Golf News March 2017

ISSUE 262 | MARCH 2017 | TWITTER: @GOLFNEWSMAG | WEB: GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

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INSIDE TYRRELL HATTON NEW COLUMN COLIN MONTGOMERIE MY NEW LEASE OF LIFE NICK FALDO: MY MASTERS MEMORIES EQUIPMENT THE MAN BEHIND THE EPIC DRIVER DRIVER SHOWCASE

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DANNY WILLETT EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

TWO GREEN JACKETS? P48-49 INTERVIEWS

ALEX NOREN THOMAS PIETERS HIDEKI MATSUYAMA

GOLF IN THE WEST COUNTRY SUPPLEMENT SARAH STIRK VISITS TAMPA WIN A SET OF WILSON STAFF WOODS & IRONS ALSO WILL GREENWOOD MARCO PENGE AND MUCH MORE

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BY

NICK BAYLY

THE RULES THEY ARE A CHANGIN’ W hat fascinating times we golfers are living in. Cast off as a dying breed, hardly a week has gone by this year without some new pronouncement on how golf is going to be dragged into the 21st century in order to prevent it from a slow and painful death.

Following hot on the heels of the sport’s return to the Olympics in 2016 – which was supposed to result in some sort of global golfing explosion (although the course where it was held has already closed) – we’ve had all manner of ‘ground-breaking and exciting innovations’ – I’m paraphrasing the press releases – thrust upon us that will introduce the game to new and untapped audiences.

One group of people that could never be accused of being in any way innovative, or forward thinking, is the R&A, golf’s rule-making body. For it is they that, up until just two years ago, believed that women should only be allowed to serve tea in its clubhouse. Yet, here we are in 2017, and they’ve now not only allowed women to join their ranks, but they’ve also come up with the idea that golf’s rules need simplifying for the YouTube Generation.

Rather than following my advice to introduce the straightforward ‘hit it, hit it, and hit it again’ code of conduct – which has always worked for me – the rules bods up at St Andrews have come up with a list of amendments to the game’s governance (see page 14 for details), which, should they become law, will instantly make golf intelligible to a Martian.

Cutting down lost ball searches to three minutes seemed an obvious start to speed up the game, but when did you last spend five minutes looking for a ball? Anyone searching for anything other than a brand new Pro V1 for more than 90 seconds would be quickly struck off my list of playing partners. I’m all for using plainer English, which is also part of the planned revisions, but when did you last sit down and read the Rules of Golf? Like the bible, you know it’s there, but there’s no real need to examine the small print.

Sadly, all the discussions between the various professional tours, the R&A, and us humble amateur golfers that are required to nail down the finer details of these new rules will

mean that they won’t come into force until 2019, by which time golf will have been reduced to a one-hole, par-3 competition played to an island green surrounded by man-eating sharks, where the only route to the putting surface will be via a rubber dingy with a slow puncture and a broken paddle. The 15-second highlights package on Sky should be a hoot.

While new formats of the game, such as the Super Sixes being launched in May (see page 8) should not be ignored in our bid to attract the interest of the 30-second attention spans of Generations X, Y and Z, I don’t honestly believe that the current round or whizzbang tournaments will have any instant or lasting impact on golf’s popularity, either as a spectator sport, or as a participatory one.

Amid all the bright lights, fireworks and pumping music that has greeted the players at numerous events already witnessed this season, there remains the overwhelming feeling that golf is trying a little too hard to get noticed. Keen to latch on to cricket’s 20-20 vibe, professional golf is in danger of turning into the annoying child who sits at the front of every classroom and keeps waving their hands, shouting “Me, Sir. Pick me, Sir, I know’, every time the teacher asks a question.

Call me an old fart if you like – my kids certainly do – but I believe that, if anything, golf needs to withdraw a little from the main stage, rather than eroding any semblance of confidence in the things that made it successful in the first place. A 24/7 diet of tournaments with weak fields in far-flung places, where golf is largely ignored by the local population, has diluted the product to such an extent that, barring the majors and the Ryder Cup, the average golfer hasn’t a clue when one tournament begins and another other ends. There’s no time to breathe for either players or fans, which leaves the former feeling permanently jet-lagged and the latter overfed and under-stimulated.

There are few other sports, not even football, which chases the sun to offer year-round action, so golf is ploughing a lone furrow in its pursuit of wall-towall coverage. Less, in this instance, can mean more, and I just wish someone upstairs would heed this view before it all comes crashing down.

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INSIDE TYRRELL HATTON NEW COLUMN COLIN MONTGOMERIE MY NEW LEASE OF LIFE NICK FALDO: MY MASTERS MEMORIES EQUIPMENT THE MAN BEHIND THE EPIC DRIVER DRIVER SHOWCASE

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MARCH 2017 | NEWS

GREGORY BROTHERS SHINE IN PORTUGAL Buckinghamshire brothers James and Tom Gregory enjoyed a solid start to their competitive seasons at the U21 Port uguese Global Intercollegiate Open held at Penha Longa. The Stoke Park pair was among a field 80 European players with handicaps of 3.5 or less that batt led through 30mph winds and driving rain at the Lisbon-based resort . After a tough 54 holes, James finished a creditable 11th, but was upstaged by his 13-yearold brother Tom, who was the youngest player in the field, and finished third.

FIVE INJURED AS STAIRCASE COLLAPSES AT KENT CLUB Five people were injured when a staircase collapsed at the Kent and Surrey Golf and Country Club in Edenbridge. A group of 10 people was thrown off the staircase when it came away from the wall during the Edenbridge and District Astronomers’ Stargazing Live event on January 28. Police, one fire engine and three ambulances attended the incident, which saw two women and an eight-yearold boy taken to hospital, while two other people were treated at the scene. A spokesman for Sevenoaks District Council, whose building control team went to assess the fallen staircase, said: "Our environmental health team has begun a investigation into the causes of the accident."

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WENTWORTH UNVEILS REVAMPED WEST COURSE T

he European Tour’s leading players will encounter a new-look West Course for this year’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, and the team behind the multi-million pound revamp have given the first glimpse into what the professionals can expect in May. Ernie Els Design, spearheaded by the South African four-time Major winner, and renowned consultants European Golf Design, led the extensive renovation programme over the past nine months, working closely with an advisory team which included Thomas Bjørn, Paul McGinley and David Jones, who represented the views of the Tour players, and Wentworth’s Director of Golf Courses and Grounds, Kenny Mackay.

The comprehensive changes to the West Course were shaped by the feedback given to Bjørn and McGinley by current European Tour players, with the improvements focusing on the greens and bunkers.

All 18 greens were stripped of the old turf and re-seeded with a new creeping bent, improving both the appearance and playability of the putting surfaces, while four greens – on the 8th, 11th, 14th and 16th holes – were completely rebuilt and five greens – on the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 12th and 15th holes – were partially rebuilt. A sub-air system was also installed on all greens to help make them firmer and faster, and new irrigation and drainage was also introduced.

Furthermore, all bunkers were redesigned and reconstructed, with 29 bunkers completely removed from play, helping to more closely realign the course with Harry Colt’s original vision, while also taking into consideration the demands of the modern game.

Work began eight days after Chris Wood won the 2016 BMW PGA Championship and the renovation programme is due to be fully completed towards

■ PAUL MCGINLEY PLAYS OUT OF ONE OF THE NEW-LOOK BUNKERS ON THE WEST COURSE

the end of April in time for this year’s Championship, which launches the European Tour’s new Rolex Series from May 25-28.

Els said: “It’s been a real team effort. It’s been hard work, but it’s been a wonderful experience. I think the product you’ll see this time will be something the players will really enjoy. The guys will have smiles on their faces again. Their bad shots will get punished, but not as badly as before. We’ve improved the greens and taken bunkers out, and restored holes to their former glory. Some holes won’t even have bunkers on them anymore. The crowds will enjoy it and the players will too.”

Bjørn also believes the European Tour’s leading players will appreciate the changes when they get the chance to see them for themselves at the BMW PGA Championship.

“There was certainly a feeling to get this golf course back to where it was,” said the Dane. “It will still be a really tough test, but we’ve taken some of the tough obstacles out which we didn’t think Wentworth was all about. It is an old style course and it had probably been a little over-modernised, so we brought it to where we think it should be and back to the traditions of this golf course.”

He added: “We listened long and hard to the views

of the Tour players. You have to when you have such a big event on a traditional golf course with so much history. The BMW PGA Championship is a fantastic event, one of the best in the world, and now there is a golf course here which is really worth playing, and which is right up there with the very high standard of the event.”

McGinley said: “The players wanted to go back in the direction of the old Harry Colt design. They wanted the contours on the greens to be softened, and the bunkering to be changed. I certainly couldn’t see out of the bunkers before, and not many guys could. So those were the two big things we changed. We’ve also put a sub-air system into the greens, which will dry them out and get it back to a firm, fast golf course, which players have always loved playing in the past.”

Jeremy Slessor, managing director of European Golf Design, added: “The feedback from the Tour players over the last few years was so consistent about what needed to happen. Working with Ernie Els and his design team, and working with the advisory group of Thomas, Paul and David Jones, we were able to come up with a cohesive plan which will give the members and the Tour players a much more honest test of golf.”

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PRESIDENT PINSENT MAKES WAY FOR STRAUSS AT STOKE PARK

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toke Park’s penchant for appointing sporting legends to the role of honorary president has continued into 2017, with four-time Olympic rowing champion Sir Matthew Pinsent making way for former England cricket captain Andrew Strauss.

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EMAIL: Membership Locker He recalled: "I first came to Stoke Park as a guest for Tim Henman’s>charity day in golf@eastsussexnational.co.uk bag tag 2001, and since then have got to know the place well. It was a huge honour > Freewhen practice range balls Chester King asked me to be president of the club. I was delighted to accept.

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NEWS | MARCH 2017

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CHART HILLS BEGINS £2M RENOVATION

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hart Hills Golf Club in Kent is currently undergoing a series of major on- and off-course renovations following its recent change of ownership.

Following its purchase by Eagle Resorts in September last year, the Biddenden based-club is to benefit from investment totaling around £2 million over the next two years.

Much of the work on the course has already started, with pondclearing programme and renovations of area surrounding the clubhouse undertaken over the winer.

The next stage of course improvements is focusing on bringing all the 26 outstanding G.U.R greenside bunkers back into play, before the greenkeeping team move onto the fairway bunkers to enable full play. The club has taken on the services of additional greenstaff to ensure these key projects are carried out as soon possible.

The club has invested in a full range of new greenkeeping equipment to carry out the work, including a sand-injection scarifying machine, a turf iron, two specialised diggers for bunker repair and pond clearance, an overseeder and vertiquake for improving drainage on the fairways.

As part of our commitment to continue to develop the course we have purchased the following new machinery: Inside the clubhouse, the Carnforth Suite is being refurbished, the pro shop is moving back downstairs, the members bar area has also being given a makeover.

“All this work to the course, and the clubhouse, which adds up to an investment of £2 million, will enable us to achieve our commitment to bringing Chart Hills back into the top 100 golf courses in the UK,” said the club’s director of golf James Cornish.

WOODMAN CUTS BERKSHIRE DOWN TO SIZE

Guy Woodman roared around The Berkshire’s Red course in 67 strokes to win the sixth event of the PGA South Winter Series with Titleist & FootJoy. Woodman’s five-underpar back nine was crowned with a glorious birdie at the 18th to take the £500 top prize away from runners up Mart in Woodbridge and Charlie Wilson, who both shot 68.

The valuable ball, glove and shoe contract with Titleist & FootJoy went to Corhampton’s Adam Reid, who shot a two-under-par 70.

HANTS MEN TAKE DOWN JUNIORS AT ALRESFORD

R&A INTRODUCES 'READY GOLF' POLICY AT BRITISH AMATEUR

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n a bid to speed up the pace of play at the game’s leading amateur event, the Royal & Ancient is implementing a ‘ready golf’ policy for the 36-hole stroke play part of the British Amateur Championship, which is being held at Royal St George’s Golf Club in Kent this summer.

Although there is no official definition of the term ‘Ready golf’ in the rules, it is commonly used to indicate that players should play when they are ready to do so, rather than adhering strictly to the ‘farthest from the hole plays first’

stipulation in the Rules of Golf.

“Pace of play is something that we’ve been talking about extensively in the last 12 months,” said R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers. “The more evidence that I’ve seen, the more I’m going to continue talking about it, because I think it is increasingly important to the development of the game. In this year’s Amateur Championship, we will be implementing ‘ready golf’ for the stroke play rounds, which is one of the recommendations in our pace of play manual, and that’s part of our bid to

help with setting an example about the pace.”

He added: “Ready golf is not appropriate in match play due to the strategy involved between opponents, and the need to have a set method for determining which player plays first.

However, in stroke play formats it is only the act of agreeing to play out of turn to give one of the players an advantage that is prohibited.”

There is strong evidence to suggest that playing ‘ready golf’ does improve the pace of play. For example, in a survey of Australian golf clubs conducted by Golf Australia, 94% of clubs that had promoted this style of play to their members enjoyed some degree of success in improving pace of play, with 25% stating that they had achieved 'satisfying success'.

Do you play 'ready golf' at your club?

Email editor@golfnews.co.uk, and let us know your thoughts on improving the pace of play.

Golf News QP Seve Advert 08/03/2017 13:41 Page 1

Hampshire Golf’s annual friendly fourball match between the boys’ and mens’ teams saw the county side win a closely fought contest 6-4 at Alresford Golf Club. The winning team included Corhampton's Scott Gregory, fresh from his victory in the New South Wales Amateur, and Martin Young, Andy Bow, Mark Burgess, Colin Roope, Ben Lobacz, Sam Parsons, Tom Vaughan, Alan Mew and Wayne Phillips.

BALL THIEVES TARGET LEA MARSTON

Police off icers are appealing for information after thousands of golf balls were stolen from Lea Marston Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort in Warwickshire last month.

Thieves stole golf balls wort h over £14,000 from the Sutton Coldfieldbased venue on February 8. It is understood that the off enders removed a fencing panel and stole hundreds of boxes of Srixon balls, all of which were brand new. Anyone with information is urged to contact Warwickshire Police on 101.

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MARCH 2017 | NEWS

HOUSDON WINS AT WOODBRIDGE Channels Golf Club’s Craig Housden was the clear winner at the Woodridge Pro-Am after shooting a four-under-par 68. It was enough to win by two shots over Matt King (Rayleigh Golf Range), with Essex Order of Merit leader Brett Taylor third with a 72. The team event went down to the last putt as Matt Stables (Rivenhall Oaks) took the spoils with his team scoring 85 points to win by one point over Housden’s team. Newly-appointed Essex captain Chris Cutchie (Colchester) took third place.

CAMPBELL WALTZES HOME AT WHITEWEBBS Cheshunt Park professional Ian Campbell showed that he will once again be a force to contend with in 2017, clinching victory in the Whitewebbs Park Pro-Am. After finishing second in the overall rankings race in the PGA in England (East) last season, his game remains in top form as he demonstrated with a four-underpar round of 64 to beat Michael Moore (Pinner Hill) by a shot. Craig Donaldson (Top Golf) and James Ruebotham (Welwyn Garden City) were tied-third after rounds of 68.

SHIRE TO HOST SICK CHILDREN’S GOLF DAY The Sick Children's Trust is hosting its annual fundraising golf day at The Shire London on March 24. The programme for the day includes breakfast, a shotgun start on the Seve Ballesteros-designed 18-hole course, with refreshments on the course, followed by a threecourse meal and post-match entertainment. There are prizes for the top scores, plus nearest the pin and longest drive competitions.

Entries are invited for teams of four, costing £400. For bookings, call 020 7283 4854 or email specialevents@sickchildrenstrust. org.

STOKES ON FIRE AT ORSETT Rayleigh Golf Range’s Mark Stokes and partner Dom Adams joined forces to fired an impressive 48 points to win the Orsett Betterball. This was enough for the Pro-Am team to win by two points over Jason Levermore and Neil Hutchinson from Channels. In the all-professional category, the partnership of Mark Davis (Thorndon Park) and Luke Eggleston (LE Custom Fitting Studio), produced an excellent score of 44 points to win by one point over James Scade (Ingreboune Links), and James Webber (Three Rivers).

The all-amateur category was won by the young partnership of George Leversuch and Matt Rober (Wanstead Golf Club).

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ROYAL ST GEORGE’S TO HOST 2020 OPEN O

■ THE OPEN WAS LAST HELD AT ST GEORGE'S IN 2011 WHEN DARREN CLARKE LIFTED THE CLARET JUG

ne of the world’s great sporting events will return to the south east of England in 2020, when the 149th Open is played at Royal St George's Golf Club from July 16-19.

The Open was last played at the Sandwich-based venue in 2011, when Darren Clarke held of the challenge of Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson to become Champion Golfer of the Year. And when the tournament returns in three years, it will be the 15th time that the club has hosted golf's oldest major.

Martin Slumbers, chief executive of the R&A, said: “We are very much looking forward to the return of The Open to Royal St George’s in 2020. The Open is a true celebration of sport and the global spotlight will fall once again on Sandwich.“ He added: “Royal St George’s has produced a series of outstanding champion golfers over the last 120 years, and it is a thrilling prospect for golf fans to see the greatest players competing on one of the world’s finest links courses.”

James Furber, the captain of Royal St George’s, said: “We are delighted and honoured to be invited to host The Open in 2020. This is tremendous

news for the club and a wonderful commercial opportunity for Sandwich and Kent.

“The club is most grateful to all those in the local authorities and the local MP’s who have worked so hard with us over the last few years to bring this about. We look forward to working with the R&A and others over the next three years to deliver one of the world’s most prestigious championships in 2020.”

Royal St George’s first hosted the Open in 1894, when it was the first occasion on which the championship was played outside of Scotland. The

MANSTON PRO SHOWS BLIND FAITH IN NEW RECRUIT

M

anston Golf Centre PGA Professional Keely Chiericato has added a new dimension to her widely respected capabilities as a golf coach after teaching a young blind golfer to play the game in just eight sessions.

Chiericato gave a series of lessons to 16-year-old Daniel Gunnell, who has been blind since birth, and is already hitting the ball consistently and is enjoying his new-found love of the game.

“I’ve taught people who are deaf and learned some basic sign language, but I’ve always wanted to teach someone who is blind,” said Chiericato. “As a golf coach, it takes you into a whole new dimension of teaching the game, and makes you think much harder about things you otherwise tend to take for granted.”

Besides getting her young protégé to learn how to hit a golf ball, and how to understand and develop his sense of feel for the short game, Chiericato’s patience is being rewarded in other completely unexpected ways. “Daniel had tried other sports, but didn’t get the help and support that was obviously so

WOODBRIDGE BATTLES STORM DORIS TO WIN AT SWINLEY

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attling strong winds and rain for the opening holes, Bearwood Lakes’ Martin Woodbridge overcame his rivals and Storm Doris, shooting an excellent 71 around Swinley Forest to win the seventh event in the PGA South Winter Series with Titleist & FootJoy. Taking the £333 winner’s cheque, Woodbridge just managed to hold off Barnehurst’s Jordan Godwin. His 72, with one birdie, reflected just how difficult things were, as 50mph winds blew through the trees that corridor almost every hole at the iconic Coltdesigned Swinley course.

Proving that particular point, Leeon-the-Solent’s leftie James Ablett managed three birdies, but could only finish on four-over-par 73 to share third spot with Central London Golf Centre’s Alex Williams.

Starting at the 10th, Woodbridge was two over after eight, but a fine birdie up the 18th stopped the rot. After bogeying the fourth he bounced back with a birdie at the next hole and, despite one more bogey at the seventh, Woodbridge made solid pars elsewhere to finish on

needed and ended feeling rejected,” she explained. “At first when he came here, he was very shy, and it was hard work to get a word out of him. But now I’ve got him hitting the ball consistently, he’s feeling a great sense of achievement, he’s become much easier to chat with, and he’s really coming out of his shell. For any teacher, this is incredibly rewarding.”

Lynx Golf salesman Ian Wilkinson saw one of Chiericato’s social media postings about the pairs progress, and the net result is that Daniel now has a set of brand new Lynx clubs, and a bag to go with them. Darren Plant, father of England amateur Alfie Plant, also saw a video clip and he gave Daniel all of his son’s England Golf clothing. Working with a SwingRite club that teaches a sense of rhythm and timing, Chiericato is confident that Daniel is going to be out on the golf course in two to three months’ time.

GOLF MOURNS PASSING OF ‘MR HICKORY’

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71 and claim pole position.

One under par after five, Godwin dropped two shots to the turn and two more on the way home, but four strong pars through the last four holes for a 72, not only secured second spot from Ablett and Williams, but the ball, glove and shoe contract from Titleist & FootJoy as leading assistant.

PGA South regional secretary Sam Smith was full of praise for Swinley Forest’s management, as the club was prepared to open its doors to the region’s PGA Professionals not just once, but twice, because demand to play there in the Winter Series was so strong.

35th Open was won by JH Taylor, who became the first English professional to win the championship.

Over the years, the historic links has seen some of golf’s greatest players lift the Claret Jug, including Harry Vardon, Walter Hagen, Henry Cotton, Bobby Locke, Sandy Lyle and Greg Norman, who secured a two-shot victory over Sir Nick Faldo in 1993.

The return of the Open to St George’s will also prove a boost to other clubs in region, including Prince’s, North Foreland, Littlestone and Royal Cinque Ports, which traditionally stage final qualifying tournaments.

ributes have been paid to Lionel Freedman, the man who made hickory golf fashionable again as the driving force behind the World Hickory Open.

The 82 year old, who spent most of his life in London before settling in East Lothian in Scotland 20 years ago, passed away at his home in Musselborough last month after a short illness.

Freedman co-founded the World Hickory Open in 2005, along with Graham Wilson. From a small inaugural event at Musselburgh Old Links, it has become popular with hickory enthusiasts from all over the world with subsequent stagings at Craigielaw, Gullane, Carnoustie and Panmure. Two-time major winner Sandy Lyle is the reigning champion, having returned to Panmure in October to win the title for the second time in three years.

“Lionel was our chairman, chief executive and chief bottle washer,” said Wilson. “He wanted to do everything and, saying this in a kind way, was a control freak when it came to the World Hickory Open. His passing is a sad loss, both as a friend and a businessman, and it is going to be difficult to fill his shoes.”

Freedman worked as a stockbroker in London before moving to Scotland, where he threw his heart and soul into organising the World Hickory Open with his wife, Beth. Former Walker Cup player Lloyd Saltman helped raise the event’s profile when he claimed the title at Craigielaw in 2009, with regular competitors coming from the United States, Australia and South Africa, as well as all over Europe.

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FEATURE | MARCH 2017

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

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

Which is why more and more people are choosing to give up the national obsession with firing up the Flymo every Sunday afternoon in favour of pulling out the putter for a spot of practice on the latest generation of artificial greens.

While a high percentage of Tour players have converted their enormous estates into full-scale replicas of the greens at Augusta, there are also plenty of regular golfers that are choosing to dig up

their smaller domestic lawns and replace them with something altogether more interesting to look at and fun to play on.

Thanks to massive leaps in technology, the current ‘crop’ of artificial golf greens is far removed from the stuff you used to see behind the fruit and veg in your local greengrocers, and more akin to the carpetlike putting surfaces you’ll find on a championship golf course.

And while a tour-standard setup can be expensive, a more simple design, featuring a few carefully constructed holes, can be an affordable, yet equally effective option, for the amateur golfer.

This is the type of customer that Home Golf Designs is currently working with to fulfill their domestic dream layouts. Set up ten years ago by experienced greenkeeper Andy Brown, who enjoyed spells at Nizels and Croham Hurst, Kent-based Home Golf Greens aims to

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

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

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meet the needs of the keen golfer looking to sharpen up their short game skills in the comfort of their own home.

Rather than driving to their local club every time they want to put in a bit of work on their lag putting or greenside chipping, owners of a Home Golf Design green can simply open the back door and, hey presto, they’re on the first hole and sinking putts for fun.

One of Home Golf Design’s earliest customers was three-time European Tour winner Andy Sullivan, who had a three-hole course built in his back garden in the Midlands. While the company can’t take full responsibility for Sullivan’s impressive performances on tour, having somewhere to practise his putting stroke at home clearly hasn’t harmed his form on the greens as he builds towards a potential Ryder Cup debut this autumn.

“While it’s nice to work with tour players, and those with sizeable budgets, most of our projects are on a much smaller scale, where customers are looking for a few straightforward holes to practise on,” says Brown. “But no matter how big or small the project is, our attention to detail is exactly the same. We work closely with the client through every step of the process to make sure they get exactly what they want, and work within their budgets to achieve their ambitions.”

The son of a golf professional, and with experience as a greenkeeper, Brown prides himself on knowing the demands golfers have when it comes to replicating greens, as well as what is required to landscape holes into a domestic setting, where greens are often competing with the other requirements of a traditional garden.

“Home owners don’t want a green just to be simply plonked down in the back garden,” says Brown. “So we work closely with the client to make sure it blends in with what is already there, and, if required, carry out sympathetic landscaping to ensure that it doesn’t dominate the setting.”

Often taking less than a week to install, and requiring next to no maintenance, other than brushing off the leaves in autumn, a Home Golf Design green is a great addition to any golfer’s garden. And with chipping-length surfaces and custom-designed bunkers available to surround the putting green, as well as full-size practice driving nets, golfers can work on all aspects of their game at any time of year.

So whether you’re looking to win next year’s club championship, set your children on the road to Open glory, smarten up your golf club, or simply want to have somewhere to challenge your mates to a few holes over a drink, a Home Golf Design putting green should be your very next step.

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

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NEWS | MARCH 2017

[9]

CENTURION TO HOST NEW TOUR EVENT C

enturion Club in Hertfordshire has been chosen to host a new European Tour event aimed at highlighting how shortened formats of the game can make the sport more attractive to new players and viewers alike.

The inaugural GolfSixes event – featuring a prize fund of €1 million – will make its debut at the St Albans-based venue on May 6-7.

The event will feature two-man teams drawn from 16 different countries, with each nation being represented by its leading ranked and available European Tour members from the exemption category list as at March 13, who will be joined by a compatriot of their choosing from within the European Tour membership.

The first day’s play on Saturday, May 6 will see the teams split into four groups of four – similar to the UEFA Champions' League football group stages – before the top two teams from each group progress to the knockout stages. The quarter-finals, semi-finals, third/fourth place play-off match, and the final itself, will all be contested on Sunday, May 7.

In the group stages, three points will be given for winning a match, with one point given for a draw, while the matches themselves will be played in a greensomes match play format. Both days’ play will be shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and around the globe on the Tour’s world feed network.

As well as innovation inside the ropes, there will be plenty of activities for spectators to experience in a fan zone located around the six-hole composite course.

In addition to amphitheatre-style stands around the tees and greens, there will be music and pyrotechnics on the first tee, and at various points around the course, while all players will be miked up to help bring fans closer to the action.

Players will also be encouraged to interact with fans during play, and in the intervals between their matches, including taking part in Q&A sessions in the fan zone, while live streaming on social media will further enhance the spectators’ experience.

The television coverage will include unique camera angles and on-course player interviews.

■ CENTURION’S 18TH HOLE WILL FEATURE IN THE NEW GOLFSIXES TOURNAMENT

Keith Pelley, chief executive of the European Tour, said: “We have said for some time that golf needs to modernise, and introducing innovative new formats is a major part of achieving that aim, which is why I am delighted to announce the launch of GolfSixes.

“We want to broaden the appeal of our sport to the millennial demographic, and I think this format will do that, not only through the quick and exciting style of play, but also the innovative television coverage people will enjoy at home.

“We are also delighted to have brought a

KAISER CHIEFS TO PERFORM AT WENTWORTH

BOUNDARY PARK SET FOR SUMMER OPENING

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ndie superstars Kaiser Chiefs will bring the curtain down on the BMW PGA Championship when they headline the show stage at Wentworth at the end of May. The Leeds band will bring their multi-million selling catalogue of hit singles, ibncluding Oh My God, I Predict A Riot and Ruby, as well as live favourites Hole In My Soul and Parachute from their new top five album Stay Together – to the BMW Show Stage in the Championship Village after the final putt has dropped on Sunday, May 28.

Kaiser Chief’s frontman Ricky Wilson, who is known to millions for his prime-time television stint as a coach on The Voice, said: "We’re really excited to be playing at the BMW PGA Championship, but for the golf fans it will be a great fun way to close what will be a great weekend."

Jamie Birkmyre, championship director of the BMW PGA Championship, added: "This is a great coup for the tournament to attract such a popular band as the Kaiser Chiefs. It is always a week of all-round entertainment, both on and off the golf course, and last year’s headline sets from Mike and the Mechanics and Tom Chaplin added hugely to the atmosphere, so we hope to build on that this year."

Tickets are on sale now and start from £42 per person for a twilight admission ticket, which allows entry after 4pm on the final day, including the 90-minute concert. For bookings, visit eventbrite.co.uk.

he ballot for new memberships for the soonto-be-opened golf course at Boundary Lakes Golf Club in Hampshire was announced last month.

The 18-hole, par-69 parkland course, which is located next to the Ageas Bowl, Hampshire County Cricket club’s home ground, is set to open in July this year.

After hosting a series of walk-the-course days, the club opened up a ballot for the five- and seven-day memberships, the result of which was announced on February 28. Those people who were unsuccessful in the ballot will be put onto a waiting list.

The 5,816-yard course, part of which was redesigned from a pre-existing 9-hole layout, features four lakes, with the par-3 second being

country-versus-country element to the fore. There is no question that the greatest atmosphere in golf comes every two years at the Ryder Cup, and we are keen to try and emulate that national fervour in this format. We are in the entertainment content business with golf as our platform, and GolfSixes is the perfect illustration of that. I encourage everyone, whether they are a golf fan or not, to come along to the Centurion Club in May and immerse yourself in an occasion which will be unlike anything else you have experienced on a golf course before.”

one of the signature holes, having been inspired by 12th at Augusta, with a large pond fronting the green.

In addition to a short game and putting practice area, the club’s off-course facilities, including changing rooms, pro shop, bar, golf restaurant and clubhouse will all be housed within the Hilton at the Ageas Bowl Hotel, which features 171 bedrooms, a spa, Beefy’s restaurant and the Lakeview sports bar.

The club has appointed PGA Professional Shaun Hall, who was previously at Botley Park, as head professional.

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[10] MARCH 2017 | NEWS

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GREGORY TARGETS AUGUSTA DEBUT B

ritish Amateur champion Scott Gregory has revealed that the official invitation from the chairman of Augusta National Golf Club to compete in next month’s Masters Tournament remained unopened at his Waterlooville home for the best part of a month before he could finally get to hold it.

Gregory was competing some 17,000 miles away at Royal Melbourne when the postman dropped the envelope containing the precious invite on the doormat in early January, signalling he would finally be able to become the first amateur golfer from Hampshire to compete for a green jacket in the Masters’ 83-year history.

Now it rarely strays far from his grasp, as the clock begins to countdown to the day he takes his first steps along the hallowed Magnolia Drive, and hits his first practice shot at Bobby Jones’ s fabled Augusta course in Georgia, in early April.

The world No.7 ranked amateur came home with another major international honour to his name after bagging the New South Wales Amateur Championship, after beating his England team-mate Marco Penge in the 36-hole final.

Gregory said: “This invitation is one that I've dreamed about for many, many years, and it's a dream come true to finally have one arrive. I was

told it could come at any time in the couple of weeks before Christmas, so it was a shame I was not at home when it finally arrived.

“I got told on the morning of the first round of the Australian Master of the Amateurs at Royal Melbourne. You cannot ask for a better start to the day, waking up to something like that. I can't wait to make the most of this opportunity in April.”

The 22-year-old from Corhampton may have only played one competitive event between October and early January, but the honours have kept rolling in. At then end of 2016, he picked up Hampshire’s prestigious John Nettell Trophy for the second time for his outstanding contribution to amateur golf in the county, after becoming its first player to land the British Amateur in its 132-year history.

And on the morning he teed it up in the NSW final, his dad was

picking up the Havant Borough Senior Sportsman of the Year on his behalf, after pipping Hampshire team-mate Bill McKenzie, following another successful season on the American college circuit, playing for William Woods University in Missouri.

Gregory said: “I have had a great year on the course, and it is an honour to have that recognised by the Hampshire Golf Union and by the Havant Borough Sports Association.”

Scott was runner-up in the latter two years ago to Hayling’s Darren Walkley, after reaching the final of the English Amateur in 2014 to stun many in the amateur golf world. It took some time for his season to fire in 2015, with a top-four finish in the European Amateur.

But his stellar achievements in 2016, which saw him crowned the Great Britain and Ireland No.1, make his English and GB&I international debuts, and win a silver medal at the World Amateur Team Championships, left the judges with an easy decision – although the overall Sportsperson of the Year award went to Havant and Waterlooville’s community football coach Shaun Gale.

Scott said: “I was a bit surprised not to win the overall award given the season I had last year, but that's sometimes the thing with these awards. It is a bit like when Rory McIlroy missed out to Lewis Hamilton in the BBC Sports Personality, after winning two majors and the money list in 2014. They're great awards, but I think the titles you win on the course show more about the player you are.”

Gregory’s award means he has been automatically nominated in the men’s category in the 2017 Energise Me Hampshire Sports Awards. The winners will be announced at Southampton Football Club’s St Mary’s Stadium on March 30.

EPIC IMPACT DPS 560x120 Clubs .indd 1

09/03/2017 14:22

LUTON HOO RISES TO BRIDGESTONE CHALLENGE

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hallenge Tour golf is to return to the South East again this year, following the announcement that Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa in Hertfordshire is to stage the Bridgestone Challenge in September.

The tournament returned to Challenge Tour’s schedule last year, when Hethyrop Park in Oxfordshire proved a superb host. Belgium’s Thomas Detry romped to a remarkable 12-shot victory over the venue’s Bainbridge Course, breaking a number of Challenge Tour scoring records to claim his maiden professional title in style. The

■ LOREM IPSUM DOLOR SIT AMET

■ LOREM IPSUM DOLOR SIT AMET

24 year old, who matched the joint lowest under par score in Challenge Tour history after reaching 29 under par, went on to finish third in his first start as a European Tour player,

underlying the strength of the second tier tour.

Luton Hoo is a luxurious five star hotel that boasts a championship golf course and spectacular spa set in more than 1,000 acres of

Capability Brown-designed parkland and gardens, which is within half an hour of London’s King’s Cross Station.

The 7,100-yard course has the unique feature of having no bunkers on the opening and closing stretch of holes that are within the grounds of the hotel.

Matthew Long, general manager at Luton Hoo said: “We are delighted to be hosting the 2017 Bridgestone Challenge this September.

Golf is an important part of the hotel, and we are

proud to be part of this year’s European Challenge Tour schedule. The entire team here is excited about the prospect of seeing our championship golf course on the international stage and hosting the future stars of world golf.”

Bridgestone Tyres will continue to be the title sponsor of the event, along with their continued involvement in the British Masters. Farrell Dolan, Bridgestone’s north region consumer sales and marketing director, said: “We have identified huge potential from the world of golf and are extremely excited to be continuing our series of sponsorships covering such a broad range of the sport.

“We also feel that the core values that underpin golf are

synonymous with our own, most notably that of respect, integrity and excellence.”

Alain de Soultrait, Challenge Tour director, said: “We are delighted to be able to partner with Bridgestone again in 2017, and are excited to build on the success of last year’s event; we are also very pleased to welcome Luton Hoo Hotel Golf and Spa on to the Challenge Tour schedule.

“The commitment Bridgestone is showing to encourage the growth of the game in England will hopefully lead to similar success stories in future years and there is no better place for talented youngsters to come and be inspired than the Bridgestone Challenge.”

The 72-hole tournament takes place from September 7-10, with a pre-event Pro Am taking place on September 6.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

NEWS | MARCH 2017

RORY SEEING RED ON RETURN TO WENTWORTH

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anchester United fans heading to Wentworth to watch the BMW PGA Championship in May are advised to get there the day before the official tournament begins if they want to catch one of their legends in action on the golf course.

Former Reds winger Ryan Giggs has been invited to tee it up alongside 2014 BMW PGA Championship winner Rory McIlroy, a longtime United supporter, in the star-studded Celebrity Pro-am that takes place on Wednesday, May 24.

"It's a great honour, although a slightly scary

one, to be asked to play with Rory," said Giggs, who retired from football at the end of the 2013-14 season after a 24-year career. "I'm a big fan of his, so I'm looking forward to catching up with him and seeing for myself how he plays the game.”

He added: “I play a lot of golf and really enjoy it, but it's quite a different thing to go from just playing with your mates to partnering one of the best players in the world in front of thousands of people, so I am a bit nervous.

I'll have to practice a bit before May!” "There are few bigger Man

■ RYAN GIGGS WON'T BE PLAYING OFF THE REDS AT WENTWORTH

United legends in the history of the club than Giggsy, so to be able to tee it up alongside him for the pro-am at the BMW PGA Championship is going to be awesome," said McIlroy, who played with Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and One Direction’s Niall Horan in the 2015 Pro-Am. “Ryan is one of those players who is hugely respected in sport for everything he achieved

at the highest level. His professionalism and ability gave him a Man United career that was almost as long as a pro golfer's career, which is incredible. Not many sportsmen or women can say they were at the very top for decades, but he is one of the special few. Hopefully I can give him a bit of help with his golf."

Manchester United’s ■ RORY MCILROY WILL BE THE STAR ATTRACTION AT WENTWORTH IN MAY

EPIC IMPACT DPS 560x120 Clubs .indd 2

BRAMSHAW PRO CELEBRATES 25 YEARS P

GA Professional Clive Bonner was the toast of Bramshaw Golf Club last month after celebrating 25 years’ service at the familyowned club, which is based in the New Forest in Hampshire.

Bonner began his career as an assistant at Bramshott Hill Golf Club in nearby Dibden under the watchful eye of head professional Alan Bridge, and enjoyed a successful playing career. He won the Hampshire PGA Matchplay and Strokeplay titles in 1976, before going on to qualify for the Open at St Andrew’s in 1978.

He gained his European Tour Card a year later, where his best finish on tour was 25th at the Swiss Open.

Injuries to his feet put paid to Booner continuing his tour career, leading to a new direction on the club-side of the game, first becoming a club professional at Dunwood Manor for four years, followed by a seven-year stint at Brockenhurst Manor, before joining Bramshaw.

He’s since focused on coaching, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience with members and visitors alike. During his time at Bramshaw, highlights include playing 18 holes on 18 different courses in one day, in a charity fundraiser for Wessex Heartbeat with Des Lynam.

They started there day in Jersey and were ferried by helicopter between courses, finishing in the late evening at Bramshaw. Their efforts raised an impressive £39,000 for the charity.

Commenting on reaching his silver anniversary at the club, Bonner said: “I thoroughly enjoy working at Bramshaw. The family owners are not only a pleasure to work for, but have also continually invested in both the Manor Course and the Forest Course, enabling golfers to truly test their playability. With the r-elaunch of the Forest Course pending, and the return of our Bramshaw Open this July, it’s exciting times at the club. Throw in such beautiful surroundings, and there’s really no better place to work. I look forward to the next 25!”

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assistant manager will be joined by a host of former team-mates over the West Course, with Scholes, Peter Schmeichel and Dwight Yorke all booked to play in the tournament, which sees three celebrities paired with a European Tour professional for shotgun starts at 8am and 1pm.

Meanwhile, McIlroy is relishing the chance to share the stage with one of his sporting heroes as he returns to Wentworth for the first tournament of the European Tour's inaugural Rolex Series.

The world No.3 earned a memorable win in 2014, when he turned a sevenshot deficit into a one-stroke victory with a final-round 66, although he missed the cut the following year, and opted to miss the event due to a hectic schedule last summer.

09/03/2017 14:25

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

Stuart James, Bramshaw’s general manager, added: “I’m delighted to congratulate Clive on his milestone achievement, and on behalf of all the members and Brook Enterprises, sincerely thank him for his dedicated support and service to the club.”

Bramshaw is hosting an Open tournament on July 5. Played over the 6,400-yard Manor Course, the tournament, which was last staged in 1999, is open to 120 players, with entry costing £40.

To download an application form, visit www.bramshaw.co.uk/bgc_opens.

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GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

NEWS | MARCH 2017

WALLIS PUTS HIS STAMP ON NEW CLUB SERVICE K

ent PGA Professional Richard Wallis, a multiple winner of the PGA South Regiona’s Order of Merit, has launched a new business that aims to meet the growing demand for equipment personalisation.

The Canterbury Golf Club pro has created a specialist tool that can stamp irons and wedges with a player’s initials. Although the service is already available from a limited number of equipment manufacturers, including Mizuno and Titleist, it is not available for all clubs, a market which Wallis hopes to fill with his new device, which can permanently imprint names, nicknames or security codes on golfers’ clubs.

The 35 year old initially intended making just one for his own use, but fellow pros got to hear about the innovation, and he started to receive a growing number of inquiries. Since the start of the year, Wallis has sold more than 30 of the custom-made devices, with further orders coming in.

“Many of the Tour players

have had their wedges stamped with their names or nicknames,” said Wallis, “but there hasn’t been a device that club professionals could use to personalise equipment for club golfers. I decided to design and produce my own block, so that I could offer the facility to my customers.”

Wallis made several versions over a number of months, testing them and improving them, until he was satisfied with the end product. The blocks are made from aluminium that has been CNC-milled and aquablasted to create an attractive finish. Magnets are fitted to keep the clubhead secure while it is stamped but, as Wallis explained, getting the strength right proved a bit of a trial.

“Initially, the magnets were too strong, and it was a job to release the clubhead. But they couldn’t be too weak, or the clubhead would fall off the block. It took a little trial and error to get the magnet strength just right.”

Wallis explained that for club golfers there are

SAVILL OUTSHINES SOUTH PGA PRO-AM RIVALS

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additional benefits in terms of security: “It’s not unusual for golfers to lose clubs or to even have them stolen, but having them security coded acts as a deterrent to thieves. We can stamp clubs with a postcode and a house number, so the owner can be easily identified, and it will be much more difficult for thieves to sell on the equipment if the clubs are carrying a security code.”

Wallis has had to fit research and production in with his coaching commitments at Canterbury Golf Club and playing tournament golf on the PGA South Region circuit.

But his busy schedule didn’t seem to distract him, as he managed seven victories last year, including the PGA in Kent Championship, when he shot a course record 64 over his home course.

andridge Golf Club’s Louis Savill cruised to victory in The Sunshine Pro-Am in Portugal, shooting rounds of 70, 66 and 67 for a total of 203 to win by seven strokes.

Taking the top prize of £1,100, the Surrey man’s 13-under-par performance blew away the rest of the field, with early leader Ricky Pharo from Royal Mid-Surrey left trailing in second spot, with Littlestone’s Charlie Wilson a further shot back in third.

In the first round at Laranjal, while Savill’s golf through the green was in top gear, but the speed and slopes of the greens left him struggling for a card of four-over 76. But even though Pharo had opened with a 67, needing three cards out of five meant Savill could ignore his score and start afresh the next day.

After fixing his putting over 30 minutes on Monte Rei’s putting green, Savill charged around the course he considered the most difficult thanks to its fearsome rough, for a two-under-par 70. The next day he followed that with what he considered his best round, a spectacular six-under-par 66 at Quinta South.

Now well in front with one more score to make, it was back to Laranjal to post a score Savill now knew he could deliver, shooing a fabulous five-under-par 67 for a winning total of thirteen-underpar 203.

For Savill, the 10th Anniversary lunch at Julia’s Beach Bar on the day before the fourth round was another highlight of the week, while the Pro-Am raised over £8,500 for Demelza House, the Kent based hospice charity for seriously ill children.

Tournament organiser Chris Evans, Tandridge’s PGA Head Professional, said: “The tenth Sunshine Pro-Am was a huge success, with 26 teams of PGA Professionals and amateurs playing three terrific courses in top condition, with each day blessed with warm and sunny weather. We’ve now raised over £60,000 for Demelza House, an achievement we can all be proud of.”

Savill added: “It’s a phenomenal week, from the moment we touch down to the gala dinner – and we’re all planning to be back for next year’s Sunshine Pro-Am.”

AMERICAN GOLF TO STAGE FREE GOLF SHOW AT LONDON’S EXCEL

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olfers throughout the UK will get the chance to see and try out the latest golf equipment, have a lesson from pro, and pick up ideas for that next golf holiday, following American Golf’s announcement that it to host four consumer golf shows during the course of the year.

The retailer has joined forced with European Tour and Sky Sports to target nongolfers, as well as current golfers, in a bid to increase participation and make the game more accessible to newcomers and families.

As well as returning to Manchester Event City on April 28-29, where it hosted its first show last year, there will be a show at ExCel Arena in London over the weekend of the Masters (April 7-9), as well as at two European Tour events – the Scottish Open at Dundonald Links (July 13-16) and the British Masters at Close House in Newcastle (Sept 28-Oct 1).

As well as a driving range to test out all the new gear, there will be a main stage for trick shots show and special guest interview, while there will also be Kid’s

Zone for games for all the family, and refreshments at the 19th hole.

American Golf’s director of marketing and

CHIPSTEAD HOSTS APRIL OPEN WEEKEND

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hipstead Golf Club in Surrey is holding an open weekend on April 8-9, where visitors are invited to sample the club’s facilities at discounted prices.

The members at Chipstead will be giving up their course over the weekend, so that those unfamiliar with what the club can play the course for just £10 and experience what it feels like to be a member for a day.

Chipstead’s Director of Golf, Gary Torbett, said: “Our open weekends have been hugely successful in our quest to introduce new members to our cluba. The attraction of winning

[15]

a free seven-day membership for the year is also very appealing. Our membership costs are extremely competitive and will appeal to golfers of all ages. We have flexible memberships starting form just £400, and a four-month trial membership for £200.”

