the Japanese LPGA Tour.

Head, who most recently won the Ladies European Tour Qualifying School in 2007, retired five years ago from Tour life to start a family.

“You will never truly master golf,” said Head, “but you should always enjoy the process of getting there. You find out pretty quickly on Tour that you learn far more from your bad rounds than your good rounds, so I like to teach golfers how not to get down on themselves when the inevitable demons take over their golf swing.”

She added: “I love to teach highhandicappers and beginners, as they can make great strides very quickly, but I also have a lot to offer better players, including those who are looking to find that extra few percent which takes them into Category 1 and beyond.”

Head is the first female golf coach to join the team at the Newport Pagnell-based venue, which already has the services of PGA professionals Greg Tilbury and Danny Poulter.

GOUGH’S YOUNGEST WINNER OF BB&O CHAMPIONSHIP

New role: Sam Head

Bag yourself a slice of Beatles history!

“Over the years, Samantha has worked with amazing golf coaches such as David Leadbetter and Sean Foley,” said Poulter, Director of Golf at iPlayGolfUK. “This factor, along with her long history of competing at the highest level on Tour, gives her an unbelievable amount of authority on how to reduce your score – regardless of your level of ability.”

The Bedford-based Tour star is looking forward to working in the technologicallyadvanced environment of iPlayGolfUK. “Simulators give you so much useable IPlayGolfUK offer lessons as well information, whether as game play and custom fitting you’re playing for fun or getting serious about your game” she said. “I believe that when you stop learning, you stop living, and that’s also my philosophy towards golf.

I’m looking forward to meeting and teaching people when they come to experience our wonderful playground for all golfers!”

Golfers with a passion for pop history – and very deep pockets – might be tempted to put in an offer for a house that once belonged to John Lennon which overlooks St George’s Hill Golf Club in Surrey.

The beautiful mock Tudor mansion in Wood Lane, Weybridge was home to Lennon and his first wife Cynthia between 1964 and 1968. The 1920s era estate boasts six bedrooms, six bathrooms, a swimming pool, and one-and-a-half acres of landscaped gardens – and comes with a hefty £10.5 million price tag.

Originally called the Brown House, it was designed by architect T.A. Allen, and built in 1913 by local builders Love & Sons. It was re-named Kenwood

by Ken Wood, founder of the famous food mixer company, when he owned the property.

John Lennon bought the house for £20,000 in 1964 and sold it for £400,000 four years later. At the time, the St George’s Hill estate was home to a veritable hive of pop stars, with Cliff Richard, Tom Jones and Ringo Starr all living there during the 1960s. During his time at Kenwood, Lennon wrote a number of tracks for The Beatles’ Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album. The house also appears in scenes from a home movie, which featured in the film Imagine.

In addition to its Lennon connection, the house also enjoys a superb plateau position set around St George’s Hill Golf Club. The property, which previously went on the market two years ago for £13.5m, is being sold by Knight Frank, at almost 25 percent reductionof its original asking price.

Eccles storms to Disabled Open victory at The Shire The new star in the world of disabled golf is a 14 year old from Rotherham called Lewis Eccles.

Representing Special Olympics GB, the young Yorkshireman, who despite his autism, ADHD and dyspraxia has become a keen and talented golfer, broke his personal best in shooting a gross 78 off a 12-handicap on the challenging Ballesteros Course at The Shire London, to walk away with the UK Disabled Open.

His fellow competitors on the day had successfully overcome a huge variety of challenges in life to become golfers, including amputation, sensory disabilities, MS, Parkinson’s, strokes, autism, brain injuries, cerebral palsy, Downs Syndrome and learning difficulties.

Inspired by a video message sent by England Golf ambassador Justin Rose at the beginning of the day, the players and over 70 on-course volunteers provided by

British Airways took to the Sevedesigned course.

Eccles quickly built an unassailable lead, and afterwards was presented the Craig Waugh Trophy in the clubhouse by Graeme Robertson from the Disabled Golf Association and Mark Pickard from British Airways.

In winning this year’s main event, Eccles completed a hattrick, as the delighted young golfer won the junior prize in this event in 2013 and 2014. In addition to the trophy, he also won a 36-hole golf break in Wales, a golf shirt signed by Rose, and free entry for his team into The Golf Trust charity golf day being held later this month.

The winner’s proud father, Peter Eccles, said: “Lewis had a fantastic day both on and off the course at The Shire, which was in amazing condition. Our thanks go to the organisers, who have created a truly inspiring event.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Goodwood unveils Mark II ‘Woody’ buggies Golf At Goodwood has unveiled the second generation of its iconic Woody golf buggy.

The ‘Woody 2’ is modelled on the Brakenvan, a 1934 design by Lord March’s grandfather, the ninth Duke of Richmond. The resulting appearance of the Woody 2 is more spacious and luxurious than its predecessor, with increased headroom and vibrant 1930s-style seat covers. The redefined, vintage-inspired exterior is finished with the same mohair roof which features in the Jaguar E-type convertible.

Other accessories include a drinks cool box encased in a willow basket, while in a nod to the modern age, two USB ports are located on the dashboard to allow golfers to charge up GPS units and smartphones.

Stoke Park’s John Gough won the BB&O Amateur Championship by five shots after firing rounds of 70, 64, 69 and 72 at Ellesborough Golf Club in Buckinghamshire.

The 16-year-old’s fantastic four-round total saw him become the youngest ever winner of the title, after holding off former winner John Kemp, and fellow Stoke Park players Tom Lawson and Kevin Freeman. Gough’s second round seven-under par 64, which included five birdies and an eagle, proved the difference.

BIRTHREY BLOWS AWAY RIVALS AT BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

Woburn’s Alex Bithrey edged out John Gough to land the BB&O Junior Championship at Buckinghamshire Golf Club.

The one handicapper shot gross rounds of 74 and 73 to win by two shots from plustwo handicapper Gough, who dropped shots at two of the last three holes to hand his rival the title. Nick Elmey (Frilford Heath) finished a shot back in third.

JAMES TURNS ON THE STYLE AT MAYLANDS James Styles won the Essex U14 Championship after shooting a brilliant 77 at Maylands to win the title by one shot. The Chigwell youngster edged out Harvey Payne (Chelmsford) and Max Moreton (Bentley), who both fired 78s. Moreton won the handicap prize for the Fred Stillwell Trophy with a nett score of 62, while Harriet Lynch (Thorndon Park) had best girls’ gross score of 75.

CLEVER TREVOR CLAIMS SUSSEX MID AGE TITLE Pyecombe’s Trevor Greenfield won the Sussex Mid Age Championship after shooting two rounds of 69 for a 138 total at Mannings Heath Golf Club in Horsham.

The 36-hole strokeplay competition comprised 18 holes on the Kingfisher course and a further 18 holes on the Waterfall course.

The minor places were filled

by Manning Heath players Andy Main (143) and Steven Wright (144), while Lewes’ Laurie Tremlett won the scratch prize for the best score on the Kingfisher Course with a 73.

[20] AUGUST 2015

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

“NO TEARS, JUST JOY” Five-time champion Tom Watson waved goodbye to the Open Championship for the last time at St Andrews last month. Here he recalls his fond farewell to the tournament that defined his career and expresses his hopes and fears for the future of the game

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

AUGUST 2015

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[21]

hat were the emotions going through your mind when you walked off the 18th green at St Andrews knowing it was your last time competing in an Open Championship?

Standing on the 18th tee, I told my son, ‘Michael, there should be no tears – this should be all joy. There have been lots of wonderful memories we’ve shared here. So let’s enjoy the walk up the last hole.’ As we crossed the road, I looked all the way up the right side, and the road was all jammed with people, and there were people lined up the left side and behind the green, and I thought of the story about Bobby Jones. After he had won the grand slam, Jones came back and played a friendly at the Old Course, and, as the legend goes, he was engulfed by thousands of people who had heard that he was on the golf course, and they watched him finish right there at the 18th hole.

And as I was walking up the fairway, I had an inkling of what Jones probably felt like that day.

Again, there’s just so much joy in walking up that hole. I don’t know how to put it into any other words. It’s all joy. There’s no reason to be sad. I played a game for a living, and I played it pretty well at times.

Did you get a chance to talk to Zach Johnson after his win?

No I didn’t speak to him personally, but I texted him. I wrote, ‘Zach, now you know the reason why I picked you to be the 12th man in the Ryder Cup singles. You’re tough.’ He showed his toughness when he made that putt on the 72nd hole. He knew he had to make that 25-foot putt, there’s no question. And he made it. And that’s the type of guy you want coming down the stretch when all the chips are down.

always a struggle. I was just competing with my short game and just trying to make a score. Until I figured it out with my golf swing – and I did figure it out, late in my life when I was 44 years old – the golf game was really, really tough. I went through nine years where I didn’t win a golf tournament. And then after I figured it out, the game became easy. That’s what Tiger needs to get to. He needs to find a swing that works and he trusts. It’s there and it can be done. I know, because I did it.

What lessons about life has golf taught you over the years?

Humility. If you think you’re really good, you’re going to find humbleness pretty quick. You’d better be aware that it’s going to happen, because I went through a period of my career where I couldn’t break an egg. I struggled and I played, and I just fought it. I hated the game, but a couple of people kept to me going. Jack [Nicklaus] was one of them, and he said, ‘You know, you’ll play better golf the older you get, Tom’. And Stan Thirsk said, ‘The worm will turn’, when I was out there cussing and I trying to find it. It’s all about understanding that this game is bigger than any person, and how you deal with the adversity on the golf course is what defines you as a player.

We’re you at all surprised at just how many people had stayed on to watch you finish, given how late it was?

Well, it was pretty easy, because everybody was in the local bars watching it on TV. All of a sudden they said, ‘Hey, Watson’s finishing on 18, let’s go.’ So they all made a mad dash to the 18th. So yeah, let’s go watch Watson finish. It was pretty easy. Actually, I heard the owner of the Dunvegan brought a ladder out so he could see over the people. It was very special.

As someone who enjoys the history and heritage of the game, do you think golf is safe in the hands of the current generation of pros?

Professional golf is in great hands, but the wider game is sadly diminishing, and that is a huge concern of mine. People just don’t seem to have the time to go out and play golf anymore.

When I was a kid, my dad would come home from the office and we would play three holes in half an hour, or we would play six holes in an hour. That’s what’s needed, that type of inspiration, basically, from a father.

