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Issue 211 | June 2012

Inside Tom Lewis Darren Clarke Lexi Thompson Six-page Open Championship Preview

ALL ABOUT

alLISS

Win a pair of Stuburt shoes US Open Review

Peter Alliss interview pages 24-45

INTRODUCING

IRON

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STORY BEHIND THE PICTURE p35 | EWEN MURRAY COLUMN p44 | TOUR NEWS p46 | Pro Shop p52-53 | ME & MY TRAVELS p63

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June 2012 / Issue 211

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Read the UK’s no.1 golf paper online at www.golfnews.co.uk

Golf News, The Studio, 14 Deanway, Hove, East Sussex BN3 6DG. Tel: 01273 556377. email: info@golfnews.co.uk. Website: www.golfnews.co.uk INSIDE Tom Lewis

Managing Director Matt Nicholson matt@golfnews.co.uk

Sales & Marketing Director Andy Martin andy.martin@golfnews.co.uk

Editor Nick Bayly editor@golfnews.co.uk

Design www.71degrees.com

Advertising Production Kath Perry ads@golfnews.co.uk

Photography Kevin Murray (kevinmurraygolfphotography.com) Action Images, James Cheadle

Published by BlueGreen Media

Darren Clarke Lexi Thompson Six-page Open Championship Preview

Contributors Paul Mahoney, Clive Agran, Ewen Murray, Denis Pugh, Alistair Tait

ALL ABOUT

ALLISS

Win a pair of Stuburt shoes US Open Review

Peter Alliss interview pages 24-45

INTRODUCING

Follow us on: Twitter@golfnewsmag

IRON

PROGRESSIVE DESIGN

MIXED OPEN

The progressive set design of the i20 Iron allows for high-launching long irons and penetrating short irons. This enables the golfer to execute even the most demanding shots and ultimately get the most from their game.

The multi-metal composition aids overall performance, helping golfers to hit precise yardages.

For more information visit PING.com

© Copyright Golf News 2012. 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.

STORY BEHIND THE PICTURE P35 | EWEN MURRAY COLUMN P44 | TOUR NEWS P46 | PRO SHOP P52-53 | ME & MY TRAVELS P63

Editor’sview email: editor@golfnews.co.uk

18 hole mixed texas scramble n Teams to consist 2 Gentlemen and 2 Ladies n Stableford 10% handicap allowance

Par for the course close as golf comes to chess, and, if you like that sort of thing, it was hard to take your eyes off, except for the fact that it was 3am, and my eyes were half-shut. I really enjoyed watching the world’s best being asked to dig so deep.

I took pleasure from seeing bad shots punished, and shots that were less than 100% making life awkward for the miscreant. Fed on a diet of red figures, it was refreshing to cheer for our old friend par, and save our high-fives for rare birdies, and ever rarer eagles.

Peter Alliss reveals in our exclusive interview, which follows a few pages on, that he would like to see the concept of par got rid of all

altogether, and that golf’s obsession with ‘going low’ has backfired in its attempt to please the masses. This has resulted in the situation we have now, where the difference between the true champions and the mediocre has been narrowed to the point where virtually anyone can win a major.

Peter’s not suggesting that the R&A puts mines in the bunkers at Royal Lytham, which hosts next month’s Open, but he, like many of us, would like to see all pro tournaments, and not just the majors, become a much sterner test, and that par should once again be considered the score to beat.

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It’s one of the enduring attractions of the Majors that the scripts don’t always follow the stories that people want them to. We all love to see a last-gasp birdie from the final player on the final green, but how often does this ever happen? The US Open, with its concertina final-round field, was always likely to produce a clubhouse champion – one that celebrated in the locker room, rather than on the 18th green, but that should not detract from Webb Simpson’s impressive performance over what must rate as the one of most brutal examinations of a player’s all-round game that I’ve seen in recent years.

The USGA wanted par to be the winning score, and it near as damn it got it. It was as

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06 /

June 2012 / Issue 211

Chapman bags U

News in Brief Scade wins Maylands Pro-Am Regiment Way Golf Centre’s James Scade shot a five-under par 66 to win the Maylands Golf Club 2012 Pro-Am by two shots. The team event was won

by Maylands’ members Steve Ramsbottom, Jason Hinton and James Craig. The tournament was sponsored by CCV Sports & Leisure, and raised £565 for the Make a Wish Foundation.

High-flying Hall strikes again England international Georgia Hall completed a hat-trick of wins in prestigious scratch events with victory in the Critchley Salver at Sunningdale. The 16-year-old from Remedy Oak in Dorset was six-under par for the 36-hole event and won by a stroke from Wrexham’s Chloe Williams. Hall has also won the Hampshire Rose and the Roehampton Gold Cup this season.

Donald makes Bearwood debut Luke Donald thrilled a select crowd at Bearwood Lakes Golf Club last month, ahead of his successful defence of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. Golf fans were treated to a clinic and a question and answer session from the World No.1 at the stunning Berkshire course, on behalf of equipment sponsor, Mizuno.

After the clinic, guests took on Donald at Bearwood’s intimidating 175-yard 14th hole. With a strong breeze coming in from the water, hitting the green was a tough challenge, never mind factoring in the added pressure of playing with the world’s top-ranked player in front of several TV cameras.

“That’s as tough a golfing challenge as most amateur players will ever have to face,” said Mizuno’s European marketing manager, David Matthews. “Some of our guests pulled some amazing shots out of the bag considering the pressure.”

Before heading off to prepare for the BMW PGA Championship, Donald, who also took time to sign autographs for junior members, said: “This is my first visit to Bearwood Lakes, and I have been taken aback by the beauty of the course. It has a fantastic layout and is in superb condition.”

Bearwood Lakes has recently changed hands, and is now owned by local entrepreneur and member, Gary Holloway, who bought the exclusive Sindlesham-based club from its original founders, the Wilson and Newling-Ward families.

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Roger Chapman proved that nice guys don’t always come second when bagging the biggest tournament victory of his 30-year career at the US Senior PGA Championship.

With his single previous professional victory coming at a little known European Tour event in Brazil in 2000, 53-year-old Chapman could have been forgiven for fearing that the secondhalf of his golfing career might have been similarly short on success. But he proved the doubters wrong with a magnificent performance in the US Senior Tour’s first major of the season, with a stunning wire-to-wire victory at Harbor Shores Golf Club in Michigan.

Arriving in the States with little match practice to speak of, Chapman, who lives in Ascot, took the tournament by the scruff of the neck from the outset, firing rounds of 68 and 67 to share the lead with John Cook. He then fired a 64 to take a five-shot lead into the final day.

A notoriously nervy

Good things come to those who wait: Chapman with US Senior PGA trophy

finisher, Chapman stretched his lead to nine shots early in the final round, and looked like

cantering home. However, the old demons came back to haunt him, and although he never seriously looked

June 2012 / Issue 211

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US Senior PGA title like capitulating his lead, he eventually crossed the winning line with a level par 72 to win by just two shots from John Cook, with Hale Irwin a further shot back in third.

Chapman had the luxury of being able to bogey three of the last holes, and as he walked up the 18th fairway, he took his hat off to acknowledge the crowds, and then calmly finished with another bogey to claim the biggest win of his life – and the $450,000 first prize.

“It’s the greatest day of my career,” said Chapman, who became the first Englishman to ever win the Senior PGA. “It was hard work in, and your mind just starts to wander a bit, but I got the job done in the end.”

Chapman later revealed that he spent much of the final round thinking about his mentor, George Will, who died two years ago after doing so much to help Chapman’s career.

“He was my father figure, and if I hadn’t met him I don’t think I would be sitting here right now,” he said. “He had the belief in me to work

with me and never took one penny for a lesson. It was all for free. Not one penny.

When he passed away in 2010, it was like losing your best friend.”

He added: “I was thinking of George all the way around – what he would be thinking, and I just lost my focus a bit. But I hung in there, and fortunately I could bogey the last two to and still win.”

He added: “In the back of your mind you think, `Can I blow a five-shot lead?’The negative man sitting on your shoulder there, telling you all the things that could happen.

It is difficult, when you haven’t been in that position before.

I made a couple of mistakes.

And then you’re thinking, `Well, it’s only four shots now.’

But four shots is a lot.”

Glancing at the huge trophy next to him and the names engraved on it, Chapman said: “It’s incredible.

You’ve got Hale Irwin, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Fuzzy Zoeller and Jay Haas. And it’s incredible just to have my name under Tom Watson’s name, the defending champion. It’s the best feeling in the world. This is what

we strive for, this is what we practise and work hard for.”

Looking back over his somewhat unfulfilled career on the European Tour, which involved over 500 events, Chapman said: “If I had a school report, I would probably give myself a B- for my European Tour career.

There were tournaments that I should have closed out and I think not winning early in my career had a negative effect on the way I played and on the way things happened. So having led from wire to wire this week was a particular challenge for me, and is the greatest thing I’ve ever done.”

Sandy Lyle, who finished fourth, was quick to pour praise on his winning rival.

“It’s been wonderful for Roger to pull it off this week.

He’s been a great player for many years, but maybe under the radar a little bit. If you look at his record, he hasn’t achieved a huge amount of tournament wins, but he’s always been a good player.

And since he turned 50, he’s kept himself pretty healthy, and he’s still a very powerful player. It’s a fantastic achievement.”

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08 /

June 2012 / Issue 211

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The future of a popular pay-andplay golf course in Surrey has been assured, following a dramatic u-turn by the owners of the land on which the club is based.

There were fears that Redhill Golf Centre might have to shut for good later this year, after East Surrey Hospital, which leases the site to the golf facility, expressed a desire to use some of the club’s land for an overspill car park.

Redhill Golf Centre has been on the site for 20 years, and is used by thousands of golfers every year, but the local health trust decided back in April that it did not want to renew the lease, and planned to use the site to ease the parking problems that currently exist at the hospital.

But in a surprising development, Surrey Healthcare NHS Trust chief executive Michael Wilson announced on June 13 that the trust now plans to take over the management of the golf club itself, and use any profits for the benefit of the hospital.

Mr Wilson said: “The plan is to carry on running it as a

The driving range and golf course will continue to be run as a public facility

Hospital to op Redhill Golf C community golf course, but supporting the community hospital. Any money made would be ploughed back into facilities for staff and patients. We want to improve facilities at the hospital trust – and improve the golf course, if needed. We take the lease back in October, and some time in August we will

Parking problems persist at the hospital

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There’s Links at the end of the tunnel

advertise key posts.”

Quashing fears that the club might close, he added: “We are very committed to keeping it going. We think it’s a good community asset.

We’d like to get our staff more involved and patients might find it therapeutic. Any condition where people feel able to get some walking exercise is beneficial.”

Asked about the car park at the front of the club, sometimes used by visitors to the hospital, he added: “We would continue to run the car park as it is currently being run. We’d be looking at what improvements we need to make to it.”

Steve Furlonger, manager

Billy’s on target at Burhill A superb final round of 64 saw Billy Fowles win the Kerry London PGA EuroPro Tour by two shots at Burhill Golf Club on June 10. The Wentworth golfer came into the final day’s play four shots behind leader Dale Whitnell, having shot 75 in the third round, but a flurry of birdies on the front nine of the Surrey club’s New Course saw him draw level with the Five Lakes pro by the eighth hole.

Fowles then eagled the par-five 11th to take the lead, and further birdies at 12, 15 and 16 widened the gap still further, allowing him the luxury of bogeying the par-three 18th, to still take the title. “Even though I started the final day four shots off the lead, I thought if I could go out and post a low score I’d be in with chance,” said Fowles, after picking up the £10,000 winner’s cheque. “It was tricky in the bad weather, and although the final round was a lot calmer, it was tough out there. It was an anxious wait in the clubhouse, especially with Alex Belt playing well, so I was a bit worried.”

Belt was Fowles’s closest challenger, but was left to rue bogeys at 10 and 12, while Whitnell struggled on the final day, concluding the tournament tied for 11th, after he carded a 75.

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Sussex pro fights back from horror smash A Sussex golf professional is trying to get his life back on track a year after surviving a horrific car accident. Doctors told Andrew Richardson, who is an assistant at East Sussex National Golf Club, that he would never walk again after the crash in April last year, which happened while he was being taken for a drive in a friend’s Porsche in Westham, East Sussex. The 25-year-old was in the passenger seat of the sports car when it careered off the road into a concrete boulder and flipped into a field.

Richardson had to be cut out of the vehicle, and was

taken by air ambulance to hospital after suffering a broken pelvis, two broken vertebrae, and a ruptured bladder. He also lost over six pints of blood. Last month, the driver of the car, Anthony Davis, was found guilty of dangerous driving and driving with excess alcohol, and is currently awaiting sentencing at Lewes Crown Court.

Speaking about the accident, Richardson said: “I’d been to my friend’s house for dinner and he said we should go for a quick spin in his Porsche. I had no idea he was drunk, but I will regret getting into that car

for the rest of my life. He was driving okay, but suddenly he floored the pedal, and we never made it round the corner. We hit this massive rock, and that’s the last thing I remember. It’s only thanks to the emergency services that I’m still alive.

The doctors told me I was 20 minutes from death.”

Despite being told he would never walk again, Richardson is back playing golf with the aid of a buggy – although he still finds it difficult to walk.

He still hopes to resume his professional career and recently returned from a coaching trip to America.

June 2012 / Issue 211

/ 09

Sundridge Park stages Pro-Am to honour Will Sundridge Park Golf Club is to honour the contribution that its former head professional, George Will, made to the club and the game by staging a charity Memorial Pro-Am in his name on August 6.

The Scottish-born Will, who was professional at the Bromley-based club from 1964 to 1986, sadly died in 2010, and the funds raised from the tournament will be shared between Cancer Research and The Amyloidosis Research Trust.

From his professional debut in 1957, Will featured regularly among the top performers on the European Tour, with a level of consistency that earned him Ryder Cup appearances in 1963, 1965 and 1967, as well as three World Cup outings for Scotland. He was appointed professional at Sundridge Park in 1964, and stayed with the club for 22 years, after which he took up the post as Belgium’s national coach.

On his subsequent return to England, he continued his coaching, including working closely with recent US PGA Senior Championship winner Roger Chapman, and remained highly active with lessons up until a few months prior to his death two years ago at the age of 73.

Chapman, who won the Sunningdale Open Foursomes in 1979 in partnership with Will, said: “George coached me from the age of 13. He was my coach, my second father, my mentor and inspiration. He always had time for me when I came to him in-between tournaments to look over my swing. He made me as a player, he inspired everything I ever achieved in golf.”

Chapman will be heading up a strong contingent of players from the Seniors Tour taking part in the Pro-Am at Sundridge Park, where he will be joined by Peter Mitchell, Bill Longmuir, Glenn Ralph, Bob Cameron and Mark Belsham.

Other professionals expected to take part include Richard Bland, Rob Coles, Sam Little and Benn Barham.

George Will

operate Centre at the club, which comprises a 9-hole course and a 37-bay driving range, welcomed the proposal, and said what mattered was that it continued to provide a service to the community, not who ran it. “There could be redundancies – including me – but what is more important is that the club continues.

This facility is well used by the community, and if it could stay open – whoever was running it – I would welcome that. I’ve spent 16 years building this up, but nothing lasts forever, and as long as it continues that’s enough for me – and if it benefits the hospital too, that’s something to be proud of.”

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10 /

June 2012 / Issue 211

News in Brief

Aces high at Redbourn

Mini Masters tickets still available Tickets for the all-star Leuka Mini Masters, which takes place at The Wentworth Club on July 4, are still available. The VIP spectator package at the glitzy showbiz event costs £180, and includes on-course hospitality throughout the tournament, a ticket to the players’ dinner, and the evening’s entertainment. Captains for the 9-hole tournament include Terry Wogan, Rob Brydon, Jodie Kidd and Philip Glenister. For tickets visit www.leukaminimasters.com.

Huizing lights up the Links Dutchman Daan Huizing strolled to victory in the St Andrews Links Trophy, setting a new record low score of 23-under-par for the 72hole event. He carded rounds of 65 on the New Course and 64, 68 and 67 around the Old Course to beat the previous record by nine shots, and finish 14 shots clear of secondplaced Alan Dunbar from Ireland.

Golfers at Redbourn Golf Club in Hertfordshire have been collecting quite a few free drinks recently after celebrating four hole-in-ones in just three weeks. The club’s traditional hole-in-one bell has been regularly rung, with the 163yard par-3 16th hole swallowing up three of the aces, while the other came courtesy of young golfer Lewis Titcombe on the first hole of Redbourn’s par-3 Kinsbourne Course.

It was young George Denton celebrates his hole-in-one Lewis who set the at Redbourn’s 16th hole, one of four aces ball rolling with seen at the club in a three-week period his ace, which was swiftly followed the following day by George Denton.

Two in 24 hours was enough of a feat, but another two soon followed, with Richard Farris slotting one, followed

by Christine Greig a week later.

“It’s been quite a remarkable few weeks,” said Ian McDowell, Redbourn’s general manager. “No one has ever heard anything quite like it – it was quite a shock to hear the bell ring twice in 24 hours, but to hear it two more times in quick succession was incredible. I can only think that with all the wet weather recently the members have been out on the covered driving range honing their skills. What makes it all the more impressive is that the majority of them have come at the 16th, which runs slightly downhill but has a fairly flat green, so there’s no natural contours that can funnel the ball towards the hole – it’s just been a complete coincidence.”

Horton in the rough as thieves steal mowers A unique nine-hole golf club that is run by its members was left in the lurch last month, after its entire fleet of course machinery was stolen in two nighttime raids. Horton Golf Club in West Sussex does not employ staff, because its 80 members, which built the club, maintains every aspect of it, including looking after the course.

Thieves entered the grounds of the Henfieldbased club at the end of April and stole a tractor. A few nights later they came back via a different entrance and stole four mowers, two irrigation pumps, an air compressor, a spreader, two strimmers, a leaf blower, a scarifier and a tool chest.

“We’re probably the only golf club in the country that has been completely built by its

The equipment shed lies empty after two raids by thieves

members and is wholly maintained by them,” said Martin Tooth, club chairman. “Because the members undertake all course maintenance and improvements themselves, and maintain the secondhand equipment which the club depends on, there is a wonderful community spirit. These devastating thefts have left the 80 members distraught.”

He added: “With very

Horton was built by its members

limited funds, the loss of so much equipment – and the real possibility that Horsham District Council may charge us rates this year – we face the fact that the club could be forced to close. Even with four people, the theft must have taken a good amount of time, and someone may have seen a vehicle parked on Oreham Common or a group of men acting suspiciously.”

Mr Tooth added that if anyone saw anything, or if any club, greenkeeper or contractor has equipment that they no longer need and would accept a modest sum for, they should contact him on 01273 493993.

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June 2012 / Issue 211

‘Gypsy Joe’ hopes to deliver knock-out blow Current European Father and Son Golf Champions ‘Gypsy’ Joe and Rymer Smith are looking to add the British title to their winning haul by entering this year’s British Father and Son Golf Championships, which is taking place at DeVere Belton Woods Golf Resort from August 3-5 . Ex-boxerJoe said: “As a golf professional, winning last year’s European Father and Son title with my son was, without doubt, the highlight of my career. It’s such a great event.

Now we want to add the British title, and we’re looking forward to playing at Belton Woods. I would recommend any fathers and sons to enter – they will have the time of their lives.”

The event is open to any father and son team, with no age limit, and a maximum handicap of 24. Grandfathers, stepfathers, and professionals are all eligible to enter the two-ball better ball Stableford event, which is played over 36 holes for the titles of best scratch and handicap champions.

Tournament Director PGA Pro Toby Marsden said: “The British Father and Son Golf Championships is an amazing and memorable experience. It’s a really fun and friendly atmosphere.

We have dads and lads of all ages and abilities, and many of them bring along their families to make a short break. We try to give the competitors the experience of playing in a real golf event, with first tee announcers and a giant scoreboard. The prizes are impressive too, with the champions winning a free holiday to compete in the Sky Sports European Grand Final in Spain.”

The event package costs £249 for juniors and £299 for adults.

For further information visit www.BritishFatherSonGolf.co.uk or call 01702 680180 for a brochure.

Joe and Rymer Smith are bidding for glory in the Father & Son event

/ 11

News in Brief

Discounted green fee rates are available at four Leaderboard venues, including The Oxfordshire

Orrin claims Kent title

It’s never too late with Leaderboard!

Golfers looking to bag bargain short-notice tee times at a group of England’s finest inland courses are being invited to sign up to a new online initiative.

Leaderboard Golf, which owns Chart Hills, The Oxfordshire, Dale Hill and Sandford Springs, has launched ‘Last Minute Golf’, a web-based membership scheme that will allow users exclusive to access special

late offers and tee times across all four of its courses.

Golfers can sign up for free at www. leaderboardlastminutegolf. com, as well as through any of the individual club’s websites, or the main Leaderboard homepage.

Once subscribed, Last Minute Golf users will receive a unique membership code, which will allow access to an online database of special green-fee rates.

Users will also receive a weekly newsletter containing exclusive deals, ranging from discounted golf equipment to luxury spa treatments.

Speaking at the launch of Leaderboard Last Minute Golf, company director David Colyer said: “We wanted to introduce a simple, new way for golfers to view available Leaderboard tee times and special offers. This new initiative allows golfers to play during off-peak times in a tranquil environment and enjoy the great deals we will provide on the website.”

Max Orrin won the 2012 Kent Amateur Championship after beating defending champion Michael Saunders (Dartford) in a closely-fought final at Hever Castle on June 10. The North Foreland youngster took the prestigious title at the first extra hole. Both finalists enjoyed 4&2 wins in the semifinals, with Orris overcoming Jack Colegate (Rochester) and Saunders beating Connor Fletcher (Chart Hills).

Ross is the boss Ross Dickson made the most of his home advantage to win the Middlesex County Championship after beating Michael O’Connor (Hillingdon) on the 18th hole at Crews Hill Golf Club. Only a dropped shot on the ninth hole by O’Connor was able to split the pair, who parred every hole on the back nine.

12 /

June 2012 / Issue 211

It was standing-room only as record crowds came to see Luke Donald retain his tile

Union Jacks were to the fore as the cream of British golf came to Wentworth

Second round leader Morrison came unstuck on the 3rd day

Luke Donald became only the third player to mount a successful defense o when sweeping his rivals aside with ease over Wentworth’s sun-drenched W Having triumphed in a play-off against Lee Westwood 12 months ago, Luke Donald once again proved he is the master of Wentworth, after he left Justin Rose, Paul Lawrie, and the other cast of alsorans toiling in his wake at the BMW PGA Championship to become only the third man in history to win back-toback PGA titles.