Start times must be pre-booked with the professional shop. All ages and skill levels are welcome and no handicap certificates are required, although players must bring their own clubs and golf shoes.

To make a booking, call 01737 554939, or for more details visit www.chipsteadgolf.co.uk.

communications, Daniel Gathercole, said: “Our free golf show format brought a wide range of people through the doors

in Manchester last year, including families and nongolfers. This proved to us that with the right partners and locations we have a format

that can make a real impact, challenge misconceptions and share our passion for the game with a really broad spectrum of society.”

Tim Hunt, head of marketing at the European Tour, said: “By working in conjunction with American Golf and Sky we can communicate with current, lapsed and potential new golfers in a way that has never been achieved before.

Whilst avid golfers are essential to the continued success of the industry, we all feel that this partnership has the potential to ensure that the next generation is as engaged as the current one is.”

Full details, visit www.americangolf.co.uk/ free-shows

[16] MARCH 2017 | NEWS

TYACKE CLAIMS JOHN GILL TROPHY West Herts junior Jared Tyacke won the Hertfordshire Golf Union’s Colt of the Year trophy after enjoying a nearperfect record in 2016. He was presented with the award at the HGU annual general meeting held at South Herts Golf Club, where 14-year-old Ben Pierleoni of Berkhamsted won the Scratch trophy, while similarly aged Oscar Earle of Letchworth won the Handicap trophy.

MID SUSSEX TO HOST VERA LYNN GOLF DAY Mid Sussex Golf Club in Ditchling is to host the annual Dame Vera Lynn charity golf day on September 22. The day, which costs £240 for a team of four, comprises 18 holes followed by a three-course dinner and prizes. All proceeds will go towards the Special Care Bay unit at Princess Royal Hospital. To enter, email stratford.m@hotmail.co.uk, or call 01903 884204.

JOHN JACOBS MEMORIAL SERVICE A memorial service for former Ryder Cup captain and European Tour player John Jacobs will take place at Winchester Cathedral on May 22 at 2.30pm.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

RULES SHAKE-UP SET TO HAUL GOLF INTO THE MODERN AGE

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he Rules of Golf are be to taken firmly into the 21st century as part of a concerted attempt by the game’s governing bodies to make golf, and its rules, easier to understand and apply.

In the first significant overhaul of the rules since 1984, the number of rules is to be reduced from 34 to 24, while those that remain will be redesigned to fit the needs of today’s game. In another bold move, the outdated language used to describe the rules will be replaced with modern

phraseology that will be much easier to understand.

Highlights of the proposed rule changes include getting rid of penalties for accidentally moving the ball on the green or when looking for a ball; there will also be no penalty if the ball hits the flag when it’s still in the hole; while players will be able to may repair spike marks and other damage made by shoes, animal damage and other damage on the green. There will also be no penalty for touching the

WORLD’S LONG DRIVERS SET FOR UK SHOWCASE EVENT

line of putt.

Other changes related to red and yellow markers, mean that there will be no penalties for moving loose impediments in bunkers or touching the ground or water in a penalty area.

In an attempt to speed up the general pace of play, the time allowed to search for a lost ball will be reduced from five to three minutes, while players are being recommended to take no more than 40 seconds to play a shot – down from 50 seconds. And,

in a rule proposal aimed specifically at tour players, caddies are no longer to be allowed to stand behind players and line them up while they are putting.

The proposed new rules are also to be written in a user-friendly style, with shorter sentences, commonly used phrases, bulleted points, and explanatory headings.

The release of the rules amendments begins a six-month evaluation period, during which all golfers can learn about the proposed changes and provide input before they are finalised in 2018, and take effect on January 1, 2019.

Golfers are being asked to submit their feedback online via worldwide survey technology that can be accessed at www.randa.org from now until August 31, 2017. The feedback will be reviewed by the R&A and the USGA in establishing the approved final version of golf’s new rules, which are due to be released in mid-2018.

he world’s ■ WORLD LONG DRIVE biggest hitters CHAMPION JOE MILLER are set to go head to WILL BE COMPETING IN head in a new series DUBAI NEXT MONTH of Long Drive World events, which tees off in Dubai later this month.

Eight competitors, each a champion in their own right, have been handpicked to play and will start their campaigns under the spectacular night lights of Dubai.

The 2017 World Series is made up of four events that will take place at venues across three continents. The Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai plays host to the first event on March 17, and the confirmed line up include the current

world, UK and European Long Drive champion, including Hertfordshire's Joe Miller, the reigning World Long Drive champion. The event, which will be hosted by Di Dougherty and Sarah Stirk, will be live streamed across the world.

The other long drivers in the line up include two-time world champion Tim Burke; two-time European champion Maurice Allen and UK Long Drive Champion Lucas Dornan; as well as proven performers Ryan Sternberg, Brad Permian, Ilija Djurdjevic and Emil Rosberg.

Miller said: “I am really excited to be competing in Dubai in the first Long Drive World Series; an amazing location with an elite field of proven winners from around the world. It’s going to be an exciting event and hopefully I can reign in the desert.”

While each event has a significant prize fund, the ultimate aim is to win the entire World Series, with league points being allocated according to where the players place at each of the four events.

Dornan, the reigning UK Long Drive champion, is excited to see the reaction to this inaugural event. “This event promises to inject some real glamour into the sport that I love, and I am very proud to be lining up alongside these players – they really are the cream of the crop," he said. "We will we push each other to our limits and in the right conditions, I expect to see drives well in excess of 400 yards across the board.”

After Dubai, the World Long Drive Series will arrive in the UK. The world’s biggest hitters then travel to Asia and finally on to the USA to complete the first World Series. To follow all the action, visit www.longdriveworldseries.com.

EAGLE RESORTS BUYS THE BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

SILVERMERE TEACHING PROS TEE UP NEW BOOKING SYSTEM

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Due to limited capacity, those wishing to attend are requested to apply in writing by May 8, by emailing Charlotte Duffain at the European Tour at cduffain@EuropeanTour.com.

SWEDEN'S KINHULT CAPTURES LADIES' SPANISH AMATEUR Sweden’s Frida Kinhult won the Spanish women's amateur international championship held at Sherry Golf in Cadiz.

Kinhault, whose older brother Marcus won the Lytham Trophy in 2015, beat Italy's Alessia Nobilio at the 19th hole in the final. En route to victory, Kinhult beat Lancashire's Sophie Lamb 5&4 in the first round, Surrey’s Annabell Fuller 3&2 in second round, and top seed Anastasia Mickan from Germany 5&4 in the semifinal. Fuller finished 12th in the earlier stroke play rounds, after scores of 77 and 71, while Lamb finished 28th (75, 75). Gemma Clews and Isobel Wardle were the only two other English players to qualify for the match play rounds.

he Buckinghamshire Golf Club has been sold for an undisclosed sum to a company that currently owns four other golf clubs, including Old Thorns, Chart Hills and Tracy Park.

The Denham-based club has been in the hands of Japanese brewing company Asahi since it first opened in 1992, following its acquisition of the Denham Court Estate in the late 1980s.

Asahi invested heavily in the property to develop a championship golf course, designed by the late John Jacobs, while the original Grade II-listed mansion house was converted into a clubhouse. Over the last 25 years, The Buckinghamshire has hosted numerous top-flight professional events, the most recent of which was the ISPS Handa Ladies European Masters in August 2015, while it also served as the headquarters for the Ladies European Tour.

The club has been bought by Eagle Resorts, a company which already owns and operates a portfolio of golf clubs, comprising Old Thorns Golf & Country Estate in Hampshire, Tracy Park Golf & Country Hotel in Bath, Castlemartyr Spa & Golf Resort in Ireland, and Chart Hills Golf Club in Kent, which it acquired in September last year.

Commenting on the latest acquisition, Neil Drinkwater, business development manager of the group, said: “Acquiring the prestigious Buckinghamshire Golf Club is a significant milestone and important step forward for our hotel ■ THE BUCKINGHAMSHIRE HAS BEEN SOLD and leisure brand.”

lthough Silvermere’s 15-strong group of teaching professionals have always been one step ahead of the game when it comes to coaching technology, the Surrey-based facility is stepped firmly into the 21st century following the arrival of a brand new online lesson booking system, which allows each pro to check in with their customers whenever they want on their iPads and mobile phones to see who and when they’re teaching.

The new internet-based system, ProAgenda.com, is currently used by over 100 PGA pros in the UK, but Silvermere is undoudtedly the Dutchbased company’s biggest individual ciient in the UK. Explaining the benefits of the new web-based diary system, Silvermere’s Director of Golf, Terry Sims, said: “Not so long ago, we were using paper-based systems, and then we started using a modified online tee time booking app. But with mobile technology developing so rapidly, we were acutely aware that tailor-made lesson booking diary

apps for teaching professionals were becoming available, and so we looked at three of the best contenders.”

Sims continues: “We particularly wanted a system that handled lesson booking, that could manage all the diaries for our 15 staff at the same time, while also offering them a communications facility as well, so each pro could communicate with each of their customers and vice versa.

"It’s also easy to upload the recordings of lesson videos and flight tracking data from our own systems into each customer’s account, so they can see the things they’ve been taught, or even send us videos of their swings in between times for the teaching pro to make comments on.”

[18] MARCH 2017 | COURSE REVIEW

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

■ THE GRADE 1-LISTED MANSION HOUSE PROVIDES A STUNNING BACKDROP TO MANY HOLES ON THE WEST COURSE, INCLUDING THE 15TH AND 18TH (PICTURED)

COURSE REVIEW

MOOR PARK GOLF CLUB Nick Bayly returns to Moor Park Golf Club in Hertfordshire, scene of his wedding 15 years ago, and finds a 36-hole venue even more majestic than he remembered, only with less cake and tougher bunkers

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s they wind their way up the lengthy drive, first-time visitors to Moor Park often think that they’ve taken a wrong turning off the A412 and have stumbled upon a National Trust property, rather than a golf club. That was certainly the view of a number of the guests at my nuptials back in 2002, when, despite following the directions correctly, many thought that their sat navs had gone awry.

Despite the fluttering of flags, and clear evidence of golfing activity, it’s still hard to believe that the building that is technically the ‘clubhouse’ serves such a mundane purpose. It’s safe to say that it wouldn’t look out of place in a Jane Austen novel, but for the lucky members of Moor Park Golf Club, it’s simply home.

A Grade I-listed Palladian mansion, Moor Park redefines the word ‘clubhouse’ and sits alongside Stoke Park as a beacon of architectural splendour in an otherwise drab world of single-storey prefabs.

Set within several hundred acres of Capability Brown-designed parkland in leafy Rickmansworth – which is on the northern section of the Metropolitan line – the mansion at Moor Park was built in 1678 for the Duke of

Monmouth, although its connection with golf can be traced back only as far as 1893, when the first Lord Ebury commissioned a rudimentary course to be built in the grounds for his personal use. Improved further by his son, the whole estate was sold to Lord Leverhulme in 1920, and things changed. Fringe land was sold to raise money that funded the conversion of the mansion into a country club, and leading golf course architect Harry Colt was engaged to construct three courses – the East, the West and the High. In 1923, the Moor Park Club was officially opened. Part of the mansion acted as clubhouse, as it still does today, to the delight of anyone who plays there.

Things changed again in 1937, when Rickmansworth District Council compulsorily purchased the mansion and 350 surrounding acres. A 40-year lease was awarded to a newly-formed company, Moor Park Golf Club Limited, with the proviso that one of the three courses – the East Course – should be made available to the general public. Nowadays, this is the 18-hole Rickmansworth Golf Club – or ‘Little Ricky’ as it is known locally.

So if it’s history you’re after, it’s fair to say that Moor Park has got it in spades, and plenty of visitors beat a path to its

■ THE HIGH COURSE HOSTS MANY TOP-FLIGHT AMATEUR EVENTS, INCLUDING THE HERTFORDSHIRE BOWL

I DO RECALL ONE OF THE MOST ENJOYABLE ROUNDS OF MY LIFE, DESPITE THE FACT THAT FIVE-FOOT PUTTS FOR PARS HAVE THE HABIT OF PALING INTO INSIGNIFICANCE WHEN YOU’RE ABOUT TO SIGN YOUR LIFE AWAY impressive doors for that reason alone.

However, if you’re after a cracking day’s golf, some superb hospitality, and perhaps a game of tennis, then it can offer that too.

Part of the deal that was brokered when I booked my wedding here back in 2002 was that my dad, my best man and I were able to sneak in 18 holes on the High Course before the ceremony. And although my thoughts were distracted with more pressing matters at the time, I do recall one of the most enjoyable rounds of my life, despite the fact that five-foot putts for pars have the habit of paling into insignificance when you’re about to

sign your life away.

Fast forward to 2017 – and three house moves, two children, and a dog later – and, on the surface of it, very little seems to have changed at Moor Park since my last visit. Dig a little deeper though, and I soon discover that a whole lot has changed, most noticeably on the two 18-hole golf courses, the High and the West, which have benefitted from significant renovations in the intervening years.

Keeping 36 holes in championship condition, as well as maintaining a Grade I listed building which was a nasty habit of throwing up huge repair bills, is a tall order, but the management has gone to great lengths to ensure that the club maintains its status as one of the country’s most revered golfing venues, with continual and substantial investment.

The bulk of the most recent work has focused on renovating the bunkers on the High Course, which is regarded as the senior of the two layouts, thanks to its greater length. Stuart Bertram, Moor Park’s long-serving course manager, working in conjunction with ProFusion Golf, has carried out a sympathetic and extremely impressive job of bringing Colt’s hazards firmly into the 21st century. Ten of the 18 holes have already been completed – the remaining eight will be finished next winter – and the new-look bunkers are not only visually appealing, with finely sculptured edges, but they reintroduce the punishment that Colt’s bunkers were originally intended to inflict – namely that you’ll almost certainly drop a shot should you stray into one.

Apart from the extensive bunker

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COURSE REVIEW | MARCH 2017

[19]

■ THE MAGNIFICENT ENTRANCE HALL INSIDE THE MAIN HOUSE

■ THE 210-YARD PAR-3 12TH ON THE HIGH COURSE

refurbishments, changes were also made to a number of holes on both courses to bring the layout up-to-date in relation to modern equipment, and consequently now offer a more challenging test for all standards of golfer. Gone are some of the hazards at the 170-yard mark, in come some new ones at 240 yards, while a number of new back tees have been introduced that can stretch the showpiece High Course to a stamina-sapping 7,056 yards for high level competition, of which Moor Park is a regular host at club, county and national level, including the Hertfordshire Bowl – the next edition of which takes place on May 21 – the Carris Trophy (which is back in 2019), and numerous county championships.

At 6,717 yards off the more modest white tees, the High is still a searching test, and it will come as no surprise to learn that a higher-than-average percentage of the membership are category one golfers. The High is widely renowned for the quality of its par fours, most notably the 8th, 14th and 15th, which measure 467, 435 and 450 yards respectively. The par threes are also delightfully extreme, from the

brutal 12th – which, at 210 yards, often requires a wood to get up – to the quirky 152-yard 18th, which finishes the round on a short, but sweet note.

Long rough is thankfully absent to aid speed of play – while the large greens are manicured, even-paced, and can be fearsomely quick when they want them to be.

The West Course arguably enjoys a more entertaining location than the High, with many of the holes winding their way in close proximity to the mesmerising mansion. Although its shorter length – 5,833 yards off whites, 5,547 off the yellows – makes it more of a test of course management skills than brute force, it is an examination that is all the more refreshing in these days where length is often considered king.

Ideal for society days, as well as popular with seniors, ladies and juniors, the West boasts five superb short holes, with arguably the pick coming at the 151-yard 13th, which features a low stone wall hard down the entire right side of the hole, marking the out of bounds, and a raised green that must be found on the fly in order to avoid a searching examination of your short game from

■ THE 467-YARD, PAR-4 8TH ON THE HIGH COURSE LIVES UP TO ITS STROKE INDEX 1 BILLING

the bunkers and deep swales that surround the putting surface.

Enjoying plenty of changes in elevations, and stunning views over the local countryside, the Colt-designed layout boasts just two par 5s, the 12th and 15th, with the former, at 478 yards, offering the easier birdie opportunity providing you get a good drive away.

The round finishes suitably climatically with two short par 4s that are well within reach for bigger hitters.

The 17th plays just 267 yards off the whites, while the raised tee at the downhill 18th provides a significant launch pad from which to smash a driver to the well-protected green some 300 yards distant. With the mansion providing a stirring backdrop, a birdie here will give you all the more reason to finish your game with a broad grin on your face.

Presented in the same immaculate condition as the High, the West is by no means a poor relation, despite the £25 difference in the green fee (£65 against £90), and not only makes for a fun round in itself, but also provides a quality addition for any 27-hole or 36hole society outing.

Besides playing the courses, visitors can enjoy full use of the spectacular clubhouse and the dining facilities, while there are 13 tennis courts, seven of which are grass. Full membership allows access to the courts free of charge, although there is a separate tennis-only membership for budding Andy Murrays who prefer their balls to

be yellow and squishy.

The magnificent clubhouse is very much an ‘upstairs, downstairs’ affair, with the changing rooms hidden neatly below ground, while the stately public rooms are on the ground floor.

As with all old buildings, significant investment has been essential to ensure the upkeep of the structure while, in consultation with English Heritage, a number of priceless paintings have been restored, and the function and meeting rooms, including the stunning Orangery, have all been refurbished in keeping with the original architecture.

All in all, it makes for an impressive sight that has brought a tear to the eye of many a bride’s mother (even my normally stony-faced one).

As an award-winning wedding venue – I won’t mention it again – the catering and levels of service are right up there with a quality hotel, and far exceed normal golf club fare, making it ideal for large society and corporate golf days.

A quick lesson is a great way to kick off a golf day, and there’s no finer place to do that than at Moor Park’s First Degree Golf Academy, which is run by resident PGA professionals Rob Darwin and Rob Warburton. Using the very latest technology, including a GC2 launch monitor, the academy offers an indoor performance studio, and the team of professionals deliver expert tuition for golfers of all abilities through a range of coaching options, from small group lessons to bespoke one-to-one sessions.

The duo have also recently opened a new indoor putting studio housed on the first floor of the mansion itself.

Kitted out with the latest SAM Putt lab technology, the spacious suite looks sure to prove a magnet for members and all golfers looking to sharpen up their putting prowess.

Moor Park justifiably takes pride in setting itself apart from the competition, but it’s a reputation that is well deserved when you get an understanding of the kind of golf – and the standards of service – that you can expect here, so even if you have no immediate plans to get married any time soon, I strongly urge you to renew your vows with golf, and make your next match at Moor Park.

SPRING OFFER Book a tee time to play on Monday and Thursday afternoons before May 31, and two players can enjoy 18 holes with a buggy on the West Course, for just £50 per person after 2.30pm (£85 before 2pm). For bookings visit www.moorparkgc.co.uk or call 01923 774113.

For details on membership, corporate and society days, and green fees, please call 01923 773146, email enquries@moorparkgc.co.uk or visit www.moorparkgc.co.uk

[20] MARCH 2017 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

SUSSEX PROS ON SHORTLIST FOR TOP COACHING AWARD

FLYING CLUB SWINGERS SET FOR FLORIDA FINALE FULWELL RAISES 11K FOR MUSIC THERAPY CHARITY Fulwell Golf Club in Middlesex succeeded in raising a total of £11,000 during 2016 for a local charity that provides music therapy to vulnerable children and adults in Surrey. Fulwell’s Ladies Captain Sandra Shield chose the charity for the club’s fundraising activities aft er visiting Otakar Kraus Music Trust in Twickenham at the beginning of last year.

The money was raised through a variety fundraising activities, including charity golf days, cake sales, auctions, raff les and a 24hour bike marathon.

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

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lying Club Swingers, Virgin Atlantic’s innovative loyalty golf programme, returns for a 14th season this Spring with some brand new competitions and a highlyanticipated final in Florida.

New sponsors SkyCaddie, Explanar and Golf News join an enviable list of partners such as Cleveland, Srixon, Trendy Golf, Stewart Golf, Gleneagles, Hertz, Level 4 Golf and Virgin Holidays, who once more will be providing amazing prizes and giveaways throughout the season.

After last year’s unforgettable final in Sun City, South Africa, the lucky 24 Season 14 finalists will fly Virgin Atlantic to Streamsong Resort in Florida this November for a Team Europe versus Team Rest of the World Ryder Cup-style contest, and if it’s anything like previous years, it’s going to be truly spectacular.

The final is, for most finalists,

T ■ STREAMSONG IS THE VENUE FOR THE FLYING CLUB'S FLORIDA FINAL

unlike anything else they will have experienced in amateur golf. Captains chosen from within each team host team meetings each night, when pairings are announced for each day’s play and tactics are decided. Hearing their name read out over the PA on the first tee ‘Representing Europe’ or ‘Representing Rest of the World’ sends a tingle down every competitor’s spine.

There’s nothing like the pressure and excitement of the Swingers final, as you get to play foursomes, fourballs and singles matches to decide the overall winners. By the end of the week, finalists have not only had a truly memorable

experience, but they will also have made new lifelong friendships.

And the final is not the only event to be taking place during the season, with members’ days scheduled at Hankley Common, Wallasey, Denham and Berkamsted in the UK and a very special US day at Maderas in Southern California.

Register now to start your Flying Club Swingers journey, and if you’re one of the first 150 Swingers to enter six scores, will win a fabulous goody bag containing some fantastic gifts from the partners, including a special Swingers Trendy Golf shirt. To join now, visit www.flyingclubgolfleague.com.

HUMPHREYS HOLDS HER OWN AGAINST LEADING MEN

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ngland 14-year-old Lily May Humphreys declared her intentions for the 2017 season with a remarkable third place finish in a men’s professional event in Spain.

The honours in the Evolve Pro Tour’s 54-hole tournament went to Miguel Angel Martin, a three-time winner on the European Tour who blitzed away from the field with a score of 13 under par. But Humphreys, who shot level par, could have been second were it not for a triple-bogey eight at the 14th in her first round. As it was, she had rounds of 71, 73 and 72 and finished just a shot behind Spain’s David Borda.

Humphreys, from Channels Golf Club in Essex, played in the event just after joining the England Golf girls’ squad for warm weather training at Quinta do Lago in Portugal.

M asters

She enjoyed a long list of successes in 2016, including wins in the Fairhaven Trophies, the English U16 girls’ championship, the North of England U16 championship, and the Liphook Scratch Cup, where she became the youngestever player to take the trophy. She was also third in the European Young Masters.

wo PGA Professional from golf clubs in Sussex have been shortlisted for England Golf’s Club Coach of the Year award – the overall winner of which will be announced later this month at a special ceremony in London.

Ben Knight from Chartham Park and James Verrall (above) from Haywards Heath have both been nominated for the prestigious award, following a detailed assessment of their coaching credentials.

Knight has been responsible for his club’s junior section for 13 years, and has been involved with Sussex junior coaching for over 10 years.

He also inspires adults, introducing 70 to the game last year through the Get into Golf programme. His services are also called upon at county level, where he helps to coach the coaches in Sussex.

Verrall has made a huge impact since he became Haywards Heath’s retained head professional a year ago. His well-stocked shop and attentive staff create a great first impression and, together with his coaching programmes, he has helped to increase club membership. He and his team also work with 10 local schools, and he has recently persuaded the club to create a six-hole academy course.

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"Voice of Golf" Peter Alliss Designed Golf Course

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GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

NEWS | MARCH 2017

[21]

ROYAL ASHDOWN LAUNCHES SOCIETY INVITATIONAL

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oyal Ashdown Forest Golf Club in West Sussex is launching a new tournament aimed at rewarding golf societies that host a society day at the popular 36-hole club during the year.

The Ashdown West Society Invitational, which is scheduled to take place in October, will be open to all golf societies of 16 players or more that host a day at the club this season. The qualifying societies will be asked to nominate four members, including the organiser, to make up a team that will compete for the trophy and numerous prizes.

Located on the Kent, Sussex, and Surrey borders, Ashdown Forest is ideally placed to attract societies from all over the South East, while its 5,600-yard West Course, recently renamed Ashdown West, is a

superb test for all levels of golfers.

Voted Britain’s best course under 6,000 yards by Golf World, it was originally laid out as a 9-hole course in 1883, but it was extended to 18 in 1932 by architect Stafford Hotckin, who designed Woodhall Spa. The West weaves its way through dense forest and has some of the most beautiful settings for golf in Sussex, with acclaimed golf writers Bernard Darwin and Frank Pennink both singling out the course for praise during their early reviews.

“We have an ideal course for golf societies,” said Michael Scarles, Royal Ashdown’s general manager.

“It’s beautiful, easy to walk, and a fun course to play, without being too difficult. We want to make every golf day with us memorable, so while we are competitive

NEW HANDICAP RULE TO CURB TRAVELLING BANDITS

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new handicapping rule has been introduced for members of English golf clubs to stop rogue players manipulating the system to their advantage.

Over recent years there have been a number of cases of players who protect inflated handicaps, only to repeatedly collect high-value rewards when playing in competitions away from home.

Now, everyone playing in non-qualifying competitions away from home must return their scores to their home club. Players who ignore this responsibility could, as a last resort, have their handicap suspended.

“It’s essential to do this to protect the integrity of the system,” said Gemma Hunter, England Golf’s handicap and course rating manager. “We can’t sit back and let people manipulate the system, but without evidence clubs can’t take any action.”

England Golf has introduced this clause of the CONGU handicapping system to provide clubs with evidence to support handicap reviews.

The new system will highlight players who, for example, take part in as many

STOKE PARK TAKES GOLD AT GOLF INDUSTRY ‘OSCARS' Stoke Park Country Club, Spa & Hotel, in Buckinghamshire, was the only UK members golf club

■ ASHDOWN WEST

on price, the Ashdown West experience every society receives will be a day to remember."

He added: “I know how much work society organisers put into their groups, so, when I started at Ashdown West, one goal of mine was set up a special day to say ‘thank you’ to them. This year, in October, we will be hosting the Inaugural Ashdown West Society Invitational, where all societies of

to attain ‘Gold Flag' standard at 16 players or more will receive an invite to the event as our guests.

Each society will choose a team offour to represent them with their organiser as their captain. The day will include breakfast, golf, lunch and a prize giving – all on us.”

To book a golf society at Ashdown West, or for more information, call 01342 822247 or visit www.royalashdown.co.uk.

the annual 59club golf service awards, which are widely regarded by many as the ‘Oscars' of the golf service industry.

At a ceremony at four-time Ryder Cup venue the Belfry, hosted by BBC sport s presenter Dan Walker, the 27-hole venue - already one of just two five-AA Red Star golf clubs in England - was awarded the prestigious 59club ‘Gold Flag' for a fourt h successive year.

The awards are designed to reward

competitions as possible at home, and whose handicaps creep up 0.1 on every occasion – but who repeatedly win prizes away from home. Similarly, it will show up the players who play the bare minimum of competitions at home, but who are known for their away successes.

Hunter added: “We’re not talking about a sleeve of balls. These are big prizes, including luxury trips overseas, sets of clubs, and electric trolleys.”

The new rules apply to all stroke play scores returned under competition conditions, including team events. “It’s not about recording every score in a fourball betterball, but returning the team score,” added Hunter. “If the same individuals or teams keep winning, or coming near the top of leaderboards at events away from home, that should at least indicate to their club handicapping officials that further investigations are required – and the only way to achieve that is by asking for all the scores to be reported.”

Social golf is not affected, but clubs are advised to be aware of performances in swindles, which the handicap committee could take into account at the annual review. England Golf also recommends that clubs that run non-qualifying open competitions should inform the prizewinners’ home clubs of their scores.

the top golf venues across all business elements. International benchmarking specialist 59club presents its industry benchmarks, the Gold and Silver Flags, to the finest membership clubs and commercial venues that consistently attain the required high levels in mystery-shopper tests.

Having collected the award, Stoke Park's director of golf Stuart Collier, said: "Although this is the fourt h successive year we have attained - and maintained - the required standard to achieve Gold Flag status, it never fails to make us immensely proud, nor fails to inspire us to even greater things."

The drive of your life Home to the 2017 PGA Cup, Foxhills Club & Resort is the ideal destination for your next round.

Located amongst picturesque countryside, Foxhills features two Championship golf courses and blends friendly service with exceptional greens.

The first club in the UK to offer luxury buggies equipped with built-in GPS course guide, golf days and breaks are available to all.

Stonehill Road, Ottershaw, Surrey KT16 0EL t: 01932 704465 foxhills.co.uk

[22] MARCH 2017 | COLUMN

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

The

TYRRELL HATTON

column

England’s Tyrrell Hatton tees off his exclusive new column for Golf News with a look at life on the PGA Tour and his preparations for his first appearance at The Masters

IT’S FAIR TO SAY THE LAST 12 MONTHS or so have been exciting for me, with a real push up the world rankings. Here we are a year later, and I’m playing in America, inside the top 20, playing in all the big events, and about to experience my first Masters.

Finishing second at the Scottish Open in July, fifth in The Open, and 10th at the PGA, really kick-started the second half of my season. Winning the Dunhill in October was a dream come true for me at the Home of Golf. I then rounded it off by taking second in the DP World Championship in Dubai.

I often have to pinch myself that this is really happening. Sometimes it feels like it’s happening to someone else.

My new world ranking has certainly opened up tremendous opportunities, and I’m currently into the fourth week of a 12-week stint out here in the States, which I’m calling my ‘American Adventure’. It’s a fantastic opportunity to come out here for three months and live in Florida. I was here in 2011 for the Hooters Winter Series, but this is a little bit different. Emily, my girlfriend, is out here with me to share in this experience for the next three months.

We’ve been renting a house in Orlando, and with the sun almost always shining, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to work on my game. It’s been amazing how quickly we’ve settled into the lifestyle out here, and it’s something I could seriously get used to. It’s amazing what a bit of sun on your back does to lift the spirits.

I wanted to get off a fast start to try and earn enough FedEx Cup points to earn my special temporary membership of the PGA Tour. I managed to get off to a great start

at my first tournament, the Honda Classic, an event I was kindly given a sponsors’ invitation by Ken Kennerly, who runs the tournament.

I shot three rounds in the 60s, and went out in the last group on Sunday with Rickie Fowler. It was an amazing experience, with massive crowds, all of whom obviously were rooting for Rickie, as he lives only 10 minutes up the road.

Unfortunately, I had a pretty frustrating final day. I played some great golf, but in the ■ PLAYNG ALONGSIDE RICKIE FOWLER AT THE HONDA end I finished fourth. It was Ricey and I weren’t feeling well, but that’s a fantastic learning experience, and I really golf, and you’ve just got to get on with it. I’ve enjoyed playing in front of those large now got 217 FedEx Cup points, and I need crowds.

319 points to secure my special temporary That night we took the PGA Tour charter membership, so we are making progress on flight to Mexico to play the WGC there. I’d that front. not played in Mexico before, so it was a This week I’ve had a week off. On Tuesday, whole new experience for me. Unfortunately, I was invited to go on the Golf Channel’s like quite of a few of the other players and Morning Drive Show, which was great fun. caddies, I got some sort of bug while I was Thank God, I holed the two putts they asked there, and a heavy cold, so I didn’t feel great me to make on live TV! It was great to work all week. Chris Rice, my caddy, was also ill, but with Cara Robinson from England, who has at the end of the day we just had to get on been in the States for two years. Earlier in my with it. stay I recorded an interview in Orlando for I enjoy playing at altitude – it’s something Inside the PGA Tour show, which goes out we experience at the Omega European on Sky Sports. This week, one of one my best Masters at Crans on the European Tour – so mates, Hugo Dobson, is out from England, I was used to the conditions in Mexico, but and we’ve been playing and practicing at Ricey and I made sure my irons were dialled Lake Nona and Champions Gate. in so we were good to go on Thursday. The Next week, I’m playing in the Arnold course was tight, tree-lined, with tricky and Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in Orlando and quick greens. A lot of the European Tour then it’s on to the Dell WGC Matchplay in lads played well, and it certainly felt like a Austin, Texas. I then return to Orlando for a European Tour event playing with Tommy week’s preparation before The Masters. After [Fleetwood] and Thomas [Pieters] in the last Augusta, we drive to the coast to play in round. the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town in Hilton Finishing 10th was good, especially since

■ TYRRELL IS PRACTISING AT CHAMPIONS GATE IN ORLANDO

■ AN INVITATION TO THE MASTERS IS EVERY PLAYER'S DREAM

I OFTEN HAVE TO PINCH MYSELF THAT THIS IS REALLY HAPPENING. SOMETIMES IT FEELS LIKE IT’S HAPPENING TO SOMEONE ELSE.

Head, South Carolina, and then it’s back to Orlando for some time off, before starting preparations for The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass in Jackonsville, Florida. After The Players I’m returning to England to get ready for Wentworth.

I can’t wait for Augusta. Ever since I can remember, I’ve always wanted to play at Augusta National. I’m really looking forward to getting there, settling into the tournament, and doing my very best to compete at the highest level.

My family is certainly looking forward to it. We’ve rented two houses nearby, one for family and friends, and one myself and Emily, and members of my management team, who have looked after me since I was 18. My dad, Jeff, is my coach, and has been since I was 11 years old, so it’s going to be very special to have him there supporting me.

He’s also going to caddy for me in the par-3 tournament on the Wednesday, which will be awesome.

As far as Masters memories go, having been born in 1991, my first memory is of Tiger holing that chip from off the green at the 16th in 2005. I was 14 at the time, and dad used to let me stay up and watch the Masters every night. I was glued to the sofa for four days. It’s amazing to think that 12 years later, I’m going to be there myself in a few weeks.

I remember the first junior tournament that I won when I was five years old was the Wycombe Heights Junior Masters, and the winner got a little green jacket. I still have it at home. It doesn't fit me now, obviously, but like all the other golfers playing at Augusta, I hope one day to wear the prestigious green jacket.

YOU CAN FOLLOW TYRRELL ON TWITTER @THATTON91 PARTNERS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

GARCIA OFFERS BRITISH MASTERS’ CADDY JOB TO TWITTER ‘STALKER’

NEWS | MARCH 2017

[23]

FEMALE PARTICIPATION STILL LAGGING BEHIND EUROPEAN NATIONS

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ttempts to increase female participation in the UK seem to be falling short of the mark, as recent figures show that only 14% of members at UK clubs are women or girls.

That figure compares unfavourably with continental European countries, with Germany reporting 35% of club members are female, while Austria (35%), Switzerland (33%), and the Netherlands (32%), all boast over twice the participation rates of UK golf clubs,

a total of just 678,372 female members across 3,000 golf clubs.

A recent report claimed men can play a huge role in encouraging women to participate in golf, as the top reason for female golfers taking up the game is influence from a male peer. Furthermore, more than 50% of male golfers say their sons often play golf, but just 12% say their daughters play.

The report found that only a quarter of male golfers are interested

in playing casual golf with female counterparts.

The same report found only half of women who play golf do so because of influence from a male partner – with 78% of male players stating that their partners do not play.

Country Golf Partnerships have reported that 54,000 people took part in golf introduction sessions in the summer of 2015 – 35% of whom

were women. However, though this information shows an increase of 47% on previous years, it has yet to translate to an increase in regular players or club memberships.

■ MARK JOHNSTON

S

ergio Garcia is to employ the services of a novice caddy in the Pro-Am at this year’s

British Masters, after being bombarded with requests on social media from an amateur golfer for the last seven months.

The 40-year-old Ryder Cup star finally relented to club golfer Mark Johnston’s persistent requests to let him carry his bag in a tournament, after receiving over 200 tweets since July last year.

Johnson’s first tweet to Garcia, which arrived during the British Masters at Woburn, simply said: ''Are you ready?'' followed by the hashtag ‘letmecaddieforyou’. He then sent a further 202 messages begging to be his bagman, before Garcia finally relented on January 28, shortly after his victory at the Dubai Desert Classic.

Johnson has not been trusted with a proper competitive round, however, and will be on the bag for the Spaniard’s appearance in the Celebrity Pro-Am that precedes the main tournament on September 27.

Speaking about the barrage of social media messages, Garcia said: “Angela [his fiancée] and I talked in Dubai about how long we should wait before we gave in to Mark’s request, and we both decided that 200 days would be a good number. If he was capable of holding out for that long, then I think he probably deserved to make the cut – it showed a lot of perseverance, strength and energy, which are some of the things you look for in a good caddy. I’m looking forward to meeting him at the British Masters at Close House. It should be a lot of fun.”

MARK JOHNSON’S TOP TWEETS TO SERGIO: @TheSergioGarcia I won't even ask for 10% wages, just expenses will be good!! #Letmecaddieforyou #Day41 @TheSergioGarcia My wife said I'm a stalker. I said it will be better than our wedding day – it's my dream! #Letmecaddieforyou #Day50 @TheSergioGarcia Your dream is winning a major, mine is to carry your bag and do a good job at it! #Letmecaddieforyou #Day70 @TheSergioGarcia I wouldn't be scared to tell the crowd to be quiet if they were being noisy when you were about to play! #Letmecaddieforyou #Day124

M E M O R A B L E G O L F DAY S Whether you are a small group, a society, corporate or charity golf day organiser, Hever Castle Golf Club has a selection of packages and bespoke golf days from

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[24] MARCH 2017 | COLIN MONTGOMERIE

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

THE FULL MONTY

Nick Bayly sits down with Colin Montgomerie for a chat about his ‘second career’ on the senior circuit, the future of the European Tour, the Ryder Cup, and why, at 53, he’s never been happier with his life and his game

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ack in 2013, when you turned 50, do you remember being excited about the prospect of playing seniors golf?

I didn't think I was going to play seniors’ golf at all, I must admit. I wasn't excited about turning 50. Is anybody? I felt that I'd be walking the dogs around the pond at home. And then, when I did turn 50, I discovered that I still had the same ambition, the same drive, and the same competitive edge that I had when I was playing back in the 90s. So I wanted to do something to keep that all going.

I was losing length off the tee, and wasn’t really competitive on the main tours.

And the opportunity was afforded me through the Hall of Fame induction in 2013. I happened to turn 50 in June that year, so the timing was perfect. Yes, I've done reasonably well. Far better than I expected, so I’m thrilled with how things have turned out.

A lot of the guys tread water from 45 to 50, waiting for the day to play senior’s golf. I wasn't one of them. I was playing on the European Tour and the odd major here and there and thinking, okay, I'll probably stop playing on the European Tour when I’m 55. But this has given everybody that comes out here a new lease of life, a new chapter in one's book, and in some cases a new book altogether.

You seem very happy in yourself these days. Does that translate to your form on the golf course, and how much are you able to draw a distinction between the two?

I'm thoroughly enjoying myself, and I think that, in anything, if you enjoy yourself, you're usually quite good at it, whatever you do, and I really am enjoying what I'm doing. The Champions Tour is a fabulous place to play. They said it was good. It's better than that. There are no great egos to contend with, no envy or animosity. We've all attained a certain standing to be out here in the first place.

Everybody seems genuinely happy with anyone else's success, and it's just a very welcome place to be.

The American public seemed to have turned from treating you like a pantomime villain into a player they almost root for – certainly when there’s not an American up against you. Does it feel like that to you when you’re playing on the Champions Tour these days?

There's a lot in that. I think you learn and you mature as you go along, and I didn't embrace the American public possibly the way that I should have done earlier on in my career, and it hurt me when competing in the majors over there.

I've embraced playing here since I turned 50. I really am enjoying it, and I think the golf fans are seeing that, and they are giving back. So it's a two-way street.

There's a warmth that I haven't felt in the past, and I blame myself for that. Now I'm enjoying it. I was never a member of the PGA Tour in the '90s. So I am a fullyfledged, paid up member now, and I'm loving it.

How long did it take you to adapt to playing in tournaments without a cut?

With the exception of the majors, the regular tournaments are just three rounds.

My game has always been based on not making mistakes, being consistent, par golf, which pays off over four rounds on tough courses, but when there’s no cut and fewer holes it all becomes about how many birdies you can make. You can sometimes be two under after half a dozen holes and feel like you’re already playing catch up. But these days if you're not scoring 66 you’re out of the picture.

I shot 65, 66 and 68 in a tournament last season and finished third. You’d expect to walk it with those scores, but the standard is bloody good. It shocks most people when they first start out. Langer was second last off at the Masters at 58 years of age, so these guys can still play.

Is there any part of your game that you feel is better now than it was back when you were winning all those Order of Merit titles on the European Tour?

As golfers we can always get better – I hope that I learn something about myself, and my game, after every round I play. Obviously, I’m not going to be hitting

the ball any further at 53, but it’s around the greens that I’ve most improved. I genuinely believe that I'm a better chipper and putter now than I ever was.

Pros never get up and down every time they miss the green, but I've been genuinely surprised by how well players chip and putt on the Champions Tour. I thought you were supposed to lose your nerve with a putter when you reached a certain age, but I was wrong about that. The putting is incredible on the Champions Tour, and so is the chipping. You watch Bernhard Langer chip and putt. I've watched him for 35 years. He takes long enough to do it – so there's plenty of time to watch him, shall we say.

And it's amazing how he doesn't waste a shot, and that's key, and that's the momentum that keeps going for the next hole. It's the way that Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods kept themselves going over those years when they were hitting the ball all over the place off the tee. Getting up and down saved them. And that's what I've got better at over the three years I've been playing on the Champions Tour.

How do your driving distances compare to in your youth?

I’m hitting it as far as I ever did on the regular tour. I was averaging 274 yards when I was No.2 in the world back in the 90s, and last year I was 275 – so no difference. The combination of innovations in ball and club design has obviously helped. Sadly, 275 yards won’t get you very far on the regular tour these days, but it’s fine at the senior level.

You won once last year and finished second in the money list. Were you disappointed not to win more often, given your high level of play?

It’s very difficult to win out here, so while it was disappointing not to get more wins, I felt that I played ok. There’s always someone who can have a better week than you, someone who gets a flier. I’ve always had the view that if I can’t win, I’m going to finish the very highest I can, so whereas some players might back off when the chance of winning has gone, I’ve always tried to get the best possible finish, which is perhaps why I’ve finished second or third a lot of times, when others might have struggled for top fives and 10s. They all add up at the end of the season, and it partially explains why I won all those order of merit titles – my career has all been about consistency.

You’ve had 27 consecutive rounds under par – a record for the tour – does that give you a sense of satisfaction or are they just numbers?

The main satisfaction is that I beat the previous record of 22 set by Bernhard Langer! No, it’s obviously nice any time you break a record of any kind. It’s a reward for consistency, so I’m proud of that.

You play in front of some big crowds on the Champions Tour, does that help get the competitive juices flowing?

Yes – I’ve been blown away by the number of people that turn out to watch us. Over 250,000 came to watch the US Senior Open in Nebraska, which is incredible. The Champions Tour often goes to cities not visited by the PGA Tour, so there is a pent up demand from fans to see tournament golf and they come out in their thousands to support their local events. Of course, they’re normally cheering for their favourites, or anyone American, but playing in front of big crowds is certainly better than playing in front of one man and his dog.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

COLIN MONTGOMERIE | MARCH 2017 [25]

Yes, there are some decent players coming through. Davis Love has got the Ryder Cup out of the way, and will be putting in the hours. Steve Stricker and David Toms are on board, and José Maria [Olazabal] is now eligible to play. It makes the tour ever the stronger and more marketable. The Champions Tours has done a good job of marketing itself. It’s rather a shame that over in Europe we still call ourselves the Seniors Tour, as it kind of gives the impression that you’re going to see Old Tom Morris in his plus-fours, rather than guys that have been winning European Tour events just a few years ago. The Champions Tour has a much younger brand. We’ve looked at other names for the European Seniors, like the Legends, Masters, what have you, but it certainly needs looking at.

Would you be in favour of lowering the entry age level to the Senior Tours to make the transition from the main tours a bit smoother, rather than leaving players in limbo for five or so years?

The tours have all talked about this. Perhaps taking a year off every year, so it becomes 49 in say 2018, 48 in 2019, and so on. So in five years time it will be 45.

It would certainly help the European Tour. I was treading water between the ages of 46 and 50. The courses are 7,500 yards long and the playing field is no longer level.

With more European players switching to the PGA Tour, what do you make of the European Tour’s decision to create a run of big money tournaments in Europe with the new Rolex Series?

Keith Pelley [European Tour chief executive] is doing what anyone in his position would try to do. He’s looking at ways of trying to keep more of Europe’s top players playing in Europe, or at least on the European Tour. All credit to Rolex

IT DOES TAKE A LITTLE LONGER TO WARM UP IN THE MORNING THESE DAYS, BUT PHYSICALLY I’M IN GOOD SHAPE – MENTALLY, I’M A MESS, BUT THAT’S ANOTHER THING ENTIRELY! for getting behind it, but it remains to be seen who and how many players will come back and play in them. Matt Fitzpatrick, Thomas Pieters and Andrew Johnston have all hinted they’re going to be playing more in America this year, and they’ve really only just started out in their careers. In my day only Faldo, Seve, Ollie, myself, and Ronan Rafferty went over, but never on a full-time basis. I got to No.2 in the world playing in Europe, so it can be done – even more so now, with all the money from WGC events.

Given all the discussions over wildcards at the last Ryder Cup, and issues over tour membership, would you be in favour of the teams simply being reeled off from the top 12 in the world rankings?

Yes, it makes perfect sense. Why wouldn’t you want the best players in your team? It’s straightforward, there’s no debate. There’s no favouritism or controversy. Pick the top 12 from the world rankings and there’s your team. And, all things being equal, it will be your strongest team. Should you have to be a member of the European Tour to be in the Ryder Cup? Perhaps not. Paul Casey would have been a huge asset to the team at Hazeltine.

Did you always feel that your swing would have more longevity than most?