Professionals really have to work harder to get new players into the game. There are all kinds of good junior programmes, but we have to work harder to get youngsters involved with the game early on, so that they can learn the basic skills and pick it up later on in life. This is a hard game to learn, but it’s a lot easier to learn it as a kid than as an adult. These are dark times in the game, but the professional level, with the youngsters currently involved, is in great shape.

The future of professional golf is bright.

How far do you think Jordan Spieth can go in the game?

I’m going to say exactly what Jack said when he was asked the same question of Tiger when Tiger was in the youth of his career. He said, ‘You don’t know how far he’s going to go.’ He’s got off to a great start. But there’s several things in life that can change the way he plays, and the first thing is injury. Is he going to be injured?

Second thing is family. How do you deal with a family? When you get married, fine, but when you start having kids, now you’re responsible.

You’re responsible for another life, and how do you deal with that, along with your career, and making your career; can you keep that edge?

And the third thing is desire. How long can you keep that desire to be the best and to improve yourself. Money corrupts desire, and there’s a tremendous amount of money out here that these guys play for.

As for Jordan, I haven’t sat down with him for any length of time, but he seems very well grounded, and knows what’s right and wrong in life. He, like all players, will experience some downs in his game, if he hasn’t already done so. Rory certainly experienced some downs two years ago, didn’t he? So things can change dramatically out here. We pros, sometimes we’re an inch away from perfect golf and we never can get there. And we feel like we’re mile way, and then all of a sudden something clicks and then you’re right in perfect golf.

It’s amazing. You go from lows to highs, and that’s the nature of the game. It humbles you.

Get back to that word humble; it humbles you.

That’s the beauty of it.

That’s the beauty of the game of golf right there.

Were you in any way disappointed with how you played, and, more specifically, how you finished on 18?

I was a little bit disappointed in my game, but it was just a wonderful last Open Championship, having all my friends and family there with me.

That was the joy part of it. The shank on 18 is one shot I would like to forget though!

What was the party like on Friday?

We postponed the party until Saturday night, as I was in the media centre until 10.45pm on Friday, so it was all a bit late. On Saturday afternoon we all went over to Crail and did a tour around nine private gardens. My younger brother is a keen gardener, so went around talking to the owners of the gardens. At one point we sat down on a bench overlooking over North Berwick and Gullane and watched the wind whipping up the waves. People were walking by us, saying ‘Are you Tom Watson?’ We just had a relaxing day, and later on we had a big party at the house – it was fun.

Your famously suffered peaks and troughs during your career; do you think there is any way back for Tiger?

There’s a very simple way back for Tiger. He’s got to develop a golf swing he trusts, bottom line.

And I can reflect back to my career when my swing was in the tank. I was playing well -actually, I was never really playing well. It was

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[22] AUGUST 2015

H

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

ow have you found the transition from the amateur ranks to the professional game?

I haven’t found the transition that difficult, as I felt ready to turn pro and start a new chapter.

What has surprised you most about the switch between codes?

The consistency of everyone’s short game. All the players on tour are really good around the greens, and from 100 yards in. This is the biggest difference between the amateur and professional game.

Who do you travel with on tour?

I travel a lot with different people.

I like to have a family member or close friend with me, as it makes life a lot easier and more comfortable. ‘Team Peters’ includes my swing coach, Peter Baker, and my strength fitness trainer, Chris Hall.

You shot 63 at The Buckinghamshire during the European Masters. What was it like to play so well in front of a home crowd, and what specifically clicked for you that day?

To shoot 63 was an amazing feeling.

As a golfer it is a great feeling to get over a shot and just know exactly what is going to happen – that day was my day. I played solidly from tee to green, hit it close to the pins and gave myself chances for birdies – seven of which I converted.

What did you take away from the overall performance that week?

That I have to stay patient and not chase the score.

What was it like having your brother as your caddie at The Buckinhgamshire?

It was great having Ed on the bag, as he knows my game and the Peters won planty of fans following her performance in the European Masters

GolfNews meets high-flying rookie Alex Peters, the 21 year old from Nottinghamshire who is enjoying a strong start to her professional career

FLY AWAY, PETERS

way I like to play. Unfortunately, it isn’t a long-term plan, as he works full-time.

What do you regard as the main strengths of your game?

My biggest strength is my driving. I hit a lot of fairways.

What do you think are the key areas for improvement?

I am always working at improving all aspects of my game, but in

particular my short game is a priority.

What equipment do you have in the bag?

Ping G30 woods (D, 3W, 5W, Rescue); Ping I25 irons (4, PW); Ping Anser wedges (52, 58); and a Ping My Day putter.

Have you managed to secure any sponsorship deals?

I have had a few offers, but I’m still in talks with a few companies, so there’s nothing to announce on that front just yet.

How old were you when you first took up golf and who first introduced you to the game?

I started playing when I was seven.

My family all play the game, so there wasn’t much chance of me not at least having a go!

How much support have you received from Shifnal Golf Club?

Do you practise there?

Both Shifnal and Notts Ladies have been great, with both clubs allowing me to use the facilities whenever I like.

You became the only woman to have ever played in the Halford Hewitt in 2013? What was that experience like, and what do you think UK golf clubs have to do to make golf more attractive to young girls and women in general?

It was a great experience to play in the Halford Hewitt. Everyone made me feel very welcome. Golf is very expensive, and unless you are really serious you are probably not going to pay the fees that golf clubs demand. Also I think clubs need to look at the cost of membership for golfers between the ages of 18 and 45. This can be a difficult time financially for many reasons, such as going to university, buying a house, or starting a family, so to maintain younger members, clubs have to address the cost of membership.

Everyone on tour is really good around the greens, and from 100 yards and in. That’s what I need to work on most with my game

Have you treated yourself to anything special since joining the paid ranks?

No, I haven’t. I am saving as much as I can to keep myself on tour.

Who is your favourite tour player?

My favourite player is Luke Donald.

I also really like Jordan Spieth – he is a great player. It’s very motivating and inspiring to see someone the same age as you dominate like he has in the last six or seven months.

What are your goals for the remainder of the season?

To keep making cuts, and try to improve my position on the LET Order of Merit.

When it comes to your clothing, how important is its performance when you’re out on the course?

Look good, feel good, play good – that’s my motto. Chervo clothing certainly allows me to do just that with their chic-tech concept, which combines ultimate style with the best performance. The technologies they have running throughout the range mean that I always feel great.

How does having the right clothing make a difference when you’re playing competitively?

It makes life a lot more comfortable, as well as giving you confidence to play well. If you know you’re looking good, then of course your confidence is going to be higher, and that can make such a difference.

Alex Peters is an ambassador for Italian golf clothing brand Chervo.

For details of its latest collection, visit www.chervo.com.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

AUGUST 2015 [23]

MEET THE PRO

 STUART WALKER, EPSOM GOLF CLUB, SURREY PGA Professional Stuart Walker offers the inside track on Epsom Golf Club in Surrey How long have you been a PGA professional? 20 years.

When did you join your current club and how long have you been there? I arrived here in 2008, so nearly seven years.

What are the most significant changes you have seen in that time? The introduction of new memberships, including those aimed at encouraging golfers to try the club before committing to full membership, which are very popular. Here at Epsom we recognise the importance of continual investment in improving the course, clubhouse and coaching facilities, and with last year being the club’s 125th anniversary this was evident to both members and visitors.

What does Epsom have to offer?

We have an 18-hole course that offers panoramic views over the Epsom Downs. The historic clubhouse overlooks the 18th fairway and features two bars, snooker and function rooms. The practice and coaching facilities include a putting and chipping green, short game practice area, coaching studio with a state-ofthe art golf simulator, and a wellstocked pro shop.

What would stimulate more people to take up golf? I think being able to offer a solid foundation of structured coaching in a welcoming and friendly

environment, with good access to a course, is key to encouraging and developing people new to golf. We operate a structured weekly roll-up group lesson for ladies, which is available to members and visitors, and we also run coaching sessions on Saturday and Sunday mornings for juniors, roll-up playing sessions, and offer coaching at local schools, and free membership to juniors who complete the club’s Golf Passport scheme.

And how should clubs go about retaining existing members?

Offering value for money and being really good at listening to

members and giving them what they want. Many people struggle with the time required to play 18 holes, so we’ve introduced shorter rounds, including a weekly summer league competition played over eight holes, which has been really popular.

What’s the most common swing fault you have to correct? Poor posture, which leads to so many problems in the swing.

What’s the best swing tip you’ve ever received? Weight transference in your short game, simple as that.

Epsom Golf Club offers stunning views of London

Who inspired you to take up golf? My dad and Seve.

What’s your favourite course in the UK? Turnberry, I love links golf.

What is the best thing about your job? Having the opportunity to meet a diverse range of people and being able to help them to enjoy the great game of golf.

Which three other people would be in your dream fourball? Tom Watson, Tiger Woods in the 90s, and the comedian Mickey Flannagan, with actress Sophia Vergara on my bag!

And the worst? Not having enough hours in the day.

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What was your career highlight as a player? Back in my amateur days, I was the youngest golfer to win our club Championship at the age of 16, and as a professional there have been a few Pro-Am wins, but I get the most satisfaction from my pupils’ achievements, such as coaching Epsom’s club championship’s gross and nett winners last year.

Who is your golfing hero?

Tom Watson, I think he is a gentleman, a class act, and is possibly the greatest ball striker the game has known.

What is your day-to-day role?

As Director of Golf, my role is all encompassing, including coaching members and non-members, managing the pro shop and my team, making sure visitors are looked after, and overseeing the course management team and the club’s communications.

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What’s been selling well in the pro shop? We installed an indoor GC2 simulator last year, and our custom-fitting business has gone from strength to strength, especially with Callaway’s new Big Bertha range. On the apparel side, I have stocked J. Lindeberg for a few seasons, and it always goes down well.

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[24] AUGUST 2015

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

US PGA CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW

Australia’s Jason Day brushed aside the world’s new No.1 – and the ghost of past failures – to claim a memorable victory at the final major of the season

JASON’S DAY!

J

ason Day, the most consistent performer in major championships in the last five years, finally ended his barren run in stunning fashion with victory in the PGA Championship at the mesmerising Whistling Straits in Wisconsin.

The 27 year old Australian put the disappointment of coming up agonisingly short at last month’s Open Championship when he took the season’s final major after outgunning Jordan Spieth, Justin Rose and Branden Grace during a never less than thrilling final round over the Pete Dye-designed Straits Course, which once again proved why it is such a fantastic venue for championship golf.