Donald looked every inch the World No.1 – a spot which he reclaimed from Rory McIlroy with his victory – after controlling his ball as if it were on a piece of string for much of the four sunny days in Surrey. The 32-year-old Englishman’s 15-under-par total saw him finish eight shots clear of the Kicking back; Martin Laird, Rory McIlroy and Ernie Els enjoy a break in play at a sun-kissed Wentworth Club

DONALD AT THE DOUBLE fourth-placed finisher, underlining his dominance on a course that he may soon be entitled to call his own.

The stellar cast list of players, and some exceptionally hot weather, pulled in record crowds of over 95,000 to the Virginia Water resort, and the vast galleries were treated to some truly top class golf, and superb off-course facilities, at what is rapidly resembling the game’s fifth major.

“I want to win majors,’’ said Donald, after picking up his seventh European Tour title. “Every time I win a tournament like this, it tells me that I am getting closer. It adds to my confidence. I feel like my game is heading in the right place.”

You could say that. On a course which left Ernie Els furious over its degree of difficulty, Donald never looked less

than at ease from his first shot to his last – 273 shots in total. It was a ruthless performance by any standard, not giving his rivals a sniff of a chance, with Donald quickly recovering his poise every time he looked like dropping a shot or getting out of position.

“I was just trying to plug away and maintain my lead for the whole day,” he said. “This was a big week for me, especially as I was defending champion, and I felt the pressure of being in the lead overnight. But I was happy with the way I performed.”

Even Justin Rose, who continued the run of form that has catapulted him back into the game’s elite, was made to look ordinary in the presence of Donald. He began Sunday’s final round with hope in his heart, only two shots behind his playing partner. A

momentary lapse by the leader, who took four shots to get up and down from off the 4th green, established parity between the two, but Donald responded immediately with a pair of birdies to restore his lead.

The decisive blow – or rather blows – came just after the turn, when Donald rolled in a 40-foot putt at the 10th, a six-footer at the 12th, and a nine-footer at the 16th, all of them for birdie; each of them a hammer blow to his rival’s chances.

With a four-shot advantage established, the last two holes served as a victory march for the leader, while Rose was left to battle and scrape for second place. In the end, he signed for a round of 70, tied for second alongside Paul Lawrie.

Naturally, Rose was disappointed

June 2012 / Issue 211

/ 13

Matt Nicholson teed it up alongside US Masters champion Charl Schwartzel in the BMW PGA pro-am for a round to remember

of the BMW PGA Championship West Course

One of the great things about the European Tour – and the PGA Tour – is that virtually every week of the year a select group of amateurs gets the chance to play with their heroes.

When are tennis fans allowed to have a knock-up with Rafa Nadal or football supporters offered the chance of a kickabout with the England squad?

Never. Yet every tournament on the European Tour schedule is preceded by a pro-am, where event sponsors, invited guests, and yes, even the odd member of the media, get the chance to knock it around a tournament venue with 40-odd pros.

In recent years, the pro-am for the BMW PGA Championship has taken on a life of its own, with a strong cast list of stars and celebrities from screen, sport and business taking part in what has become a show within a show.

Its popularity has grown to the extent that over 10,000 fans came to watch this year’s event, each paying £10 for the chance to see the cream of European golf playing alongside the likes of Chris Evans, Anton Du Beke and Tim Henman in a far more light-hearted atmosphere than is seen over the following four days of action.

I was fortunate to have been given a slot in the afternoon round (there are shot-gun starts at 8am and 1pm), playing alongside last year’s Masters champion Charl Schwartzel, and two fellow members of the press from Germany. I played a few holes with his South African compatriot, Louis Oosthuizen, at Sunningdale last year, and was interested to see how the two major winners stacked up against each other on the course.

Before the round, I enjoyed a late brunch in Wentworth’s superb clubhouse – where I tried my best to look casual while sat on a table with Irish business tycoons J P McManus and John Magnier, as well as Johann Rupert, whose company, Richemont, sponsors the Dunhill Links Championship.

Feeling not quite at home among

Amateur Dramatics

such wealthy dining companions, I gratefully grabbed my generous goody bag and headed off to the range with my caddie, Paul. I managed to find a slot in between Ian Poulter and Branden Grace, who has already won three times this season. After managing not to slice or hook one in their direction, I then moved over to the putting green for a few nervy putts, before walking over to the first tee, where we were due to start behind Luke Donald’s team.

By this time of the afternoon, on what was a blistering hot day, the crowds behind the first tee were three or four deep, many of whom had come to see Luke – the hero of the hour – smack one down the middle, which he duly did.

When our time came to tee off, Charl was politeness personified, and after a quick photograph and a few handshakes, we were off and running. Well, I say running, it was a slightly stuttering start, as my opening tee shot in front of the massive gallery flew straight over the BBC camera tower and into the bushes on the right. Thankfully my provisional found the fairway, and a second ball birdie soon had me back on track.

Charl played like a model professional, finding fairways and

Ernie Els, who was responsible for implementing many of the changes to the West Course, was an outspoken critic of the greens during the tournament, which he said were too dry, which late resulted in a ticking off from the European Tour

to come up short, but there were consolations aplenty – not least that he has surely cemented his place in José María Olazábal’s team for the Ryder Cup in Chicago this year. Lawrie, too, is now on the brink of the team, a deserved reward for the 43-year-old Aberdonian whose revival as player is one of the most heartening storylines of the golfing year.

Others left Wentworth with less satisfying stories to tell, including the club-throwing Rory McIlroy, who once again showed his dislike for the treelined course with an untidy display that left him some way off the cut mark, while last year’s runner-up Lee Westwood never got going, and looked a long way from recovering his form with the putter.

Els got into trouble with his mouth,

rather than his clubs, and was duly summoned by the Tour’s mandarins to explain the reason for his rather illjudged and ill-mannered outburst over the watering of the putting surfaces.

He duly handed over a large cheque to the Tour’s benevolent fund for his comments, although there may have been several other players who felt the same way, but didn’t have the temerity to make them public within metres of the European Tour’s headquarters.

All in all, it was a suitably high class result for what must be one of the most glamorous and well-attended tournaments outside of the Majors.

The tournament was a credit to the sponsors and to the club, although perhaps not the ending that retiring course manager Chris Kennedy would have preferred.

Bombs away: A good tee shot sets up a rare birdie on the testing third

greens with alarming consistency – he missed only one green in regulation all day – with only his putter letting him down on the West Course’s somewhat slow greens (although they were quick enough for me!).

The highlight of my round came early, with a chip-in birdie at the brutal uphill third hole, while the rest was a mix of a few pars, more bogeys, and a couple of pick-ups when I couldn’t help with the team score – which was compiled from the best two scores on each hole.

I was pleasantly surprised how quickly I got used to having the crowds around us, and chatting with Charl while we walked around the course seemed like the most natural of things to be doing on a Wednesday afternoon.

However, most of the time I simply just watched in awe as he plotted his way around the course.

It was a truly inspiring experience. The West Course is without doubt a tough test for amateur golfers, no matter what tees you play off, as the difficulty around the greens, with the runoffs and multitude of deep, deep bunkers, is something you won’t find on many tree-lined courses in the world. Unlike many of the pros later in the week, I had a pop at the 18th green with my second shot, and was almost happy to end up in the bushes on the right.

The round finished all too fast, and I shook hands with Charl and wished him well for the tournament. Our team finished 12th out of the 23 teams that played – respectable midtable mediocrity wasn’t a bad effort for our afternoon’s work, but as ever, it was the taking part that I’ll remember for a very long time to come!

14 /

June 2012 / Issue 211

Just gets better & better Summer Society Packages from £26 Green Fees from £15 Membership from £64

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Golfers visiting the stunning array of links courses to be found on the Kent coast now have somewhere of equal quality to stay, following the opening of a new 38-bedroom lodge development at Prince’s Golf Club in Sandwich.

Although part of the property has been open since last year’s Open Champioship, the whole project was only completed last month, with the first official guests coming through the doors on May 22.

The official opening ceremony was held on June 6, where the club’s vicepresident, David Lucas – the son of Percy ‘Laddie’ Lucas, one of Prince’s finest ever golfers – was on hand to perform the ribbon-cutting ceremony, and hit an impressive ceremonial drive off a temporary tee into the sea, some 300 yards from the lodge’s main reception.

The opening day also coincided with the 80th anniversary of the first shot being struck in the 1932 Open Championship that the club hosted.

The Lodge at Prince’s, which is located on the site of the club’s former clubhouse, provides a welcome boost to the range of accommodation available for golfers in the region, and provide the perfect base from which to play Princes’ 27-hole championship layout, as well as neighbouring venues such as Royal St George’s, Royal Cinque Ports and North Foreland.

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Surrey firm backs Harmston Surrey professional Warren Harmston has received a significant boost to his ambitions following the decision of a local business to back the fledging Tour pro for the current season. Harmston, who is playing on the EuroPro Tour and the Alps Tour after leaving the amateur ranks last year, has signed a sponsorship deal with Surrey-based IT solutions company Logicalis.

Harmston has been playing golf since the age of four, and became a junior member of Wentworth club aged ten, where he enjoyed success as a young amateur in numerous international tournaments. Having played a pivotal role in the Surrey First Team for over four years, Harmston became a member of the English Golf Union’s elite squad in 2011. “I’m looking forward to my first year as a professional, and I am in the fortunate position of being able to switch between the Alps Tour and Europro Tour, giving me flexibility and experience for playing in the UK and abroad”, said 28-year-old Harmston. “I’m very pleased and grateful to have good sponsors supporting me, it’s really important that the only worry I have is where I finish in the tournament.”

Ian Cook, CEO of Logicalis Group, commented: “With our global headquarters located near Wentworth, Logicalis has a great connection with the club, and is delighted to have the opportunity to support Warren, as he heads across Europe to pursue continued success.”

Harmston, who was runner-up in the English Amateur Championship in 2010, has been playing exclusively on the Alps Tour so far this season, playing in four events, and with a bestplaced finish of tied 20th in last month’s Lignano Open in Italy.

June 2012 / Issue 211

/ 15

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To mark the official start off his new sponsorship agreement, Rose took time out from his Wentworth preparations to hop over to his old club, North Hants, travelling the few miles down the A3 in a double-decker bus that had been decked out in Ashworth branding.

While at the club, he gave a clinic, chatted with members and old friends, and took part in a question and answer session.

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The 31-year-old’s stylish footwear was provided by his new clothing and shoe sponsor, Ashworth Golf, a brand that has become the latest to launch a shoe that can be worn both on and off the golf course.

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are managed by Troon Golf, whose managing director, Bruce Glasco, said: “From the moment we were first appointed by Prince’s, the potential for it to be turned into a must-visit golf destination was clear to see.

To see this dream realised is extremely satisfying, and what we see before us today is undoubtedly a testament to the owner’s passion to turn Prince’s into a magnificent golfing facility capable of hosting professional tournament at a moment’s notice.”

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Featuring 38 en-suite bedrooms, including a mix of family rooms, suites and two-bedroom apartments, facilities also include a large lounge, bar, terrace and snooker room, as well The Brasserie on the Bay, a stunning dining experience where head chef Michael Fowler will focus on serving traditional Kent produce with a modern twist, as well more traditional golfer’s fare.

The lodge also features a room dedicated to showcasing the club’s history, giving guests a unique insight into the tournaments and world-class players that have been hosted by the club over the years.

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Steve Ackling, the captain of Charnwood Forest Golf Club raised £2,200 for a children’s cancer charity after successfully completing 150 holes in 13 hours 50 minutes.

In an attempt to recreate a feat first performed by member Harry Flude, 99 years ago to the day, Ackling hit his first ball on the first tee at 5am. He holed his final putt for a par four at 6.50pm, having completed eight rounds and six holes – a distance of over 30 miles.

With medal cards completed for every round, he played close to his 12 handicap, with an average gross score of 82.

The fifth round was the most memorable, with a gross score of 74 and an eagle two at the 90th hole being greeted with massive cheers from members assembled in front of the clubhouse. In total, Steve scored 57 pars, three birdies, one eagle, and only lost one ball. The 122-year-old golf club plans to mark the acheivement by putting up a plaque in the clubhouse. For donations please visit www.justgiving. com/steve-ackling.

was more in keeping with his style, as he tips into golfing middle age, Rose said: “I am now into my thirties, and my sense of style has evolved over the last couple years.

I am certainly a lot more clear about what I want to achieve going forward, and how I want to look doing it. I am really excited about partnering with Ashworth, and I think that it is coming at the right time for me.”

Since turning professional in 1999, Rose has won five times on the European Tour, and four times on the PGA Tour, most recently at the WGC-Cadillac at Doral Golf Resort in March.

“Justin is the right man at the right time for the Ashworth brand. He’s fit, focused and poised, and continues to mature as a player,” said Kevin Ross, VP Ashworth Golf. “He maintains dual membership on the PGA and European Tours, has won multiple times, and possesses the tools to win a Major.”

16 /

WHAT’S IN TOM’S BAG? Ping G20 driver (10.5 deg) Ping G5 3-wood, 5-wood Ping S56 irons (3-PW) Tour S Wedges (54 and 60-deg) Ping Redwood Anser putter Titleist Pro V1x (2011)

June 2012 / Issue 211

You picked up the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award at Wentworth last month – how does that feel?

It feels really special. It was an amazing night, and to have my name on a trophy alongside those of some my greatest idols is incredible. I remember coming to Wentworth last year and watching it from behind the ropes, so to come to the Tour’s flagship event as a player 12 months later – and then pick up the Rookie of the Year award – was beyond my wildest dreams.

Do you find you have to pinch yourself at times?

I do. It’s rather weird for one minute to be watching these guys on TV, and, as I was last year, standing behind the ropes with the crowds, and then a few months later be chatting to them on the range and in the hotels as colleagues, and playing alongside them in tournaments. It can be a bit surreal sometimes.

Rory McIlroy is another former Rookie of the Year, is he one of your idols?

Definitely. Rory came up through the amateur ranks at just about the same time as me. I’ve known how good a player he is for ages, so to see him go out there and perform the way he has is incredible. It would be lovely to be like that one day, but I’ve got a long, long way to go. Rory’s a really nice guy, and that’s what’s most important. A lot of the top guys are really nice, and they have been really good to me.

Hopefully I can get to know some of them over the next couple of years.

Learner Driver

Hertfordshire-based Tour pro Tom Lewis knows he still has a lot to learn despite the stunning start to his career in the paid ranks

How did it feel to bag your first win faster than Tiger Woods?

It’s not something I’ve really thought about. I’m nowhere near the player I want to be, so I’ve tried to put my win in Portugal behind me, and kind of start again from scratch.

Did you think you could possibly win on Tour in your first year?

I played in a couple of events as an amateur over in Australia and in Dubai early last year. I knew the standard was good, but I also knew that I had the game to win, it was just whether I had the nerves and the mental strength to carry it through. I didn’t know how long that might take – it could’ve taken four months, it could’ve taken four years – so I was just pleased it came early.

You’ve said that your win at the Portugal Masters might have come

too soon. What did you mean by that, and do you really believe that to be the case?

Of course, it was amazing to win so early in my career, and to know that I had it in me to win, but at the same time I was worried about it kind of killing my ambition before I’d even had a chance to know what it was like to grind it out week in, week out.

There’s a feeling that you have to put in the hard graft for a while in order to earn your first win, and that you might be missing out by not doing that. But let’s be honest, we’d all take a win, whenever it comes, so I’m not complaining. I’ve just got to kick on from here, and not feel like I’ve cracked it, which I clearly haven’t, as my results so far this year have shown.

debts funding my amateur career, so I paid those off, and paid off their mortgage, and put the rest away.

What did you do with the £400,000 winnings?

My mum and dad built up quite a few

How have you found the transition from amateur to tour pro?

The travelling is definitely the hardest

Has having the two-year exemption changed how you approach tournaments?

It’s certainly taken the pressure off having to make cuts, and has allowed me to use this season as more of a learning experience, working out what works for me and what doesn’t, and hopefully storing up all those experiences. If I was to lose my card this season, and have to start all over again, it would be a very different situation. I put enough pressure on myself to perform, so not having so many of those external pressures on top of that has helped me a bit.

June 2012 / Issue 211

part. The hanging around, the hotels and the airports. It’s all about managing my time and getting better organised. As far as the playing side goes, I probably still think, and play, like an amateur, it’s just that I’m playing against better players.

So that is going to take some time to get used to. If you dropped one or two shots in an amateur event you knew you’d still be thereabouts, but if you do that in a professional event you can drop 25 places and be on your way home.

You’ve struggled a bit with your game this season. What needs to click?

My long game is traditionally the strongest part of my game, and if I’m driving the ball well, then I feel like I can compete. However, I’ve not been finding enough fairways, and that has been costing me. It places a lot of pressure on your short game when you’re missing fairways. It’s a balancing act between keeping the strongest parts of your game strong, while also improving on the weakest parts. I just need more hours in the day to practise!

Looking back at your performance at the Open Championship last year, what stands out in your memory?

It’s strange to say it, but I was kind of disappointed. I only had one good round, and that’s not where I should have finished. From leading to finishing 30th wasn’t good enough. It may have sounded arrogant at the time coming from an unknown amateur, but that’s how I genuinely felt. It wasn’t like I got nervous.

I was trying to win, and unfortunately I didn’t do that. I was happy to finish leading amateur – it would have been embarrassing if I hadn’t – but deep down it didn’t matter to me. My attitude was: ‘If I’m not going to win the Open, then I’m not that bothered’. After my Saturday round, my dad was waiting for me on the range, but I didn’t show up. I knew at that stage I wasn’t going to win, so I felt it Tom with a proud mother at last year’s Open

/ 17

was all a waste of time. I didn’t want to be there, I felt like I had blown it. That’s the way I am, and I hope I stay that way.

You sound like your own biggest critic?

That’s the way you have to be as a player, whether you’re an amateur or a professional. No-one else is going to have a go at you, so you need to be selfmotivated and not be prepared to settle for second best.

The eventual result aside, playing with Tom Watson must have been a bit special?

Having been named after him by my father, it was a huge honour and a great experience to be paired with him.

What with his hole-in-one, and me leading after the first round, it is perhaps something my family and I will look back on in years to come with a lot of pride.

I’m too young to have watched him in his prime, but I obviously knew he was a legend. He was really nice to me during the round. He said that I’m welcome to go over to his house and practice any time that I like. I’m probably not going to take that up, but I’m sure I’ll come across him again in the years ahead.

ajor

championship wins 18 : MASTERS • 17 : US OPEN 5 : THE OPEN • 19 : USPGA

You’re not automatically qualified for this year’s Open at Lytham.

Are you going to try and qualify?

Of course. I’ll be taking part at International Final Qualifying at Sunningdale [June 25] and will do my best. It’s going to be very tough, as there are only a handful of places up for grabs, but I’ll see what happens. I’ll definitely be trying to get a practice round in there beforehand.

You left school at 16 and turned down a place at college in America. Do you regret not continuing your education?

I was diagnosed with dyslexia at quite a late stage and never really got on with schoolwork. There was nobody there to help me – but, to be honest, I didn’t want help. I was just looking forward to leaving at 16 and playing golf. I was asked if I wanted to go to US college and was told not to worry about my schoolwork – they would do it for me. But I didn’t want to do that. If I was going to do it, I was going to do it properly. I wasn’t going to sit in class and let someone else do my work. What’s the point of that?

What do you like to do away from golf?

I spend time my girlfriend, Laura. She caddied for me when I won once as an amateur. She plays golf, so it’s really good to have that connection. She can understand what I’m going through and that’s great. I spend time with her and I play golf and have arguments with my dad, and that’s about it!

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June 2012 / Issue 211

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June 2012 / Issue 211

/ 19

Howieson heads to Leatherhead The Leatherhead Club in Surrey has taken on the services of Ian Howieson as its new head professional.

Howieson has been a PGA Member for 35 years, in which time he has held head positions at the RAC, Fairhaven and Lytham Green. Having been a Senior PGA Instructor and head examiner for the last 25 years, implementing the

training standards for trainee assistant professionals through the PGA training programme, Howieson is keen to bring all his skills to the 108-year club.

Howieson said: “I have come to Leatherhead to work with a great team and fantastic members. Since Playgolf took over the club 18 months ago, it has gone from strength to strength, and I am delighted to

be part of that.”

Howieson has recently become one of only 12 professionals to have earned the distinguished PGA Director of Golf award, while on the golf course his most recent tournament win was in Amec Pro-Am at Wentworth in 2008.

Roger Hyder, head of group operations for Playgolf World, which owns Leatherhead,

said: “We are very excited that someone of Ian’s pedigree has agreed to become the head professional at Leatherhead.

“He brings a wealth of knowledge, gained from working at some of the most prestigious clubs in the country, and has already started to turn the shop round and upgrade the teaching services.”

Thunderbird is go for Max! Max Orrin made history when he became the first English player to win the prestigious Thunderbird International Junior at the Grayhawk club in Scottsdale, Arizona. The 18-year-old from North Foreland in Kent carded a final round 69 for a 54-hole total of 206, and a five-stroke winning margin from A J McInerney , six clear of third-placed Korean-born Tae Wan Lee. This is Orrin’s biggest victory to date against an international field.

His previous success came last year in the Andalucia Junior Open in Spain. But Orrin has been in good form all season, finishing runner-up in the Darwin Salver and the McEvoy Trophy, as well as being a member of the winning team in the Nations Cup at the Fairhaven Trophies.

At Grayhawk, an opening 70 left him two shots off the lead held by Lee, but a second round 67 saw him two strokes clear of Lee and McInerney going into the final day.

Then, his 69 saw Orrin increase his advantage, as his two main rivals failed to better par and slipped down the leaderboard.

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Tilgate clubhouse rises from ashes Work has begun on building a new clubhouse at Tilgate Forest Golf Centre, after the old clubhouse at the Crawley-based facility was burnt down in a fire last May. A temporary clubhouse has been open in the interim, housing catering and changing facilities, while the pro shop and driving range were unaffected by the fire and have remained open for business.

The new single storey clubhouse, which looks out over the 18-hole golf course, is scheduled to open in December.

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June 2012 / Issue 211

Peter Alliss and Gary Player

Crowds flock to The London Golf Club for three days of star spotting and club testing

LIVE AND KICKING! London Golf Club is returning to normality again after hosting one of the most entertaining weekends on the golfing calendar at the 2012 Golf Live event, which took place from May 18-20.

Thankfully, the rains that drenched the country earlier in the month stayed away for what was billed as a largely outdoor event, with only a light drizzle on Friday afternoon dampening an otherwise scorching weekend of fun and entertainment for the 12,000 visitors who attended the show, which featured a panoply of top professionals, young and old, mixed with a smorgasbord of celebrities, and a whole variety of demonstrations, clinics, side shows, and exhibitions.

Jeremy Dale and Tour star Rhys Davies entertain the galleries with a few tricks

Evans above: the Radio 2 DJ organised an attempt on the record for the fastest 18 holes

The on-course demonstrations were a huge hit the crowds

South African legend Gary Player, who attended the opening day, hailed the event as the most successful public golf show he has ever seen.