Touch wood, it has, and it will continue to do so. I’ve been lucky enough to remain injury-free for almost all my career. I’m not the fittest out there, but my swing has always been about a smooth, even tempo, rather than any big transitional movement, so it puts the whole body under less stress than some other more aggressive swings. It does take a little longer to warm up in the morning these days, but physically I’m in good shape – mentally, I’m a mess, but that’s another thing entirely!

How much of an honour was it to hit the opening tee shot at The Open at Troon last year?

It was a huge honour. Not many pros get the opportunity to play an Open in their hometown, or at their home course, so it was a great honour for me. I made a big effort to be there, and I was delighted to get that third spot in final qualifying. I’m not sure I would have attempted to qualify had it not been at Troon. It was my last chance to play an Open there, and I was delighted to make it.

Do you think you may have played in your last Open Championship?

Yes, it could well be. I won't be retiring from it, and I will attempt to qualify this summer for Royal Birkdale, but at the same time, realistically, it could well have been my last appearance.

There are quite a few good players turning 50 this year that will be looking to topple you and Bernhard. Do you pay much attention to who’s coming through the ranks?

Do you think it would be almost impossible for someone to beat your record of eight order of merits, given the global schedule of the top players?

It’s going to be hard, but there are still a lot of events that count towards the Race to Dubai, so it has been shown that it’s possible to win the Fed Ex Cup and the Race to Dubai in the same season, providing you play well in all the top events that count towards both. Rory won the Race to Dubai on the back on winning outside of Europe.

Having said that, the sheer logistics of it means that it gets hard to do that over an extended period. I’m very proud of my record in Europe, and I obviously hope that it stands for as long as possible. If someone beats it, I’ll be the first to shake their hand. I started at 30, so it was quite late in my career, but Rory has a good chance, having won it three times already. I was also lucky enough to remain healthy throughout my career, which contributed to my run. Not everyone is able to do that. Just look at Tiger, even Rory with his rib. Most players will have to battle little niggles along the way, but I – touch wood – managed to remain pretty healthy. I might not have always been fit, in an athletic sense, but I had no broken bones, torn muscles, or anything like that.

You’ve kept your hand in with the golf design business. What projects have you got in the pipeline for opening this year?

We’ve got two courses in Morocco about to open – one in Marrakech and one in Rabat – and another project in the south of France. It’s not been the easiest time to be in the course development business, with the global recession, but there are signs that things are coming back.

Finally, you’re obviously familiar the Twitter parody account @Darth_Monty.

What do you make of it?

Yes, I've been told of it, although I’m not into social media myself. It’s great.

He always tends to copy what I'm saying. I like to think he's a fan – if so, he’s probably the only one I've got.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

[26] MARCH 2017 | NEWS

FRILFORD SCOOPS TOP ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD F

rilford Heath Golf Club’s commitment to working alongside nature has received national recognition after the Oxfordshire-based venue won Outstanding Project of the Year at this year’s Golf Environment Awards.

Frilford Heath lies within a Ponds and Fens Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The award was given because of its unique habitat for Oxfordshire, designated for its acid grassland, heathland mosaic and rare calcareous fen habitat, alongside the invertebrates and fen plants that live there.

With the help of an agrienvironment Higher Level Stewardship grant, Frilford Heath impressed the judging panel with its extensive restoration works at Boundary House Fen. Neglected for many years, the club’s efforts have

seen the return of a number of fen indicator species, including bog pimpernel, which is only found at a handful of sites in Oxfordshire.

In partnership with Natural England, and with the help of Abingdon Green Gym volunteers, the greenkeeping team has worked to enhance this nationally-important habitat for the future of the SSSI. Speaking about the award, Frilford Heath’s chairman, Alistair Booth, said: “We have been working with external partners restoring parts the Boundary House Fen, so we are delighted to receive recognition for our hard work. The fen restoration is just one of a series of activities undertaken at the golf course to enhance the rare habitat. We are proud to say it has been undertaken with the support of our greenstaff and our club

HORSHAM TO HOST TOP TOUR MIND COACH

K

arl Morris, the performance coach to six past major champions, is hosting an interactive workshop at Horsham Golf in West Sussex on March 21.

The renowned mental coach, who helped Louis Oosthuizen to Open glory in 2010 and Graeme McDowell to

members, who have been enthused and delighted to see the increase in wildlife.”

Alison Muldal, land management adviser at Natural England, said: “Work at Frilford started in 2007. It has taken time, but the progress we see now is heart-warming, and shows what can be achieved with determination and partnership working. I am delighted to see the improvement to the SSSI, and particularly the way in which Frilford Heath’s management, greenstaff, and members have embraced the environmental management plan. It’s fantastic when golfers come over to chat to me about wildflowers, fungi, birds, insects or mammals they have seen while playing a round of golf.

Frilford Heath really is a fine example of how wildlife and golf can work hand-in-hand.”

victory at the US Open that same year, is currently taking his 'Your Golf Challenge' training programme on the road.

The two-hour session will see Morris explain his proven system for golf success in a workshop themed around ‘Could the next 12 months be your best, most enjoyable yet?’

Subjects covered include: ‘how to stop your mind interfering with your swing’; ‘focusing on the right things could add yards to your drives’; ‘how to take a golf lesson out on to the course’; and ‘how to get out of your own way and play the golf you are truly capable of’.

Aimed at all levels of golfer, from absolute beginner to scratch golfer, the 7pm-9pm workshop costs £27 per person, and all attendees at Horsham Golf will receive £10 back as credit against their next golf lesson. All guests on the night will also be entered into a prize draw, the winner of which will receive Morris’s audio programme ‘The Players Programme’, which retails at £297.

If you miss the Horsham date, Morris will be at Ashridge Golf Club in Hertfordshire on March 25; North Foreland Golf Club in Kent on April 6, and Pyrford Golf Club in Surrey on April 13.

To book your place at Horsham Golf, call 0333 577 2464 or email info@my-golf-academy.co.uk.

PROSSER HITS THE JACKPOT IN VEGAS

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nother top quality field assembled in the Nevada sunshine to compete in the 20th Annual Las Vegas Classic Pro-Am, one of The American Golf Holiday’s prestigious Pro-Am Tour events.

After playing with the Pro-Am Tour in

Scottsdale the previous week, Kingswinford Golf Centre's Darren Prosser took the scenic five-hour drive through the desert to Las Vegas, chasing his fourth victory in the event. His last was back in 2009, and he faced some tough competition, especially from a former

South Region No.1, Leeon-the-Solent Golf Club's James Ablett.

The opening

tournament round was staged at the spectacular Cascata Golf Club, a private venue built

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

MASTERS | MARCH 2017

[27]

BRIDGESTONE BACKS NEW ‘CHASE YOUR DREAM’ TROPHY

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lub golfers will get the chance to chase their dreams this season – and win a place in a European Tour Pro-Am – thanks to a new partnership between Bridgestone Tyres and England Golf.

The Bridgestone Chase your Dream Trophy, which is being played for the first time in 2017, will be an annual event open to members of England Golf’s 1,900 affiliated clubs. It features separate competitions for men and women to discover the country’s top handicap golfers of the year.

Nine men and nine women will qualifying to play in the Pro-Am at the Bridgestone Challenge at Luton Hoo on the Challenge Tour, followed by a dream outing with a top Tour player at the Pro-Am of the European Tour’s British Masters at Close House.

England Golf’s chief executive Nick Pink commented: “We are delighted to partner with Bridgestone and join their campaign to inspire new golfers and put existing players at the heart of the grassroots game.”

Rory Colville, championship director of the British Masters, also endorsed

■ A TEAM OF AMATEURS TOOK PART IN THE BIRITSH MASTERS PRO-AM IN 2016

the partnership. He said: “This is a great opportunity for regular club golfers to graduate to mix with the leading lights of the Tour. We look forward to seeing England Golf’s qualifying players reaching the final stages at the Bridgestone Challenge and ultimately the British Masters at Close House.”

Last season, England Golf and Bridgestone worked together to run the Driveguard Trophy for club golfers, and made a dream come true for South West players Zack Rosen, Carl Broomfield and Peter Carr.

The trio qualified to play alongside Dylan Frittelli in the pro-am of the Bridgestone Challenge at Heythrop Park. They were victorious on the day and then found themselves as guests of Bridgestone at the British Masters at The Grove, playing alongside 2010 US Open champion Graeme McDowell.

The Bridgestone Chase Your Dream Trophy will replace the women’s Grand

Medal and the men’s Gold Medal competitions. Each year the club players who had the best medal scores of the previous season will qualify for regional finals, where the leaders will go forward to men's and women's national finals. So, the stakes are high in 2017 club medals!

This year’s grand final will take place in England Golf Week at Woodhall Spa in August. There, the players will be the overnight guests of England Golf and be treated to the full championship experience. The individual winners will be England’s handicap golfers of the year and the top nine players at each final will play in the Pro-Am at the Bridgestone Challenge on September 6.

The most successful team there will play in the Pro-Am at The British Masters supported by Sky Sports, at Close House Golf Club, Northumberland, on September 27.

SNAP UP A SLICE OF CHESTFIELD HISTORY

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rare opportunity to buy a home with direct access to a championship golf course has come up, following the proposed sale of a four-bedroom property that overlooks Chestfield Golf Club in Kent.

The Dormy House, which is on the market for £1.4 million, overlooks the historic Whitstable-based club, and boasts a garden gate that provides direct access to the 18-hole course.

The house was built in the late 1920s by local developer George Reeves, who commissioned none other than James Braid and Abe Mitchell to design Chestfield Golf Course, originally known as Shrub Hill. The course opened in 1924,

and some of Mitchell’s clubs are still on display in the clubhouse today.

Previous owners of the Dormy House have included Jack Billmeir, a shipping magnate who bought both the Dormy House and golf club in 1938, and Tony Opie, producer of the famous cocktail cherries, whose company, Bennett Opie, Ltd, is based in Sittingbourne.

Standing within an acre of landscaped gardens, the property also features a heated swimming pool, a barn, and an adjoining ‘granny’ annexe.

For enquiries, call Adrian Thompson of Skyhunter Property Consultants on 01227 469869.

specifically for Las Vegas’ highrollers. Prosser took full advantage of the pristine course conditions and perfect weather to open up an early twopoint lead over Ablett, with Richard Morris third.

Rio Secco Golf Club, home of the famous Butch Harmon Golf Academy, hosted the second round, and Ablett's 39 points was good enough to take the

The team event lead changed hands several times, and despite a valiant final round charge from Adam Hickling's team, Steve Parry's team of Debbie Cain, Nick Rowarth and Dave Dobson claimed a famous victory in their maiden Pro-Am Tour event.

Away from the golf, competitors stayed in the five-star Caesars Palace and took full advantage of

overall lead by a single point. In Round 3, at Reflection Bay Golf Club at Lake Las Vegas Resort, Ablett extend that lead to two points over Prosser to set up an exciting finish.

In the final round, at Las Vegas Paiute Resort Wolf Course, a superb score of 40 points from Prosser was good enough to claim the individual title, and win him $2,000 in prize money.

their location in the heart of ‘the entertainment capital of the world’, enjoying shows by global superstars such as Elton John, Diana Ross, Cher and Jennifer Lopez. More adventurous travellers took helicopter tours over the Grand Canyon, visited the Hoover Dam, while one of the Austrian teams even found time to enjoy skiing at Mount Charleston.

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[28] MARCH 2017 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

England International Marco Penge tees off a new column charting his final year on the amateur circuit, including a tilt at the Walker Cup, before he looks to the join the paid ranks THIS YEAR IS BY FAR the most important of my golfing career. It’s my last as an amateur, and my last chance to win some of the big amateur trophies.

It’s also my final opportunity to play in the Walker Cup – something I’ve dreamed of playing in for a long time.

I’ve been selected for the initial 19-strong squad, which will be cut down to the final 12 in August, so we’ve all got five months to prove ourselves worthy of selection. While I’ve had a good recent run of results, and was ranked fifth of the men’s order of merit last year, I’m taking nothing for granted, so I’ve got to go out there this season and get the results.

I’d like to finish the year in the top 50 in the world amateur rankings, and it’s also my aim to represent England in the men’s team in the Home Internationals and European Teams Championship, so I’ve got a busy few months ahead.

Whether I make the Walker Cup team or not, I’ve already made the decision to turn pro at the end of the year, and start trying to pay my way in the game. It’s very expensive to play a full schedule as an amateur. There is so much travel, we’re basically performing like unpaid tour pros. I’m going to European Tour’s Qualifying School in November and we’ll see what happens.

Even if I don’t get my card, hopefully I’ll finish high enough to earn some invitations to a few tournaments next season.

I’ve got a great team around me. Beside my parents, who have supported me all the way, I’ve had the same swing coach, Alex Saary, for the

■ MAKING THE WALKER CUP TEAM IS ON MARCO'S AGENDA FOR 2017

last nine years. We meet up once a month or so, and he comes down to Goodwood, where I’m a member, and we use the academy facilities there, which are excellent. I don’t tend to play a lot of golf in the UK during the off-season, as the conditions aren’t great, so I prefer to work on my ball striking on the range. I’m also a member at Horsham Golf, which is just a mile away from my home. There’s a great driving range there too, which is floodlit. I also play at Worthing quite a bit, as I’ve got a mate who’s a member there. It’s pretty dry there in the winter.

Thankfully, I’ve had a fair bit of warm weather training this winter, in Spain and Dubai, which has been a huge boost to my early season form, and it certainly helped in Australia, where I played four tournaments on the bounce in January and February. I finished runner up in the New South Wales Amateur in Sydney, where I lost 2&1 to Scott Gregory in the 36-hole final of the matchplay. It was a close run thing, but Scott just edged me on the day. I’ve known him for a long time, and he’s really progressed since winning

the British Amateur last year. Overall, I was really pleased with how I played in Australia. It was my first time down there, and besides taking about 10 days to get over the jetlag, we had to contend with daytime temperatures of over 40 degrees, which, when you’re on the course for five hours, is not easy to deal with. You have to eat and drink so much to stay focused and to think correctly.

The playing surfaces were also completely different to what I’m used to playing in Europe, especially the speed of the greens, which were like lightning.

After a couple of weeks back home, I went out to Spain at the beginning of March to compete in the Spanish Amateur at El Saler. The wind was really brutal in the first round, so I was pretty happy with a five-over 77, while a level-par 72 in the second was round was good enough to progress to the match play rounds. I kind of prefer the match play element, as you know what you’ve got to beat. I won the opening knockout round by a single hole, and the next 2&1 to set up a quarter final against fellow England player

Harry Goddard, which I also managed to win 2&1. I played some of my best golf of the week in the semi-final to win 5&3 against a French guy called Eduard Rousard. However Sunday’s 36-hole final was another tough match, and sadly I came against an unstoppable force in Wales’s Jack Davidson. He had finished last of the 32 qualifiers, but he came out all guns blazing in the final. I was one up after 18 holes, and felt ok, but I bogeyed the first after lunch, and then he birdied the 4th and eagled the 5th and I was always behind from then on, and after I bogeyed the 13th he closed it out at the 14th.

It was massively disappointing to lose another final, but it shows that my game is going in the right direction. The result took me up to 69th in the world rankings, so I’m already getting close to the goal that I set out for myself at the beginning of the season.

I’ve got a big run of tournaments coming up, but my immediate focus is defending the Sunningdale Foursomes, which I won last year playing with my girlfriend, Sophie Lamb. Sophie is one of England’s top amateurs, and is a brilliant foursomes partner. We often caddy for each other in tournaments when our schedules allow.

We’re careful not to offer each other too much advice during a round, but it’s great to have someone you can talk to about other stuff, to take your mind off the game a bit.

There are some top tour players playing at Sunningdale this year, including Tommy Fleetwood and Eddie Pepperell, so it will be interesting to see how we get on. It’s a long week, but it’s always great fun.

Society Par 3 Challenge

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

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

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CALL 0118 947 2909 AND TAKE THE READING GOLF CLUB PAR 3 CHALLENGE IN 2017

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NEWS | MARCH 2017 [29]

SWING INTO ACTION FOR MACMILLAN’S LONGEST DAY

M

acmillan Cancer Support is calling on golfers of all ages and abilities to play four rounds of golf in one day and help raise money for people affected by cancer.

The 2017 Longest Day Golf Challenge can be completed on four different courses or the same course four times in one day, but whichever way you choose to do it, the round must take place between May and August, as the closing date for scores is September 2, although this year’s

IFIELD LAUNCHES CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP PACKAGE

I

field Golf Club in West Sussex has launched a new corporate membership category that aims to provide a more flexible and cost-effective way for businessmen and women to indulge in their favourite pastime, as well as make the most of the club’s facilities for corporate events.

Recognising that time pressures that working people are under, the club, which is located midway between Horsham and Crawley, has unveiled three new business membership packages, where it is the company that is the member, and not the individual.

This enables complete flexibility, and is the perfect way to reward staff, entertain clients and customers, or friends. The club is offering three categories of business membership, which start at just £650.

With free wi-fi and two discount bar cards, which can be used in the club’s restaurant, Ifield provides the perfect place for entertaining

clients and colleagues.

As well as corporate guests, the club remains a popular venue for golf societies and green fee visitors. Last year, it invited societies to play its superb par-70 course on Sunday afternoons, as so many society members were finding it difficult to get time off during the week. For groups of 12 players or more, the organiser will receive a free green fee by quoting ‘GN17’. Sunday afternoon society rates start from £20pp.

The club is also hosting a series of Open tournaments this season, with the Ladies Open scheduled for May 24, the Seniors Open on June 6, the Midweek Mixed Open on July 6, and the Summer Open on July 21. There is also a Pro-Am on June 9, which costs £195 for a team of three. For entry forms or more details, call 01293 520222 or visit www.ifieldgolf.com.

BRYDEN TO REPRISE HAMPSHIRE PGA CAPTAINCY

P

hilip Bryden has been named The PGA in Hampshire captain for the second time in 12 years.

The Alresford assistant PGA professional previously held the position in 2005 and is delighted to be resuming his role across the county

as well as the Isle of Wight and Channel Islands.

Bryden showed his commitment to the circuit again last season when he took part in 26 events and finished sixth in the Order of Merit. He said: “I love playing golf and am looking forward to the season ahead. It is a great honour

and great challenge to be named captain. I intend to play in as many events as possible, as we have so many good players. You could say I am extremely competitive!”

He added: “A big part of the role is to meet new people and fly the flag for the PGA in Hampshire over the course of the season. I am looking forward to that aspect of

The

East BErkshirE

Golf Club

Open Competitions 2017 www.eastberkshiregolfclub.com

the role as well.”

Bryden will combine the captaincy with his busy schedule at Alresford where he teaches as well as helping manage the shop and the range. The club will host a PGA in Hampshire Pro-Am in September and Bryden commented: “We have fabulous facilities and a lot to offer.”

■LAST YEAR'S WINNING TEAM IN PORTUGAL

actual longest day falls on Wednesday, June 21.

Teams are encouraged to pimp their outfits, wear fancy dress, or try any other ideas that will help to encourage donations.

As an added incentive, the four teams that raise the most sponsorship money will go on to compete for the 2017 Longest Day Challenge Cup, the final of which will take place at Boavista Golf Resort in Portugal from October 13-15.

Last year saw over 3,000 teams take part in the challenge, and raise more than £1.5million for Macmillan Cancer Support.

To register a team, visit www.macmillan.org. uk/longestdaygolf, pick a date to take on the challenge, and then ask friends and family for sponsorship.

THE EAST BERKSHIRE STAG

THE SENIOR MEN’S OPEN

Wednesday 21st June 2017

Thursday 6th July 2017

36-HOLE AMATEUR SCRATCH STROKE PLAY COMPETITION

18-HOLE INDIVIDUAL STABLEFORD

Entry fee of £46.00 per player.

Entry fee of £40.00 per player.

THE JUNIOR STAG

THE MIXED OPEN

Thursday 27th July 2017

Sunday 30th July 2017

OPEN COMPETITION & COUNTY TEAM EVENT

18-HOLE GREENSOME STABLEFORD

Entry fee of £20.00 per player.

Entry fee of £40.00 per pair.

THE LADIES OPEN

THE MEN’S AMATEUR OPEN

Tuesday 29th August 2017

Thursday 7th September 2017

18 HOLE STABLEFORD

THE WILSON & LUSHINGTON BOWLS

Entry fee of £105.00 per team.

Entry fee of £46.00 per player.

To enter please visit our website to download an entry form or email: office@eastberkshiregolfclub.com East Berkshire Golf Club Ravenswood Avenue, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 6BD Telephone: 01344 772041 • Fax: 01344 777378 • Email: office@eastberkshiregolfclub.com

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[30] MARCH 2017 | PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

DON’T BE CAUGHT OUT JOIN GOLFPLAN TODAY!

Whether it is to cover against injury on the golf course or to replace stolen golf equipment, specialist golf insurance provider GOLFPLAN has the right protection for you

A

s winter turns to spring, and fair-weather golfers begin to come out of their self-enforced hibernation and flood the fairways once more, things can get pretty hectic around the average golf club.

As well as busier tee booking sheets and fuller car parks, the sheer number of golfers out on the course, many of whom might be new to the game, or unfamiliar with its etiquette, can make for some dangerous sport.

With golf balls travelling at speeds of up to 180mph, often in directions over which the player has little control, you need to keep your wits about you when playing a supposedly ‘gentle’ game of golf these days.

Getting hit by a stray ball is unfortunately an all-too-common occurrence for those who play the game, and the financial implications of a hook or slice have never been greater. In 2011, a golfer and the club he was playing at were found liable for nearly £400,000 following an accident that resulted in a fellow player losing the sight in one eye.

And the trouble doesn’t lie just with golfers out on the course. Within range of many clubs are often big houses, expensive cars and ‘innocent’ members of the public out walking their dogs – all with very breakable bits on them.

You’d think that before undertaking such a potentially hazardous activity, a primary piece of preparation would be to make sure you have suitable insurance to cover yourself against accidents or injury. And given that every year 12,000 golf injuries require hospital treatment, it’s incredible that an estimated nine out of ten golfers still don’t have specialist golf insurance.

The cost of injury may be the last thing golfers want to worry about when they step onto the course, but what about theft of their equipment or personal effects? With modern drivers costing over £400, and sets of irons well over £800, it’s amazing how the contents of your old golf bag can add up.

Only last year, two men were jailed at Birmingham Crown Court for stealing a staggering £750,000 of golf equipment from golf clubs right across the UK. Disguised as golfers, the pair mixed with other players and course staff, before grabbing what they could from changing rooms and lockers, and taking clubs left casually outside the clubhouse. Many golfers assume they are covered by their household policies, but household insurance is just that, and is not a specialist golf policy. Some household policies may allow the policyholder to specify golf equipment as an add-on to the policy, but an extra premium often needs to be paid.

Personal liability on your home insurance

may also only apply to incidents that take place in the insured property – not on a golf course. Insurance cover for loss, or theft, of golf equipment away from the home may not be included, and with more and more of us taking golf holidays abroad, there is even more chance of things going astray.

This may be at a higher premium than a specialist golf insurance policy, and won't always provide the same level of cover.

One way to protect yourself is to take out golf-specific insurance. There are many varieties of golf insurance in the market today, ranging from budget to more comprehensive levels of cover.

Some customers may shop on price; others may shop on cover. Golfplan doesn’t claim to be the cheapest, but it does offer quality premium golf insurance cover aimed at protecting you and your significant golfing investment. However, you choose to protect your golf related needs, it’s wise to study the small print of the policy before purchasing, as not all golf insurance is the same.

Golfplan has previously worked with underwriters to develop its range of policies to offer greater coverage than its competitors, and now, from just £31.50* a year, golfers can be instantly covered worldwide for personal liability up to £5 million and personal accident up to £50,000, as well as coverage for damage to third party property for up to £2 million.

Club membership fees, should you be unable to play through injury or illness, are covered for up to £1,250, while equipment cover against theft, loss, or damage on a ‘new for old’ basis is up to £1,250 on the entry level plan, and up to £10,000 should you require more cover. Those lucky enough to bag a hole-in-one can protect themselves against a hefty bar bill of up to £200 on the basic policy.

Having specialist golf insurance is clearly essential for a variety of practical reasons. It could also improve your game! It’s vital to relax on the golf course; to clear your mind of negative thoughts and enter ‘the zone’. It’s rather difficult to attain that level of composed concentration if you have a niggling fear that an errant strike could cost you thousands of pounds.

So, for true peace of mind, on and off the golf course, choose Golfplan. * Premium based on a 70-year-old golfer taking second hand cover for £1,250 golf equipment and paying by direct debit.

Price includes a 20% year 1 discount.

■ PAYING THE PRICE: AN ERRANT SHOT COULD END UP COSTING YOU THOUSANDS OF POUNDS IN DAMAGES

ONLY LAST YEAR, TWO MEN WERE JAILED AT BIRMINGHAM CROWN COURT FOR STEALING A STAGGERING £750,000 OF GOLF EQUIPMENT FROM GOLF CLUBS RIGHT ACROSS THE UK

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WHAT MAKES GOLFPLAN DIFFERENT? ‘NEW FOR OLD’ REALLY MEANS ‘NEW FOR OLD’ Each club or piece of equipment is carefully itemised and its replacement value calculated, so you know it is covered. If your equipment is damaged beyond repair or stolen, Golfplan will replace it with a brand new equivalent, regardless of its age or condition (subject to excess). If all your equipment is a total loss, Golfplan will waive the excess.

GOLF CLUB MEMBERSHIP FEES Should the worst happen, either through accident or illness, and you are prevented from playing golf for a prolonged period, Golfplan will reimburse the cost of the time you could not play. Club membership fees cover covers non-golfing related accidents and illnesses.

Alternative providers might only cover these fees if you have an accident travelling to/from, or while you were at, a golfing venue.

24-HOUR COVER FOR THEFT OF EQUIPMENT FROM CARS If your clubs are securely hidden away from sight in the locked boot of your car, Golfplan will pay your claim wherever your car is parked – day or night. Other golf insurance products might only offer limited cover by specifically excluding cover for golf equipment while your car is parked at home, work, or even if you leave your car at a golf club overnight.

WHO LOOKS AFTER YOUR CLAIM? Golfplan always looks to use a local PGA Professional to source replacement items. It prides itself on a claims service that is built on local knowledge and with a personal touch, so it won’t insist you have vouchers.

Golfplan has relationships with over 1,300 local PGA Professionals and is a proud partner of the PGA.

GOLFERS’ TESTIMONIALS “Using Golfplan has been very simple over the years. So many insurance companies seem to do what they can to delay the process – never so with Golfplan; always efficient and professional.”

Mr A Thompson, Warrington “The claim was dealt with efficiently, without complication, and the selection of replacement equipment was very much to my satisfaction.”

Mr S Tynan, Bristol “My claim was dealt with immediately over the phone.

Had a new shaft fitted to my driver, and sent off the invoice and received a cheque by return post, Perfect!”

Mr B Parry, Newport “I have been fortunate in having three hole-in-one’s, and each time Golfplan has come up trumps, settling my bar bill quickly and efficiently.”

Dr R McCartney, County Antrim

Golfplan is a trading name of A-Plan Holdings who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Office; 2 Des Roches Square, Witney, OX28 4LE • Registered in England • Registration Number 750484

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

NEWS | MARCH 2017

[31]

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

Seaand Seeproof.

10 MINS WITH…

JAMES MORRISON Two- time European Tour winner James Morrison lets you know a bit more about him…

Where do you live?

Weybridge, Surrey.

Where do you play?

I play at St George’s Hill Golf Club in Surrey.

When did you start to play golf?

I started to play golf at the age of 16, when I started playing with a mate of mine at school,.

We used to play the local pay-and-play courses in Surrey. I went down from an 18 handicap to scratch in 10 months, which I still think is my biggest achievement in the game so far. I turned pro in 2006, playing off a plus-four handicap.

Were you good at any other sports?

I used to be in the same England youth cricket team as Alastair Cook, Ravi Bopara and Tim Bresnan, with whom I still remain friends.

If you could change one

rule of the game?

It would have to be slow play. I’m a quick player, so I don’t like hanging around. Some players take forever, so more penalties for slow play please!

The best advice you’ve been given?

Paul Casey told me three years ago that if your work ethic doesn’t match your ambition, you’ve got no chance of succeeding. A day doesn’t go by where I don’t think of this.

Favourite venue?

Wentworth, because I can stay at home!

Beyond that, every country is very unique, China, Malaysia and Dubai are all fun to play in. Every week is a great week.

Your dream four ball?

Justin Rose for the golf side, plus Will Ferrell, Robin Williams, and Sir

Winston Churchill.

Best shot you’ve hit?

The second shot into 18 at Maderia, when I won in 2010, It was my first year on tour, and it was early in the season and I was only just finding my feet. The 18th is a par five over water, and my caddie told me to lay up, but I took a 3-wood out of the bag to get up-anddown for the win.

Best mates on Tour?

David Horsey, Matt Nixon and Wade Ormsby.

Holes-in-one?

I’ve had four. My best one was in the Irish Open at Royal Portrush, to win a BMW. I also won another BMW at Wentworth last year. I picked up Andy Sullivan and carried him to the green.

First pay cheque?

It was a Challenge Tour

■ WILL FERRELL

■ ST GEORGE'S HILL GOLF LUB

event in Italy, and my Dad was caddying for me, pushing a trolley. I think it was 1,100 euros.

Most nervous you’ve been on Tour?

That was playing with Tom Watson at The Open in a practice round. It was on a Sunday, so a week before the tournament started, and even then I was still shaking.

Are you one of the gym bunnies on tour?

Not exactly. I knew the physical side was one area that I needed to work on, so I spend about six hours a week in the gym working on my fitness. I’ve had Crohn’s Disease since I was 16, which affects the digestive system, so I’ve had to manage that and plan my diet accordingly.

Touch wood, I’ve had no issues for a while now, and I’ve been working with a personal trainer.

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[32] MARCH 2017 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

WORTHING COUPLE BAG MOROCCO MATCHPLAY TITLE WINTER SERIES SET FOR GRANDSTAND FINISH AT FARNHAM Four players shared top spot at The London Golf Club in the eighth event of the PGA South Winter Series supported by Titleist & FootJoy, but the race for the Battle Bowl remains wide open with just one event left to play. Out of the 84 competitors, LB Golf Academy’s Larry Batchelor, Poult Wood’s David Copsey, Prince’s Anthony Tarchetti and World of Golf’s Grant Guerin all shot rounds of 69 around the International course. Copsey now holds a slender lead over Guerin in the overall Winter Series standings with one event left to go at the Titleist & FootJoy A&T Betterball Pro-Am at Farnham Golf Club on April 12.

KNIGHT SWOOPS AT REMEDY WITH DOUBLE EAGLES Remedy Oak assistant Dominic Knight won his first event as a professional by sharing top spot in the Dorset and Wiltshire PGA medal in the Race to Bowood winter series at Kingsdown. The 22-year-old former England schoolboy international from Bournemouth clinched the win with late eagles at the par-five 15th and par-four 17th. It was his best result since reaching final qualifying for The Open in 2015 while an amateur at Ferndown.

He shared victory with Wiltshire pair Mark Sandry and Henry Pallas.

Sandry’s hopes of an outright win were ruined by disastrous eight on Remedy Oak’s par-three 16th.

A

couple from Worthing Golf Club in Sussex were in celebratory mood last month after claiming the amateur mixed pairs title at the 2016 Howdidido Morocco Matchplay in Marrakech.

Clare Weller and partner George Mero, who both play at Worthing, enjoyed an unbeaten record on their way to the title in the four-day event, ultimately beating Scottish husbandand-wife team Ian and Fiona Cameron 4&3 in the final held at PalmGolf Marrakech.

Mero, a 23-handicapper, said: “I was quite emotional when we won through to the regional final – but I managed to keep it in check in Morocco. I didn’t even know that Clare had entered us into the competition, so to win the final was amazing. The whole experience has been absolutely fantastic, and is one that I will treasure for ever.”

He added: “I probably played my best golf of the week in the final. Clare

CLARKE TO OPEN RESTAURANT IN AMERICA

■ LOREM IPSUM DOLOR SIT AMET

played consistently well all week, and although I didn’t match her tally of birdies, my general game was much better today. I’ve hit some good shots this week, but, as a 23-handicapper, I’ve also hit some bad ones. Claire had to really dig deep to get us out of trouble in some of the earlier rounds, but we dovetailed quite well in the final.”

Weller added: “We were quite relaxed to begin with, but, as the week went on, we got more nervous. We came away with the feeling we were just going to enjoy the week; we didn’t care if we came last. We’re here in the sunshine having won the prize already really. Besides the fantastic competition and superb hospitality, we’ve made

some great new friends, and the while week was very enjoyable.”

Four competitions culminated at the grand final – singles, pairs, mixed pairs and senior pairs. Each finalist played up to four qualifying rounds merely to reach the regional final, with the knockout rounds taking place between June and September, and the regional finals in October.

And each of the 32 competitors received complimentary return flights from Gatwick, courtesy of the event’s partner British Airways, as well as five nights’ bed-and-breakfast accommodation in the five-star Palmeraie Palace, and four rounds of golf on at PalmGolf Marrakech.

D

arren Clarke has unveiled plans to open a sports bar in America this summer.

The 48-year-old former Open champion said the bar, which is to be called ‘Darren Clarke's Tavern’, will be located in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Clarke is in good company by opening a watering hole stateside, joining the likes of Graeme McDowell and Tiger Woods, who already run successful restaurants in the United States.

McDowell owns two restaurants in Florida, both of which are called Nona Blue. The first one, which opened in 2013, is located his near his house in Orlando, while the second, which opened in 2016, is in Ponte Vedra Beach.

CRANLEIGH LAUNCHES ACADEMY MEMBERSHIP

C

ranleigh Golf & Country Club is hoping to break down the barriers for novice golfers with the launch of a new academy membership.

The Surrey-based club boasts a 5,644-yard, par-68 parkland course, with a focus on strategy and accuracy, and is seen as an ideal venue for beginners to

make the journey from nongolfers to club members.

Academy membership costs £45 per month, and includes seven-day access to the course, a monthly lesson with the resident PGA professional Karl Morgan, free range tokens, an assigned full member ‘buddy’, rules clinics, and several other benefits.

GOLF COURSE AND ACADEMY

Pay and Play at its Finest HARRY COLT/HAWTREE DESIGN

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18 holes from £13pp Flexi Points Package just £300 Season Tickets from £690

Society Packages from £18pp Societies Welcome 7 Days a Week TAILORED PACKAGES AVAILABLE

Tel: 01753 643332 Web: thesouthbuckinghamshire.co.uk Email: golfenquiries@southbucks.gov.uk The South Buckinghamshire, Park Road, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire. SL2 4PJ

The new scheme – which comes with a six-month minimum commitment – is open to all ages and Academy

members can upgrade to full membership at any time, when they will receive an official handicap.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

NEWS | MARCH 2017

[33]

OLD FOLD MANOR TO HOST FALDO SERIES QUALIFIER

O

ld Fold Manor Golf Club in Barnet is just one of five clubs in the UK scheduled to host qualifiers for the 2017 Faldo Series.

The Hertfordshire-based club will play host to up to 93 boys aged between 12 and 21 on July 3-5.

This year’s series, which is the 20th since its launch in 1996, will see each tournament played over 54 holes and count towards the World Amateur Golf Ranking. The entry fee at each venue is £60 per player.

The first two events on the schedule are Lough Erne in Northern Ireland (April 3-4) and Pyle & Kenfig in Wales (April 10-12), followed by Old Fold Manor in Hertfordshire (July 3-5), The Duke Course, St Andrews (July 24-26), Pleasington GC, Blackburn (July 31-Aug 2), Trentham GC in Stoke (August 7-9), and Royal Ashdown

WINTER SERIES SET FOR GRANDSTAND FINISH AT FARNHAM ■ FALDO SERIES 2016 WINNER

Forest in West Sussex (boys only, August 22-24).

New for 2017, boys’ competitors are entitled to compete in as many tournaments as they like across the UK. The handicap limit is eight for boys and 12 for girls, and players must have been born between 1996 and 2005.With the fields divided into five age categories, three boys and two girls from each event will qualify for either the Faldo Series Europe Grand Final in the USA or the Faldo Series

■ SIR NICK FALDO AND RORY MCILROY WITH MEMBERS OF THE FALDO JUNIOR SERIES TEAM

Asia Grand Final in China.

“Young golfers in the UK have benefitted from the experience of playing in the Faldo Series since its launch in 1996,” said Sir Nick Faldo.

“With the new format featuring 54hole championships players will gain even more tournament experience

and have the opportunity to compete for World Amateur Golf Ranking points.”

Past boys’ winners of the Faldo Series have included Rory McIlroy, Marc Warren, Oliver Fisher, Nick Dougherty, James Heath and Ben Evans.

CLACTON CELEBRATES 125TH ANNIVERSARY

PENGE FINISHES RUNNER UP IN SPANISH AMATEUR

C

E

lacton-on-Sea Golf Club in Essex is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2017 by hosting a week long series of tournaments.

The popular private members’ club, which was founded in 1892, is packing all its partying into seven days, teeing off with a Seniors Captains Day on July 3 and finishing with a family fun day on July 9, where the highlight will be a Battle of Britain Spitfire fly-past and a stunt plane air show. The fun day will also feature bouncy castles, ice cream stalls, fun competitions, and a performance by a Jersey Boys tribute act.

Other events include a Past Captains Day on July 6, where the two

immediate past captains of all the golf clubs in Essex will be invited to take part in a fourball betterball stableford competition. The Ladies Captain’s Day takes place on July 4, where a singles competition will be followed by a pefformance by the Clacton Ladies Choir and a disco, while the final day of competition on July 8 sees members compete for the Michael Goodwin Cup.

ngland’s Marco Penge finished runner-up in the Spanish Amateur Championship after losing a tight battle against Welshman Jack Davidson at El Saler in Valencia.

Penge is knocking on the door of a big win, having had to settle for second place in three major championships in the last 10 months. The Horsham-based 18 year old was pipped in a play-off for the French amateur last May; was beaten on the 36th hole of the 2017 New South Wales amateur by fellow England squad player Scott Gregory; and then bowed out 4&3 in the Spanish championship.

Penge took control in the first part of the 36-hole final, never dropping behind over the opening 18 holes, and going in to lunch with a one-hole lead. But Davidson squared matters on the 19th and got to one up when Penge threeputted the 22nd – and then stayed ahead for the rest of the match. The players traded eagles and birdies in the strengthening wind, but Davidson steadily increased his lead as the holes ran out.

Penge, from Golf at Goodwood in Sussex, who finished tied 13th in the stroke play rounds after scores of 77 and 72, said: “It was another great week, and I couldn't have wished for a better start to the season, with two second-placed finishes. It wasn't meant to be, but I'm sure a win won't be far away.”

Four players shared top spot at The London Golf Club in the eighth event of the PGA South Winter Series supported by Titleist & FootJoy, but the race for the Batt le Bowl remains wide open with just one event left to play. Out of the 84 competitors, LB Golf Academy’s Larry Batchelor, Poult Wood’s David Copsey, Prince’s Anthony Tarchett i and World of Golf’s Grant Guerin all shot rounds of 69 around the International course. Copsey now holds a slender lead over Guerin in the overall Winter Series standings with one event left to go at the Titleist & FootJoy A&T Betterball Pro-Am at Farnham Golf Club on April 12.

KNIGHT SWOOPS AT REMEDY WITH DOUBLE EAGLES Remedy Oak assistant Dominic Knight won his first event as a professional by sharing top spot in the Dorset and Wiltshire PGA medal in the Race to Bowood winter series at Kingsdown. The 22-year-old former England schoolboy international from Bournemouth clinched the win with late eagles at the par-five 15th and par-four 17th. It was his best result since reaching final qualifying for The Open in 2015 while an amateur at Ferndown.

He shared victory with Wiltshire pair Mark Sandry and Henry Pallas.

Sandry’s hopes of an outright win were ruined by disastrous eight on Remedy Oak’s par-three 16th.

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[34] MARCH 2017 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

OLAZABAL AWARDED R&A HONORARY MEMBERSHIP

CUDDINGTON AND CLANDON REGIS FEATURE ON NEW-LOOK PGA SCHEDULE

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is moving to a new venue, Cuddington in Banstead on July 10-11, where past form in the Pro-Am may prove useful. The PGA Surrey Open Championship is also moving, this time to the home of The PGA in England (South) at Clandon Regis, East Horsley on July 27-28.

The CK Group PGA Kent Open Championship stays in familiar territory as part of a week-long break at Prince’s Golf Club, starting on August 20 with the Rip It For Derek Memorial Pro-Am. On the following two days, two rounds will decide who will be the new PGA Kent Open champion, while the additional The Lodge at Prince’s Sprint closes a fantastic few days on the Kent coast.

The fifth event in the series, The PGA Southern Open Championship, will again be held at King’s Hill, West Malling on September 7-8.

The winner of the Keith MacDonald PGA South Match Play Championship will be decided on finals day over both the Red and Blue courses of The Berkshire on October 2. In the past few years, the additional points earned here have proved crucial in the run up to the final event at Farnham later in the same week, the Crisp Thinking PGA Farnham Finale. This will see the curtain fall on the Virgin Atlantic PGA South Order of Merit, and the top three players overall will go forward to represent the region in the PGA Play Offs later on in the year.

he PGA in England (South) has announced that it will be continuing its successful relationship with its main sponsor, Virgin Atlantic Airways. The UK’s leading transatlantic business and leisure airline will again be the main sponsor of the seven tournament series - the 2017 Virgin Atlantic PGA South Order of Merit.

Jimmy Rowan, Virgin Atlantic’s manager for sport and commercial development, commented: “Virgin Atlantic has always been associated with sports, and the PGA is the perfect fit alongside our other associations with the PFA and LMA in football and cricket’s PCA. To be able to support and develop professional sport is great for us, and we are delighted to be able to add member benefits to all PGA Professionals through our exclusive sports fares network of special rates across all of our Virgin Atlantic routes.”

For the 2017 series, there are three new venues – The Oxfordshire, Cuddington and Clandon Regis – while the total prize fund figure for the series is in excess of £85,000. Following the three Virgin Atlantic PGA South Order of Merit ‘Q’ Schools in late March/early April at Sand Martins, Mid-Kent and Kingswood, the top 60 qualifiers and exempt players will open their accounts at The Oxfordshire Order of Merit on May 10-11.

The PGA Southern Open Championship

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he Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews has invited José María Olazábal and Bridget Jackson to become honorary members.

Olazábal is one of the most successful golfers of his generation, winning 30 tournaments during his 30-year career, including the Masters in 1994 and 1999. The 50-year-old Spaniard was admitted to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2009, and was also captain of the Ryder Cup team in 2012, when Europe came from a record margin behind to win at Medinah.

Jackson played in the Curtis Cup for Great Britain and Ireland on three occasions and was selected as an England international nine times. She has served as chair and president of the English Ladies Golf Association and president of the Ladies’ Golf Union. She was made an MBE in 2003 for her services to women’s golf.

LULLINGSTONE TEES UP GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

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his summer sees the 50th anniversary of Lullingstone Park Golf Club in Kent, which first opened its doors in July 1967.

The 27-hole venue, which is situated between the picturesque villages of Eynsford and Shoreham, and is overlooked by the historic Lullingstone Castle, is planning a week-long series of tournaments and social events to celebrate the golden milestone.

The celebrations begin on July 17, and reach

their climax on July 22, with the 50th Anniversary Invitational Stableford, in which it is hoped that some of the original founder members will be taking part.

Trophies will be presented by members of the Hart Dyke family, who have inhabited their family seat of Lullingstone Castle for 20 generations, and are inextricably linked to the history of Lullingstone.

Comprising two courses, both open to the public, the 6,733-yard, 18 Fred Hawtree-designed Castle Course, and the 2,381-yard, 9-hole Valley Course, continue to provide a challenging test for golfers of all abilities, whether for length and or accuracy, as has been the case for the past 50 years.

Surrey

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CADDIES REQUIRED Wentworth Club in the heart of beautiful Surrey is currently looking for 60 knowledgeable and experienced caddies for three prestigious golf days.

With dates in May, June and July, this is a great opportunity for seasoned caddies to experience Wentworth’s iconic championship standard golf courses, including the newly renovated West.

To register your interest, please call the Caddie Master on 01344 846303.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

NEWS | MARCH 2017

[35]

Fabulous

Frilford Few golf clubs in the UK are able to boast 54 holes of golf, let alone compete with the three championship-level 18-hole layouts that are on offer at FRILFORD HEATH in Oxfordshire, where quality and quantity go hand in hand

A

long with Woburn and Wentworth, Frilford Heath Golf Club is one of very few clubs in the country that is able to lay claim to being home to three championship standard golf courses.

The Red, Blue and Green courses each offer their own unique challenges, providing a variety of classic or modern challenge to suit all standards of golfers, including Abingdon-based European Tour player Eddie Pepperell, who has been fortunate enough to call the club ‘home’ since his early days as a junior.

Situated on 500 acres of naturally undulating heathland seven miles south of the dreaming spires of Oxford, Frilford Heath enjoys a glorious tranquil spot, away from the hustle of city life, yet within easy reach of transport links. It’s three courses have been built on free-draining sandy soil that dominates the landscape around these parts, which, when combined with the latest turfcare equipment and modern maintenance methods, enables the club to present its courses in tournament-standard condition all year round.

Designed in 1908 by five-time Open champion JH Taylor, whose other famous layouts include Royal Birkdale and Royal Mid-Surrey, Frilford’s showcase Red Course was once described by legendary golf writer Bernard Darwin as ‘both good and difficult’, and it still lives up to this rather brief, but apt description today.

The layout has remained little changed since Darwin’s day, save some modifications by Frilford’s own professional, JH Turner, in the 1920s, and some alterations to the second, third and fourth holes during the creation of the club’s Blue course in the 1990s.