Another near miss might have broken a lesser man, but the gutsy Day has overcome greater obstacles in his life, and throughout the final round he looked like a man in control of his swing, his emotions, and, after collapsing to the ground during the US Open following bouts of vertigo, he also looked in control of his health.

Holding a two-shot lead over playing partner Spieth with 18 holes to play, after steadily improving rounds of 68, 67, and 66, the fate of the PGA Championship always looked to be in Day’s hands. And, after an afternoon that turned into a festival of eagles and birdie under benign conditions on the shores of Justin Rose finished fourth

HOW THEY FINISHED 1 Jason Day -20 2 Jordan Spieth -17 3 Branden Grace -15 4 Justin Rose -14 5 Brooks Koepka -13 5 Anirban Lahiri -13 7 Matt Kuchar -12 7 George Coetzee -12 7 Dustin Johnson -12 10 Robert Streb -11

Lake Michigan, Day stepped on to the 13th tee with his lead stretched to four, and with all his closest rivals Day broke Tiger’s unable to mount record for the lowest a consistent score in a Major challenge, the coast was relatively clear for Day to ease home over the closing holes – if that is ever possible in a major championship.

With a score of 20 under par, Day is only the 13th player in history to win a major with four rounds in the 60s. His last was of 67, sealing a three-shot success. His aggregate total is an all-time major record, and one that will surely stand for many years to come.

Spieth, who was gunning for a third major of the year, started and finished day four as Day’s closest challenger with a closing 68. Although a stunning performance in its own right, the 22 year old showed that he isn’t quite yet the golfing machine that many thought, displaying perceptible, albeit tiny, signs of fallibility which seemed alien to him earlier in the year. Muttering to himself, and to his ball, throughout the final round, he missed fairways at crucial times, and, on occasions, looked ruffled in the role of pursuer.

Still, 17 under par would have been good enough to win most majors, just not this particular one.

Despite not adding to his major tally, Spieth could take consolation of second place and the small matter of upstaging Rory McIlroy as the top-ranked golfer in the world.

“I will be the first to congratulate Jordan,” said McIlroy, who finished on nine under par in what was his first tournament back from injury. Spieth also added another chapter in the major record books, with his 54-under-par total for 2015 majors been the lowest ever.

English hopes of a major victory rested with Justin Rose pretty much from the half way point of the tournament, and they looked very much alive after he made a birdie on the 12th during the final round to reach 16 under par, and within two of the lead, but the hero of the 2013 US Open doublebogeyed the next hole after receiving a horrendous greenside

Day embraces caddy and coach Col Swatton

bunker lie, and Rose was to finish fourth, a shot and a place adrift of South Africa’s Branden Grace, who suffered a meltdown of his own at the 10th, just as his challenge was in danger of spoiling Day’s party.

Many expected Day to wilt, on account of what had gone before on his major CV, yet he played virtually flawless golf until dropping a shot on the 8th and inexplicably chunking an approach shot to the 9th. Crucially, he holed from 10 feet to save par on the latter as Spieth dropped a shot.

By the 14th, Day was holing out to reach the magical figure of minus 20. He missed for par on the 15th, but the par-five 16th would always provide an opportunity for a birdie, which he duly took. All that was required from there on was nerve, and he had it in spades.

McIlroy’s final 69 left the Northern Irishman in upbeat mood. Perhaps a successful defence was always a bridge too far after the ankle injury which has disrupted his year. But if his demeanour is anything to go by, McIlroy will relish an upcoming opportunity to make up for lost time. “I feel like I’ve done well to come back and shoot the scores that I have,” McIlroy said. “I’m walking away pretty happy. Obviously it isn’t a win, and I didn’t get myself into contention but, considering six weeks ago I wasn’t able to walk, it’s not a bad effort.”

One of the best things about the PGA Championship, for the winner at least, is the length of time given to the champion to bask in his glory. As Day held the Wanamaker Trophy aloft, almost eight months stands between him and the Masters. He will arrive at Augusta with a spring in his step and the knowledge that he faced off against the world’s best player and stared him down. Jason’s day has surely come – and not before time.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

US PGA CHAMPIONSHIP REVIEW

“MY PAST FAILURES HAVE HELPED PREPARE ME FOR THIS SUCCESS”

Family Day: Jason celebrates with wife Ellie and son Dash

PGA champion Jason Day talks about how near misses in recent majors set himself up for victory at Whistling Straits How does it feel to finally have that cherished Major championship in your grasp?

I guess you can take me off the list of best players without a Major now. It certainly feels good to be a Major champion. That’s something I’m glad to get out of the way, that’s for sure. It was probably the hardest round of golf that I’ve ever had to play. I knew it was going to be tough, but I didn’t realise how tough. I learned a lot about myself being able to finish the way I did.

The experiences that I’ve had in the past with the previous major finished has definitely helped me prepare myself for a moment like this. To be able to walk up the 18th hole and finish the way I did. There was a lot of pent up emotion that came out of me.

Your winning score of 20 under par is a magical number in the context of major golf. Were you aware of the record?

I genuinely had no idea about the record until after it was over and someone told me about it. So to be able to hold that record is really amazing. It’s extraordinary to see my name up alongside so many fantastic golfers throughout the

history of our game. It’s hard to take in, but it’s certainly something that I will cherish when I’ve had time for it all to sink in properly.

It’s a record that I’d like to hang on to for a long time.

How hard would if have been for you if you haven’t have seen it through?

I think it would be hard to come back from not winning the tournament from the position I was in. Knowing that I had the 54hole lead or tied for it for the last three majors and not being able to finish it off would have been hard to take. Even though I feel like I’m a positive person, I think it could have created some lasting damage if I hadn’t pulled this victory off.

How significant is it for you to have won going head to head with Jordan Spieth, the best player in the world?

It amazes me, the kind of stuff that he can pull off out there. With the level of play he has managed this year, it’s no wonder he is the world number one. He’s going to be the favourite for major championships for a long time to come, but to know that I held off the best player

in the world, and the way I played, feels great. I knew the fans out on the golf course were all wanting him to win, so that kind of gave me more incentive to knuckle down.

When your lead stretched to four shots with six to play did you have to rein yourself in at all?

Yeah, there were plenty of times when I got ahead of myself, and started to think about the future and what a win might do for me. I had to pull myself back a few times and say ‘it’s not over, you’ve got to keep grinding, keep fighting’. Thankfully I was able to do that and I started hitting the quality shots that I needed to, and to be able to finish with a birdie on 16 and pars on 17 and 18 felt fantastic.

Was their a pivotal shot out there where you thought you were in control of your own destiny?

The wedge out of the bunker on 14 was special, but I think having confidence with my driver, knowing that I could stand and the tee and be confident of hitting it out there 300 yards down the middle of the fairway really helped. If I hadn’t have driven the ball and long and as straight as I did all week there is no way I would have won.

Having got the Major hurdle one out of the way, do you think it will allow you to play with more freedom?

I’m really hoping it does. It’s hard to say, but I’m hoping it propels me on to more major wins. I’m motivated and I know what it takes to get myself into position to win these things, so hopefully I will be able to go out there and let everything fly. And that’s from all the hard work that I put in before tournaments such as this.

AUGUST 2015 [25]

How did playing with Martin Kaymer in the final round back in 2010 affect your performance here?

I had my first top 10 in a major at the PGA Championship in 2010, so there were a lot of good memories for me coming back to Whistling Straits. Knowing that I could take on a course and be really aggressive with it really helped my mindset. Playing with Martin in the last round, and seeing how patient he was that day, and how he played, definitely helped me mentally and physically understand what you need to do to finish a tournament like this off.

Have you done anything specifically to strengthen the mental side of your game?

I’ve seen numerous mental coaches over the years, and tried a number of different techniques, but the biggest thing that prepares you for events like these is just that shear experience of failure.

It’s looking at failure as a positive, rather than a negative. Knowing that you can learn from all your experiences, good or bad. That’s what toughens you up mentally, and that’s certainly how I feel I’ve learnt from my past failures. In the past I didn’t believe that I was one of the best players in the world. I didn’t believe in myself. But after winning the Farmers Insurance at the beginning of the year, I felt I turned a corner, and I felt my confidence rising. And then before the final round of The Open at St Andrews I felt an inner calm that I’d not felt before, and it’s kind of been with me ever since.

Something just clicked inside me.

I can’t explain what it was, but I hope it hangs around for a while longer.

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[26] AUGUST 2015

TomLewis

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

TIPS FROM THE TOUR TOUR STAR TOM LEWIS SHOWS YOU HOW TO HIT IT CLOSE FROM THOSE FAIRWAY TRAPS LOCATED NEARER TO THE GREEN

MASTERING

THE MID-LENGTH BUNKER SHOT

I

t is often said that mid-length bunker shots – those between 40 and 80 yards – are among the hardest shots in golf.

I’d be the first to admit it isn’t easy, but it’s not as hard as you think if you get your club selection right.

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.

1 ASSESS YOUR OPTIONS

The first thing to do when you find yourself in a bunker between 40 and 80 yards from a green is to assess the options open to you. It’s not just a question of pulling out your most lofted club and hitting it.

Certainly, that might be one option, but equally there could well be a better way to get the ball closer to the hole.

When I find myself in this situation I look to see (a) how the ball is lying and (b) what there is between the hole and me, as both these factors will have a big bearing on how I play the shot.

2 ASSESS THE LIE

The chances are that if my ball is lying on hard sand – or if there is another bunker between me and the hole – I will elect to hit a half or three-quarter knock-down shot with my 54-degree wedge.

Faced with that scenario, I will move the ball a bit further back in my stance, address the ball so that I’m more square than I would be for a 10-20 yard bunker shot, and then concentrate solely on accelerating down and through the ball.

If I find the sand is soft, and there is very little other trouble between my ball and the hole, a better choice might be to pull out a 9 iron or wedge, open it up as you would for a normal greenside bunker shot, and then try to play a shot that carries about two-thirds of the distance, and then runs the rest of the way.

3 EXECUTE THE SHOT

To play the shot from soft sand you need to move the ball further forward in your stance that you would for the knock-down shot with a 54-degree wedge (see lines in the sand in Fig 1). Then simply open up your 9 iron or wedge, concentrate on taking a full backswing (Fig 2), and drive the club down and through the sand (Fig 3).

It takes a bit of practise to get the feel of it, but it’s the safer option and often leads to better results.

Good luck and happy practising!