The nine-time Major winner spent his time meeting and chatting with fans, as well as demonstrating his skills, which, at 76 years of age, showed no signs of diminishing.

Player said: “I had no idea what to expect when I arrived, and wasn’t sure what I’d find, but I was very impressed. It is so different to going to a normal golf tournament. I have been a professional for just under 60 years, and this is one of the most fantastic shows I have seen. There’s no substitute for personal interaction.

When you go to a tournament, you cannot speak to the pros, but at Golf Live you have the opportunity to meet the players, the manufacturers, try out clubs, and mix with celebrities. Shows like this are what golf needs. They have a great effect on bringing new players into the game.”

Player was joined by a host of other tour stars, including Ryder Cup-winning captain Colin Montgomerie, European Tour players Pablo Larrazabal, Thomas Levet, Rhys Davies and Oliver Fisher, while from the women’s game, Solheim Cup captain Alison Nicholas and Ladies European Tour stars Carly Booth and Melissa Reid were also on show.

Montgomerie, who is one of Golf Live’s ambassadors, echoed Player’s sentiments during the show. He said: “I am enjoying myself, so let’s hope

that that comes over to the crowds, because I really feel it. It’s a tremendous event, and I think it’s bringing the golfing public into the game of golf.

For golfers to come here and see the interaction between the pros and the general public is great. We’ve got bigger crowds this year, the stands and exhibition tents are all busier. The clothing, the clubs, all the golf products and merchandise out there is fantastic, and the crowds are really enjoying themselves, which is what it’s all about.”

It wasn’t just the professional golfers who enjoyed their visits, as some of the big-names were joined in a two-hole skills challenge by Strictly Come Dancing star Anton du Beke, former England rugby player Austin Healey and Formula One driver Heikki Kovalainen. Six-handicapper du Beke was impressed with what he saw and hopeful he might find something to help develop his game further.

He said: “I’ve got a new putter and that’s lovely, but I’m wondering if there’s a hut here where I can buy a short game! It’s been a great day. I’ve been the last couple of years, and it’s always enormous fun. The pros are good fun, you can give them a bit of banter and teasing. Anything like this is good to get people into golf; it makes it light-hearted and fun. The problem is the only golf we see on TV is the top level. These guys are doing it for a lot of money, so it’s very serious, but days like this, where it’s relaxed and loose, really get people having fun, and that’s great.”

As well as meeting and learning from the big-name golfers, golf fans were able to enjoy free golf lessons and free club-fitting, as well as watch stunning displays from world longdrive champion Joe Miller and worldrenowned trick-shot artists Jeremy Dale and Paul Barrington.

Lee Westwood’s coach, Pete Cowen, was also on hand to share his swing methods and secrets, while there were long queues to try out the latest clubs on the 30-bay driving range.

One of the highlights of the weekend’s activities was an attempt on the world record for the fastest round of golf. Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans organised the team, which included Montgomerie and seven other tour pros, for the challenge over the Heritage Course that narrowly missed out on the world record, but claimed a new British record, after playing 18 holes of golf in less than 11 minutes.

While speed was valued over accuracy, the players still managed to register an impressive four-over-par score of 76, after recovering from a disastrous eight on the opening hole.

The all-star cast were ably assisted by a group of low-handicappers selected from Evans’s listeners, who were strategically placed around the course to play any errant shots in the direction of the green.

See our Golf Live competition winner receive his Callaway driver and play with Monty on page 40.

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22 /

June 2012 / Issue 211

Play your way into Seve’s Day!

News in Brief Squires BAGS Senior treble England international Alan Squires became the first person to win the English Seniors’ Amateur Championship for three successive years after putting in a commanding performance at Aldeburgh in Suffolk. In testing conditions, the Oldham veteran came from seven shots behind the leaders on the final day to win the 54-hole event by three shots from Kent’s Chris Reynolds. Squires’s final round 69 saw him leapfrog past 12 other players to take the title with a 16-over par total.

Chapman takes Surrey crown Wentworth’s Matt Chapman annexed the Surrey Amateur Championship after beating Andrew Rogers from Bramley in the final held at Woodcote Park. The qualifying strokeplay tournament was held at Cuddington Golf Club, with the top 16 players, led by Peter Jackson from Woking, going through to the knock-out stages at Woodcote.

Tandridge reveals ‘dramatic’ renovations A long-term project to renovate the Harry Coltdesigned 18-hole course at Tanbridge Golf Club has reached the half-way stage, following the recent completion of the front nine of the popular Surrey venue.

Last autumn saw the second phase of the restoration of the classic Colt layout, following a trial on just three of the front nine holes. Described by Golf Course Architecture magazine as ‘the most dramatic restoration of a Golden Age golf course yet attempted in the UK’, the front nine has now been completely remodelled under the supervision of architect and leading Colt expert, Frank Pont, who is currently working with 20 Colt, Simpson and Penninkdesigned courses to help bring back the strategy and style of the original design.

The bunkering, in

particular, is dramatically different at Tandridge, offering new strategic challenges and improved aesthetics. The course will also be a little longer from the back tees, one example being the opening hole, which is now a gentle par five, rather than an extremely testing par four. The work on the tees, bunkers, and re-shaped fairways took place over five intensive weeks, and with the assistance of an unseasonably mild winter, the front nine was complete and open for play on schedule.

Thanks to continued good weather, the first phase of work on the back nine has already been completed several months ahead of the original time frame. This includes mounding to separate the 10th and 18th holes, new bunkers on the 12th, and a dramatic new back tee on the signature 14th hole.

Marking the first anniversary of the death of Seve Ballesteros, celebrities from the world of sport and entertainment have united to launch the first ever ‘Seve Day’. The Europeanwide golf tournament has been set up by YourGolfTravel.com, in partnership with the Seve Ballesteros Foundation and Cancer Research UK. Stars and celebrities, including Justin Rose, Chris Evans, Kevin Keegan and Harry Redknapp, have all committed to support Seve Day, which starts on July 1 – paying tribute to Seve’s first Major title at The Open in 1979.

Seve Day hopes to attract thousands of players and raise significant funds for the Seve Ballesteros Foundation, which, in partnership with Cancer Research UK, funds vital research into brain cancer.

Rose said: “Seve has been a hero to me all my life. His style of play continues to inspire me, and golfers all over the world, but there will never be another like him. Seve Day gives golfers everywhere the chance to ‘play like Seve’ in his memory, while raising vital funds for brain cancer.

I’ll be playing, and I encourage golfers everywhere to show

their support and get involved.”

The grand final will be held at Celtic Manor’s 2010 course in October, host venue of the last Ryder Cup, where the top 72 players will compete for the Seve Day 2012 Trophy.

Ross Marshall, co-founder of YourGolfTravel.com, said: “Seve Ballesteros was, and still is, such an inspirational figure in European golf. We wanted to create an event that he would have been proud of, a tournament that would capture his very golfing essence: great camaraderie, brilliant shot making, courage under pressure, and all round excellence on the golf course.

Golfers will have to play the greatest round of their life to make the final – just the way that Seve would have wanted it!”

Ivan Ballesteros, Seve’s nephew and vice president of the Seve Ballesteros Foundation, said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of Seve Day 2012, which we hope will be a huge success in our aim to raise money for brain cancer research.

Golfers across Europe will all have their own favourite memories of Seve, and this event gives them a chance to remember his brilliance, and support a cause that was very close to his heart.”

For more information about how to take part in Seve Day, visit www.seveday.com.

You don’t have to pay a king’s ransom... ...to be treated like royalty Society packages start from £30 per person and are available until the end of September.

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June 2012 / Issue 211

New Birchwood Park Golf Centre Head Professional Stephen Lee is looking to discover the next Luke Donald or Lee Westwood as he sets to work expanding the facility’s junior golf programmes.

Lee is no stranger to golf in Kent, having worked in the county for 11 years, guiding two golfers to Junior Order of Merit titles, and a further three into the professional ranks.

An experienced PGAqualified professional, he has built a reputation as a firstclass coach who has forged strong relationships with local businesses, schools and the community, something he will continue in his new role at Birchwood Park.

“I was extremely impressed with the facilities and vision of Birchwood Park, which is one of the top pay-and-play golf venues in the south east,” said Stephen. “My goal is to significantly increase the number of junior golfers, and with the support of my new colleagues, there will be frequent coaching

/ 23

Birchwood pro begins search for a superstar

New Birchwood Park Golf Centre Head PGA Professional Stephen Lee (right) is welcomed to his new post by General Manager Graham Rolland

courses available to golfers of all ages and abilities looking to learn and improve.

From a teaching point of view, Birchwood Park has exceptional facilities, perfect for nurturing talent.”

Birchwood Park’s 18-hole Main Course, which winds

its way through the Kentish countryside, is accompanied by the 9-hole Par-3 Orchard Course, which is the ideal place for those taking their first steps in the game. Away from the golf courses, the new Head Professional has big plans for the Pro Shop at the facility.

“I plan to turn the shop into one of the best golf superstores in the south east, with competitive prices and high quality products,” added Stephen. “Customfitting will be a major focus of mine too, as I firmly believe this is the method by which all golfers should be choosing golf equipment.”

Graham Rolland, Birchwood Park Golf Centre General Manager, said: “Stephen has a proven track record as one of the top junior coaches in the county.

His vision and objectives for his career matched ours at Birchwood Park, and we are confident that together we can grow the junior section, and help the youngsters at the centre to become the best golfers they can be.”

Spoils shared at the Palace Adam Stacey (Hoebridge), Dominic Toms (Cranfield Golf Academy) and Tom Reid (Wentworth) shot three-under-par 68s to tie for first place at the Hampton Court Palace Pro-Am. Each took away their winners’ cheque for £650. Starting at the 10th hole, Stacey had produced six birdies and up to that point, two bogeys, and with his drive a mere 30 yards from the green, he took four more to get down and the final bogey cost him the outright win. Stacey reflected on what could have been: “I hit a terrific drive on the final hole, I was 30 yards short of the green, but my short game let me down. I enjoyed it all the same, and the course was in great nick, with receptive greens and thicker rough than last year as well. I’ll just have to keep working on my chipping!”

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June 2012 / Issue 211

Golf News speaks exclusively to legendary BBC broadcaster Peter Alliss at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth about his hopes for the game and his personal achievements following six decades in the spotlight

The Voice How sad are you that you have so few opportunities to commentate these days?

I’m disappointed, obviously. There was a time when the BBC covered 16 golf tournaments in a single season, but now we’re down to two or three. But the bottom line is it’s difficult to compete against Sky’s bottomless pit. It doesn’t matter how good a poker player you are, if you’ve got £50 and the other bloke has pots of money, he’ll beat you in the end.

Do you think The Open will go the same way eventually?

It only takes a change of committee at the Royal and Ancient to look at a huge offer and think, ‘Yes, we know the BBC have no adverts and a large audience, but how can we turn this down?’ It’s sad, when you look at what the BBC still has to offer. Someone sent me the viewing figures for the Masters and we peaked at 2.1 million, while Sky peaked at 500,000. I do think the European Tour were weak when they were taking some of their events away from the BBC. I’d imagine Sky was

saying they would cover 100 events if they had exclusive rights to everything.

The tour got nervous. Like the football authorities, they were desperate to have Sky’s money to keep everyone happy, but it seems to me they had a stronger hand to play.

How disappointing is it that we don’t have more Tour events in this country?

It’s a shame, of course, but you can only have tournaments where there are sponsors willing to put up the money. The recession in the UK hasn’t helped, and the costs of putting on tournaments and paying the vast prize funds have just got higher and higher.

It’s a global game now, and although it would be nice to see the kind of crowds we get at Wentworth at other events in the UK, it doesn’t always stack up. I think Loch Lomond was over £1.5 million out of pocket after staging the Scottish Open, which is a lot for any club to bear.

So is running a golf tournament seen as a loss-making affair?

It shouldn’t be. Just take this tournament [the BMW PGA Championship]. I’ve been coming

Alliss will be putting in the hours behind the microphone for the BBC’s coverage of the Open Championship next month

to this event for as long as I can remember, and I’ve never seen traffic jams backing up through Virginia Water. There’s clearly the public appetite for it, but the cost of putting on a tournament of this scale is just beyond the reach of many clubs and businesses these days.

Who among the current generation of players would you pay to watch?

Five years ago I would have said Tiger Woods, but that’s not the case now.

I’ve always been impressed with Luke Donald, ever since I saw him play in the Walker Cup at Nairn in 1999. People say that he’s dull to watch, but you could say the same about Steve Davies, Phil Taylor or Michael Schumacher, or any other sportsman at the top of their game. If you’ve got any feel for sport, you just have to marvel at their brilliance, and that’s where Luke is right now. He’s totally in control of his game.

Luke has received a bit of stick for failing to have won a major while

being No.1. Do you think too much emphasis is placed on the majors?

Most definitely, but that’s basically down to the media. To argue that someone can’t be a very good player if they haven’t won a major is a load of baloney. I could name a dozen players off the top of my head who have won majors who are not very good players, and I could even name you some who have won two or three who still don’t stick in the mind’s eye.

The majors get hyped up, and we’re all guilty of doing it, but they’re really just tournaments, albeit ones with lots of history. But there are now events with bigger prize funds and stronger fields, certainly in the case of the US Masters, so they’re slightly out of kilter with reality. It’s crazy to judge a player by four events.

When you get to a certain level there’s only consistency left to achieve and it seems to me that’s what Luke understands. People call him dull. How can you be world No.1, they argue, when you haven’t won a major and

June 2012 / Issue 211

/ 25

Alliss won 23 tour events but regrets not bagging one of the big four

find yourself siding with one player or promoting them.

How do you react to the criticisms that get thrown your way for on-air gaffes?

It is wounding when you are criticised, but I try not to worry about it too much, though. When I’m commentating, I just imagine I’m with a friend. I just ramble on. You’re bound to make mistakes occasionally. It is live television, after all.

How would you describe your style of commentary?

I observe. I don’t recite endless facts and statistics. I don’t know or care if a certain player is 29 years, 18 days and 22 hours old, first held a club at three, and his mother had a butterfly collection. They go on and on. I watch a player, see the way they greet the crowd, and observe their swing. I make them into characters. Golf needs characters. And I try not to state the obvious. It’s crippling when a player has a five-foot putt, leaves it short, and the announcer says, “Oh, he’s left it short.” You can see that. Don’t state the obvious. Unless you can add something, say nothing.

don’t hit the ball 400 yards? Well, he bloody well is No.1, and quite right too.

You’ve had a few run-ins with players over the years, do you think the current generation of has become a little too cosseted?

Have I? I don’t think I’ve set out to pick on any particular individuals. I don’t think I criticise anyone, I’m just expressing an opinion. Everyone’s far too thin-skinned these days.

During last year’s PGA, I said that some players didn’t have the range of shots that some of the players of yesteryear had – such as the ability to hit the ball below the trees at Wentworth to reduce the effects of the wind. I had a little sparring with Nick Dougherty as a result, but we settled our differences amicably.

You’ve kept your distance from players over the years. Has that been a deliberate ploy?

Yes. You can’t give a fair opinion of play if you make friendships. You can

Royal Lytham, which hosts The Open next month, was a happy hunting ground for you as a player. What are your recollections of competing in the Open in 1952?

It was my third Open, I think, but it was the first time I made the cut. I remember I was level par after two rounds and was somewhere inside the top-10, but then got blown away in the awful conditions and finished down the field [31st].

I had a good run of results at Lytham over the years, and would say that outside of St Andrews – which has its own special place – Lytham is my favourite Open venue – and I’m not just saying it because it happens to be this year’s venue. I like it because it’s about as close as you can get to being a proper members’ club – one that you or I could be a member of, and be made to feel welcome and at home. It’s very cosy, with the clubhouse, the 18th green, the pro shop, and the practice putting green all practically on top of one another. Once every decade or so it just happens to host a major, but for the rest of the time it’s just a very nice, friendly, members’ golf club. It doesn’t look much like a links course – and

you don’t the sea at all, rather a sea of houses – but I love it all the same. There are hundreds of bunkers, but it’s not tricked up – it’s a proper test.

Do you have any regrets as a player?

My biggest regret is that the Alliss family deserved to win an Open Championship and never did. My father finished in the top 10 several times, and so did I. I got to within three or four shots of the winner, but it wasn’t to be. But otherwise it’s been a wonderful life. I’ve been around the world a dozen times, and someone else always paid. I’ve never planned anything. I’ve never been ambitious.

Do you think you had the talent to win an Open?

Oh, yes. It just never happened.

Whenever I hear people say, “He has plenty of time — he’ll win majors”, I think to myself, ‘Well, not necessarily, because that’s what they said to me’. That opportunity may never come again.

You never know what the future holds.

There’s been a fashion for toughening up major venues in an effort to stop the players going massively under par.

What are your thoughts?

I would like to see the concept of par being abandoned. It serves no purpose at all. Let’s just tot up all the scores and the player with the lowest score wins.

That’s that. It doesn’t matter if you’re 27 under par or 27 over.

You’ve been involved in course design throughout your career. Of which among them are you most proud?

My partners were Dave Thomas and Clive Clark, and although we’re proud of all the courses we’ve worked on, we never had a really cracking site and a big budget with which to work. But there have been a few good’uns. Blairgowrie is a nice course, and so are Old Thorns, Surrey Downs,The Melbourne Course at Brocket Hall, and Kings Lynn – all of which are very pretty courses.

Heron’s Reach in Blackpool, which we built on top of an old rubbish dump, is pretty good, while the PGA National at The Belfry, which was built on a rather unimpressive piece of land, has turned out OK, and The Belfry is now a marvellous facility.

The Marquess Course at Woburn has matured into a lovely track, while Pyrford and Hurtmore here in Surrey are very nice clubs. We built a few courses in Europe, including the Seve Club in Japan, but we didn’t want to stray too far from home, as we liked to be hands on as designers.

Which golf course would you play for the rest of your life?

Ferndown Golf Club in Dorset. Heather and pine and silver birch. It’s where I started my golfing life, and learnt my trade, so it would be a rather nice place to end it. I had my first kiss there, too, but that’s another story…

Peter Alliss will be part of the commentary team presenting the BBC’s live Open coverage, starting at 9am on Thursday, 19 July.

The entire tournament is live on BBC TV, HD & Radio 5 live.

26 /

June 2012 / Issue 211

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A new golf tour aimed at offering competitive opportunities for aspiring tour pros during the winter months has been launched.

The Evolve Pro Tour will be staging a series of 14 tournaments in Spain from October 2012 through to March 2013, providing ideal warm weather preparation for UK-based professional golfers.

The tournaments will be primarily based around the south-east region of Murcia, with quality venues including Saurines, El Valle, Condado Alhama and Hacienda Riquelme.

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

Evolve launches Spanish winter Pro Tour

Wayne Hachey and Ron Hart of Evolve Pro Tour

Competitors will stay at the four-star Mar Menor residences

satellite tours in Europe.

Starting in October and leading into European Tour Q School (second stage), the Evolve Pro Tour will be running two- and threeday events on a weekly basis, to give players a focused programme of tournament golf.

During the January to March period, it will be running ten tournaments, including a final MatchPlay Championship in mid-March.

Seven-day tournament

packages are available for players, which include accommodation, practice facilities, six rounds of golf and tournament entry fees.

Accommodation is at the 4-star Mar Menor residences, which are fitted out to a high standard (including free wi-fi and satellite tv), and are also located conveniently for the tournament courses, practice facilities, bars and restaurants.

For more details visit www.evolveprotour.com.

June 2012 / Issue 211

Matthew Ford overtook a strong field in style to win the first of the two PGA Woosnam-Faldo Challenge Pro-Ams, cruising home by three shots with a superb 65 at Chart Hills in Kent.

Ford simply outclassed several other otherwise fine performances, notably those of Paul Nessling (Cooden Beach) and Paul Sherman (Ashford), who tied for second with rounds of 68.

Starting on the 10th, Ford soon found his form with a birdie on the 11th. Two more birdie opportunities slipped by until the 14th, where he hit his second to two feet, and then produced a two-putt birdie at the par-five 16th to reach the turn in three under.

Another birdie came at the par-five first, and a 30-foot putt on the fourth was just the bonus he needed after missing opportunities on the second and third. He then chipped and putted for another birdie on the par-five fifth, and holed from 10 foot on his final hole for one more birdie and a terrific 65.

Now competing on the Challenge Tour full time, Ford was taking a bit of time off to play with his new sponsor C+K Group and its enthusiastic single-figure handicap owner Ian Pether.

Ford reflected: “Apart from the eighth, I played pretty solidly and putted well

/ 27

Ford in charge at Chart Hills

Swing into golf this summer Four Ball Membership

enough, but you can’t help thinking about the ones that slipped past.

“Chart Hills was in great condition, and the greens were quite receptive and rolling nicely, which after all the rain they’ve had is a great credit to the greenkeeping staff. Looking forward, my game’s in good shape and I’m enjoying the Challenge Tour events, especially with the support of Ian

and the C+K Group.”

The PGA Woosnam-Faldo Challenge is a two-round Virgin Atlantic Order of Merit event, which, thanks to the support of the Leaderboard Group, celebrates the two courses at Chart Hills and Dale Hill, designed by Sir Nick Faldo and Ian Woosnam respectively.

The PGA Woosnam Challenge is being held at Dale Hill on September 25.

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28 /

June 2012 / Issue 211

NickBayly Watching the miles of traffic queuing politely to get into Wentworth during last month’s BMW PGA Championship, it was hard not to wonder why England doesn’t get to host a few more golf tournaments. With the car parks displaying ‘full’ signs, the corporate boxes rammed, and the galleries ranked 20 deep in places around the West Course, the question on everyone’s lips was, ‘Can we have a bit more of this, please?’

In the 40 years since the European Tour began, the number of events in England has dwindled from seven to just one solitary, albeit showpiece, occasion. If England had only one or two decent players it would be a pity. But with two of the world’s top three, and seven of the world’s top 60, it adds up to a massive missed marketing opportunity.

With many corporate marketing budgets tied up with the London Olympics, and so many of the normal sponsors (banks, cigarette and drinks brands) having fallen out of public favour, it just seems like the timing is all wrong.

The Tour has tried, and failed, to revive the English Open on numerous occasions over the years, but rather than look to host a fullfield tournament, the answer might

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

Fisher pays the price

The lack of England-based tournaments is madness given the huge fan base that exists for our top stars

Cashing in the golden generation be to create a unique limited-field event involving, say, a dozen of the UK big guns, and market it as the ‘ultimate home-grown showdown’.

It’s certainly something that has worked in China in the past, and would be sure to get the backing of the players, all of whom pleaded last month for more opportunities to play in front of large and partisan crowds outside of the Open Championship.