An authentic championship challenge, measuring just over 7,000 yards from the black tees, the Red offers a traditional heathland golfing experience with pushed-up greens that run fast and true, and fairways that demand accurate driving if low numbers are to feature on the scorecard.

The stretch between holes five and nine is especially strong, with four hefty two-shot holes, followed by a pretty 180-yard par-3 that many will vote the most memorable on the course. The tee shot must carry a pond, and the elevated green is further protected by out of bounds to the rear. Seven consecutive par-4s to close the round are a testing finishing stretch matched by very few courses.

The Red Course’s demanding, but fair layout makes it an obvious choice to test the game’s best. Just three years ago, in tandem with the Blue course, it hosted the English Amateur, which saw Callum Shinkwin and Matt Fitzpatrick go ahead to head in the 36-hole final, while the Red course has been the setting for European Tour First Stage Qualifying since 2011, and welcomed

■ THE RED, BLUE AND GREEN COURSES OFFER A UNIQUELY CONSTRASTING CHALLENGE

■ FREE-DRAINNG SOILS ENSURE EXCELLENT YEAR-ROUND PLAYING CONDITIONS ON ALL THREE COURSES

Regional Open Qualifying in 2016. For five days every spring the Blue is coupled with the Red Course as the home of the EuroPro Tour Qualifying School.

The Green Course may be the shortest of Frilford’s three fabulous courses, at just over 6,000 yards, but playing to a stiff par of 69, it is by no means a pushover. As at the legendary Rye links in Kent, the Green’s only par-5 is the opening hole, and from then on birdie opportunities can be few and far between.

Likened to classics such as the Sunningdale Old and Swinley Forest, the Green Course is more than a nosey neighbour, with its original features, including small undulating greens and sharp-faced bunkers, awaiting the errant shot, as tested by the Brabazon Southern region qualifier in 2010.

The newest addition, the Blue Course, was designed by Simon Gidman and opened in 1994, this par-72 offers a more modern links feel with a notably stern test on the early holes, where you will not need reminding about the card threatening water.

From the black tees at over 6,700 yards, the course meanders through a number of par-4 dog legs and four par-5s that face in all compass directions, seemingly getting the best of the prevailing westerly. The subtle greens are more undulating than on the two older courses, and offer a number of interesting and challenging flag positions.

The question everybody asks is which course is the best at Frilford, so why not join the debate and find out for yourself.

TO BOOK A GAME AT FRILFORD HEATH, VISIT WWW.FRILFORDHEATH.CO.UK OR CALL 01865390864.

A SUMMER PACKAGE, COMPRISING COFFEE & BACON ROLL ON ARRIVAL, UNLIMITED GOLF, AND A ONECOURSE MEAL, PRICES FROM £70PP UNTIL 31ST OCTOBER. TO BOOK PLEASE QUOTE GOLF NEWS.

[36] MARCH 2017 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

WESTWOOD LAUNCHES JUNIOR MASTERS AT CLOSE HOUSE L ee Westwood has teamed up with Close House Golf Club in Northumberland to launch a new junior tournament.

Westwood is the resident touring professional at the Newcastlebased venue, which is to host the European Tour’s British Masters later this year, and the new the Junior Masters will take place on September 26 to celebrate the European Tour event at the club.

■ WESTOOD IS HOSTING THE FINALS OF THE JUNIOR MASTERS AT CLOSE HOUSE

“The Junior Masters is a great way to involve youngsters in the tournament and promote golf in the north of England,” commented Westwood. “Both myself and Close House want to see kids getting excited about the game, and what better way to do this than offer them a chance to actually be a part of the tournament and play with some of the best golfers in the world?” he continued.

■ THE CLUBHOUSE AT CLOSE HOUSE

The prizes for the Junior Masters will be presented by Westwood, and the overall winner will play alongside international tour stars in the British Masters Pro-Am the next day. All junior entrants will also be invited to watch the Hero Challenge floodlit event on the Tuesday evening.

The qualifying stages for the tournament will take place at local

“This is a huge opportunity to have a positive impact on junior golf within the region for years to come,” commented Graham Wylie, owner of Close House. “We want to establish the Junior Masters as an annual event going forward and continue working to promote the game throughout the north even after the British Masters has moved on from Close House."

clubs across the north of England from April, with each club’s Junior Open serving as a qualifier to the Junior Masters.

Two boys and one girl will progress from each of the three specified age categories at the qualifying venues, meaning 70 youngsters will get the chance to play the final at Close House in September.

BROKE HILL WAIVES FEES TO BOOST JUNIOR RANKS

B

roke Hill Golf Club in Kent is offering free junior membership after two assistant professionals decided to take matters into their own hands.

James Weekley and Ben Flint, who have both been associated with the club in Halstead since the age of 12 and came through the junior ranks together, encouraged club officials to waive the £230 annual subscription in the wake of the decline in the number of junior members.

As a result, the club is now offering a free junior scholarship to anyone under the age of 18 throughout 2017, with unlimited access to the course, group coaching, discounted lessons and free range balls in a

bid to attract more youngsters.

Weekley said: "It's fantastic that the club have agreed to offer free junior membership. Everyone at the club is very supportive of what we are trying to do, and we all want to see a thriving junior section. We want to make it as easy as possible for a youngster to come and play golf, so it was decided that the best way to encourage that was to make it free for everyone."

Weekly group coaching starts in April, and will run every Saturday at 11am, and the Broke Hill professionals are also planning to spread the word throughout local schools with coaching sessions to find under-18s who are interested in trying their hand at the sport.

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INTRODUCTORY GROUP MEMBERSHIP OFFER We would like to offer groups of 4 or more joining Ifield Golf Club a discount of between 25-40% off their first year’s subscription. (Terms & Conditions apply).

5 Day Membership £1070pp

7 Day Membership £1275pp

Intermediate 30-35 years Membership £765pp

Intermediate 24-29 year Membership £640pp

Intermediate 19-23 years Membership £560pp

Group of 4 25% off

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We have provided above the different levels of discount depending upon the number joining in your group.

So, why not discuss this with your golfing friends and if you would like further details regarding this group membership offer, please contact Megan Bibby, our General Manager on 01293 520222 (extension 1).

Call the office on 01293 520222 or e-mail generalmanager.igc@btconnect.com

WWW. IFIELDGOLF.COM | TEL: 01293 520222

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

COMPETITION | MARCH 2017

[37]

A SET OF WILSON STAFF

D300 CLUBS Golf News had teamed up with Wilson Staff to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a brand new set of the company’s all-new D300 clubs – including a driver, 3-wood, hybrid and irons. Together, the total prize value is worth over £1,100!

D300 – DISTANCE REDFINED

are (3 (15°), 5 (18°) and 7 (21°), with Matrix Speed Rulz A Type 49 graphite shafts as standard. It has an RRP of £155.

Wilson’s D300 family of super game-improvement clubs, which went on sale in the UK last month, are aimed squarely at players looking for maximum distance and forgiveness and a confidence-inspiring look at address.

D300 HYBRID

D300 DRIVER Incorporating SuperLight technology, the D300 Driver is one of the lightest and fastest adjustable drivers on the market. A new aerodynamicallydesigned head shape, coupled with visible Micro Vortex Generators (MVG), reduces drag force to increase clubhead speed and deliver enhanced distance.

Right Light Technology, with an interchangeable weight, permits golfers to swing faster with the same effort.

A six-way adjustable hosel, including three draw options, covers loft settings from 8° to 14° in half degree increments, and three adjustable sole weights allow players to attain their ideal launch angle, ball speed and spin rate. Loft options are 9, 10.5 and 13 degrees.

The D300 Driver is available with Matrix Speed Rulz A-Type 44 and 65 graphite shafts with Golf Pride Tour 25 grips. It has an RRP of £279.

D300 FAIRWAY WOODS The D300 fairway woods also feature the new aerodynamic head with Micro Vortex Generators, along with Carpenter Custom 455 maraging stainless steel face inserts creating a thin, flexible and responsive face for increased ball speeds and longer distances. Loft options

The new D300 hybrids feature a progressive head design, offering increased volume on stronger lofts for more forgiveness on longer shots. Also featuring the Micro Vortex Generators found on the fairway woods, they are available in 2 to 7-hybrid in RH (ranging from 17°-31° lofts) and 3 to 5-hybrid in LH (ranging from 19°-25°). The standard shaft option is a Matrix Speed Rulz A-Type 54. It has an RRP of £139.

D300 IRONS Among the new D300 iron’s defining features is FLX Face Technology, which minimises contact points between the thin face and clubhead to generate greater swing speeds and longer distance.

Testing showed that only 26% of the face is connected to the body, while 74% of the face perimeter is taken up by Power Holes. Filled with urethane, the Power Holes extend through and around the face to provide a distinctive feel and sound, especially on the oversized forgiving distance iron.

Special heel and toe weight pods located in the perimeter of the clubhead increase Moment of Inertia for a deeper centre of gravity and extra forgiveness.

They are fitted with KBS Tour 80 steel or Matrix Rulz A-Type 54 graphite shafts, along with Wilson’s Tour Traction grips.

The D300 irons (5-SW) have an RRP of £579 (steel) and £659 (graphite).

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TO ENTER To be in with a chance of winning this great prize, simply answer the question below correctly and email your name, address and contact telephone number to info@golfnews.co.uk, using ‘Wilson Staff D300 Competition’ in the subject line. The closing date for entries is April 30, 2017.

No alternative cash prize is offered.

QUESTION:

What does the acronym ‘MVG’, a design feature found in the D300 woods and hybrids, stand for?

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[38] MARCH 2017 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

Who is your golfing hero and why?

Tiger Woods, as he really changed the modern game.

Especially with the fitness side of things, which made golfers become athletes.

Anthony Tarchetti, Director of Golf at Prince’s Golf Club in Kent, describes the challenges of running one the country’s most popular 27-hole links venues How long have you been a PGA professional? I started my qualification in 1999 at Lydd Golf Club in Kent, and finished it at Littlestone, so coming up to 18 years. I was appointed Director of Golf at Princes last year, after previously serving as head professional.

What is your day-to-day role? Looking after all golf-related services, from members to hotel guests, and making sure their visit is the best experience.

Prince’s has come a long way under the McGuirk family’s management, and as director of golf I can bring some of my own ideas into the discussion about the best way for the club to go further forward.

We’re in a very competitive marketplace these days, so the importance of listening to our customers – members, and visitors, corporate guests, and so on – is ever more essential.

What’s the best thing about your job? The

reason I got into the trade – the opportunities to play and compete. Also the environment and the lifestyle that comes with the job, along with the people you meet. I’ve met some of my best friends through golf.

And the worst… I can safely say there is not much I dislike, but maybe paperwork, if pushed.

Tell us something about the facilities… Prince’s is one of the oldest, yet perhaps least well known Open Championship venues. Gene Sarazen lifted Claret Jug here in 1932, leading after every round to finish with a record low score of 283. Prince’s is a qualifying course when the Open is played at Royal St George’s, and has staged many of the amateur game’s top events – and will continue to do so.

We have 27 holes of championship golf, spread across the Shore, Dunes and Himalayas, with the 6,880-yard Shore/Dunes

Who inspired you to take up golf?

A very special friend of mine from Switzerland, Jurg Benkert. I was actually on a skiing holiday, but we couldn’t ski one day so we travelled to Bad Ragaz Golf Club, and I remember having to hit the ball in front of the course marshall to see if I was good enough to play on the course.

■ PRINCE'S OFFERS 27 HOLES OF HIGH QUALITY LINKS GOLF

combination being the championship layout. Built on the same stretch of springy links turf as Royal St George’s, the course boast free-draining fairways and raised greens, which ensure perfect playing conditions all year round.

We also have a large short game facility and grass practice tee to accommodate 60 players, and a three-star hotel/lodge which offers 38 bedrooms divided between individual rooms and twobedroom apartments, and two-rosette restaurant, The Brasserie on the Bay. What is the club doing to attract junior and female golfers?

We hold regular junior coaching on Saturdays and in school holidays. The junior membership is only £100, and our female members have full access and a competition most Saturdays.

What do you think would stimulate more people to take up golf?

I’ve always said if I didn’t work in the golf world I

probably wouldn’t get time to play, as it takes up a whole day, so for me definitely shorter rounds – 9 or 14 holes, rather than 18, as well as different time-efficient formats.

And how should clubs go about retaining members?

Supplying the best service, with coaching, tee booking service, competitions and members benefits, as well as a warm and genuine welcome.

How much time do you spend teaching?

I don’t get to coach that much these days, as I’m busy with other things, but I try to do three or four lessons a week in the season.

What’s the most common swing fault you have to correct?

Coming over the top in the downswing. It’s amazing how many amateurs do it.

What’s been selling well in the pro shop recently?

Callaway’s new Epic woods are already proving popular, as is Titleist’s 917 range, while

A great course for Golf Days and Societies Set in picturesque rural Kent, Poult Wood offers tailored packages to suit golf days and society groups of all sizes and abilities.

Interesting and challenging 18 hole and 9 hole options available weekdays and weekends.

To organise your next great day out please call David Copsey and the team on 01732 364039 to discuss your requirements.

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■ LES BORDES AND BILL MURRAY

members also seem to love Under Armour clothing – especially those embroidered with our club logo.

What’s the best swing tip you’ve ever received?

As I have played in the wind all my life, it has to be swing smooth to take spin off the ball.

What has been your career highlight as a player?

I managed to win the South Region Order of Merit in 2007, but my individual highlights have to be shooting 59s in three professional tournaments – Dartford, Wimbledon Park and Chislehurst.

If you could change one rule in golf what would it be?

Being able to repair a spike mark if it’s on your line.

What’s your favourite course in the UK, and the world?

In the UK it has to be Royal Birkdale, while in the wider world I’d take Les Bordes in France, which I managed to play in 2006. It was just amazing, and if anyone ever offers you the opportunity to play it, just do it.

Which three other people would be in your dream fourball?

Tiger Woods, Bill Murray and my late dad (just so I can take the mickey out of him).

What would you have done if you hadn’t have been a pro?

Rock star – solo guitarist.

For green fee bookings, and entry forms for Prince’s Open Week events in August, visit www.princesgolfclub.co.uk or call 01304 695569.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

NEWS | MARCH 2017 [39]

MOOR PARK UNVEILS NEW HI-TECH PUTTING STUDIO

G

olfers looking to sharpen up their putting skills ahead of the new season are strongly advised to visit Moor Park Golf Club in Hertfordshire, where a new stateof-the-art indoor putting facility opened last month.

Operated by First Degree Golf Academy, the 360° Putting Lab comprises of a 44-square metre artificial green housed on the first floor of Moor Park’s Grade 1-listed historic mansion. The surface has seven hole locations, with a partially sloped green, and boosts six high-definition camera positions, as well as a SAM Putting lab system.

The technology on offer allows the team of PGA Professionals, lead by Advanced PGA Professional Robert Warburton, to accurately analyse a pupil's putting tendencies and produce both immediate improvement

OLLIE’S BY FARR THE BEST IN SCOTTSDALE!

T

he 17th annual staging of the Scottsdale Classic Pro-Am served up an exciting finish between two excellent young players, Burghill Valley's Ollie Farr and Teignmouth's Billy Hemstock.

Both players played inspired golf, having attended the PGA Tour’s WM Phoenix Open a few days prior at TPC Scottsdale. After three rounds of superb desert golf at FireRock Country Club, Grayhawk Talon Course, We-Ko-Pa Cholla Course, former European Tour player Farr built up a three-shot lead over Hemstock, who plays on the Challenge Tour.

In the final round at Kierland Golf Club, Hemstock launched a charge en route to a superb 67. However, Farr called on all his experience from playing on the

top tour to close out the victory with an excellent round of 68.

Kingswinford Golf Centre's Darren Prosser shot a sensational 63 at the challenging Grayhawk Talon Course to capture a well-earned third place.

Once again, the action packed Pro-Am offered competitors the chance to attend the Saturday at The WM Open. This year a record one day attendance of nearly 205,000 was set for a golf event, with a staggering 655,000 fans passing through the gates during the week.

TPC Scottsdale was to be somewhat quieter three days later, when many of the competitors played a Challenge Day over the immaculate course which was presented in tournament condition with the grandstands still in place. Pro-Am Tour regular Simon Lilly from Wellingborough shot the best round with 40 points. The Pro-Am also included a Welcome Challenge

Day at Grayhawk Golf Club’s Raptor Course, which was won by Farr with 42 points.

The Scottsdale Cup, a Ryder Cup-style match played against the members of Desert Highlands Golf Club, finished in a 3-3 draw, amidst much fun and camaraderie. The Pro-Am Team event was dominated

by Hemstock and his team from Teignmouth – Richard Armitage, Charlie Armitage and Andy Burnham.

provide seven additional bays, with car parking and landscaping.

“Our vision is to encourage into the game

this,” said Mr Petty. “It is well-known that beginner golfers often struggle, take up time and disrupt play for others when on a normal golf course. The simplicity of the par-three golf course layout will favour beginner golfers and those who struggle with length and accuracy.”

He added: “Taking these important factors into account, we have designed the course with

PLANS SUBMITTED FOR NINE-HOLE HAMPSHIRE COURSE

A

nine-hole golf course aimed at older players and beginners could open in Hampshire as early as next year, after plans were submitted to develop land adjacent to an existing drive range

in Liss.

Brows Farm Golf Range is currently an 18-bay driving range, but its manager, Hamish Petty, is hoping to extend it to include a par-three course to meet local demand.

The application is

and long-term sustainable improvement for golfers.

Warburton said: “This state-of-the-art facility allows us to get a complete understanding of a player’s putting, and really analyse what is inhibiting them from producing their best performances when it matters, out on the course and under pressure. The technology allows us to build a fact-driven picture for golfers of all abilities, and utilise this simply and concisely to allow them to make gains, immediately and for long-term sustainable improvement."

Lessons in the 360° Putting Lab are available on a two-hour basis at a cost of £110, while a one-hour session costs £60.

The putting lab will also be offering custom fitting options in the near future, allowing pupils to both assess any adjustments required to their current putter or to try out the latest models if they want to invest in a new putter to complement their game.

For bookings and enquiries, visit www.360degreeputtinglab.co.uk or call 01923 729462.

seeking a change of use of the land for use as a nine-hole golf course and an extension of the golf driving range building to

CORHAMPTON GOLF CLUB

beginners, the elderly and those with limited time on their hands. We hope the potential par-three golf course will help achieve

■ SCOTTSDALE WINNER: OLLIE FARR WITH HIS WINNER'S CHEQUE ■ BILLY HEMSTOCK'S WINNING TEAM (L-R) RICHARD ARMITAGE, BILLY HEMSTOCK, CHARLIE ARMITAGE & ANDY BURNHAM

wide fairways and short carries to allow golfers of all ages and abilities to play at their own pace, without worrying about hitting the ball far or arrow-straight. A fourball will take between four and five hours to complete a round of golf at a normal 18-hole golf club, however a round here will take a four-ball no longer than two hours.”

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Great value society packages available 7 days a week For more information contact Ashley on 01903 717170 (Ex 230) or email ashley@littlehamptongolf.co.uk Littlehampton Golf Club, 170 Rope walk, Littlehampton, West Sussex BN17 5DL

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[40] MARCH 2017 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

MANCHESTER CITY BOSS PEP GUARDIOLA REVEALS HIS LOVE FOR GOLF

P

■ PEP GUARDIOLA'S GOT THE GOLFING BUG

ep Guardiola is renowned for his obsessive attention to details as a football manager, and that perhaps explains why the Manchester City boss is so fascinated by golf.

The sport is one of the most mentally challenging around, and for that reason the Spaniard is a huge fan of the test it throws up.

But the City manager has revealed another factor at play in his love for the sport - the lack of referees.

Guardiola, who has experienced a few runins with officials in his first season in England, made the claim during an interview with Manchester City's YouTube channel.

He explained: "I love golf for many reasons.

For the environment, the courses you play on. There are no referees there. The rules are for everybody. So when our games are being influenced by the decision of the referee, it is

STRICKER WORRIES FOR TIGER

A

s speculation mounts over the on-course future of Tiger Woods, the silence coming from the camp of the 14-time major champion continues. But count Steve Stricker among the select few who have had at least some contact with Woods since he's been sidelined with back spasms.

Stricker named Woods as one of his Presidents Cup assistants last year, and last week he was onsite at the Valspar Championship to announce that Jim Furyk will join Woods, Davis Love III and Fred Couples as assistants this fall at Liberty National.

While Stricker has not seen Woods recently, the two have traded texts, and Stricker has received updates from several sources regarding Woods’ recovery. According to Stricker, the news isn’t particularly good.

“He’s working hard at it, but I don’t think he’s doing that well right now physically,” Stricker said.

Woods has not played since withdrawing abruptly last month at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. He cancelled scheduled starts at the Genesis Open and Honda Classic, and even withdrew from a press conference appearance last month at Riviera.

■ STEVE STRICKER IS CONCERNED OVER TIGER'S FUTURE PROSPECTS AS A PLAYER Stricker watched there is no entry deadline for him to play the Woods’ opening-round 77 in Dubai on television Masters. and noticed quickly that something was amiss.

“Obviously he has to get his body right first “Just the way he was walking didn’t quite look before he can compete,” Stricker said. “Then it’s right. He was walking really gingerly,” Stricker going to take some time, I think, for him to come said. “It didn’t really look physically like he was back believing in his swing and trusting in his ready to play.” ability again.”

Woods’ next start remains unknown. while

too much. In good ways and bad ways. I'm not saying it's very unfair, it is what it is.

"But in golf you start in the same moment, the same places and the less strokes you play you win the hole, you're going to win the tournament.

"For the rules it doesn't matter what it is.

Important team, no team, important managers, no managers. Influence of the media, no influence of the media."

But the 46-year-old single figure handicapper admitted the mental side of the sport is one that attracts him, and believes there is a lot that can be learned from golf. He added: "You compete with yourself, and of course I think it is a mentally tough, tough game.

"I think all the managers from other sports can learn a lot about what the people say, to be in the present, the next shot is the most

PARKSTONE TO HOST EUROPEAN WOMEN’S AMATEUR

P

arkstone Golf Club in Dorset has been chosen to host the European ladies’ championship in 2019.

The historic course, ranked in the top 100 of Great Britain & Ireland, will offer competitors a heathland challenge, coupled with a stunning setting known for its natural beauty.

“This is a course which calls for strategy, and it

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GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

NEWS | MARCH 2017

important thing. What happened in the past, the shot before, good or bad, it doesn't count.

"The routines, to be always positive, it doesn't matter what happens elsewhere, it's your game.

There's no influence from the opponents. That's why it's fascinating and that's why I love it."

He believes some aspects of it can translate to football: "At the end it is a sport, your brain, your mind is in the game. Psychologists in golf are so important.

I don't know how involved they are in football.

"In golf the ball is still. In football, everybody moves, the opponents come here and there. It's completely different. In golf, you are alone, there are no team-mates.

"In golf it is so difficult to see one player win two or three tournaments in a row. Tiger Woods was able to win nine or 10, now I think it is impossible. That shows how difficult it is, everybody can win.'

During City's warm-weather training trip to Abu Dhabi, Guardiola managed to escape the pressures of his day-to-day job to enjoy a round of golf with his assistant Brian Kidd. But it didn't quite go according to plan for the Spaniard.

"The most important thing is the players didn't see me, I didn't see them. With Brian Kidd, we played a good game on a beautiful golf course. He beat me.

"Brian beat me. He's an amazing player. He's English. I've never met an English player who doesn't play ■ PEP GUARDIOLA AT THE RYDER CUP WITH JOSE MARIA OLAZABAL good golf."

will be perfect for Europe’s top women players,” said Parkstone’s general manager, Michael Sawicki.

Course work over recent years

has included improvements to all the bunkers and significant tree removal to reveal the heathland nature of the course, which

boasts views to Poole harbour.

Further improvements are planned, including tweaks to the short 16th, which will turn a good hole into a great one by the time the championship is held.

It will be played from 24-27 July 2019, and a full field will bring 144 competitors from around the world to Parkstone.

They will all play the first 54 holes

before the field is cut to the top 60 and ties for the final round.

“We are delighted to host this championship, and to be able to play it on Parkstone’s beautiful course,” said England Golf’s Championship Director James Crampton.

“It will be a great test for the competitors and a wonderful venue for spectators. It’s fantastic to bring

[41]

POULTER ANNOUNCES IJP DESIGN CLOSURE

I

an Poulter has announced that his clothing business – IJP Design – will stop trading online next month.

In a statement issued by IJP Design, the 41 year old said the company was ‘unable to justify its continuation’ in an ‘increasingly competitive landscape’.

Poulter said: “It is with great sadness that I am announcing the closure of the IJP Design online shop, the golf clothing business I started with my business partners in 2006. The business will cease to trade from its website www.ijpdesign.com on April 2, 2017. It has always been our aim to run a unique and high quality product business that reflected my personality and passion for the game of golf, and my love of fashion both on and off the course.

“Ultimately, however, we have been unable to justify its continuation after many years of investing in the

business and a number of attempts to reshape it against an ever increasingly competitive landscape.”

In October 2012, six years after IJP Design was set-up, the company recorded its first yearly profit, having launched before the financial crisis.

At that point, the Englishman said: “We’ve stood by it, although it has taken a level of investment. We set it up just before the recession so to get to this point is fantastic news.

“The upsides of owning my own business when my golf starts to tail off will be huge. I’ll have a business that keeps me earning and that I can expand. When I retire I want to challenge myself.”

As a result of IJP Design’s closure, a mass sale of apparel is underway on the brand’s website.

these events to England, and to give spectators a chance to see the stars of tomorrow – and hopefully inspire more people to play the game,” added James Crampton.

The champion will be rewarded with a place in the Ricoh Women’s British Open and past winners include England’s Bronte Law in 2016. and Caroline Hedwall.

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[42] MARCH 2017 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

PRIVATE CLUBS BUCK MEMBERSHIP DECLINE A

recent survey on membership levels in private members’ clubs in the UK has revealed that 2016 was the best year for many in several years.

The research, which comprised responses from 81 private clubs, found a rise in membership among clubs that had 500 to 600 members in 2015.

About 10 percent of clubs saw their membership numbers rise from between 500 and 600, to more than 600 in just one year.

Similarly, one-fifth of clubs surveyed reported growing waiting lists, with the average reporting a rise from 29 to 49 players, although this figures is still well below the average of 110 reported in 2014. At some high-profile clubs the waiting time is as much as 10 years.

■ SOME PRIVATE CLUBS ARE SEEING MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS STABILISE

The research also found a sharp rise in the number of clubs that provide flexible membership policies – from 30% to 39% in just one year.

Golf’s trend towards an ageing demographic was confirmed, with more than three-fifths of members reported to be aged 50 or older. The percentage of male

members has also risen slightly, from 71% in 2015 to 73% last year, although more than half of the clubs surveyed said their female membership is rising.

With regard to finances, more clubs are charging joining fees again. The figure fell to less than half in 2015, but shot back up two-thirds last year, with an average of £1,255 per joining fee.

Green fees and green fee income has also increased, while takings from the bar and restaurant have also gone up. In 2015, 38% of private members’ clubs had catering revenues of more than £150,000 – in 2016 the figure was 52%.

Costs are continuing to rise, particularly with regard to staffing. “Clubs appear to have countered this by gradually reducing staff numbers, in particular part time staff,” said Robert Twydle, principal at Hillier Hopkins, the company that carried out the research.

“The previous trend of declining member numbers has been reversed in this year’s survey, but we think that the current year’s result is due more to the impact of some closures in the industry rather than a significant change.

"Most clubs we visited during the year were happy to report an influx of new younger members, and

WALTON HEATH PREPARES TO STAGE EUROPEAN AMATEUR

W

alton Heath Golf Club will be adding to its long list of top-flight tournaments when it plays host to the European Men’s International Amateur Championship in June.

The famous 36-hole venue in Surrey, which hosted the Ryder Cup in 1981 and is now home to International Qualifying for the US Open, will stage the highly-coveted international event on its famed Old Course, which is currently ranked as the 10th best course in

England.

The tournament is being staged immediately after the R&A’s Amateur Championship at Royal St George’s in Kent, creating a South East ‘double’ which should prove extremely attractive to international players from around the world.

It will be the second time England Golf has hosted this championship, having staged it 25 years ago at Hillside in Lancashire. England’s most recent European champion was Ashley

Chesters, who won backto-back-titles in 2013 and 2014, and advantage of his place in The Open of 2015, when finishing tied 12th at St Andrews, springboarding his professional career.

The winner will book a place in the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale and the event will be one of the highlights of a packed calendar, alongside the Brabazon Trophy at Woodhall Spa, and the Men’s Home Internationals at Moortown in Yorkshire.

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The most southerly will be played at Trevose in Cornwall, and the most northerly at Berwick-upon-Tweed in Northumberland. There will be celebrations along the way – and not just from the winners.

Two of the host clubs are marking their 125th anniversaries in 2017: South Staffs, which will host the English senior

■ WALTON HEATH'S OLD COURSE, WITH ASHLEY CHESTERS (INSET)

women’s amateur in May, and Harrogate, which will hold the senior women’s Brenda King Foursomes in October.

The much soughtafter Brabazon Trophy

is the high spot of the early season. It will be played on the renowned Hotchkin course at Woodhall Spa in May and will attract a top-class international field. The

title of English men’s open stroke play champion is one of the most prized in amateur golf and past winners include Major champions Sandy Lyle and Charl Schwartzel.

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GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

NEWS | MARCH 2017 [43]

we’re hopeful that this was a trend for the future.

Sadly, despite this the age profile at most clubs remains stubbornly high, with the survey reporting the same numbers for members in the aged 50-plus bracket.”

He added: “Clubs do seem to have accepted that their main source of income is from their member subscriptions, and have raised these to cover increased costs. Contrary to last year’s results, it would appear that entrance fees are still on the agenda, and in some instances are increasing. There is no doubt that these provide an incentive for ongoing membership, but it seems that longer term this will be difficult to maintain, with the exception of a number of highly popular or prestigious clubs.

“Green fee charges now seem to be on the increase following several years of decline and clubs do seem to be trying to maximise their income from other sources. Society income again reflects a wide variation in numbers.

"There was a general feeling that the declining trend had come to a halt but actual player numbers still seems to be falling. Sadly, most of the responses anticipate an ongoing decline in member numbers and participation in golf without significant change.”

GOLF FOUNDATION LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE

T

he Golf Foundation has unveiled a new website, which will offer a range of accessible information to everyone with an interest in supporting junior grass roots golf.

The Golf foundation is a nationally-recognised charity which aims to provide youngsters with the opportunity to play golf. Its HSBC Golf Roots programme reaches 500,000 young people a year, and aims by early 2018 to create 15,000 extra regular young golfers on an annual basis.

The new website offers users a highly visual new

look, with smooth and easy navigation in all subject areas, including ‘Golf for All’, schools, community, clubs, fundraising and news. In each area the signposting is clear, with informative case studies, and up-to-date news stories, assisted by highstandard photography.

The site showcases all the Foundation’s work in encouraging more boys and girls to ‘Start, Learn and Stay’ in the sport.

Visitors will find dynamic content on the recruitment and retention of young people in golf, including the ‘player pathway’ from school and community first

experiences to supervised coaching opportunities at the local golf club.

For families considering golf for their youngsters, there is a new easy-tonavigate Golf Facility Finder, while registered PGA Coaches are able to log-in and download brand new marketing

materials to aid their junior coaching programmes.

The site is configured to be viewed on a full range of mobile, tablet and PC devices, and has quick links to social media, including Facebook and Twitter. The Golf Foundation newsletter, Junior Golf Matters, is also

available, as are links to the Foundation’s supporters and national development partners.

Sarah Sorrell, marketing manager for the Golf Foundation, said: “Our team is very pleased with the new website, which has more visual appeal and is more user-friendly than our former site.

Combined with the new Facility Finder and new resources available for PGA Coaches, this should help to bring in more readers, who will view more material, and this can only be good news in terms of raising awareness of our work.”

SOUTH HERTS TO HOST WPGA SERIES

HAYLING TEAM BAGS HAMPSHIRE HONOURS

E

H

ngland’s up-and-coming girl golfers will have the chance to test their skills against the professionals on the WPGA’s 2017 One Day Series, which is being hosted at venues throughout the UK this summer, including South Herts Golf Club and Chestfield Golf Club in Kent.

Up to ten players from the England Golf U16 and U18 regional girls’ squads have been invited to play in the series of seven events, which starts ■ SOUTH HERTS GOLF CLUB WILL HOST LEADING FEMALE PROS IN AUGUST at Little Aston in May. Rebecca Hembrough, England Golf Women’s Performance Manager, Becca Earl (Bishops Stortford) won twice, following in the footsteps of commented: “I’m delighted to say that once again the WPGA have Megan Clarke (Cleckheaton) and Charlotte West (Harewood Downs). supported our regional programme by offering invitations to regional Last season, English U16 champion Lily May Humphreys (Channels), squad players.

Anna Collis (Letchworth) and Thalia Kirby (Stoke Park) all claimed “Not only will they play great golf courses, but the playing groups fourth-place finishes. will be mixed, so they will tee it up with both experienced female The six events are: Little Aston, Staffordshire, on 8 May; Dunham professionals and those that are on the path to qualification. It’s a Forest, Cheshire, on 24 May; Three Rivers, Essex, on 6 June; Kedleston wonderful opportunity and great experience.”

Park, Derbyshire, on 26 June; Chestfield, Kent, on 21 July; Salisbury & In recent years, three squad players have won events on the series: South Wilts on 27 July; South Herts on 30 August.

ayling Golf Club won both Team of the Year and Club of the Year in the Havant Borough Sports Awards, when the three-man team of Toby Burden, Richard Harris and Kevin Hickman lifted the De Mont Morency Trophy after winning the English Champion Club tournament by two shots at Stoke By Nayland Golf Club in September.

They qualified for the national championship after winning the Hampshire Team Championship at last summer’s county championship, which was staged on their famous links course last June.

As English champions, they were entered in the European Men’s Club Trophy and finished 13th at Aroeira Golf Club, in Portugal.

Hayling junior James Hellyer was named runner-up in the Junior Sportsman of the Year after winning the Wentworth Junior Open. The 12-handicapper won the Rawlinson Cup with a nett 62 and took the U14 gross cup with a two-over-par 74.

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[44] MARCH 2017 |MASTERS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

■ JORDAN SPIETH IS THE BOOKIE'S FAVOURITE TO PUT HIS 2016 COLLAPSE BEHIND HIM

MASTERS BETTING PREVIEW

UNDER STARTER’S ORDERS

■ JUSTIN ROSE CAN NEVER BE DISCOUNTED AT AUGUSTA

Nick Bayly checks out the ante-post odds for the first Major of the season, and finds it hard to look past the bookies’ favourites for green jacket glory

I

f you cast your eye down the betting lists for this year’s Masters, you might expect one of the world’s current top four players to be favourite to pick up this year’s green jacket, but instead it’s world No.6 Jordan Spieth who heads the market.

This state of affairs is clearly based on the young Texan’s comfortable win in 2015, and his performance 12 months ago – up until, of course that fateful back nine on Sunday. Five shots ahead with just nine holes to play, Speith was long odds on to collect his second green jacket – indeed, many TV viewers went to bed having given up on it as a contest – but he inexplicably collapsed on the 10th and 11th holes, and then threw his chances away with a quadruple-bogey seven at the par-3 12th, where he dunked not one, but two balls, in the drink.

Spieth’s smooth-as-silk putting stroke is clearly suited to the lightening fast greens at Augusta, and at 6-1 may appeal to his legions of fans, but it doesn’t represent much value in pure financial terms. You certainly need to be able to putt like a god to have a chance of winning at Augusta, but you also need to hit the ball into the heavens as well, especially if the course plays wet, as it often does at this time of year.

Speith isn’t short off the tee by any means, currently averaging 291 yards, but there are others that are much longer, and will consequently be playing much shorter irons into tight pin positions.

ENT S V E L The new world No.1, Dustin Johnson, certainly fits that N AL T IN G O T E B brief – currently averaging 315 yards with his trusty M1 e etin g FOR im e & M T driver – and looks like a solid contender to add another c tio n n d S e le S t a ke a Major title to the US Open trophy he won last year. At 9-1, and with top-six finishes in the last two renewals, and a more confident putting stroke, he looks better value than Spieth, although don’t expect those odds to last long if he follows up his recent easy win in California.

Rory Mcllroy is usually at the head of the market for most of Majors these days, but he will arrive at this Masters – his ninth – as third favourite at 10-1. An injured rib, coupled with an occasionally temperamental putting stroke, explain why he’s not currently disputing favouritism, but any signs of a revival in form over the coming weeks would see his price contract into single figures fairly sharply.

World No.2 Jason Day doesn’t seem to have fully rediscovered the form that took him to world No.1 so far this season, but this may be due his schedule being built almost entirely ta ke : To ta l S around winning his second Major title. His recent withdrawal from the WGC event in Mexico was down to an ear infection and the flu, rather than anything long term or serious, so ■ RORY MCILROY IS 10-1 TO BAG HIS FIRST GREEN JACKET

G N I T T E B S L IP

! s p i T s ' Nick alker W y m m i J 6 6/1 Th om a s n i t s u J 1 / 5 2 wl e r o F e i k c i R 1 20/

TAKE YOUR PICK 6/1 JORDAN SPIETH 9/1 DUSTIN JOHNSON 9/1 JASON DAY 10/1 RORY MCILROY 10/1 HIDEKI MATSUYAMA 20/1 JUSTIN ROSE 20/1 RICKIE FOWLER 25/1 BUBBA WATSON 25/1 ADAM SCOTT 25/1 HENRIK STENSON 25/1 JUSTIN THOMAS 33/1 PHIL MICKELSON 40/1 JON RAHM 40/1 LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN 40/1 PATRICK REED 40/1 SERGIO GARCIA 40/1 TIGER WOODS 50/1 DANNY WILLETT 50/1 BRANDT SNEDEKER 50/1 PAUL CASEY 50/1 THOMAS PIETERS 66/1 BRANDEN GRACE 66/1 BROOKS KOEPKA 66/1 BYEONG-HUN AN 66/1 CHARL SCHWARTZEL 66/1GARY WOODLAND 66/1 JIMMY WALKER 66/1MATT KUCHAR 66/1 TYRRELL HATTON

given a clean bill of health the young Australian certainly has the game to win around Augusta, having finished second in 2011 and third in 2013. Again, a sign of a return to form between now and the start of the tournament would see his price come down significantly.

If there was to be a European winner to follow up Danny Willett’s heroics last year, then Open champion Henrik Stenson must be a lively contender. However. the 40-year-old Swede’s current odds of 25-1 are not that generous when you examine his Masters record more closely, which shows a best-placed finish of 14th in 2014. Having said that, five top-20 finishes speak of a man who is pretty comfortable with the course set up.

Sergio Garcia looks a much better player this season, as he showed in Dubai, but his Masters’ record isn’t much to write home about either, with the Spaniard’s best-placed finish being tied eighth in 2013. His improved putting technique will come under severe pressure on the greens, and it would be an outstanding performance for him to win his first major here given the strength of the opposition.

Last year’s winner, Danny Willett, is currently 50-1 to reprise his surprise victory, which would arguably be even more of surprise in 2017 given his current poor run of results, although it may be foolish to ignore the concept of ‘horses for courses’. A similar price can be had about the much-revived Paul Casey, while Lee Westwood, who was runner-up last year and in 2010, is at even bigger odds. So if there is to be a European winner, then it might be wise to side with Olympic champion Justin Rose, who looks good each-way value at 20-1 following his runner-up

DUSTIN JOHNSON – CURRENTLY AVERAGING 315 YARDS WITH HIS TRUSTY M1 DRIVER – LOOKS LIKE A SOLID CONTENDER TO ADD ANOTHER MAJOR TITLE TO HIS CV finish in 2015, and a recent form book that speaks of a man in total control of his game.

This year’s hottest prospect, Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, finished fifth last year and is currently ranked no.4 in the world, following an incredible end to last year. He already has a win this season at the Phoenix Open, but at 12-1 he seems a very short price. Adam Scott, hero of 2013, usually plays well here and at 25-1 is a good bet to run into a place, but at 36 years of age, he already looks to have taken his foot off the gas.

Previous form usually counts for a lot at Augusta, and dual winner Bubba Watson represents also represents good value at 25-1. Although he is too unpredictable to carry the mortgage, his length off the tee will ensure he sets up plenty of eagle and birdie opportunities.

Shorter hitters Zach Johnson and Charles Schwartzel also have winning form here, and can be backed at long odds, but you sense that both players’ best days are behind them now. Schwartzel’s fellow South African, Louis Oosthuizen, would not be winning out of turn following his near miss behind Watson in 2014, but he too doesn’t look to be quite on his ‘A’ game at present, and is perhaps best punted on for a place.

There is an outstanding crop of young Americans currently emerging on the circuit, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Justin Thomas or Daniel Berger continued their good form from the PGA Tour, or if Rickie Fowler or Patrick Reed took their first major title here, but the safe money is on proven performers on a course that has historically rewarded familiarity.

My money, for what it’s worth, will be on Jimmy Walker, each-way.

Sneaky long, a Major champion, and a very good putter on his day – the 66-1 currently on offer is too tempting to miss.

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MASTERS | MARCH 2017 [45]

MASTERS MEMORIES

Three-time Mastersa' champion SIR NICK FALDO discusses the skills needed to score well at Augusta, why an Asian player is ready to put on the green jacket, and why it’s never a good idea to offer Gary Player a cup cake INTERVIEW BY CHARLES BRISCOE-KNIGHT | PICTURES GETTY IMAGES

IT COULD BE ONE OF THE MOST OPEN Masters for decades. There are upwards of 20 guys that could win it.

Take your pick, and hope he’s got it all dialled in that week.

No-one is ever going to shoot 59 at Augusta.

They can set it up as hard as they like. If they want the players to get close, they can make the pin placements accessible. If it looks like silly scores might happen, they’ll make it very tough to get at the hole. It’s that simple.

If you’re more than a yard out with your approach at Augusta, you can guarantee you're going to be left a very testing next shot.

You need to be able to control all aspects of your ball flight if you’re going to score well, and be on the money with your club selection. If you decide to fade it, you’d better do just that.

A poor shot is over-fading it, but over draw it and you’re dead. Controlling you shot shape – that’s the real skill needed at Augusta.

It’s only a matter of time before an Asian player wins a green jacket. China is in a state of flux with golf at the moment, so it might be a while before we see a Chinese major champion, but players from other parts of Asia are more than capable of winning the Masters. Hideki Matsuyama looks more than ready to win any of the majors. He’s so calm. It seems a long time since YE Yang beat Tiger to win the US PGA Championship in 2009, so Asia is overdue another big one.

The only time I ever felt sorry for a player that I’d beaten was Greg Norman at the Masters in 1996. If I had blown a six-shot lead

at the major I wanted to win more than any other, I’m not sure how I would have got over it. I’d have been scarred for life. I had a lot of sympathy for Greg, and I don’t think I’d felt that before about another player.

I just wanted to grab him and hold him tight, because I didn’t know what to say. We haven’t spoken about it since.

Some people forget that I shot 67 that day. It was my best Masters' Sunday, and it was the lowest round for the entire weekend – that’s how tough it was. There greens were so firm. I definitely would say that is one of the greatest rounds I ever played.

The purest putt I ever hit was that curling 30-footer to beat Scott Hoch in the play-off in ‘89. It was getting really gloomy and we could barely see a thing. I asked Prodge, my caddy, for a line, and he said: ‘All looks a bit of a blur, guv’. So there I was, over the putt, squeezing the blood out of it, and eventually I let my hands go. I took

the putter back with my left hand and hit it with the right, and it just went on this beautiful arc and dropped. That was what I had spent all those thousands of hours belting balls for – visualising a moment just like that.

remember standing in the fairway on the 9th hole with a 3-iron in my hand and trying to figure out how to land the ball on the green. I just couldn’t see the shot.

That’s when I knew it was time to move on to commentating.

I’m very fortunate in that while there were certainly Majors that I could have won, I haven’t got any scars. I haven’t got anyone coming up to me and saying: ‘You missed a two-footer for the Masters’.

Last year, we had Gary Player act as a guest commentator in the commentary booth, and we knew he wouldn’t be able to resist talking about his fitness regime and his 1,200 sit-ups a day, so I ordered a plate of doughnuts to be delivered to the booth for Gary. Unfortunately, a tray of creamy cup cakes arrived, and during the inevitable confrontation about healthy diet, one of these cakes was dispatched over my shoulder by way of ending the discussion.

Thankfully, the glass screen protecting the commentary box from the play below got in the way, but a sticky mess dribbled down the glass to the delight of those watching.

There’s an old saying that the Masters only comes to life on the back nine on Sunday.

That is so far from the truth. Now, as in all the majors, you have to be on it from the very first shot on Thursday. That’s how I treated it. Every shot in every round was important, and that got me right into it. The course is so difficult – it’s no longer a Sunday shootout. You’ve got to be in contention from the start.

I played in my final Masters in 2006. I

■ THREE JACKETS REQUIRED: NICK FALDO WON THE MASTERS IN 1989, 1990 AND 1996

Sir Nick Faldo will be commentating on the Masters for CBS.

[46] MARCH 2017 | NEWS

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ESSENDON SHORTLISTED FOR NATIONAL GOLFMARK AWARD G

olf clubs from Hertfordshire, Kent, Sussex, Suffolk, Cornwall and Yorkshire will be on tenterhooks until the winner of the England Golf Awards are announced at a ceremony held at Lord’s Cricket Ground on March 16.