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE | AUGUST 2015 [27]

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

MEET SRIXON’S NEW GAME CHANGERS Srixon’s all-new range of Z 355 clubs and Z 155 irons puts the renowned Japanese equipment brand firmly back in the game for a wider range of players

S

rixon Golf has launched an all-new range of equipment that looks certain to make an impact when it hits pro shops and retailers later this summer.

While previous models, certainly in the irons category, were aimed at the lower end of the handicap spectrum, Srixon’s all new range of Z 355 drivers, fairway woods, hybrids and irons is aimed squarely at the game improvement section of the market, with all the clubs offering wide-ranging appeal thanks to new technology which makes them easier for mid to high handicappers to hit with greater power, more control and improved consistency.

ACTION MASS – THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND SRIXON’S Z 355 RANGE

A common feature in all of the clubs in the Z 355 range is a new technology called Action Mass, which is designed to maximise a golfer’s swing consistency.

The company’s swing playback and digital simulation testing revealed that the most effective way to help the mid-to-high handicap golfer improve consistency is by concentrating more weight in the clubhead and raising the balance point of the shaft. This promotes distance by creating more clubhead speed through the downswing and more ball speed at impact, thanks to greater kinetic energy.

The driver, which is available in 9.5˚, 10.5˚, 12˚, and 14.5˚ lofts, also offers QTS adjustability, which precisely tunes ball flight with 12 unique settings for loft, lie and face angle.

Its high MOI design aims to add forgiveness and promote a more stable flight direction, while an enlarged sweet spot is achieved through a strong yet light 6-4 Ti Booster Cup Face.

It comes with Miyazaki’s Jinsoku premium graphite shaft as standard, which features a speed-obsessed profile with an ultra-high balance point and stable mid section for maximum efficiency and control.

The Z 355 driver has an MRP of £279.

Z 355 FAIRWAY WOODS AND HYBRIDS

Matching the driver are three Z 355 fairway woods (15˚, 19˚ and 22˚) which boast mid-size, high MOI design engineered for versatility, added forgiveness and a stable ball flight. The centre of gravity is positioned low and deep within the clubhead for a higher launch and longer flight. The stock graphite shaft is a Miyazaki Jinsoku and have an MRP of £179.

The Z 355 hybrid, which comes in lofts of 19˚, 23˚ and 26˚, has a new sole shape designed for improved turf interaction and uses a thin, highstrength steel face for faster ball speeds off a wider section of the face.

The hybrids are fitted with Miyazaki Jinsoku HB graphite shafts and each have a recommended retail price of £159 per club.

INSPIRING IRONS – THE NEW Z 355 & Z 155

While Srixon has built an unparalleled reputation for producing quality irons for better players, its new Z 155 and Z 355 irons bring the Japanese brand’s expert craftsmanship to bear on a range that is focused on the game-improvement end of the market.

Sitting alongside the Z 545, Z 745, and Z 945 irons that were launched last year, the Z 355s and Z 155s feature the same Action Mass technology found in the Z 355 woods, and are designed to promote maximum distance while maintaining forgiveness. And as with the woods, more weight is strategically shifted into the clubhead to increase kinetic force in the downswing, while the balance point of the shaft has been raised.

The Z 355 irons have a slightly narrower topline than the Z 155s, and will appeal to those players who liked a slightly thinner clubhead at address, but both models feature a cavity-back profile that encourages a mid-high trajectory.

Thin, high-strength steel faces increases COR for higher ball speeds in 4–7 irons. The iron bodies are cast from 431 stainless steel for proven custom-fitting adjustability, while a high MOI design aids forgiveness and creates a more stable ball flight.

To enhance turf interaction and trajectory control, both irons feature Srixon’s innovative Tour V.T. Sole, which features increased bounce on the leading edge and decreased bounce on the trailing edge to create a ‘V’ in the sole profile that has been proven to help tighten shot dispersion and increase shot consistency by reducing drag through the turf.

The Z 355 and Z 155 irons are fitted with either Miyazaki Jinsoku graphite shafts (£549, 5-PW) or the lightweight Nippon NS Pro 950GH DST steel shaft (£499, 5-PW). The Z 155 is also available in a ladies’ set (6-PW) for £459 with graphite shafts.

The Z 355 range and Z 155 irons will be available from mid September from authorised custom fit outlets in the UK & Ireland.

To find your nearest stockist and for more information on these and other new Srixon products, visit www.srixon.co.uk.

[28] AUGUST 2015

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

COOL KOCH RISES TO SOLHEIM CHALLENGE Europe is bidding to win the Solheim Cup for an unprecedented third consecutive time at next month’s matches in Germany, and in Sweden’s Carin Koch, the home side has just the right woman for the job

C

arin Koch’s search to become the captain of the first team to ever successfully defend the Solheim Cup on home soil began in earnest over a year ago, when she gained inside access to the European camp at the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.

The 44-year-old Swede was given carte blanche to study Paul McGinley’s modus operandi as part her preparations for the battle that Europe’s women will face at St Leon Rot from September 18-20.

Koch was the first Solheim Cup captain to go down this route, but judging by McGinley’s success, it was an astute decision from a player who has enjoyed plenty of success in the team match play format of the game.

“The European Tour asked if I wanted to go,” says Koch. “And it was great to see the team room and Paul in action. Of course, everything is bigger and they have a bigger budget, but the thing that struck me the most was the similarities: blue and yellow everywhere, and we treat the players the best we possibly can, so they feel great about being there.”

Despite having his own captaincy to deal with, McGinley went out his way to ensure his female counterpart was able to

Koch is looking to build on her impressive record as a player when she captains Europe next month

immerse herself in the Ryder Cup experience, and was happy to hand on any pertinent advice.

“I was able to speak to Paul, I went into the team room, and I saw him again over dinner to discuss it more. He also gave me his number, so that I could call him at any time with any questions I might have.”

She adds: “I think we are quite similar, in that we want to know that we have done all that we can. If I prepare properly, and take care of all the details that I think are important, then come Monday after the Solheim Cup, I want the feeling that I did all that I could to make the players play their best.”

Koch, who appeared in four Solheim Cups between 20002005, winning 10 out of 16 matches, is not trying to reinvent the wheel when it comes to the captaincy – rather to continue a successful template. “We are not going to change a lot of things that have worked. Why would we?” says Koch. “You also want to put your style as captain into it, though.”

One of Koch’s first decisions was the appointment of her vice-captains, which, following the principle of safety in numbers includes three trusted advisors in Annika Sorestam, Sophie Gustafson and Maria Hjorth. Boasting 21 Solheim Cup appearances between them, they will be Koch’s eyes and ears throughout the week, as well as helping to assesses players’ form before finalising the 12-strong squad, which will include four captain’s picks, and be announced on August 25.

“I am extremely proud to have assembled one of the most experienced and accomplished backroom teams imaginable,” says Koch, who served her own apprenticeship as a vice-captain to Liselotte Neumann in 2013.

“Sophie has shown such strength over the years, and her record and contribution speaks for itself. It’s

great with her and Annika being based in the US, as I have another two sets of eyes that can follow the European players based over there. Annika has so much knowledge from competing on a high level and she has so much respect from the players. In 2013 she was great at giving pep talks and bunker lessons.”

While Europe will once again go into next month’s renewal as the underdogs – as they have done since the matches began in 1990 – Koch instantly rejects the idea that being winners brings an automatic fear of failure into the equation. “I don’t see it that way,” she says. “I think the US team is under the most pressure.

They have lost the last two – they won’t want to lose three in a row.

I put pressure on myself to be a good captain, to be as good in the role as I can be, and make sure the players are comfortable. From that comes results and success.”

As the Solheim Cup’s commercial stock has risen, so too have the pressures heaped on its figureheads, and Koch has found herself propelled into a role of spokesperson for the wider women’s game.

“The Solheim Cup is a big deal for European golf, and a big showcase event for women’s golf in general,” she acknowledges.

“It is our chance to really be the ambassadors for our sport, to show how great our players are. The role-model element of women’s golf has changed a lot over the past few years, with the likes of Charley Hull and Lydia Ko both having just turned 18, and being at the top of the game.”

While Ko will be absent from events in Germany on account of her being from New Zealand, Koch will be able to call on Hull, whose starring role as a Solheim Cup debutant in Colorado two years ago will not be readily forgotten by anyone who witnessed it.

“Charley had only played a year professionally, so there was no way of knowing how she would react to that pressure,” Koch says. “We all knew she would be great for the team and she really was – she brought a fresh, young

I think the US team is under the most pressure. They have lost the last two – they won’t want to lose three in a row spirit and a lot of laughs to the team. It was so refreshing to have her there, with her attitude.”

Koch looks set to have a couple of German players at her disposal, with Sandra Gal and Caroline Masson both seeming like solid bets to win caps on the current standings, which will provide the local crowd with plenty to cheer about. “There should be at least one or two German players in the team,” says Koch coyly. “Which will, of course, be a boost for the home fans and the team in general.”

With regard to the St LeonRot course, Koch has been liaising closely with the course management team to ensure conditions suit the home side

– although quite what kind of weather both teams can expect at the end of September is anyone’s guess. “We traditionally play well in bad weather, so it won’t matter to us what the weather’s like,” predicts Koch confidently.

She is clearly leaving no stone unturned in her preparations for her stab at golfing history – something of which McGinley would surely approve.

The Solheim Cup takes place at St Leon-Rot Golf Club in Germany from September 18-20. For tickets, which cost €155 for a week’s pass, or €55 for a day ticket, visit www.solheimcup.de.

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NEWS IN BRIEF DANNY’S JUST CHAMPION AT CRANS

Danny Willett moved inside the world top 25 for the first time in his career after winning the European Masters in Switzerland. The 27 year old from Sheffield shot a final round 65 at Crans-sur-Sierre to beat fellow Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick by one shot with a 17-under-par total. Willett, who finished in a tie for sixth at the Open, picked up his second European Tour victory of the season after triumphing at the Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa in December.

Tyrrell Hatton completed an all-English top three when he recorded a 62 to finish two shots off the pace on 15 under.

TROY WINS QUCKENS ON MERIT

Troy Merritt held off a late charge from Rickie Fowler to secure his maiden PGA Tour title at the Quicken Loans National in Virginia.

Fowler birdied three of the last five holes to set the clubhouse target at 15 under par, but Merritt, who led the tournament after a third round course record 61, birdied the 16th and 18th to wrap up a three-shot victory with composed final round 67.