“I don’t know who is to blame for the fact there’s only one event, but

we’ve got to stop talking about it and do something about it,” Paul Casey was heard to utter at Wentworth last month. “Do we all need to add our names to a letter and send it to potential sponsors, saying we’ll turn up? I’d happily sign tomorrow and I know Luke, Poults, Westy and the rest feel the same. Let’s face it — if it doesn’t happen given the current crop of players we’ve got, we’re screwed.”

Couldn’t have put it better myself, Paul. Now let’s make it happen.

Ross Fisher has a reputation for living life in the fast lane when it comes to cars, but when it comes to golf, he seems to be stuck in second gear. Such is his ponderous nature at the point of delivery that he suffered the ignominy of being docked one shot – and fined £6,000 – at last month’s Wales Open.

In the normal course of events, this story would have been confined to a ‘news in brief’ in the newspapers, but when the misdemeanor took place during the final round of the tournament, and when Fisher was within one shot of the lead, it quickly became headline news.

As with the tortured Kevin Na last month – who got away without a fine, despite taking far longer over his shots – it’s the fate of those challenging for the lead that each stroke takes on a level of do-or-die importance that those down the field do not suffer. For those who have been out of the spotlight

for a while, as Fisher has, the focus on hitting the right shot outweighs their need to get on with it. Forty-five seconds seem like a long time to me, but when your very career depends on it, or at least a good deal of money, then it’s a very different prospect.

Players have been put ‘on the clock’ for slow play many times in the past, but rarely have the authorities done anything more severe than tap their wrist watches in a disapproving manner.

Fisher was unfortunate to be singled out for punishment for a disease that has gradually, but noticeably, been creeping into the professional game in recent years, and while I hope he recovers from the personal setback, I hope it sends out the strongest possible signal that slow play is killing the game, not just for professional tournaments and TV viewers, but for golf in general, and that anything that can be done to discourage it should be, for want of a better word, encouraged.

Evolve Pro Tour is a dynamic, fresh and progressive winter golf tour, based primarily in the Murcia region of Spain... with great staff and great courses we produce great players!

Tournament Schedule 2012 – 2013 October 2012 (Pre European Tour Q School Events) 15-16 SAURINES Murcia, Spain 18-19 CONDADO ALHAMA Murcia, Spain 24-25-26 CONDADO ALHAMA Murcia, Spain 30-31-01 EL VALLE Murcia, Spain January – February 2013 28-29 EL VALLE 31-01 EL VALLE 05-06-07 CONDADO ALHAMA 11-12 HACIENDA RIQUELME 14-15 HACIENDA RIQUELME 19-20-21 SAURINES 25-26 EL VALLE 28-01 EL VALLE

Murcia, Spain Murcia, Spain Murcia, Spain Murcia, Spain Murcia, Spain Murcia, Spain Murcia, Spain Murcia, Spain

March 2013 05-06-07 HACIENDA RIQUELME Murcia, Spain 09-10-11-12 MAR MENOR (Match Play) Murcia, Spain

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Special Open Championship Preview

Sponsored by

l Tournament preview l Darren Clarke on his

year as Open Champion l Places to play and stay l Betting on The Open l Ticket information

r o j Ma

The Open Championship, Royal Lytham & St Annes 15th - 22nd July 2012

l a e p p A Don’t miss your chance to see the world’s best golfers battle it out for the 141ST Open Championship

30 /

[ Th e Op e n Cham p ion s h i p sp ec ial p r evi ew ]

David Duval won in 2001

Taming the famous Lancashire links will take imagination RATHER than brute strength and ignorance

Lytham’s Open Roll of Honour Year Name

Score Prize money

1926 Bobby Jones

291

Nil (amateur)

1952 Bobby Locke

287

£300

1958 Peter Thomson 278

£1,000

1963 Bob Charles

277

£1,500

1969 Tony Jacklin

280

£4,250

1974 Gary Player

289

£5,500

1979 Seve Ballesteros 283

£15,000

1988 Seve Ballesteros 273

£80,000

1996 Tom Lehman

271

£200,000

2001 David Duval

274

£600,000

2012 ??????????????

???

£900,000

Spectator Information Ticket Information Season Tickets (July 15-22) £260; Daily tickets (Thurs-Sun, July 19-22) £70; Concessions £30 (16-21); Juniors under 16 go free with a paying adult. For advance bookings visit www.theopen.com or pay at the gate.

Gate Opening Times Sun 15 July — 9am Mon-Weds 16-18 July — 7am Thurs-Fri 19-20 July — 6am Sat-Sun 21-22 July — 7am HOW TO GET THERE Visitors coming by road should leave Junction 32 of the M6 and follow the M55 for Blackpool until they reach signs instructing them to leave the motorway.

Those with reserved parking labels should follow the appropriate colour coded ‘Open’ signs along the M55.

Designated routes will lead to Park & Ride facilities operating from all public car parks.

BRING YOUR MOBILES! Spectators will be allowed to bring mobile phones onto the course this year. Calls can only be made and received in designated areas in the tented village.

OFFICIAL OPEN APP An official Open smartphone app will allow fans to keep up to date with scores, as well as watch live action and video footage The Open Golf app can be download from iTunes for free. No cameras are allowed on championship days.

Who will light up

Lytham?

N

ext month sees the 141st Open Championship return to the famous links at Royal Lytham & St Annes in Lancashire for the first time in over a decade – but who will step out of the shadows of Seve Ballesteros, who twice claimed the Claret Jug here, to take their own small steps towards golfing immortality?

It’s the question on everyone’s lips, but few would dare to predict a winner at this most unpredictable of majors and most unpredictable of venues. The names of Curtis, Hamilton, Ooosthuizen, and indeed Clarke, the champion at Royal St George’s 12 months ago, seemed unlikely contenders in recent years, but each has gone on to claim the coveted title.

But Lytham has a habit of producing ‘good’ winners, if there is such a thing. The roll of honour is scattered with legends of the game from Bobby Jones in 1926, through to Peter Thomson (‘58), Tony Jacklin (‘69), Gary Player (’74) and, of course, Seve’s back-to-back triumphs in 1974 and 1988. It brings out the best in the best, and you can ask no more of that from the Major that every player wants to win above all others.

Given that the Open hasn’t been to Lytham since 2001, when David Duval proved a popular, if slightly quirky, winner, there are few players with recent course form to speak of, so it’s a level playing field for all bar the odd amateur who may have played in the Lytham Trophy in recent years.

Those players who did line up in 2001 will notice that thankfully little has changed at the historic Lancashire club, although the card of the course reveals that they will be faced with an even sterner challenge in 2012, with 213 yards having been added to the length, taking it up to 7,118 yards from the previous 6,902.

People’s champion Seve Ballesteros leads a roll call of big name winners at Lytham over the years

With new back tees on the third, seventh, and 11th holes (the latter having been stretched to over 600 yards), it’s still by no means a monster, but Lytham has never been about distance. The par of 70 – reduced from 71 following the sixth hole being changed from a par five to a par four – will see few players register red numbers when the week is finally over.

Whenever Lytham comes up in conversation, the subject of bunkers is never far from players’ minds. And although it is home to 30 per cent more bunkers than any other Open venue – a groove-destroying 205 –

it’s the location and design of them, as much as the sheer quantity, that catches out most players. The deep, revetted-style faces make Lytham’s traps extremely awkward to escape from, while they have been shaped and contoured to attract errant shots like bees to nectar.

While the heavy and strategically-placed bunkering places an emphasis on accuracy to avoid them, it is inevitable that players will find themselves in them on occassion, so it is no surprise to find sublime bunker players like Ballesteros and Player performed so well here down the years.

/ 31

[ Th e Op e n Cham p ion s h i p sp ec ial p r evi ew ]

e patience and ignorance

Golfers looking to stay and play in and around Lytham are spoilt for choice for affordable lodgings and stunning links

G

olf fans looking for somewhere to rest their weary legs – and possibly aching heads – during this year’s Open Championship can take their pick from a wide range of top quality accommodation to suit every level of budget.

Unlike many of the more remote Open venues, Lytham & St Annes is very much on the tourist trail, being just a few miles from the holiday resort of Blackpool, and thus offers a huge variety of guest houses, B&Bs, hotels and self-catering properties. And with prices starting at just £28 per night for a single room, or £40 for a twin or double, there is something to suit even the shallowest of pockets.

“The Open Championship is one of the world’s most popular sporting events, which means that at some venues good accommodation at reasonable prices can be very hard to find,” said Tony Openshaw, spokesman for Marketing Lancashire. “However the situation is a bit different when The Open comes to Lytham, because there’s an abundance of good quality accommodation throughout the area, and with the UK’s favourite resort, Blackpool, just along the road, there is also great entertainment for all ages.”

For information regarding hotel and bed & breakfast accommodation or for general information about the area, please visit the Visit Lancashire website, www.visitlancashire.com/open2012.

St Annes Old Links

Stay & Play...

St Annes Old Links (www.stannesoldlinks.com)

Fairhaven (www.fairhavengolfclub.co.uk)

St Annes is an ideal place to play in the runup to the Open, or if you fancy a break from watching the pros in action down the road.

Its pure links character has changed little over the years, although buildings now surround most of the course’s perimeter.

Every hole has its own character, with the 170yard 9th hole, which offers a narrow 56-yard deep green, well guarded by bunkers, probably being the best known. The hardest hole is the 447-yard par-four 7th, particularly when played into a westerly wind.

Although it’s not quite a traditional links – some of the holes are tree-lined – Fairhaven benefits from a sandy sub-soil that provides the springy turf associated with seaside golf.

The 6,887-yard layout offers two loops of nine, with 117 strategically-placed bunkers providing a great test of course management, which counters the ease of the generally flat greens.

Long hitters will relish to chance to open the shoulders on the six par fives, three of which come in the last four holes.

Claret Jugs, frothing ales, mushy peas & lamb bhuna Besides the man-made defences, Lytham’s natural defender of par is the wind, which can play merry havoc with scoring when it gets up. Last year’s Lytham Trophy was a case in point, with strong gusts resulting in the winner, Jack Senior, struggling home in a stamina-sapping 19 over par.

The wind also has a habit of switching with the tides, and with the two par fives playing in opposite directions, one of them will be playing into any breeze, making scoring even harder on what are normally considered rare birdie opportunities.

Picking a winner will be as hard as ever, but a plotter like World No.1 Luke Donald, despite his poor overall record in the Open, must do well here. With his smooth putting stroke, ability to shape his driver and hit his irons in close – and not forgetting his expert bunker play the Beast of Beaconsfield has all the right credentials to add that vital missing major to his impressive CV. Of course, he’ll have the expectation of the nation on his slim shoulders, but he’ll also have its backing, which should count for plenty.

Lee Westwood is another leading protagonist whose brilliant control from tee to green should see him contend – providing he finds some form with the putter – and the Worksop man can rely on some staunch support from his army of fans, who are as desperate as he is to break his major duck.

If Luke or Lee, or any other players in the 150-strong field, should need any further inspiration, they should take a moment to view the long overdue portrait of Seve that is being unveiled in Lytham’s clubhouse on the eve of the Open. The great man was peerless around the twists and turns of this historic layout, and you can be sure he’ll be watching from the great 19th hole in the sky when play finally gets under way on July 19.

Lytham’s iconic windmill is one of the town’s key attractions

OUR TIPS LUKE DONALD

(14/1)

They used to call him a plodder, but he’s more like a plotter these days, possessing the ability to thread his way through the eye of a needle in search of the pin. An assured bunker player, incredibly accurate with his irons, and having a silky smooth touch with the putter, he’s a worthy favourite.

LEE WESTWOOD

The Golf News Guide to eating and drinking during Open Week The normally sleepy town of Lytham is party central for the week of the Open, so finding somewhere full of golfers reliving the day’s highlights over a pint or two of something cold won’t be too hard. On the pub front, we recommend The Taps on Henry Street, an atmospheric boozer in the heart of the town, which offers a good mixture of local real ales and beers.

Golfers will also find it hard to resist a swift half in the Hole in One on Forrest Drive.

Both venues also serve food, but if you’re in I’ll have some more guacamole, please

the seaside mood for fish and chips, then it’s off to Whelan’s on Clifton Street for battered cod and mushy peas at one of the North West’s most revered chippies. If you want to spice it up a bit, then take your pick of top curry houses at the Red Fort in Park Street, or its sister restaurant, the Moghul in nearby St Annes. Both offer tasty modern Bangladeshi cooking in contemporary surroundings.

The bright lights of Blackpool will beckon for many party lovers, so once you’ve had a spin around the amusement park, ridden a donkey, lost all your money in a casino, and swum naked in the sea, try out The Grill on the pleasure beach, which is handily-located opposite an Adventure Golf Course, and offers a brasserie-style menu up until 10pm.

Foodies with a love of fine dining and a laid-back lounge bar vibe, should also consider booking a table at Twelve in Thornton, which is located two miles north of Blackpool, but is well worth the detour for some stunning locally-sourced dishes.

14/1

The grandstand besides the 18th green at Lytham will shake itself off its foundations if Lee is able to lift the major his consistency so richly deserves. An accurate driver of the ball, and a peerless iron player, he just needs to roll in a few putts and he’s nailed on for a podium finish.

PAUL LAWRIE

50/1

The winner of the 1999 Open at the toughest venue of them all – Carnoustie – has already showed he has major pedigree, but that was a long time ago. However, the 43-year-old Scot looks to have found a second wind over the last two years and this gutsy performer could spring yet another major surprise.

Open Championship Best Odds 8 Woods; 10 Rory McIlroy; 14 Donald, Westwood; 25 Mickelson, Kaymer, 28 Garcia; 33 Harrington, Fowler; 40 Rose, Scott, Oosthuizen, Schwartzel; 50 Dufner, B Watson, Els, Poulter, McDowell, Kuchar, Day, D Johnson, Mahan, P Lawrie, Stricker, Watney; 66 Hanson, Manassero; 80 Bradley, Karlsson, Goosen, Z Johnson, Stenson, Simpson, F Molinari, KJ Choi; Curtis, 100 Colsearts, Furyk, Bjorn, Coetzee, Dyson; 125 Laird, Stanley, Ogilvy, Van Pelt, Jimenez, 150 The Field.

32 /

[ Th e Op e n Cham p ion s h i p sp ec ial p r evi ew ]

Following his emotional triumph at last year’s Open, Darren Clarke celebrated as only he knows how, but he’s determined that it won’t be the last hurrah in a career that has seen more than its fair share of triumphs and tragedies

crossroads Clarke at the

Words by Nick Bayly

P

erhaps one of the biggest regrets that many major winners have admitted to down the years is that they didn’t make the time or the effort to acknowledge, let alone celebrate, their finest hour. Some, like Tiger Woods in his pomp, knew that they had a whole string of finest hours to look forward to, and while appreciating the achievement, put a tick in the box marked ‘major’ and moved quickly on. Many other winners, including young and less experienced types, for whom the major came early, also failed to step back from the treadmill of tournament life long enough to really come to terms with what they had done.

Perhaps it takes the hard years, even decades, of toil at the chalk face to truly comprehend what it is to lift one of golf’s four major titles. It’s almost as if the disappointments and the heartaches serve as a brutal, but necessary, apprenticeship for those fortunate few whose time eventually comes.

Perhaps that’s why Darren Clarke’s victory in the Open Championship at Royal St George’s last year was not only memorable for the way in which the 42-year-old from Northern Ireland tamed one of the fiercest courses in the world, but for the way in which

he acknowledged his achievement, and of course, lest we forget, the manner in which he celebrated his win.

Clarke had been talked about as ‘a future Open Champion’ for as long as anyone could remember, but, at 42, and playing poorly by his own admission, time was running out.

Just a week before his tear- and Guinnesssoaked victory at St George’s, he had been close to despair after enduring a miserable week at the Scottish Open, where a stone cold putter had left him wondering whether his form could get any worse.

A few harsh words with his caddy and a few beers later, Clarke rocked up at St George’s with few genuine expectations other than trying to make the cut. But make the cut he did, and by some margin; in fact he was leading the field after two rounds, sending the media into a frenzy, while the whole country got behind the big bloke from Portrush, whose penchant for pies and pints have always marked him out as a man of the people.

Two days later, having displayed some of his trademark quality ball-striking, and miraculously rediscovered his confidence with the putter, Clarke was kissing the famous Claret Jug – and anyone who cared to come up to him – after having seen off his rivals to be crowned Champion Golfer of 2011.

It was, quite literally, the stuff of dreams, and produced a script that even the most wildly optimistic filmmaker would find too far-fetched to accept. Washed-up old golfer who seems to spend more time in the bar than on the practice ground wins the world’s most famous golf tournament? Give me a break.

But let’s stop the tapes and take a reality check. There’s the Darren Clarke of reputation, and there’s another Darren Clarke. A partyloving Northern Irishman who happens to be a professional golfer, and a professional golfer from Northern Ireland who happens to like a party. Yet in any sport, you never win ‘the big one’ if you aren’t serious about your craft.

“People like to say I’m out drinking all the time, but that’s just not the case,” says Clarke, who didn’t go to bed for 48 hours following his Open win. “People don’t get to hear about the hours and hours I spend practising down at Royal Portrush every day, working and working, but they see me having a few pints after winning The Open and think that’s what I do every day.”

It’s the curse of single major winners that they may have ‘got lucky’, and although that is not something that can ever be leveled at Clarke, he is keen to make sure that his win in Kent is not his last. Much in demand, and invited to tournaments all over the world following his elevation in the world

rankings, Clarke says he has enjoyed his year as ‘Champion Golfer’, although he admits to being tortured by his inability to play like a champion. Since pocketing €1m last July, he has earned less than a quarter of that sum in prize money over the last 12 months, with a best-placed finish of 20th in the Volvo Golf Champions event in South Africa in January.

“I haven’t played very well since the Open, and it’s been driving me crazy,” says Clarke. “I feel I need to validate what I did last summer. I feel I need to win something else. The struggle with it is that when you achieve your lifetime’s goal at my age, how do you keep on going and going? It’s not as if I’m 21 or 22. I’m 43 now, and I can’t figure out what my goals should be. Would I like to win another major? Of course I would. But I’ve already got the biggest and the best one. I’ve got to the top of the mountain. What else is there to do?”

It’s easy to forget that Clarke is used to winning. He has won 22 tournaments during his 22-year career – a good haul by any standard. He has contended in several majors, beaten Tiger Woods in his prime to win the World Match Play, and played in five Ryder Cups. But that was a long time ago now, and with an exemption on the European Tour until 2016, he has the opportunity for a second bite at the cherry, at a time when other golfers of

[ Th e Op e n Cham p ion s h i p sp ec ial p r evi ew ]

/ 33

Below: Clarke achieved his lifetime’s ambition when winning last year’s Open Championship, so his failure to return to those dizzy heights over the last12 months has not been a big surprise to his many supporters

his age are being gently put out to grass.

But it’s golf trophies that still inspire Clarke to get up in the morning and jump on a plane to far away places, and he is determined that the Open win is the beginning of a new chapter in his career, rather than the end of a compelling, but short-lived story.

“I would still die a happy man if I was never able to lift a club again, but I’m hoping there’s a few years of competitive golf left in me. Hopefully, all the work that I’m putting in on my golf and all other aspects of my game, will turn things around and I’ll be back up there in contention sooner rather than later,” he says ruefully. “Patience is the key – which unfortunately I don’t have an awful lot of – but I’m doing all the right things!”

He will have another crack at Open glory at Lytham next month, but arrives, like he did at St George’s, more in hope than in expectation.

He’ll enjoy all the attention that comes with being the defending champion, but he’s not holding his breath about the possibility of joining fellow Irishman Padraig Harrington in becoming a back-to-back winner.

In the meantime, Clarke has the equally important honour of playing the role of genial host for this month’s Irish Open, which is being held at his home club, Royal Portrush, for the first time since 1947. It’s a tremendous boost for Northern Ireland, and for Clarke personally, and one that he hopes will lead to even The Open itself returning to his native

country one day. “There is no doubt in my mind that the R&A will be paying very close attention,” he says. “This is a major stepping stone towards getting the Open back to Royal Portrush. It’s not the easiest place to get people around, but I have no doubt that the Irish Open will be a huge success, and that everybody involved will be doing everything possible to make sure it runs as smoothly as possible. I’d like to think, come Monday, after it finishes, the R&A will take another serious look at possibly bringing the Open here.”

Currently suffering from a groin injury, which caused him to pull out of this month’s US Open, he says he plans to play in the Irish Open no matter what the pain, and with the weekend already sold out, he is determined to put on a good show for the fans. “I would even play in a Zimmer frame if it was necessary, it’s that important to me,” he says.

“I’ve been playing around Portrush since I was 11 years old, when my dad used to bring me

“Would I like to win another major?

Of course I would. But I’ve already got the biggest and the best one” up in the evenings to play when the green fees were cheaper. All the Irish guys playing will know it and, with a course like this, that can only be an advantage.”

As for Clarke’s long-term future, the Ryder Cup captaincy surely beckons, with the matches at Hazeltine in 2016 looking a likely place to sign off his career. “I would love to be captain,” reveals Clarke. “It isn’t a job you volunteer for; however, if I was asked, I may be more suited to captaining in America.

The American crowds have always been unbelievably kind to me – goodness knows why. They know I’m a normal guy who likes to have a beer, and a lot of them seem to identify with that. Six years from now I will be 48. That, to me, is just about the ideal age for any captain.”

With four years to fill between now and when the 2016 captain is appointed, Clarke feels he has plenty more petrol in the tank, although he’s clearly going to struggle to make it onto José Maria Olazabal’s team in September as a player, rather than an assistant. “I’m desperate to play in another Ryder Cup,” he admits. “The matches have always been unbelievably good to me.

Nothing will ever compare with the emotions I felt at the K Club in 2006, but I would give everything to have one last crack at it.”

June 2012 / Issue 211

/ 35

Storybehindthepic Ian Woosnam, July 22, 2001 The Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes

I

an Woosnam’s career in the majors seemed to be in terminal decline after his win at the 1991 Masters.

He enjoyed only three more top-10 finishes in grand-slam events in the 1990s, and spent the second half of the decade looking very much like a spent force.

But then came what promised to be an astonishing comeback at the age of 43.

After a third-round 67 at the 2001 Open at Lytham, the diminutive Welshman was tied for the lead alongside the German pairing of Alex Cejka and Bernhard Langer, and American David Duval.

Woosnam should have known it wasn’t going to be his day when he and his caddy, Miles Byrne, misread their tee-time, and only made it to the first tee with three minutes to spare.

Woosnam soon found his groove, though, nearly hitting a hole-in-one at the par-three

opening hole, and tapping in for birdie to take him back into a share of the lead. The crowd went wild, the momentum

with the home favourite. But the wheels were soon to come off in spectacular style.

As Woosnam and Cejka

stood on the second tee waiting to hit their drives, there was a small commotion as Woosnam reached into his

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bag and appeared to throw his driver into the bushes, before he started shouting at his unfortunate caddy, Miles Byrne. The problem, as the viewers were soon to discover over the airwaves, was that there was yet another driver poking out of Woosnam’s bag, which took his tally to 15 clubs – one more than the maximum stipulated 14.