Essendon Country Club in Hertfordshire is up against The Point at Polzeath in Cornwall for the GolfMark Club award, while Fynn Valley Golf Club in Suffolk is going head-to-head with Leeds Golf Centre in Yorkshire for the title of Most Welcoming Golf Club.

And there is an all South East tie for the Strongest Community Engagement Award, with Bromley Golf Centre in Kent pitched against Hollingbury Golf Centre in Brighton (main picture). Both venues are operated by Mytime Active – guaranteeing the company a win whatever the outcome of the judges’ final decision.

England Golf chief executive Nick Pink said: “These six finalists are fantastic clubs which put their customers first and help to show that golf is a welcoming sport for all. We look forward to highlighting their great work

WILSON EYES UP SENIOR PRIZES FOLLOWING Q SCHOOL SUCCESS

K

ent professional Peter Wilson is looking forward to teeing it up alongside the likes of Colin Montgomerie, Sam Torrance and Jose Maria Olazabal this season, after winning his European Seniors Tour card at his first attempt.

Wilson, who turned 50 earlier this month, won one of the five Tour cards on offer at the European Senior Tour’s qualifying school final held in Portugal last month. He finished joint runner-up, with a five-under-par total of 279 at Pestana Golf Resort.

Although Wilson tied for second place with two other players, he won the €4,000 runnerup prize courtesy of a better countback score.

After securing his card with a final round 69, Wilson said: “I’m over the moon. It was a tough course, and the pressure over the closing holes was massive, but I can now look forward to playing a whole season on the European Senior Tour.”

After making the grade, Wilson headed out to South Africa to compete on the Sunshine Tour, where he has been a familiar figure in recent seasons as he attempted to get some competitive action under his belt. His

■ ESSENDON HAS BEEN SHORTLISTED FOR ENGLAND GOLF'S GOLFMARK CLUB OF THE YEAR

at the England Golf Awards.”

More finalists in other categories, including top coach, top team, leading player and volunteer of the year, will

opening event of the 2017 season comes at a brand new tournament, the Sharjah Senior Masters, which is being held in the United Arab Emirates from March 16-18.

As well as being a handy golfer, Dealbased Wilson was also a useful footballer in his younger days, and made over 200 appearances for Deal Town before deciding, at the age of 27, to concentrate fully on golf.

His first club as a youngster was the Royal Cinque Ports Artisans, and he then joined Walmer & Kingsdown before moving to

be announced soon. For tickets to the black tie awards ceremony on March 16, which costs £75pp, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Prince’s Golf Club in Sandwich several years ago. He said: “I would like to thank the McGuirk family at Prince’s for all the help and support they have given me. I can’t wait to start playing on the Seniors Tour, but I’m under no illusions – the hard work really starts now, especially when you look at some of the big names I will be up against. My target is to finish in the top 20 on the Order of Merit, so that I won’t have to qualify again next year, and I’m determined to give it my best shot.”

■ PETER WILSON WILL BE PLAYING A FULL SCHEDULE ON THE EUROPEAN SENIOR TOUR THIS SEASON

Seaford Head Golf Course WE ARE OFFERING SOME GREAT SOCIETY AND GOLF DAY PACKAGES.

SPORT ENGLAND SECURES £8.5M FOR GOLF DEVELOPMENT

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port England has announced an £8.5m award to the England Golf Partnership to support talented players and encourage regular golfers to continue playing.

The EGP is a joint partnership between England Golf and the Professional Golfers’ Association to grow the game with the support of the Golf Foundation and Sport England National Lottery funding. The partnership’s Whole Sport Plan for golf aims to increase and widen participation in golf, from grass roots to elite level.

EGP Chairman, Nic Coward, said: “There are 3.6m golfers in England, and the game continues to produce many world-class players. We will continue to work with Sport England on our many projects and initiatives that deliver great results across the country.

“Our main aim is for all involved in the sport to work together in partnership, to put golfers first and to give everyone the best possible experience within the sport.

Now we know the level of award from Sport England, we will consider our next steps, taking time to look at how best to deliver with the resources available to us.”

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NEWS | MARCH 2017

[47]

TUITION HOLIDAY

■ GOLF NEWS PROFESSIONAL STUART SMITH

■ VALLE DEL ESTE RESORT

HEAD ‘ESTE’ FOR TOP TUITION & A GREAT HOLIDAY A ■ GOLFERS ON THE MOST RECENT TRIP ENJOYED TUITION IN THE MORNINGS FOLLOWED

BY AFTERNOONS ON THE GOLF COURSE

fter sell-out trips to Costa Ballena in Spain in October 2016 and another scheduled for March 2017, Golf News PGA coach Stuart Smith is hosting a further Golf News Tuition Holiday at the stunning Spanish resort of Valle del Este Resort in Almeria in May, where a select group will enjoy week of world-class tuition and top quality hospitality under the warm skies of Spain’s east coast.

Golfers can alternate between sessions in the morning and afternoon, and play as little or as much golf as they like, while guests will also have access to unlimited balls on the driving range, and enjoy a range of fun competitions alongside likeminded golfers.

Smith, a qualified PGA professional with over 20 years’ experience of working with all levels of players, will host the trip, which will see just 28 golfers, of varying ages and handicaps, enjoy a seven-night tuition break at the superb Valle del Este Resort in Almeria.

The trip will cover all aspects of the short game, from putting and chipping, to bunker play and pitching, and there will also be a full session devoted to driving. All students will come away with personal report on areas for future development, along with a free short game booklet explaining the drills, how to practice, and advice on developing pre-shot routines.

The trip, which takes place from May 4-11, will feature morning and afternoon tuition sessions with Smith, as well as five rounds of golf on the superb 18-hole Valle del Este championship course.

ITINERARY, VALLE DEL ESTE, ALMERIA, SPAIN MAY 4-11, 2017

The next Golf News Tuition Holiday is scheduled for May 4-11, so if you’re looking to sharpen up your all aspects of your game ahead of the new golfing season, then make sure you book up today!

THE PACKAGE INCLUDES:

Thurs 4th 3pm - Meet and greet, followed by short game Q&A

◆ 7 nights’ half-board accommodation at

Fri 5th

10am - Chipping; 2.30pm - Pitching

Sat 6th

10am - Pitching; 2.30pm - Chipping

◆ 5 rounds at Valle del Este; free pull trolley

Sun 7th

10am - Chipping & Pitching via Core Board; 2.30pm -

◆ All tuition provided by Stuart Smith

Chipping & Pitching via Core Board

◆ Use of the driving range with unlimited

Mon 8th

10am - 15 min slots using the GC2 to improve your driving

balls and free use of the Tour-standard

Tues 9th

10am - Bunkers & putting; 2.30pm - bunkers & putting

practice facilities

the 4-star Valle del Este Resort in Almeria

Weds 10th 10am - Chipping and pitching recap/practice;

◆ Return flights on Monarch from Gatwick to

2.30pm - chipping and pitching recap/practice

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PRICE The total cost for the trip is £795pp for two people sharing a twin room, and £935 for a single room.

Prices are subject to change according to flight availability and exchange rates.

BOOK NOW! Spaces are limited to just 28 for this great value tuition break, so for bookings and all other enquiries, visit www.stuartsmithgolfacademy.com, email stuart@stuartsmithgolfacademy.com or call 07799 088786.

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ISSUE 262 | MARCH 2017 | TWITTER: @GOLFNEWSMAG | WEB: GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

INSIDE TYRRELL HATTON NEW COLUMN COLIN MONTGOMERIE MY NEW LEASE OF LIFE NICK FALDO: MY MASTERS MEMORIES EQUIPMENT THE MAN BEHIND THE EPIC DRIVER DRIVER SHOWCASE

THE UK’S NO.1 GOLF NEWSPAPER

[48] MARCH 2017 | DANNY WILLETT

COMPLIMENTARY COPY Est 1994

FRONT DANNY COVER WILLETT INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

TWO GREEN JACKETS? P48-49 INTERVIEWS

ALEX NOREN THOMAS PIETERS HIDEKI MATSUYAMA

GOLF IN THE WEST COUNTRY SUPPLEMENT SARAH STIRK VISITS TAMPA WIN A SET OF WILSON STAFF WOODS & IRONS ALSO WILL GREENWOOD MARCO PENGE AND MUCH MORE

“ONLY 86 PLAYERS HAVE WON THE MASTERS AND I’M ONE OF THEM”

After capturing the green jacket at Augusta last year, DANNY WILLETT has struggled to recapture the form that saw him break into the Major league, but the 29 year old from Sheffield is confident that hard work and patience will soon have him back in the winner’s enclosure

D

o you think you gave yourself enough credit for winning the Masters?

It's tough to kind of take the time out to assess that when you’re playing all the time. I guess I need to do it a little bit more. But it's a tricky one. As a professional golfer, you're always trying to get better. You're always trying to train harder, practise harder. Even if you're playing great, and winning tournaments, it never seems enough. Even if it’s the Masters, you’re out there a few weeks later, trying to get better. But winning major championships doesn’t happen very often, and I think it's one of those times when you do need to step back and reflect. Nic [Willett’s wife] obviously tries telling me to do that that on a regular basis, and sometimes I'm willing to listen and sometimes I’m not.

How often do you look at the green jacket hanging in your wardrobe?

When I’d just won it, quite a few times. I’d just look at it, and think to myself, ‘You know what, 86 guys have won the Masters, and you've got one hanging up in your wardrobe’.

It’s quite common for first-time Major winners to experience a dip in form in the immediate aftermath. How conscious were you of that, and did it make things more difficult?

That's the thing – it’s so crazy how your mind works with these things. You think that you should be able to play well every time, just because you've done what you've done, but it doesn’t happen like that. There's 156 guys every week working hard and practising, and it's not as easy to win every tournament, as what you feel like it should be when you're playing well.

Having said that, any season in which you win a major should probably be considered a good season. I also won in Dubai, so two wins, but there have been nine months or so when I haven’t been playing so great. I could have won in Italy, but Francesco [Molinari] played great in the final round and beat me by one. If I’d won that one, all of a sudden the last two months of the season might not have been as bad. It's just how things fall into place. The game has been average for a few months, and I’ll just keep working hard, and hopefully I can come back out the other side and have a good spell again.

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DANNY WILLETT | MARCH 2017 [49]

IF MY WIN AT THE AUGUSTA TAUGHT ME ANYTHING, IT’S THAT WHEN I GET THE CHANCE, I FEEL LIKE I'LL BE READY TO TAKE IT THERE AND THEN Obviously there are extra pressures and demands when you’re a Masters' champion, with public appearances, media and sponsors’ requests, and more travelling. How has that affected you?

The Masters was a phenomenal week, and, yeah, it changes your life massively, and, all of a sudden, life becomes a lot busier. People want a lot more of your time, and you need to travel around a bit more, and kind of do things that you haven't been used to doing. There were a few little scheduling issues – maybe I was playing too much and trying to force the issue, instead of just playing a limited amount and backing myself to do well in the tournaments that I normally play in. So yeah, it took me a while to get used to that. I’m now trying to reset the goals and looking to get to the form that I showed back at the start of last year.

Coming into 2017, is there any sense in trying to create the sort of routines that led to your success at the Masters last year?

No, I think that's virtually impossible. There are so many variables that go into playing good golf. The one constant in my book is hard work. And I believe if I keep working hard, then the inevitability of playing well is only just around the corner. You see that so many times in golf – guys that miss three or four cuts suddenly get a win. Just look at Graeme Storm last month in South Africa. It's just the nature of the game. You can be beating your head against the wall for months, and then, all of a sudden, you hit the jackpot. I think the only thing that you can really control is to work as hard as can. And if that leads to playing great, fine. If it doesn't, you're just going to keep working hard, and wait for the next chance that you get. If my win at the Augusta taught me anything, it’s that if I keep working hard, when I get the chance, I feel like I'm pretty ready to take it there and then.

To know that I have that within me provides a massive confidence boost.

Is there anything specific that you have been working on in your game?

I’ve been working on trying to take the left side out of the golf course out of play by hitting fades off the tee. To do that you need to aim left, but sometimes that’s turned into a straight pull, which often leaves you in the rough, a bunker, or with no direct route to the green. Last year I had that safety valve, and we’re just working on getting that back.

You’ve put Callaway’s new Epic driver in the bag. What performance benefits did you find during testing that made you switch from your XR16 driver?

I put the Epic driver into play at the Hong Kong Open at the end of last year. I did quite a bit of testing away from the course before that point, working with Callaway’s tour staff to dial in the numbers and see how they compared with the XR16. First and foremost, a driver, in fact any club, has to fit my eye – look right and feel right – and the Epic did that straight away. It’s upright and sits really nice and square behind the ball at address.

I don’t like to see the face at all closed, and if anything the Epic sits slightly open, which is perfect for me.

Performance-wise, I was getting a 1 or 2mph faster balls speeds off the face, up to around 169mph, which gives me a few extra yards, but what I really liked was its consistency across the face, especially in terms of its spin. With some drivers you lose or gain a lot of spin, depending on where you strike it on the face, but with the Epic those spin rates remain really consistent wherever you hit it, which makes a massive difference.

Will you be putting in any different combinations of clubs into your bag for the Masters?

I don’t really change my club set-up to suit a golf course, or switch in other clubs. I did have a bit of a draw bias to my clubs at Augusta last year.

People think you need to draw the ball to play well there, but if anything a fade is more important.

We can’t talk about 2016 without re-visiting your first Ryder Cup. Looking back on it now, how do you reflect on the whole experience?

First and foremost, the team atmosphere was fantastic. Clarkey did a great job and unfortunately our golf wasn't up to standard. The American team played very well. They holed the putts when they had to hole the putts, and unfortunately we didn't. But the week as a whole, and how the guys bonded, and the friendships you make, was great.

The Ryder Cup has always been boisterous, but do you think things got out of hand at Hazletine?

Whenever you’ve got 150-200,000 fans at a tournament, you’re going to get the odd one or two that don’t actually go there to watch the golf. That’s a shame, but I don’t think that’s ever going to stop. Being in America, with their fans, and how much they wanted to help their team win, it was always going to be difficult to keep a lid on that. That’s just how it is. But, as player, I don’t think you should have people saying unpleasant things to your parents and your wife. I don’t think that’s our sport, that’s not what we play for, that’s not what we do. Unfortunately, that happened and there’s no denying that it slightly tarnished my first experience of the Ryder Cup. The whole affair over your brother’s remarks in the press caused a bit of a stir. Did you feel that it in affected your performance on the course?

I was disappointed with what he wrote, and it obviously put a bit of a downer on my first Ryder Cup. Coming to America as a European, you're already a bit of a target, and it kind of focused the attention a bit more on me. There's some pretty rowdy American fans every Ryder Cup, that's the nature of the beast. I spoke to Peter on the phone after I was made aware of what was said and what had been going on. I told him that I was disappointed in what was said and what was written about the American fans that supported me fantastically at the Masters. It was tough to then concentrate, because you don’t want people to think badly of yourself.

I kind of wanted to get off the golf course and get it sorted, draw a line under it, and get back to what we were doing.

You played with Tiger Woods on his comeback in Europe in Dubai.

What was that like?

I'd not actually met him properly before. At the Ryder Cup, I might have brushed past him and said ‘hello’, but nothing more than that. My first memories are of him chipping in at the 16th on Augusta in 2005, which is when I was really getting into golf. I remember him and his caddy going crazy. and the cameras shaking and the ball just dropping in. It's moments like that that he created for guys that are my kind of age. That really spurred me on to train harder and to practise harder, and to try and accomplish even a miniscule amount of what he has achieved.

You’ve set up a foundation to encourage youngsters into the game.

Can you tell us about the thinking behind Wee Willetts?

I set up the Wee Willetts to get young kids from around the Yorkshire area involved in golf. If they’ve never picked up a club before, they can go along and give it a go. I was fortunate enough that my first coach, Peter Ball, up at Birley Wood, near where my mum and dad lived, was like that as well. He was brilliant with the kids’ coaching, and he gave me my first half set of clubs, half a bag of practise balls, waterproofs and shoes, and he let me go up there and practise. He coached me for a few years when I was first starting. We didn’t have loads of money. I do try and give a little bit back, but there is obviously still more that I can do, and I will try to keep that going. I am still relatively young within the golfing game, and I will keep trying to give back to the local area and the local people.

[50] MARCH 2017 | NEWS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

MCILROY DEFENDS DECISION TO PLAY A ROUND WITH TRUMP R

IOC URGES TOKYO 2020 VENUE TO LIFT BAN ON FEMALE MEMBERS

ory McIlroy discovered that politics and sport aren’t always happy bedfellows last month, when he received a barrage of criticism following his decision to play 18 holes with newly-elected US President Donald Trump in Florida.

The world No.3, who was sidelined for seven weeks from tournament play sue to a rib injury, was invited to play a game with Trump at Trump International, but, after tweeting a picture of himself on the course with the president, was met with a torrent of abuse on social media.

McIlroy insisted his invitation was about respecting office of president, and was glad that he did, but expressed surprise that it was seen as such a controversial thing to do.

“I must admit, I was a bit taken aback by how much blowback it caused playing with him, but I guess it just underlines how divisive a campaign it was,” said McIlroy. “It wasn't an endorsement, nor a political statement of any kind, it was quite simply a game of golf. It was all about respecting the office and it was a fascinating experience,” he said. “To be called a fascist of a bigot by some people because I spent time in someone’s company is just ridiculous.”

He added: “If I’d have been American I’m not sure how I would have voted. I wouldn’t have voted for Trump, in fact I wouldn’t have voted for either leading candidate. If anything, I would probably have voted for an independent.”

Speaking about the actual experience of playing with Trump, the four-time major champion added: “Nothing prepares you for seeing 30 secret servicemen around him and 30 cops, and snipers in the trees. We spent the whole afternoon talking about golf, because that’s how he wanted it.”

T

he International Olympic Committee has warned that it will move the Tokyo 2020 golf tournament from the current venue if the club doesn't change its policy on female members.

Kasumigaseki Country Club is scheduled to host the competition, but currently does not allow women to become full members or play on a Sunday.

The club's board met last month to discuss the issue, but have yet to make a decision about changing their policy. The venue has previously hosted the Japan Open and the Asian Amateur Championship.

IOC vice president John Coates visited Tokyo this week and remains hopeful the event won't need to change venues, but has warned that time is running out for a decision to be made.

"My understanding is that club is heading in the right direction for them to have a nondiscriminatory membership," Coates said. "I respect it's a private club, but our position is clear. We will only go to a club that has non-discrimination. At some point there has to be a cut-off."

CLOSE FINISH AT LONDON CLUB SETS UP GRANDSTAND FINISH AT FARNHAM

T

our players shared the winnings at The London Golf Club in the eighth event of the 2016-2017 PGA South Winter Series supported by Titleist & FootJoy, but the race for the Battle Bowl remains wide open with just one event left to play.

Out of the 84 competitors, LB Golf Academy’s Larry Batchelor, Poult Wood’s David Copsey, Prince’s Anthony Tarchetti and World of Golf’s Grant Guerin all shot rounds of 69 around the International course.

Batchelor produced the round with the least errors, making four birdies - three in the first five holes - and just the one bogey at the fourth. Copsey had a promising front nine with two birdies to be on two-under but then came a roller coaster back

nine that started bogey, birdie, double bogey.

Copsey found top gear again with three more birdies in the last five holes for his 69.

Tarchetti’s excellent opening nine put him on three-under at the turn. A double bogey at the 12th threatened to spoil his card until a terrific eagle on the 18th by The PGA in Kent Captain really made his day, helping him to a share of the spoils.

As he commented, “Last hole, on the tee, three shots to tie – and I made the eagle - not too bad for someone who doesn’t really play that much!

Naturally, I had a great day once that final putt dropped, as did everyone else, and the course was in amazing condition for this time of the year.”

Guerin was level par at the turn, and then reeled off three birdies on the trot to move into the lead. A dropped shot on the 17th nearly undid all the good work, but a final birdie left Guerin sharing pole position after all.

The 2016 Virgin Atlantic PGA South Order of Merit champion Adam Wootton’s two-under-par 70 enabled him to claim the Leading Assistant’s ball, glove and shoe contract with Titleist & FootJoy. Copsey now holds a slender lead over Guerin in the overall 2016-2017 Winter Series standings, but with one event left, the Titleist & FootJoy A&T Betterball Pro-Am at Farnham Golf Club on April 12, a tightly packed leaderboard and more prize money up for grabs, this series could go anyone’s way.

■ DAVID COPSEY

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THOMAS PIETERS | MARCH 2017

[51]

FLY AWAY,

PIETERS

Belgian sensation Thomas Pieters reveals why he never wants to miss another Ryder Cup, why playing in Mexico left him feeling high – but only due to the lack of oxygen – and why he’s a true European at heart

I NEVER FEEL EMOTIONALLY DRAINED AFTER

I get a real sense of pride being at a tournament that

more events on the PGA Tour, but it’s great to able to play on

A TOURNAMENT, but it took me months to recover

features just the top 60 players in the world. It’s so

both. I went to college in America, and I have a lot of friends

from the Ryder Cup. When you win an event on tour,

cool to be a part of it, and I definitely still walk down

and great connections there, but I don’t think I would move

you tend to go a little flat physically the next week,

the range and see guys that I grew up watching and

there full time. Certainly not for the moment. I’d much rather

but after Hazeltine I just couldn’t get up for much for

think ‘I have done alright so far’. I have worked hard

months. I suppose that’s what happens when you spend

to get here, and I occasionally like to take time to let

be close to my family at home right now. Next year, I will

a full week just absolutely flying on adrenaline, and you

everything sink in and enjoy the moment of being at

literally give everything you have to a single cause.

these tournaments. But then I have to also tell myself that I am here to win, and that I am good enough to do

There’s no doubt I’m addicted to the Ryder Cup – I’m going

that. I always looked up to Adam Scott, for example,

to do everything I can to make sure I never miss another one,

and when I first played against him at the WGC-Match

starting in France, because I really want to make Thomas

Play, I was so nervous and almost star-struck. Now I can

Bjorn’s team. He was the vice-captain assigned to look after

call him a friend, so I’m not going ‘Oh my god, it’s Adam

me at Hazeltine, and he was so good with me. I think he was

Scott’ when I see him at an event. Now it’s more like,

proud of the way I had handled myself, and the way I had

‘Hey dude, fancy a few holes?’

probably play a 60/40 split between Europe and the US. I’ll play my minimum on the PGA Tour, and hopefully get into the FedEx Cup, but once August rolls around there’s only one thing that matters: the Ryder Cup! Once you have played in the Ryder Cup, there is nothing better in golf. It’s like a crazy drug, and I am totally addicted. It’s difficult to describe why. Once you make that team, and step onto the plane, you are just immersed in this unbelievable experience for a

played. He’s already telling me I have to make it in France, so I Finishing second at the Genesis Open and fifth at the WGC

week that changes your life. The vibe is amazing, and

pretty much secured my PGA Tour card, but I don’t see the

competing in that atmosphere was unbelievable. I want

Mexico was a cool place to play the WGC tournament.

need to leave the European Tour. In fact, I’ll never leave the

more. I had spoken to Nicolas Colsaerts about it a lot,

It reminded me a little bit of Buenos Aires. I went

European Tour – it is where my home is. I’ll definitely play

so I had an idea of what to expect, but I don’t think

better not let him down!

for a walk around the neighbourhood that we were

anything can prepare you for playing in it. And then if I

staying in and it was really cool. The people were really

look back at what happened to me, and the experiences

nice and the food was awesome. The golf course was

I had with Rory on the golf course, it was just beyond

interesting too, although it felt strange playing a WGC

anything I could have hoped for.

event on a course with narrow fairways, because these tournaments are usually played on wide, open courses.

Rory definitely inspired me and brought me out of my

It’s great to see these events move around the world a

shell. He was amazing. He takes it really personally – even

bit more, and visit more ‘old school’ courses. It would

if he loses a hole, he takes it personally, and it taught me

be cool to have a WGC event back in Europe soon.

a lot about how to play with passion in such an incredible atmosphere, but still produce great golf. It was a special

The altitude was crazy in Mexico. Being so far above sea level – I think it was over 2,000 metres – really tested my fitness. As soon

feeling to have Darren put that much faith in me. He picked

as you walk up any kind of hill, you feel that lack of oxygen. The

me as a wild card and then kept that faith, so I was so happy

good thing about the altitude is how far you can hit the ball. I

to be able to play well and get him some points. I never

hit a drive that was almost 400 metres during practice. If you get

really knew Darren before the Ryder Cup, but now I have a

the right spin on the ball and the right trajectory, it just didn’t

very special relationship with him. I can ask him anything

come down. I also hit a 9-iron 190 metres.

■ PIETERS & MCILROY FORMED A WINNING PARTNERSHIP AT HAZELTINE

and approach him, and he will always have my back.

[52] MARCH 2017 | FEATURE

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

STORY BEHIND THE PIC TIGER WOODS • MASTERS TOURNAMENT • AUGUSTA NATIONAL • APRIL 13, 1997

APRIL 13, 1997, WAS A DAY THAT CHANGED THE HISTORY OF GOLF. For it was on this day, an overcast Sunday afternoon at Augusta National in Georgia, that a 21-year-old black man delivered arguably the greatest performance ever seen in one of golf’s major championships.

At a club whose chairman had once said that the only black person ever allowed onto the golf course should be a caddie, Eldrick ‘Tiger’ Woods, a mixed-race man from a middle-class background, who grew up playing a municipal course in Los Angeles, announced himself to the world.

In front of huge crowds, and with millions watching on television across the world, Woods shot a three-under-par 69 – to add to earlier rounds of 70, 66 and 65, to win the Masters by a preposterous 12 shots. His 18-under-par total was the lowest in Masters' history, and was the widest margin of victory in a major in the 20th century – one better than Jack Nicklaus’s win in 1965 – and second only to Old Tom Morris's 13-shot triumph in the Open Championship in 1862.

When Woods finally slipped into his green champion's jacket in the gathering gloom, his 64-year-old father, Earl, surveyed the scene and said, "Green and black go well together, don't they?"

Weighing just 11 stone, with a 30-inch waist, and boasting none of the muscle that was to become his physical trademark in later years, the pencil-thin Woods turned one of golf's most testing layouts into a mere pitch-and-putt track. The longest club he hit into a par-4 all week was a seven-iron. On each of the first two days he hit a wedge into the 500-yard par-5 15th hole – for his second shot. His average drive was 325 yards – 25 longer than his nearest pursuer. He also kept a three-putt off his card on Augusta’s ice-link greens.

Meanwhile, the rest of the field – whose average age was

38 – was trying to catch him with five-irons, three-woods and prayers to the almighty. Jesper Parnevik, who finished 19 shots in arrears, summed up how the rest of the players viewed their new rival. "Unless they build ‘Tiger tees’ about 50 yards back, he's going to win the next 20 of these."

Yet none of the records looked likely when Woods completed the front nine of this first round on Thursday. The reigning US Amateur champion looked like a rabbit in the headlights in those opening hours. Fighting his driver, he bogeyed 1, 4, 8 and 9, following repeated visits to the trees, and his 40 was by two shots the worst starting nine holes ever for a Masters' winner.

But something happened as he walked to the 10th tee, something that separated him from other players. He fixed his swing, right there. With a visibily shortened backswing, he

immediately smashed a two-iron down the 10th fairway and birdied the hole from 18 feet. Then he birdied the par-3 12th with a chip-in from behind the green, and the 13th with two putts. He eagled the 15th with a wedge to four feet. When he finished birdie-par, he had completed the back nine in 30 strokes – 10 fewer than the front – for a two-under-par 70, and only three shots behind the leaders.

A second round 66 – the best of the day – saw his deficit turn into a three-shot lead, while his third round on Saturday took on almost mythical proportions when he tripled his advantage to nine with a bogey-free 65. Amid a torrent of Tiger birdies, the rest of the field seemed to flounder in his wake.

The last round was little more than a coronation parade, with occasional stops to hit a dimpled object.

Woods went out on the front nine in even par, then birdied the 11th, 13th and 14th, and parred the 16th with a curvaceous two-putt. He wanted the record, though, and for that there was one last challenge – the 18th. On his tee shot, a photographer clicked twice on the backswing, and Woods lurched, hooking his drive way left. He punched his second shot out, leaving a wedge to the green, which he duly dispatched to five feet.

With the record on the line, Wood sunk it with aplomb, and promptly celebrated with his soon-to-become trademark uppercut.

The tournament he had talked about winning since he was five was his, and the dream had only just begun. He was now the youngest man by two years to win the Masters, and the first black man to win any major. He went on to win another three green jackets, and a total of 14 majors. His last, equally extraordinary, came at the US PGA Championships in 2008. An extraordinary beginning and perhaps an equally extraordinary end – sandwiching a decade of total domination.

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NEWS | MARCH 2017

TOURNEWS...

DOMINANT DJ CREATES NEW WORLD ORDER

D

ustin Johnson has overtaken Jason Day at the top of the world rankings following impressive victories at the Genesis Open in California and the WGC-Mexico Championship.

The 32-year-old reigning US Open champion won by five shots from Scott Brown and Thomas Pieters at the Genesis Open, after carding a final round 71, to add to earlier rounds of 66, 66 and 64, which gave him a 17-under-par total.

Johnson had to play both his third and fourth rounds on

Sunday, after storms disrupted the tournament.

Victory at Riviera Country Club – his fourth since last June – took Johnson to the top of the world rankings, leapfrogging past Day, who had held the top spot for 47 weeks.

Two weeks later he further cemented his position as world number one with another dominant display, this time in the rarified heights of Club de Golf Chapultepec in Mexico, where thin air allowed Johnson to hit the ball even further than his normal 340 yards off the tee.

Johnson was four shots clear of the field early on the back nine on Sunday, before bogeys at 12 and 13 opened the door for the likes of Spain’s Jon Rahm, and the English duo of Tommy Fleetwood and Ross Fisher to mount a challenge, but the American held his nerve down the stretch to collect his fourth World Golf Championship title.

Fleetwood holed a 30-foot putt for birdie on the final green to secure outright second, while Rahm three-putted the 16th and 17th greens to slip to 12 under alongside Fisher, who fired a closing 65, which included nine birdies.

Rory McIlroy, rusty following seven-week injury lay off, finished with a disappointing 71, four shots off the pace, while Lee Westwood, who was only one behind the leaders starting the final round, crashed down the leaderboard into a tie for 28th following four double-bogeys in a six-hole stretch around the turn.

LYLE LEADS TRIBUTES TO TOUR CADDY ‘MUZZY’

S

andy Lyle had led the tributes following the death of former European Tour caddie Dave Musgrove.

Musgrove, who died at his home in Kirkby-in-Ashfield aged 74, following a short illness, began caddying at Hollinwell in Nottinghamshire at the age of 12, and went on to enjoy success in major championships with Lyle, Seve Ballesteros and Lee Janzen.

Initially a draughtsman by trade, ‘Muzzy’ was on the bag when Ballesteros won his first Open Championship at Royal Lytham in 1979, but it was a nine-year partnership with Scot Lyle that provided his greatest successes.

Together they captured the Claret

Jug at Royal St George's in 1985, landed the Players Championship at Sawgrass in 1987, and won the Masters at Augusta in 1988, when Lyle became the first Briton to wear the green jacket.

Musgrove also won the US Open with American Janzen in 1998, and appeared in 45 consecutive Open Championships during his career.

Lyle wrote on Twitter: “We wrote history together at The Open, The Masters and The Players Championship.

We'll miss your humour and your stories.” South Africa's Ernie Els added: “Very sad to hear the news of Dave Musgrove's passing. We enjoyed our time together; he taught me a lot as a rookie. One of the legends.”

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[53]

TOUR NEWS IN BRIEF FICHARDT FINISHES THE JOB IN JOBURG

FOWLER REGAINS WINNING THREAD AT HONDA

R

ickie Fowler claimed his first victory in 18 months after winning the Honda Classic by four shots.

The world No.18 had not won since the Deutsche Bank Championship in September 2015, but secured his fourth PGA Tour title with a commanding performance at Palm Beach Gardens in Florida.

He started the final day with a four-shot lead, and despite bogeying the final two holes, shot a one-under-par 71 and finished with a 12-under total of 268, four shots ahead of Morgan Hoffmann and Gary Woodland.

"My putter saved me. It was tough out there, and I fought as hard as I could," said the 25 year old. "I didn't play great, and it wasn't a pretty round, but we got the job done – a win is a win. I felt like I hit a lot of shots that I thought would turn out ok, but the wind was blowing pretty strong at times, so it kept us on our toes. If I hadn’t made those two birdies on 12 and 13, it would have been a pretty tight race."

England's Tyrrell Hatton, playing in his first PGA Tour start in Florida on an invitation, started the final round in second place, and played alongside Fowler in the final group, but carded a two-over-par 72 to finish in a group of six players sharing fourth on seven under. His missed a three-foot putt on the 17th that would have seen him tied for second.

“Tough day for me, gutted with 17 and 18,” Hatton wrote on Twitter. On the flip side, it was pretty cool playing in the final group, some of the loudest roars I've heard!”

South Africa’s Darren Fichardt won the weather-affected Joburg Open at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club. The 41 year old from Nort h Gauteng fired a final round 68 to finish one shot clear of nearest challengers Stuart Manley and Paul Waring. The tournament was reduced to 54 holes after flooding forced play to be abandoned before the leaders had started their third rounds on Saturday afternoon. The top three players all secured spots in the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.

RAHM JOINS EUROPEAN TOUR Spain’s Jon Rahm has joined the European Tour as an aff iliate member for the 2017 season.

Currently ranked 38th in the world, the 22-year-old won the Farmers Insurance Open in January. He will now be able to earn Race to Dubai ranking points, and will also be eligible to earn Ryder Cup points when the to qualifying begins in the autumn. Providing he stays inside the world’s top 50, Rahm will also be eligible to play in any of the first five tournaments in the European Tour’s new £5 mllion Rolex Series.

O’GRADY APPOINTED TOUR AMBASSADOR The European Tour has appointed its former chief executive, George O’Grady, to a new ambassadorial role with immediate effect. He joins Spain’s Angel Gallardo in the position, to which he was appointed in December, after stepping down as vice chairman of the Board of Directors. O’Grady first joined the European Tour in 1974 as a tournament administrator, and was succeeded by Keith Pelley as chief executive in 2016.

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[54] MARCH 2017 | ALEX NOREN

ALEX THE GREAT Four wins on the European Tour in 2016 have catapulted Sweden’s ALEX NOREN into the world’s top10, and set up a tilt at the game’s biggest prizes, and perhaps a potential date in Paris next year….

H

ow hard has it been to get back into the routine on tour again after such an incredible 2016?

I had quite a bit of time off over Christmas and the New Year, perhaps a little too long, maybe.

I took a month and a half or even more, and it probably would have been good to have thrown another tournament in there somewhere, just after Christmas or something, just to get back at it. Maybe I'll change that for next year.

So coming into Abu Dhabi and Qatar, I perhaps didn't feel as good as I did last year. I did a lot of training, but not all of it really worked out the way I wanted to. But you know, once you get back into the normal routine, you soon get back to the style of golf that you are used to playing. I find that not trying the shots that you would like to pull off, but instead relying on those that you know you can play usually work better for me.

What kind of shots were you working over the winter?

I've always played with a bit of a fade, and I tried to straighten it out, and also worked on getting some more distance. I also spent a little time working on my chipping with my coach, Matt Belsham. It's a long process to make a big change to your swing. To do that probably takes a few years. Obviously my game was great last year, but I always want to get a little bit better.

I’ve also changed my approach to practice. Now I’m trying to play more actual golf on the course, focusing on getting the ball round in good scores, rather than spending hours on the range working on my swing and technique. I’ve dedicated more time to my whole game as well – so I’m practising wedges and my short game a lot more, rather than just getting stuck out on the range hitting drivers.

Can you put your finger on why everything clicked for you in the second half of the season with those four wins?

Well, it was down to a few things. I've been working with my coach for about three years now, and it's gradually been getting better and better. We both have a little bit better understanding of my swing, and rather than always trying to change it, we’ve stopped trying to constantly tinker with it.

For me, the turning point in the season came when I played in the US Open at Oakmont. I missed the cut there, but playing such an unbelievably tough golf course was a real eye opener. I came to France, and I've always had trouble in France, and it felt so much easier to cope

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

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ALEX NOREN | MARCH 2017 [55]

are so many good tournaments for me to play, and I’m just trying to focus on them and my game, rather than looking too far ahead.

Of course, it would be amazing if I could make the team in 2018. I watched the Ryder Cup at Hazeltine, and I think it’s an extraordinary event. You don’t see the guys that pumped up at any other event. I got the goosebumps when Rory made his putt against Patrick Reed in the singles. It affected me a lot, and you can see how much it means.

It’s about so much more than yourself when you’re playing in a team, and I think that brings an extra dimension to it.

Do you think you've moved on to another level as a player?

Well, when I compare myself to all those other guys that I'm trying to beat, I can see a lot of weaknesses in my game, and also a few strengths. I don't think I'm such a different player from what I was before. It's more like I'm more aware of my weaknesses and my strengths, and I can strategically play to them. So I don't feel like my skill level has increased dramatically. It's more that I just know my game better. So I'm not going for shots that I have quite a low percentage of making. My bad shots aren’t quite so bad. It's more relaxing to play when you don't have those really errant shots. With regards to my ranking, I don’t give it much thought. I never think ‘Hey, I’m a top 10 player now, or what have you.

I GOT THE GOOSEBUMPS WHEN RORY MADE HIS PUTT AGAINST PATRICK REED IN THE SINGLES. IT AFFECTED ME A LOT, AND YOU CAN SEE HOW MUCH IT MEANS. IT’S ABOUT SO MUCH MORE THAN YOURSELF WHEN YOU’RE PLAYING IN A TEAM, AND I THINK THAT BRINGS AN EXTRA DIMENSION TO IT. with compared to what I just experienced at Oakmont. So I finished eighth in France, and won the Scottish the week after, and that gave me a lot of confidence to move on from there. It was easier in Crans, and then again at the British Masters. Confidence breeds confidence.

When you look back at your victory in the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart, how important was that win that sparked the great run? And will you be back to defend the title this summer at Dundonald?

Yeah, it was huge for me to win the Scottish Open, especially coming down the last two holes. It was quite a tough wind, and being able to par those two holes felt like I could stand my ground under pressure, which is always a confidence boost. That made it a lot easier the next time I had a chance to win, because I was a lot more nervous over those last few holes than I’ve ever been. I tihnk the Scottish Open will be even better this year, with it being part of the Rolex Series. I’m looking forward to defending my title.

One of the reasons behind the Rolex Series is to try and keep young players like you in Europe, and not have them go to the PGA Tour. What effect do you think it will have going forward?

I think if you have all those $7 million tournaments – and they said they are trying to get even more – and then you have the WGCs and the majors – that's a great schedule. As a European, I love playing in Europe, and Asia and Africa and the Middle East, but also I love playing in America. But it would be great to have a competitive schedule that allows us to live in Europe. I think the European Tour is great, and I love where it is heading. So, if you want to live in Sweden, you can do so, and still have a great schedule.

You purposefully didn't change your schedule to have a better chance of the making the Ryder Cup team last year. Are you still comfortable with that decision, and how important was that decision in where you are in the game today?

Changing my schedule by adding one or two more tournaments, just to get a pick for Ryder Cup, wasn’t part of my plan, so I can honestly say I didn’t have any regrets about the decisions I made. All I'm trying to do is get a game that can compete with the best players in the world, and I think I have a good plan how to do that. A lot of people came up to last year me saying, ‘Don’t you wish you were at the Ryder Cup? And I’m like, ‘Maybe zero.’ Golf is so punishing all the time. I don’t ever dwell on it. There’s so much to look forward to.

Have you given much thought to the Ryder Cup in 2018?

It isn’t really on my mind. Now that I’m inside the world’s top 50, there

You’ve put Callaway’s new Epic driver in the bag. Can you talk about the testing process that you did in the off-season and what sort of performance benefits you saw that made you make the switch from your XR16 driver?

I’ve tried both Epic drivers, and Iiked them both, but the one that suits me best is the Sub Zero. It has a little bit of a smaller head than the standard model, which suits my eye and feels a bit more upright. It also creates less spin, which allows me to have more loft, around 9.5 degrees, rather than 8, which lets me fade or draw the ball a little bit more easily. I didn’t do a lot of testing on Trackman on the range with it, as I generally prefer just to take a new club out onto the course, play with it a lot, and see how it performs under different conditions, such as downwind, upwind, and on different types of holes.

I’ve not played with a more consistent driver than the Epic, and what’s really impressed me most is the way it performs when I don’t quite catch the centre of the clubface. Even low impacts, or those marginally off-centre hits, still get the ball out there, which is a huge performance benefit for me.

Have you tried Callaway’s new Chrome Soft X ball?

I’ve tried it on the driving range and on short game practise, and really like the way it shapes up. It really holds its line in the wind and generates lots of spin around the greens, so I’m really happy with the way it performs across the board. I was playing the Chrome Soft ++ last year, which was a firmer version of the Chrome Soft. I’ve always preferred a firmer ball, which flies really well through the wind, and this is exactly what the Chrome Soft X offers.

Do you think becoming a dad for the first time has changed your outlook on your golf?

My whole life used to be golf. If I played bad, I was sad. I was really happy if I played well. Now it’s a combination of knowing where you are with your golf and having something else that’s really important.

That just makes the wins less fun and the losses less bad. Having a baby has actually helped my golf a lot. It’s just relaxed me a bit.

Looking after my little one has made me focus on something other than golf, which has been beneficial to my overall game.

What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned about yourself and your game in the last 12 months?

I think the most interesting thing for me, is that I now understand that you don't have to hit every shot perfect to win. You watch TV and you see these amazing players not missing a shot, but that's not actually true. As long as you manage your game, and miss it on the right places, and hole enough putts and chip good enough, you've got a chance. I think that's been the difference – trying not to be perfect.

WHAT’S IN NOREN’S BAG? DRIVER

CALLAWAY EPIC (9.5˚)

FAIRWAY CALLAWAY EPIC (15˚) HYBRID

CALLAWAY APEX HYBRID (18˚)

IRONS

CALLAWAY APEX PRO (4-9)

WEDGES CALLAWAY MACK DADDY 2 (47˚, 52˚, 56˚, 60˚) PUTTER

ODYSSEY WORKS #1

BALL

CALLAWAY CHROME SOFT X

[56] MARCH 2017 | HIDEKI MATSUYAMA

ALL HAIL

HIDEKI Despite boasting several world-class golfers in the last 40 years, Japan has so far failed to produce a major champion, but that could all be about to change, courtesy of 25-year-old Hideki Matsuyama, who has slipped seamlessly into the world’s top five and is gunning for a green jacket

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

THEY CALL THE LAST FEW MONTHS of the year golf’s ‘silly season’, but there has been nothing ridiculous about Hideki Matsuyama’s recent rise up the world rankings. Since finishing fifth in the PGA Tour’s Tour Championship last September, Japan’s top golfer has played in nine individual strokeplay events and won four of them.

It is a sensational run of form that has propelled him to the top of the PGA Tour money list, carried him to a career-high fourth position in the world rankings, and prompted a lot of people to start asking if this 25 year old from Sendai could be golf’s Next Big Thing?

The omens are looking pretty good. He’s already won 12 times around the world, and with four victories under his belt in America, is already the most successful Japanese golfer in PGA Tour history, while his win at the HSBC Champions last October saw him become the first Asian player to win a World Golf Championship.

It’s no surprise, then, that he will arrive at next month’s Masters as one of the hot favourites, with bookmakers quoting him as low as 18-1 to carry off the green jacket on the back of top-seven finishes in his previous two appearances.

Yet Matsuyama is nowhere close to being considered the greatest golfer from his homeland – at least according to the high bar he’s set for himself. “Jumbo won a hundred times, so unless I win a hundred times, I wouldn't be greater than Jumbo,” Matsuyama said after his win at December’s Hero World Challenge.

‘Jumbo’ Masashi Ozaki won more than 110 professional titles, including 94 times on the Japan Golf Tour, but although Matsuyama may have some way to go to catch up with that impressive overall total, he is well ahead of Ozaki when it comes to victories on the PGA Tour, the most recent of which came at last month’s Phoenix Open, where he successfully defended the title he won last year. Both wins came following lengthy play-offs against Ricky Fowler and Webb Simpson respectively, showing that he also has the big match temperament to go with his impressive all-round game.

The previous generation of Japanese players only competed sparingly in America, or waited until later in their careers to pursue a PGA Tour card, but Matsuyama has taken a different path by competing in the States before he turned pro. He won the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in 2010 and 2011, which allowed him to play in the Masters as an amateur. Back then, he was a fresh-faced 19 year old who most people expected to miss the cut. Instead, he shot rounds of 72, 73, 68 and 74 to finish in a tie for 27th in 2011, and the following year became one of the only amateurs in history to make the cut at Augusta twice when finished tied 54th.

Turning pro in 2013, he went to America in his first season as a professional, earned his tour card, and qualified for the Presidents Cup, in just a half dozen PGA starts. He won his first title at the 2014 Memorial, then claimed last year’s Phoenix Open, before going on the rampage with wins at the Hero World Challenge and the HSBC Champions, and repeating his success in Phoenix last month.

“If I would have stayed in Japan, I don’t think my game would have improved as much as it has,” said Matsuyama. “I needed to go to America, and my results so far have proved that I made the right decision.”

The transition to the United States can be a difficult one, not only because of the differences in culture, food and language.

MATSUYAMA

BY NUMBERS AGE: 25

CUTS MADE: 74

TURNED PRO: 2013

TOP 10s: 27

WORLD RANKING: 5 FEDEX CUP RANKING: 1

TOTAL WINS: 13 (4 PGA TOUR, 8 JAPAN TOUR)

PGA TOUR APPEARANCES: 90

PRIZE MONEY: $19m

Different grasses and course conditioning require Japanese players to develop different shots, but Matsuyama has proved he is nothing if not versatile, and has the stats to prove it. Averaging 303 yards off the tee, he is scarily long, but he is also unerringly accurate with his irons, finding almost 80% of the greens in regulation last season. And, as you’d expect for someone who wins so often, he’s not afraid to go low. He’s currently averaging just 69.8 shots per round this season, and is 122 under par for his last 34 rounds.