Tournament host Tiger Woods, who was firth at the half-way stage, shot weekend rounds of 74 and 68 to finish tied 18th on eight under, which represented his best 72-hole score for almost two years.

PELLEY TAKES CHARGE AT EURO TOUR Keith Pelley took over the reins of the European Tour on August 3, after replacing George O’Grady as chief executive. The 51-year-old Canadian, who was formerly chief executive of Canadian Football League team Toronto Argonauts, and boasts over 30 years’ experience in sporting broadcast media, said: “For the last three months I have travelled and spoken to many people involved with the European Tour, and I have been encouraged to find that the tour already has a highly-regarded reputation worldwide – naturally I will be seeking to build and expand on that in the years ahead.”

[30] AUGUST 2015 | TOUR NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Lowry clinches dramatic win in Akron Ireland’s Shane Lowry bagged his first victory on American soil when overcoming a leaderboard packed with major champions to land the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Ohio.

The 28 year old bagged by far the biggest payday of his career when finishing on 11 under par at Firestone Country Club, to pull two shots clear of dual Masters champion Bubba Watson.

Lowry produced some memorable moments during an almost flawless final round 66, including a vital 17-foot putt to save par on the 14th hole, and an improbable birdie on the 18th hole, where from a difficult lie in the rough, he clipped a greenside tree with his second shot to land 11 feet from the hole, before sinking a nerveless putt.

His fourth birdie of the day – after gains on the second, eighth and tenth holes – saw him finish two shots clear of Watson, who also closed with a 66. Joint overnight leaders Justin Rose and Jim Furyk both carded two-over-par 72s to finish four shots back.

It was only Lowry’s third tour victory, following his maiden win as an amateur in the 2009 Irish Open, and his follow-up title at the 2012 Portugal Masters.

“It doesn’t get any better than that, does it?” said Lowry. “To beat those guys down the stretch on a golf course as tough

Aphibarnat snatches Saltire Match Play title Kiradech Aphibarnat survived a late fightback from Robert Karlsson to take a narrow victory in the final of the inaugural Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Match Play.

The 26-year-old Thai found himself three shots ahead with just four holes to play at Murcar Links in Scotland, but stuttered over the closing holes and needed to a close-range birdie at the last to claim a second European Tour title of the season.

Aphibarnrat ended hopes of a home victory by knocking out Marc Warren in the semi-final, with the no.2 seed failing to make a single birdie and was five over par for the round on his way to a 3&2 defeat.

Karlsson almost squandered a threehole lead with six to play in his semi-final against a resurgent David Howell, with the 45-year-old Swede only edging past his rival on the 20th hole.

Howell then beat Warren in the third place play off.

Although the 64-man field event failed to attract many of the game’s top players, tournament host Paul Lawrie remained upbeat, following favourable reaction to knockout format and the venue from the players that took part.

Park bags career grand slam with Women’s British Open

as this, especially in this condition, is incredible. To shoot 11 under par on this golf course shows that my game is good enough to compete at any level.”

Lowry, who was ranked 48th in the world prior to the tournament, picked up a cheque for and also earned a three-year exemption on the PGA Tour.

South Korea’s Inbee Park became just the seventh woman to win a career grand slam after winning the Ricoh Women’s British Open at Turnberry in Scotland.

The world no.1 carded a course record equalling 65 in the final round to win by three shots, and in doing so joined an elite group comprising Pat Bradley, Juli Inkster, Annika Sorenstam, Louise Suggs, Karrie Webb and Mickey Wright, who have all won at least four different majors.

The 27 year old from Seoul started the final round three shots behind leaders Jin-Young Ko and Teresa Lu, but began her chase with four birdies in a row from the seventh. She was a stroke behind Ko after she eagled the par-5 14th hole, and then birdied the par-4 16th to lead for the first time on 12 under par.

After Ko bogeyed the 13th and double bogeyed the 16th, Park was three strokes clear, as she waited in the clubhouse for the final two groups to finish. She sealed her seventh Major victory, worth £298,534, when Ko could only manage to par the last two holes. It was Park’s fourth title this season and the 16th win of her 10-year career.

ALLENBY SACKS CADDIE DURING MID-ROUND BUST UP Robert Allenby’s already bizarre season took another strange turn when his caddie walked off the course midway through the first round of last month’s RBC Canadian Open.

It is third time in 20 years that Allenby’s caddie quit during a round, this time leaving the player to find a spectator to carry his bag for the remaining holes.

The trouble started at Allenby’s fourth hole, the par-five 13th at Glen Abbey, when the 44-year-old Australian and bagman Mick Middlemo disagreed over club selection for the approach shot. His subsequent shot found the creek in front of the green, which led to a heated confrontation and a triple bogey.

“I’m in shock,” said Allenby, after shooting 81 and withdrawing from the tournament. “This is the worst incident I’ve ever witnessed as a player. “I said to him, ‘We keep making bad mistakes and you’re not helping me in these circumstances’, and then he just lost the plot.

I said, ‘Stop being a such-and-such and calm

down and get back into the game’. And he got Allenby and Middlemo parted right in my and I just said, ‘That’s it, you’re company afterface a disagreement over a club choice sacked’.”

Middlemo’s offered a different version of events, saying that the final straw came when Allenby swore at him. “Robert’s a pretty highly strung individual, and he hasn’t been playing great of late. We had a discussion about a club, then of course I copped the wrath of that. I’ve been called a bad caddie, but when the personal insults come in, and you’re being called a fat so-and-so, I got a little bit peeved and said to him, ‘I dare you to say that to me again’. He didn’t say it again, but I just put the bag down, got my gear, and left.”

Allenby is no stranger to caddies leaving his employ at short notice. At the 2007 BMW Open near Chicago, then-caddie Matthew Tritton walked off the course midway through the round, while another of his caddies walked off the Old Course at St Andrews in the middle of the 1995 Open Championship.

Team GB takes shape as countdown to Rio begins With just under 12 months before the golf event gets underway at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Team GB is looking strong on paper, with Justin Rose and Danny Willett the two leading hopefuls for gold according to current world rankings.

Rose is nicely placed in seventh, while Willett has shot up to 14th following his win at the European Masters last month. Both Englishmen will be looking to maintain their

form for the next 11 months in order to book their places at the first Olympic golf event for 112 years.

Other Team GB hopefuls, such as Paul Casey, Ian Going for gold: Poulter, Luke Donald and Danny Willett Lee Westwood, will have to leapfrog Rose and Willett, or play their way into the world’s top 15, if they are going to have a chance of making the line up, whose format allows no more than two players from the same country who are inside the world’s top 60, but up to four if they are inside the top 15.

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[32] AUGUST 2015 | PROSHOP

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VOICE CADDIE D1 EXECUTIVE GPS

CALLAWAY GREAT BIG BERTHA DRIVER

RRP: £139 CONTACT: VOICECADDIE.COM

RRP: £369 CONTACT: CALLAWAYGOLF.COM

Voice Caddie’s new D1 Executive is a convenient flip-open design GPS device that provides yardage guidance via a display or by spoken word.

Housed in a handy belt-clip, the D1 provides accurate yardages to the front, middle and back of greens, while other features include shot measurement, automatic course and hole recognition, an odometer, and a calorie counter.

Distances are provided either by flipping open the device or by voice output in eight different lauguages at the press of a button, with the rechargeable battery providing eight hours of continuous GPS usage. The LCD display features a backlight so that it can be read in all light conditions.

As with all the products in the Voice Caddie GPS range, the D1 comes with 30,000 courses preloaded, and over 40,000 courses worldwide.

It is available in black or white.

TRIED + TESTED

The next generation of the relaunched Great Big Bertha driver cranks out vital extra yards, control and forgiveness by introducing a number of new technologies. Most noticeable is the inclusion of a sliding 10g weight on the rear of the sole, which not only enhances stability, but also allows users to adjust draw and fade bias to suit personal preferences.

The second key design upgrade is an even thinner face, courtesy of Callaway’s R-Moto Face technology, which increases the trampoline effect for faster ball speeds across a wider area.

The aerodynamic head, which is 3g lighter than its predecessor, is available in a choice of weights, ranging from 295g to 325g, with base loft settings of 9, 10.5 and 12 degrees, while the Optifit hosel lets you choose from eight different configurations to tune loft, lie, and face angle. The three stock shaft options are MRC Basara, Mitsubishi Kuro Kage Black, and a Fujikura Evolution 665.

There is a matching set of GBB fairway woods (3, 5, 7, Heavenwood and 9), which dispense with the weight rail, but retain the Optifit hosel in the 3, 5 and Heavenwood.

They all feature forged Hyper Speed Face Cups, bigger heads, and an updated version of the Warbird sole for ease of use off a variety of surfaces, and come with a RRP of £229.

MOTOCADDY C-TECH TROLLEY

Motocaddy has moved into the super premium end of the power trolley market following the launch of the C-TECH. Constructed from high-grade carbon fibre, it weighs just 6.7kg, making it one of the lightest electric golf trolleys ever produced.

Specialists drawn from several different industries were involved in its production – from crafting the frame and hi-tech electronics, to forming the numerous parts that make up the control mechanism. A luxury car component manufacturer also contributed to the glide dial used to control the trolley’s 10-speed settings.

A limited slip-differential gearbox, with a high-performance brushless motor, drives the trolley, while a snap-fit 2.2kg lithium battery delivers the power, which is good for at least 36 holes on a single charge. The motor automatically provides extra braking capacity when going downhill, and more power when travelling uphill, so the golfer doesn’t need to constantly alter settings to continue walking at a comfortable speed.

Wheels that fold neatly into the frame result in the C Tech being 40% smaller than Motocaddy’s S-Series when collapsed, while other design features include an digital clock and battery power meter; an electronic parking brake; a height-adjustable handle; a USB charging port for GPS devices; and an adjustable distance control function that enables the trolley to travel independently up to 45 metres.

It comes with a full accessory pack, including scorecard and umbrella holders, both made from carbon fibre, while Motocaddy’s Easilock bag-totrolley connection system locks Motocaddy own-brand bags securely in place automatically, although adjustable bag supports ensure that other bag models can also be used.

RRP: £1,800 CONTACT: MOTOCADDY.COM

GolfNews editor Nick Bayly says: The C Tech is a stunning choice for golfers that appreciate fine engineering backed up by performance-enhancing features that are genuinely useful.