Lip readers and keen students of body language were left in no doubt about the Welshman’s anger, as he was seen to mouth in Byrne’s direction: “The one ****ing thing you had to do!”

Woosnam was immediately docked two shots, and the wind was taken from his sails. He rallied bravely to finish third, four shots behind eventual winner Duval, but was left wondering what might have been were it not for Byrne’s error. “It’s the ultimate sin for a caddie,” Woosnam said, after the round. “I only

carry one wood, so he should have noticed there were two headcovers in the bag.”

Given that he had just cost his employer over £200,000 in prize money, and possibly a Claret Jug, it was somewhat surprising that Woosnam kept Byrne on his bag after the debacle at The Open. But the relationship had turned sour, and a few weeks later, when Byrne overslept at the Scandinavian Masters, forcing Woosie to break into his locker to get to his golf shoes, the unhappy pair finally went their separate ways. Byrne was sent packing with the aforementioned shoes whistling past his ears. “He could be a good caddie if he improved his adding up and timekeeping,” joked Woosnam, years later.

Woosnam went on to lead Europe to victory in the Ryder Cup in Ireland in 2006, and enjoy a profitable career on the Senior’s Tour, while Byrne was last heard of working on a building site.

36 /

June 2012 / Issue 211

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This will also no doubt be the case when The Open Championship returns to Royal Lytham & St Annes next month as well.

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Prospective professional golfers and those seeking a career in the golf industry are being invited to apply to The Sussex Golf College, which has a limited number of places available for this September’s intake. The college, which is based at Lindfield Golf Club in West Sussex, offers students aged between 16 and 19 the opportunity to study for a two-year BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Sport and Exercise Sciences, as well as receive expert tuition from some of the game’s foremost coaches.

The course also offers students a full 10-week term at its winter training base at Bont Mont Resort on the Costa Dorada in northern Spain as part of the 2012/2013 programme, which has proved hugely popular with previous graduates. The college also offers a ‘golf-only’ programme for those who see their future on the golf course. This three-day-a-week option avoids the classroom and focuses purely on improving a player’s skills through studio and on-course coaching from the college’s dedicated team of coaches, including Denis Pugh, Jason Gilroy, Matthew Ellis and college’s managing director, and former European Tour player, Paul Lyons.

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June 2012 / Issue 211

/ 37

Spence sparkles at Sand Martins

Members of the Virgin Swingers Club meet Gary Player at Golf Live

Swinging with the stars at Golf Live!

The Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Swingers team spent the weekend at the recent Golf Live event promoting its golf league programme in its own unique way.

Visitors to the stand at the London Club, which included a giant inflatable Virgin Atlantic airplane, were invited to have a go at a target challenge for a chance to win flights in the daily draw. In the process, over £1,500 was raised for the Seve Foundation and Free the Children charities.

It was the pros’ contest which proved the biggest

The London Golf Club, venue for last month’s Golf Live show, and host of the European Open in 2008 and 2009, has been invited to join an exclusive network of clubs that includes some of the world’s finest golf destinations.

The 36-hole Brands Hatch-based club joins an illustrious portfolio of venues, including Kingsbarns in Scotland, Carton House in Ireland, Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand and Yas Links in Abu Dhabi, among many other world-renowned resorts, in becoming a member of IMG Prestige.

The clubs have formed a high-end global reciprocal programme that will allow London Golf Club’s members

crowd pleaser, however, as each professional got to hit 10 balls each – five with their own clubs and five with a special small-headed club called ‘The Little One’.

The star man was local professional Benn Barham, who hit four out of 10 to take the title.

Other visitors to the stand included Lee Westwood’s coach, Pete Cowen, who offered free advice to those taking part, as well as young Tour stars Ollie Fisher and Rhys Davies, together with former Ryder Cup player Thomas Levet.

But it was undoubtedly one of the world’s greats, Gary Player, who enthralled those visiting the challenge, while taking time to sign autographs for everyone.

To be in with a chance of winning a unique Flying Club Swingers’ golf bag, signed by the stars of Golf Live, all readers need to do is register at www. flyingclubgolfleague.com, and submit their first score.

Be sure to enter the code ‘GolfLive12’ when registering.

For more information on Flying Club Swingers, visit www.flyingclubgolfleague.com.

London Club join exclusive network to have access to preferred rates, discounts, benefits and privileges at an array of stunning locations around the world.

Commenting on the club’s move into such a rarefied group, the London Club’s general manager, Austen Gravestock, said: “It’s an honour to be invited to join such an elite group of golfing destinations, and we are delighted that our course conditioning and customer service continues to be recognised within the highest echelons. We strive to

align ourselves with exclusive partners, and look forward to both welcoming guests and building relationships with partner venues, as well as providing our members with exciting offers and benefits to supplement their membership value.”

The London Golf Club has recently submitted plans for the construction of a new European Tour Performance Institute and 9-hole Academy course. Planning permission for a 130-bedroom, five-star hotel and spa has already been granted.

Lindfield professional Tim Spence made light of heavy weather to shoot a winning two-under-par 68 at Sand Martins Golf Clubs PGA Pro-Am. Despite the best efforts of a galaxy of Southern stars, Spence proved unbeatable on a day when rain and wind made things more than ususually challenging.

Carrying off the welldeserved winner’s cheque for £1,000, Spence edged out Guy Woodman’s (East Berks) one-under-par 69, while Jamie Harris’s (The Nevill) 71 was good enough for third place.

Spence’s round was delayed when heavy rain began to flood the greens.

As the rain eased up the wind got stronger, causing problems of a different kind as the pin positions had been changed to the highest places to offset any further flooding problems.

Two-under-par after three holes, Spence threeputted the fourth and bunkered his second on the almost unreachable fifth to go back to par. But with 22 years’ experience, he knew low scoring was nigh impossible and an opportunity beckoned for scores around par.

He negotiated pars on every hole until the 17th, where he hit a six-iron to 20 feet and eased the downhill putt into the hole for another birdie. With the wind blowing down the 18th, a final two-putt birdie was straightforward.

Speaking after his round, Spence said: “The weather was horrific, but I tend to play well in tough conditions, and I knew that if I just kept going and posted a decent score, I’d probably get a cheque for my trouble at the end of the day. I’m delighted with the result and this is just the encouragement I need for the rest of the season.”

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38 /

June 2012 / Issue 211

New app puts your pro in your palm!

An innovative new iPhone app aimed at golfers of all skill levels has been launched by a Dutchbased company. The app, which was developed

by United Golfclub, is called United Golf Pro, and can benefit all types of players, from complete beginners to elite performers.

The app allows users to find their nearest United Golfclub professional, book online lessons, receive personal coaching and upload swing analysis videos. It also acts as a online database of your on-course achievements, including the ability to fill in live scorecards, track your shot statistics, and share results, scores and videos with friends on Facebook and other social media platforms.

United Golfclub is rolling out an iPad version of the app for use as a coaching system by PGA professionals across the UK. Former European Tour player and Director of Operations in the UK, Donald Armour, said: “We are very pleased with the progression in the UK, and we expect the interest to be just as good as in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Australia. The app is informative, fun to use, and embraces all the latest social media channels. It’s just what the golf market needs and will move the golfers and their coaches very quickly up the technology ladder.”

For more information please go to www.unitedgolfclub.co.uk.

Wootton soars to Virgin Atlantic win After barely two years as a trainee professional, 24-yearold Adam Wootton clinched his first Virgin Atlantic Order of Merit victory by winning the prestigious Virgin Atlanticsponsored PGA Southern Open Championship at Drift Golf Club.

The Oxford Golf Centre assistant fired rounds of 71, 70 and 70, for an eight-underpar total of 211, to take the prestigious title and the £2,000 winner’s cheque.

Wootton pipped secondround leader Guy Woodman by a stroke, after the East Berkshire pro could only manage a final round of 72. In third place on six-under-par were seasoned campaigners Bill Hodkin and Craig Cowper.

Seaford Head’s team of pros includes Chris Kelley and Fraser Morley (left)

Proving that his qualification for The Open in 2011 was no fluke, Wootton negotiated the tree-lined par 73 course in superb style to win his first major regional title and top the Virgin Atlantic Order of Merit standings for 2012. “It’s

terrific to win a prestigious event like this, and although it’s a long way off at this point, I’ve set my sights on one of the top three places to make the PGA Play Offs in Turkey,” said Wootton.

PGA Secretary Sam Smith was pleased with a full field and a course in great condition after a nearimpossible early spring: “Ben Beagley and his new head greenkeeper did a terrific job of getting the Drift into fine shape for the PGA Southern Open Championship. After all the rain-soaked events of the past few months, it was brilliant to get great weather for our first major of the season, and to see both new and familiar faces rising to the top.”

Seaford Head Golf Club’s new academy is proving the perfect training ground for golfers just starting out in the game as well as those looking to improve.

With an expert team of PGA-trained coaches, including Head PGA coach Fraser Morley and Senior PGA coach Chris Kelley, the popular Sussex venue is well equipped to squeeze every ounce of ability out of players of all skill levels.

The academy offers all the latest swing analysis technology, including Gasp software and instant video feedback.

Afterwards, the team provides detailed feedback, including emailing pupils with detailed swing assessments, together with still images of their swing.

Get ahead of the game at Seaford “Our coaching philosophy is based upon treating each golfer as an individual, and using coaching techniques which you learn by the best,” says Morley, who has been teaching for over 15 years.

“I have a wealth of experience in coaching and game strategy. As a European Long Drive competitor, I specialise in coaching advanced players and golfers looking to take their game to the next level – particularly with improving driver distance!”

Kelley, who is the club’s junior organiser, specialises in working with youngsters,

as well as women golfers.

“Coaching all levels of golfers to improve their game gives me great satisfaction,”says Kelley. “Specialising in beginners, club golfers, juniors and ladies, I also have plenty of extra ideas up my sleeve to give you that added advantage.”

A wide range of lesson options is available, from £20 for 30-minute one-onone lessons, up to 18-hole playing lessons for £80.

For more details call the Seaford Head Golf Academy on 01323 890139 or email seafordheadproshop@ hotmail.co.uk.

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June 2012 / Issue 211

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Besides being a doting dad and a gifted artist, Luke Donald’s other off-course interests involve getting his nose stuck into the latest vintage of his own exclusive wine range. Words by Nick Bayly Golf and the grape have long enjoyed a cosy relationship, with millions of golfers down the centuries having enjoyed a glass or two of something chilled or gently raised to room temperature after a ramble around the links.

But while most of us are happy to slip a couple of bottles into the supermarket trolley on a weekend, a handful of professional golfers have taken their love of wine a stage farther, some working closely with viticulturalists around the world to create wines that somehow reflect their personality in liquid form.

South African tour veteran David Frost went a stage further and set up his own vineyard in Cape Town, while others – naming no names – have been more interested in simply having their name on a bottle that they can pour in front of their friends.

Following in the footsteps of Frost, Faldo, Els and Goosen, is World No.1 Luke Donald, who has been up to his knees in grape juice for several seasons, following a commercial tie-up with one of America’s largest upmarket wine producers.

On the nose: Donald has played a pivotal role in the development of the wine brand that bears his name

Tasting Notes...

Luke Donald Claret (14%)

A vintage year On the surface, it looks like just another bottle of wine with a label thrown on it to try to get it to sell. But the Luke Donald Collection is anything but.

As Donald says: “Growing up in England, my parents were regular wine drinkers, and my dad loved French Bordeaux wines, so when it came to choosing a wine for my own range, I naturally looked for something that recreated that style, which is why we went for something close to a Claret. I’ve been involved in the whole process from the very beginning, and was never going to simply slap a label

with my name on it.”

The truth is that Donald knows exactly where the grapes in Napa Valley that are used for his wine come from, and he knows the exact blend that makes up its flavour. The move that paired the Beaconsfield-born golfer with a Californian wine company is hardly a traditional endorsement deal. Bill Terlato of Terlato Wines, which makes the wine, met Donald while he was at Northwestern University in Chicago. Donald’s coach, Pat Goss, was giving lessons to Terlato. As Donald vaulted into the pro ranks, the two became friends, which led Donald to approach Terlato about having his own wine label.

“We don’t just slap a label on a bottle of wine,” Terlato says. “And Luke didn’t want to do that type of deal, either.

He tasted wines from more than 60 vineyards. We did it for several days, with and without food.”

In the end, Donald picked a combination of merlot, cabernet, and cabernet franc grapes to make up his claret blend, which is named after the trophy – along with those for the other three major titles – that he is so desperate to get his hands on.

While LD wines have received worldwide acclaim, the caveat for supermarket plonk lovers is that Luke’s wines are not cheap. The claret retails in the UK for £33, while the chardonnay, which is also part of the range, comes in at just under £26. In the four years since Donald’s wines have been on the market, they have never made more than 3,000 cases, which only adds to its scarcity value. And he doesn’t see that changing.

“This was never going to be a mass market wine,” says the World No.1. “We want it to sell out every year to keep the fans coming back!”

And let’s face it – it was never about the money.

Donald’s run of results on the European Tour and PGA Tour in the last few years has earned him many millions, and he doesn’t need to look at the price off too many items in his shopping basket in order to know that he can afford them.

“In the end our friendship is bigger than the business,” Terlato says. “What Luke’s wine is, is a great wine, and it just happens to be associated with a great golfer.”

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They say: The Claret marries a rich blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. On the nose, it has notes of espresso bean, liquorice and wild berry fruit, while on the palate it displays structured tannins intertwined with vibrant flavours of blackberries and subtle spice notes, producing a wine ripe with flavour and supple texture.

We say: Luke was once know as a bit of a bottler, but no longer, as this full-blooded red shows no signs of weakness. Gutsy, glorious, and holds the finish beautifully – just like the man.

Luke Donald Chardonnay (14%) They say: Made using 100% Chardonnay grapes from the Napa Valley, it is 100% barrel fermented in a mixture of new and used French Oak for nine months. On the nose it displays caramel and apple, with notes of citrus, while on the palate it offers vanilla, layered with honey and golden apple, giving balanced acidity, with a long, bright finish and wonderful minerality.

We say: Maturing nicely and bearing rich, elegant fruit as it grows into a truly world-class performer. Luke Donald, vanilla?

We won’t hear of it. But the follow-through is pure honey.

40 /

June 2012 / Issue 211

Prize guy John has a day to remember!

Prize guys: Our winner enjoys a few holes with Colin Montgomerie as part of his prize

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Golf News reader John Albiston left this year’s Golf Live event with a brand new driver and a whole lot of happy memories, after winning a money-can’t-buy prize from a competition that featured in our April issue.

John, a sprightly 70-yearold member at Poult Wood Golf Club in Tonbridge, won the chance to meet and play seven holes at the London Club with Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie, and then be fitted for a brand new Callaway Golf RAZR Fit driver.

“I only entered the competition on a whim,” said John. “I’m usually very skeptical about these things, and thought it was a wind-up when I got the call to say I’d won. But it was a fantastic day. It was amazing to be on the tee and hitting shots with Colin. He couldn’t have been nicer – he was so friendly and unassuming, just like another member of your club.”

As an added bonus, John also got to play with World Long Drive champion Joe Miller, who hit the ball over 250 yards with a putter on one of the holes.

Following his game with Monty, John, who plays off a handicap of 20, was whisked over to the nearby driving Stephen Prue talks John through the adjustability options of the RAZR Fit

John gets custom-fitted for his new Callaway RAZR Fit driver

range, where he was treated to a personal custom-fitting session for Callaway Golf’s ground-breaking RAZR Fit driver – the brand’s first ever fully-adjustable club.

John spent half an hour with Callaway fitting expert Stephen Prue, before settling

on a head, loft and shaft combination that worked best for him, which turned out to be a 12-degree driver with a regular lite flex.

The face angle was shut by 1.5 degrees in order to combat John’s natural fade, and by the end of the session John was knocking it 235 yards into the distance with a slight draw.

“I’ve never been custom-fitted before, and I was blown away by the experience, “ said John, who is a retired architect who designed the clubhouse at East Sussex National. “I am delighted with the extra distance and the improved shot shape I am getting with the RAZR Fit, and can’t wait to get back to Poult Wood and put it into play! The whole day has been amazing, and I can’t thank Callaway, Colin, the organisers, and, of course, Golf News, enough for the five-star treatment I have received.”

June 2012 / Issue 211

/ 41

Feast of Stöckle sinks rivals in mini golf battle of Hastings golf on offer at Golf East Golfers in the east of the country are being encouraged to head for Ipswich next month, where the inaugural Golf East Show is taking place. Sarah Wilson, head PGA professional at Bramford Golf Centre near Ipswich, and Susie Moore, who runs Clare Park Lake Golf Course in West Suffolk, are organising the two-day show, which is being held at Trinity Park on July 14-15.

Aimed at golfers from Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire, the organisers are hoping to attract an audience of 7,500–10,000. Tickets cost £10 for an adult, while children under 16 can attend free with an adult.

“The show should appeal to both the trade and the public, with attractions for non-golfers making it a truly family event,” said Sarah Wilson. “It will be a showcase for professional golfers, as well as for clubs to show what they can offer. With retailers on the full-length driving range, in the fashion zone, and in the general show area, it will be golf retailing on a major scale. It has not been difficult attracting big names such as Mizuno, Wilson, Cleveland, Benross, Snake Eyes and Srixon.”

A synthetic putting green, with experts on hand to advise, will enable golfers to try out a variety of putters, while information will be on hand on such topics as golf insurance, holidays, GPS systems, training aids, and physiotherapy.

There will also be a ‘sanctuary tent’ where non-golfers can enjoy spa and beauty treatment, check on health foods and have refreshments. As an added attraction, Kevin Carpenter will be hosting his superb trick-shot show, the highlight of which includes him hitting golf balls while riding a unicycle.

For more information visit www.golfeast.co.uk.

If a man called Martin with a heavy German accent ever challenges you to a putting contest, politely turn him down, and walk quickly and calmly away from the green. The reason being that he might well be Martin Stöckle, a champion mini golfer from Germany, who is almost unbeatable with a putter – at least when he’s competing on Astroturf.

Last month saw the prize-winning putter successfully defend the World Adventure Golf Masters title at the Pirate-themed Adventure Golf course in Hastings, with the pin-seeking specialist winning the seven-round tournament in a record-breaking score of 61 under par. His 191 total included no dropped shots and an incredible 61 hole-in-ones over the tricky seaside layout at White Rock Gardens.

The two-day tournament saw 20 players from Britain, Germany, Kosovo, Ireland and America compete for the World Adventure Golf Masters title, with five countries competing for the team title, which, not surprisingly, was won by Germany. British players Michael Smith and James Rutherford filled the minor places, finishing 16 and 26 shots respectively behind the runaway winner.

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Trick shot specialist Kevin Carpenter will be performing at Golf East

42 /

June 2012 / Issue 211

Joke of the month MURDER BY NUMBERS Police are called to a house and find a woman holding a blood-stained 5-iron standing over a lifeless man. The detective asks, ‘Madam, is that your husband?’

‘Yes’, says the woman.

‘Did you hit him with that golf club?’

‘Yes, yes, I did.’ The woman begins to sob, drops the club, and puts her hands over her face.

‘How many times did you hit him?’

‘I don’t know, five, six, maybe seven times... just put me down for a five.’

PIC OF THE MONTH No business like snow business!

Snow and golf are not, on the face of it, natural bedfellows, so it was rather a bizarre decision from the sponsors of the Challenge Tour’s Scottish Hydro Challenge to choose to deck out a group of professional golfers in bobble hats and ski masks and shove them on the top of the Cairngorm Mountains in order to promote the merits of playing golf in Scotland. And pity the poor players

– let’s name check Jamie McLeary, Jack Doherty, Chris Doak, Callum Macaulay, and Andrew McArthur – whose moment in the media spotlight was ruined by the fact that no-one could see who they were. MacDonald Spey Valley Golf Course, where the tournament is being held, is a stunning layout, so let’s hope the snow stays away when they tee off later this month. Snow? In Scotland?

In June? Stranger things have happened…

c o m pe t i t i o n

SPOT THE BALL IN ASSOCIATION WITH SRIXON GOLF

Star tweets of the Month follow us @golfnewsmag

1

@IanJamesPoulter: Worst traffic I have ever seen around Wentworth means only one thing – huge crowds, best golfing gallery in the world. No ‘get-in-the-hole’ crap!

@McIlroyRory: “Excited to get started at The Players today!

But first, up early to watch @ CaroWozniacki in Madrid! :)

2 3 4 5

Are the US Open champion’s early morning tennis-watching sessions costing him dearly on the golf course?

Poults explains the subtle differences between English and American galleries

6 7 8

@TigerWoods: Winning No.73 at Jack’s place is extra special.

Honored to be associated with the greatest of all time.

@LukeDonald: Truly humbled to be presented with European Tour Honorary Life Membership today. This thing is sweeeeeet!

The Great One acknowledges The Greatest

The World No.1 enjoys the privileges of membership

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

uick questions Padraig Harrington

Have your goals changed following all your success in the majors?

Once you’ve won a major, it is obviously a peak in your career and you want more. After you have peaked three times, a lot of focus tends to revolve around this feeling of wanting more.

Are you disappointed that you’ve not seriously contended in another major since 2008? I have no problem with the fact that I have not won a major in the last couple of years. There are only two other players competing who have won more majors than me, so it’s hard to be disappointed that I haven’t won after winning three.

It just doesn’t work like that in golf.

It’s all about cycles.

What’s the best shot you have ever hit? The best shot has to be my chip shot to the 72nd hole at Carnoustie in 2007 – because I hit a

great shot after hitting two terrible shots. A good shot when your confidence is low feels better than a great shot when your confidence is high.

When you were most nervous?

The most nervous I have ever been on a golf course has to be on the first tee in the Walker Cup 1991 at Portmarnock. My opening tee shot at the Ryder Cup in 1999 at Brookline was also pretty tense – my vision blurred so much that I could barely see the ball!

What’s your favourite golf course?

Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland is right up there. While it’s a beautiful and testing course, it’s still playable, and you can shoot a good score. I’m really looking forward to playing it in the Irish Open. It’s going to feel like a major to me and all the other Irish players.

How important is it to you to qualify for the Ryder Cup team this year?

It’s going to be very difficult for me to get a place on the team – but it will be exceptionally strong, with or without me. The new qualification criteria will ensure that there are more high world-ranked players with better long-term form.

What are your three best tips for an amateur?

1 It’s difficult to swing the club poorly from a good set up, but virtually impossible to have a good swing with a poor set up.

2 When practising, a good strike is more important than the finishing position of the ball.

3 You should be able to hold your finish for two seconds after hitting the ball without falling over!

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June 2012 / Issue 211

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Alexis Thompson shook up the world of women’s golf last October when, aged 16, she became the youngest player ever to win an LPGA event. It was nothing less than expected from the talented teenager, who played in the US Women’s Open when only 12 years old

Just 17

I’m not really paying attention to that.