His weakness, if he has one, is his putting, but such has been his proximity to the hole with his approach shots, that it’s been far less damaging than one might expect.

However, it’s clearly something he’s going to have to work on if he is to prevail at tournaments like the Masters – which has virtually turned into a putting contest in recent years – but, for now, at least, it doesn’t appear to be holding him back.

Like many players of his generation, Matsuyama was inspired to pursue a career in the game after watching Tiger Woods’ 12-shot win at the Masters in 1997. “I really liked Tiger Woods from the moment I first saw him on TV,” Matsuyama said. “I videotaped the 1997 Masters and I watched it over and over and over again.”

Next month he will have the opportunity to follow in Tiger’s footsteps, and perhaps, more significantly, strike a major blow for Japan. “Even Jumbo, Isao Aoki, Tommy Nakajima and Shigeki Maruyama weren’t able to win at the majors, so I would like to attempt to change that,” said Matsuyama, who has five top-10s and two top-fives to show for his 15 major appearances.

He didn’t play Augusta in 2013, and missed the cut in 2014, but Matsuyama’s Masters love affair was rekindled in 2015, when he shot a final round 66 to climb into fifth place. Then, in 2016, he went into the final round just two shots off the lead. A closing 67 would have been good enough to earn him a green jacket, but he found trouble in the middle of his front nine and, in the end, could only manage a 73.

“I learned a lot from that round,” he admitted. “I learned that you will be nervous no matter what you do, and I hope that I can use this experience to my advantage when I’m in contention next time.”

That ‘next time’ is just a few weeks away now – and few are betting against Japan’s rising son going all the way.

■ GOING UP IN THE WORLD: MATSUYAMA HAS MOVED TO FOURTH IN THE RANKINGS

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EQUIPMENT & GEAR

MARCH GOLFNEWS.CO.UK 2017 WEB: GOLFNEWS.CO.UK/EQUIPMENT

CONTENTS DRIVER SHOWCASE EQUIPMENT NEWS ALL THE NEW GEAR RELEASES

DRIVING FORCE MEET ALAN HOCKNELL THE CREATIVE BRAIN BEHIND CALLAWAY’S NEW EPIC DRIVERS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

EQUIPMENT NEWS | MARCH 2017 [59]

EQUIPMENT NEWS

THE GEAR EFFECT WHAT THE WINNERS WERE PLAYING ON TOUR

CHERVÒ'S ARTICINSPIRED APPAREL KEEPS CHILLS AT BAY

CALLAWAY APPAREL SPRING/SUMMER RANGE HITS THE SHOPS

ITALIAN FASHION BRAND Chervò’s Autumn-Winter 17/18 collection draws inspiration from the Arctic, with a range of jackets, jumpers that are designed to fend off icy chills while you're out on the links.

AS ONE OF THE FEW REMAINING golf-specific clothing brands in the marketplace, Callaway Apparel has always placed the performance of its products for golfers at the top of its agenda.

Offering technologically-advanced, high-performing clothing, with a focus on attention to detail, Callaway’s new Spring/ Summer range combines modern colours, styles and fits with innovative, performance fabrics, across three categories – men's, ladies and the signature X4 range.

Peter Erlacher, co-founder of Chervò, said: “Out in the wild and breathtaking world of the Arctic, we found a perfect harmony and balance between the colours, shades and shapes, and we tried to capture these natural wonders for our new collection.”

The men's collection boasts four ranges that reflect a soft spring/summer feel with brand new blocks, prints and stripes in multiple classic designs. The colour palette continues to evolve, with the introduction of four new colours – Cayenne, Moonlight blue, Cloissone and Columbio.

Chervò’s ‘Aqua-Block’, ‘Wind-Lock’ and ‘Pro-Therm’ technologies provide the key elements for both the men’s and women’s ranges, with the company using its acclaimed ‘Happy Goose’ animal-free down exclusively for padding in its jackets.

The range also features a new trouser collection using lightweight, stretch fabrics and elastic waistbands to increase comfort and reduce restriction. Callaway X showcases three crisp, clean designs, with fresh fashion styles and five new colours added to the line. X trousers and shorts are available in new styles and colours and designed in a new slim fit.

A wide range of vibrant colours features in the new ‘Borealis Sunrise’, Frozen Pastels’ and Ice Flowers’ colour themes for ladies, while ‘Borealis Lights’, ‘Cold Tundra’ and ‘Art and Arctic’ are themes for men.

The collection also introduces some new styling concepts and finishing for a number of its men’s and ladies’ products. These include the Pro-Therm Milus jacket, which comes with semidetachable sleeves; versatile Muvis and Magamomo three-in-one jackets for men; and the use of a lighter and stretchier fabric its latest range of ladies’ trousers, turtlenecks and polos.

Erlacher added: “Smooth and soft fabrics, particular designed fits and volumes, as well as fluffy paddings, combined with a range of colour shades – these colours reflect exactly the perfect harmony between natural elements in the Arctic.”

The ladies’ range is all about function, elegant sculpting, and colour. Three timeless and classic fashion ranges are available, designed with fabric innovation and inspiration from the catwalk.

Juniors can look forward to wearing Callaway Apparel clothing for the first time this season, with the launch of a new Junior collection, which includes polo shirts, trousers and layering pieces.

Callaway Apparel is worn on Tour by a wide range of top professionals, including Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjorn, Marc Warren, Pablo Larrazabal, Sebastien Gros and David Horsey.

For more details visit www callawayeuropeapparel.com

TIME TO ROLL OUT THE HEDGEHOGS ALTHOUGH SPRING is just around the corner, there are still plenty of golf clubs that have to introduce trolley bans in an effort to prevent ground conditions becoming too slippery, or wearing out key areas of the course. However, the demands of carrying a golf bag often proves too much for those more use to pull or powered trolleys and robs them of value for money for their membership fees.However, an innovative product which is already

proving a boon for the trolleyreliant golfer, and claims to deliver less wear and tear on the course, is close at hand. Hedgehog Fairway Protectors are spiked wheels for trolleys that are designed to minimise the damage underfoot by reducing contact with the ground by 85%.

And because only three studs are in contact with the turf at any one time, they merely leave dimple marks, instead of unsightly wheel tracks. Hedgehog winter

JORDAN SPIETH

AT&T PEBBLE BEACH PRO-AM DRIVER: Titleist 915D2 (9.5) FAIRWAY WOOD: Titleist 915F (15) HYBRID: Titleist 816H2 (21) IRONS: Titleist 716 T-MB (4), Titleist 716 AP2 (4-9) WEDGES: Titleist Vokey SM6 (48, 52, 56, 60) PUTTER: Scotty Cameron by Titleist SC-009 prototype BALL: Titleist Pro V1x

DUSTIN JOHNSON GENESIS OPEN

DRIVER: TaylorMade M1 (10.5) FAIRWAY WOOD: TaylorMade M2 (16) IRONS: TaylorMade TP MBs (3-PW) WEDGES: TaylorMade Milled Grind (52, 60) PUTTER: TaylorMade Spider Tour Black BALL: TaylorMade TP5x

BRETT RUMFORD WORLD SUPER 6

DRIVER: Titleist 917D3 FAIRWAY WOODS: Titleist 917F3 (15, 18) IRONS: Titleist T-MB (3), Titleist 716 CB (4-5), Titleist 716 MB (6-9) WEDGES: Titleist Vokey Design SM6 (46, 52, 60) PUTTER: Scotty Cameron Futura X Prototype BALL: Titleist Pro V1x

RICKIE FOWLER HONDA CLASSIC

DRIVER: Cobra Fly-Z+ (9.5) FAIRWAY WOODS: Cobra Fly-Z+ (13), Cobra Bio Cell+ (18.5) IRONS: Cobra Fly-Z Pro (4-9) WEDGES: Cobra Tour Trusty (48, 52, 57, 62) PUTTER: Scotty Cameron by Titleist Newport 2 Prototype BALL: Titleist Pro V1x

HA NA JANG

WOMEN’S AUSTRALIAN OPEN wheels can simply clip over the wheels of almost any trolley, while owners of Powakaddy, Hill Billy and Motocaddy electric trollies can buy a wheel conversion kit, which includes direct Hedgehog replacements for all three wheels.

For details, visit hedgehoggolf.com.

DRIVER: Honma TW737 460 (9.5) 3-WOOD: Honma TW727 (15) HYBRIDS: Honma TW727 UT (16, 18) IRONS: Honma TW737 V (5-PW) WEDGES: Honma TW W (50, 52, 56) PUTTER: Rife Mr Beasley BALL: Titleist Pro V1

ZEN GREEN STAGE ADDS FUN GAMEPLAY TO THE SERIOUS ART OF PUTTING A NEW PUTTING TRAINING AID that combines high technology with exciting gameplay is aiming to give the world’s 35 million golfers their best-ever indoor putting experience The new system provides PGA golf coaches with a new way to teach putting, and its makers, Zen Green Technology, also claim that it has the potential to attract the estimated 100 million-plus people worldwide who only use adventure golf courses and driving ranges, into a ‘real’ golfing environment for the first time.

Zen Green Technology and Viewlicity debuted the integration of the Zen Green Stage adjustable putting platform and the PuttView augmented reality putting practice system at last month’s Hamburg Golf Show, while it will also be exhibited at the Scottish Golf Show in Glasgow from March 24-26.

At the touch of an icon in an app, the Zen Green Stage takes just seconds to recreate virtually any putt on the planet under 20 feet, including double-breaking putts, while PuttView shows golfers how to hole it.

The technology behind PuttView uses slope data to calculate and project an accurate, animated light path onto the putting surface, also offering additional visual guidance such as to the

correct pace. PuttView gives golf coaches a host of new visual aids to help create a new kind of putting lesson, including a highly user-friendly ‘Sketch’ function – where the PGA professional can literally draw his or her own graphics and instructions onto the putting surface, using a tablet.

For golfers looking to improve their putting under pressure, animated targets can appear anywhere on the putting surface, challenging players to learn both break and pace in a series of putts as the clock counts down. And for golfers who want to try and hole famous putts from golf’s history, a wide range of classic Tour and Ryder Cup putts can be pre-programmed on the Green Stage.

The Zen Green Stage/PuttView integrated package is available to order now, with a variety of options to suit any available space from 12ft to 20ft. Customised versions can also be built for any size of indoor golf academy, golf club, leisure facility, hotels and resorts, as well as for private individuals.

“The Zen Green Stage with PuttView is not only for people who are already golfers, but also for anyone who just enjoys putting,” said Nick Middleton, Tour putting coach, co-founder of Zen Green Tec and co-designer of the Zen Green Stage.

“When you experience the integrated system, you will quickly

discover how much fun it is to use – as well as how powerful it is as a teaching tool.”

“The marriage of PuttView augmented reality with the instant adjustability of the Zen Green Stage has created what we believe is a world-class, high-technology indoor sports attraction” said Viewlicity’s Lukas Posniak. “I view it as being similar to an indoor bowling experience. Each year, the number of people who enjoy leisure putting away from a traditional golfing environment far outweighs the number of people who step onto a real golf course."

For more details, visit www.zengreenstage.com and www. puttview.com.

[60] MARCH 2017 | EQUIPMENT

AN

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

TALE

EPIC

Massive, Huge, Incredible, Awesome. Whatever your understanding of the word ‘Epic’, seeing it used as the name for a new driver will certainly raise your expectations when it comes its performance. Here, Alan Hocknell, senior vice president of research and development at Callaway Golf, discusses the innovations involved in the company’s latest range of drivers and explains why they more than live up to their unashamedly boastful name

W

hat makes the new Epic drivers a breakthrough in terms of design, technology and performance?

Epic represents the best of everything Callaway has ever done in driver design. It has a very refined multi-material construction with some of the thinnest titanium, and certainly some of the thinnest carbon materials, we have ever used.

Epic has the benefits of what we have learned about moving the centre of gravity both left and right and up and down, and how important moment of inertia is for everyone. The aerodynamic properties of both Epic drivers have been prominent in our thoughts.

These essential performance ingredients, added to new Jailbreak Technology, have seen us make a big stride forward, similarly to when we introduced Face Cups to fairway woods, hybrids and irons, which added ball speed in large amounts.

What is Jailbreak Technology?

Jailbreak was a research and discovery thing. In the early stages, we witnessed something we had never seen before. It was a phenomenon whereby utilising vertical rods in the head of a driver would potentially encourage the body and face to react very differently on impact with a golf ball.

It was different from our other models of impact we had studied, and we weren’t quite sure at the time what we were seeing. However, we are sufficiently resourced at Callaway, and

curious enough, to experiment further, mostly on computer, using a simulation tool.

This research led to some early prototypes that demonstrated a clear ball speed enhancement, while still adhering to the current Characteristic Time rule [which measures the elasticity of the face], and it was at this stage our senior management team got involved in the project.

Our findings showed that Jailbreak – although it wasn’t called that at this point – was a potential future ingredient for a driver.

The next stage was to understand how we could manufacture this particular piece of technology in a driver head so that it survived impact with a golf ball. We also had to consider how we could add it into a driver production processes that already involved carbon, titanium and several other things.

So it was a huge challenge.

Who thought of the name Jailbreak?

It came from our innovation team. Some of the first prototypes had three vertical rods, so it really did look like prison cell bars.

But clearly, the name also comes from the fact that we are trying to break free from some of the design constraints we feel we’ve been under as well.

When did you first witness the full performance advantages of Jailbreak?

The thing we didn’t understand at the time was how we could turn it into something so meaningful. There was something of a ‘light bulb moment’ when the prototypes did what the neurosimulations suggested were possible – until this point, it had all

been quite theoretical. Once we started testing the prototypes we then saw that this stiffening attribute to the body and face had more effect on the performance of the driver head than we had previously thought, but we still had to understand how to harness it effectively.

How difficult was it to manufacture a driver with such a complex internal structure?

There are 1,041 manufacturing processes in an Epic driver.

Compare this to XR 16, which has 618, and it gives you some idea of how complex this product really is. Jailbreak itself makes the tooling much more complicated, and with all the different materials and different parts, there are different challenges in the way they go together, and how the whole head is finished. There are also 368 individual inspection points during the creation of an Epic driver – these could be to measure metal thickness or check weight, or a particular dimension on the head.

How will golfers know if they should choose an Epic or an Epic Sub Zero driver?

The majority of people will require some sort of left-right shot shape correction. The standard version focuses on that performance metric very heavily, so we would expect that element to be the primary fitting tool for the majority of golfers.

However, there are a large number of people who may not value that form of adjustability quite so much, or may not need it – they already hit the ball well – and they may require help controlling backspin on the golf ball. In those instances, the Sub Zero is for them.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

EQUIPMENT | MARCH 2017

[61]

a tube in which to hold the gravity core; and you needed a screw on the bottom of the tube to hold the gravity core in.

In our Big Bertha Alpha 816 Double Black Diamond driver, for example, we had two of these chambers, and they were not in ideal positions for MOI. They were also expensive in terms of the amount of weight they used in the overall make-up of the head.

On our perimeter-weighted Epic driver, we were focused on moving the maximum amount of weight, in the most efficient way, and we found that we didn’t need a super-long track to go all the way from one side of the head to the other to achieve this.

We have actually gained more adjustability in Epic, with a much shorter track and a heavier moveable weight. In our early adjustable weight drivers, we wanted a really long track because it was very impressive, and it made intuitive sense that the weight had to move a long way.

What we have since discovered is that it is actually more efficient for the track to be as short as possible – meaning you can locate it more in the back of the club versus in the middle of the club – and this then makes the weight more efficient from an MOI perspective.

3D printing has been used on the Epic drivers. How and why?

The Speed Step on the crown of the head – which improves airflow and head speed during the swing – has previously been cast into the head during the production process. However, with Epic we have used 3D printing for the first time. The Speed Step is printed onto the head in a series of layers, which gives us a high degree of control over the dimensions of the step. It also makes it very light, because it is now made from a polymer material rather than being part of the metal frame.

■ THERE ARE TWO EPIC MODELS TO CHOOSE FROM TO SUIT YOUR GAME

What performance advantages will golfers see in using an Epic driver?

We have seen significant ball speed gains across the board, whether it’s a Tour pro hitting a ball or a mid-handicapper.

Some people will see circumstances where the ball speed gain is much, much bigger, by marrying all the adjustable elements together. But there are always other factors involved to make the opportunity to gain even more performance very likely, such as spin rate or dispersion.

Just how forgiving is the Epic driver?

It is 1,000 points (12.5%) more forgiving than Great Big Bertha.

This measurement represents the resistance to rotation that the driver has, and this is important when golfers do not hit the centre of the face. A forgiveness increase from 7,000 points to 8,000 points (Epic v GBB) is a very big deal.

The Great Big Bertha has been popular on Tour and with average golfers, so now you take that performance and upscale it, and you are getting to a level with some of the most forgiving drivers around, with the addition of maximum adjustability.

■ TITANIUM BARS WELDED TO THE SOLE AND THE CROWN HELP TO TRANSFER MORE ENERGYTHROUGH THE FACE FOR FASTER BALLS SPEEDS

In most drivers, that low spin characteristic usually comes at the disadvantage of having low forgiveness (low MOI), but for the first time, the Epic Sub Zero driver does not suffer this drawback. This is a huge performance benefit.

Each Epic driver genuinely has different performance characteristics, but both clubs are equally forgiving, and that has never been done in a fitting system. There is now much more capability across the two drivers to cover the performance requirements of an entire spectrum of golfers like never before.

Is it essential to be custom-fitted for an Epic driver?

Our philosophy is that we want to be able to design golf clubs

for individuals. With the ability to adapt the characteristics of the club through the settings you use, whether that is adjustable weights or even the choice of shaft, we are now giving all golfers the opportunity to perfectly tune a driver just for them.

We see Epic as the ultimate fitting platform, and every golfer will benefit from this level of personalisation.

What is different about the adjustable weighting on Epic?

Our previous drivers that had the gravity core, really tried hard to move the centre of gravity vertically up and down, but it was expensive in the way that it was done – expensive in terms of weight, because you needed the gravity core itself; you needed

What has been the reaction to the Epic among your tour staff?

Quite a few of our players put it straight into the bag. Danny Willett, Sebastien Gros and Pablo Larrazabal all put Epic drivers in play at the UBS Hong Kong Open back in December, while Marc Leishman was the first to put an Epic product into play, a fairway wood, at the Australian PGA Championship.

Can you sum up what the Epic range represents?

It represents the bringing together of all the best elements of current Callaway driver development and marries them to Jailbreak Technology, to give every golfer a clear and consistent ball speed advantage. By putting all the ingredients together, Epic drivers address the needs of a great number of golfers, because they can control ball flight and unlock distance, while also maintaining forgiveness.

[62] MARCH 2017 | EQUIPMENT

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

EQUIPMENT NEWS CALLAWAY FOOTWEAR COLLECTION TAKES ATHLETIC INSPIRATION

GALVIN GREEN UNVEILS EXPANDED TOUR LINE-UP GALVIN GREEN has announced its biggest ever team of brand ambassadors for this season, with a total of 32 professionals headed by PGA Tour star Troy Merritt and LPGA and Solheim Cup winner Caroline Masson.

The official supplier of weatherwear to the European Team at the 2018 Ryder Cup in Paris is providing its clothing to players from 13 nations competing on the PGA, European, Challenge, LPGA, Ladies European and LET Access Tours in 2017.

CALLAWAY’S latest footwear collection blends performance-enhancing design features with a host of innovative styles and striking colours for men and women.

Featuring 43 different styles and colour combinations, the 2017 range is split into four distinctive sub-collections – X, Chev, Del Mar and Sky – all designed to give the golfer a perfect platform from which to build their game.

Leading the high-tech footwear line is the new Xfer Fusion (£89.99), a Tour performance shoe constructed from full-grain leather sitting on the world’s first 4x4 outsole - a fusion of dynamic TPU cleats and spikeless permanent traction. This technology offers the comfort of a spikeless shoe, but with the performance of cleats. The shoe also features the Xfer Lateral Power Wall that prevents lateral side foot slippage, while absorbing and releasing power during the load and unload of the golf swing.

The new Chev Vent (£64.99), takes design inspiration from 1980s retro running shoes, to create a super comfortable, extra breathable, lightweight athletic shoe with a spikeless rubber outsole and an OptiVent mesh upper. In addition, the new Del Mar Retro (£79.99) combines highquality leather with a unique Opti-Soft drop-in footbed and fashionable retro styling for a shoe that looks as good off the course as it does on it.

Competing in high-performance Galvin Green clothing on the PGA Tour alongside Merritt, who secured his first title at the Quicken Loans National in 2015, are Richy Werenski and Australian Brett Drewitt.

The list of European Tour players includes Ricardo Gouveia, Chris Paisley, Matt Nixon, John Parry, Laurie Canter, Daniel Im and Carlos Pigem.

German star Masson heads the female line-up, alongside Ladies European Tour players Kelsey MacDonald and Sophie Walker, Karolin Lampert, Mireia Prat and two Swedish players, Louise Larsson and Isabella Ramsey.

“Once again, Galvin Green is supporting talented young golfers we see as having a big future in the game, and we’re very excited about their prospects for the current season,” said Greg Pearse, managing director for the brand in the UK & Ireland. “With garments like the new C-KNIT waterproofs, we have really pushed the boundaries of clothing technology to provide the ultimate comfort for our professional players in any weather condition they’ll have to contend with on Tour.”

ON TARGET WITH MOTOCADDY’S S5 CONNECT MOTOCADDY has unveiled its most technologically-advanced electric trolley, along with a free GPS app that connects to the trolley to provide distance data and mobile alerts.

The S5 Connect can be synced to the app via a Bluetooth connection on any compatible smartphone, allowing the trolley’s digital display to be used in place of a conventional GPS. It offers front, middle and back distances to the green, along with the par of the hole, clock, and round timer.

The new model can also receive notifications, alerting the golfer of an incoming call, text, email or range of app alerts, including WhatsApp and Facebook. The phone can remain connected even when placed in the pocket of a golf bag or being charged by the trolley’s USB charging port.

The S5 Connect includes all the features found on the latest S-Series models, including a soft-touch handle; streamlined battery tray; the super-fast Quikfold mechanism; low-profile, quick release wheels; adjustable distance control and compatibility with Motocaddy’s bag-to-trolley connection system.

Through the ‘Play Now’ mode, some 36,000 courses worldwide are accessible with overhead maps and detailed yardages, distance of the last shot, and dedicated greenside information.

Golfers can also use the ‘Shot Planning Control’ to pinpoint how far any target is on the course; while the automatic course recognition and hole advancement enables the app to move between holes during play.

The S5 Connect at RRP of £549.99 with Standard Lithium Battery and £599.99 with extended lithium battery. Both battery options now include a five-year warranty.

VOLVIK BALLS SET FOR UK LAUNCH BRAND FUSION, the UK distributor of golf brands such as Sun Mountain and SuperStroke, has been granted a license to distribute the new multicoloured Volvik golf balls.

Golfers wlll be able to take their pick from the new premiumpriced Volvik S4 ball, the choice of multiple Major winner Bubba Watson, plus the Vivid range, the world’s first matte-finish

coloured golf ball.

Two-time Masters champion Watson, who signed as the leading Volvik brand ambassador last month, selects his next Tour ball from specially designed pink, green or pearl blue/white versions of the S4 ball.

“We’re extremely excited about prospects for the Volvik brand in the UK market,” said Nigel Freemantle, managing

director of Brand Fusion. “With Bubba, added to more than 75 professionals using Volvik balls on Tours worldwide, consumers will see that the bright colours take nothing away from the balls’ performance technologies, but adds more enjoyment to the game.”

The Volvik S4 ball will have an RRP of £49 per dozen, with the Vivid retailing at £39 per dozen.

WHY I LOVE MY… Three-time Senior Tour major winner COLIN MONTGOMERIE explains why he’s putting his best foot forward in a pair of SKECHERS GOLF SHOES How did you come to start wearing Skechers on tour?

It’s a funny story really. I was out of contract when it came to footwear, and I walked into a superstore in America, a Golf Galaxy I think it was, and I spent about two hours trying on every brand of golf shoe in the store. There were loads of them.

After testing quite a few out, and wandering around the store, I came across a Skechers shoe. I think it was their Links model, and it was by far the most comfortable shoe I tried. So I bought a pair.

Next week, I was playing in a tournament, and I put them on, and won, and then someone from Skechers saw that I was wearing a pair, and then a few conversations took place, and here we are.

HAVING WALKED ROUND THE WORLD AT LEAST ONE-AND-A-HALF TIMES, I KNOW WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR IN A PAIR OF SHOES

What do you specifically like about them?

I’ve tried and played with all the major golf shoe brands during my 30-plus years on tour, and I have to say that Skechers are by far the most comfortable I’ve ever worn. Having walked round the world at least oneand-a-half times, you know what you’re looking for in a pair of shoes, and these tick all the boxes. Skechers is a trendy, young brand. I’m neither trendy, nor young, but they’re darn comfortable.

Comfort out of the box is essential for me. Gone are the days when you expect to break in shoes for a few rounds before they begin to feel good.

Players want instant comfor; in fact, they don’t even want to notice their shoes at all – they want them to almost be an extension of the foot. And that’s what I get from Skechers. There’s plenty of cushioning, yet they’re extremely lightweight. They also feel closer to the ground and give me support where I need it most. I don’t like shoes that don’t have enough heel – the new Go Golf Pro 2 shoe has a good three-inch heel support, which is very comfortable.

Do you have a tournament shoe and a pro-am shoe?

I wear a cleated pair for competition and a spikeless model for pro-ams and buggy golf. I’ve won golf tournaments with spikeless soles – I think won the MCB Championship in Mauritius with them – but I generally prefer to play a shoe with spikes in.

How many pairs do you get through in a season?

Four or five pairs. I mix and match them with outfits, but they are very hard wearing, so it’s more of a fashion thing, rather than any durability issue. As someone who plays four times a week, 25 weeks a year, I think four or five pairs sounds about right.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

PERFECT YOUR PUTTING WITH PUTTOUT

SPRING/SUMMER COLLECTION

DAY STAYS COOL WITH NIKE’S AEROREACT POLO THE AEROREACT POLO is one of the first Nike products to hit the market since the brand’s switch in direction, and although Nike was in the sportswear business long before it got into golf hardwear, it’s clear that company is going to be investing a lot of time, resources – and sponsorship money – in getting its apparel range into hands of as many golfers as possible in the seasons ahead.

Worn by World No.1 Jason Day for his first appearance as a Nike athlete in January, the Aeroreact is made from a mix of man-made fibres that to adapt to changes in the wearer’s temperature.

The fibres spread apart to increase breathability when you sweat and close up to lock in warmth as you cool down, helping to maintain optimal temperature throughout your round.

It is available in black, orange or white, in sizes S-XXL, and has an RRP of £59.99.

PUTTOUT is a revolutionary training aid, assigned for improving your putting.

It has a scientifically shaped target with a parabolic curve, which rejects bad putts and returns good ones seamlessly.

Each successful putt is returned the same distance it would have gone past the hole if it had missed, providing great feedback for getting the pace just right. PuttOUT gets golfers used to holing pressure putts and if you click the disc to open the micro target, the ball must hold for the perfect putt.

Designed to fold and to fit into a golf bag easily, PuttOUT allows practice anytime, anywhere, at home or in the office.

It costs £19.99, and can be ordered online at www.secondchance.co.uk.

CALLAWAY SNAPS UP BAG BRAND OGIO CALLAWAY GOLF has bought golf bag and apparel brand Ogio for $75 million.

Set up 30 years ago, Ogio’s name stands for ‘Our Gear Is Organised’, and the brand has specialised in golfing luggage, including travel bags, golf bags, and more recently, golf apparrel. Ogio is expected to turnover $45 million in 2017.

Callaway Golf’s president, Chip Brewer, said: “We believe this acquisition aligns well with our stated goal of strategically developing growth in tangential areas. There is a robust strategic fit between the companies; both are strong brands with a sports heritage that share a passion for creating highquality, performance-driven products.”

Ogio currently sponsors four PGA Tour and Web.com players, including Aaron Baddeley and Kevin Streelman.

COBRA UNVEILS KING PŪR WEDGES COBRA GOLF’S new King Pūr wedges feature a raw stainless steel finish for maximum spin, improved feel, versatility and precision around the greens.

Boasting Cobra’s patented progressive spin technology in three specific sole grinds, the King Pur wedges are designed to cater to three very different types of wedge play and conditions.

The raw faces feature progressive milled grooves, which are wider and closer together on the higher lofted models, while thinner, deeper grooves on lower lofted wedges create more consistent spin throughout the wedge set. The new grooves are combined with a milling technology that roughens up the face to deliver more control on greenside shots. King Pūr wedges are available in three sole grind configurations - Versatile, (8-10 degrees), Classic 11-12 degrees) and WideLow (4-7 degrees), with a sole that works well on medium to soft turf conditions.

Available in lofts ranging from 52-60, they cost £89.

BIG MAX ROLLS OUT 4-WHEELER TROLLEY WORKING on the premise that a BMW X5 offers more stability than a Robin Reliant, Big Max has launched a new push trolley that features four wheels, rather than the traditional three found on most other manual and powered trolleys.

Designed to cope with the toughest slopes and inclines, the Blade Quattro also features a foot break for extra control on hilly courses, while the brand’s unique fold flat technology ensures that it will comfortable fit into the smallest of car boots alongside a large golf bag.

It is available in four frame and trim combinations – black, black/lime, white, white/red. It costs £279.99 and can be ordered via www.bigmaxgolf.co.uk.

PABLO LARRAZÁBAL | TOUR PROFESSIONAL

#IWEARCALLAWAY ...DO YOU? @ApparelCallaway CallawayEuropeApparel.com ©2017 Callaway Golf Company. Callaway and the Chevron device are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Callaway Golf Company. Perry Ellis Europe is an official licensee of Callaway Golf Company.

[64] MARCH 2017 | EQUIPMENT

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TAYLORMADE TP5

SKECHERS GO GOLF PRO 2 £129, SKECHERS.CO.UK Drawing inspiration from its history in the running market, Skechers latest range of golf shoes features a host of new technologies and designs that look set to help it reach more UK golfers in 2017, and continue its position as the fastest-growing golf shoe brand. The GO GOLF Pro 2 and GO GOLF Pro 2-LX is the next generation of Skechers’ most advanced golf shoe featuring 5-GEN foam technology. Combining a classic design with replaceable spikes and complete waterproof protection. A brand-new dynamic traction plate delivers maximum grip along with a low profile, and a quick-release outsole that keeps the wearer stable on all terrains.

Available in black leather and blue trim; charcoal leather and navy trim and white and grey leather & blue trim. The LX comes in charcoal leather & black trim, and grey leather & grey trim.

PRO SHOP

GEAR

£19.99 FOR 12, CALLAWAYGOLF.COM While Callaway's new Chrome Soft X ball is a firmer version of the Chrome Soft, another new Callaway ball for 2017, the SuperSoft, is its softest ever two-piece ball. The new version has a compression of just 35, making it 20 points softer than the brand’s Warbird ball, and its ultra low compression core means reduced spin for a straighter ball flight and longer distance from the tee. Low-drag Hex dimples also contributes to reduced spin on woods, hybrids and irons, although wedge shots and chips will still benefit from control and feel courtesy of a new softer Tri-ionomer cover formulation, which enhances spin and distance control around the greens. They are available in yellow and pink by the dozen, and a new multi-pack featuring a sleeve of blue, yellow, orange and white.

GUIDE

CALLAWAY SUPER SOFT

£49.99 FOR 12, TAYLORMADEGOLF.EU TaylorMade’s new premium tour ball features a unique five-layer construction, which it first used in the Penta TP ball some seven years ago. It argues that golfers using traditional three- or four-piece balls are forced to settle for improved short game control at the expense of distance. Whereas with a five-layer ball, players can maximise driver and iron distance, while also achieving high levels of wedge control and greenside spin.

This is made possible in both the TP5 and the TP5x by a unique progressive construction that alters the size, compression and materials of each layer, which allows the decoupling of driver and iron speed from iron and wedge spin.

Both balls feature a Tri-Fast Core, which consists of a very low compression inner core and a progressively stiffer outer core and mantle.

The combination of these three layers works in conjunction to create lower spin and increased velocity.

CALLAWAY HYBRID LASER/GPS £329, BRANDFUSION.CO.UK Callaway’s new dual laser and GPS distance-measuring device to give golfers the best of both worlds when seeking on-course accuracy. The Hybrid Laser-GPS combines the pin-seeking precision of a laser rangefinder with the added convenience of GPS course mapping, wrapped up in a compact device weighing just 220g.

The laser can lock on to flags up to 300 yards away with accuracy to within a single yard, and also offers six-times magnification for multiple-target measurements up to 1,000 yards away.

The GPS unit is preloaded with more than 30,000 golf courses, without any download or subscription fees, and offers distance measurements to the front, centre and back of greens, plus lay up and carry yardages to hazards and doglegs.

CALLAWAY MACK DADDY FORGED WEDGE

SRIXON Z-STAR £44.99, SRIXON.CO.UK The fifth generation Srixon Z-Star and Z-Star XV balls promise more distance, more spin and more consistency in the wind. Used on tour by world No.5 Hideki Matsuyama, the new Z-Star features a super-soft large-diameter core that has an enhanced outer hardness and inner softness. It feels softer than the previous model, providing optimal launch conditions with a higher launch angle and lower driver spin.

A unique configuration of five different dimples on the cover decreases the drag co-efficient immediately after launch to help the ball travel through the air with less resistance and maintains ball speed. It also serves to increase the lift coefficient after the ball reaches its apex, encouraging the ball to stay in the air longer to maximise distance.

A new Spin Skin coating, which is 13% softer than the previous model, combines with a 0.5mm urethane cover to provide more consistent spin control on approach shots from any lie, especially from the rough.

£139, CALLAWAYGOLF.COM The latest incarnation of the Mack Daddy wedge range boasts a host of new design features, including reduced offset, a squarer toe, and a straighter leading edge. Created by wedge guru Roger Cleveland, they offer the clean, traditional appearance that tour pros prefer, but their versatile design ensures they can be used by a wide variety of players.

Forged from soft carbon steel for added feel and consistency, extra spin is created via a new 16-groove configuration that incorporates an added groove at the bottom to promote added stopping power on pitches and chips. The face features three different groove patterns to further increase spin as the loft increases.

Added control comes from progressive centre of gravity positioning, which moves up as the loft of each wedge increases. This promotes a lower and easier-to-control flight in the higher lofts, without sacrificing spin. A new R sole grind offers the versatility necessary to play shots from a broad range of grasses and lies, with a defined crescent sole and mid-bounce making it easy to play a wide variety of greenside shots.

They are available in a choice of two finishes – nickel chrome with copper strike or brushed slate. Lofts/bounce options are 50°/10°, 52°/10°, 54°/10°, 56°/10°, 58°/8° and 60°/8°.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

EQUIPMENT | MARCH 2017 [65]

GARMIN APPROACH G30 £269.99, GARMIN.COM/GOLF Boasting a 2.3-inch, glare-resistant colour touchscreen, the Approach G30 comes preloaded with more than 40,000 fully-mapped courses, with lifetime updates. With features like Green View and Touch Targeting, users have access to the most accurate information, while a ‘Big Numbers’ mode displays distances in a large font for at-a-glance viewing of yardages to greens, hazards and doglegs. It is compatible with Garmin’s TruSwing analyser, which, when paired, provides a wide range of performance data, including swing speeds, club path angles and tempo. Bluetooth connectivity provides notification for incoming calls and texts, plus automatic uploads to the Garmin Connect Mobile app to save data, such as scorecards, round history and performance statistics, all in one place.

PING SIGMA G PUTTERS £175-£199, PING.COM The face insert found in the new Sigma G putter range was inspired by the spongy material found on the soles of trainers, which gives them extra bounce. Pebax elastomer is a lightweight, elastic compound that delivers a soft, yet responsive feel that Ping’s engineers discovered performs just as well for golfers as is does for joggers. Milled from aerospace-grade aluminium, the new face pattern varies in depth and pitch, while Ping’s True Roll Face Technology covers the entire face, so that even slight miss-hits enjoy the benefit of its forgiveness.

The 16-piece range boasts a complete cross-section of blades, mallets and high MOI models, with updates to classic designs like the Anser, B60 and Darby, along with several new designs, including Kinloch, Ketsch B and three high-MOI models, including the Tyne, Wolverine T and the counter-balanced Doon. They are offered with a choice of pistol grips.

POWAKADDY DRI EDITION CART BAG £219.99, POWAKADDY.COM Updated for 2017, the Dri Edition bag is constructed from a 2000mm-coated waterproof fabric, which ensures that your clubs and kit stay completely dry during heavy rainfall. Featuring covered zips and heat-welded seams, it also boats seven pockets, including compartments for apparel, accessories, balls, valuables and drinks. A 14-way divider helps keep clubs in order, while grab handles top and bottom ease manoeuvring the bag. It weighs just 2.3kg and comes in white/grey/blue, black/yellow and white/grey/red colour options.

TAYLORMADE P770 + P750 IRONS

UNDER ARMOUR SPIETH ONE £150, UNDERARMOUR.COM Following the launch of its Drive One, Tempo Hybrid and Tempo Tour golf shoes last year, Under Armour has teamed up with its leading tour ambassador, Jordan Spieth, to create a pair of shoes that not only bear his name, but have also been designed to meet his precise technical demands.

Having previously worn the Drive One, Speith asked for a new shoe that prevented him from rolling his left foot over too much in the follow through, to help keep him more balanced in the latter stages of the swing. So the Spieth One features a unique sole design and cleat configuration which offers what UA’s designers call ‘rotational resistance traction’, which, in essence, provides a lower-to-the-ground platform, with cleats protruding slightly away from the edges of the sole to create a more balanced base from which to swing.

The breathable, waterproof uppers are connected to the sole with a single seam, while the outsole has a softer forefoot for flexibility, paired with a firm heel for stability and support.

£1,049 FOR 7 IRONS, TAYLORMADEGOLF.COM Boasting minimal offset, thin toplines, and short blade lengths, the P770 and P750 Tour irons have been designed specifically with the better player in mind.

The P770 features a forged carbon steel face/hosel, milled grooves, and a 70g tungsten back-bar weighting in the mid and long irons (3-7) and a one-piece forged cavity back construction in the short irons (8-AW). They boast a higher MOI than its predecessors to increase consistency and forgiveness, and have a lower centre of gravity, which creates a higher launch angle. The face is tapered so that the upper section is thinner for a low centre of gravity, while the bottom portion is thicker near impact area for a soft, solid sound and feel.

The P750 irons (£1,449, 4-PW) are pure forged blades featuring a shallow cavity. Also made from carbon steel, they are made using a new, multistep forging process which culminates with a high tonnage strike – three times more forceful than a standard forged press. This process ensures precise head shaping, requiring minimal hand polishing, and resulting in a pure players iron with soft feel. The topline is thinner and the soles narrower than the P770 irons, while there is also less offset for a true blade appearance at address. The leading edges are also tighter, for a cleaner strike from all turf conditions.

[66] MARCH 2017 | DRIVERS

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

NEW SEASON, NEW DRIVER Hit it any which way you like with the latest big sticks – they’ll still go miles

KING COBRA F7

£279, COBRAGOLF.CO.UK Featuring a five per cent larger, yet thinner, forged titanium face than the F6, the oversize F7 and, its more compact, lower-spinning sibling, the F7+, offer easy hitting and even easier adjustability for a wide range of skill levels. The crown is 8g lighter than its predecessor, while the soles feature Smartpad technology, which comprises three different weights.

Placing the 12g weight in the back, centre position promotes a higher trajectory and more forgiveness, while the forward location yields a lower, boring ball flight and less spin. Meanwhile, moving the 12g plug toward the heel generates more draw bias. Both drivers are fitted with ARCCOS sensors in the grip, which generates statistical data on accuracy and shot length, which can be paired with Cobra’s smartphone app for analytics.

Lofts: 8°, 8.5° draw, 9°, 9.5° draw, 10°, 10.5° draw, 11°

TAYLORMADE M2

£369, TAYLORMADEGOLF.EU In the bags of Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, the new M2 promises bags of forgiveness – it boasts a 14% higher MOI than the earlier model – for low spin players who need to maximize carry distance. Like the new M1, it has a larger address profile than its predecessor, inspiring more confidence over the ball. A new speed pocket in the sole is deeper, rounder, and more flexible, so shots struck a half-inch below the centre of the face produce, on average, 1 mph more ball speed and 200 rpm less spin for more consistency. Improved acoustics contribute to a more muted, authoritative sound at impact. While the loft can be adjusted by four degrees, there is no sole adjustability, so golfers looking to draw the ball should opt for the M2 D-Type, which has a built-in in head bias.

Lofts: 8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5°, 12° (+/-2°)

CALLAWAY GREAT BIG BERTHA EPIC

£469, CALLAWAYGOLF.COM The latest generation of the Big Bertha franchise features Jailbreak technology, which comprises two parallel titanium bars connecting the crown and sole behind the face. This reduces deflection, allowing the face to take more of the load created at impact for faster ball speeds. Some of Callaway’s tour pros saw distance gains of up to 21 yards over previous drivers, including the XR 16, while amateurs of all standards have reported swing speed increases of between 2-5mph, leading to significantly increased yardage for no extra effort. It comes in standard GBB Epic, with a 27g sliding weight in the back of the sole to adjust shot shape, or the lower spinning Sub Zero model, which has 2g and 12g interchangeable sole weights to dial in launch and spin, as well as change forgiveness levels.

Lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 13.5° (+/-1.5°)

MIZUNO JPX900 FAST TRACK

£399, GOLFMIZUNOEUROPE.COM A new multi-thickness face, strengthened in key areas, significantly boosts ball speeds on Mizuno’s latest tour driver. A centre track, with a pair of 8g adjustable weights, allows players to dial in spin and launch. Moving the weights to the ports on the toe and heel can alter trajectory, while an adjustable hosel caters for a variety of lofts. A lightweight aluminum chip on the sole allows players to manipulate the face angle without changing the loft. The JPX900 has a longer, wider and shallower profile than its previous tour models, while internal tuning forks ensure the sound remains pure regardless of the weight positions.

Lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 10.5°, 12° (all adjustable +1/-1)

PING G

£349, PING.COM Ping’s G Series comprises three models – standard, SF Tec (Straight Flight) and LS Tec (Low-Spin), all of which focus on delivering maximum forgiveness and maximum speed for all levels of player. A new crown, inspired by the complex design of a dragonfly’s wings, features external support structures, and is both the lightest and thinnest that Ping has ever made. This allows weight to be redistributed within the 460cc head to maximise forgiveness.

As well as repositioned turbulators, to further delay airflow separation prior to impact, the G driver also features Vortec Technology, which minimises wake turbulence for faster clubhead speed and stability. The LS Tec’s weighting is slightly more forward for less spin, while the SF Tec’s heel weighting combats a slice.

Lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 10.5°, 12° (all adjustable +1/-1)

TITLEIST 917

£450, TITLEIST.CO.UK Titleist’s answer to movable weight technology comes in the guise of a choice of two cylinders that slot into the back of the sole. A neutral version keeps the weight low and deep to maximize forgiveness, while a topheavy option keeps the weight back, but it can be flipped so there's more mass towards the heel or toe to control direction. A redesigned Radial Speed Face insert and Active Recoil Channel make this consistent on ball speeds across the face, so your less-than-perfect drives should travel almost as far as the good ones.

The 460cc D2 boasts a full pear-shape profile and produces a higher peak trajectory, while the 440cc D3 offers more workability, lower spin and a more penetrating flight.

Lofts: 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 +12.5 D2 only, +1.5/-0.75

LYNX BLACK CAT £239, LYNXGOLF.CO.UK

The adjustable Black Cat features a new Spin Control System, a removable and reversible weight bar that repositions weight either further forward, or further back, in the clubhead to alter launch and spin. Clearly marked with HW/LW options, positioning the high weight setting closer to the clubface moves the weight forwards, reducing spin and keeping the flight lower, with a more penetrating flight and control. Positioning the low weight setting closer to the clubface increases spin for a higher launch.

The 460cc two-piece titanium driver features a cup-face design with face-hardening treatment applied to help generate faster ball speeds and reduced spin, while full adjustability from 9°-12° is on offer, including draw and fade bias settings for those players looking to eliminate a slice or a hook.

Lofts: 9°-12° (+/-1.5)

SRIXON Z 565

£299, SRIXON.CO.UK

Srixon has made significant changes to the Z 565 from previous models to include a stretch flex face cup that extends to wrap around the crown and sole to create a larger sweet spot on the face for maximum flexibility and forgiveness.

Designed to promote a higher launch with a slight draw bias, the Z 565 features a multi-step design on the sole, which allows the lower face to bend, helping increase distance across the face. A thinner, lighter crown serves to increase MOI and lower the 460cc clubhead’s centre of gravity, while an adjustable hosel allows golfers to dial in their preferred loft and face angle for the ultimate fit.