Its stripped down appearance is classy yet practical, and no stone has been left unturned in the search for performance, whether it be from the quality of the motor, to the intuitive braking and accelerating system, and the luxury feel of the speed adjustment dial. If Mercedes Benz or McLaren were ever to make a golf trolley, this is probably what it would look, feel and perform like.

MIZUNO MP-5 IRON RRP: £115 PER CLUB CONTACT: GOLF.MIZUNOEUROPE. COM Mizuno describes the forged MP-5 iron as being neither blade nor a cavity model, but rather a ‘channel back’ iron. Designed for ultimate feel and workability, and sitting between Mizuno’s classic MP blades and smaller players’ cavity-backs, the MP-5’s channel back design keeps an appropriate degree of thickness behind the sweet spot to deliver bladelike feel on pure strikes, while allowing sufficient weight to be relocated to parts of the head where it can tangibly increase clubhead stability and performance on off-centre strikes. The head is therefore larger than a traditional blade, and the top line a little thicker, while retaining the shape and proportions that will suit the eye of better players.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

PROSHOP | AUGUST 2015 [33]

PRO SHOP MIZUNO MP-25 IRON

RRP: £115 PER CLUB CONTACT: GOLF.MIZUNOEUROPE.COM Following on from the success of the JPX 850 Forged irons, Mizuno is bringing the proven ball speed advantages of boron-fuelled technology to its MP line-up for the first time with the MP-25 – a compact boron forged iron boasting a tour-inspired design, that will appeal to a wide range of players, from tour pros through to low and mid-handicap amateurs.

Rather than seeking to cram distance technology into the smaller head that better players prefer, the MP-25 starts from a pre-determined tourdictated profile, with engineers then adding in ball speed via the Boron forged technology.

The MP-25 heads are grain flow forged from a single billet of 1025 boron steel, with the injection of boron allowing a micro-slot pocket cavity to be engineered into the longer irons (3-6) for greater ball speeds, while still delivering the feel and touch that tour players demand.

BIG BERTHA ALPHA 816 DOUBLE BLACK DIAMOND DRIVER

MIZUNO S5 WEDGE RRP: £110 CONTACT: GOLF.MIZUNOEUROPE.COM Mizuno’s S5 wedges break new ground in the wedge market by offering golfers the option of adding a splash of colour to the most lofted clubs in the bag.

The range of six wedges is available in a blue IP-plated finish, which wears over time without reducing the club’s durability, although a more traditional white satin finish is also available.

Offering a mid-size head profile with a slightly rounded top line, which will suit mid to high handicappers, the S5 is grain flow forged from mild carbon steel and is offered in a variety of grinds to ensure maximum performance from every lie and for all swing profiles.

Each wedge features Mizuno’s Quad Cut Grooves, which are wider and shallower in the 54, 56, 58 and 60-degree models, and deeper and narrower in 50 and 52-degree models, to ensure maximum spin on full and partial shots.

In Luke Donald’s bag since May, the S5 comes with a Dynamic Gold Wedge flex steel shaft, while the graphite option (£125) is a Mizuno Orochi.

RRP: £429 CONTACT: CALLAWAYGOLF.COM Given the extraordinary length of its name, it should perhaps come as little surprise that the BBA 816 DBD driver – to give it its still quite long acronym – is billed as offering ‘extreme distance’.

The eagerly-awaited successor to the 815 is designed for what Callaway calls ‘the big bombers who stripe it off the tee like clockwork’.

That’s mid to low handicappers to you and me – those greedy golfers who already possess a decent amount of swing speed, but who want to get a few more yards in order to retain bragging rights.

The head features the same gravity core – a unevenly weighted bolt that can be flipped 180 degrees to alter trajectory – as found in the 815, as well as OptiFit adjustability, which allows loft and lie angle to be independently altered. But all new for 816 are the Dual Distance Chambers, one of which features the gravity core, so golfers can alter the shot shape by placing the core either in the heel (draw) or toe (neutral) distance chamber, and also position the heavy end low or high, depending on your usual impact location on the face. Placing the heavy end low in the head will also help reduce backspin.

Offering a deep face, traditional head shape, and a matte black finish on the crown, the 816 treads that fine line between forgiveness and workability that good players will appreciate, delivering the performance you would expect from a Tour driver, but with a higher MOI than the standard 815 driver.

The stock graphite shaft is Aldila’s new 45.5-inch Rogue I/O 60 in regular, stiff, or x-stiff.

There is a matching set of 816 fairway woods (14, 16 and 18 degrees, £249), which feature forged Hyper Speed Face Cups, adjustable sole weights (3g and 16g), and an eight-way OptiFit adjustable hosel. By switching the 3g and 16g weights, golfers choose between a lower spin flight (weight forward) or more forgiveness with a higher launch (weight back). This versatility means the fairway wood can be both a long option off the tee, or a more playable club for approach shots, all depending on how you want to use it.

NEXBELT BELTS RRP: £64.95 CONTACT: BRANDFUSIONLTD.CO.UK No self-respecting ‘plaaayer’ should be without a brightly coloured strip of leather holding up their slim-fit chinos these days, and Nexbelt’s new range of eye-catching belts tick all the boxes.

New to the UK, the Go-In!, X-Belt and Colour belts are all made from hand-crafted leather and feature a metal buckle that locks in the belt in place. Those with a larger waist won’t like to be reminded of their measurements, which are etched in inches into the inside of the belt, while a magnetic area inside the buckle can be used to store a ball marker.

The Go-In! is available in nine colours, including white, black, espresso and walnut, while the Colour belt comes in navy, green, orange, grey, red, yellow and white.

PING GLIDE ES WEDGE RRP: £110 CONTACT: PINGGOLF.COM

The Glide ES (Eye Sole) wedge combines technology found in Ping’s iconic Eye2 sand wedge, including a tapered hosel and scooped sole, with the high-performance features of the Glide design.

It joins the Glide standard sole (SS), thin sole (TS), and wide sole (WS), creating 16 loft and sole combinations to suit a player’s swing and most common course conditions.

The scooped sole offers versatility on full and partial shots, especially bunkers, while the hosel tapers into the face to reduce drag through the sand. Its high toe offers a larger hitting area when the face is opened up. A tighter radius in the loft-optimised Gorge grooves increases spin on chips and pitches, while the satin chrome-plated stainless steel head repels moisture to create more friction. Available in 56, 58, and 60-degree lofts, the Glide Es is fitted with a Dyla wedge grip, which is ¾-inch longer than a standard grip, enabling golfers to grip down to control ball flight, with markings at one and 3/8-inch intervals to guide hand placement, and a softer grip tapering profile that improves feel.

[34] AUGUST 2015 | SHOWCASE

ODYSSEY WORKS BIG T RRP: £149 CONTACT: ODYSSEYGOLF.COM The Works Big T putter range is a blend of Odyssey’s Versa and Marxman alignment systems that come together to form a prominent ‘T’ on the putter.

While the Big T has the look of a Versa, it is part of Odyssey’s Works range and features a Fusion RX insert.

Combining the classic White Hot insert with a thin stainless steel mesh over the face, the Big T delivers a faster roll than the standard White Hot insert. Friction created by the mesh also produces a low launch angle and topspin that mitigates bouncing during the skid phase for improved distance control. The Works Big T range consists of four head shapes – Blade, #5 (small mallet), V-Line and V-Line centre shaft – and each is fitted with a black powder-coated shaft that reduces glare. A SuperStroke grip can be fitted for an extra £20.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

TAYLORMADE GHOST TOUR BLACK RRP: £139 CONTACT: TAYLORMADEGOLF.COM The Ghost Tour series comprises two blades – Daytona and Indy – and two mallets, Maranello and Monte Carlo. All feature a matt black, glare-resistant PVD coating, while a contrasting white line on the trailing edge makes for easy alignment aid. A deepmilled aluminium insert delivers a crisp feel off the face and a smooth, accurate roll. The rough surface of the insert softens the sound at impact, while still offering variance in noise off the clubface, allowing players to more accurately determine how well they’ve struck a putt. They available in 33-, 34- and 35-inch shafts and are fitted with a Golf Pride rubber red cap grip.

PING CADENCE TR RRP: £139-£223 CONTACT: PINGGOLF.COM Ping’s Cadence TR putters offer different weight face inserts that are designed to fit a golfer’s stroke tempo and feel preference. Traditional-weight models feature a blue aluminium insert and typically fit golfers with mid to fast tempos and can help with lag putting.

Heavier black stainless steel inserts will help golfers with slower strokes. Both inserts feature True Roll technology grooves that vary in depth and width from the centre of the face to significantly improve ballspeed consistency. Ten models, including the recently launched high-MOI Craz-e-r and Ketsch Mid mallet, are available with fixed or adjustable-length shafts.

ROLL WITH IT

Let the ball see the cup with these classy flatsticks

NIKE METHOD CONVERGE RRP: £129.99 CONTACT: NIKEGOLF.COM The Method Converge range features four models, each of which has been designed to suit a particular player’s stroke. The Straight putters (S1-12 and S2-12) will work best for those with a back-and-through stroke; the B1-01 blade favours those with a slight arc; while those with a pronounced arc will prefer the M108 mallet. The same material used in Nike’s RZN balls is sandwiched between stainless steel components to actively manage forgiveness, and is also found in the Tour-proven groove insert, which softens feel and delivers a faster forward roll. The weight in the head is positioned towards the perimeter by visible sole weights, while a bold red T-shaped alignment aid helps line the face up to the target.

TITLEIST SCOTTY CAMERON GOLO RRP: £279/£315 CONTACT: TITLEIST.CO.UK Titleist’s range of five Scotty Cameron GOLO putters will suit the eye of all mallet fans. Each model features a lightweight aluminium face-sole core surrounded by a horseshoe-shaped stainless steel frame that results in increased stability and extra forgiveness on offcentre hits. The steel frame is connected to the core at five points, which serves to dampen vibration and soften feel. The steel body has a silver mist finish that contrasts with the darker core to aid alignment, while four-way relief on the sole enables a smooth takeaway.

A new insert covers almost the entire face and wraps under the sole, which improves responsiveness wherever the ball strikes the face.

CLEVELAND TFI SMART SQUARE RRP: £149 CONTACT: CLEVELANDGOLF.COM TFI stands for True Feel Innovation, and with its milled, copper-infused face attached to a polymer insert, Cleveland’s latest version of the eye-catching Smart Square promises plenty of feedback and soft feel.