I don’t mind the attention, but I’m just doing what I love.

You were obviously courted by a lot of potential equipment sponsors. What made you choose Cobra and Puma Golf?

I am proud to represent Cobra and Puma Golf. Not only do both brands make great, technically-advanced products that will help me play better on the course, but I’ve always loved them both for their edge and style.

What’s your current set make-up?

I’m using the new Cobra AMP driver (8.5°) and the AMP fairway wood (15°), a Baffler Rail hybrid (17°) and Cobra S3 Pro irons (3-PW). I also use Callaway X Forged wedges and an Odyssey White Hot XG putter.

Apart from your win in America and your victory in Dubai in December, what were the other highlights for you in 2011?

My performances in the US Open and the Evian Masters, where I tied second, were also really satisfying. The way I played at those events definitely helped take my game forward. It was a great

Every little boy and girl who plays golf dreams of winning on Tour.

What does it feel like to have had that dream come true aged just 16?

I can’t even describe it. It’s been my dream my whole life just to play golf at the highest level, so to win out on Tour is unbelievable. It’s hard to describe the feelings, but it’s the best ever.

What was going through your mind as you walked up the 18th green at the Navistar Classic with your father on the bag, and there was all that applause?

I loved it. Just being there with my dad was amazing. He was like, ‘Lexi, just enjoy that walk’. I definitely cried after I finished. I wouldn’t be out here without my dad, and my mum, of course.

It’s a strange question for someone so young, but did the win feel overdue?

Sort of, but I just went to every tournament wanting to win. Obviously you’re not going to win everything, and you’ll have bad tournaments. You’ve just got to keep on plugging along and take one shot at a time. That’s all you can do, just live in that moment.

How does a 16-year-old girl spend all that prize money?

I have no idea. I mean, I already have a car, so I don’t know what I’m going to do with it. I’m just going to have fun, relax, and hang out with my family.

You’ve taken you father off bag carrying duties for your first full season on tour as a professional and replaced him with a full-time caddy, Greg Johnston. How is that working out?

Greg has caddied for some of LPGA’s top players over the years, so he knows pretty much every

golf course on the circuit. He has a lot of experience, so hopefully it will help me out in the long run, and hopefully he’ll be on my bag for a while. It’s great to just have a good personality match too. That’s really important.

How old were you when you thought you could make a career in golf?

Up until I was nine years old I played all kinds of sports, but I quit them all when I was 10 to focus purely on golf. I started playing in tournaments when I was around seven, and started winning, and that’s when I realised I really wanted to just play golf and do that for my whole life. Being at the US Women’s Open in 2007, when I was 12, was also a bit of a news flash to me, and I came away from that just wanting more of it.

When did you first pick up a club?

When I was around five.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career?

My two brothers, Nicholas and Curtis.

Just having them around when I was growing up was probably the reason why I started playing golf. They’re both professional golfers too, and they have taught me and supported me every step of the way.

What’s been the biggest transition for you moving from the amateur to the professional game?

I’m playing the best golf courses in the world, alongside the best players in the world, but I’m not playing a different game. I just go out there and try and play the best I can.

Which professional players did you admire when you were growing up?

I always looked up to Nancy Lopez and Annika Sorenstam, just because they’re great players and because they’re amazing people off the course, too. They’re so humble and great people to be around. I’ve met Annika a

few times, and Nancy was the captain of the Junior Solheim Cup I was on, so she was like my mum for the week.

What’s the strongest part of your game?

I would say probably my ball striking, off the tee and with my irons, but my putting has gotten a lot better recently.

I’ve worked so many hours on my short game, which has definitely paid off.

There was plenty of controversy around some of your early appearances on tour as an amateur.

How have the players reacted to you now that you’re a fully-fledged pro?

Well, they all said ‘great job’ after my win. Paula Creamer came up to me and said: ‘If anybody was to going to break the record, it was you, and it should have been you’. That meant a lot.

She said that I deserved it. The other players have welcomed me and been really great out there. I don’t think they’ll treat me any differently, they always say ‘good luck’. The welcome has been really great, so hopefully that won’t change.

With all the success of players from Asia and the Far East on the LPGA Tour, you’ve been built up as America’s ‘next best thing’. How are you dealing with the amount of pressure that’s being placed on you?

experience to go through that so early in my professional career, as you can often learn far more about yourself from losing than you do from winning.

Do have any plans to go to college after you’ve finished your high school education?

I haven’t thought about it all really.

I’m focusing on golf now, so I’m pretty busy these next few years. College is always going to be there.

How are you going to avoid burning out?

I love what I do. I’m not feeling pressured to do anything. I have such a great support system, with my family and my sponsors, that if I stay humble around them and my fans, I’ll be fine.

How did winning last year help you evaluate your goals for what you want to accomplish this full season on the Tour?

Getting those two wins under my belt has definitely given me a lot of confidence going forward, but I’m just taking it tournament by tournament, and trying to do my best. As for future goals, I definitely want to win a major, and hopefully, somewhere down the line, I’d like to get to No.1 in the world, but as long as I’m playing good golf, I’ll be happy.

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June 2012 / Issue 211

EwenMurray

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

Chapman reaps Joining the Jacobs party his just reward

Roger Chapman’s biggest payday came just at the right time

O

ne of the most heartwarming stories of the year came from the shores of Lake Michigan last month, when golfing journeyman Roger Chapman finally became a major champion at the tender age of 53.

Roger has been a fine player for many years, having been one of eleven players to clock up 500 events on Tour. His only win came in South America. He never had the belief he should have had, and finishing off tournaments has been a struggle throughout his career. Across the water from Detroit, he won the Senior US PGA Championship, a lifechanging victory at his time of life.

He now enjoys a calendar year on the Champions Tour, and if he wins enough money to be inside the top 30 at the end of the season, he is exempt for the whole of next year, too. His charming wife Cathy has

just begun working for an airline at Heathrow, but that might just be put on hold following his $378,000 win.

It’s nice when it happens to one of the good guys. Roger has been a friend for many years, and all of his peers will be thrilled for him.

The magnitude of this victory will materialise in the months ahead, because I believe he will now go on and win more tournaments.

Belief was all he lacked, and the pension fund will look healthy in the years ahead.

To add to this good news, the following day was a good one for Roger’s former Kent teammate and partner, Jamie Spence, who skipped around Essendon in 64 shots to win the Variety Club Pro-Am, and the first prize of £10,000. Just under a year from turning 50, Jamie looks set to enjoy a profitable Senior career, as his game is neat and tidy – in fact, just like an older version of Luke Donald!

Last month I was honoured to be invited to Bramshaw Golf Club in Hampshire to join the committee and members in celebrating the life of the evergreen John Jacobs.

The day began with an exhibition match featuring Neil Coles, Tommy Horton, Bernard Gallacher and Andrew Murray. They played 11 holes over Bramshaw’s beautifully-prepared parkland course, and gave a display worthy of their considerable skills. Neil is now 78 years young, and down the years, little has changed. He was always acknowledged as one of our truly great ball strikers, and his excellence to this day gives hope to all senior golfers that they can play this game well into the winter of life. Although Tommy plays rarely these days, his ability as a golfing craftsman was there for the 200 spectators to witness.

Twenty of John’s closest friends enjoyed lunch in a private room, before moving onto a stage in

the lounge, where we were joined by club members. It was fun, serious, and sometimes hilarious, as well as emotional, when we relayed our stories of John and the times we have shared with him. Along with the four golfers, I was joined by Val Doonican, now a sprightly 85, and the former PGA Captain, and brilliant afterdinner speaker, John Stirling.

Two hours skipped by in a flash, the members captivated by a man who has achieved so much in golf. Last month, you read in Golf News about John Jacobs’ involvement in setting up the European Tour we enjoy today, but he has delivered so much more than that. He had a fine playing career, was a distinguished course designer, and quite simply, as a teacher of the game, he was 50 years ahead of his time.

Val, who has been a member of the enchanting Beaconsfield Golf Club for many years,

spoke warmly of his lifelong friend and donated one of his impressive paintings to John, who immediately presented it to Bramshaw. It was a painting of an old-fashioned pro shop – perhaps a reminder of John’s time as a club professional at Sandy Lodge. It will take pride of place where he has enjoyed many hours over the last 30 years.

John Stirling has had the odd health problem recently, but once the microphone was grasped, he delivered a rousing speech that had all of us in tears of laughter.

The day was compered by former European Tour boss Ken Schofield, the man Jacobs trusted with the development of the Tour, having laid the foundations himself. All too soon, it was time to go home. It was a day I shall remember for the rest of my life, and on behalf of us all, my thanks go to Bramshaw Golf Club for the humbling welcome we received.

Dream team: John Jacobs (centre) with Tommy Horton, Bernard Gallagher, Andrew Murray and Neil Coles

Honours even among the generations Brian Huggett (centre) is joined by his wife Winnie in receiving Honorary Life Membership of The European Tour

Last month saw The Wentworth Club host another hugely successful BMW PGA Championship, with just over 100,000 spectators pouring through the gates over five days.

We are fortunate to have BMW sponsor several events on Tour, as its tournaments ooze class. The tented village had something for everyone and boasted a wonderful atmosphere.

This event has become one that ranks just below the majors, and has become an important week for the Federation of PGA Tours to meet and plan for the months ahead. It has also become a grand social event too, rather like a golfing Ascot.

During the week, the successful defending champion, Luke Donald, was awarded honorary membership of the European Tour. He was not alone. The Tour’s chief, George O’Grady, also bestowed the highest

honour to former Tour stalwarts Tommy Horton and Brian Huggett.

They have both been there from the first day and have given so much back to the sport.

With John Jacobs, Tommy hosted for over a decade the successful players at the qualifying school, helping them to prepare for their tour careers. Both men have given up much of their time to help and encourage others, serve on committees, and, of course, Brian captained the 1977 Ryder Cup side, before Europe joined forces two years later.

While the tour has honoured many of our modern heroes who have had major success, it’s rather heartening to see the pioneers of what we enjoy today are not forgotten. Brian and Tommy are model professionals, and a credit to the tour and the sport.

June 2012 / Issue 211

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Montgomerie goes back to his roots

Colin Montgomerie meets all the winners of this year’s Golf Roots awards

Former Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie was on hand to dish out the gongs at the Golf Foundation’s annual awards ceremony, which was held at Wentworth during the BMW PGA Championship.

Montgomerie, who is the foundation’s president, greeted each winner on the stage, and commended the good work of the award

No rest for members at R&R! Members at Redhill & Reigate Golf Club in Surrey are enjoying a busy summer of golf and social events as the club gets into the full swing of celebrating its 125th anniversary.

The historic club kicked off the year’s festivities with a pro-am tournament at the end of May, which was won

by Nico Els – no relation to Ernie – with a two-under par 66. Twenty-four teams took part in the event, which was won by Frank Gregory and father and son duo Mike and Richard Stanger.

The pro-am was just one of many events being held at the Redhill-based club to mark the major milestone.

There will also be a series of open tournaments, and a gala ball on July 4. The club, which is the second oldest in Surrey, was founded in 1887, and its 5,272-yard course was redesigned by James Braid during the 1920s.

recipients, who have all helped to significantly advance the Foundation’s cause in schools, communities and golf clubs.

Nine awards were presented in front of the largest ever audience for this long-running event, with one of the key awards going to Royal Worlingham & Newmarket Golf Club, who raised over £4,000

for the foundation during the last 12 months.

Foundation chief executive Mike Round said: “The winners have all done tremendous work as part of our programme, and I hope this inspires everyone to support HSBC Golf Roots for the good of the game, and the next generation of young players.”

Golfs best 2 for 1 membership

Neil Redfern

Join now at www.golfnews.co.uk/greensaver or call 01273 556377

Redfern on fire at Farnham Reigning PGA Surrey Open champion Nick Redfern fired a superb five-under-par 67 to win the Farnham Pro-Am. Redfern picked up a cheque for £1,000 at one of the top proams on the south schedule, which was held in support of the local Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice.

On a day when the sun finally came out and gave everyone the chance to play in the spring warmth, Redfern finished two strokes ahead of the field. Left trailing in second place with a 69 was Peter Appleyard (Redlibbets), and in third with 70s were heavy hitters Guy Woodman (East Berks) and Jamie Harris (Nevill). Redfern’s stellar performance also helped to win the team event.

“It was such a pleasure to play with the sun on our backs,” he said. “The club hosted a wonderful event with the course in excellent condition. My round started very strong, and my only bogey of the round came on the ninth hole. I quickly got the momentum going again with a great comeback birdie on the 10th. Two more birdies on the back nine led to a five-under-par 67 and my first UK win of 2012.”

He added: “This win has really bolstered my confidence, especially given the swing changes I’ve been working on over the last few weeks. I’m focusing now on working hard for the Open Final Qualifying, where I’ve earned an exemption to the final stage through my world ranking.”

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News in Brief

June 2012 / Issue 211

Woods back to Sunday best Tiger Woods conjured a piece of magic to clinch the Memorial Tournament and secure his second title of the year. A stunning chip-in on the par-three 16th proved the decisive moment in a fifth Memorial win to equal Jack Nicklaus’s total of 73 PGA Tour titles.

The former world No.1 shot a final round 67 to finish on nine under par, two shots clear of Andres Romero and Rory Sabbatini.

Woods was four behind leader Spencer Levin at the start of the day, but made a fast start with four birdies in his first seven holes.

He followed that with bogeys at eight and 10, before a further birdie on the 15th. Standing on the 16th tee he was still one behind Sabbatini, and seemingly in trouble after a wayward tee shot to the left of the green.

But his sensational birdie – accompanied by the trademark uppercut fist pump – followed

by Sabbatini’s bogey

‘Belgian bomber’ bags Volvo title Big-hitting Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts bagged the Volvo World Match Play title after beating Graeme McDowell on the final hole to land the £560,000 first prize at Finca Cortesin in Spain. Like last year’s winner Ian Poulter, Colsaerts did not win either of his group games and survived only after a play-off with Charl Schwartzel. His semifinal with Paul Lawrie began with him losing the first four holes, but he then launched a fight back and won at the 20th. That set up a clash with McDowell, who beat Spaniard Rafael Cabrera-Bello on the last, and a year after beating him 2&1 in the quarter-finals he took the £559,865 cheque.

Wolstenholme seals Spanish double Gary Wolstenholme claimed his second European Senior Tour victory in the space of three weeks after a final round of 66 was enough to see off the challenge of Mark James and Mark Mouland at the Benahavis Senior Masters.

The 2011 Senior Tour Rookie of the Year emerged from the pack midway through a roller coaster final day at La Quinta Golf and Country Club, thanks to five birdies in the space of six holes either side of the turn. “It’s just brilliant,” said Wolstenholme. “I had five months off and I had no idea what I was going to come out with this season, but to win the two events in Spain and make the cut at the US Senior PGA Championship, is more than I could have possibly predicted.”

Stunning 60 sets up English for the British!

PGA Tour rookie Harris English followed a recordbreaking 60 at Gleneagles Country Club in Texas, with a 63 in a second round to win America’s International Final Qualifying event for the Open Championship.

English’s stunning 10-under par round over the 6,871-yard Queens Course

featured a run of six birdies on his last six holes, beating the previous course record set by Fred Couples in 1995 by two shots.

The IFQ tournament in America offered eight players the chance to earn a place into the Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes in July,

with a total of 78 players taking up the challenge.

In addition to English, the remaining four automatic spots went to Greg Owen, Stephen Ames, Andres Romero and Justin Hicks, while a play-off for the last three places saw Americans James Driscoll and Bob Estes, and Sweden’s Daniel Chopra make it through at the expense of Scotland’s Russell Knox.

Among the household names to fail to make the grade was 2010 Ryder Cup player Jeff Overton, while European Tour player Henrik Stenson finished 57th, and Englishman Brian Davis finished 52nd.

Jaidee lords it at the Manor Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee won his first European Tour title outside of Asia by taking the Wales Open at a wet and windy Celtic Manor. Jaidee shot a one-over par 72 in the final round to win by a stroke from Spain’s Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano, who leapfrogged his way up the leaderboard with a 67 to tie with Richard Sterne, Thomas Bjorn and Joost Luiten.

It was 42-year-old former paratrooper Jaidee’s fifth win on the tour, but first in Europe. He led by one overnight, but fell one behind after a double-bogey seven at the ninth hole. He didn’t manage a single birdie on the outward nine holes, but from the turn he struck three in a row. That gave the world No.199 some breathing space and meant he could bogey the 16th and the last and still take the £300,000 winner’s cheque with an aggregate six-under par for the tournament.

However, there was controversy on the back nine when Ross Fisher was penalised a shot for slow play when just one shot off the lead. Fisher was deemed to have fallen foul of European Tour rules when he took too long over shots at the 11th and 14th holes and he subsequently fell back to finish in joint sixth.

“I don’t think it’s justice, but there you go,” said Fisher, who was fined £6,000.

However, tour chief referee John Paramor, who gave Fisher, Jaidee and Luiten a warning regarding slow play as early as the sixth hole, was confident he’d made the correct decision after Fisher took 57 seconds over a shot on the 11th having been given 40 by the experienced rules official. “It was a clear bad time,” said Paramor. “Then on the 14th green he took 55 seconds over his first putt. I told him before he teed off at the 15th – and I don’t think he was particularly happy.”

on the 16th in the final group behind, turned the tournament on its head.

A final birdie on 18 sealed Woods’s victory.

On drawing level with tournament host Nicklaus on 73 wins, Woods said: “It’s special for me to do it here, to do it with Jack here. He means a lot to all of us as players. We all looked up to him, and he’s the greatest champion that’s ever lived.”

Woods, who is still four wins short of Nicklaus’s record of 18 majors titles, now has just Sam Snead ahead of him with 82 PGA Tour victories.

“It’s been a pretty nice run since I turned pro,” said Woods, who is 10 years younger than Nicklaus was when he recorded his last win. “To do it aged 36 is not too shabby. I’ve been very proud of what I’ve done so far. I feel I’ve got a lot of good years ahead of me.”

With his second win of the season, Woods has now moved up to fourth in the world rankings.

Olazabal opts for four vices

European captain José María Olazábal has confirmed that he will be selecting four vicecaptains for the team that will defend the Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club on September 28-30. Scotching rumours that he was thinking about relying on just two assistants, Olazábal said: “I don’t know where the idea has come from, but I want to make it clear that I will be selecting four vice captains.

This is what Davis [Love] and I agreed in Chicago at the ‘Year Out’ meeting last September.

He added: “I have said many times that as a vicecaptain myself in 2008 and 2010, I learned that you need a lot of help. You need extra eyes to follow the players in the practice

rounds, and to gather as much information as you can about how everyone is playing. Then it is important to have each match watched, because you have to hand in your pairings for the afternoon matches when the players are still out on the course. That means it is absolutely essential to have all the information you can get before you put those pairings down on paper to be handed in.

“I would say it is almost impossible to captain a Ryder Cup team with less than four.

So I want to make it quite clear to everyone that I will be selecting four, and that never at any time have I considered reducing that number to three, let alone two.”

June 2012 / Issue 211

Northern Ireland did not give up its collective grip on the US Open title until the very last putt.

Try as Graeme McDowell did, he could not force in the 25-footer on the final green which would have forced a play-off with Webb Simpson.

And so, after a two-year stint on this of the Atlantic, the US Open trophy returned home, as Simpson, a 25-yearold freshed-faced graduate from North Carolina, made it three major wins in succession for Uncle Sam. On a drama-filled final day, which featured the rise and fall of so many potential champions, Simpson produced a burst of birdies around the turn, which were ultimately to win the crown on one-over par. And for that, Simpson was the deserving champion.

Yet many will have left The Olympic Club, one of the most challenging US Open venues in recent years, bemoaning their bad luck. Of course, McDowell will think of that birdie attempt and wonder why, like at the Ryder Cup two years ago, he could not muster the heroics needed to push him over the line.

But deep down he’ll know that he lost it long before that final putt on the 18th. Starting out as overnight leader with Jim Furyk, McDowell dropped four shots as a result of a succession of poor tee shots. Only his customary courage saw him fight back into contention, with a gutsy birdie the 17th, getting him to within a shot of Simpson’s clubhouse total.

After arriving at the Olympic Club following three missed cuts, the 2010 US Open champion walks away knowing that he still has the game to compete in this most challenging of environments.

“There’s a mixture of emotions inside me right now,“ said McDowell, after he came off the final green.

“Disappointment, deflation, pride.

But mostly just frustration. I hit only three fairways in the final round of the tournament, and you can’t do that in the US Open. Although the opportunity on the last was nice to have, and I wished I had holed it, you can’t take anything from Webb, who shot 68, 68 on the weekend.”

Of the other high finishers, Furyk will perhaps have the reason to feel will feel most aggrieved, having led for so much of the final two rounds.

For hours, it appeared that his calm demeanour and consistent game would replay his career highlight of 2003. But Furyk faltered just when he needed to stay strong, bogeying the 16th after a hooked drive and

/ 47

US Open trophy returns to home soil as Webb Simpson foils Graeme McDowell’s bid for further Major glory at brutal Olympic Club

OLYMPIC CHAMPION! Simpson became the 9th consecutive first-time Major winner

Woods endured a torrid weekend

then failing to birdie the 17th or 18th.

A 74 was not what he was expecting.

“It was my tournament to win,” said Furyk, ruefully.

And then there was Lee Westwood, whose long search for that elusive major goes on, following a 73, which left him a tie for 10th, four strokes back. The world No.3 received a bad bounce – or rather a complete lack of a bounce – on the fifth hole, just when he seemed he that he was working his way into the fray. His tee shot was only a few feet off line, but caught a tree, got stuck up in the canopy, and was never to be seen

again. Westwood had no option but to return to the tee, and the resulting double bogey six took the wind from his sails. An eagle at the par-five 17th saw him claw into the top 10, but it’s another big one that got away from the ultra-consistent 39-year-old.

It left the way for McDowell and Padraig Harrington to fly the European flag. Harrington posted a fine 68, which earned the Dubliner a tie for fourth on three-over par.

Harrington wasn’t the only major winner from yesteryear threatening to bring back the glory days. Ernie Els eagled the seventh in thrilling fashion to set up thoughts of a thrilling major comeback for a man who failed to make the field in April’s US Masters. But a next-hole bogey, and a succession a birdie putts that came up short, left the hero of 1997, a few shots shy of the required total.

Among the also-rans, an honourable mention should go to Michael Thompson, another young American, who set the clubhouse lead at two-over par after closing 68. But he could watch on helplessly as Simpson chipped from the greenside rough on

helped me stay calm. I thought even though Graeme had a 20-footer, it was probably going to hit the hole or have a good chance. I couldn’t be happier right now.”