Lofts: 9.5°, 10.5°

TRAVEL COMPETITION | FEBRUARY 2017

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

YOUR GUIDE TO GOLFING TRIPS AT HOME AND ABROAD

[67]

TRAVEL AND BREAKS

FEBRUARY 2017 WEB: GOLFNEWS.CO.UK/TRAVEL

16-PAGE GUIDE TO GOLF IN THE WEST COUNTRY

SARAH STIRK

VISITS TAMPA – A DESTINATION FULL OF SURPRISES

THE

WEST COUNTRY 2017 GUIDE TO GOLF

FOR HELP OR ADVICE IN PLANNING YOUR CAVENDISH MACKENZIE TRAIL PROGRAMME, PLEASE CALL 01298 79708 OR EMAIL PROSHOP@CAVENDISHGOLFCLUB.COM

STRADEY PARK HOTEL & SPA

WHERE TO STAY & PLAY



DEVON

The ideal base for your perfect golfing break

CORNWALL SOMERSET DORSET

Easy access to Machynys, Ashburnham & Glyn Abbey Golf Clubs, also Gower golf clubs

WILTSHIRE GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Stay in our luxury 4 star hotel, with fine dining Samphires Restaurant and private rooftop lounge. Treat yourself to a relaxing massage in our award winning Parc Spa.

BRISTOL &

A

HEREFORDSHIRE

Unwind in our comfortable Parc bar area with a range of beers, ales and wines and treat yourself to a delcious meal from our mouthwatering bar menu.

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

TREVOSE G&CC, CORNWALL

WIN A LUXURY GOLF BREAK A FLYING VISIT TO ST ENODOC BEST IN THE WEST: OUR TOP 18 HOLES

ALSO IN THIS MONTH'S TRAVEL:

ME & MY TRAVELS WITH WILL GREENWOOD

TRAVEL & UK GOLF BREAKS WIN A TRIP TO TREVOSE IN CORNWALL LATEST PACKAGES

[68] MARCH 2017 | UK TRAVEL

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TAKE A TRIP TO TUNED-UP

TEWKESBURY G

olfers looking for a relaxing break in the Gloucestershire countryside should head for the tranquil surroundings of the Tewkesbury Park Hotel, Golf & Country Club, which offers an 80-bedroomed 18th century manor house hotel with enviable views over the historic town of Tewkesbury.

The resort, which has recently come back under family ownership, has been the subject of a £4m renovation, with every element of the venue enjoying substantial improvements.

Improvements inside the hotel include nine new luxury suites, two meeting rooms, two new spa treatment rooms, an orangery, and a new cocktail lounge. Luxuriously appointed by interior designer ADS-Design, the new bedrooms draw upon the historical connections of the venue, which overlooks the site of the Battle of Tewkesbury.

Besides the multi-million pound new additions, the renovation programme saw all 85 guestrooms receive a complete refurbishment with new interiors, new Hypnos beds and 40-inch Smart TVs. The 18-hole, 6,579-yard course, which was originally designed by architect Frank Pennick, has recently benefitted

from a complete bunker renovation programme by Peter McEvoy, and features plenty of interesting and testing holes, with wooded areas and water hazards appearing early in the round before it opens up onto spacious fairways on the back nine.

Guests have a range of dining ■ TEWKESBURY HAS RECENTLY BENEFITTED FROM A £4M RENOVATION

options, including with the Garden Room, which serving traditional English and French cuisine, while The Place offers a range of light snacks and meals. Guests’ leisure needs are taken care of by an indoor pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, gym, and squash and tennis courts, all of which are free to use.

Nearby attractions include the cathedral city of Worcester, the surrounding Malvern Hills and Cotswolds, and the races at Cheltenham.

The hotel is currently one nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast, two rounds of golf, and full use of the leisure facilities for £115pp Mon-Thurs, £119 Fri/Sat, or £99 for Sunday.

For more details call 01684 272320 or visit www.tewkesburypark.co.uk.

BREAK FOR THE BORDERS AT NORTHUMBERLAND’S LINKS

T

he Northumberland coast is home to a vast range of great golf courses, located in some of the most stunning and dramatic landscapes in Britain.

Bamburgh Castle Golf Club is often described as one of the most scenic courses in Britain with views of Lindisfarne, Bamburgh Castle, Farne Islands and the Cheviot Hills.

Dunstanburgh Castle, situated at beautiful Embleton Bay, is a traditional links, designed by James Braid.

Seahouses was founded in 1913, as a traditional 9-hole course and upgraded in 1976 to 18 holes. The course has hosted many Northumberland County competition events over the years

Belford, is a 9-hole course that can be played as an 18-holer thanks to variety of tees. It is set on undulating parkland, with the fairways lined by mature trees. Within half an hour’s drive you will find Goswick Golf Club, on the coast south of Berwick upon Tweed. Ranked the No.1 club in Northumberland, it was an Open qualifying course from 2008 to 2012, and will be again in 2018.

The Northumberland Golfing Parsport is a great way for visiting golfers to enjoy some of the county’s best golf courses at discounted rates.

If you’re looking for a base from which to sample these courses, then Outchester and Ross Cottages, near

STAY & PLAY AT THE FOREST OF ARDEN IN 2017

Call 01676 526 335, pop in or visit MarriottGolf.co.uk Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel & Country Club Maxstoke Lane, Meriden, CV7 7HR subject to availability; prices vary throughout the year

Bamburgh, is the perfect spot, with Bamburgh Castle, Dunstanburgh Castle, Seahouses and Belfor all within a 20-minute drive.

Not only are these lovely four- and five-star cottages at Outchester and Ross set in stunning rural scenery, but if not all your party are golf fanatics, then you’re also surrounded by endless other opportunities for fun nearby, including boat trips to the Farne Islands, magnificent beaches, friendly pubs serving great food and majestic castles, historic houses and gardens to visit. Outchester and Ross Cottages are available from just £320 per week, per cottage. For more information or to book, visit www.rosscottages.co.uk.

1 NIGHT 2 ROUNDS, DINNER, BED & BREAKFAST FROM JUST £109 Follow in the footsteps of champions on the Championship Arden (British Masters & English Open) and play its more forgiving sister course, The Aylesford during your overnight stay, which also includes a hearty buffet dinner and a filling English breakfast. Options also available for 2 Night 3 rounds

■ BAMBURGH CASTLE

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

UK TRAVEL | MARCH 2017 [69]

TEE UP A SPRING BREAK TO

GLORIOUS GALGORM G

algorm Resort & Spa, Northern Ireland’s premier luxury hotel and spa, situated just 30 minutes from Belfast, is the perfect location for a spring golfing break.

Set within 163 acres of stunning parkland, with the spectacular River Maine flowing through the estate, the Ballymena-based resort, which has recently undergone a £10 million makeover, has a truly unique setting.

Close to both Belfast airports and the spectacular scenery of the North Antrim Coast, it is the ideal base to escape to the beautiful nearby golf courses, as well as sample the resort’s brand new 9-hole pitch-and-putt facility.

The new executive course is located to the rear of the hotel’s river-facing self-catering cottages, with clubs, balls, tees being provided by the spa reception, where bookings are also taken.

Opened by Ireland’s rugby captain Rory Best last year, hotel guests are welcome to enjoy the new course, whose difficulty is enhanced by numerous bunkers, a pond, and several ditches.

Fully warmed up, golfers can try their hand at the 18-hole championship course at nearby Galgorm Castle, before making the short trip to take on the challenge of some of Ireland’s most

renowned links layouts on the coast, including Royal Portrush, venue for the 2019 Open Championship.

Prices for overnight accommodation, full Irish breakfast, and 18 holes at Galgorm Castle, start from £90 person, based on a minimum of two people sharing a double room.

For further enquiries, visit www.galgorm.com

ENJOY HIGH STREET SAVINGS BY BOOKING WITH QHOTELS

G

olfers placing society and corporate bookings at any of QHotels' 10 golf destinations will be able to reap their own reward on the high street, after the UK's largest golf resort operator introduced Golf Rewards, a new loyalty scheme.

With every golf event booked, for 12 or more golfers, the group organiser

will be rewarded with shopping vouchers by way of a ‘thank-you'. And the big-brand names from which to choose include John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Boots, Debenhams, and Love2Shop, among many others.

Any event booked

by April 13, to take place before the end of the year, will be eligible for double rewards, meaning even more savings to be made.

Alan Foley, QHotels' group golf sales

and marketing manager, said: "We value the business that golf organisers place with us, and we never take it for granted, because we know they have a choice.

So we always look to say ‘thank you' in one way or another, and this new Golf Rewards programme gives them something back where everybody can appreciate it."

The four-star QHotels group offers championship-standard courses in locations across the whole of the UK, including Slaley Hall, Belton Woods, Oulton Hall, Mottram Hall, and Forest Pines Hotel and Golf Resort.

For more details, visit www.QHotels. co.uk/golf-rewards.

Rentals at Glenmor The Gleneagles experience is one of a kind – you can now enjoy it from the comfort of a Glenmor luxury holiday home, locate in the heart of Gleneagles.

On your stay you can enjoy complimentary golf for one person, plus access to all of the leisure, dining and pursuits of the 5 star Gleneagles estate.

A main season 2 bedroom rental starts from £2,720 for 7 nights.

Find out more Visit gleneagles.com Call 01764 694 321 Email own@gleneagles.com

Make yourself at home in the heart of Gleneagles

The Timeshare, Holiday Products, Resale and Exchange Contracts Regulation 2010 requires Gleneagles to provide you with certain key information in relation to the proposed seasonal ownership contract. A standard information form which contains this key information in relation to that contract may be obtained by contacted us via the above methods.

[70] MARCH 2017 | UK TRAVEL

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

FOLLOW MACKENZIE’S TRAIL IN DELIGHTFUL DERBYSHIRE Mackenzie course, its flowing contours require careful course management and accurate shot placement, but it’s also a course that gives you a chance, and is both quirky and fun to play. Despite advancements in equipment technology, it’s a course whose design has stood the test of time, with the only significant changes being to the 16th hole, which was extended from a par-3 to a par-4. www.rvgc.co.uk

The Cavendish MacKenzie Trail offers nine courses designed by legendary golf course architect Dr Alistair MacKenzie, all within easy reach of Buxton in Derbyshire.

These courses are all different, offering great variety and all demonstrate the influence of MacKenzie’s creative golfing brain.

MacKenzie’s great body of work throughout the world is well documented and is often revisited in the lead-up to the first of the major golf tournaments of the season. Playing Cavendish offers a tangible link to the past and the re-discovered joy of golf.

The ‘Cavendish MacKenzie Trail’ offers four MacKenziedesigned courses within 20 miles of Buxton (Hazel Grove, Bramall Park, Reddish Vale); two more with 40 miles (Sitwell Park, Bolton Old Links), and three more within 60 miles (Nelson, Walsall, Sutton Coldfield).

NELSON GOLF CLUB Nelson is situated on a plateau overlooking Nelson, Burnley and Colne with stunning panoramic views. MacKenzie managed a skillful design to avoid any wearisome climbing.

Laid out in two loops of nine, the front nine follows the outer perimeter of the course and runs clockwise, whilst the second nine returns on the inner, in an anti-clockwise direction. The foundation for a low score lies in negotiating the five par-threes. None is particularly long, except the 185yard 16th, which is slightly uphill and tends to play longer than its number on the card, while winds can cause problems with club selection, and all the greens are well protected. www.nelsongolfclub.com

REDDISH VALE GOLF CLUB Reddish Vale is the combination of MacKenzie’s magical eye and 100 acres that are rich in feature and beauty. Like any

GOLF CLUB

GOLF CLUB

HAZEL GROVE GOLF CLUB Often described as one of Cheshire’s finest hidden gems, Hazel Grove is a beautiful parkland course with excellent views over Manchester and the rolling Cheshire plains. Numerous water hazards, tree-lined fairways and true USPGA specification greens, provide an enjoyable test of golf all year round. www.hazelgrovegolfclub.com

CAVENDISH GOLF CLUB Widely regarded as one Dr MacKenzie’s most accomplished designs in the UK – and quite possibly one of the best layouts in the world measuring under 6,000 yards – Cavendish was also one of the inspirations for Augusta National.

Opened in 1925, it exemplifies MacKenzie’s belief that ‘length has nothing to do with the quality of a hole’, and illustrates how creatively he blended the layout of the 5,721-yard course into the surrounding landscape. Nothing jars the eye, nor distracts from the beauty of the natural setting, while sloping fairways, meandering water hazards and dangerous greens will soon put you in the mood for the Masters. www.cavendishgolfclub.com

SITWELL PARK GOLF CLUB Sitwell Park is a tough but fair challenge, with arguably one of the most highly respected finishes in the area. The layout snakes its way across picturesque parkland, offering a diverse challenge for golfers of all abilities and experience. And then there are the classic Mackenzie greens, fast, with some tricky reads. The

FOR HELP OR ADVICE IN PLANNING YOUR CAVENDISH MACKENZIE TRAIL PROGRAMME, PLEASE CALL 01298 79708 OR EMAIL PROSHOP@CAVENDISHGOLFCLUB.COM

Machynys

Machynys

course is located in a wonderfully quiet spot, away from the hustle bustle of modern life, but just five minutes from junction 33 of the M1. www.sitwellgolf.co.uk

Machynys GOLF CLUB

Machynys

STRADEY

GOLF CLUB

PARK HOTEL & SPA 

Machynys

Machynys

CLWB GOLFF

CLWB GOLFF

Machynys CLWB GOLFF

Machynys CLWB GOLFF

The ideal base for your perfect golfing break

Easy access to Machynys, Ashburnham & Glyn Abbey Golf Clubs, also Gower golf clubs

SOCIETY/ CORPORATE GOLF FROM

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CALL NOW TO BOOK 01554 744888 www.machynys.com Machynys Peninsula Golf Club & Premier Spa, Nicklaus Avenue, Machynys Llanelli. SA15 2DG All prices per person. Terms & Conditions apply. Weekend Supplement of £5.00 per person* Applies to full seasonal rate only

Stay in our luxury 4 star hotel, with fine dining Samphires Restaurant and private rooftop lounge. Treat yourself to a relaxing massage in our award winning Parc Spa. Unwind in our comfortable Parc bar area with a range of beers, ales and wines and treat yourself to a delcious meal from our mouthwatering bar menu.

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

THE

WEST COUNTRY 2017 GUIDE TO GOLF

WHERE TO STAY & PLAY DEVON CORNWALL SOMERSET DORSET WILTSHIRE GLOUCESTERSHIRE BRISTOL &

A

HEREFORDSHIRE

SUPPLEMENT TREVOSE G&CC, CORNWALL

WIN A LUXURY GOLF BREAK A FLYING VISIT TO ST ENODOC BEST IN THE WEST: OUR TOP 18 HOLES

HOME TO ONE OF THE

UK’S TOP LINKS COURSES...

AND SO MUCH MORE!

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF TREVOSE Located on the spectacular North Cornwall coast, Trevose ofers three stunning courses for all abilities.

Relax in our 4-5 star rated accommodation and explore the sandy beaches, breath-taking coastal walks and some of the country’s best loved attractions... all on our doorstep. We promise a holiday to remember, with or without your clubs.

3 GOLF COURSES · ACCOMMODATION · ‘CONSTANTINE’ RESTAURANT · PERFORMANCE CENTRE TENNIS COURTS · SWIMMING POOL · THERAPY ROOM · GOLF SHOP · CHILDREN’S AREA

Tel: (01841) 520208 www.trevose-gc.co.uk Constantine Bay, Padstow, North Cornwall, PL28 8JB

WEST COUNTRY | MARCH 2017

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

[73]

Welcome

GOLF NEWS EDITOR NICK BAYLY EXPLAINS WHY HIS GOLFING AND SPIRITUAL HEART BELONGS IN THE WEST COUNTRY, WHERE HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE GAME BEGAN BACK IN THE LONG HOT SUMMER OF ‘76

H

ARGH, BAYLY MINOR, I PRESUME. KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN, AND YOUR EYES ON THE BALL. GOOD LUCK, SON

aving been born in Cornwall, schooled in Devon, and lived in Dorset for much of my early life, it’s fair to say that the South West of England is part of my DNA. My junior school in Tavistock – I’m almost ashamed to say – had its own nine-hole golf course, and it was here, on the fringes of Dartmoor, that my early, and somewhat tempestuous, love affair with the game first began.

With my dad’s cut-down putter and a Tommy Armour iron of some description in one hand, a rubber tee on a piece of string tied to my belt, and my pockets weighed down with half-cut balatas, many a long summer’s afternoon in the late 1970s was spent hacking around this makeshift course in the company of a few schoolmates. With no crusty members to tell us what to do, how to play, and what to wear, they were halcyon, care-free times.

It didn’t take me long to recognise that golf was my kind of game. Outdoors, yet leisurely; competitive, yet fun; constantly challenging, yet irritatingly addictive. It ticked a lot of boxes for an athleticallychallenged boy.

For my 13th birthday, a generous godfather bought me my first set of metalwoods – a Petron Impala driver, 3and 7-wood – and I was ready to tackle my first full-sized course. By now in possession of a basic knowledge of rules and etiquette,

and what felt like a passable swing – i.e. I no longer took air shots – I was ‘allowed’ to join my dad for a game at his club, Came Down in Dorset (pictured left).

On my visit to the club, I remember nervously being introduced to the venerable head professional, Bob Preston, who leaned over the pro shop counter and gave me the sort of disdainful look usually reserved for a High Court judge peering down at a guilty defendant. “Argh, Bayly minor, I presume. Keep your head down, and your eyes on the ball. Good luck, son.”

So, with that succinct introduction, my ‘proper’ golfing life had begun.

Fast forward 35 years, and I’ve had the great pleasure of playing Came Down with my dad more times than I care to remember, although he has, due to a dodgy hip, recently joined the ranks of the homeless golfer – well, he has a home, but not a golfing one.

Thankfully, my job often allows me to travel with a plus-one, and together we have played many of the West Country’s top tracks, and lots of the less well-known ‘hidden gems’ as well, from magnificent cliff layouts at Bridport & West Dorset, some of whose holes are sadly slipping into the English Channel, to the modern masterpiece that is Remedy Oak, near Bournemouth. There have been memorable rounds at Moretonhampstead Golf Club in Devon, now known as Bovey Castle, where

we used to tee off at first light and be back in time for breakfast, while our rounds at the Isle of Purbeck have always been memorable, if not for the quality of the golf.

It’s fair to say that the West Country offers the complete smorgasbord of golfing experiences. Blessed with a handful of truly world-class links, from Saunton and Burnham & Berrow, to St Enodoc and Royal North Devon, it also boasts cliff-top delights like Axe Cliff, Cape Cornwall and Carylon Bay; moorland links such as Tavistock and Yelvterton; while heathland gems such as East Dorset’s Broadstone and Parkstone, should be on every serious golfer's bucket list. Throw in some upmarket resorts, such as St Mellion, Bowood, the Manor House at Castle Combe, and the aforementioned Bovey Castle, and you have a cornucopia of venues with which to create a lifetime of golfing memories.

And while the weather isn’t always as kind as it might be in this corner of the British Isles, there can be fewer finer experiences in life than a balmy day spent at some burnished links, watching the sun sinking into the sea with a pint in hand, as you recount the inevitable tales of missed birdie putts and gutsy up-and-downs.

So pack up your golf bags – and your bucket and spade – and head out West for your next golfing break. You never know, it might be the beginning of a beautiful, if often frustrating, relationship.

[74] MARCH 2017 | WEST COUNTRY

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

RELAXING ON THE

RIVIERA CHARLES BRISCOE-KNIGHT PAYS A VISIT TO DEVON’S SOUTH COAST, WHERE HE PLAYS A TRIO OF DELIGHTFUL COURSES IN AND AROUND TORQUAY – AND STAYS AT A STUNNING FAMILY-RUN HOTEL, WHERE THE WAITER WASN’T SPANISH AND THE OWNER DIDN’T REPEATEDLY BASH HIS HEAD ON THE RECEPTION DESK

W

hile those of a certain age might have been put off from staying in a privately-run hotel in Torquay following the broadcasting of Fawlty Towers back in the mid-1970s – and the endless re-runs – thankfully things have moved on considerably in the hospitality trade in the south Devonshire resort over the intervening 40 years, so those expecting to find rats in the biscuit tins, and a lanky landlord thrashing his car with a tree branch when they stay in the town, will come away somewhat disappointed.

Despite the advancements in health and safety, and customer service, the English Riviera – the stretch of coastline between Torquay and Brixham – is still delightfully out of step with the rest of the world, with its stunning beaches, swaying palms, and fairground attractions harking back to a time when holidays were a much simpler affair.

While the region’s charms as a holiday destination are all too obvious, its attraction as a venue for a golf break is less well touted, with the courses in the area somewhat living in the shadows of the more famous links to be found to the north of the county.

In a bid to rectify this situation, my trip to this unheralded region began at the four-star Orestone Manor, a familyrun Georgian country house hotel set in the pretty South Devon coastal village of Maidencombe. With spectacular sea views over Lyme Bay and beyond, the hotel offers 14 spacious en suite rooms, all of which have been lovingly refurbished using the finest fabrics and fittings.

The manor also boasts its own awardwinning restaurant, with menus built around locally-sourced meat, freshly-caught Brixham fish, and a selection of vegetables, many of which have been grown in the

■ TORQUAY GOLF CLUB

hotel’s own gardens.

Orestone Manor is also ideally placed to strike out to bright lights of Torbay and Paignton, or to the quieter shores around Brixham, where stunning walks and a fine selection of restaurants await around the pretty harbour.

My golfing itinerary took in three courses which offered a unique combination of tests – taking in parkland, heathland and links layouts.

Aficionados of parkland courses will delight in the beautiful layout at Torquay Golf Club, set among the residential area of Babbacombe. Although parkland by design, its topography is far from flat, and the walks up the 6th and 7th fairways are quite a hike – although weary golfers are rewarded with great views once they reach the top.

The 8th is a tad quirky, with an easy drive followed by a blind second to a green hidden way below the fairway, while the 9th is a short par four, whose green demands to be reached with a well-struck driver.

Although short by modern standards – 6,138 yards off the whites – the shortage of par fives – there is only one – ensures that the par of 69 is hard to match.

All in all, it makes for an entertaining holiday round, especially when you throw in lunch at the clubhouse that overlooks the opening and closing holes.

Moving on to Dawlish Warren Golf Club, first-time visitors will be somewhat surprised to find themselves in the firing line as they enter through the club’s gates, as the 18th green is directly to the left of the road alongside the railway station, while the fairway doglegs along the front of the clubhouse. It’s an intimidating sight.

On the other 17 holes, linksland on the ‘inner warren’ behind the beach and alongside the estuary to the River Exe, embraces a design pretty well unaltered for

■ TEIGNMOUTH GOLF CLUB'S SIGNATURE 8TH HOLE

■ DAWLISH WARREN BOASTS WONDERFUL VIEWS OF THE RIVER EXE'S ESTUARY

STAY ORESTONE MANOR HOTEL, MAIDENCOMBE WWW.ORESTONEMANOR.COM TEL: 01803 897 511 DOUBLE ROOMS FROM £130PN.

PLAY TORQUAY GOLF CLUB WWW.TORQUAYGOLFCLUB.CO.UK TEL: 01803 314591 GREEN FEE: £35/£40 (WDAY, W/E) THE WARREN GOLF CLUB WWW.DWGC.CO.UK TEL: 01626 862255 GREEN FEE: £20 (AFTER 2PM) TEIGNMOUTH GOLF CLUB TEIGNMOUTHGOLFCLUB.CO.UK TEL: 01626 777070 GREEN FEE: £40/£50

over a century. A traditional out-and-back links, around the turn at the far ‘spit’ end are some testing, undulating holes, including the 9th, which is 460-yard par 4, while if your golf is going sideways there are lovely views to had off many of the holes around the estuary – which is a bird and plane spotter's paradise, thanks to the nearby airfield. At £20, it’s a good value green fee, and the very epitome of what seaside holiday golf is all about.

Although Saunton and Royal North Devon might be among the top-rated courses in the county, Teignmouth Golf Club, 800 feet above the town, can make a strong case to rank alongside them. The historic heathland layout has some holes that would not be out of place at Sunningdale or Walton Heath. Indeed, the ceremonial stone greeting arriving golfers announces the design was crafted by no less a genius than Dr Alistair McKenzie of Augusta and Cypress Point fame.

Dr MacKenzie's signature of sloping, multi-tiered greens is much in evidence at Teignmouth; in fact, little has changed since the 1920s, including the course’s length, which is still only 6,082 yards from the back tees. The yardage may be modest, but par is a lowly 69 from the whites and this is a windy, exposed plateau, so do not expect a card full of birdies.

Negotiating the six par threes is key to a good score, but none of these one-shotters yield an easy par. The 16th is shortest on the card, measuring a mere 125 yards, but this hole is not called ‘Hell's Mouth’ for nothing.

The innocuous-looking par three is all about finding the green on the low side of the flag.

Do not leave yourself a downhill putt, or you'll probably end up with a bogey or worse. If forced to choose, my favourite holes were the eighth and the 17th. The former is a beautifully-crafted par four, which sets up off the tee with bunkers all about, and a tree in the middle of a sloping fairway, culminating in a green high above your second shot. The 17th is a short, downhill par, 4 sloping right to left. Drive down the right, and you maybe lucky to find the green 329 yards away.

All in all, Teignmouth is a great test, and was presented in superb condition. And, like the other courses on this trip, represents great value when compared to the more championed layouts in other parts of the region.

COMPETITION | MARCH 2017

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

[75]

TR ACKS OF MY

YEARS… FORMER BATH & ENGLAND RUGBY CAPTAIN PHIL DE GLANVILLE PICKS HIS FIVE FAVOURITE WEST COUNTRY COURSES THE MANOR HOUSE, CASTLE COMBE, WILTSHIRE The Manor is my local track, and it’s where all the Bath Rugby team used to play on our days off from training. It’s been the scene of many a titanic battle over the years, especially at the short, but lovely, par-3 17th, and up the final hole at the 18th, where we’re all desperately trying to avoid the water.

DARTMOUTH GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB, DEVON Dartmouth is a regular haunt with an old rugby friend of mine, Jon Callard, who always goes out of bounds on the 10th, fading it into the nasty ravine. It’s got some tough holes, with not much room to manoeuvre, but there are some lovely views to be had if your game’s not going well.

SAUNTON GOLF CLUB, DEVON

TREVOSE GOLF CLUB, CORNWALL I had the pleasure of playing here towards the end of my playing career with Peter Green, who was the head professional at the Manor House, and fellow Bath centre Mike Catt. It’s a beautiful course, although its location on the coast leaves it quite exposed to the elements.

You need to be able to drive it long and straight to have any chance of scoring well here, which isn’t always my forte. It’s a great place to come for a short break - the whole atmosphere of the club gets you in the holiday mood.

BURNHAM AND BERROW GOLF CLUB, SOMERSET

I play at Saunton every year in a charity golf day organised by Peter Brend from the Saunton Sands Hotel, which is right on the doorstep. There are two superb championship links courses to choose from, the East and the West, with the former considered to be the senior, although they each have their own strengths and are both a joy to play. They offer an honest test, but when the wind gets up, they can be brutal.

Another great links course – there is a common thread here – which is a delight to play when the winds are calm. There are some long par fours to contend with, but it’s always in great condition at any time of the year, and, thanks to its free-draining soil, is especially playable when other courses in the area are a big soggy.

The Herefordshire Golf Club James Braid’s Rural Delight “Play the Gleneagles of The Midlands”

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Golf Societies Welcome Societies Welcome - 7 days a week Discover Braid’s unspoilt charm and book your society in April from

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Contact New Director of Golf, Stuart Rank on 01432 830219 www.herefordshiregolfclub.co.uk

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18 holes from only £23 Winter and £28 Summer Let us build a package especially for you We also host Meetings, Parties and Weddings Memberships available – no joining fee for 2017 Visit www.salisburygolf.co.uk Call 01722 742645 option 5 Salisbury & South Wilts Golf Club, Netherhampton, Salisbury, SP2 8PR

[76] MARCH 2017 | WEST COUNTRY

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

1st - BOVEY CASTLE, DEVON PAR 4, 309 YARDS

This delightful Devon course, laid out below and around a wonderfully grand hotel, plays around and over the River Bovey on its gorgeous front nine. While a 309-yard downhill opener may seem a heaven-sent opportunity to open the shoulders from the off, prudence may be the better part of valour here, as the river crosses the hole at around driving distance, or even shorter if you happen to tug your opening effort. Played sensibly, it should yield a straightforward par.

THE BEST OF THE

WEST The south-west of England is not only home to some of our most beautiful counties and dramatic coastlines, but also some of our most enjoyable, and at times testing, golf courses. Here, we put together a composite 18-hole layout that we’re sure would make for a cracking round.

Our only rules are that there must be a good spread of counties; that the hole numbers must be as they are at the various clubs; and that no course may feature more than once. So join us for a round on our par-72, 6,380-yard south west beauty…

WORDS BY JEREMY ELLWOOD

2nd LONG ASHTON, SOMERSET

PAR 3, 126 YXARDS Ryder Cup player Chris Wood’s home course on the outskirts of Bristol is a pleasant parkland layout with great variety to its holes, especially over much of the front nine, and again later on. After a tempting short par-4 opener, which may be in range some days, the downhill par-3 2nd is a visual treat. It may be a mere wedge or 9-iron for most, but with an exposed rockface hugging the left side of the green, anything pulled could lead to a highly unpredictable ricochet.

Launceston Golf Club Spectacular views over the Devon and Cornwall border

Torquay Golf Club Premier Golf on the English Riviera!

Golf packages available all year round Society Packages starting from

£27 per person

Book now for 20 players or more and the organiser plays for FREE Full memberships available for less than £100 per month

Please Enquire: T: 01803 314591 E: secretary@torquaygolfclub.co.uk W: www.torquaygolfclub.co.uk Torquay Golf Club, Petitor Road, Torquay, Devon TQ1 4QF

A James Braid designed course and home of Sir Nick Faldo’s first professional win

GREAT DEALS FOR GREEN FEES AND SOCIETIES Call us on 01566 773442 or e-mail secretary@launcestongolfclub.co.uk

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GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

WEST COUNTRY | MARCH 2017

the left, and between you and the probably still distant green lies a deep gully boasting rough, heather and a snaking cross-bunker. The green is perhaps a little smaller than you’d like from long range, but you can celebrate with a bacon bap in the excellent halfway hut that follows should you successfully get down in four blows.

■ TREVOSE CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE, 4TH HOLE

8th – ILFRACOMBE, DEVON

3rd - SAUNTON, WEST COURSE, DEVON

PAR 5, 493 YARDS

PAR 5, 465 YARDS

If Saunton’s East course is the sterner test, the West, closer to the highest Braunton Burrows dunes, perhaps boasts great character. This seemingly conquerable short par 5 kinks this way and that through the dunes all the way to its shallow but wide green. Left is the better option off the tee if you want to attack the hole, as long as you avoid the ditch. Right is the safer route if you’re planning a three-shot strategy.

4th - TREVOSE, CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE, CORNWALL PAR 5, 465 YARDS

Different county, same yardage, on this muchphotographed par 5 at Cornwall’s highly respected Harry Colt links near Padstow. The 4th is the star of a front nine that plays right down to the beach, and many a photo has been taken of huge Atlantic waves crashing in just beyond the green. It provides a real chance to score early on, especially downwind, if you don't allow yourself to be too distracted by the drama of the backdrop.

You’ll enjoy sea views from every tee at this highly enjoyable course perched above the North Devon coast, with vistas out to Lundy Island and across to The Gower in Wales. This short par 5 bears gently round to the right, while the land slopes towards the coast away to your left, so those who slice or fade can drive with confidence, letting the ball cut back into views stakes, especially on this glorious but testing hole looking back towards Poole Harbour, which plays down and round to the right, over and through sometimes dense gorse. An added difficulty is that the green is narrow and set at an angle to the fairway, making it fairly elusive. Par is always good here.

6th - BRIDPORT & WEST DORSET, DORSET PAR 3, 133 YARDS

This clifftop beauty on England’s Jurassic Coast presents you with glorious views across Lyme Bay and along the famous Chesil Beach to Portland. The 6th is the star of the show visually, a short par 3 that drops dramatically down to a green set 100ft below you at a point where the cliffs halve in height, with the coastline away to the left. Should the wind be blowing off the sea, a ring of bunkers on the right awaits anything misjudged or caught on the breeze from this most exposed of tees.

7th - BROADSTONE, DORSET 5th - ISLE OF PURBECK, PURBECK COURSE, DORSET PAR 4, 404 YARDS

This lovely course close to Swanage and Studland was once owned by Enid Blyton, and is within easy reach of Poole and Bournemouth thanks to the Sandbanks Ferry. It scores highly in the

This fine heathland course on the outskirts of Poole plays over more undulating terrain than its Ferndown and Parkstone neighbours.

The 7th hole is as good a par 4 as you’ll find. The fairway slopes away towards rough and heather on TEE TIMES

the slope. The green is then built up on the left where many balls will end up. Getting up and down from below the level of the green here can be testing if the pin is also on the left.

9th - BURNHAM & BERROW, CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE, SOMERSET PAR 3, 169 YARDS

PAR 4, 422 YARDS

DECEMBER 2016

We could have picked any hole on this magnificent Somerset links, which still slips under the radar of many golfers relative to its undoubted quality. Towards the end of the front nine, you play a trio of holes flanked by reeds, rushes and marshland more than dunes, and then you arrive at this classic mid-length links par 3. The green is actually generously sized, but

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Our 18-hole 5,959 yards course off the back tees consists of two loops of nine holes which both come back to the club house. The course design was influenced by ‘5 times British Open Champion - James Braid’ and provides easy walking, narrow tree lined fairways but contains subtly contoured greens that present a fair but challenging test of golf for all enthusiasts.

Bovey Road, Newton Abbot Devon TQ12 6QQ Call us TODAY on 01725 516391 to book in your group Rushmore Golf Club, Tollard Royal, SP5 5QB www.rushmoregolfclub.co.uk

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[78] MARCH 2017 | UK TRAVEL

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➽ with five pot bunkers guarding the front – the centre one particularly deep - and another cheeky one back left, missing it can cause problems. Despite its size, the green’s shelves and slopes mean two-putting is far from guaranteed.

12th - KINGSDOWN, WILTSHIRE PAR 4, 367 YARDS

OUT – PAR 36, 2,986 YARDS

10th - ST ENODOC, CHURCH COURSE, CORNWALL PAR 4, 457 YARDS

Our course hits hard as we turn for home via the testing signature hole at James Braid’s fabulous Cornish links, where holes like the 6th, with its cavernous Himalaya bunker, will live long in the memory. The 10th is a different proposition. In many ways it has a slightly less linksy feel, thanks to the woodland and water hazard on the left, with the latter cutting in close to the tucked-away green. As if 457 yards weren’t challenge enough, the steep bank coming in from the right where the fairway narrows may well prevent you hitting enough club to get home should you stray too close to it.

the Gloucestershire/ Worcestershire border.

On a clear day you can see for miles out over several counties in both England and Wales.

This excellent par three comes at the end of a trio of holes in a separate corner, and is the hardest of the three on account of its testing three-tier green, and its proximity to the quarry that lies out of bounds just beyond the picturesque drystone wall on the left. It also plays slightly uphill. Par is a good score here any day.

Wiltshire’s second oldest club is a downland affair playing over high ground a few miles north-east of Bath, with views to savour from many holes. Our 12th hole is just a few yards longer than our 11th, playing gently round to the right, with the fairway also sloping from left to right. Staying left off the tee will make for an easier approach though into a long, narrow green with steep runoffs left and rear. The views from here are majestic, so take a moment to gaze out over the gently rolling countryside away to your left once you’ve safely holed out.

11th THURLESTONE, DEVON PAR 4, 361 YARDS

Again, we could have picked any of a number of holes at this clifftop stunner near Salcombe on the South Devon coast, once likened to Pebble Beach by Peter Alliss. But we’ve plumped for this modest-length par 4 that hugs the clifftop, with the fairway gently sloping towards the sea on your left. The views are immense, and as you get closer to the green, there’s a simply splendid backdrop looking across towards Bigbury and Burgh Island.

Play well here and you’ll love it; play badly and you’ll… well, love it!

CAME DOWN GOLF CLUB

14th - OGBOURNE DOWNS, WILTSHIRE PAR 5, 558 YARDS

13th - BROADWAY, GLOUCESTERSHIRE PAR, 180 YARDS

Broadway is a splendid ridge-top course on

Travel south from Swindon to Marlborough and you may notice some eyecatching fairways up on the Downs to your left near the pretty village of Ogbourne St George. They belong to Ogbourne Downs Golf Club, and a round here is a real

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WEST CORNWALL is an outstanding links course overlooking St Ives Bay and Hayle Estuary to give some of the most fantastic views in Cornwall or indeed across the country.

The oldest club in Cornwall, the length of the course is deceptive with all the clubs in the bag coming into play. In traditional links style, there are dunes bordering a number of holes while others offer wide, undulating fairways.

Visitors are welcome throughout the year and the course remains playable all year round without the need for any temporary tees or greens. Society packages are available and can be tailored to individual groups and reflect excellent value for money.

The clubhouse offers a welcoming bar and renowned

catering facilities as well as having some memorabilia of its most famous export, Jim Barnes the inaugural winner of the US PGA in 1916. Philip Rowe, who represented GB & I in the Walker Cup of 1999, winning all of his matches, including beating Matt Kuchar in the singles, is also represented.

An experience not to be missed, your trip to West Cornwall will be one to remember.

Nearby St Ives offers various attractions alongside its stunning beaches. A base for artists, the Tate Gallery and Barbara Hepworth Museum are situated in St Ives.

There is also a wide range of local shops, restaurants, pubs and bars. With accommodation to suit all needs this is a great place to stay and enjoy the golf and other attractions on offer.

t: 01736 753 401 (option 2) Pro shop: 01736 753 177 e: secretary@wcgolf.co.uk w: www.wcgolf.co.uk West Cornwall Golf Club, Church Lane, Lelant, St Ives TR26 3DZ

m £85

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UK TRAVEL | MARCH 2017

5 – 621 yards off the tips – which has shades of The Belfry’s 18th about it as it doglegs round to the left, with water to contend with most of the way. From the perfect drive, you could just attack in two, but it’s more likely a threeshotter, where the final approach must negotiate a cluster of seven bunkers, rather than the water you have to go over at The Belfry.

roller coaster ride. Having reached the course’s most northerly point on 13, you turn back to take on this memorable par 5, which sweeps down and round to the left, with many a ball magnetically drawn to the left-hand scrub despite there being no future in such a line and adequate room further right. An upturned-saucer green completes the test!

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16th – FERNDOWN, OLD COURSE, DORSET PAR 4, 305 YARDS

Ferndown is part of a highly regarded Dorset heathland trio in the Bournemouth/ Poole area along with Parkstone and Broadstone. There’s nothing like a bit of risk-reward down the stretch, and although it’s far from easy to take this hole on and win, some will be tempted. The hole doglegs sharply to the right late on, with the direct route protected by trees, heather and sand. Whether you take it on or play safe, you’ll still have to contend with the trickiest green on the course, with its different levels and steep slopes. It’s a risk-reward hole, where par is perfectly satisfactory.

17th - MANOR HOUSE, WILTSHIRE PAR 3, 154 YARDS

The par-3 penultimate hole on this very pretty Peter Alliss/Clive Clarke layout in the chocolate-box Cotswolds village of Castle Combe is both memorable and unique. In many ways a reprise of the course’s 2nd hole, the 17th is perhaps even more dramatic, as it drops precipitously some 120ft to a choice of two greens. Even though it’s probably only wedge distance on account of the drop, the right-hand green, almost encircled by the pretty River Bybrook, is still particularly intimidating.

18th - ST MELLION, NICKLAUS COURSE, CORNWALL PAR 4, 454 YARDS

A great course deserves a suitably stout finale, and few finishing holes in the south west can rival St Mellion’s. There’s something vaguely Augusta-esque about the tee shot, as you drive out through a relatively narrow funnel of trees, seeking to make it to the corner, and ideally favouring the right. The kidney-shaped green by the hotel is protected by a pond on the left, with a narrow entrance on the right. Only the purest of strikes will find the dance floor. Remember the naughty back-left, final-day hole location in the old Benson & Hedges days? A sucker pin if ever!

15th - PLAYERS CLUB, CODRINGTON COURSE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE PAR 5, 621 YARDS

The Codrington course at this modern club not far from Chipping Sodbury can stretch to over 7,100 yards, so is more than capable of testing the best. Nowhere is this more true than on this monster par

IN – PAR 36, 3,457 YARDS TOTAL – PAR 72, 6,443 YARDS

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WIN A LUXURY CORNISH GOLF BREAK! Golf News has teamed up with Atlantic Links to offer one lucky reader a two-night break at Trevose Golf & Country Club in north Cornwall. The winner and a partner will enjoy two nights' bed & breakfast accommodation in a luxury apartment, and then challenge themselves on the championship links at Trevose and the stunning Church Course at nearby St Enodoc Golf Club.

With free-draining fairways guaranteed, and two of the UK’s top links tracks to tackle, it’s the ultimate golfing break to renew your love of seaside golf.

PLAY

STAY Trevose Golf & Country Club sits proudly above the magnificent links course, set against the dramatic backdrop of Constantine Bay and Trevose Head.

The country club has a variety of accommodation options, ranging from lodges to apartments, rated four- and five-star

by English Tourism, and catering for two to six people, which makes Trevose ideal for couples, families and groups.

All the accommodation has been recently upgraded to provide the perect place for a comfortable and relaxing break.

Residents at Trevose also have access to the 9-hole Headland Course, a charming par-3 layout, tennis courts, beauty room, and, in the summer, an outdoor swimming pool, while the clubhouse offers a bar, two terraces and the Constantine Restaurant, serving delicious local cuisine, all with panoramic views over the golf courses.

You will enjoy golf over Cornwall’s two premier championship links – Trevose and St Enodoc.

The former was originally designed by Harry Colt in 1925, but has recently been renovated by world-renowned architects Mackenzie & Ebert, and offers a true test of links golf.

Trevose boasts a classic Colt configuration, with two loops of nine, both of which are characterised by fast greens. The front nine hugs the sand dunes, offering stunning sea views and great bunkering, while the back nine features a meandering stream and some more truly classic holes, before heading towards the tricky 18th. The wind plays a big part in how the course plays,

serving up a different course almost every day, and requiring creative shot making and the use of most of the clubs in your bag.

Just 30 minutes away in Rock, the Church Course at St Enodoc is another sensational links. Founded in 1890 and created by James Braid, St Enodoc is set on dunes overlooking the Camel Estuary and Atlantic Ocean, giving spectacular panoramas from every hole. Featuring tight, undulating fairways and tricky greens, the course is also noted for its famous Himalaya bunker on the 6th, reputedly the tallest in Europe, and the signature hole at 10, which winds down to the Norman Church after which the course is named.

FOLLOW THE ATLANTIC LINKS TRAIL Trevose and St Enodoc are part of a tantalising trail of championship links along the north Atlantic Ocean in south west England known as the Atlantic Links. Royal North Devon, the West and East Courses at Saunton in Devon, and Somerset’s Burnham & Berrow complete the tour, considered one of England’s finest golfing trails.

TO ENTER To enter, please answer the question below, and email it to: info@golfnews.co.uk with ‘Atlantic Links competition’ in the subject line. The closing date for entries is April 15, 2017.

The prize must be taken before December 31, 2017. Dates are subject to availability.

QUESTION: WHO DESIGNED THE CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE AT TREVOSE? A) ALISTAIR MACKENIE B) HARRY COLT C) JH TAYLOR

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[82] MARCH 2017 | WEST COUNTRY

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ST ENODOC

ROCKS NICK BAYLY HOPS ON THE LONDON-TO-NEWQUAY SHUTTLE FROM GATWICK, AND DISCOVERS THAT A 45-MINUTE FLIGHT AND THE TWIN DELIGHTS OF ST ENODOC GOLF CLUB AND THE ST ENODOC HOTEL MAKE FOR A PERFECT WEEKEND MINI BREAK

H

aving been brough up in the West Country, I know only too well about the countless hours that can be spent toiling on the static caravan parks that are the M4, M5, A303 and A30, in the vain hope of reaching your destination before it’s time to come home again.

The endless traffic jams, which reach fever pitch around holidays and halfterms, have frankly put me off visiting the West Country more often, which is a bit of a nuisance given the nature of my job, and the stunning variety of golf courses to be enjoyed in this delightful neck of England’s woods.

So when a invitation popped into my inbox politely suggesting an overnight stay at a boutique hotel and a tee time on one of my yet-to-be-ticked-off bucket list courses – flying by jet-propelled plane, rather than via the dubious pleasures of the Queen’s highway – it only required a simple ‘Yes, please!’ and the wheels were in motion.

After leaving the house at 8am on a Friday, driving to Gatwick, flying to Newquay, and transferring by taxi to Rock, I found myself checking into the St Enodoc Hotel just before 11am, and still in time for a spot of late breakfast. A road trip would have had me stuck in tailbacks on the A303 at Stonehenge at about that time.

Making the most of all that extra golfing time gained, I grabbed my clubs and took the five-minute walk up the path that leads from the back of the hotel directly to the first tee at St Enodoc Golf Club, about which I had heard so much, but played not at all.

As a lone golfer exploring unchartered territories, I was grateful to be paired up with one of St Enodoc’s longest-serving members, Simon Pain, who proved a much more interesting and useful guide to the perils and pitfalls of the course than my GPS watch, while also proving an expert ball spotter and entertainingly competitive companion. He was also steeped in the history of the club, which was first founded in 1907, and boasts a membership among whose esteemed ranks was one of England’s finest post-war poets, the late Sir John Betjemen.

Sir John’s heart – spiritually and physically – belonged to St Enodoc, as it was here that the former Poet Laureate would escape when the pressures of the modern world that he so often railed against in his writings became too much. After spending numerous childhood summers splashing about on the beaches of Daymer Bay, near the family's holiday cottage in Trebetherick, Betjeman developed his love for the links of St Enodoc, a wild and refreshingly

■ ST ENODOC COMMANDS WONDERFUL VIEWS OVER THE CAMEL ESTUARY TOWARDS PADSTOW

ANY HINT OF A FADE OFF THE TEE AT THE 6TH LEAVES A BLIND SHOT OVER A BUNKER SO COLOSSAL IT GOES

BY THE NAME OF 'HIMALAYA'

unpredictable course whose resistance to change the great poet would look upon favourably if he were alive today.