A heavy stabilising wing combines with a lightweight aluminium body to offer increased resistance to twisting on off-centre hits and more consistent distance control off a wider area of the face. The TFI incorporates dual axis alignment technology, which sees two squares on the crown creating parallel lines that frame the ball at address and provide a clear visual path to the hole. They also generate two perpendicular lines that let you know when the putter is square to the target.

EQUIPMENT NEWS | AUGUST 2015 [35]

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

New A1 store drives golfers to Greenwich The new driving range at Greenwich Peninsula has proved an instant hit, with thousands of city workers and locals from South East London visiting the brand new facility following its opening at the beginning of July.

Greenwich Peninsula Golf Academy features a two-tier, 60-bay driving range, a large retail shop and a restaurant and wine bar.

The A1 Golf retail store is being run by experienced retailer Ivan Norman, who managed Nevada Bob’s franchise operation up until 2005. The 3,000-square foot outlet features all the main golf brands, each of which enjoys its own separate space.

“I wanted the individual brands to take precedence,” said Norman. “I didn’t want undistinguished racks of clubs along one wall. I wanted each manufacturer to be able to showcase their brand the way they wanted.”

While golf equipment geeks will be able to indulge

themselves with the latest sets of premium brands like Vega, the shop also stocks entry-level sets to suit newcomers to the game.

“Over 250,000 people live in Greenwich, and many of them are coming to the range and trying golf for the first time, so to meet that need we have starter ranges from £99, and we also operate a price match policy,” said Norman.

Those golfers looking for a custom fitting – which is free from now until the end of the year – can make use of a team of fitting experts which uses Foresight Sports GC2 and Head Measurement Technology to carry out club fittings with the most accurate data available in the golf industry.

N1 Golf’s marketing director Phil Richins said: “We are absolutely delighted by how things have gone. Some people are saying ‘We have been watching you go up, and thank God you’re now open’, while others have said ‘Where did this come from?’ What is really exciting is the huge number of kids coming down. We’ve been overwhelmed by the overall response to the facility.”

SkyPro adds ‘game-changing’ attack angle analysis SkyCaddie’s SkyPro golf swing training device has been upgraded to include a new attack angle feature, which measures whether the clubhead is moving up or down on the ball at impact.

The upgrade will be automatically added when golfers update the free SkyPro app on a smartphone or tablet, with ‘Attack Angle’ appearing as a new parameter in the impact area of every swing.

Launched two years ago, SkyPro is a small sensor that fits onto the shaft of the club below the grip. It monitors a club’s motion during a swing and sends information wirelessly to a smartphone or tablet, providing instant feedback.

The attack angles feature has also been applied retrospectively, so that every swing that has ever been recorded on the device will have this measurement stored.

“Angle of attack has been the number one request from SkyPro users and teaching professionals since we launched the device in 2013,” said SkyPro’s James Holmes. “A golfer’s angle of attack plays a major part in optimising ball speed, the quality of strike, and total distance achieved. Hitting down and through the ball is crucial for good iron play, while for distance driving you need to be coming into the ball slightly on the up. The new attack angle feature on SkyPro enables all golfers to ‘groove and improve’ both parts of their game.”

The SkyPro costs £149.95 and can be purchased online by visiting www.golfskypro.com.

Srixon has become an official equipment partner to the Ladies European Tour and Srixon golf balls are now used for all pretournament practice sessions starting from last month’s ISPS Handa Ladies European Masters at The Buckinghamshire.

Srixon brings with it the top selling two-piece ball brand in the UK, the AD333, and premium equipment brand XXIO, the leading golf hardware brand in Japan, which is the second largest golf market in the world.

Players and guests taking part in the Ladies European Masters had the opportunity to test the AD333 during the tournament’s Pro-Am event.

Leslie Hepsworth, UK and Ireland president for Srixon Sports Europe, said: “The Ladies European Tour is a great partner for Srixon. We are proud to be associated with world class players, brilliant events, and an organisation which has a fresh and inspiring vision to become a powerful and developing force for women’s sport.”

WINNERS’ BAGS ON TOUR

ZACH JOHNSON Open Championship DRIVER: Titleist 913D2 (10.5) FAIRWAY WOODS: Titleist 913F.d Low Spin (15), Titleist 913F (17) HYBRID: Titleist 909H (21) IRONS: Titleist AP1 712 (4), Titleist AP2 714 (5-9) WEDGES: Titleist Vokey SM4 (48, 54, 60) PUTTER: SeeMore FGP BALL: Titleist Pro V1x SCOTT PIERCY Barbasol Championship DRIVER: Titleist 910D2 (8.5) FAIRWAY WOODS: TaylorMade Burner (15), TaylorMade Burner (17.5) IRONS: Titleist 712U (4), Titleist 690 MB (4-9) WEDGES: Titleist Vokey SM4 (50, 52, 57, 60) PUTTER: Titleist Scotty Cameron GoLo 7 BALL: Titleist Pro V1x JASON DAY Canadian Open DRIVER: TaylorMade R15 (10.5) FAIRWAY WOOD: TaylorMade AeroBurner HL (16.5) IRONS: TaylorMade RSi TP (3-9) WEDGES: TaylorMade TP EF (47, 52, 60) PUTTER: TaylorMade Ghost Spider Itsy BITSY BALL: TaylorMade TP X DANNY WILLETT European Masters DRIVER: Callaway XR (10.5) Fairway Woods: Callaway X2 Hot Pro (15, 19) IRONS: Callaway Apex Utility (3-4), Callaway Apex Pro (5-9) WEDGES: Callaway Mack Daddy 2 (47, 54, 58) PUTTER: Odyssey Versa #1 Wide BALL: Callaway Speed Regime 3

Honma to stage three testing days at Stoke Park

Srixon Sports becomes LET’s official equipment partner

THE GEAR EFFECT

Japanese clubmaker Honma is staging a three-day customer experience at Stoke Park Country Club in Buckinghamshire from August 26-28.

Known for its hand-crafted, premium-priced clubs, Honma is offering a rare opportunity for UK golfers to try its complete range of clubs.

Ninety-minute personal appointments with Honma’s expert customfitter Mathieu Humel can be booked in advance, and he will also be available to answer questions and assist in taster sessions.

Every item of Honma equipment is produced by hand in its Sakata studio in northern Japan, where over 250 professional clubmakers – including an elite Honma team of ‘takumi’ master craftsmen – build and assemble bespoke clubheads and shafts to order. At least 100 people work on each club.

Using the latest launch monitor technology, golfers visiting Stoke Park will be able to compare how their current clubs perform against Honma’s range.

A set of Honma irons costs from £1,130 to over £60,000 for gold-plated 5 Star specification. Individual woods are priced between £400 and £5,600, while putters and wedges range from £195 to £4,800.

To arrange a personal appointment, call Tim Harris in the Stoke Park pro shop on 01753 717184, or email tharris@stokepark.com.

MARCO DAWSON Senior British Open DRIVER: Callaway FT-iZ Tour (9) FAIRWAY WOOD: Callaway X2 Hot (15) IRONS: Callaway Apex Pro (3-9) WEDGES: Callaway Apex Pro (48, 50, 54, 60) PUTTER: Odyssey Versa #2 BALL: Callaway Chrome Soft TROY MERRITT Quicken Loans National DRIVER: TaylorMade R15 (9.5) FAIRWAY WOOD: Callaway XR Pro (14) IRONS: Wilson FG Tour V4 Utility (2,4) Wilson FG Tour V4 (5-PW) WEDGES: Wilson FG Tour Wedge (50, 54, 58) PUTTER: Yes! Mollie Tour BALL: Titleist Pro V1 INBEE PARK Women’s British Open DRIVER: XXIO 8 (8.5) Fairway WOODS: TaylorMade RBZ Tour (14.5, 18) HYBRIDS: TaylorMade SLDR (22, 25) IRONS: XXIO Forged (6-PW) WEDGES: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 (46, 50, 58) Putter: Odyssey 2-Ball BALL: Srixon Z-Star

[36] AUGUST 2015 | EQUIPMENT NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Historic Hever enhances Kent as all-round golf destination The golf courses and historic estate of Hever Castle in west Kent is the latest golf property to link up with Golf in Kent to further enhance the county as an allround golfing destination in England.

The Golf in Kent Partnership, run in association with Visit Kent, promotes England’s oldest county as ‘a golfer’s paradise in the Garden of England’ thanks to its fine array of coastal links and inland courses, a wide range of accommodation, and its wealth of cultural and historical attractions.

Hever Castle is not only one of Kent’s most iconic attractions, it is home to 27 holes of top quality parkland golf, with the Kings and Queens’ nines combining to create a 7,002-yard, par 72 championship course, which is complemented by the nine-hole Princes Course and magnificent Tudor-style clubhouse.

Golf was first introduced at Hever in the 1920s, when a private nine-hole course was built north of the Hever lakes for the personal enjoyment of the then owners, the Astor family, and to entertain friends and business contacts.

The championship course now boasts an array of stunning holes, with the 644-yard, par-five 17th regarded as its standout hole. The delightful short sixth and eight holes on the front nine are

both played over water, while a stunning stretch from the 11th to the 13th – Hever’s very own ‘Amen Corner’ – offers carries over water and onto tricky greens that require careful negotiation.

The Hever estate also offers golfers the chance to experience an overnight stay in two of its historic buildings, either in its five-star luxury B&B in the Astor Wing and the Anne Boleyn Wing, an Edwardian wing attached to the Castle, or in its five-star, gold-rated cottage, Medley Court, which is ideal for groupa or families.

Hever Castle itself offers visitors a glimpse of a rich and fascinating past, with the oldest parts of the Castle dating back to the 13th century. Later in the 1500s, it was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, and it was here that Henry VIII first courted the young Anne, establishing the property’s royal connection. Later in its history, Henry’s fourth wife Anne of Cleves

was the proud owner of Hever.

In 1903 it was purchased by William Waldorf Astor, one of the richest men in America at the time, who invested time, money and imagination into restoring the Castle and building the incredible Italian gardens and the ‘Tudor Village’, which is now known as the Astor Wing.

For more details on golf breaks to Hever Castle, visit www.hever.co.uk.

It pays to stay at Prince’s The luxury golf lodge at Prince’s Golf Club in Kent is 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 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 en-suite bathroom facilities and a shared lounge. It also boasts its own onsite bar and restaurant, the Brasserie on the Bay, where locally-sourced seasonal menus are available throughout the week. There are a number of stay and play packages on offer, starting from £130pp for one night’s B&B and two rounds of golf at Prince’s.