Few would have identified Simpson as the winner at the start of the week.

This was his third title, having made a big impression last season. Indeed, he ran Luke Donald close for the PGA Tour money-list title. But this is a significant step up. His victory, heralded or not, sees the ninth first-time major winner in succession, with the last 15 majors having been won by 15 different golfers. Much of that chopping and changing is down to the indifferent form of one man – Tiger Woods, who looked for all the world to be the likely winner at the half-way stage, but whose error-strewn weekend rounds of 74 and 73 saw him finish tied for 21st.

Woods’s next major appearance will be at The Open Championship in Lancashire in a month’s time, where he will be attempting to break a run of 13 consecutive major championships without a win. Maybe he’ll strike it lucky in Lytham.

McDowell came close to bagging another US Open title, while defending champion Rory McIlroy missed the cut

the final hole with a deft touch and seal the deal from with a par putt from three feet.

The locker room is never the ideal place from which to win a Major, but Simpson was happy to take it, sitting beside his wife, Dowd, with whom he is expecting his second child in a few month’s time.

“It was pretty nerve wracking,” said Simpson, after collecting a cheque for nearly $1m. I probably prayed more the last three holes than I’ve ever done in my life. It

2012 US OPEN FINAL LEADBERBOARD 1 2 2 4 4 4 4 4 9

W SIMPSON M THOMPSON G MCDOWELL D TOMS P HARRINGTON J PETERSON J DUFNER J FURYK E ELS

72 66 69 69 74 71 72 70 5

73 75 72 70 70 70 71 69 69

68 74 68 76 71 72 70 70 68

68 67 73 68 68 70 70 74 72

281 282 282 283 283 283 283 283 284

+1 +2 +2 +3 +3 +3 +3 +3 +4

Once again, more players trusted FJ shoes at the U.S. Open than any other manufacturer.

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June 2012 / Issue 211

Cleveland/Srixon ambassador Ben Clayto qualities of Cleveland Golf’s range of new don’t have to swing harder to hit them fa

Cleveland the extra 2-PIECE GOLF BALL*

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Choosing the right driver for your game is imperative to hitting a consistently long golf ball. If you’re using something that you struggle to hit long and straight, it’s worth checking in with your PGA pro and getting fitted up for a new driver using the GC2 launch monitors.

This will tell you everything you need to know about your swing fundamentals and could be the key to unlocking the potential within your swing for a better driving game.

Launch monitors will show you the spin rates and launch angles you produce when hitting a driver. These are two of the biggest factors to consider when choosing the driver that is right for you. Couple this with a custom ball fitting service, such as that offered by Srixon, and you could be on the way to crushing bombs down the centre of the fairway.

Cleveland Golf has introduced the Cleveland Classic driver for 2012 – as used by current US PGA Champion Keegan Bradley and former US Open champion Graeme McDowell – as well as the CG Black driver, to help golfers increase their swing speed.

Speaking about his new Classic driver, McDowell said: “Aesthetically, it is a great looking club. I am a huge fan of deep face drivers, along with the full-on persimmon vibe it has, which with 21st century technology, makes it a very easy club to hit.

It gives me a great set of launch and spin conditions and a strong ball flight. Plus, I get the bonus of an old-fashioned ‘thud’ sound of a persimmon wood – and it is very long.”

The Cleveland Classic driver is the most advanced combination of style and performance in a titanium driver. Inspired by old persimmon drivers, the Classic driver has a traditional pear-shaped profile, with the largest, deepest clubface ever produced

by Cleveland. The face promotes a hot, penetrating ball flight, while MaxCOR2 technology provides maximum distance on off-centre hits. Ultralite technology helps players generate increased head speed and distance with the same swing effort.

Bradley said: “This driver has an incredible look and an incredible feel – driving the ball just became a whole lot more fun.”

If you’re are the type of golfer who needs to increase your swing speed, then the CG Black driver is going to be the choice for you. Weighing in at only 265 grammes, it is the lightest driver on the market, and helps players generate measurable increases in swing speed and distance with the same swing effort.

Advanced aerodynamics on the crown of the club help maximise distance by reducing airflow drag during the swing, while the MaxCOR2 Variable Face helps to gain distance in the same way as the Cleveland Classic. Weight screws at the rear of the sole plate also help to promote a high, draw-biased trajectory due to the lower and deeper centre of gravity.

Like the Classic 270, the CG Black also features a Miyazaki C. Kua 39 Limited Edition graphite shaft. This, combined with a lightweight Golf Pride Tour 25 grip, further decreases the overall weight of the club

to help produce faster swing speeds, thus making the CG Black driver ideal for the golfer looking to effortlessly increase his swing speed and gain vital extra yards from the tee.

Once you have chosen the driver that suits your game, there are four key fundamentals to consistently longer, straighter drives, as explained by Cleveland Golf/Srixon ambassador and PGA Pro Ben Clayton.

1 SET UP

It all starts with a good setup. The setup is the foundation of the golf swing. With a driver the ball position is inside your front foot at address. From this position my right shoulder is lower than my left, which promotes a sweeping action through the ball.

2 TAKE AWAY

From here I can start to swing the club back on line. My checkpoint for this is when the club is horizontal to the floor the club should be parallel to my toe line.

3 TOP OF THE BACKSWING

I can then turn to the top of my backswing and, as you can see, I am loading my weight behind the ball ready to swing though to a balanced finish position.

4 FOLLOW-THROUGH

This is all possible from a good foundation, where I can make an athletic swing, while still swinging the club within myself – guaranteeing a good contact.

For more instructional tips from B the Apple store, Blackberry App W the Cleveland Classic or CG Black

June 2012 / Issue 211

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on showcases the distance-enhancing w drivers for 2012, and reveals how you arther

d goes distance

1

2

3

4

Ben Clayton, download the Cleveland Golf short game app via World and Google Play. If you would like to learn more about k driver, please visit www.clevelandgolf.com.

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Multi-alloy design strategically positions weight to provide explosive long irons and consistent short irons. Full cavity thermoplastic urethane layer dampens vibration and provides exceptional feel.

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June 2012 / Issue 211

QUAD-Fit Stockists QUAD-Fit Stockists Poult Wood Golf Centre Poult Wood Golf Centre Tonbridge, Kent Tonbridge, Kent 01732 364 039 01732 364 039

OUTLET OUTLETSTORE STORE

Ecco Golf Street for women RRP: £99-£110 Contact: www.eccogolf.com You can’t have missed a number of top pros wearing soft-soled shoes at last month’s BMW PGA Championship, and, when conditions allow, this type of footwear offers the ideal balance of comfort, support and traction. Ecco has pioneered this foot-first approach, and its Golf Street range, which has been designed to be worn on and off the golf course, has proved hugely popular since its launch in 2009. The latest addition to the range is the new women’s collection, which offers an array of eye-catching designs and fun colours. Exclusively handcrafted from luxurious leathers at Ecco’s own factories, all the shoes in are designed and constructed using the Scandinavian principle that form must follow function. This approach to shoemaking merges with the company’s use of direct-injection technology to ensure unrivalled durability, flexibility, lightness and weather resistance. The Streets, which are a hybrid sport-casual shoe, feature distinctive uppers, high-fashion leathers and finishes, alongside subtle patterning, bright colours and silver rivet detailing, while the much talked about outsole has moulded TPU traction bars that boast hundreds of traction angles for superb grip in all conditions.

Golf Pride Z-Grip Cord RRP: £15.99 Contact: www.golfpride.com Golf Pride has unveiled its firmest, stiffest grip yet with the new Z-Grip Cord. As its name cunningly suggests, the Z-Grip features a deep Z-shaped texture pattern that winds vertically around the grip, aiding control and moisture management and maximising responsiveness. Specifically designed to reduce twisting at impact, the Z-Grip Cord joins a plethora of new Golf Pride grips for 2012, including the new Decade MultiCompound Whiteout, Tour Velvet 360, Tour Velvet BCT Cord White and Tour Wrap 2G White.

Bioflow Sport Wristbands RRP: £29.99 Contact: www.bioflowsport.com No professional golfers worth a candle would be seen dead walking the fairways these days without some sort of plastic or metallic piece of jewellery adorning their wrist or neck. Whether these bits of kit are able to hold back time itself, reverse the polarity of the stars, or overcome the effects of jetlag, no-one is quite sure, but that’s not the point. Bioflow Sport wristbands are among the latest must-have wrist accessories, and are currently being worn by a panoply of golf stars, including world No.3 Lee Westwood and Ryder Cup hopeful Paul Lawrie. They feature unique magnotherapy technology, which is thought to improve blood flow, encouraging healing and cell regeneration.

The magnets are housed in a water-resistant silicone wristband that comes in five colours (black, blue, red, green and white) and five sizes (XS, S, M, L and XL).

Rife Belly Putters Titleist 910H Hybrid RRP: £195 Contact: www.titleist.co.uk Replacing the hugely successful 909H, the 910 hybrids deliver total performance and versatility with improvements in flight, sound, look and feel over their predecessor. With a completely redesigned head, the 910H generates higher launch with less spin for greater control and consistency. In addition, the 910H features the same adjustable SureFit Tour hosel seen in the 910 D2 and D3 drivers. This means loft and lie can be independently adjusted in any one of 16 positions to promote different flight characteristics. It is available in 17, 19, 21, and 24-degree lofts.

RRP: £179-£199 Contact: www.rifeputters.co.uk Rife has added several new styles of putters to its extensive range, following the launch of three belly putters and a single long putter, all of which have the bonus of being able to be custom-fitted. Retailers will have the use of an extendable putter that can be used in store or on the putting green, so that the perfect length of putter can be found for golfers. Coupled with Rife’s LieAline fitting system, which helps set the putters correct lie angle, it will be possible to have a flatstick that works for a golfer’s swing, shape and size.

The belly range features the Barbados, Deep Blue and Two Bar Hybrid Mallet putters, and the long range includes the Two Bar Hybrid Mallet putter. All models also feature Rife’s trademark RollGroove face technology for a quick, true roll.

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Bollé Draft sunglasses RRP: £108 Contact: www.bolle.com Bollé’s Draft sunglasses feature light-reactive, impact-resistant Trivex lenses for superior visual acuity in all conditions. The amber tint increases contrast to give sharp, crisp vision on the course, while the wraparound frame blocks glare from all angles, making them ideal for hayfever sufferers, as they keep pollen away from the eyes.

Puma EvoSpeed shoes RRP: £100 Contact: www.puma.com The new evoSPEED golf shoe is part of a sports-specific performance footwear collection from Puma, all of which feature lightweight materials and offer increased flexibility, and an optimised fit that enables greater freedom of movement to enhance speed. Speed doesn’t mean sacrificing support, with the FAAS Trac shoe – which is currently being worn by Rickie Fowler – offering high levels of stability and traction in equal measure. The outsole combines directionally-molded S2Quill spikes with replaceable S2Quill spikes for ultimate grip, while the uppers are both breathable and waterproof. Dispensing with Puma’s classic formstripe, the graphics on the mainly white uppers feature a Usain Boltinspired lightening flash, with the Puma logo located on the tongue.

Golfino Extra Dry iqué Polo

Stewart Golf GB Bags

RRP: £79.95 Contact: www.golfino.com

RRP: £89-£179

Founded in 1986, Italian golfing fashion brand Golfino is positioned at the luxury end of the apparel market, using high quality materials and production techniques to make elegant, fashionable, yet extremely practical clothing that includes collections for men, ladies and juniors. This men’s short-sleeved polo shirt, which is from the spring/summer 2012 Green Label Collection, mixes fashion with function, thanks to its extra dry material, which ensures fast removal of moisture from the body, keeping core temperatures down and the golfer comfortable.

This piqué shirt, in eye-catching orange, features rib stripes on the sleeves, with collar and button fastening. Buy online or at a variety of high street stores or high-end pro shops, including Wentworth.

Contact: www.stewartgolf.com

Kangol Hats RRP: £83-£104 Contact: www.kangol.com Given a boost when fashion icon Samuel L Jackson sported one in recent renewals of the Dunhill Links Championship, Kangol hats remain a key piece for golfing fashionistas.

The popular Made in England collection returns this summer in three classic styles to suit all types of golfer, including flat cap, baker boy and bucket offerings.

Combining traditional techniques with premium craftsmanship, each hat is made in England, or Yorkshire, to be more specific, with the various British checks being named after towns in the county – Burton, Copley and Kendray. Kendray check is described as the ‘Best of British’ with a very patriotic blue, red and white check, while Copley is a far more subtle plaid, in tones of blue and grey. The Burton fabric has an exploded chequered design in monochrome, with a fine red thread running through it. All are finished with a branded metal pin and ‘Made in England’ label on the inside.

Lynx Black Cat Plus Irons Rating: RRP: £399.95 Contact: www.lynxgolf.co.uk Golf seems to have developed a synergy with furry animals from the wild over the years, with tigers, lions, panthers and pumas all having been used to create marketable brands for both players and equipment. One with arguably the longest heritage is Lynx, whose clubs have been around since the 1970s. And they weren’t just hackers clubs back in the day. Indeed, Fred Couples won the US Masters in 1992 with set of them in the bag, and they worked their magic for Ernie Els at the US Open two years later. Some might call it the Lynx Effect.

However, since those heady days, Lynx slipped off our collective radar for the best part of 20 years, with only the odd off-the-shelf high street sets finding its way into consumer’s hands.

But, as the new marketing blurb says, The Cat is Back. And what they’ve come back with looks rather good. OK, the ambitions to win Majors with the new range of kit may have gone out of the window, but Lynx is targeting the Average Joe these days, offering well made, nicely engineered products at a sensible price point. The middle market might be the fiercest in a recession, but there’s enough heritage in this brand to still command a small, but significant audience among casual golfers looking for a set of sticks that will get the job done without breaking the bank.

The Black Cat Plus Irons are a fine example of just that.

Made from high quality stainless steel with a classy smoked PVD finish, they are an ideal choice for the high handicapper looking for a confidence-inspiring iron that will give them every assistance in getting the ball up in the air with the minimum of fuss.

I like the way they sit behind the ball, and the overall head design is unfussy, yet with plenty of technology going on in the cavity, including a shock absorbing cartridge, which takes the vibrations out of slight miss-hits. Featuring True Temper Black Gold FM shafts and soft-feeling Golf Pride DD2 Grips, there has been no skimping on the specifications either. Distance and feel are excellent, while a slight offset will encourage the ball to draw back into the centre of the fairway. The cat is indeed back, and he might well be purring.

With the Golden Jubilee and the Olympics dominating the headlines, golf trolley specialist Stewart Golf has launched a timely new range of patriotic golf bags that are decked out with GB cresting. The 2012 collection features five models, all with their own distinctive features. Stand bag users can choose form the S1 SuperLight (£89) or the W3 Waterproof (£129), while trolley dollies can opt for the C3 Cart Bag (£129), which offers 14-way dividers and 11 pockets, or the chunkier T3 Tour Bag (£179), which has all the bells and whistles of a full-sized tour bag. For those looking for something half-way between the two, the T3-H Tour/Cart Hybrid (£179) looks like a tour bag, but sits neatly on a trolley.

All these bags are being offered at a 10% discount if bought before the end of August.

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June 2012 / Issue 211

1. Nike Golf VRS

2. Ping G20 Irons

3. Benross Quad Speed RIP

RRP: £440

RRP: £80/£100 per club

RRP: £399.99

Contact: www.nikegolfeurope.com

Contact: www.pingeurope.com

Contact: www.benrossgolf.com

Nike’s latest game improvement iron is constructed from high strength, thin stainless steel with variable face-thickness technology. The face construction expands the COR zone around the middle and lower area of the face, making if extremely forgiving on off-centre hits. Powerbow Technology positions weight off the face with under-cut construction, producing faster, higher launch for a maximum carry with straighter ball flight. Fitted with a lightweight True Temper Dynalite 90 shaft, it generates more swing speed by promoting maximum energy transfer during the swing.

The G20s combine a multi-material tuning port in the cavity with an ultra-thin face to create Ping’s most forgiving ever iron. The cavity badge is made from aluminium, with soft elastomer heel and toe sections to enhance feel. Combined with Ping’s CFS (Control, Feel, Stability) steel shaft, the structure behind the thin face helps provide consistent distance control throughout the set. The thin face also allows weight to be redistributed to the perimeter and the back of the head, which enhances forgiveness, as well as producing a high launch.

The new RIPs sit at the lower end of the handicap spectrum for game improvement irons, meaning that they will appeal to players seeking forgiving qualities, but not at the expense of playability. A cavity back head design, incorporating perimeter weighting and a slightly offset hosel, provides plenty of stability on slight miss-hits and a solid strike off a wide part of the face. Laser-cut grooves and tour lofts provide a high, yet penetrating ball flight, with plenty of spin on the shorter irons. A beautiful, non-glare smoked chrome finish provides an appealing view at address.

4. Callaway RAZR XL RRP: £549/£699 (8-piece set, st/gr)

Launch it long and straight with the latest game improvement irons

Contact: www.callawaygolf.com Fitting into the category of ‘super game improvement’ irons, the RAZR X HLs are packed with features that offer maximum distance and forgiveness for high handicap golfers. HL stands for High Launch, and these irons feature a lower centre of gravity to help launch the ball with the minimum of effort. The stainless steel heads feature a wide, confidence-inspiring sole for solid shotmaking from all types of lies, while an undercut cavity keeps the centre of gravity low and deep to help get the ball airborne and maximize ball speeds. A medallion on the back of the head fine-tunes sound and enhances feel.

4

1

2

5

3 6

5. Cleveland CG Black Irons RRP: £659 (graphite only) Contact: www.clevelandgolf.com The CG Black irons are aimed at mid-to-high handicappers with slower swing speeds that are seeking a forgiving iron that will help to rediscover lost distance. Featuring a black PVD finish, they offer a multi-material construction that incorporates a thin titanium face which helps generate increased ball speed and added distance. The large face area translates into an increased sweet spot for more forgiveness on off-centre hits, while an undercut channel in the cavity moves weight lower and further back in the head to improve launch conditions. They are available with a light Miyazaki C. Kua 59 graphite shaft that encourages faster swing speeds and a thicker-than-standard Lamkin Lite grip.

HIGH & MIGHTY 7

8

6. Adams Idea A12 OS

7. Cobra AMP irons

8. Mizuno JPX-800 HD irons

RRP: £599/£699 (st/gr)

RRP: £549/£649 (st/gr) 4-PW

RRP: £75/£100 per club (st/gr)

Contact: www.adamsgolf.com

Contact: www.cobragolf.co.uk

Contact: www.mizunoeurope.eu

The a12s are an iron/hybrid combination set that can be configured in various ways to suit a player’s preferences.

The three irons (9, PW, GW) feature ultra-thin faces, perimeter weighting and low centre of gravity, while two transitional hybrids (7,8) bridge the gap between the full hybrids (4, 5, 6), and the irons. The hybrids features Velocity Slot Technology to produce a spring-like effect across the face, which improves forgiveness and increases launch angle without increasing spin. Shaft options include Grafalloy Pro Launch Blue graphite shafts or True Temper Performance steel, both of which come with Lamkin grips.

Cobra’s Advanced Material Placement irons aimed at ‘any level of golfer looking for improved distance and accuracy.

Tinged with orange in the cavity, hosel, shaft and on the grip, the AMPs improve upon the performance of Cobra’s E9 Face Technology. This is achieved by plasma welding a thin, high strength steel face to a stainless steel body.

This head design, which gets progressively smaller from long irons to the wedge, creates faster ball speeds off the long and mid irons, while offering exceptional feel off the short irons. A V-Skid triple sole relieves heel-toe sections to reduce turf drag and add to the sole’s versatility.

The JPX-800 HD irons combine the power and distance of the original JPX-800 iron with a high-launching, more forgiving clubhead. They feature a wide sole with Mizuno’s new C-Grind, a sizeable amount of offset and a thick top-line – all of which will help high handicappers get the most from their game. The heads progressively reduce in size from the longer irons to the shorter irons, while a pocket cavity is located on the 4 to 7 irons. The lower irons (8-PW) feature a more solid design, created to improve control. They come with the Fujikura Orochi Dragon graphite shaft as standard.

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Cobra Puma Golf adds a new level of luxury and performance to the golf market with the launch of the Ferrari Golf Collection

Formula for success Fans of iconic Italian sports car company Ferrari can now extend their love of the brand following the launch of a complete range of golf equipment bearing the company’s famous red livery and prancing horse logo.

The Ferrari Golf Collection, which has been developed through a collaboration with Cobra-Puma Golf, sees the launch of a premium range of branded woods, irons, shoes, clothing and a variety of golf accessories.

“It’s a high-end collection the likes of which the golf industry has never seen before,” said Bob Philion, President of Cobra Puma Golf. “It brings together the best of Cobra Puma Golf, enriched with the expertise of Ferrari, in a superior product offering of equipment, apparel, accessories and footwear. We are thrilled to be working

with Ferrari SpA on this long-term collection to bring a new, premium golf product line up to consumers.”

The base design of the Ferrari driver is Cobra’s ZL Encore, whose aerodynamics have been refined by Ferrari’s engineers to create a club that delivers faster clubhead speeds through reduced drag. Changes to the original design included new angles along the perimeter of the face, smoothing of the bottom sole surfaces and raising the trailing edge higher off the ground to delay separation. These new designs, along with multi-material construction, have resulted in distance increases of six to 10 yards.

“The Ferrari driver is a work of art,” said Tom Preece, Cobra’s vice president of R&D. “We worked with Ferrari engineers to create a truly impressive driver that outperforms. To add to the allure, the driver features a handstitched leather grip, a headcover made from genuine Ferrari leather, a premium Fujikura Motore Speeder shaft, and it is packaged up in a luxurious display box.”

The Ferrari Golf Collection, which goes on sale in July at Ferrari’s online store and selected retail outlets, also includes polo shirts, sweaters, jackets, footwear and accessories, including belts, gloves, umbrellas, luggage, and golf bags. A selection of the accessories, such as the golf bag and the duffel bag, are made from Poltrana Frau Leather, which is the same material used in Ferrari GT cars.

The Tech Polo uses state of the art fabrics and technology such as COOLMAX All Season, UPF 50+ and moisture wicking, for a shirt that keeps

wearers comfortable and stylish in any weather. The On Course Jacket is breathable, wind resistant and water resistant, and features contrast red stitching on black fabric, mirroring the interior styling of a Ferrari car.

The collection’s range of shoes is handcrafted in Italy, featuring full-grain leather uppers and soles. Available in white or black, the shoe uses Puma’s S2Quill technology to provide a shoe that not only provides superior traction, stability and support, but is the epitome of fashion and technology.

For a list of authorised retailers or for more information, visit www.ferrarigolfcollection.com.

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June 2012 / Issue 211

Carnoustie calls for jet-set golfers

Langer’s Links Golfers are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding stunning links golf in Ireland, but you don’t have to stray too far from the capital city of Dublin if you want to combine a golfing break with a weekend in one of Europe’s party capitals.