Not since 1935 in fact, when James Braid was invited back for a second time to modify his original design, has the Church Course undergone any major changes. Even then, the alterations were minor and made necessary by the relocation of the clubhouse. While one or two holes have been subsequently lengthened in recent years to help bolster the course's challenge, the holes you play today are essentially the same as those that Braid left on the landscape over 100 years ago.

At just 6,299 yards from the white tees – and 6,557 from blues – many would argue there isn't sufficient length for it to be a proper test. But, like any links course worth its salt, the weather that batters St Enodoc at times can take any number and double it at the drop of a hat. A par of 69 also ensures that red figures aren’t a common feature on too many scorecards, while a course record four-under-par 65 says all you need to know about its difficulty.

Whatever the conditions though, a couple of woods down the rumpled fairway on the opening par five, followed by a daunting long-iron approach to the raised green on the 448-yard par 4 second, will put a stop to any careless talk about the course being too easy.

After the opening salvos, the drama unfolds gently over the next four holes, with three consecutive par 4s and the deceptively difficult par-3 fifth, which requires a carry over a sea of gorse to a green protected by three bunkers and a stiffening cross wind.

According to my guide, the sixth hole, a 378-yard par 4, is a ‘disaster-in-waiting’.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

WEST COUNTRY | MARCH 2017 [83]

■ ST ENODOC HOTEL IS A FIVE-MINUTE WALK FROM THE COURSE

■ THE SIGNATURE PAR-4 10TH HOLE

■ THE FEARED HIMALAYA BUNKER AWAITS YOUR TEE SHOT ON THE 6TH HOLE

And standing on the tee, staring into the abyss of one of the game’s most fearsome fairway bunkers, it was hard to argue with the description.

Any hint of a fade off the tee leaves a blind shot over a bunker so colossal it goes by the name of 'Himalaya'. This is a bunker that laughs in the face of its namesake that guards the fairway on the fourth at Royal St George’s in Kent.

After hitting my second shot straight into its towering, sandy face, I took my experienced guide’s sage advice and hit it back in the direction from whence I’d come. A chip and two putts later, and a double bogey seemed like a light sentence for having broken such a cardinal rule.

The ninth is a straightaway downhill par 4 that plays to a large raised green sheltered by a circle of tall trees. A birdie here served to soften me up ahead of the challenge that lay in store at the notoriously brutal 10th. At 458 yards, it looked like a tough dogleg par 4 when viewed on the card, but when seen in

the cold light of day, it appeared almost impossible. Only a pinpoint drive down the left side of the ribbon-like fairway will leave you the faintest sniff of reaching the green in two with a fairway wood or crisply-struck long iron, while anything right will either be lodged in the cabbage on a 45-degree slope, or completely blocked out by the huge sand dune that cuts the hole virtually in two.

Occasionally, I’m told, the golfing gods will let your ball bounce back into the fairway, but more often than not you will, like me, be chipping out sideways and, several hefty blows later, chalking up a treble-bogey seven.

After the high drama of the 10th, the par-3 11th and par-4 12th are somewhat pedestrian by comparison, while the 13th, an uphill par 4, proved such a test that it inspired Betjeman to pen one of his most famous poems, Seaside Golf, after he managed a rare birdie here. I chalked up a slightly less memorable blob, after losing my second shot in the bushes that

dominate the right-hand side of the fairway. Still, it was poetry of a sort.

The par-3 15th is a cracking mid-length short hole that requires a lusty blow over a pond to a green set in a hillside, and from here on in to your pint in the clubhouse the fun never really lets up, as the closing trio of holes return you to the dunes and the sparkling, if somewhat chilly, waters of the Camel Estuary.

The 16th is a tough par-5, whose raised back tee offers stunning views over Padstow, while the 206-yard 17th defies the description of a short hole, requiring a full-blooded driver for me just to get up somewhere near the green.

The finishing hole is a demanding 450yard two-shotter, played up a narrow rollercoaster of a fairway to a raised green with a false front.

As we filled out our scorecards on the final green, the rain began to fall, and my partner and I quickly returned to the comfort of the clubhouse, feeling that I’d earned my dinner, while my partner had enjoyed a gentle warm up ahead of the following day’s monthly medal, where stiffer competition awaited.

St Enodoc also offers the shorter Holywell Course, a delightful par63, 4,080-yard layout that features a combination of eight par 3s and 10 par 4s that will test all elements of your iron-play, as well as providing a gentler introduction to the bigger-version game for younger players.

Dinner back at the St Enodoc Hotel was very much welcomed, especially as James

WHILE ONE OR TWO HOLES HAVE BEEN LENGTHENED IN RECENT YEARS TO HELP BOLSTER ITS CHALLENGE, THE HOLES YOU PLAY TODAY ARE ESSENTIALLY THE SAME AS THOSE THAT BRAID LEFT ON THE LANDSCAPE OVER 100 YEARS AGO. Nathan, winner of the BBC’s Masterchef title in 2008, cooked it. Nathan has stepped into the illustrious shoes vacated

by Michelin-starred chef Nathan Outlaw, who left to set up a new restaurant in nearby Port Isaac in 2015 – but judging by his efforts, which offers a more meaty menu than its fish-focused predecessor, the hotel looks to be in safe, if equally adventurous, culinary hands.

The hotel, which has a very relaxed, seaside vibe, boasts 16 double rooms and four suites, the best of which offer stunning views out over the Camel Estuary, while there’s a spa available for those that like that sort of thing, and guests have free use of the nearby gym at The Point in Polzeath. There’s a games room for kids big and small when the weather’s misbehaving, but with the stunning coastline of North Cornwall on the doorstep, the great outdoors beckons.

And once you’ve seen all there is to see in Rock, you can wander down to the beach and take a 10-minute ferry ride over to Padstow, where you are free to spend your money in any number of Rick Stein-owned eateries and shops, or simply watch the world go by with a

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[84] MARCH 2017 | WEST COUNTRY

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ocated in one of the most picturesque parts of the country, the thriving city of Bristol has long been a popular destination for weekend breaks, with its vibrant restaurant and bar culture, active music scene, independent food markets, Banksyinspired street art, and student-led nightlife, all interwoven with its beguiling mercantile and industrial heritage.

Less genteel than near neighbour Bath, but also boasting a successful rugby club, Bristol is small enough to explore on foot, yet large enough to get lost in the melée.

And with a choice of excellent hotels, both

chain and boutique, and the countryside right on the doorstep, it’s also a great place to base yourself for a tour of the region’s top golf clubs.

Golfers are spoilt for choice in this beautiful neck of the woods, with a superb variety of courses on offer, from the stunning links layouts at Burnham & Berrow and Weston-Super-Mare, to the pleasant inland tracks offered at venues such as Cumberwell, Enmore and The Kendleshire, all played out against the backdrop of the rolling Mendip Hills, the Quantocks and the Cotswolds.

For those who like to give the driver a

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enquiries@theplayersgolfclub.com

WE ARE TWO HOURS FROM CENTRAL LONDON AND OFFER 27 HOLES OF FANTASTIC GOLF.

£149

pp

2 nights & 3 Rounds Stay @ Canons Court Mews Play @ The Players Club Cumberwell Park The Kendleshire

AFTER YOUR ROUND YOU CAN ENJOY THE BEST CLUBHOUSE PATIO IN THE WEST COUNTRY! EMAIL info@kendleshire.com FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Kendleshire.com

Based on 2 sharing.

Full details on The Players Club website.

0117 956 7007

@theKendleshire

WEST COUNTRY | MARCH 2017 [85]

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

mighty thrash, the Codrington Course at The Players Club seems like a solid place to start your Bristol golf break. Stretching to over 7,600 yards from the back tees, with a front nine of over 4,000 yards, it’s one of the longest tracks in the UK, with the 621-yard closing hole providing a suitably monster finish. But shorter hitters fear not, with no fewer than six sets of tees making this course manageable for all handicaps, so power is not the only way to tackle this excellent course.

If you’re looking for something slightly less intimidating, then look in on The Kendleshire, which boasts 27 holes of top quality golf. Designed by Adrian Stiff, the club’s original 18 holes opened for play in 1997 to widespread acclaim.

Then, in 2002, Peter McEvoy added a further nine, offering golfers increased variety. Whichever combination you play, all three nines provide an excellent challenge, with water a prominent feature throughout. The longest combination of nines gives a 6,507-yard, par-70 layout. Renowned for its high quality putting surfaces, the standout hole for many will be the par-3 11th, which features an island green, to test

■ HENBURY GOLF CLUB

IF YOU'RE AFTER WORLD CLASS LINKS ACTION, THEN LOOK NO FURTHER THAN BURNHAM & BERROW, ONE OF THE MOST UNDERATED OF ENGLAND'S FABLED SEASIDE DESIGNS

■ THE KENDLESHIRE

your nerve and your club selection.

If you’re looking for world-class links action – and frankly, who isn’t – then look no further than B&B – Burnham & Berrow. One of the most underrated of all of England’s fabled seaside designs, it occupies a stunning stretch of rolling sandhills overlooking the Bristol Channel. With tumbling fairways, deep pot bunkers, thick rough and small greens, it’s a supreme test of stroke play, with almost ever-present breezes sure to test your ability to shape the ball. With slick putting surfaces, and numerous swales and hollows to draw your ball away from its intended target, so you need to bring your ‘A’ game here to score well. There are too many good holes to mention – but the opening six combine to offer one of the best opening stretches you’ll ever fi nd, while the four parthrees are all uniquely excellent, getting progressively longer, with the ninth being

➽

BURNHAM & BERROW GOLF CLUB

Dormy House Stay and Play packages from £130 per person Conveniently situated on the grounds of the Golf Club it’s the perfect place to stay when playing at Burnham and Berrow

• Golf and reserved tee times for your party included in the price • Catering available throughout the day • Forget the car, it’s all on the doorstep • SKY TV available in the Clubhouse

Includes Bed, Breakfast and Golf on The Championship Course

To book, call 01278 785760 option 1 For more information visit

www.burnhamandberrowgolfclub.co.uk

[86] MARCH 2017 | WEST COUNTRY

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

■ ENMORE GOLF CLUB

■ MINCHINHAMPTON GOLF CLUB

■ KINGSDOWN GOLF CLUB

➽

■ THE PLAYERS CLUB

a highlight.

If you’ve got enough ammo left, the slightly less challenging, but no less interesting inland Cumberwell Park Golf Club in Bradford on Avon, is well worth the trip south from Bristol. Boasting 45 holes, divided into four 9-hole loops and a 9-hole par-3 course, Cumberwell occupies 400 acres, with woods, lakes and rolling countryside giving it a very relaxed feel.

The original 18 holes, comprising the Red and Yellow, opened in 1994, with the Blue and Orange following in 1999 and 2007 respectively, while the most recent addition is a superb par-three course.

The Red has a parkland feel, wide fairways and large greens, while the Yellow loop plays through and around

BOASTING 45 HOLES, DIVIDED INTO FOUR 9-HOLE LOOPS AND A 9-HOLE PAR-3 COURSE, CUMBERWELL OCCUPIES 400 ACRES, WITH WOODS, LAKES AND ROLLING COUNTRYSIDE GIVING IT A VERY RELAXED FEEL

Weston-super-Mare

ancient woodland. The Blue boasts numerous holes that bring Cumberwell’s famous lake into play, while the Orange has more of a linksy feel.

Whichever combination you choose to play, the course conditions are superb, and the after-round experience in the impressive clubhouse will be sure to round off a great day’s golf in style.

Specialist tour operator Bristol Golf Breaks has put together a great selection of two-, three- and fourround breaks that take in some of the region’s top tracks, including those mentioned, along with others, such

as Henbury, Filton, Kingsdown and Minchinhampton, all of which offer superb tests for the holiday golfer.

And golfers can choose to stay in city centre hotels in Bristol, such as the Marriott at Cabot Circus, or base themselves further outside, in more peaceful locations, such as The Ormond in Tetbury, or the Royal Hotel at Weston.

With one-night, two-round breaks starting from just £90pp, and three-night, four-round breaks offered from around £250, and there is a wide choice of breaks to suit every budget on a golfing trip to Bristol.

TO FIND THE LATEST OFFERS AND BOOKINGS FOR GOLF HOLIDAYS IN THE BRISTOL AREA, PLEASE VISIT WWW.BRISTOLGOLFBREAKS.COM, OR CALL 01822 618181 FOR FRIENDLY ADVICE ON WHERE TO PLAY AND STAY.

Henbury Golf Club Swing into Golf this Spring /Summer

Golf Club

• Mackenzie course of distinction • Only 2 hours from London, 1½ from Birmingham and 3 from Manchester • An all year course never closed even in the worst weather • Ideal Society course • Catering available 7 days a week • Plenty of local hotels • ½ hour to Bristol airport

Tel: 01934 626968 www.westonsupermaregolfclub.com Weston-super-Mare Golf Club, Uphill Road North, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset. BS23 4NQ

Society Packages start from £43 per person. (minimum of 12 players + 4 ball voucher to use as a prize)

SPECIAL OFFERS

Weekdays

Weekends

Visitor

£25.00

N/A SATURDAY

Visitors’ 4-ball (round)

£102.00

Visitors’ 4-ball (day)

£130.00

(Monday, Tuesday,Thursday and Sunday ONLY after 2pm)

£132.00

(£120 on a Sunday after 11.30am)

£180.00

Tel: 01179 500044 www.henburygolfclub.co.uk

WEST COUNTRY | MARCH 2017

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

[87]

HIGH LIVING AT

BOVEY CASTLE NICK BAYLY DISCOVERS THE PERFECT ALTERNATIVE TO HOTEL-BASED HOLIDAYS AT BOVEY CASTLE’S LUXURIOUS LODGES OVERLOOKING THE DARTMOOR COUNTRYSIDE

F

inding accommodation suitable for young children is a perennial problem whenever you go away for a short break or holiday. Hotel rooms just don’t suit the way family holidays are organised these days, where privacy is dispensed in favour of communal living. Which is why self-catering, be it in form of an apartment or villa, is the way most big families tend to take their holidays these days.

Not only does it take you out of the public eye – children should still be neither seen or heard by most hotel guests – but it allows you the freedom to eat, sleep and drink whenever you choose, and generally make lots of noise and mess without fear of upsetting other hotel residents. A good number of resorts have cottoned on to this trend in recent years and, anxious to grab a share of the family holiday spend, have set about offering a greater variety of accommodation. In addition to the dreaded ‘family room’, many places now offer completely separate accommodation in the form of chalets, lodges and private villas.

Bovey Castle, located in the heart of Dartmoor, has taken this concept to its heart with its 22 lodges, but in line with how they do things at this five-star luxury resort in Devon, has ramped up the offering by a peg or two. The word ‘lodge’ doesn’t really do justice to these magnificent three-storey granite buildings, which are impressive structures both inside and out.

Designed for people who demand the finer things in life, they are kitted out with every modern convenience, from tumbler driers (essential on Dartmoor, where it has been known to rain) and dishwashers, to plasma TVs and Bang & Olufsen sound systems in just about every room. All three bedrooms are on different floors, each with its en-suite bathroom, the triple-height sitting room has a floor-to-ceiling granite fire place, while the open plan kitchen is show home material, with guests arriving to well-stocked fridges and all the cooking implements you’d ever need and some you’d never use.

Tucked away around the castle’s gardens, the lodges resemble a Swiss mountain village, and although they are quite tightly packed, you don’t get the sense that you are being overlooked in any way. The front rank of properties has a view over Bovey’s main attraction: the 18-hole John Abercromby-designed golf course. The 6,303-yard, par-70 layout is far from your traditional resort course, offering a beautifully landscaped design that sweeps between woodland, rolling hills and the Bovey and Bowden rivers. Renowned golf architects Donald Steel and Tom Mackenzie were brought in to restore the course, while offering a few modern touches, and the pair has improved upon an already hugely entertaining layout. There are thrills and spills aplenty, with water hazards and plunging chasms to cross, occasional blind tee shots and a fine collection of par threes. The par-four 7th is Sir Henry Cotton’s favourite par four, with an island fairway and rivers right and left framing this snaking two-shotter, while

■ THE LUXURY LODGES OVERLOOK THE GOLF COURSE

the 18th remains one of the toughest par fours around, with anything overhit to the green in danger of clattering into the blacked out Range Rovers in the car park.

Away from the fairways, there is an embarrassment of off-course activities, from archery, horse-riding and fishing – the Castle owns 11 miles of the River Bovey – to tennis, mountain biking or a quiet game of croquet on the front lawn. Each day there’s a full itinerary of organised events such as the unmissable falconry display on the terrace, where hawks and owls swoop around the battlements like a scene from a Happy Potter film. And with the Dartmoor National Park on your doorstep, all kinds of outdoor adventures can be arranged – 4x4 driving, quad biking, rock climbing, canoeing and boat trips on the River Dart.

A more relaxing time can be had in the spa and leisure centre, which is housed in the basement and offers one of the most spectacular pools, with swimmer provided with views of countryside as they do their lengths. Upstairs is

the state-of-the-art spa, where you can chill out and be pampered.

If you get fed up with all that cooking and self-catering, the hotel is well placed to take over the apron strings, whether it be afternoon tea on the terrace or a four-course dinner in the 20s-style Palm Court restaurant.

Kids are supremely well looked after, with the supervised Bovey Rangers Club providing numerous activities from woodland adventures, camping, pony trekking or golf lessons. An indoor games room has a model train set, table tennis and a DVD library with a private cinema.

All in all, you could leave the kids at breakfast and not see them again until bedtime. Having said that, there’s also a babysitting service, although I’m not sure that stretches to baths and bedtime stories. Let me check.

For details of golf break packages, visit www.boveycastle. com or call 01647 445000.

Isle of Purbeck Golf Club Come and Experience one of the Most Picturesque Courses on the South Coast

Visitors and Societies Welcome Including Weekends “I’ve always felt the club is certainly one of the most spectacular in the whole of the UK and the general ambience of the club and course is absolutely delightful.”

Peter Alliss

Membership Packages Available Proud to host the Trilby Tour Championship of Dorset 2017. Spots still available through our Open Qualifying.

Please visit www.purbeckgolf.co.uk for further information.

Tel: 01929 450354 Email: proshop@purbeckgolf.co.uk

WE ARE WESTONBIRT BEAUTIFUL 9-HOLE GOLF COURSE IN THE GROUNDS OF WESTONBIRT SCHOOL Open to the public - £10 to play 18-holes Please check website for opening times www.westonbirtleisure.com/golf-course

e: sportscentre@westonbirtleisure.com t: 01666 881404 w: www.westonbirtleisure.com Westonbirt Schools, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QG

FOR ALL YOUR SOUTH WEST GOLF BREAKS… PLAY SAUNTON AS PART OF OUR ATLANTIC LINKS TOUR... THREE ROUNDS, TWO NIGHTS... FROM £279PP

The South West of England offers an amazing choice of golf courses to visit, if you wish to play any of the courses featured in this supplement call the Golf Desk on 01822 618181 Whether a large group or small, Exclusive Golf Breaks have over 20 years experience in arranging and organising Golf Tours and Breaks for our clients.

Exclusive Golf Breaks can cater for your requirements and provide a first class efficient service, we take pridein our attention to detail and our aim is to ensure our clients get the very best value and experience.

Tel: 01822 618181 Email: info@exclusivegolfbreaks.com Web: exclusivegolfbreaks.com

ADVERTISNG FEATURE | MARCH 2017 [89]

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

JUST TEE TIMES PROVES JUST THE TICKET FOR COST-CONSCIOUS GOLFERS If you’re looking for guaranteed great value golf at many of Europe’s hottest golf destinations, then it’s time you let JustTeeTimes.com take the strain

T

he ease of access to the high-quality courses of Spain and Portugal, courtesy of the many UK flight routes, is one of the reasons the Iberian Peninsula remains a hugely popular destination for British golfers.

And that simplicity is now matched by the ease with which one can book tee-times in the region, thanks to Just Tee Times.com, which provides the best prices and the simplest booking engine for Europe’s golfing heartland.

The company was born out of 15 years’ experience in booking tee times and began fulfilling the needs of European golfers as Just Tee Times. com in 2010. It now covers more than 200 golf courses on the Iberian Peninsula – and associated island groups – with a dedicated team available 24 hours a day.

From the Costa Brava in the northeast of Spain, down to the Costa del Sol and on to the Canary Islands; or from Minho, in the north of Portugal, down to the coast of the ever-popular Algarve, and beyond to the Azores, Just Tee Times.com has negotiated a wealth of preferential rates for its

customers at leading golf courses.

And that includes some of the biggest names in sunshine golf’s foremost destinations: Monte Rei; Quinta do Lago; Onyria Palmares; San Lorenzo; Vale do Lobo; Oitavos Dunes; Penha Longa; Praia D’el Rey; Vidago Palace; PGA Catalunya; Platja de Pals; Finca Cortesin; La Reserva; San Roque; Alcanada; La Manga Club; and many more.

The company’s new-look website offers tee times – and golf packages – at the best possible prices, all with no booking fees and no credit card charges. It also has comprehensive course information, making it easy to select the best course for your game.

The website is configured for mobile and tablet use, and there is also a Just Tee Times app, available to download from the Apple store and Google Play.

Carlos Ramos, the chief executive

■ THE FALDO COURSE AT AMENDOEIRA

BOOKING GOLF SHOULD NOT BE A CHORE; IT SHOULD BE THE FIRST STAGE OF A GREAT EXPERIENCE

■ BAG YOURSELF A TEE TIME AT THE JACK NICKLAUS DESIGNED MONTE REI

and founder of Just Tee Times.com, says: “At Just Tee Times.com we offer the independent golfer, who wishes to only book golf, a quick and easy solution to access golf tee times at competitive rates, saving them both time and money.”

He adds: “We specialise in booking golf, because we understand a golfer’s desire to check and book their tee times simply, efficiently, and at a time that suits them, all in a no-nonsense manner with all the latest prices and course information laid out clearly.

Booking golf should not be a chore; it should be the first stage of a great experience.”

To aid navigation and simplify the booking process, Just Tee Times.com lists available courses and green fees by country, region or by individual golf course, and its experienced team is on hand to offer excellent advice should you be undecided on where you want to play. It is also expert in arranging group visits and is capable of negotiating extra preferential group rates at the golf courses.

“When it comes to group bookings, eight is our magic number,” Ramos says. “With our specialist knowledge we can advise you at which courses you can receive further discounts when your group comprises eight or more golfers, and we are in a great position to negotiate group discounts on your behalf.”

He adds: “We can also alleviate

some of the hassle to make the trip organiser’s experience stress free. Simply let us know your requirements, and we will reply with a golf itinerary proposal, which you can share with the group and amend to your requirements. And, when you’re happy, we will book preferential teetimes and send you the confirmation.

It’s as simple as that. And to round off our ‘love eight’ relationship, there is no requirement to pay off the balance of your trip until eight weeks before your first tee-time.”

Available tee times in Portugal currently start from just €25 at Balaia Golf Village, on the Algarve, while further west in Estoril, at the renowned Penha Longa, a round on the Atlantic North course can be had for just €40.

In Almeria, Spain, a round at Aguilon Golf, set against the backdrop of the hillsides of the Sierra Aguilón, will cost just €36. In Murcia, easily accessed by San Javier or Alicante airports, a round at the Dave Thomas-designed Hacienda Del Alamo will set you back a mere €33.

And, at Isla Canela, on the Costa de la Luz, the price for a round of golf drops to just €31.

If you fancy travelling a little further afield, to Tenerife – and who wouldn’t jump at the opportunity for some sun on the beautiful volcanic island – golf in March starts from just €79 per round.

The Just Tee Times.com head office is based in the marina in the heart of Vilamoura – where it can offer tee times at preferential rates on the renowned Faldo, Laguna, O’Connor, Old, Pinhal and Victoria courses. It is open seven days a week, and inside you’ll find a dedicated golf booking team.

So contact Just Tee Times.com now for the quickest, safest and most efficient booking service in the business.

[90] MARCH 2017 | COLUMN

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

PUT YOUR STAMP ON TAMPA Sarah Stirk points her golfing spotlight on the unheralded Floridian city of Tampa, which boasts a bevy of highly-touted Tour venues, as well as some impressive layouts from some of the game’s foremost architects

■ THE SOUTH COURSE AT INNSBROOK RESORT

FLORIDA, IN THE EARLY PART OF THE YEAR, IS ALWAYS A WIN-WIN holiday destination. Not too hot, not too cold – just the perfect temperature for golf.

I always love heading out there for the Florida swing, and the focus for this month’s column is a city which I believe doesn’t get the credit it deserves for its plethora of top layouts – Tampa.

Situated on the Florida’s west coast, looking out over the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa offers some great golfing options and real variety, but it’s often the forgotten golfing destination in the Sunshine State.

One of its premier destinations is Innisbrook, which plays host to the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship every March, which I’ve covered for Sky Sports for the past two years. It’s a superb course, but probably doesn’t garner as much attention as the other venues on the Florida Swing. Orlando has Bay Hill and the Arnold Palmer Invitational, while West Palm Beach has the PGA National and the famous Bear Trap.

But Tampa more than holds its own, and I’m going to outline why. I’ve sung the praises of Streamsong before, but that sits 55 miles south east of the city, pretty much in the middle of nowhere. There’s also the 36-hole World Woods Golf Club, which is 60 miles north of Tampa in remote Brooksville. If you come to Florida you must check out both, but there are several excellent layouts much closer to the city limits.

Let’s start with the Innisbrook Resort, and its signature Copperhead Course. One of its designers – Larry Packard – had a trademark feature of a signature ‘double dogleg’ and it's seen here at Copperhead's par-5 14th hole. I think it’s a brilliant

TAMPA OFFERS SOME GREAT GOLFING OPTIONS AND REAL VARIETY, BUT IT’S OFTEN THE FORGOTTEN GOLFING DESTINATION IN THE SUNSHINE STATE

layout and that’s mainly due to the terrain. There’s more than 80 feet of elevation change, stunning pine tree-lined fairways, and there’s not an over abundance of water, like so many typical, resort-style Florida courses. Due to this, the pros often say it has a Carolina feel, and it’s without doubt the jewel in the crown of Copperhead’s 72-hole property.

Perhaps known as the second course at Innisbrook, the Island Course is a par 72 that plays 7,310 yards from the back tees and is the site of the ISPS Legends Tour Open Championship, where Hall of Famers such as Nancy Lopez and Beth Daniel do battle every November. Picturesque and demanding, it features a little bit of everything, from tight fairways and plenty of bunkers, to intimidating water hazards and elevation changes.

For many years, the Champions Tour played an event at TPC Tampa Bay, a 6,898-yard gem designed

by Bobby Weed with Chi-Chi Rodriguez as the player consultant. Its charm is its link to nature, with the course navigating around natural wetlands.

Meanwhile in Dunedin, a quaint, Scottish-inspired town 20 miles northwest of Tampa, Dunedin Golf Club has played host to 18 Senior Tour Championships dating back to 1945. Golfing legends, including the likes of Hogan, Snead, Hagan and Crenshaw, all walked the picturesque fairways.

It opened in 1926, but the Donald Ross design underwent a major restoration in 2007, and it’s a must-play course in the region.

One of the city’s great stay-and-play options is Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club, which qualifies as a real hidden gem and is just a 30-minute drive north of downtown. It’s a superb high-end gated community, set in rolling hills and featuring ancient oak trees, and is home to two courses. The South Course, a hilly layout designed by PGA Tour pro Tom Lehman and Kurt Sandness, features a 94foot elevation change from tee to green on the par-5 11th. The elevation aspect is my favourite part of golf in Tampa – it creates such an interesting dynamic. The North Course is more forgiving than the South, especially off the tee.

Another convenient resort-style option is the palm-studded Saddlebrook Resort, about a 30-minute drive north of Tampa International Airport, and featuring two Arnold Palmer-designed signature courses. The Palmer Course at Saddlebrook has undulating rolling fairways, while the Saddlebrook Course is much tighter, requiring precision with your irons. Both Lake Jovita and Saddlebrook feature sumptuous accommodation and plenty of other sporting amenities right on your doorstep.

So in summary, Tampa is a fantastic golfing option, which arguably deserves more praise. And let’s not forget just how easy it is in terms of logistics, with daily British Airways flights from Gatwick. The city itself has a great vibe, and you are also only a short drive away from Clearwater Beach, annually rated as one of the best in the US. What’s not to like?

■ FAR LEFT: CLEARWATER BEACH IN TAMPA ■ LEFT: THE COPPERHEAD COURSE AT INNISBROOK ■ ABOVE: THE PALMER COURSE AT SADDLEBROOK

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[92] MARCH 2017 | UK TRAVEL

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

CORTESIN TEES UP COURSE RENOVATIONS

L

uxury Spanish golf resort Finca Cortesin, a three-time host of the Volvo World Match Play Championship, is undergoing a significant investment programme designed to enhance its five-star facilities.

Among the many improvements taking place include an ambitious green renovation project will see the introduction of a new, environmentally-friendly, UltraDwarf Bermuda grass – the first golf course in Spain with this variety.

In addition, work will be carried out to improve the quality of the bunkers on the par-72 layout, while the renovation programme will also include an upgrade of Finca Cortesin’s driving range and Jack Nicklaus Golf Academy, and the purchase of a new fleet of Club Car golf buggies, complete with the latest GPS technology.

The resort, which first opened in 2009, has recently announced the appointment of Miguel Girbés as its new director of golf.

Formerly the director of golf at PGA Catalunya Resort in Girona, Girbés brings a wealth of experience to his new position. He said: “To be given the chance to oversee the development of one of the biggest names in European golf is a great honour, and I’m very excited about the challenge that lies ahead. Finca Cortesin already has a deserved reputation for delivering outstanding facilities and service, and I believe that the improvements that will take place over the coming months will help elevate the customer experience to an even higher level.”

Other facilities on the 532-acre estate include a 67-suite hotel, a 6,000sqm beach club, and an award-winning spa featuring

CHATEAUX DE VIGIERS

TEES UP VINTAGE EVENT FOR WINE LOVERS!

G

olfers looking to combine their twin passions for golf and the grape are being invited to take part in the 5th Saint-Emilion Crus Classés Trophy, which is being held at Château des Vigiers in Bergerac from June 2-4.

The two-day Pro-Am tournament, which is being staged on Château des Vigiers’ 27-hole Donald Steeldesigned course, is a unique opportunity for amateur

golfers to not only play alongside expert golfers, but to sample some of the finest wine and gastronomy from this world famous region.

The highlight of the event, which draws players from all over Europe, will be the prizegiving ceremony and cocktail dinner, which will be held in the beautiful courtyard at Château des Vigiers, and where the Association of Saint-Emilion Grands Crus Classés will award the overall

■ FINCA CORTESIN, A THREE-TIME HOST OF THE VOLVO WORLD MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP

Spain’s only snow cave. The hotel offers a choice of four restaurants, including El Jardin de Lutz, serving authentic Spanish cuisine, and the Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant Kabuki Raw. The development also features

winner with a custom-made leather case that will hold 18 bottles of their famous wines.

All players, including nonplaying partners, have free

an exclusive collection of villas, which are available to buy or rent.

For the very latest golf packages, visit www.fincacortesin.com.

access to all the facilities at the resort, including tennis courts, swimming pool and the gym. The package also includes a companions’

excursion to the historic town of Saint-Emilion, including a picnic, wine tasting and guided tour.

The trip includes accommodation for three nights, breakfast and evening meals, welcome wine gift on arrival, polo shirts and gift towel, tournament green fees, prizes, trolleys, golf lessons for companions who want to learn more and, of course, various wines from the region throughout the stay. The cost per person is €895, with nongolfers paying €695.

To enter visit www.vigiers. com or email Cedric Plessis at cedric@vigiers.com.

■ PLAYERS IN 2016

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GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

UK TRAVEL | MARCH 2017 [93]

GASTRO GOLF ADDS SOUTH AFRICA TO MENU OF HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS ■ FANCOURT

■ LUMINE HILLS

FIND LOVE ON THE LINKS ON THE

G

olf travel company Gastro Golf offers golfers with a passion for stunning courses and exceptional food the opportunity to book their most memorable evergolfing holiday.

The Cheshire-based independent tour operator provides golf holidays with a ‘gastronomic twist’ – combining the opportunity to play on some of the world's finest golf courses, stay in luxury accommodation, and enjoy memorable culinary and cultural experiences.

Gastro Golf began by offering tailor-made golf holidays to popular golfing destinations in Europe, such as the Costa Brava and Andalucía in Spain; the Algarve and Lisbon Golf Coast in Portugal, as well as other golf and gastronomically rich regions, including Bordeaux in France, and Tuscany and Emilia Romagna in Italy, but it has now expanded its global horizons with the announcement of new addition to its portfolio – South Africa.

Blessed with superb

weather, magnificent scenery and beaches, over 500 golf courses, first class accommodation, stunning wildlife, game drives & safaris and not least some of the finest wine estates in the world, South Africa is a golfing and epicurean paradise.

The regions around Cape Town and the Western Cape boast some of the world’s most renowned layouts, from the beautiful Durban Golf & Country Club, which overlooks the Indian Ocean, and the stunning Arabella Country Club, to courses located within the wine growing areas of Stellenbosch and Paarl; while the breathtaking Links at Fancourt, and the unforgettable Gary Player designed courses at Sun City, host to the Nedbank Million Dollar Challenge, can all be built into a bespoke itinerary.

In 2017, IAGTO named Western Cape as its Africa, Indian Ocean and Gulf States destination of the year at its annual awards ceremony. Gastro Golf is delighted to be promoting this prestigious region and entire country to its clients.

A typical itinerary can be any combination of an extended golf experience, including luxury rail safari, whilst at the same time providing offthe-shelf packages and the opportunity to participate in Open amateur and pro-am events, each situated in truly stunning locations.

Gastro Golf’s founder John Sullivan said: "Gastro Golf combines all the right ingredients for a truly memorable golf break, including personal service, both here in the UK and in the destination.

Great locations, first class accommodation, and the chance to relax and enjoy great golf, food, wine and traditional culture is what we are all about; simply golf tourism at its very best. Working closely with experienced, professional in-destination suppliers for all services we ensure that we create the very best efficiently managed golf and gastronomic experience possible, for both private and corporate clients” For more information, visit www.gastrogolf.co.uk or call 0161 612 3319.

COSTA DAURADA S

ingle golfers looking for a partner on and off the golf course should waste no time in signing up for the European Singles Trophy on Spain's Costa Daurada, which takes place from May 10-16.

The fun, laid-back golf tournament is aimed at 'single golfers who want to meet like-minded people while enjoying a mix of golf, culture, food and relaxation'.

The tournament includes four days of golf, with a free day in between the two practice rounds and the two tournament rounds. To allow players a taste of the variety on offer, the golf will take place on four different courses. These venues include Costa Dorada, the oldest course in the region, and Golf & Country Club Bonmont, a Robert Trent Jones Jr design set between the sea and the hills, with terrific views of both. Also on the agenda are the Hills and Lakes courses at Lumine Golf Club, which forms part of a spectacular beach and Leisure resort in Salou.

The Costa Daurada region is just one hour south of Barcelona, and is enjoying growing status as a golf paradise. It is a popular tourist destination, with plenty of lovely seaside towns, 80km of beaches, plus one of the best theme parks in Spain at PortAventura.

The package starts from €745 and includes six nights at the four-star Hotel Monica in Cambrils, staying in single room (€150 discount for sharing twin); daily breakfast buffet, and dinners with wine; transfers from Reus or Barcelona airports; all golf and free range balls. Flights are not included. For more details and bookings, visit www.costadauradagolf.com.

Luxury Golf Travel & Event Specialists

Rivers Golf Tours See a slice of

Stay & Play Packages

The Ultimate Bucket List Golf Tour

web: riversgolftours.com.au We provide pa icipants with a friendly relaxed atmosphere where good golf, great food and beautiful scenery will ensure a memorable holiday in beautiful pa s of Australia.

For more golf information contact: riversgol ours@gmail.com

Mayakoba El Camaleon Golf Course,

Front 9 Bermuda South Africa Mauritius Mexico St Kitts & Nevis USA Oman Dominican Republic Dubai

available on request. +44(0)1494 875 165 www.agolfingexperience.co.uk

[94] MARCH 2017 | UK TRAVEL

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

■ 2018 RYDER CUP VENUE PARIS NATIONAL

ENJOY PARIS IN THE SPRING WITH A

BRITTANY GOLF BREAK T

■ ALCANADA

ZIP OVER TO ZAFIRO TO SAMPLE THE BEST OF

MALLORCAN GOLF T

he newest five-star hotel on the holiday island of Mallorca is offering autumn stay-and-play golf packages with its near neighbour, Club de Golf Alcanada.

The new Viva Zafiro Alcudia & Spa, which opened last summer, sits in an unrivalled location just 300 metres from the sea at Alcudia Bay, and a few minutes from Alcanada's golf course.

The Zafiro has 369 suites, five restaurants, three bars, 10 swimming pools, gym, spa and wellness centre, solarium, and myriad sports facilities. And, close by, are the pleasant streets of Puerto de Alcudia, one of the oldest towns in Mallorca, where there is a wide selection of

restaurants, bars and shops.

The resort is offering three, four and seven-night breaks from €147pp/pn. The three-night ‘Wedge' break, with B&B accommodation in a junior suite, free access to the Balneum Spa, and two green fees at Alcanada, costs €442 per person, based on two sharing.

The four-night ‘Eagle' package offers three green fees at Alcanada and costs €621, while the seven-night ‘Albatross' includes five rounds for €1,038. The prices are valid from October 3 to November 14.

Alcanada's 7,108-yard, Trent Jones Jr-designed course has won a steady stream of awards since opening 12 years ago. Enjoying

a breathtaking location overlooking the Bay of Alcudia, the course blends naturally into the typical Mallorcan terrain and takes its name from an island with a lighthouse, situated just offshore, which can be seen from most of the holes.

In addition, the club boasts a centuries-old Mallorca clubhouse that offers guests the opportunity to sample regional specialties in its first-class dining facilities.

A golf academy, including a short-game area and covered driving range, is also available.

For reservations call 0034 971 897 008, email infogolf@hotelsviva.com or visit www.hotelsviva.com.

CLUBSTOHIRE LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE

G

olf club rental firm ClubstoHire.com has launched a brand new website designed to cater for around 300,000 visits per year from travelling golfers looking to secure quality clubs at many of the world’s most popular golfing destinations.

The launch of the colourful, interactive site is the result of six months of IT product development and an investment of €150,000 in back end infrastructure to speed up bookings and improve the customer experience.

The new site features a welcome from the company’s new brand ambassador European

Tour player David Howell, and portrays key locations such as Faro, Cape Town and Orlando.

The Dublin-based rental firm offers the latest clubs on the market from between €35 and €60 per week at 23 locations around the world, including the United States, Thailand, South Africa and five different countries across the Mediterranean. They supply current sets of clubs from brands like TaylorMade, Callaway, Mizuno and Wilson Staff.

For more information, visit www.ClubstoHire.com.

he 2017 Brittany Ferries golf brochure, offering breaks to golf courses and resorts all over Northern and Western France and Northern Spain, is now out.

Packed with great value courses in some of France and Spain’s most popular destinations, the brochure has all the details you need to plan a golfing holiday to remember. And with Brittany Ferries, getting there is very much part of the holiday, and with no luggage limitations to worry about, golfers can make the most of their precious time by crossing the channel overnight. With a fleet of luxury cruise-ferries, offering en-suite cabins, fine French restaurants and stylish bars, they provide a uniquely relaxing way of travelling.

Getting to the continent couldn’t be easier, with five routes from Portsmouth, Poole and Plymouth

to western France, as well as two to northern Spain, including services to Bilbao and Santander.

Among the exclusive offers in 2017 includes a special Ryder Cup package in June, which involves three rounds of golf at Le Golf National, host venue of the 2018 Ryder Cup, and two nights in a local hotel. Other sample packages includes the Dinan to Dinard, which includes one night on board in a cabin; two nights’ B&B at the Hotel Mercure Dinan Port; and three rounds of golf (Dinard, Val André and St Cast), from only £308 per person. Sailings are form Portsmouth to St Malo, with return trips from Caen or Cherbourg to Portsmouth or Poole.

For more information, visit www.brittanyferries. com/golf, call 0330 159 5418 or email golfdesk@ brittanyferries.com.

■ OUBAAI GOLF RESORT

LET CHAKA SHOW YOU THE BEST OF

SOUTH AFRICA G

olf travellers looking to benefit from the very best local knowledge on their next golfing break should consider booking up a guide golf tour with one of the most experienced operators in the business.

Established in 1995, Chaka Travel is widely recognised as one of the UK and Ireland's leading luxury golf tour operators, providing bespoke golf holidays to far flung destinations such as Mauritius, South Africa, Thailand, Mexico, USA, Morocco and Dubai, as well as golfing nations closer to home, such as Spain, Italy and Turkey.

The company has expanded its portfolio of holidays by offering escorted tours, lead by a team of expert golf professionals, to help guide guests on the course. Exploring new destinations, while sharing experiences with like-minded travelers, escorted tours offer the luxury of being accompanied by a golf professional who will be on hand to not only offer golf tuition, but also share first-hand knowledge of the local sights to enhance the overall holiday experience.

Chaka Travel’s next escorted tour to South Africa is being held from November 3-15, when South African professional Jacques Gous will be hosting a 12-night golf trip around Cape Town and George.

The holiday will include six nights at the Oubaai Golf & Spa Resort, and four nights at the Commodore Hotel, with rounds of golf at Erinvale, Oubaai, Pezula, Simola, Montagu at Fancourt and George.

Prices start from £3,295pp, including return flights on Virgin Airlines from London, chauffeur-driven transport, five evening meals, and excursions to visit Table Mountain, Boulders Beach, Ostrich Farms, and take part in a game drive on a private reserve.

For more details, included news on escorted tours to Mauritius and Bulgaria, visit www.chakatravel.com or call 028 9023 2112.

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

UK TRAVEL | MARCH 2017 [95]

ME&MYTRAVELS

Former England rugby international and Sky Sports commentator Will Greenwood on his love of Norfolk’s links courses and why nothing beats going to the Masters

the greens, and you’d get the occasional electric shock as you stepped onto the green!

My earliest holiday memory… is spending summer holidays in my granddad's caravan.

It was cramped and smelly and we'd always go to Grange-overSands in Cumbria, where we'd go for walks on the beach, play cards and simply spend time together. It was a big family affair and somehow we managed to squeeze 12 of us into the tiny caravan.

My favourite holiday was… I'm from Blackburn; all holidays are good. I'm very easily pleased, and there's nowhere I wouldn't go back to. One of my first trips abroad was interrailing around Spain for three weeks when I was 17 years old. It was a huge adventure.

My favourite UK destination is… Norfolk.

My wife, Caroline, and I tied the knot in a village called Thornham, but I love the whole of Norfolk. There are great beaches, seals to admire, and wonderful golf courses, great pubs and not a lot of phone reception. What more could you want? My favourite golf course in the UK is the Old Course at Sunningdale – it’s sensational. I also love Hunstanton in Norfolk because of the friends I play with down there.

My most memorable round was at…

Stonyhurst Park Golf Club in Clitheroe, where I picked up a club for the first time. There were sheep on the course, electric wires around

My favourite golf course abroad is…

Augusta. I went there to watch the Masters in 2014 and 2015, and it was truly epic. I would love to play it one day.

Bring on April 6th! I also had a superb trip to Old Head in Ireland a few years ago. The first day it was blowing a gale and you had to be a pro to break 200, but the following day it was calm and glorious sunshine, and you could score 38 points.

My ideal holiday fourball would include…

Seve, Jack Nicklaus and my dad.

The best hotel I’ve

■ LUCKNAM PARK HOTEL, BATH

ever stayed at is…the Forte Village Resort in Sardinia, for fun and sporting activities. It is perfect for the whole family and a great place to spend the summer.

My favourite hotel in the UK… is Lucknam Park, just outside Bath.

A friend of mine used to run it, so my wife and I have visited a number of times. It's very peaceful, partly because there tend to be no children, so it's nice for a weekend away with someone special. Caroline and I don't go anywhere near

■ FORTE VILLAGE RESORT, SARDINIA

Bath, though, because the hotel is just so lovely and the spa is fantastic.

My favourite city is…

Rome. I spent the first six years of my life there, and still return regularly.

It's a great city to wander around aimlessly. I love venturing into the quiet backstreets and eating in all the old restaurants, some of which I've been going to for years.

My most recent holiday was… a family safari to Kenya. We visited five different places, including Suyian Ranch, north of Nairobi. We stumbled across a leopard one day and tracked it for some time, but my favourite memory was meeting the Maasai, who showed us their tradition of jumping up and down.

My favourite holiday meals… have all been in the UK. I'm not much of a foodie, but I love the calamari at The Arts Club on Dover Street in London and Maliks

Tandoori in Cookham, Berkshire. I also love The Hinds Head, Heston Blumenthal's pub in Bray. It serves the best scotch eggs on the planet.

I would love to visit…

South America. It's a continent I've yet to visit and high up on my list of ‘must-see’ destinations. It's a big place, with so much to see and do, but I'm especially keen on Argentina. I want to learn how to salsa in Buenos Aires and then travel south to the mountains and glaciers of Patagonia.

■ HUNSTANTON GOLF CLUB IN NORFOLK

Will Greenwood is the co-founder of Legend Holidays & Events (ourlegend.com), which offers trips hosted by professional sports people.

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