While room-only prices are £105 for a single room, £135 for a double/ twin, and £270 for a two-bedroom apartment, with full English breakfast included in the package.

For current golf package details, visit www.princesgolfclub.co.uk or call 01304 611118.

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EQUIPMENT NEWS | AUGUST 2015 [37]

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Gleneagles tees up Ryder Cup anniversary breaks

Summertime specials on offer for golf groups at Thorpeness One of England’s best-loved golf resorts has come up with an innovative new golf break that delivers more rewards the more friends you bring along.

Thorpeness Golf Club and Hotel, on Suffolk’s Heritage Coast, has launched a new 4-FORE-Summer campaign, which delivers a range of great benefits to groups of golfers visiting on play-and-stay packages or paying green fees.

The 4-FORE-Summer offer runs until August 31, and rewards golf groups booking a minimum of four rooms in the 36-bed golf hotel or a fourball on its James Braid-designed heathland course.

The award-winning course is consistently rated as one of the best courses in Eastern England, and is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Suffolk Coast. Laid out

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on sandy soil, the 6,500-yard course is a natural maritime heathland course, featuring crisp turf, heather, gorse and – being located just 400 yards from the North Sea – freshening seaside winds. The signature hole arrives early in the round, at the third, a hole that sweep around Thorpeness Mere, an artificial lake used for fishing and boating.

Thorpeness is famous for the ‘House in the Clouds,’ a converted water tower turned holiday home that overlooks the 18th green, and has hosted prestigious amateur anGolfers availing themselves of the 4-FORE-Summer package can stay within 75 yards of the first tee for only £99 per person per night, including dinner, bed, breakfast and golf. For more details, visit www.thorpeness.co.uk or call 01728 452176.

The Gleneagles Hotel, host venue of the 2014 Ryder Cup, will mark the one-year anniversary of the momentous sporting event with a week of golfing treats.

From September 23-27, the PGA Centenary Course will be set up with flag positions as they were during the final Ryder Cup singles matches, and there will be the opportunity to play from a select number of Championship tees during each round. Golfers will also be announced on the first tee by starters, to get a small taster of the pressure US and European players faced during last year’s showdown.

Throughout the week, players can submit their scorecards to be in with a chance of winning a variety of Ryder Cup-related prizes for the best daily and weekly gross scores. In addition, a special stay and play package is available on September 27, offering overnight accommodation, breakfast, and a round of golf for two people on the PGA Centenary Course for a reduced rate of £230 per person.

Gary Silcock, Gleneagles’ Director of Golf, commented: “The atmosphere during last September’s matches at Gleneagles was phenomenal. Not many sporting fans get to play Wembley or Wimbledon, but here any golfer who books a tee time can test their game against some of the challenges that the US and Europe team faced. The only thing missing will be the 250,000 spectators, but I’m sure the whole resort will be buzzing again on the anniversary weekend.”

For bookings, visit www.gleneagles.com.

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[38] AUGUST 2015

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SarahStirk

WHILE WHISTLING STRAITS JUSTIFIABLY GRABS ALL THE HEADLINES, THERE’S PLENTY MORE GREAT GOLF ON OFFER IN WISCONSIN, AS SARAH STIRK HAS DISCOVERED

WANDERINGS IN WISCONSIN

I

love reviewing golf courses where Major championships or big events are held, but which are open to the public.

There’s nothing better than watching how the pros tackle a layout and then going to try it for yourself, albeit less convincingly!

In this column I’ve reviewed TPC Sawgrass – always a great one to say I made two on 17 – and Pebble Beach, one of the most iconic golf courses in the world. It’s now time to explore Whistling Straits, which has just hosted the 2015 PGA Championship, and some other fabulous courses within striking distance.

Whistling Straits is no stranger to hosting Majors, and in 2020 it will also welcome the Ryder Cup. It’s an extraordinary combination of legendary design by Pete Dye and the visionary inspiration of Herbert Kohler, Jr. Beginning with a 560-acre parcel of flat land, Dye sculpted a bit of Ireland and a touch of Scotland out of the Wisconsin coastline. If you ask Pete Dye, he’ll tell you that building Whistling Straits was a ‘once in a lifetime thing’, an impressive claim from one of the games pre-eminent designers.

Whistling Straits, which opened in 1998, offers two courses of dynamic contrast. Open, rugged and windswept terrain defines the Straits Course, which is sculpted along two miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Just inland, interspersed by four meandering streams, the grassland-and-dunes aspect of the Irish Course is a deceptively tranquil landscape.

Indeed, there are four courses that make up the American Club Resort, located in and around the small town of Kohler, Wisconsin. Over two centuries ago, Chief Blackwolf and his Winnebago Indian tribe resided in the Sheboygan River Valley.

Today, in that very same river basin formed by the flows of glacial runoff, you’ll find The River and The Meadow Valleys at Blackwolf Run. It opened for play in 1988 and was named ‘Best New Public Course’ in the country by Golf Digest. Regarded as one of Pete Dye’s crowning achievements, like the Straits course, it has hosted a number of professional championships, including the US

The nerve-jangling 17th hole at Whistling Straits

Erin Hills is a ‘walking-only’ course – a rarity in the US – and offers echoes of Chambers Bay, but without the controversy

Erin Hills is to host the US Open in 2017

The ‘Windy City’ of Chicago

Women’s Open in 1998 and 2012.

Just down the road from Whistling Straits is another family-owned gem. Pinehurst Farms was a dairy farm for almost a century; however, destructive fires made for a change in use – and plans for the golf course were created.

‘The Bull’ sits on 410 incredibly scenic acres and boasts the only Jack Nicklaus Signature course in Wisconsin. It regularly ranks as the third best course in the state, behind the Straits course and the River course at Blackwolf Run. Most people fly into Chicago and make the twohour drive north to play the American Club courses and The Bull, but there are also plenty of others worth checking out. Either on your way up to Sheboygan, or on your way back down, it’s worth stopping at Erin Hills, an hour south of Whistling Straits and 40 minutes from Milwaukee. Erin Hills will host the 2017 US Open and carries many resemblances to Chambers Bay. Like Chambers Bay, Erin Hills is a public course, purpose built for a major championship, shepherded during construction by the USGA and awarded the US Open in its infancy. It’s also a ‘walking-only’ course with fescue fairways, a rarity in the United States. Both courses depend largely on Mother Nature for their water, and abide by the USGA mantra that ‘brown is the new green’!

However, Erin Hills isn’t expected to court the same controversy surrounding the greens, with bentgrass used on the putting surfaces.

Then there are the course characteristics. Erin Hills is more of a links hybrid; the ball bounces and rolls, but not to the extent we saw at Chambers Bay, reducing unpredictability. The general feeling in the golf industry is that it will be a fair, but fantastic test for the professionals, and a great experience for us mere mortals. To ensure prime playing conditions for the year’s second Major, it won’t open for public play in 2017 until after the US Open.

As for other recommendations, here are a few more highly regarded layouts. The town of Spring Green has the House on the Rock golf courses, featuring 18 holes designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. Set in a small valley by the Wisconsin River, it’s a stone’s throw from Frank Lloyd Wright’s famed Taliesin. The American Players Theatre is also adjacent to the resort. There is also a nine-hole course designed by Andy North and Roger Packard, while in northwestern Wisconsin, the 7,003-yard Troy Burne Golf Club near Hudson draws many golfers from the Twin Cities and beyond to its Tom Lehman-designed course. It opened in 1999 and was quickly recognised as having one of the best layouts in the region.

You could quite happily have a great city break in Chicago and then a luxurious stay at the American Club, but there’s definitely so much more choice in Wisconsin than initially meets the eye. I can’t wait to go back and play some golf after spending my recent time there talking about it during the PGA Championship.

TRAVEL | AUGUST 2015 [39]

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Me&MyTravels My first holiday was to…

Aberdeen – a family holiday in 1991. I remember driving past many golf clubs, but I didn’t play.

one off the mat, do you? I always take my TaylorMade wedge with me too, because you never know.

Turnberry’s 10th hole

The best hotel I’ve ever stayed at was…Celtic Manor. I booked a room to stay there with my wife and three kids, but there was another Danny Walker already checked in and they’d double booked the room. The hotel was full, and the only other room was the presidential suite, so we all stayed there for the entire weekend. That takes some beating.

My most recent holiday was to…

Bournemouth. We were going to play Parkstone, but had something of a family emergency, so played nine holes at Solent Meads, a municipal course. But two-under for nine holes, thank you very much.

My favourite golf resort is…

Turnberry. I love all the Open venues, but Turnberry especially, as I once made a par from the beach on the 10th hole!

My best meal on holiday was… in Toulouse on a beautiful evening overlooking a beautiful park. We had an exclusively duck barbecue because it was the only meat in the supermarket, followed by lemon and sugar pancakes.

My ideal holiday fourball would include… Paul McGinley (who was brilliant company in the BMW PGA Pro-am), Peter Styles at Trafford Golf Centre (because he can sort out my comical loose wrists), and my brother-in-law, as who else would I be able to brag to in the family without him there?

My favourite city in the world is…

Sheffield. I’ve been all round the

world – Rio de Janeiro, Florence, Rome, Beijing, and Paris – but what I love about Sheffield is that it is my home and it feels like home. It’s the biggest village in the UK. My kids absolutely love it.

I’m a member at Hallamshire Golf Presidential Suite at Celtic Manor

My most memorable ever round was at… The Belfry a few years ago. I had a dog of an opening four holes, and then something clicked. It was the only time in my life where everything has fallen together. I shot two-under par for the remaining 14 holes.

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Club, which I love. The only thing it needs is an airport, so if you could sort that out it’d be perfect.

My worst holiday experience was… being kicked out of a hotel in Spain for throwing furniture off the 12th floor balcony – only it wasn’t me. We reckon it was some lads from Scunthorpe on the floor above – they were keeping very quiet.

I’m planning a golf trip to…

Portugal to play in Steven Gerrard’s Foundation Day on the North Course at Quinta do Lago.

I’m going to stay a few days and hopefully play Vilamoura Old, which I love, and one or two others.

I always travel with… a golf tee in my pocket. You never want to hit

travel

BBC SPORTS PRESENTER DAN WALKER NEVER LEAVES HOME WITHOUT A TEE IN HIS POCKET, A PITCHING WEDGE IN HIS CAR, AND EXTRA PAIRS OF PANTS IN HIS SUITCASE

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My top travel tip would be… once you’ve packed, always take two more pairs of pants. The number of holidays where I’ve run out is startling!

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