Activities Ireland is currently offering a stunning three-night, four-round package – including one free night’s accommodation – at the four-star Hilton Hotel, which is located just 15 minutes from the airport, and five minutes from the

delightful village of Malahide – home to the famous Portmarnock Links.

Designed by former Ryder Cup captain Bernhard Langer, each hole on the links is played

along narrow undulating fairways to magnificent greens for a classic test of golf.

The package also includes rounds at Malahide, Howth and St Magarets, all of which

are gems in their own right, and add up to a challenging, yet entertaining quartet of tracks to create a memorable short break.

With free return transfers to and from the golf courses to the hotel, and a €50 discount on offer for groups of more than eight people, it’s too good a trip to miss.

Prices start from €350 per person, based on two people sharing a twin room.

For more information visit www.activitiesireland.ie or call 00 353 1 5056794, quoting ‘Hilton Offer’.

City-based golfers looking for the fast track to the first tee at some of Europe’s finest links courses are set to benefit from a new service from London’s City Airport.

Leading golf breaks company Your Golf Travel has forged a partnership with Londonbased executive airline CityJet to offer a comprehensive range of tailor-made packages to top golf destinations, including St Andrews, Carnoustie and The K Club.

With 15-minute check-ins and no charges for taking golf clubs, flying off for quick golf break has never been more convenient.

Golfers using YGT’s CityJet Golf Breaks can enjoy a twonight stay at the five-star Fairmont St Andrews resort in Scotland, including two rounds of golf and return flights on a B&B basis, from just £379 per person.

A two-night package at the

CORNISH CREAM

Carnoustie Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa with B&B, flights and three rounds of golf costs £459 per person – including a round on the famed Championship Course.

Further afield, there is a wide choice of breaks available in Europe, with offers including three nights’ B&B at Hotel du Golf Barriere Deauville, return flights and a round of golf at Deauville and L’Amiraute from £429 per person.

Euan Gillon, spokesman for Your Golf Travel.com, said: “With the present state of the economy, time is of the essence and nowhere does this apply more than in the city. There are many people that would love the chance to enjoy a short golf break and our new link with CityJet provides the perfect solution for time-poor city workers.”

For more details go to www.yourgolftravel.com or call 0800 043 6644.

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June 2012 / Issue 211

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Rising to the 2010 Challenge Awarded 5 Star Gold Award by British Tourist Board

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27 holes of fantastic golf

www.dorsetgolfresort.com The Dorset Golf Hotel and Luxury Log homes for rent FREE GOLF Air-conditioned clubhouse facilities l Restaurant offering an extensive menu l On site accommodation in the Dorset Golf Hotel 16 twin rooms l From £64.25 pppn including Dinner, B&B and FREE GOLF l l

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Anyone who witnessed the 38th Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor almost two years ago can’t have failed to have got caught up in the nerve-wrangling drama that unfolded over those four days at the famous Welsh resort.

Although the conditions at times tested the patience of the players and the thousands of spectators that week, the course captured the imagination of both, firmly cementing it as one the truly great venues in the history of the biannual tournament between Europe and the United States.

Ever since Graeme McDowell’s stunning putt on the 16th green of the purpose-built 2010 Course, fans have been beating a path to the stunning five-star resort – which is located just a few miles over the Severn Bridge near Newport – in the hope that a bit of that Ryder Cup magic might rub off on their own games.

Creating your own golfing memories at this fabulous resort won’t be too hard, as there are numerous tailor-made ‘stay and play’ packages designed to help you do just that.

Summer golf breaks start from £89 for those looking for an overnight stay for two people in the four-star Manor House Hotel, which adjoins the main resort. This 36-hole package includes rounds on The Montgomerie and Roman Road courses, a full Welsh breakfast, and full use

£38.00pp (min 8 players)

round on either The Montgomerie or Roman Road course after 2pm on Monday afternoon, costs £298 per pair, and a twin room in the fivestar hotel can be added to the booking for an extra £98.

Dorset’s premier golfing venue not to be missed!

Telephone no: 01929 472244

For more details and reservations, please visit www.celtic-manor.com or call 01633 410263.

of The Forum Health Club’s facilities. This breaks costs £119 if guests stay on a Friday or Saturday night.

For those wishing to play the 2010 Course, tee timeonly packages on selected dates this summer can be booked for just £89, while the 2010 Experience, which includes breakfast, 18 holes, and a two-course lunch, costs from £129.

For those looking for an extra special break, why not enter the Ryder Cup Anniversary Challenge, which takes place on Tuesday,

September 25.

Marking the second anniversary of the tournament’s staging, this exclusive pairs event offers golfers a full day’s entertainment at Celtic Manor, comprising a full Welsh breakfast in the 2010 Clubhouse; 18 holes of four-ball better ball pairs golf, with live scoring; Champagne reception in the European team room, and a three-course dinner in the USA team room.

The package, which also includes a complimentary

FREE GOLF At The Ashbury Golf Hotel The UK’s Largest Golf Resort

Set in the foothills of Dartmoor National Park, Devon.

The Ashbury Golf Hotel is the ideal venue for your golf break.

Oakwood 16th 172 yards, Par 3

Ashbury 6th 410 yards, Par 4

7 x 18 hole course options all on one site!

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58 /

June 2012 / Issue 211

Victoria Course

Portugal’s stunning Algarve coast is rightly regarded as one of the best holiday destinations in Europe. It has the hotels, it has the beaches, it has the nightlife and it has the weather. And if it’s great golf you’re after, it has that in abundance too

TREAT YOURSELF TO TIVOLI

Vilamoura, in the heart of the Algarve, is actually one big golfers’ playground, with a multitude of fabulous courses spanning an area of more than 20km. From European Tour venues, such as the Arnold Palmer-designed Victoria, to enduring classics likes the famed Old Course, not to mention the latest additions to the Vilamoura portfolio from Nick Faldo and Christy O’Connor, this is a region that caters for everybody.

Being conveniently located so close to Faro airport – itself just a short flight from the UK - a break to the golfing mecca of Vilamoura will no doubt be high on many people’s wish lists. And with a shuttle bus service ferrying visitors between the various courses, hotels, and the famous marina, getting around is a breeze.

The marina itself is at the very heart of the resort, and is where you’ll find the bars, cafes

To book or for more information please visit www.golfbreaks.com or call 0800 279 7988

The Tivoli Marina Hotel

and restaurants that make Vilamoura such a lively place.

With so much regal golf to be enjoyed, it’s only right that the accommodation be fit for a king, and on that front Tivoli Hotels delivers, with two fantastic five-star properties in the region. As the name suggests, the Tivoli Marina is in a superb location

in the heart of Vilamoura, and even has its own private section of spectacular sandy beach, while the stunning Victoria hotel overlooks the championship golf course of the same name.

Head west along the Algarve you’ll find the four-star Tivoli Carvoeiro among the cliffs of the Vale Covo beach, only a few yards from the beautiful beach and within walking distance of the lovely town centre of Carvoeiro.

Continue west to Lagos to Hotel Tivoli Lagos which is a popular choice with many golfers, just a stones throw from many bar.

Situated on the hillside above the charming city of Lagos, within its own gardens, the hotel has three swimming pools, a variety of on-site restaurants, and some great local golf courses to sample, including Alamos and Morgado, both of

which offer a quieter, more relaxing round of golf.

The region has been popular for many years Algarve Golf news ad 7:Layout 1 15/6/12 13:18

The Tivoli Victoria Hotel

with golfers thanks largely to a handful of excellent courses nearby, including Pestana and Gramacho.

With four great Tivoli hotels, and a wide choice of excellent courses, golfers can be sure that whatever type of break they want, the central and western Algarve regions will make any trip a memorable one.

Page 1

For all the great offers below visit www.golfbreaks.com Call 0800 279 7988 Email sales@golfbreaks.com Terms and conditions: Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in exchange rates. Golfbreaks.com terms and conditions apply. All prices are per person based on two sharing (unless otherwise stated) and are subject to availability.

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June 2012 / Issue 211

Golf du Médoc Hotel and Spa, one of the finest golf complexes in France, have established a way for anyone keen to avoid the inevitable hordes of people attending the Olympics in the UK this summer, by inviting them to their award-winning resort throughout July and August to de-stress. The resort is gearing up for a successful summer offering various packages that coincide with the London Olympics and give UK golfers the opportunity to escape from London and the home counties for a break during the summer.

As well as their core markets of traditional golf breaks of anything between two or three nights, the resort has put together packages from

/ 59

Sample vintage golf in Médoc five to 10 days, with additional activities and tours on offer in and around the Bordeaux region, as well as trips to some of the world famous vineyards of the Médoc.

Situated 30 minutes from Bordeaux, Golf du Médoc boasts two 18-hole championship golf courses – Les Chateaux and Les Vignes – that vary in character, but provide excellent tests of golf. The former offers more of a links-type challenge, while the latter is reminiscent of heathland courses found in the south of England.

With flights scheduled on a daily basis from numerous airports in the UK, the resort is conveniently situated just 25 minutes from Bordeaux airport, and the 90-minute flight time ensures that golf lovers can spend maximum time on the courses.

Three-night packages, which include accommodation in a double room with breakfast, three rounds on a choice of four courses, and free access to the spa, start from €297 per person. For details on the latest offers, visit www. hotel-golf-du-medoc.com.

Not too late for Czech date

Abante Golf, the market leader in hosting golfers in the Czech Republic, is to host the second annual Czech Golf Festival in July.

After the success of last year’s inaugural event, Abante is delighted to be welcoming golfers back to experience the best that the country has to offer on and off the course.

The festival is being held from July 8-13 in association with Planet Golf, the leading Czech golf tour operator.

For as little as €549 per person, guests will enjoy five nights at the four-star Majestic Plaza Hotel, located in central Prague. Based on twin occupancy of a twin/ double room, the package also includes four rounds of golf and free airport and golf transfers. Accommodation on the same basis in five-star rooms can be provided at the Radisson Blu Alcron Hotel or the Kempinski Hotel Prague.

The festival will comprises 18 holes of golf each day, taking in rounds at Karlstejn, Beroun, Prague City and Konopiste. The stableford tournament is open to those holding official club handicaps.

Away from the golf courses, the festival will also include a tour of Prague‘s ancient

city, a welcome reception, refreshments after golf, and a gala prize-giving dinner.

Additional tours are available at discounted rates for any golfers wanting to explore more of the country’s history and culture.

Flight costs are not included in the festival package price,

but Abante Golf can arrange them through its network of operators based in the UK. For more information on the Czech Golf Festival, or details about booking a golf break with Abante Golf, go to www.abante-golf.co.uk, call 0208 133 4366 or visit www.czech-golf-festival.com.

Golf Holidays in the from only

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Prices include - 7 nights in 3* hotel with b/fast, 4 great rounds of golf including carts! and a 7 seat people carrier with inclusive car insurance based on 4 sharing.

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We were planning to spend a few hours on the beach this week.

Right now, I just can’t remember why.

I like the beach. We all do. And when we were planning this golf trip, we all talked about spending some time hanging out at the beach. After all, South Carolina has some of the nicest beaches in the world. But then we got here and started playing. Now the only sand I’m interested in is the kind I try to avoid. And the beaches, nice as they may be, are going to have to wait.

Wild Dunes Resort Links Course #18, Isle of Palms

SouthCarolinaGolf.co.uk

June 2012 / Issue 211

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Golf Escapes is delighted to offer some fantastic packages to Morocco. Great value and superb golf courses greet you in this fascinating, beautiful and magical country...

Palmeraie Golf

all inclusive in

La Cala calls for sun-seekers Golfers looking to escape the miserable British ‘summer’ should waste no time in booking a week-long break to the excellent La Cala Golf Resort and Spa on sunny Spain’s Costa del Sol. The five-star resort is the biggest golf complex in Spain, and is home to three superb 18-hole championship golf courses – America, Asia and Europa – plus an executive six-hole par 3 course, all set within the magnificent rolling hills of Mijas.

The 107-bedroom boutique hotel offers a choice of two restaurants, while the nearby clubhouse is also a popular place to wine and dine. Active types

can make use of the outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts and football pitches, while those who prefer to relax should make a booking in the luxurious spa, which offers a wide variety of pampering treatments.

Although a little removed from local nightlife, La Cala is an excellent base to explore typical Andalusian towns and Spain´s renowned cultural cities.

Golf Escapes is currently offering seven nights’ B&B at La Cala, with five rounds of golf, for just £409 per person.

The price, which is based on two people sharing a twin room, also includes shared buggies, and is valid until August 31, 2012.

Those looking further ahead in the diary should snap up a superb three-night package to the superb Mar Menor Golf Resort in Spain, where long weekend breaks, including three rounds of golf, can be booked for as little as £99 per person between December 1, 2012 and January 31, 2013.

The price is based on four people sharing a twobedroom apartment at on a self-catering basis, with three rounds on either Mar Menor, La Torre, Hacienda Riquelme, Saurines de la Torre, El Valle or Alhama Signature Course. There are free buggies and driving range tokens on offer for groups of eight or more.

For bookings call 01342 811777, or visit www.golf-escapes.com for the very latest offers on golf holidays throughout Europe and America.

Take a trip to Le Touquet Although France isn’t a million miles from the south coast of England, it still enjoys a slightly warmer climate at this time of the year, and consequently makes for an excellent short break destination for UK golfers – especially when combined with a trip to a local hypermarket to stock up on local cheeses and local wine.

French Golf Holidays has a huge choice of breaks to the popular northern resorts, including a three-night stay at the four-star Mecure Grand in Le Touquet, where three rounds of golf at Le Touquet, Belle Dune and Wimereux are included in the B&B package, which costs from £284 per person.

Also included in the package is return travel via

Calais via Eurotunnel (based on four people sharing a car), personal insurance and all taxes. Breaks must be taken between now and August 31.

Overlooking the River Canche, the Mecure Grand is a 132-bedroom, four-star hotel located just 10 minutes’ walk from Le Touquet’s golf courses. It boasts an indoor pool, spa, two restaurants and a bar.

Staying in Le Touquet,

French Golf Holidays also has a short break at the four-star Westminster Hotel for just £375 per person.

The package includes four nights’ bed and breakfast in a double bedroom, a welcome dinner on arrival, four rounds of golf at Le Touquet La Mer and La Foret, and a return Eurotunnel crossing (based on four people sharing one car).

Le Touquet’s signature course is La Mer, a demanding layout which winds through the sand dunes on the coast.

A host of the French Open on six occasions, it thoroughly deserves its status as one of France’s finest courses.

La Foret is the second course, a much friendlier woodland layout, which will appeal to holiday golfers of all skill levels.

For more details, call 01245 211456 824100 or visit www.golfholidays.com.

Morocco RIU TIKIDA BEACH: 5 Nights – Twin Room – All Inclusive, 4 Rounds – 4 x Golf du Soleil, return airport and golf course transfers.

VALID SEPTEMBER 2012

VALID OCTOBER 2012

£365pp £385pp

Golf de L’Ocean

RIU TIKIDA PALMERAIE: 5 Nights – Twin Room – All Inclusive, 4 Rounds – 1 x Palmeraie, 1 x Amelkis, 1 x Al Maaden, 1 x Royal, return airport and golf course transfers.

VALID SEPTEMBER 2012

VALID OCTOBER 2012

£519pp £529pp

Amelkis

For more information please email: info@golf-escapes.com, call: 01342 811777 or visit: www.golf-escapes.com Different durations, additional rounds of golf, room upgrades and single room supplements available on request – please ask for further details. Prices shown are based on an exchange rate of 13 MAD to the Pound. Flights are not included, please enquire for further details.

Only 3 hrs from London | Excellent year round climate | All inclusive packages

We’re the golfing holiday experts.

MAURITIUS

5* Belle Mare Plage

12 nights half board unlimited golf on 2 championship courses incl. flights, transfers from £1,595 pp

ALL INCLUSIVE Mixed Pairs

TOURNAMENT

at 5* Heritage Awali Golf & Spa 12 nights all inclusive incl. flights, transfers, 5 competitions, unlimited green fees 23 Sep - 6 Oct 2012 from only £1,985 pp

T. 028 9023 2112 www.chakatravel.com

enquiries@chakatravel.com

MADEIRA

5* Meliã Madeira Mare 7 nights bb with 4 rounds golf incl. transfers from only £535 pp (excl. flights)

MOROCCO 5* Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort 4 nights all inclusive Unlimited golf with buggy Airport shuttle transfers included from £430 pp (excl. flights)

SOUTH AFRICA

Tailor made holidays by the South African golf specialists GolfHolidaysinSouthAfrica.com

62 /

June 2012 / Issue 211

Stay & play brought to you by

For bookings please contact Your Golf Travel.com: Call Free: 0800 193 6612.

Email: info@yourgolftravel.com Web: www.yourgolftravel.com

Fleeing the city for a weekend of fresh air, quiet roads and holed putts sounds lovely, doesn’t it? But with pitfalls aplenty, your escape could turn sour pretty quickly. Choose Gatton Manor and you’ll swerve the obstacles and drive straight into a golfing haven The words country escape evoke images of passing through antique wrought iron gates, cruising up a long, leafy drive and emerging on a picturesque courtyard.

The ivy-clad red brick walls might lead up to chimney stacks from which log fire smoke puffs gently, while the proprietor opens the door with a welcoming smile as the resident chocolate lab comes to say hello.

But for every one of these hidden country gems there are dozens of hidden country disappointments that entice us with extremely creative photography, blurbs that would make Hemingway proud, and not a single mention of the 18-wheelers clattering along A-roads behind the first green. Think of Manuel serving up cream of broccoli with bow tie askew, of Basil berating the staff, and a drunken Major dominating the bar – everything you don’t want from your escape to the country!

Head to this leafy corner of Surrey, equidistant from Crawley, Horsham and Dorking – but pleasantly not particularly close to any of them – and you will rumble along proper country lanes, past horse farms and meadows, eventually rounding on Gatton Manor. To put your mind immediately at rest, this falls into the first bracket of country house hotels outlined above. It is a place where thoroughly underrated championship golf awaits and where you can hear nothing but the birds chirping and the odd thwack of a well-struck four-iron.

Under new management since last year, following the sterling stewardship of the Kielys, Gatton is a picture. With just 18 bedrooms, split between the manor house and the clubhouse, you can expect a slower pace and an intimate, personal ambience. All good country hotels should have some heritage, and in this case the Manor itself is the

Lord of The Manor former Dowager House of the Abinger Estate, with history traceable to 1728, and is packed full of the character and charm that a new-build can only aspire to.

Don’t expect a state-of-the-art health club and spa, but there is a fitness suite with Technogym installations and free weights, and you can pre-book treatments to be enjoyed in the privacy of your own room.

The best facilities here are the estate’s natural surroundings; walkers will be thoroughly entertained thanks to local trails or the promise of more substantial ventures in the Surrey Hills or the North and South Downs. It is this splendid terrain that also forms the backbone of the marvellous onsite golf course.

Late June sees the third consecutive PGA Surrey Open staged

SPECIAL PACKAGES One Night, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Two Rounds of Golf From

at Gatton, with 130 of the top players in the South East converging to do battle. That’s testament to a parkland course that has seen considerable investment in recent years; the original design of Commander John D. Harris has been geared more towards tournament play, with conditioning to match. Harris went on

to craft a number of highly-regarded courses, particularly in New Zealand, but Gatton stands among his best.

Water and trees will likely play a part in your round – if they don’t, then you will have played exceedingly well. No less than 10 holes bring the dreaded agua into the fold, while the estate’s mature woodland sets the natural path for Harris’s fairway routings. All said, the par-72 is a modest 6,637 yards stretched to its peak, and with only gentle undulations, your golf break can be as relaxed as you like it.

Meander off the course and straight into the clubhouse bar, where the mood is suitably laid back.

You can choose to have dinner here if you get comfortable, but for more refined fare, shower up and choose from the appetising à la carte menu in the dining room.

Surprises of the nice kind are the only ones to expect at Gatton Manor, where that longed-for feeling of peace and quiet really lies in wait.

As much as we all like Manuel, we’d rather not join him for dinner on our next weekend away…

£99 per person

Two Nights, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Three Rounds of Golf From

£189 per person

EXCLUSIVE READER OFFER Complimentary Bottle of wine

in your room on arrival!

Please quote “GOLF NEWS” at time of booking.

June 2012 / Issue 211

/ 63

Me&MyTravels

In association with...

with Hazel Irvine – The BBC sports presenter returns to her Scottish roots for golf and pleasure,

and never leaves home without her trusty travel steamer My first holiday was… around Scotland with my mum, dad and brother. We were very much an outdoors family and loved camping and caravanning. I remember some great times and great places all over the West Coast of Scotland and, yes, I remember a lot of sunshine, as well as rain!

Gleneagles

I always travel with… photographs of my family, my laptop, and a travel steamer. I hate ironing!

I’ve never been, and it’ll be great to throw all of the family’s junk into the car and just putter down there in our own time.

My most recent holiday was to…

New Zealand to re-aquaint our daughter with the rellies Down Under.

The thing I hate about travel is... security checks, but I’m also glad they’re there.

My favourite golf course in the world is…well, obviously, it has to be my home course, Cardross Golf Club, which about 20 miles north west of Glasgow. Running it close would be the New Course at St Andrews, and the Queens Course at Gleneagles.

My ideal holiday fourball would include…my husband, dad, and Nancy Lopez to even up the numbers!

Cardross Golf Club

Namibian wilderness camp

My most memorable ever round was at…Pebble Beach, where we

could only get a late-afternoon tee time, practically ran round it whilst soaking in the views, hit at least two balls over the cliffs, but still managed to finish the 18th by playing a luminous ball in the semi-darkness! Magic!

My favourite golf resort is…

Gleneagles. Tranquility, peace, and golfing gorgeousness.

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

My favourite city in the world is…

Hong Kong. I love its energy and excitement. I’m not sure I could live there though, as it would burn me out pretty quickly!

I’m planning a trip to…Cornwall.

The worst holiday I’ve ever had was…whilst hiking in the Alps. Got food poisoning half-way along the route. Very dodgy!

My top travel tip would be…always take a cache of Dioralyte powders in your wash bag. See above.

Hazel Irvine presents the BBC’s live Open coverage, starting 9am Thurs 19 July. The entire tournament is live on BBC TV, HD & Radio 5 live.

FULLY (AND NEWLY)

EQUIPPED FOR VICTORY. PING pro Lee Westwood’s 40th worldwide win – a 5-shot triumph at the Nordea Masters in Sweden – came after a switch to the new PING i20 irons and Nome putter.

Westwood, who ranks #3 in the world, put the clubs in the bag at the start of the week and never looked back. Congratulations, Lee, from all of us at PING.

© 2012 PING P.O. Box 82000 Phoenix, AZ 85071 GWk612

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